 
# The Yellow Plague on Pabstrum

# 1

By JOHN BUCKLEY

In the morning Jamce got up early and got cleaned up. Then he went downstairs without waking Krowny or Bharose and started looking for a bit of breakfast on the lower level in Bawksam tower. There weren't many people around or much open, but then he saw a Heybea head counter open and hurried over to it. Behind the counter there were hundreds of freshly cooked Heybea heads hanging up on a rack. On the counter there was a pitcher of black coffee and there were 7 black cups and some Modado cookies made from the natural chocolate fruit the Modado. There were 5 green chairs in front of the counter and the woman working the counter was Halan Faer.

Halan Faer was middle aged, but still very beautiful, with silvery long curly blonde hair. She also had dark blue eyes that had a youthful glow. She was wearing a green corset and blue frilly dress. And had a diamond necklace around her neck with the shape of each diamond being the letters in her name. She was a hand shorter than Jamce and had a wry smile.

" Pardon me miss, but I hope you're open because I am dying of hunger?" said Jamce implying a question as he bellied up to the counter and smiled.

" We just opened, my name is Halan and we've got a wide selection of the same thing. But if you'd like some coffee and a handful of cookies they are as free as a joke at supper," said Halan as she smiled at Jamce and motioned with her hand to the Heybea heads.

" Hi, Halan, I am Jamce and I thank you for the free stuff and I'm gonna need a half dozen Heybea heads as I'm a bit on the nerves today," said Jamce as he grabbed one of the black cups and then began pouring a cup of coffee and sat down.

" I'll get those Heybea's right quick, Jamce. If you don't mind me askin', why are your nerves troubling you?" asked Halan as she grabbed a large white plate and began putting the Heybea heads on it and looking over at Jamce.

" It's my brother and sis, Halan, they were supposed to meet me here at Bawksam tower, but they haven't shown up yet and I'm beginning to worry," said Jamce then he took a sip from his coffee.

" Maybe they came in the middle of last night and are up in one of the rooms," said Halan warmly as she put the last Heybea head on the plate and placed it in front of Jamce.

" You're right, I hadn't thought of that. How would I find out which room they're in?" asked Jamce then he took a large bite off of one of the Heybea heads in his right hand.

" Well, they don't keep records of who's in which room, but if I were you I'd just hangout down here because at some point they're going to need to eat something. But if you want I can ask the other counters to watch for them. What are their names?" asked Halan as she flipped her hair back and tied it into a ponytail.

" Saycha, Dorama, Micavello, Baesar, and Dlarm and I really would appreciate that, Halan, thank you," said Jamce then he took another bite and nodded.

" I'll take care of it, Jamce, don't worry a bit. How's the Heybea heads and coffee?" asked Halan as she waited eagerly.

" Exceptional, the best I've had in ages, Halan. This was exactly what I needed to calm me nerves. I'm sure everything will work out just fine," said Jamce hopefully as he ate and smiled.

" If they're here, I'll find 'em. Ya know if you want to workout there's an obstacle course out back that they race for coin in the mornings. If you hurry you could join 'em," said Halan brightly.

" Ya know I might just do that. I just need to finish my food and coffee then I'll head out and take a look," said Jamce then he took one last bite of his Heybea head and downed the last of his coffee and said slyly," and no sooner than I proclaim it I am ready. Which way is it, Halan?" asked Jamce as he stood up and wiped the crumbs on his sleeve and stroked his belly.

Halan pointed to a pair of black wood square doors on the right side of the room and said," Right thru those doors and down to the end of the hallway. Then down a small set of stairs and thru a tan door and you're there. Have fun, Jamce, I'll take care of your friends."

" Thank you, Halan, bye for now," said Jamce then he walked over to the black wood doors and opened one and walked in.

The hallway was narrow and had paintings of the yellow wizard Mafid Reeus, with each painting showing him walking with the staff of Baucoles. Mafid Reeus was 6'5" and made of lean muscle. He had long thick wavy yellow hair that had small pieces of the Bram parchment tied into it. The Bram parchment was an agreement that stated that yellow wizards would leave Pabstrum to the common folk. It said that they would never try to destroy their way of life as long as the black wizards did the same. The agreement was signed and protected with a single spell that kept the parchment from ever being destroyed cast by Momeva Potts.

Mafid had alabaster eyes that looked sullen and a large bulbous nose with a round tip. He had large powerful hands and long wide feet that gave his walk a certain gate you noticed. He always wore his white and yellow polka dotted robe with a pair of red leather boots that had question mark type symbols sewn onto them. He also kept his pockets filled with Compamain crystals and he wore 3 silver rings each of which was filled with a black, red, and green powder that could cripple an attacker if he opened the rings, as the powder known as Pleaba, would fill their minds with terror and false thoughts.

The floor of the hallway had a multi colored rug covering it made from hundreds of other rugs sewn together. There were small torches every 6 feet sticking out of round metal pots that went into the floor. Jamce walked down the hallway briskly as he thought of Saycha and Dorama. He came to the small staircase and jumped from the top to the bottom and flung open the door and asked boldly," who's ready to lose?"

There were 5 young men standing at the start of the 1300 yard long obstacle course that went into a series of bushes that formed almost tunnels with a y shaped arch at the start made of brown wood.

" It's 50 coin to start, but I wouldn't bother unless you care to part with it cause I haven't lost in weeks," said Odrac Meshivy snidely as he glared at Jamce and smiled.

Odrac was 6 feet tall and 186 pounds of in shape. He had seal black short hair with 2 long braided pieces that hung down in the front. He had on a pair of tan trousers with 2 pockets in the front as well as a brown leather vest with the words," Settlin' up is easy, give me your coins," sewn into it in black thread. He also had on a white long sleeve shirt with the sleeves rolled up and a pair of black leather boots.

" You're right I'm not ready to part with it, so I guess I'll have to win. Hi I'm Jamce do you want to give me your coin now or just wait?" asked Jamce as he smiled slyly at Odrac and walked over to the 5 men.

" O.K., we've got a bit of a comedian. Go ahead and put your 50 coin in that slot right there. Then we each go thru that arch and choose a lane inside. Then it's simple, you run like that Underworld and you figure out which one of you wins second. Let's go funny, guy," said Odrac snidely as he pointed to the steel box that held the coins and was bolted to a concrete block.

" How do I get my winnings out of this box here after the race?" asked Jamce as he counted out the 50 coin.

" Simple, the key to the box is at the end of the course, but you won't have to worry about it, friend," said Odrac snidely as he started to limber up.

" Friend is it," said Jamce as he put the 50 coins in the steel box and then said calmly," did I mention my blinding speed? NO matter let's have a go, friends."

Then Jamce hurried thru the arch followed by Odrac and the other 4 men and grabbed slot 1 and Odrac saw this and asked quickly," You sure you want that spot it's unlucky?"

Jamce looked over at Odrac and smiled and then said boldly," Only losers need luck so this one fits fine."

Odrac scowled at Jamce because that was his favorite and then went over to slot 2 and got ready. Then they each had to press the button on their right for the race to start. Everyone pressed theirs and then looked over at Jamce who smiled and then pressed his. And then the song," You got me, but I've forgotten you," by the Rafftracks began to play and the doors flung open in front of everyone and they tore into the course.

Jamce started to run full speed, but then a pair of ground colored hands reached up and tripped him, but he did a front flip and shouted," You can't stop the blur!" and he kept on running.

Meanwhile Odrac was being pelted by fake Larce birds shot out of the walls and 2 hit him simultaneously in the head and he fell to his knees. Then he jumped up and started to run again, but a man made to look like a bush jumped out and tackled him at the same moment he got hit by another fake Larce bird and he yelled," Cut me a break already!"

Jamce was in a room filled with large pink tea cups that were movable and he was trying to figure out how to move them to get across to the other side when a small boy in a pink Canto suit came out of the wall and said softly," Kind, sir, if you answer my query I will help you across."

Jamce was startled by the small boy, but then got a look at him and asked," Of course what's your question , young lad?"

" If I run 1 mile faster than any of you, but another man wins as well how is this possible?" asked the small boy as he looked at Jamce precociously and raised his eyebrow.

Jamce looked at the young boy blankly then looked at the tea cups and considered trying to push them until he got thru and then he said," Well, young tyke, I'm gonna need a minute. So since there's no way you could both win and I'm assuming you didn't tie."

" As I said we both won," said the small boy slowly.

" Well, where does that leave us. God, I could be in here all day wait..." said Jamce quickly then he put his hands on his head and then said hopefully," they're running different races."

" Yes."

" Oh that is some sweet luck. I almost gave up so how do I get thru?" asked Jamce as he looked at the small boy.

" You have to go over to that corner," said the small boy as he pointed and then said," and go thru a secret tunnel to the other side."

" O.K., " said Jamce as he went over to the corner and felt the ground until he found a door handle hidden in the dirt and pulled on it and a door opened revealing a brief staircase and a tunnel and then Jamce shouted as he went down the stairs," thanks son."

Meanwhile Odrac was stuck in a similar brain teaser. He came into a room with 8 identical paintings that were on easels, of an old man chopping a loaf of bread with an ax. There was a man painted dark green and wearing a pair of tan shorts who said," Find the single difference in these paintings and I'll give you the key to the steel door and you may pass."

" Alright, but they all look the same to me," said Odrac sternly as he looked frantically at the paintings.

He walked from painting to painting and couldn't see a single difference. And then he threw up his hands and shouted," I can't see anything, this is lunacy."

" There is a difference, but it is not found by the obvious eye only the right hand can see," said the man painted green slowly as he smirked.

Odrac glared at him and gritted his teeth and continued to go from easel to easel and saw no difference and then yelled," This is an impossible question they're all exactly the same!"

" There is a difference, but you must see the bigger picture," said the man painted green then he jumped up and did a spin.

" Oh really, then I'll take another look at this bigger picture from back here," said Odrac snidely as he walked to the back of the room and started to look again.

Then he noticed that all the easels had a paintbrush on them except for one and he said loudly," They all have a paint brush but one. Is that it, the paint brush?" asked Odrac sternly as he looked fiercely at the green man.

" It is indeed, here is the key," said the green man as he walked over to Odrac and handed him the silver key and smiled.

" Thank you, this challenge was unfair if you ask me," said Odrac as he hurried over to the round steel door and used the key and was back into the race.

The other 4 men were having their troubles as well while Jamce was up ahead in a room filled with booby traps. There were 6 suits of armor with each holding a crossbow with hard rubber arrows in one hand and rubber axes in the other on the left and right. Then if you stepped on the wrong piece of ground it would throw an ax or fire an arrow at you with blinding speed. There were 5 red 3 foot wide lily pads you could stand on and be safe, but were too far from one another to jump to. There was also a man painted like dirt hiding in the ground that would grab you and hold onto you until you broke free.

Jamce took a look at the room and said hopefully," This just looks bad all around, but I can still get across if I am swift. O.K. here we go!"

Then Jamce started to walk gingerly across and as he took a step one of the suits of armor fired a rubber ax at him and hit him in the shoulder and he shouted," God alive, that's gonna leave a mark!"

Then he started to walk again and a pair of hands reached up and grabbed his ankles. Jamce frantically fought to escape his grasp and then he kicked the guy in the stomach and he let go and Jamce said," Even the floor in this room is annoying," and then he took a look and said," oh screw it, I'm takin' my chances."

Then he started to run full speed thru the room. He instantly got pelted by 3 rubber arrows and an ax and let out a shout. Then he jumped up in the air and did a front flip over a pair of flying axes and he landed on a lily pad and took a look around and sighed. Then he ran 2 steps and jumped off the lily pad and landed on a smoke grenade which covered the air around him in smoke and he said boldly," I don't do smoke."

Then he ran the last few steps and as he did got nailed with 2 rubber arrows in the cheek and hip, as well as an ax to the neck which left a hefty bruise. And as Jamce got out of the room he said slyly," I've been beaten up before, but never for fun."

Odrac was in a room that had 5 boats tied to rope lines that you pulled yourself from one boat to the next by pedaling to get to the door on the other side. While you had rubber balls and fish explode out of the water around you and at you. There were also men disguised as the bushes who waited 'til you were close and pelted you with Pradish berries, which smelled like excrement and were black in color and filled with red juice that stung the eyes.

Odrac got into the first boat and grabbed the rope and started to pull his way across, when a rubber ball exploded out of the water and hit him right in the mouth.

" What the Underworld was that?" asked Odrac as he rubbed his mouth.

Then he went a bit further and more balls came out of the water and one hit him in the eye. Then the men disguised as bushes began pelting him with Pradishs 2 at a time. Odrac tried frantically to pull his boat to the next boat. Then he jumped into the next one and got hit right in the balls by a rubber ball and keeled over in pain and asked," Why me, I'm special?"

Meanwhile Jamce was riding a small pedal powered Palant around a small obstacle course. It had a Tar track with little square targets raised slightly out of the ground that when you hit them they exploded

and sent you and the Palant flying. On the walls were 2 dozen masks of fallen wizards that moved in every direction and tried to distract you. There was one of Boesa Digoga, a famous yellow wizard who was renowned for his Lillary spells.

Lillary spells caused a person to become a different crazed person. They sent most running and screaming like a wild animal and others began to talk different and move erratically.

Boesa Digoga was a keeper of the Luramep flaming staff, which had the power to see thru walls and when aimed at a person burn their heart to a crisp and thus put out the flames of life. He was well known for his vicious temper which was said to go off if you smiled in his presence. He was only 5'6", but weighed 245 pounds of solid rock muscle. He always wore his yellow leather jacket and tan cotton pants and long sleeve shirt. He also wore a purple stone medallion around his neck known as the Medallion of Regrets, as well as his dark yellow leather boots that had the crest of the yellow wizards, a pair of hands crushing a skull, on the right side of each.

" O.K. baby wheels 'o mine just a bit further and we can rest," said Jamce softly as he maneuvered around a pair of targets as sweat beaded up on his forehead.

As he slowly rode thru a path only 2 inches wider than his wheels he felt his heart beating rapidly and there were 6 targets on either side. Then he rode past the last target and the back wheel barely touched it and Jamce heard a clicking sound then the target blew up and threw the back wheel of the Palant high into the air and Jamce held on for his life as he balanced on the front wheel. Then he slammed the back wheel down and said happily, " Too much reality for this old bloke. Now for a quick rest and then the last bit and boy does it look tough," said Jamce sadly as he looked at a thin number 3 shaped path that had targets on every inch of it that he had to ride thru to get out of the room and on with the race.

Jamce wiped the sweat from his brow and then said hopefully," If it were easy it'd be charity."

Then he slowly rode into the 3 shaped path and past the first few red targets and narrowly missed them as he held the handlebars tightly. Then he began to shake slightly and tried desperately not to hit a target as the Palant's wheels almost touched a target. He rode past the middle and started the last part and saw that he was almost home free. Then he rode into the last turn and was only a fraction from hitting the targets so he pulled a wheelie and rode on one wheel past the last of the targets and shouted," We have tamed the savage beast!" and then jumped off the Palant and said as he walked thru the doorway," and we are mentally drained."

Then he came into a small mowed grass star shaped end of the race, with a simple wooden statue of Mafid Reeus standing in the center with a black steel key dangling from its mouth.

" Is this it?" asked Jamce in disbelief as he walked over to the statue and grabbed the key and smiled and said happily," Works for me, another fine bit of coin."

Then he thought about waiting for the other guys, but decided to go and get the coin first. So Jamce walked around the outside of the course and over to the steel box. He slid in the key and opened it and grabbed all the coins and filled every pocket he had. Then as he turned to walk back to the end of the course he saw Saycha, Dorama, and Baesar come down the staircase and he shouted," Saycha, Dorama, and the immortal Baesar how great is it to see you alive!"

Then he hurried over to them with a few coins falling out of his bulbous pockets.

" Jamce, we missed you terribly. We were worried something had happened to you," said Dorama warmly as she kissed his cheek and hugged him.

" Somethin' almost did, Krowny and I ran into a pair of Canto's outside of town. We were literally fightin' for our lives. How did the battle end up?" asked Jamce as he looked at everyone and grinned.

" Canto's that's scary, well ah the 3 part spell did the trick and all of the black wizards are gone for good, thankfully. Where's you get all these coins?" asked Saycha as he felt Jamce's pockets and smiled.

" Just played a coin race with a few blokes with proud words," said Jamce smoothly as he grinned and then saw Odrac walking up to him and said," oh here's one of them now. Did you get lost?" asked Jamce jokingly then he shook his pockets and smiled.

" I want a rematch," said Odrac boldly as he glared at Jamce and then wiped the sweat from his brow.

" What are we gonna wager with, my coin?" asked Jamce then he let out a cocky laugh.

" Fine, you don't want to them that means that I'm still the king," said Odrac sternly as he looked at everyone and smirked.

" The king of boobdom, long live the king I bow to thee," said Jamce as he bowed his head and flashed a cocky smile.

" Real funny, you got lucky and you know it. I'll see you another day," said Odrac snidely as he walked off and smirked.

Everyone burst out laughing and then Dorama asked," Where's Krowny right now?"

" Oh ah he's up in the room sleepin'. But he might have come down for breakfast by now. We should go take a look because I'd love to head back to Consey as soon as possible," said Jamce implying a question as he started towards the stairs.

" I couldn't agree more, it's been a long painful time away," said Dorama honestly as she, Saycha, and Baesar went back inside the hotel with Jamce.

They walked down the hallway and into the main room and it had filled up with people. They looked around and then Baesar pointed and asked," I see Krowny, he's sitting at the bar over there, see him?"

Jamce looked and smiled and said," Krowny has an odd breakfast routine with food rarely on it."

" He's old leave him alone. Let's get him and get out of here," said Saycha as he and everyone walked over to the bar and Saycha tapped Krowny on the shoulder and asked," is that your green wagon out front I think it's on fire?"

Krowny looked over his shoulder just as he was taking a sip of some whiskey and then said in disbelief," Saycha, you're alive thank god for that," and then he saw everyone else and smiled and said happily," the best of us is here too. Dorama and Baesar it's great to see you again."

" Krowny, we heard you had a bit of a run in with some Canto's?" asked Dorama as the female bartender with long brown hair gave Dorama a hand signal for a drink and she nodded yes.

" Well to be fair, they had a run in with us. I was telling Jamce it was a pity to let all that good meat go to waste," said Krowny then he took another sip of his whiskey and smiled.

Then the bartender handed Dorama a small glass of whiskey and Dorama said as she handed her 2 coin," Thank you very much."

" I say you two down those drinks and we hit the road before our luck runs out in this tower," said Jamce as he looked around the room.

" Fine with me, there's a certain stay away vibe to this place gives me. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's there," said Krowny then he downed the rest of his drink.

Then Dorama downed hers and took a large breath and smiled and said brightly," This road was made for Consey and will get us home I know it."

Then everyone went outside and climbed aboard the wagons while the sun was shining and set out for Consey.

Chapter 2

The Bram Parchment unravels

Inside Mafid Reeus's castle called the Rarid Rock, named this because it was made entirely of red Rarid stone, Mafid sat in his study sipping a glass of red wine and awaiting the arrival of Boesa Digoga. The room was shaped like the number 8 lying on its back. It had 20 round glass display cases filled with rare documents and beloved spells in their original hand written form, with small illumination spells of every color lighting them up with 10 per side.

There were also 4 large triangle shaped cases on the far wall filled with various priceless robes and staffs as well as jewelry. And in between them lay a large bubble shaped terrace that had a glass window that would disappear into the wall at the touch of a button. There were 3 green cushioned chairs on the terrace, as well as a small star shaped table that had a large case filled with the Bram Parchment.

There was also a long white couch that ran the length of the left side of the room. And the floors were covered in Palant stomach rugs which were incredibly soft and the ceiling bowed up to a skylight.

Mafid sat on the terrace and looked out over the enormity of his property and all of 30 separate rose, fruit, and vegetable gardens with statues littered throughout. Then he heard a step behind him and smiled and said coldly," Please have a seat, Boesa, we have things to celebrate."

" And celebrate we shall," said Boesa sternly as he sat down in the chair next to Mafid and pointed to the Bram Parchment and asked," is this it?"

Mafid glared over at him and then nodded and said snidely," That is our shackles for a time too long. Hold it in your hands, Boesa."

Boesa picked up the glass case and smashed it on the table and cautiously pulled out the Bram Parchment and gave it a look and asked," Should I do the honors or you?"

" Just save me a piece," said Mafid slyly then he took a sip of his wine.

The Bram Parchment was old and tattered with many pieces torn off around the edges and dark brown in color. It had thin black letters as its typeset and had a single spot of Momeva's blood at the end of his signature.

Boesa took a deep breath and smiled and then tore thru the middle of the Parchment slowly and laughed as he did and then as he tore the last bit he said happily," We are free wizards once again, Mafid."

Then they each felt a jolt go thru their systems and a pulse of red light blinked out of their eyes and Mafid smiled and said snidely," I can feel it now, Boesa, and trust me we are not the only ones."

" Now that the black wizards are gone there is no one to stop us from taking full control over Pabstrum. Oh how the common folk are gonna hate us," said Boesa snidely as he flashed a cocky grin and then crinkled up the Bram Parchment and began to eat it.

" The Norndred wizards and the wizards of the Crimson Way will try to stop our power grab, but they don't fully realize how powerful we've become. Or, how large our numbers have grown. We will plot out attack in the shadows and then strike when there can be no recourse. Then the score settling will

begin and none too soon, Boesa," said Mafid coldly as he looked at Boesa and then sat back in his chair and smiled.

" That day will be our supreme vengeance for their lack of respect. In a few hours the other wizards should be arriving here. Then we will be able to talk of war in earnest and oh how the blood will burst from their prideful eyes. And the rabble will lose those entitled smiles from their soft well eaten faces," said Boesa as he smiled and took in the gardens.

" Yes, Boesa, it has already begun," said Mafid as he saw a red storm cloud off in the distance.

Meanwhile Micavello, Jamce, Dorama, and Krowny were inside the large white wagon eating a Heybea head and Cory tongue lunch in the large living room.

It had a large fountain in the center with 4 naked young girls all meeting in a kiss in the center, with water coming out of their ears into a red pool below. There was a long brown wood table that had 8 bars filled with wizards rings, Compamain crystals, Pleaba powder in see thru table and Barasand gloves beside them.

Barasand gloves were usually white with little red gels filled with Barasand, which was a yellow liquid that when it touched skin petrified any body part it touched.

There were also 3 green level couches that rose and fell to different heights depending on how many people were sitting on them. Each of which had form fitting cushions and armrests. The couches sat facing each other on opposite sides of the room. There was also a pair of mechanized black Canto's that stood at the ends of each of the couches, that would begin to run and jump around the room once a button was pushed on their backs. There was a pair of oval glass windows above each of the couches. The floors had a thick Canto fur rug on them and the walls were covered with booby trapped spells, that did

the person who cast them certain peril. Beneath the floor on a dumb waiter was the game Corcarg that would rise up when you pressed a button on the armrest, in the center of the couch on the right side.

Corcarg was a large 4 person game that involved each players soldier riding a Palant around an obstacle course. Once you got to one of the 4 checkpoints which was a small pond surrounded by flowers, the first 2 there fought each other for 8 coins that other players had to put up. Then you raced to the next checkpoint which was a black wooden cave. After you had completed all 4 checkpoints that 2 players with the most coin took turns trying to defeat the giant Warlock at the end of the course by chopping off his head. Then once someone defeated the Warlock the ground beneath him opened up and he fell in and you had to jump in after him. Then when your player reached the bottom of the pit a golden 2 foot long staff would come out of the top of the game surrounded by each other10coins, that they had entered at the start.

Dorama and Micavello were sitting on one couch and Jamce and Krowny were on the other finishing their meals and then Jamce asked," This wagon is an absolute wonder. How do you think someone could ever afford something like this?"

" Steal a little here, steal a whole lot there. The black wizards are notorious for using spells to trick wealthy people into parting with their coin so to speak," said Micavello as he draped his arm around Dorama who was chewing a Cory tongue.

" Is that right, so that's the secret to being prosperous. Just find someone who is and trick 'em out of it," said Jamce as he rubbed his belly full of food and smiled.

" You know I've got 40 coin in my pocket you wouldn't try and relieve me of it would ya, Jamce?" asked Krowny jokingly as he clutched his pocket and got a concerned look on his face.

" I've already taken it, Krowny, I felt you were too old to enjoy your wealth," said Jamce sarcastically as he peered over at Krowny and then grinned.

Krowny burst out laughing as did Dorama and Micavello then Krowny's hand darted into his pocket and he pulled out the coins and said quickly as he counted them," One two three four five six, wait there's one missin'. You crazy Canto give it here quick."

" Never, that coin's my retirement I'll never part with it dear, Krowny, neva!" said Jamce sarcastically then everyone burst out laughing.

Then Krowny put the coins back in his pocket and as he did saw the blue button on the armrest and said as he pushed it," There's a button here that will seal our doom, I think I'll push it."

Then the center of the couch folded inward and then the giant Corcarg board came rising up and stood 5 feet high and the joysticks were 2 per side.

" What in the Underworld is that?" asked Dorama in total shock.

Jamce laughed and started to tinker with the joystick and then said happily," It's a rich man's leisure and a poor man's dream. It looks fairly simple you just play it like Duness I'm guessing," said Jamce as he looked it over and then said," yeah here's the coin slot right here. Who's up for a bit of fun?" asked Jamce as he looked at Krowny then Dorama.

" Count me in, it looks like a good time," said Dorama brightly as she stood up and walked over and sat next to Jamce Indian style.

" You know if it's a good time, Krowny's there," said Krowny slyly as he examined the game.

" I'd love a bit of fun, I just hope I've got a fighting chance against you 3," said Micavello as he walked over and sat down next to Krowny.

" Well you won't win the game, but you'll still have your loss of self respect and confidence. So at least there's that," said Jamce slyly as he pulled out a handful of coins and then said," it says on the side here that each of us put into our slots the agreed upon wager. How 'bout 10 coin each?" asked Jamce as he looked at everyone.

" Fine let's have at it," said Krowny boldly as he started to put in his coins.

" Great," said Dorama quickly as she put hers in.

" Yeah that's fine," said Micavello then he put his in.

" O.K. it also says each player pays the first 2 to the checkpoints 8 coins each and the 2 with the most coins at the end have to defeat the Warlock with each of said players taking turns. Seems easy enough," said Jamce as he read a steel panel and then he put the last of his coins in his slot.

" Alright, Jamce, last chance to back out before I embarrass you for life," said Dorama slyly as she winked at Jamce and grinned.

" Oh darlin', sis, your kindness is as sweet as a Canto's embrace. You two should watch out for her, she's a bit of a shady player," said Jamce then he gave Dorama's a wink and a grin.

" You're right I'll keep the eye that isn't blind on her," said Krowny as he pretended not to be able to wink.

" Are we gonna start this match or what?" asked Micavello as he tried not to laugh.

" Oh, Micavello, we've already started. Now everybody press your buttons and we're off," said Jamce as he pressed his button.

Then everyone else pressed theirs and a small fat mechanical man rose out of the game board and said boldly," If you thought you had tasted the sweet of the meal, you were sadly mistaken! Here before you is a destiny only the bravest of hearts would dare approach. Grab your joysticks and ready the mind for the journey starts now!"

Then he did a flip and disappeared into the game board and the race was on. Jamce and Dorama shot out ahead into a thick swamp, with skulls and snakes floating around on the surface. As they rode thru Jamce used his ax to chop off Dorama's player's foot and she said," Jamce, I needed that foot to kick your butt."

" My butt is just fine thank you. And it's no surprise Jamce is in the lead again," said Jamce as he rode up ahead of Dorama's player and thru the skulls of a Canto.

Behind them Krowny used his sword to cut off the tail of Micavello's Palant and Micavello said stunned," I'm losing vital organs here, Krowny, as if you mind."

Krowny's Palant and warrior rode up next to Dorama's as they came out of the swamp and into a field of small coffins filled with arrows that would fire as you rode by and attempt to knock off your rider. Dorama saw this and bumped Krowny's Palant into a coffin and 3 arrows knocked the head of his Palant almost completely off with only the mouth still intact.

" You rambunctious young lady of destruction, nice move," said Krowny as he tried not to laugh.

" I thought so, just trying to keep it fun for ya," said Dorama coyly as she bumped Krowny into another coffin.

This time it shot 2 arrows and missed Krowny and hit Dorama's warrior in the mouth and spun her head around, but it didn't fall off.

Jamce rode into the first checkpoint and thru the flowers and into a stall in the center marked 1 with another stall beside it marked 2 and said happily," Someone just won the first leg of the race. Who will come in second?" asked Jamce as he put his hands behind his head and grinned.

Krowny bumped Dorama's Palant into a pair of coffins that launched arrows at her warrior and knocked off his helmet. Then Krowny sped by and into the second stall and said boldly," Older always means wiser, you'll grasp that when your teeth fall out."

Then Dorama and Micavello rode in right after and then Dorama said," I let you win the first one cause now it's every woman for the winning and every man for a distant second," and then she handed Krowny the 8 coins and said," enjoy it old man, cause they're comin' right back over here in a second."

" I will enjoy it, wasted youth, but not as much as the next one," said Krowny boldly as he pocketed the coins.

Micavello handed Jamce his 8 coins and then Jamce said slyly," Go ahead and get used to doin' that, Micavello."

Then an eagle head popped out of the game board and shouted," Get ready, get set, it ain't over yet go!"

Then all 4 Palants went onto a rocky cliff side road and as Jamce tried to chop off Krowny's player's head a stone fist came out of the wall and punched off his left arm that was holding his shield and Jamce bellowed," I'll miss you dear shield. 'o mine."

Then Krowny tried to get the lead, but as he rode around a corner Dorama's player chopped off his head and sent him over the cliff. Then Dorama raced up the road and jumped over a pit of nails with Jamce and Micavello doing the same just behind her.

Meanwhile Krowny's player had to take the long way around and was far behind. Then Dorama's player ducked a pair of rubber axes and they hit Micavello's instead and knocked him off of his Palant and he asked sadly," How could you do that I was sure to get second, dear Dorama?"

" Sorry, honey, but I just didn't have any choice. I'm a Mospet, we were breed to win," said Dorama as she steered her Palant into the black wooden cave and into the number 1 closet which lit up when she did."

" She's right, we just can't help it. It's our fatal flaw I'm afraid," said Jamce as he rode into the number 2 closet and a second light lit up.

Then in rode Micavello and a minute later in came Krowny and then Krowny asked," Is there a prize for bringing up the rear?"

Then Krowny gave Dorama back the 8 coins and Micavello gave Jamce another 8 and Micavello asked slyly," Is it me or am I playing my way into the poor house?"

Then Jamce pocketed the coins and saw a fat bulbous round head pop out of the game board and shout," If you dreamed of treachery, then you were awake the whole time. The next stage will test the metal of each and all go!"

Then they rode into a room filled with Canto's that were biting and moving erratically all over the place. There were also spike covered hands coming out of the ground. This time Micavello was the one in the lead and he plowed thru the first 3 Canto's and narrowly missed a spiked hand.

Jamce and Krowny were just behind until Jamce's player got his leg bitten off by a Canto. Then Dorama flew past Jamce and drew even with Krowny. Micavello dodged another Canto as he sped under a waterfall and into a hall of mirrors that had swords fly out as soon as you passed. Micavello dodged the

first 2 swords, but the third one hit him in the head and knocked it clean off and Micavello shouted," I have only a torso and no luck as per usual."

" It's alright, babe, you've still got a good lead," said Dorama as she got out of the way of a charging Canto and rode around a spike covered hand.

Jamce and Krowny were having their problems behind Dorama as Jamce's player got his other leg bitten off by a Canto. Krowny used his sword to fend off 2 Canto's then he sped ahead of Jamce. Meanwhile Micavello was riding thru the last section of the hall of Mirrors and out into the number 1 clothes closet in a miniature bedroom. And as he did a pair of furry hands grabbed him and a bell sounded and Micavello pumped his fist and shouted," Yes, I've got a mind full of skill and fortitude, come and get me!"

Dorama rode thru the hall of mirrors and sword after sword kept barely missing her. Then she rode out of the hall of mirrors and into the number 2 clothes closet surrounded by miniature shirts, jackets, and trousers. Then another pair of brown furry hands rested on her player's shoulders and Dorama blew a kiss to Micavello and said brightly," I think I'm rubbing off on you, and I'm not sure that's a good thing."

" You're right, it's a great thing," said Micavello warmly as he caught the kiss in his hand and put his hand to his lips.

" Ahh, I think you're the man for me. No...I know you are, Micavello," said Dorama warmly as she smiled at Micavello.

Then Micavello nodded and said honestly," I dreamed you before we ever met. And now that we have my life has become a dream."

Then Jamce and Krowny's Palants rode into the checkpoint and gave Dorama and Micavello their 8 coins and a stone man rose out of the game board and shouted as he waved his arms," If you aren't afraid, then doom will search you out get ready go!"

Then Micavello and Jamce shot out ahead of Dorama and Krowny and into a multi colored large Canto belly that had miniature Larce birds swooping down from stone perches too knock you off your Palant. And the floor had swords that would stab up at you as you rode over them. Micavello rode fast thru the belly and then a pair of Larce birds swopped in, but missed him and hit Dorama instead knocking her player off her Palant.

" I have a poor man's luck today, gees," said Dorama as she put her player back on her Palant.

Krowny's player rode past Dorama and was about to pass Jamce when a sword stabbed the belly of his Palant and knocked it to the ground. Jamce and Micavello roared far ahead of Dorama and Krowny and up a ramp and they each simultaneously jumped over a pair of swords and landed on a red sponge.

" Nice work, Micavello, you're a gamer," said Jamce as he nodded to Micavello.

" Same to you, that was a narrow one," said Micavello as he steered his player under an attacking Larce bird and thru a wall of rubber hands.

Jamce went thru the same wall of hands and the 2 of them came out at the last checkpoint, which was a circle of stone statues of famous black wizards like Catab and Drayne Sectis. There was the Warlock at the far end of the circle waiting for the first attack. Then in rode Dorama and Krowny and Jamce said," I've got the most coin, but you and Micavello are tied, so why don't you two flip for it."

" Fair enough, I'll throw it you call it," said Dorama as she put a coin on her thumb and prepared to throw it.

" Heads, throw me a little Mospet luck," said Micavello as he grinned.

Then Dorama smiled and threw the coin high and it came down heads and she let out a sigh and asked coyly," Are you sure we're not related?"

" So here I go again for another championship," said Jamce slyly as his player rode his Palant towards the Warlock.

Then the Warlock started to wave its sword at Jamce and he dodged it barely. Then the Warlock jumped up and tried to crush him, but Jamce rode forward under him and came out behind the Warlock.

" Boy, this nerve racking," said Dorama anxiously as she watched the action.

Then the warlock tried to fall backwards on Jamce's player and again Jamce was fast enough to ride to the right side and miss getting crushed.

" Not so fast big fella, I've got a bevy of moves," said Jamce smoothly as he steered around to the front of the Warlock.

Then the Warlock came running at Jamce's player and Jamce darted forward and sliced off its head with a single thrust. Then the Warlock's body slumped over and the ground beneath it opened up and it fell inside. Jamce saw this and asked in disbelief," O.K. now what do I do?"

" That's a good question, what can you do?" asked Dorama as she smirked at Jamce.

" You might want to jump in after it and chop off another body part, that's all I can think," said Krowny honestly as he shrugged his shoulders.

" You might be right, dear Krowny, it would make sense. I'll try it anyway what can it hurt?" asked Jamce as he grimaced and steered his Palant over to the hole then jumped in after the Warlock.

Then the game began to shake violently from side to side. Then a 2 foot long gold staff came rising out of the hole where the Warlock had fallen surrounded by all of the gold coins and Jamce said happily," Finally, isn't that a pretty sight. From poor boy to king of the coins god I love it."

Then Saycha walked in and asked," What is that?'

"It's this great game that came out of the couch when Krowny pushed a button on the armrest," said Dorama as she grinned and stood up and hugged Saycha.

" Looks like a blast, huh, well there's a bit of a Malay up ahead. We might have to fight our way thru it," said Saycha as he hugged Dorama and laughed as she squeezed him tightly.

" A Malay is it. Then things could get a bit interesting on our fine trip home," said Jamce then he stood up and headed for the front of the wagon.

Everyone grabbed a weapon and Saycha grabbed Pleaba powder and Micavello grabbed the Barasand gloves and each their respective gloves. And then went up to the front of the wagon. In the road up ahead they saw 20 Qytoe involved in a knife fight in the center of the road with 30 Purpas.

The Purpas were a lime green skin race of 3 eyed yellow haired muscle bound giants that grew to their full heights by age 12. They were stone cutters and spent the bulk of their lives cutting, fashioning, and carving the Homses black marble hill into their temple for worship and their homes. 70 generations had worked on Homses which was a quarter mile high by making unbelievably detailed statues and depictions of their god Marev Blopottle.

Marev Blopottle was a yellow wizard who perished 200 years ago and had blessed the Purpas with 50 of his children before he perished. Those children spawned thousands of Purpas. Marev wrote a seven page list of commands and decrees for the Purpas to follow that included," To take a pain filled mind

away from another's happiness is required for all to face the mornings with hope," as well as," Unravel your fist if it is a friend who has wronged you and never disguise that hate and resent secretly, but give allowances of forgetfulness." He also coined the phrase," To die in anger is to perish from fear."
Chapter 3

The Gamnoci chambers Lorsag

" Looks like we'll need a bit of divine intervention to get past those fellas," said Jamce as he looked at the massive battle.

" Can we go around it?" asked Dorama as she put her arm around Micavello.

" There's not enough room, we'll have to cast a spell and knock them out of our path," said Micavello as he started down off the wagon with his staff in hand.

Then 3 Purpas men , all of which were over 6'5" and 300 pounds with their 3 eyes being dark yellow and each wearing white overalls and no shirts saw Micavello and ran at him. Micavello raised his staff and shouted," Argerue verivit steal dust!"

As he shouted that one of the 3 Purpas raised his staff and shouted," Hiam gasa do trip!"

Then when Micavello's spell was about to be cast the Purpas's spell canceled it out and Micavello turned to Jamce and Saycha and said quickly," Magic won't work, we'll have to fight them hand to hand."

Then Jamce and Saycha climbed down off the wagon and walked up next to Micavello. Then the 3 Purpas came at them with their daggers. Micavello grabbed the first ones wrist with his Barasand gloves

as he tried to stab him and the Purpas's arm went numb. Then Micavello smashed him in the face with his staff and the Purpas fell to the ground with blood gushing from his nose.

Meanwhile the other 2 Purpas came at Jamce and Saycha. And when they tried to stab Saycha and Jamce, Saycha blew some Pleaba powder at his attacker and instantly the Purpas's mind was filled with terrifying visions and crazy thoughts. The one attacking Jamce sliced open his shoulder with his dagger. Then Jamce stabbed him in the ribs with his blade and the Purpas slumped over and started to shake violently.

Micavello grabbed his Purpas by the neck with the Barasand gloves and he started to gasp for air as his neck muscles went limp. Then Micavello pulled out his Compamain crystal and threw it at him and the Purpas turned instantly into sand.

" How we makin' out?" asked Micavello as he turned to Jamce and Saycha.

" It's all taken care of, there were all show," said Jamce as he wiped off the Purpas's blood on his right pants leg.

Saycha looked at his Purpas who was acting like a chicken and said slyly," I think we handled them completely. What about the rest of them?" asked Saycha as he looked at the Qytoe and the Purpas beating each other to death.

" I think there's enough room now on the right side to squeak by, but we must hurry," said Micavello sternly as he hurried back to the wagon.

Jamce and Saycha climbed quickly aboard the wagon. Then they rode towards the opening beside the massive fight. As they rode past the Purpas and the Qytoe a large 7'0" 500 pound Purpas jumped on the stairs of the wagon. As he tried to climb up Dorama said boldly," I got this one."

Then she kicked him as hard as she could in the face twice and he fell backwards to the ground and broke his neck when he landed. Then a Qytoe ran and jumped on the front of the wagon and tried to stab Saycha in the face, but Saycha blocked it with his staff. Then Saycha threw some Pleaba powder on the Qytoe and he began to smile and dance clumsily. Then he danced right off the side of the wagon and did a face plant.

" God I love all this magic stuff," said Jamce as he grinned at Saycha.

Inside the depths of Homses Mafid and Boesa and the lord of Drapo Kerdivel Colms enter in the great Gamnoci chambers in front of a statue of Lorsag the 3rd yellow wizard to have drawn breath.

Kerdivel Colms has dark green thick perfectly straight hair that stops exactly at the tip of his chin. He has checkered orange and red eyes and a nose that has been broken 8 times. He is 6'8" 196 pounds with a small pot belly. He is wearing a tan jacket and matching corduroy pants, as well as matching tan boots and a white t-shirt that bares the crest of the yellow wizards, a broken staff with a blood filled chalice underneath it and the words," Hidden in shadows 'til death," written beneath the crest. On each of his wrists are matching gold bracelets with Fembash rings attached to it.

Fembash rings turn the wearer into a variety of things, from invisible to a ball of flames once slipped onto your fingers.

The great Lorsag was a flat faced pointy nosed fierce eyed horror to behold. He had long hands with almost dagger like finger nails that could cut your flesh with ease. His hair was beat red and only grew in a straight 4 inch wide patch in the center of his head. He always wore a black leather long sleeve shirt and a white kilt bottom and black sandals. Around his neck was the Termsta necklace, which was believed to give him a window into people's minds.

The Gamnoci chambers were a set of 3 half mile long rooms that had every artifact and weapon known to wizardkind. And only the yellow wizards knew of its existence. There was also what was known as the Loving Pond in the center that was filled with a rare nectar that enhanced a wizard's powers, giving them more powerful spells at their fingertips. There were so many weapons and artifacts that there was only a small strip to walk thru on. The ceilings rose 200 feet and had crystals hanging from them that perpetually lit the rooms. The floor was covered in a thick silk covering that bounced as you walked. The walls had paintings of all the greatest yellow wizards of all time.

" So I assume that you know what has happened and have probably guessed at what will?" asked Mafid as he Boesa and Kerdivel walked thru the artifacts. slowly.

" I do and I do. We are at the sawn of a new time for Pabstrum and the rabble that inhabit her. When the Pleaba settles and they see that they are out of second chances, then the yellow sun will be all the yellower," said Kerdivel snidely as he grabbed a golden staff and spun it in his hands then tossed it into a box of crowns.

Mafid laughed briefly and then said sternly," The word has spread and yellowkind is chomping at the bit to start the destruction, but we must get organized or suffer the fate of the black wizards."

" This is true, we should call a secret summit and talk of a full scale attack with our yellow brothers," said Boesa as he walked along casually.

" He is right, we will need a collective understanding and a plan that dots all the I's and crosses those infernal t's," said Kerdivel boldly then he stopped in his tracks and said slyly," we have the upper hand right now, best we not lose the element of surprise."

" Agreed invitations to the summit will be sent discretely and then destroyed immediately. It must be soon and ...what if we send Horsam spells, they disappear after being read?" asked Mafid as his eyes opened wide.

Horsam spells were small butterfly looking hand sized red lights that carried a message to whoever you wanted then blinked out completely after delivering the message.

" Yes, Mafid, then there is no trace and no one gets suspicious. Was there something you wanted to show me?" asked Kerdivel as he stopped in front of the statue of Drayne Sectis being stabbed with a broad sword.

" There is right this way," said Mafid then he hurried past the statue of Drayne and over to a 3 foot brown leather case and he grabbed the case and opened it and said brightly," We have a new weapon in our arsenal, behold."

Kerdivel looked into the case and saw the Medallion of Farkrackus and his eyes grew wide and he said softly," The Medallion of Farkrackus will these eyes ever look on anything more beautiful ever another sunrise," and then he reached in and pulled it out and it glowed red and grew slightly larger as he held it in his hands and he asked," where did you find it?"

The Medallion of Farkrackus was a red stone cut to look like an apple and had blue Diamonds surrounding it and a white gold necklace holding it in place. It had the power to absorb a wizard and entrap him if he cast a spell as he looked upon it. And once you were inside only a pair of 3 part spells cast simultaneously could ever release you. It was created by a black wizard, but was stolen while he slept and never seen again.

" It was here in a small chamber below these floors that could only be gotten to by breaking a spell on the lock and then going down a 300 foot spiral staircase deep into the ground. In that chamber I saw

unspeakable horrors that I will never speak of again. With this we could get rid of any and all of the red and green wizards that had the most power. With this they will have no means to stop our assaults," said Mafid sternly as he grinned at Kerdivel and put his hand on his shoulder gently.

" We will destroy them and take their most powerful from Pabstrum and into a prison of no escape. Mafid, this is why we will inherit Pabstrum, we are the reason and the solution to the question of who shall rule over it all. Let them come now," said Kerdivel snidely as he looked at the medallion and smirked.

Back inside the wagon everyone was enjoying some Xstepys in the living room while the sun began to set. They were also polishing off a bottle of Momavay red wine.

Momavay was made by Lestit Momavay a 139 year old former joke teller who was famous for his joke," If I stole your shoes and you my socks, who's walking to the kitchen to find our feet." Lestit also was a fine painter who painted the side of a rock to look like its mirror reflection and perplexed many a passerby.

" The question we have to ask our tired bones, is do we have the want and the energy to try out one of these towns in the hopes of a warm bed and a bit of fine recreation," said Jamce implying a question as he crossed his legs and smiled while he sat on one end of the couch.

" I'm up for stoppin'," said Saycha quickly as he sat on the other couch across from Jamce eating his Xstepy.

" I'm in," said Dorama then she took a sip of wine sitting next to Saycha.

" I could use some fun and getting blitzed whoowe," said Krowny loudly as he did a little dance in front of the couch.

" I could really use it, this wagon's getting old," said Micavello sadly as he sat next to Dorama and stretched his back.

" Then that settles it, it's high times and new lows. I'll go tell Baesar that he should find us a town," said Jamce as he sprung up and danced up to the front of the wagon and then tapped Baesar on the shoulder and said brightly," Baesar, we took a vote and we decided we're gonna pull off the road for the evening. So any town you see slid on in."

" O.K. great I'll get us in to Puneberry, I just saw the sign for it a minute ago. Are there any of those Xstepys left?" asked Baesar smoothly as he grinned and rubbed his belly.

" Oh yeah, there's still half a dozen, I'll go grab you a couple quick," said Jamce warmly then he walked back into the wagon.

" Thanks, Jamce," said Baesar then he saw the sign and road for Puneberry and steered the wagon in and said hopefully," Let this town have a sense of humor."

The 2 wagons rode down a stone brick road that had statues of Cashre Mahavo, the ancient ruler of Pabstrum. Cashre was a hugely powerful wizard of the green persuasion. He like all green wizards were very secretive and not much was known of his life. Except that he had cast a spell on the day of his passing that was supposed to allow him the ability to return to Pabstrum intact. Few believed this to be the case as many a wizard had tried and failed to do the same. Cashre was a spec of a man at 5'0" 121 pounds. He had long flowing white hair that had been that way all of his life. His eyes were like that of a cat's and dark green in color. And he had a red beard that grew naturally into the shape of Larce bird with the chin looking like its head. He wore but the same white robe and no shoes. Around his neck was a necklace filled with potions that he ingested daily to strengthen his faculties. As the road widen there were 70 red cushioned chairs lining the road with several people sitting in them eating and talking with

one another by torch light. Behind the chairs there were a pair of stages with the Arrowless Bows and the Blind Swordsmen playing an acoustic set. At the end of the road stood a 300 foot high Palant shaped building that was a mile long. It was lit up by thousands of torches and had hundreds of large and small wagons around its base. There were also 7 mushroom shaped 50 foot high stores and shops that fanned out from the main building.

Jamce came out to the front of the wagon with 2 Xstepys and said in disbelief as he saw the sight before him," Baesar, I got your Xstepys and it looks like we have found an amazing place to visit. Wow look at that no one back home would ever believe this story."

" It defies explanation, Jamce, I mean wow," said Baesar enthusiastically as he took the Xstepys and then said," thank you for the Xstepys, Jamce."

" You're welcome, thanks for picking this town. Let the fun begin in earnest," said Jamce as he stared at the main building and grinned.

Then they rode down to the center of town and parked the wagon in front of one of the small shops. Then Jamce popped his head in the wagon and said," If the getting' is good, get to getting the good. We're here come take a look."

Everyone smiled and then came out onto the front of the wagon and Saycha said stunned," Now this is a town."

" It is, do we want to go into one of those shops or hit the hotel or even go and listen to one of those bands over there?" asked Dorama as she stepped down off the wagon.

" My whistle's gone dry," said Krowny then he tried to whistle and then asked slyly," I think I need to wet it who's up for the hotel?"

" I'll go with ya, Krowny, I want to get a look inside," said Baesar as he shrugged his shoulders and grinned.

" I'm more up for the bands first then head back over to the hotel. How 'bout you, Saycha?" asked Jamce as he put his hand to his chin and pretended to be thinking.

" Yeah, the music sounds great. And you, Dorama, Micavello, where are you headed?"

Dorama and Micavello looked at each other and then Dorama smiled and said," I'd like a bit of music."

" I would too, let's head over," said Micavello quickly as he put his arm around Dorama.

" Then we are off," said Jamce as he started to walk back towards the stages.

People walking past them as they walked towards the stages kept smiling and saying hi. So much so that everyone began to laugh and Saycha said," This is the friendliest town I've ever been too in my life."

" You're right, it's like they know who we are already. I like it it's better than some of the other towns we've been to," said Dorama as she smiled and waved to people as they went past.

" That's an understatement, hey look at the way the crowds dancing' over there," said Jamce as he pointed to a group of people who were falling on one person and being thrown to the next in a circle.

" That's called the toss and lift. I've seen that one before," said Micavello honestly then he stretched out his arms and cracked his neck.

" Loss and lift, looks more like drop and break your precious neck to me," said Jamce jokingly as he watched them dance.

" I love that dance and you don't even need a partner," said Saycha sarcastically as he looked over at Jamce.

Jamce and Dorama laughed while Micavello tried not to. They waded into the crowd and just as they got settled the Arrowless Bows finished their song," You get the coin, I get the Guros," and the lead singer said loudly to the audience," That's it, the bands breakin' up! I won't play another song with these talentless amateurs!" Then he threw down his guitar and stormed thru the shocked crowd and towards the hotel, with his bandmates looking at each other like what just happened.

" Isn't that an odd thing, huh...let's go try the hotel," said Jamce plainly as he looked at everyone and then shrugged his shoulders and smirked.

Dorama laughed and then said slyly," I think you're right it's a shame thou I was up for some music. And maybe a bit of the toss and lift."

" I'm a bigger fan of the punch and kick it's a bit more fun in large crowds," said Saycha jokingly as he looked down at his toes.

" Saycha, you rascal you've got more jokes than I've got complaints about your jokes which is several," said Dorama as she squeezed Saycha's side and smiled as he pulled away.

Then they headed back to the hotel and when they got there they walked to the big blue building and in thru the Y shaped mahogany doors with hand shaped door handles.

Inside there was a tan wooden pyramid that rose 100 feet and had a spiral staircase that ran from top to bottom. There were dozens of stores, bars, restaurants and a games room inside the pyramid that you got to from the outside. On top of the pyramid there was a statue of Cashre eating his own hand and standing on one leg. Around the base of the pyramid there was a moat that had small boats with people in them

riding around it and into an underground passageway beneath it. There were also artists doing paintings around the room and a pair of musicians known as the Hice brothers, playing a folk song next to an artist.

" Where do you think Krowny is hiding?" asked Dorama as she looked around the room and walked towards the pyramid.

" He's probably face down dead in the moat if I had to guess. Which I just did, so I must have had to," said Jamce sarcastically as he peered around the pyramid looking for Baesar and Krowny.

Everyone laughed and as they walked over up to the bright orange wooden bridge to the pyramid Saycha pointed and shouted," It's Krowny he's choking on a whiskey bottle in the moat!"

Everyone smiled and Jamce said wryly," Well at least we know where he is."

They walked across the bridge and into the 1st floor of the pyramid. Inside there was a games room on one side and a large bar counter on the other with Baesar and Krowny sitting on leather chairs having a drink.

" Hey, I can see them, let's see how far into the bag they've gotten," said Micavello as he pointed and then waved to Baesar as he turned and saw him.

They walked over to Krowny and Baesar and Jamce asked," Is there any whiskey left?"

Krowny smiled and said coyly," Whiskey no, but there's still a half glass of bourbon."

" That's plenty where is this illusive glass hidin'" asked Jamce as he sat down beside Krowny and patted him on the back.

Then Krowny guzzled his glass of Bourbon and said slyly," It's in the fathoms of my belly, see if you can fish it out."

Jamce burst out laughing and then turned and saw Bichel Anie the bartender and stopped instantly.

Bichel Anie was 5'10" and very curvy and stunningly beautiful. She had long curly brown hair with blonde highlights. Her eyes were lime green and sultry. She had on a thin black sweater and a pair of black lace pants and red slippers. She also had on a silver necklace that had the words," You're wearing too many clothes," engraved on the front of it.

" Are you thirsty tonight or did you come to stare?" asked Bichel as she grinned at Jamce.

" A little bit of both, can I get a bit of whiskey?" asked Jamce as he looked Bichel in the eye and wished secretly she would grab hold of him and kiss him.

" Well one's 3 coin and the other's only annoying, unless I get to stare back," said Bichel as she fought back a smile.

" Is this a dream god, cause I don't want to awaken," said Jamce loudly as he looked at the ceiling and then pulled out 3 coins and put them on the counter and said brightly," you can stare at this ugly mug as long as you like..."

" Bichel, and what name do you go by?" asked Bichel in a sultry voice as she leaned forward and out her elbows on the counter.

" Bichel, I've been called many things, but Jamce is the one I hear most often," said Jamce then he touched Bichel's forearm and said slyly," yeah you're live in the flesh."

Bichel laughed and then went and got Jamce a glass of whiskey that was a foot high and black in color with 5 pockets for fingers to slid into, and placed it on the counter in front of Jamce and Bichel said slyly," Don't get too wasted, I get off in a little bit and if you want we can go play a game of Ramtag next door."

" I do want, I've just never heard of Ramtag is it difficult to learn?" asked Jamce then he took a long drink from his whiskey.

" Don't worry I'll teach you ya know your friends can play too. If they've got 5 coin," said Bichel brightly as she looked at everyone.

" Yeah, we've got that covered easy. Sounds like we're in for a bit of a new game," said Dorama and then she gave Bichel a hand gesture for 3 drinks and Bichel nodded and went and got the 3 drinks while Dorama put down 9 coins on the counter.

Bichel set the drinks down on the counter and said happily," Oh great, here comes my replacement, Gudi, hi Gudi."

Gudi was an elderly woman who was 5'2" 201 pounds and had a handsome face and grayish black hair. She was wearing a purple dress that fit her loosely and a pair of black leather shoes. She also had on a white pearl necklace.

" Hi, how are you, Bichel?" asked Gudi as she walked over casually and smiled and nodded to everyone.

" I'm great, Gudi, I'm heading right out so the bars yours," said Bichel as she came out from behind the bar and hugged Gudi as she did.

" Well have a nice time, you've earned it, dear," said Gudi warmly as she hugged Bichel.

Then everyone walked over to the game room and thru a M shaped arch and inside. The room was filled with the Ramtag stations. Ramtag was a game where you rode mechanical Palants around and threw rubber get filled balls at statues and targets with each player having their own color until you came to the second section. Then the player with the most targets hit fought mechanical Canto's with steel

swords and the first to jump on the Canto's back and stab their sword thru a slot in the back of its head got to go into the riddle chamber where if they solved a riddle in 5 minutes they got all the money that every player had put up with a maximum 10 players. Then an animatronic statue of Cashre rose out of the ground and gave the winner the coins as well as a purple carved wooden staff with the words," They quivered in your presence," carved into it.

The room had dozens of small and large statues of Gragum, gargoyles, and Eelucs.

Gragums were dwarf like creatures with 6 arms and huge hulking green legs. They also had huge gator like heads, but with a shorter mouth and hundreds of spikes all over their bodies. Their eyes were red and looking very intense and they had a large white belly that had a triangle shape with a blue circle in the center.

There were also paintings of formal Lords, kings, and queens that were used as targets as well as rubber dummies in tattered clothes. There were several paths going in and around all the targets that led to second section. The ceiling had several silken flags that were sewn together to form a round ball that hung down and was filled with a breeze spell.

Breeze spells were cast so that a gentle breeze would always blow in a certain area and only stopped when a new spell was cast.

The walls had little booths along the length of them that sold food and beverages as well as Oyopop pies, which were a hand sized pie with baked bread crust and filled with a thick alfredo gravy and 7 types of meat and vegetables as well as a rare blue sugar.

" O.K. o.k. this looks like the greatest game room these gentle eyes have ever seen," said Jamce as he walked in and looked around.

" Let's hurry so we don't have to wait for the next game," said Bichel quickly as she took Jamce's hand and led him to the starting gates.

Then everyone paid their 5 coins and went and saddled up ad mechanical Palant which you pedaled and steered with a one handed joystick, so you could throw at the targets with your free hand. There were a pair of identical twin young ladies who stood up on a pedestal and then shouted in unison," You'd better be quick. You'd better be fast! Cause there ain't no prize for the last so go!"

Then the gates to everyone's stall disappeared into the floor and they all rode into the course. Micavello rode up a ramp and jumped over a stream and threw a ball at a statue in mid air and nailed it dead center in the face. And as he landed he shouted," Eyes on the leader!"

Then he rode into a narrow tunnel and threw and hit 2 paintings of old kings, but a pair of small boys hidden in the walls pelted him with eggs in the face and Micavello crushed into one of the paintings.

Dorama was riding very fast and nailing statues left and right as she flew across a small narrow wooden bridge. When she got to the other side a small jump suddenly sprung out of the ground and she hit and went flying thru the air and landed on a pile of old blankets. And then she righted herself and started to ride off when a man in a red cape nailed her with a pair of warm Guros's right in the face.

" This is the tastiest embarrassment I've ever had," said Dorama as she chewed the Guros and then rode off into the course.

Saycha was doing well with 10 targets hit as he rode thru a tunnel made of old and new staffs with small targets at the top of each. He threw and hit one then another, but then a small man dressed like a king grabbed onto the head of his Palant and yelled and screamed incoherently at Saycha as they rode. Then Saycha threw a ball at him and missed him by an inch, but then he threw another and hit him square

in the mouth and the small man fell off the Palant and Saycha rode right over his leg and said snidely," No free rides, my friend."

Jamce was riding up a se saw ramp and as he got to the center it tipped down forward in front of him. Then he rode down and blasted a statue of Cashre and said proudly," An arm blessed by the god of great arms."

Then he got beamed in the mouth by a small strawberry pie thrown by a woman dressed as a hangman.

Krowny was so intoxicated he was constantly bumping into and knocking over statues as well as yet to have hit one with a ball. He rode thru a silk tree forest and as the path turned to the left he kept right on going straight into the trees and then he crashed and flew off the side of the Palant and laughed and said drunkenly," Oh sweet trees of silk, embrace this old man and tell him your secrets. Don't worry I won't tell a soul."

Meanwhile Baesar was going thru a human tunnel that were holding themselves over the path.

" This is so wrong, but I'm too drunk to care," said Baesar as he looked at the naked multi colored people forming the tunnel.

Then he came to the other side and rode right thru a door made of chocolate cake. He came out the other side of it and crashed into a wall feathers that covered the road and then said," This is the greatest game of all time."

Micavello was the first to the second section and he rode over in front of the 2 mechanical Canto's and said sadly," Now you 2 look fierce, I almost hope I lose god look at cha."

The 2 Canto's were perched up on a golden platform that was 6 feet up from the ground and was 50 yards wide. It had a golden cage surrounding it as well as several large rocks littered around as well as a

pair of statues of Cashre on either side of the Canto's. And behind the platform there were the large black wood doors in the shape of a smile that led to the riddle chamber.

Then in rode Saycha who looked surprised to see Micavello and asked," How'd you get here so fast?"

" I was on fire, I hit targets left and right and didn't wipe out even once," said Micavello boldly and then he pointed to the Canto's and said," these 2 here look like a whole lot of trouble."

" They do indeed, I hope no one gets injured fighting them," said Saycha as he climbed off his Palant and walked over to the Canto's.

Then in rode Dorama and she crashed into Saycha's Palant and fell over. Then she laughed and picked herself up and said slyly," It's alright, no need to help me up."

Saycha smiled and said happily," I figured you had it covered."

" Sorry, Dorama, I should have raced to your side," said Micavello as he smiled at Dorama.

Dorama walked over to him and gave him a kiss and said," You're right you should have, ha ha ha."

Then in came Jamce and Baesar and they crashed into each other and laughed and then Jamce saw the Canto's and asked," Are we sure those aren't real?"

" We hope," said Saycha quickly as he grinned at Jamce.

" Who are we missing?" asked Baesar as he walked over to everyone.

" Old dear Krowny and beautiful Bichel the love of my life. I wonder what's taking them so long?" asked Jamce as he felt the Canto's teeth.

Meanwhile Bichel was being pelted by tomatoes in a fake graveyard by 7 gargoyle dressed men. Then she nailed 2 of them right in the balls and then one in the mouth. Then she pedaled like mad to get out of the room. She came out the other side covered in Tomato skin and juice and saw everyone and said sadly," I know it looks bad, but it's worse. I just spent 5 minutes being pelted by tomatoes, cakes, fake rubber swords and a large fake ax. And now I need a break thank you very much. Jamce, can you please give me a hug?" asked Bichel warmly as she pouted her lips and outreached her arms.

" Well ah of course, Darlin', come right to Jamce," said Jamce softly as he walked over to Bichel and gave her a hug and kiss.

" Thank you, I knew you were thoughtful and kind. My big strong man," said Bichel in a baby voice as she hugged Jamce tightly.

" O.K. well where's good old Krowny hidin'?" asked Saycha as he looked at everyone and then just shrugged their shoulders.

Meanwhile Krowny had ditched his Palant and had his leather sack of rubber balls draped over his shoulder, as he jogged thru the course nailing anyone he saw and laughing hysterically. He came into the teddy bear garden, with stuffed animals on the ends of flower stems. There was a thick purple grass that had Cashre's face burned into it. Krowny saw a purple colored man start to get up out of his hiding place in the grass and threw down his leather sack and tackled the man and shouted," You won't take me alive!"

Then the purple man punched Krowny in the stomach and said sternly," Watch it, it's my job here!"

" You're not foolin' me young snap!" shouted Krowny then he kicked him in the chest and the purple man was knocked back onto a large teddy bear.

Then Krowny grabbed 2 balls and pelted him in the neck and mouth. Then Krowny grabbed the leather sack and ran for it. He came into the room where everyone was with a wide smile on his face and then stopped and said brightly," This game's the best ever."

Everyone laughed and then a booming voice said," The 2 players with the most targets hit were green and purple. Those 2 may proceed!"

" I won, nice now these lovely Canto's," said Saycha as he saw a staff member walk over to him and hand him a 5 foot long steel sword.

" Purple, hey I was purple. Isn't that some luck for the man of many years, thank you," said Krowny then he was handed a sword by a staff member an asked," who goes first?"

" You both do, whoever stabs the Canto in the back of the head first goes to the riddle chamber," said Bichel as her and everyone stepped back from Krowny and Saycha.

" Riddle chamber, what the Underworld is thaaa..." said Krowny, but suddenly one of the Canto's came alive and dove on top of him.

Krowny wrestled with the Canto and then he grabbed its jaws and pulled its mouth open and rolled it off of him. He sprung to his feet and face the Canto with his sword in hand and double vision. Meanwhile the other Canto was chasing after Saycha then he ran behind a large rock.

" Be careful, Saycha, it could be dangerous," yelled Dorama as she watched the action anxiously.

" Easier said than done," said Saycha to himself as he leapt out from behind the rock and sliced at the Canto's left leg knocking it off.

Then Krowny sliced the right shoulder blade off his Canto and ran and did a flip and landed on its back. The Canto started to shake and move from side to side as it tried to shake him and Krowny shouted," You can't shake the kid!"

Then Saycha jumped onto his 3 legged Canto and he started to shake violently and Jamce shouted," Who's got the guts to win the match!"

" I hope it's me," said Saycha as he held on for dear life.

Then Saycha tried to stab his Canto in the back of the head, but it was shaking too violently and let out a gasp as sweat beaded up on his forehead. Krowny meanwhile was riding his Canto around the room wildly then he said sternly," You can't shake me, so don't even try!"

Then Krowny's Canto jumped over Saycha's and as it did Krowny stabbed his sword into the back of its head and the Canto froze in its tracks. Then both Canto's fell onto their backs and the riddle chamber door swung open.

" Hurray, Krowny, way to go!" shouted Dorama as she smiled and pumped her fist.

" Nice work old, Krowny, we knew you'd do it," said Jamce as he grinned at Krowny and clapped his hands loudly.

Krowny just looked around at everyone in shock and then shrugged his shoulders and said coyly," I don't know my own age. I guess it's time for a bit of the riddle chamber by gum."

" The riddles usually have two different answers so be ready for anything," said Bichel then she gave Jamce a kiss.

Krowny walked into the riddle chamber and the doors slammed behind him. It was a perfectly square room with golden walls that had hundreds of depictions of Kings and Queens ruling over their subjects.

There were also 5 tables of gold in the left wall and far wall that had dozens of small paperback books on them. There was also a dozen crystal jewel encrusted masks spread out on the tables. In the center of the room there were 2 slots for masks and 2 for books on a white ivory table and there was a white round book with the words," Open for the answers to the questions of it all," written on it. The ceiling was an emerald crystal that had Cashre's face molded into it. There was also a red throne in front of the table.

Krowny took a look around and then asked," O.K. you got me here now what?"

Then he heard a pair of voices coming from the walls say in unison," The riddle is on the table in the center of the room. Open the book and see."

" Alright, at least it's not an elusive thing to find," said Krowny as he walked up to the table and took a look.

Then he picked up the book and opened it and inside it had a holed out center with a small red envelope inside. He looked at it for a second then grabbed the envelope and opened it and pulled out a small piece of paper that read," If you were a smart king who loved his subjects which mask would you wear and what book would you read to fill your days with fear. Find them and put them where they belong mine friend."

" Alright and it says here at the bottom you have 5 minutes from when you close this book. And you only get one chance and if its incorrect you lose and the second fighter of the Canto gets a chance. Well, let's have a look around," said Krowny then he walked over to the first table and saw all the masks and books and said boldly," I was born for 1 perfect guess and for nothing but."

Then he grabbed a black and gold mask that had huge blue Diamonds as eyes and a silver nose. Then he walked over to the next table and grabbed the book titled," Love is everywhere if you love yourself," and said anxiously," the title alone terrifies me."

Then Krowny walked back to the center table and nervously looked at the mask and the book he had chosen and then as he put them in the slots said nervously," Boy I need some luck c'mon and give it."

Then the walls of the riddle chamber folded into the ground and a dozen guitar players appeared behind the chamber and began to play a wild instrumental version of," Kisses hurt our love," by the Ax Grinders. Then an animatronic statue of Cashre came out of the floor with a purple staff in front of him, as well as all 80 coins that everyone had paid and said boldly," Champions inspire the hearts of the truly fearful. Take thy bounty and change the world."

Krowny walked over and grabbed the staff and put the sack of coins in his pocket and turned to everyone and said plainly," Winnings overrated."

Everyone laughed and Krowny just grinned and walked out of the games room with everyone beside him. They got hotel rooms and went upstairs and went to sleep.

Chapter 4

Drarery tales and Pasp soup

Mafid, Boesa, and Kerdivel were eating Pasp soup, freshly baked loafs, and drinking red wine from Boesa's personal winery inside Boesa's bakery. It had 8 large ovens that were 300 years old and set into the walls on either side of the room that were constantly cooking something. There was a see thru ice box on the far end of the room filled with every cookie, pie, or cake you could imagine. In the center of the room there were 3 large chairs with brown cushions placed around a square dark wood table that had several drawers in it filled with cured meat and candy. The floor was covered in a black rug that had Boesa's daughter's face sewn into it.

All 3 men sat at the table in the center and ate quietly then Boesa smiled and said," The Horsams have all been received and this very might the yellow wizards of Pabstrum are journeying here for the summit. We won't be hiding our intentions for much longer, my friends."

Mafid grinned and then said proudly," The great writer Drarery wrote a story about a boy who killed his parents and then claimed they had fallen from a great height. The townsfolk never questioned the boy's honesty and took him at his word. After the boy grew up he left the town and went onto become a prominent doctor. Until one day his own very son of 15, who he had told of his horrible secret, killed him with an ax. The point of the story is truth can kill you and irony is everywhere. The people of Pabstrum need a lesson in manners and I propose we give it to them."

" How do you propose we do that?" asked Kerdivel as he wiped his mouth with a white napkin.

" We gather up all the lords from every province and do them in with one fowl swoop. Then the order of things in the province will deteriate and the people will be confused. Then the wizard community will offer to help and this will leave them vulnerable as they will be spread out and busy running the provinces. Then we do them in, in one magnanimous blow," said Mafid boldly then he grabbed a piece of bread and bit into it and smiled.

" That is a great plan and keeps us purely invisible until the moment of attack. Yes, Mafid, we will have our day," said Boesa brightly as he grinned and rubbed his palms together quickly.

Then in walked a tall blue haired savant girl in a white tight fitting medium length dress. She was a very curvaceous 90 year old and looked like she had been beautiful in her youth. Her eyes were beige and sultry. She also had on black heels that had a diamond clasp on the sides.

She walked over to Boesa and said warmly," The yellow wizards have filled the Yeild auditorium and then await your arrival."

" Thank you, Shans, you can tell them I will be there momentarily," said Boesa warmly as he smiled at Shans.

Then Shans hurried away and Mafid said," I will address them and I will make our plans known. Let us go to them now."

" Indeed," said Kerdivel as he stood up from the table as did Mafid and Boesa.

They walked behind Boesa as he went over to the large oven at the end of the room and said as he grabbed the ovens door handle," I've got a quicker route to the auditorium."

Then Boesa pulled open the oven door and reached in and pulled a lever. Then the entire oven swung inward and revealed a secret passageway and Boesa threw each of them a glance and Kerdivel said," Your secrets number in the thousands, Boesa, I am thankful we are friends."

They walked into the passageway and it was lined with thick black stones. And it had several dozen leather cases filled with various staffs and wizardly wares piled up along the bottom of the walls. The walls themselves had several tan wood drawers coming out of them, filled with gold coins, Diamond jewelry, Boesa's many secret spells and an occasional priceless painting that he thought no one should enjoy, but he himself. The floor was made of a white marble and had several placemats every few feet.

As they walked they could hear a faint sound in the distance and then Mafid asked," Boesa, what is that sound I hear? I can't make it out."

" Yes, Boesa, it sounds almost like cackling Larce birds eating a pile of fresh meat," said Kerdivel as he listened hard and put his cupped hand to his ear.

" That is the sound of revolution and hope my friends. See for yourselves," said Boesa then he pushed on the left wall and it opened into a vast auditorium filled with yellow wizards and then Boesa said," These are not birds, but they can fly."

Then Mafid and Kerdivel smiled at each other and Kerdivel said stunned," We'll make a lot of noise with these warriors."

The auditorium was 200 yards long and was built on a gently sloping valley. It had thousands of leather chairs lined up in rows with small foot stools in front of each. In front of them there was a 200 foot golden stage that had several carvings of all the great yellow wizards as well as the Cetiscal war on the front and sides of the 50 foot high colossal stage.

The Cetiscal war was a bloody war between the ancient purple wizards and the yellow wizards. Whereby each and every purple wizard was destroyed in a 306 day siege that left the ground scorched and bloody from the endless death and spell casting. The last purple wizard to fall was the great Gogh Veas. Gogh cast spell after spell using every 3 part spell and trick he could use to escape the horde of yellow wizards for 37 hours straight. Then when he realized that all was lost he took his own life by casting a Booby trap spell that reduced him to a single fleck of dust and in an instant the last of the purple wizards were no more.

ON the stage there were 16 of Boesa's servants standing in ascending order of height with each holding a platter with all the things that he might need, like pie, a glass of wine or even a pair of glasses. There was also a small piece of the stage that jutted outward and had 3 brown leather chairs on it and a thin Gergi in front of them.

A Gergi was a 3 foot long white tube that could amplify any sound spoken into it a thousand times by bouncing the sound waves thru dozens of small chambers inside.

Boesa, Mafid, and Kerdivel entered the stage from a doorway at the back of it and as they did the yellow wizards cast fire image spells, which made small floating fireballs in the shape of everything from Gragums to Eelucs. Boesa, Mafid, and Kerdivel sat down in the chairs at the front of the stage with Mafid in the center in front of the Gergi. Then Mafid gently coughed and said sternly," Hello, wizards of yellow. Owners of the world! I won't mince words so here it is. In 3 days each and every lord of every province will have been done away with. Then the pitiful red and green wizards will run to the aid of the lowly people of every province. Once this has happened we will dine on their blood and destroy them without them being able to use their collective powers on us. One lowly wizard is always at the mercy of two so be not afraid. When that day comes you will each receive a Horsam spell that will tell you of the wizards you are to destroy. Remember my friends and fiends of many arches, they stole this world from

us and we will use supreme vengeance to get it back!" thundered Mafid as he clenched his fist and scowled at the yellow wizards who stood and began cheering by casting voice spells, which continually went any words you wanted in any direction you were facing without you having to speak them.

Boesa and Kerdivel stood up as did Mafid and Boesa said snidely," Their time was a rain drop ours is an ocean."

Mafid nodded and then raised his hands above his head and gently closed his eyes.

2 hours later on the outskirts of Consey Lord Beba was eating Puneberries in his garden behind his mansion. The back of the mansion rose 250 feet into the air and was shaped like a cupcake with hundreds of oddly shaped windows from hand shaped ones to a w shaped window. At the base of the back wall was a large blue rubber statue of Lord Beba and his family that was lying flat on the ground and stretched out into the garden 40 feet. The garden itself had several foot shaped chairs and sofas littered around with easels in front of them as Lord Beba encouraged artists to use his home for their artwork. There were thousands of different flowers, vegetables, fruit bushes, and even a small bird cage for Beba's prized Yotarian mockingbird Featherhead.

Lord Beba himself was 5'3" 163 pounds with a huge pot belly. He had long thick blonde hair that cascaded off his forehead and ended at his shoulder blades. He also wore a thick curly beard with a pointed goatee that had a silver pendant in the center. His eyes were orange and jovial. He had fat thick hands and feet. He wore a white painter's overall and a pair of brown sandals and purple socks. He also had on a silver necklace that had 3 red diamonds in the shape of his crest on his neck.

Lord Beba sat down in front of the cage where Featherhead was perched and said sadly," It's long hard day today, Featherhead, I don't need to tell you, you're feelin' it too aren't ya?"

Then Lord Beba saw a man coming up the walkway behind the cage in a dark blue robe and black boots and he stood up and asked," Yes, may I help you son?"

" No, but you can die," said the man coldly then he threw 2 long daggers at Beba hitting him twice in the heart and then as Beba fell to the ground he shouted," Tereambalo dustos be thus!"

Then a small hole beneath Beba appeared and out came hundreds of small Gragums and they devoured Beba's body, bones, and all and the man in the blue robe smirked and walked away. All over Pabstrum similar occurrences were happening as each and every lord were being killed viciously. After a few hours none remained and the news began to spread of their disappearances to every corner.

Meanwhile Saycha and everyone else in the wagons were nearing the town of Consey. Saycha was sitting up front with Jamce and Baesar and taking in the green lush countryside. Then Saycha asked," What do you think of her, our home Consey, Baesar?"

" It's beautiful I can see how you would miss a place like this," said Baesar as he looked at a pair of heart shaped huts that sat side by side with a smaller heart shaped one in the side of one.

Then they rode past Hevely hill and Jamce said slyly," There's the scene of the crime, that infernal hill."

Saycha looked at Jamce and smiled then looked at Hevely hill and said softly," It's so beautiful it's scary to think it brought us so much pain. The best part is it's all over now and we can get back to our lives."

" That's the truth brother 'o mine. I can't wait to see our old home. I just hope it hasn't burned down or been robbed," said Jamce honestly as he looked at Saycha then rubbed his shoulder.

Then they rode into town and saw a crowd of 100 people standing in the center of town with some of which were crying and shouting and Saycha asked," What on Pabstrum has caused all this?"

" Whatever it is, it's bad news for certain. Park the wagon and I'll go ask," said Jamce sternly as his eyes darted around the crowd.

Saycha parked the wagon and Jamce jumped off and went up old Beta Darvish and tapped her on the shoulder.

Beta Darvish was 5'10" 200 pounds of old charm. She had long green flowing hair that had a pair of braided strips. Her eyes were dark brown and her nose was more cute than handsome. She had on a long flowing paisley cotton dress and a pair of paten leather boots. She also had on a locket shaped like a fish that had her house key hidden inside.

" Excuse me, Beta, what's happening?" asked Jamce as he looked at Beta with concerned eyes.

" Oh, Jamce, Lord Beba, our precious Beba has disappeared. He would never leave his family. And, we just heard that other Lords all over Pabstrum have been disappearing," said Beta anxiously as she wiped the tears from her eyes with a white silk handkerchief.

" Really," said Jamce as he hugged Beta and then said nervously," that's terrible news Beta who could be doing this the black wizards are all gone now. It just doesn't make sense to me."

" I know, but it's happened and a lot of people are worried about the way things will be without order. We're scared, Jamce," said Beta as she sobbed and rested her head on Jamce's shoulder.

" Don't be fearful, Beta, we'll take care of it my family and our wizard friends. I hate to leave you this way, but I have to go tell them the news," said Jamce sternly as he held Beta's neck in his hands.

" You do what you have to, I'll be fine," said Beta as she tried to stop sobbing.

Jamce went back over to the wagons and everyone was standing and waiting for him. He walked up to Saycha and said," Saycha, it's bad, all of the lords have been taken and are feared dead all over Pabstrum. That's what Beta just told me and the people are becoming fearful that things may go haywire without the law."

" Gone, all of them...this stinks of the black wizards, but it can't be. We know where their fates brought them," said Saycha as he tried to think of who could have done it and couldn't think of anyone.

" Maybe it's a group of red or green wizards gone off the deep end. Think of it now would be a perfect time to try and seize power," said Baesar sternly as he looked at everyone.

" It couldn't be, Baesar, the wizards of the Crimson Way all signed an oath many moons ago and none would dream of breaking it. If they did they would face certain destruction, no, Baesar," said Dlarm firmly as he raised his eyebrows and stood defiantly with his arms crossed.

" O.K. then who, who could it be?" asked Baesar quickly as he shook his head.

" Ya know it doesn't matter, what matters is we have a responsibility to the people of Pabstrum, as their wizards we must help maintain order. There has got to be law or there will be chaos. I say the wizards of all colors take over for the missing lords. It's the best we can do," said Saycha firmly.

" He's right, at least until we can find another solution. And in the meantime we track down who's behind this and bring them here to Consey for their reckoning," said Micavello sternly as he walked over to the wagon and grabbed his staff.

" What are you doing?" asked Dlarm as he looked at him perplexed.

" Whoever did this could be here right now and I sure as Underworld aren't going to be caught unarmed. I'd advise you to do the same if you're smart, Dlarm," said Micavello as he walked back over to everyone and took a look around.

" He's right and we might also want to stay together for safety. I say we all stay at our home and a few in the wagons out front," said Dorama implying a question.

" Good point, but how do we let other wizards know what to do in their provinces?" asked Jamce as he grabbed his wrist and rubbed it gently.

" Easy, leave that up to me," said Micavello then he raised his staff high and shouted," Golden roots of a tree most high send all wizards the thought I think now!"

Then thousands of red butterfly lights came out of his staff and flew off in every direction. Then Micavello said plainly," The word is sent let's get to your home quickly before anyone notices."

Then they all climbed up on the wagons and rode past the crowd with Jamce saying to Beta as they passed," Don't worry, Beta, we'll take care of everything tomorrow," and she nodded and mouthed the words," thank you Jamce." They rode to the Mospet's home and parked the wagons and went inside.

Inside they had a t shaped red cushioned paisley couch in the center of the living room. There were also 4 small brown wood foot stools around the couch. There was also a statue of Lord Beba that Jamce had carved out of wood on the left wall and a pile of clean clothes beside it. On the right side of there was a rack filled with whiskey, bourbon, vodka, and wine bottles that had a dozen small wood carvings Dorama had done of Canto's, Palants, and even Jamce and Saycha. There was also a Pegim game on the base of the far wall next to the kitchen.

Pegim was a 3 person warrior game where you had to chop off all of the other 2 warriors body parts with a sword and ax using a joystick to control it, until they exploded. Then you had to swim underwater and retrieve 3 chests filled with gold without being eaten by Yemsax. Yemsax were a 3 headed shark that also had arms and could and would kill anything that got close. Once you had retrieved the 3 gold chests and brought them to the Ole goats mountain peak, an animatronic old man who was covered in white hair and a thick curly beard would grab the chest and say," You've earned my respect, but only for a moment. If you can solve one riddle I'll give you your bounty. Minus 2 chests from 8 chests and choose the right button and push it." Then you pressed either the button 6, 8, 11, 10 and the old man would do a flip if you guessed right. Then a mini wagon would ride out of the game board filled with your 30 coins you had entered at the start and stop and the song," I'll need 3 chances to get it right the first time," by the Bold Cowards.

" O.K. everybody we've got a spare bedroom on this floor and a cot and 2 long couches in the basement. So it's your choice where you bed down. Also if ya git hungry we have some preserved food, but the meat has probably gone bad in the icebox. So eat it at your own risk," said Jamce as he sprawled out on the couch then let out a sigh.

Baesar sat down beside him and said," I'd just assume sleep right here."

" Be my guest, I'll go and get, ya, some pillows in a blanket as soon as I can rest my back for a minute. Ya know those long rides really take it out of ya golly," said Jamce as he stretched his back from side to side then stood up and said brightly," blankets pillows comin' right up."

Then Jamce disappeared into the bedroom and Micavello and Dorama went into her bedroom and closed the door. Saycha went to his bedroom and went to sleep. While Krowny grabbed a bottle of bourbon off the rack and he and Baesar sat on the couch trading sips back and forth. Then in walked

Jamce with 2 blankets and an arm full of pillows and said," Here's a start on a good night's rest. Try to keep yourselves alive 'til mornin', so I can kill you in the daylight and not get blood on the couch."

" Why don't you just kill us in our sleep?" asked Krowny slyly as Jamce handed him a blanket and Krowny handed him the bourbon bottle.

Jamce took a swig off the bottle then scowled and said," That's a good idea, I'll try and get ya in a sleep walk," then he handed Krowny the bottle and said," I'm off to sleep away the day's ride. See ya bad and late."

Krowny and Baesar laughed and then Baesar said," Why don't I take this side of the couch and you take the other."

" Works for me, but I'm not in a tired state just yet. Don't worry I won't be up much longer," said Krowny and Baesar nodded and Krowny moved over to the other side of the couch.

Krowny drank for another hour while everyone slept and his thoughts were of his family. On one hand he missed them dearly, but on the other he knew that harsh words had been spoken before he left. He sat and debated going back to see them at all. He wished they could understand him and not judge him for his personality. He worried they'd never known him at all. Then Krowny passed out and when he awoke in the morning Dorama was in the kitchen singing softly in her black panties and black lace bra and cooking a dozen Xstepys. Baesar was standing in the front door smoking a cigar and taking in the morning sun.

" Hey, Krowny, looks like you finished that whole bottle, ya hungry?" asked Jamce as he walked into the living room fully clothed.

" Hey, Jamce, yeah my belly woke me up with a shout for food," said Krowny as he sat up and yawned and stretched his arms above his head.

" I'll grab ya a plate fear not, Krowny," said Jamce smoothly as he grinned and went into the kitchen.

" Thank you, sonny," said Krowny as he opened his eyes wide then his mouth and let out a long sigh.

Jamce grabbed a plate of 2 Xstepys and 3 dark chocolate cookies and brought them over to Krowny and said slyly," That belly of yours just started shouting profanities, so take these and eat quick."

Then Krowny took the plate, knife, and fork and began eating, while Jamce went back and got his own plate. After everyone was up and had eaten they climbed onto the wagons and headed into town with Dlarm and the red wizards continuing on to Stachance to rule over their own people. Micavello and Baesar decided to stay in Consey for good as did Krowny. They rode up into the heart of town and parked behind a group of 40 people who were consoling each other.

" Jamce, the people look worried I'm gonna let them know that I'll take over for Lord Beba," said Saycha as he stood up on the wagon and then shouted," people of Consey I am your favored son, Saycha, and I am also a wizard of grand strength and power. I will keep order and keep the way of things that same. Don't let worry enter your minds from hence forth."

Then a seal black haired young man named Bartivor Balker walked over to Saycha and said sternly," You are but a boy I don't believe you have any powers at all, prove it!"

Saycha grinned at him then raised his staff and shouted," I disturb the wind with laughter!"

Then a huge Eeluc made of blue flames appeared in the sky and swooped down at the crowd, but flew upward at the last moment sending a shiver thru their bodies. Then the Eeluc flew up into the sky and did a lightning spin then burst into an image of Saycha that floated in the sky.

O.K. we believe you, Saycha, just don't use your magic on us alright," said Bartivor as he looked at Saycha and grinned.

" You got yourself a deal, from now on if there's a problem just come to me and my friends and we'll take care of it o.k.?" asked Saycha as he put his hand around Jamce and Baesar's shoulders.

Bartivor looked at him smiling then his smile instantly faded and he pointed and said nervously," There's a problem."

Saycha turned around to see 7 wagons filled with Purpas yelling and screaming with swords, staffs, and daggers in their hands heading right for him and said softly," Jamce, go get Micavello quick, tell him it's real bad."

" I think you're right," said Jamce slowly then he darted into the wagon and shouted," Micavello, come quick!"

Then Micavello came down the stairs with his staff in hand and asked," What is it, Jamce?"

" The Purpas again, this time there's 7 wagons worth," said Jamce quickly as he saw his sword on the chair and he grabbed it and hurried out to the front of wagon.

Dorama came down the stairs and asked," What's happened?"

" It's the Purpas, they're back for revenge or they've just plain lost it, either way be ready to fight," said Micavello sternly then he gave Dorama a kiss and said warmly," in case I forget, I love you."

Dorama grabbed a sword off the wall and said as she grinned," I always will my love."

Then they kissed again and Krowny walked in and asked," What was all the hugamaru and why do you have weapons?"

" Arm yourself, Krowny, there's trouble. The Purpas are back, so grab a sword quick," said Dorama sternly then she and Micavello hurried to the front of the wagon.

Krowny grabbed a sword and smiled and said wryly," Every day is a surprise with these people...but every day I hope for one. Boy I love getting' old."

Then Krowny went up front and saw the horde of Purpas barreling down on them and Saycha tapped his stomach and said boldly," You'll be fine, Krowny, I've got this under control," said Saycha as he held up his staff.

The Purpas were dark yellow 5 story high wagons with decks around the outside of each filled with Purpas. On the side of the wagons there was a mural of Marev Blopottle looking menacing with his staff in hand. On the roof of each were Purpas holding up swords and daggers and shouting. Then they rode into the center of Consey and flooded the streets with Purpas and began attacking everyone in sight.

" I guess negotiations are out," said Micavello sarcastically as he raised his staff then shouted," Copub darkly dredge!"

Then a wave of blue molten lava appeared just beyond the Purpas's first wagon and washed over it and it melted and burst into flames, as did 40 Purpas whose bones were reduced to ash. The air filled with the smell of death and their screams echoed thru the town square.

" That'll toast those cold toes of theirs," said Jamce snidely as he saw the wave of lava.

Then a Purpas jumped from his wagon over onto Jamce's back and Jamce struggled to free himself. Then the Purpas reached for his blade and Jamce used his own movement to swing him off his back and onto the ground, but then another Purpas jumped onto the wagon. Jamce saw this and chopped off his

head with a slice of his sword and the body fell off the front of the wagon and Saycha said slyly," These Purpas have no reason for necks if their heads are just gonna fall off."

Then a Purpas raised his staff and shouted," Koe Pari Sur!"

Then a huge black and red 2 headed snake came slithering out from beneath the street and grabbed 2 people and swallowed them whole. Saycha saw this and said boldly," That's a big problem, but I can handle it," and then he raised his staff and shouted," Gogus dawo be fist!"

Then a huge seal black hairy pair of hands with yellow fingernails exploded up from the ground under the snake and grabbed hold of it. Then the hands began tearing the snake into 2 pieces. And then a huge mouth filled with red teeth opened beneath the snake and devoured the snake from head to tail then disappeared in a flash.

" Nice spell, but here comes a whole lot of more Purpas," said Baesar as he pointed to another 4 black wagons of Purpas coming down the road towards them.

" We don't have the numbers or the time to fend them all off. If it's us they want they'll follow us out of town. Let's make a run for it, it's the only chance for the people of Consey to survive," said Saycha boldly as he looked at the Purpas then grabbed the reins and yelled at the Palant to bolt.

They tore past 2 of the Purpas's wagons and 7 Purpas jumped onto theirs and climbed inside. Jamce ran inside with his sword with Krowny and Baesar quick behind. There were 3 large Purpas in front of them with circular daggers in both hands. Jamce grinned at them and said boldly," Don't count on breathing much longer my friends!"

" Our lungs are full my friend it's yours I would worry about," said the 6'6" 269 pounds Purpas coldly as he began to wave his blades in circles in front of his face and smile.

" Then try me for a care," said Jamce snidely then he tore at the large Purpas and they started hitting each other's blades rapidly.

Then the Purpas sliced the side of Jamce's neck and Jamce didn't hesitate and stabbed him in the quadricep with his sword. Then Jamce grabbed his dagger from his boot and buzzed it in his skull and said snidely," Think things over my ,friend."

Meanwhile Krowny and Baesar were fighting the other 2 Purpas. Krowny did a spiraling flip kick as the Purpas ducked Krowny stabbed him in the back of the neck and the Purpas fell to his knees in agony. Then Krowny pulled his sword out of his neck and stabbed him right between the shoulder blades. Then the Purpas spit up ad mouthful of thick red blood and fell forward and died. Then Krowny asked," Need any help with that one, Baesar?"

" Not a bit," said Baesar sternly then he raised his staff and shouted," Beedo doma pieces!"

Then a puff of blue smoke rose up from under the 3rd Purpas and quickly blew away and then Krowny asked," Was that supposed to happen?"

" Wait," said Baesar slowly as he grinned.

Then the Purpas's entire body exploded into tiny beads and they scattered all over the floor and Jamce asked wryly," That is a spell most kind, but who's gonna clean up?"

On the front of the wagon Saycha, Dorama, and Micavello were staring down 3 Purpas who were each 6 inches taller than the previous one with the tallest being 6'9".

" You're not gonna live much longer Purpas. If I were you I'd run for it," said Dorama sternly as she slowly waved her sword in front of her face.

" We're dead already, it was you who killed us," said the tallest one coldly.

" We haven't done anything to you," said Saycha sharply as he glared at the Purpas.

" You killed our high priest in a roadside battle we were waging with the Qytoe before he had a chance to deliver our yearly blessing. Now none of us can eat any food until all your kind is no more. And those Qytoe will be playing a visit if we aren't successful. So, pretty lady and your 2 friends, let'start the madness!" said the tall Purpas sternly then he started to walk towards Dorama.

" If that's the case then it was an accident per se not intentional. You have to see that," pleaded Saycha as he kept a close eye on the advancing Purpas.

" That changes nothing, he is dead and you owe a debt, now pay it," said the shortest Purpas then he came at Saycha swirling his 2 daggers.

" Broc venna thine break!" shouted Saycha as he raised his staff high.

Then a wall of black daggers appeared in front of him and the small Purpas ran straight into them. The daggers stabbed all over his body with 3 in his eyes and forehead. Then the wall disappeared and his bloody body fell helplessly to the ground.

Dorama swung her sword at the tall Purpas and he caught it with his 2 circular daggers and said snidely," No weak woman can kill me."

Dorama grabbed a dagger from her belt as he said it and then stabbed him in the stomach and said snidely," You're right, but I can."

The 3rd Purpas ran at Micavello and sliced open his shoulders as Micavello raised his staff and shouted," Morever godrackus Lillary!" casting a Lillary spell on him.

The Purpas suddenly began to hunch over and act like he was an old woman, with his voice and mannerisms. Then Micavello put his hands on his shoulders and walked him over to the side of the

wagon. Then he kicked him off the side and down to the moving road below and said brightly," I love your cooking grandma, but not your whiskey."

" Well that's all of them, I think we can relax now," said Dorama plainly as she started to put her blade away.

Then the 7th Purpas jumped down from the second story window above and landed on top of Dorama and shouted," You'll die like the swine you are!"

Then Jamce came running out and threw his dagger at the Purpas and hit him in the back of the head. Then the Purpas fell backwards off the side of the wagon and died.

" You alright, sis?" asked Jamce as he walked over to her and rubbed her neck.

" Yeah, I'm fine, but his blade sliced into my cheek as he fell off, see right here," said Dorama as she showed Jamce the 2 inch long cut.

" Looks fine I wouldn't worry that should heal up quick. Are we sure that's the last of those petulant Purpas?" asked Jamce as he looked around.

" It should be, but they'll be back and in greater numbers. See, one of the ones we killed in the road fight was their high priest so they said they can't eat 'til we're dead," said Saycha as he sat down and took the reins.

" They're back!" said Krowny quickly as he came out to the front of the wagon.

" What?" asked Jamce quickly as he looked at Krowny.

" There's 6 wagons tearin' up the road behind us. If you ask me we need to find and alternate route," said Krowny sternly as he sat down.

" Hey, he's right I can see them a quarter mile back," said Jamce as he leaned his head out around the side of the wagon while he held on with his right hand tightly to the couch.

" That's dangerous, Jamce, reel yourself in, you might fall," said Dorama nervously as she watched his hand gripping the couch.

Then Jamce pulled himself back onto the wagon and said," They're back there and if we stay on this road eventually they'll catch us. The question is where do we go?" asked Jamce as he shrugged and looked at Saycha.

" Why don't we go to my chateau and try and wait them out. If they were serious about not eating they won't last long," said Micavello as he stood up and began looking for a sign for the next road and then saw one and said," Look, Ole beanpot road, that will take us to Sima road. From there it's easy to get there."

" Sounds good, what other choice do we have Marbou's been almost completely destroyed," said Baesar sadly then he ran his right hand thru his hair and thought of how beautiful Marbou was before.

Saycha saw Baesar's was hurt, but could also tell he didn't want to talk about it and said brightly," Yeah I'll steer us down ole beanpot road right now."

Then Saycha drove the wagon down ole beanpot road and into a tunnel of trees and branches with small statues of Count Moos Crift just beneath them.

Count Moos Crift was a famous blue wizard who created the Microfic portals because he felt an eternity in the Underworld was unfair. He was a slight man of 5'10" and 140 ponds, but had unheard of powers. It was even said he could take the form of any animal and was known to do so. He had dark blue neatly cut hair that appeared to be alive. His eyes betrayed his wisdom and were dark blue and glowing.

He had a prominent perfectly straight nose that had a small dimple at the tip. He always wore his dark blue ascot and white shirt, as well as black leather pants and tan corduroy jacket. And his tan leather sneakers that had Pilk capsules attached to the toes.

Pilk capsules were pyramid shaped black flasks that carried large doss of captured magical energy, that could be thrown at or in front of the person you were attacking. Then a gigantic 3 part spell would be thrust upon them lead to certain doom.

They rode past the trees and kept looking back to check for the Purpas following them. As they got a half mile further Jamce said," I think we lost that batch, but there could be more of their ilk anywhere. At some point we need to rest the Palant and get some supplies."

" Good idea, but it won't be a while we're in this tunnel," said Saycha wryly as he looked up at the perfectly arched tree branches of the tunnel and thought of when he was young and his mother Maryartha helped him build a fort. He longed for those days he thought, even now.

" Sadly enough no, but this tunnel can't go on forever. So with that said I am going inside to drink away some memories. Anybody interested in joining in?" asked Jamce as he grinned and gave everyone a look.

" Was that a rhetorical question?" asked Krowny then he did a weird 4 note whistle and headed into the wagon.

" I like the tunnel, I think I'll stay out here awhile," said Dorama warmly as she clutched Micavello.

" That goes for me too," said Micavello as he grinned at Dorama.

" I'm enjoying the tunnel too. I think I'll stay put," said Saycha as he smirked.

" The back of my throat says yes and my lips our whispering pour me one," said Baesar slyly then he walked into the wagon followed by Jamce who was laughing.

Saycha laughed and then turned and saw a huge black fake Palant that the road continued onward underneath it and said happily," I'm really enjoying the ole beanpot road. I can't wait to see where it leads."

" You are not the only one, it just feels like a nice area to travel thru very interesting to say the least," said Dorama as they started to ride under the fake Palant.

There were 50 hand shaped houses on either side of the road that got gradually smaller as you rode past them. They had beautiful carved wooden wagons in front of each that got gradually smaller as the houses did and were painted the same color and design as the houses. There were several families playing Nomprod in the front yard.

Nomprod was a game where you all attached a belt and rubber cord to your waists. Then you had to try to touch the player holding the golden Nomprod ball. But you had to touch him before he got to the blue rubber basket and threw it in. You could only run at him if he or she wasn't facing you. If they turned to face you, you had to stop in your tracks and go to the end of the slack in the rubber cord. Then if they turned and ran for the goal you could either run after them or try to stop them by pulling the cord. The first person to 3 goals was the winner, but if you were touched by a different person got the Nomprod ball and a chance to score. You started the game at the opposite end of the field as the goal. When the 3rd goal went thru you pressed a green button and all the coins you wagered flew out of the goal inside a purple sack.
Chapter 5

Tell me the truth Samsit

They rode down ole Beanpot road for another 3 hours and then saw that the Palant was tired and hungry so Dorama said," I think we should find a town or the Palant's not gonna make it. Look how hard she's breathing."

Saycha looked at the Palant and saw gallons of spit flying out with every breath, which he knew meant they were tired and hungry and then said," You're right we'll take whatever town pops up next."

They rode past seven large chateaus that were 50 yards tall and made from black and red marble. Then they saw the sign for Tafox city and rode down the gently sloping road into the heart of Tafox.

The town was in the shape of a star, with 70 large chateaus emanating out from the cup shaped city center. There were 50 or so bars, stores, games rooms, stages and even a lush garden built into the cup shaped huge 1800 yard long known as the Pemcik building. It had a huge mural of Count Moos Crift casting a spell on a small boy that changed him into a Durion. And then Moos rode away on the Durion with the other wizards looking on in horror. There were dozens of trees surrounding the Pemcik as well as hundreds of wagons parked around it. On top of the Pemcik was a small lake that people boated on and swam in, that had a small forest around it as well as a lush thick soft green grass.

" This place says stay awhile," said Saycha as they rode up and parked.

" Well that's good because the Palant is darn near dead. And I am dying for a fresh meal," said Dorama as she looked at all the odd wagons and people milling about.

" Yeah a good meal would really do the trick right now," said Micavello as he tried not to think of the Purpas.

Then Jamce popped his head out and said brightly," I thought I smelled a lively town. Boy, look at all the hustle and bustle. I feel right at home. I'll go get Krowny and Baesar and get to the business of renaming this place Mospetville."

Then Saycha laughed and said quickly," Pure perfection dear, Jamce."

Then Jamce went into the wagon as Saycha parked it on the left hand side of the Pemcik. Then a portly fellow in a dark green robe and black boots named Pene Mosasi came over to the wagon and asked," Is it business today or pleasure my friends?"

" A little pleasure is what we were hoping for. Why do you ask?" asked Dorama as she smiled at Pene.

" I am Pene Mosasi and I run a station in the games room where we play Teraps. It's a wonderful game and we are always looking for new players. If you are interested it's on the second floor and it is but 15 coins per person," said Pene warmly as he rubbed his hands and smiled.

" We might at that, how many players do you get for a match?" asked Jamce as he came out onto the front of the wagon.

Teraps was a game where you strapped yourself onto a mechanical Eeluc and flew around a large playing field destroying the other players red basketball sized eggs with an ax or bow and arrow. After a pair of players were the only 2 with eggs left you dismounted your Eeluc and climbed inside a mechanical

Pesi worm, which was dark purple in color and 10 feet long. Then you dug down into the ground and searched for the golden Oya staffs and the player to find 3 first and bring them back to the 3 staff holders was then able to go into the Beniha chamber. When you had entered you had to fight and kill 3 mechanical Qytoe by severing their heads. Then you stepped into the black stainglass chamber and a shower of the coins you won began as the song," Fiddle bladdle where's my rattle," by the Missing Found Outs, began to play.

" We draw 20 people per match and we run 2 matches per day. And we ask that you purchase 2 beverages and an item from our menu in exchange for the winner keeping the entire 300 coin, and the gold necklace we put up. It's really quite fun do you feel like playing?" asked Pene as he smirked slightly.

" We would but we need to catch some dinner first. When is the next match?" asked Jamce plainly as he climbed down off the wagon.

" It's not for 30 minutes and you could eat right at our restaurant and I could hold your spots in the Teraps match," said Pene warmly as he raised his brow.

" Works for me if there's Guros or Cory tongues," said Saycha implying a question.

" We have it all, there's over 100 items on our menu. Why don't you follow me and I'll show you the way?" asked Pene as he offered Dorama his hand.

" Thank you," said Dorama as she took his hand with Micavello looking at her curiously.

" I love a new game, but you know what else I like?" asked Jamce as he flowed after Pene.

" What's that?" asked Saycha as he knew Jamce was about to zing him.

" Winning a new game, bro O' mine. What else is there?" asked Jamce slyly then he danced a jig and smiled.

Krowny and Baesar came out and saw everyone heading in and Krowny said," I think we're missing the party, let's hoof it."

" No kiddin'," said Baesar as he and Krowny lightly jogged after everyone.

They went inside Pemcik and went into a fake snake's head and thru its body, with round windows on the sides that looked in on various places like restaurants and bars. They walked a bit further and Krowny said slyly," So this is where Paisy went."

Who is Paisy?" asked Baesar as he looked anxiously at Krowny and grinned.

" She was my pet mouse, she got eaten by a snake. It must have been a scary time for her, ya know getting' eaten alive," said Krowny smoothly then he let out a cackle.

Baesar laughed and then said," At least she got to see this wondrous sight up close. I envy poor Paisy, she had it good. Better than we got it now, Krowny, I think this thing's alive!"

Then Krowny laughed and they came to the end of the snake and into a hallway made from fake Durions on either side. There were paintings in between the Durions shoulders of Kalm Gosedi the illusive green wizard.

Kalm Gosedi was a mammoth man of 8 feet and 900 pounds of pure muscle. He had piercing lavender eyes that crippled the bravest hearts at a glance. His hair was also lavender and had the natural appearance of a Palant's head with a silver flask filled with a large dose of Pilk tied into a ponytail in the back. He had hands with fingers so wide he shook hands with his index finger and people could barely get their hands around it. His feet looked like a lily pad and could easily crush the life out of you. He

wore his blue corduroy shirt and green jeans as well as a blue cape of silk and blue boots that had the words," I'll remember the dust," sewn into the sides 3 times.

" Look at this geezer in those paintings. A face only an undertaker could kiss," said Jamce slyly as he looked at a painting of Kalm staring into a mirror of a goat's face.

" And only with a case of whiskey. Weird, but all these paintings are of him. Must've been a big thing in these parts," said Krowny as he rubbed one of the paintings and felt a spark go thru his arm and he pulled back his hand quickly.

" Careful, Krowny, he seems the vengeful type. Maybe we should be a bit careful with what we say here," said Jamce as he looked at a painting and it winked at him.

Then they came to a dozen staircases that spiraled and veered in every direction. There were several landing s and doors at the end of each one. And on the right there was a large red round elevator that seemed to go into the sky above, but it was only a painted sky.

" Let's take the lift, it's more fun," said Pene as he walked towards the round elevator.

" I hope it doesn't lift us into our coffins," said Jamce as he looked at the odd elevator.

They walked over and the doors spiraled away and everyone walked in. Inside it had hundreds of small 12 inch statues made from gold, silver, wood, even rubber inside blue glass cases all over the walls of the elevator. The ceiling had half a statue of Kalm with its hands reaching down towards the people inside. Jamce looked up and got startled and said nervously," Who's that, this is the weirdest place I've ever seen, but at least it's got booze and games. So I'll forgive it for now."

" Weird, what are you talkin' about?" asked Saycha as he nudged Jamce who pointed to the ceiling and Saycha felt a jolt and said nervously," Oh, yeah I get it."

" I think it's quant, I love all these little statues must've taken forever to make them all," said Dorama as she examined a wooden one of a Canto smoking a pipe and sitting cross legged.

" Look up," said Saycha as he pointed upward and smirked.

Then Dorama did and cringed and said," Yeah, maybe not so quant after all."

" We're here," said Pene as the tiny man above the door pulled down his pants and his bare plastic butt read," Give us a kiss."

" Charming," said Dorama when she saw it.

" That is one proud man I sees," said Krowny slyly then he tapped the naked plastic butt as he exited the elevator.

They came into the Teraps games room and saw the enormity of it. It was 3 stories high of one huge course. There were several crows nests that you were lifted up to start the game that had hundreds of multi colored feathers used as wallpaper. There were also a pair of brown cushioned chairs and a black table in the crow's nest that had small whiskey bottles and snacks like cookies and steak tips on them. The rest of the course consisted of a maze of small rooms and bush tunnels where the eggs of different colors would be hid. There was also a man shaped lake with several islands that had chests and drawers that also could hide eggs. On the sides were black walls that had dozens of small faces that would pop out periodically and sometimes had eggs in them. On the ground were dozens of statues with eggs hidden in them that were mechanical and continually moving. Around the outside of the course there was a long curbside restaurant named Patsy's Tom with tables that rose up to the second story once you pressed a button so you could eat and watch the action. There was also a bar that looked like a barrel and had people on both the bottom, top, and middle levels that they got to by staircase that ran all the way around.

The bar had a sign that read," Bones is dead long live bones!," along the front in black wooden letters. It also had a small elevator in the center of the tables that would bring your drinks up in an instant.

" Boy am I getting a great feeling from this place weird or not let's eat," said Micavello as he looked around.

" Players get a coin off of their dinners, so enjoy and remember this game isn't for amateurs," said Pene as he smiled and then walked into Patsy's Tom.

" That's why we're playin'," said Jamce slyly as he grinned and watched Pene wave goodbye and then said quickly," let's get a good stomach full of fuel and get ready mentally for a little Teraps."

" Good point, I guess we should grab a couple tables," said Dorama warmly then she walked over and sat down as did everyone else at 2 tables that were side by side.

" What's this button do?" asked Saycha then he pressed the button and the table rose slowly up to the second story and he said brightly," I see."

Then Krowny saw this as he sat down at the other table and pressed his button and they rose up to the second story and he said wryly," You can't slip us no way no how ya doin'"

Then over came a 70 year old black haired woman named Mumsa Poramo. She had a beautiful aged face with red lipstick and blue mascara on. Her eyes said boldly that she was wise and traveled. She was 5'0" and 170 pounds and was very curvaceous. She had on a red sweater with a blue and red pin that had a picture of her late son that she named Paul. She also had on a pair of black dress pants and white slippers that had a gargoyle sewn onto the tips. She also had on a silver rope necklace that was hand carved by her husband Bretum that read," We meet and fall in love everyday of our lives."

" O.K., I'm Mumsa and here are your menus," said Mumsa as she pressed in a square black button on the side of the tables and the menus flipped up where the table top had been from inside the table and then said brightly," the Palant steak tips will kiss your taste buds and marry you in the morning. So take your time, but if you need a quick jolt I've got every whiskey, Bourbon, and wine you would want. And we've got a sugary pop called Seesoo that is delicious."

" I'll have the steak tips and a Seesoo please, Mumsa," said Jamce as he cracked his knuckles and leaned back in his chair.

" Why don't we all get it, to save some time?" asked Dorama as she shrugged her shoulders and looked at everyone.

" Works for me," said Saycha quickly as he looked around and everyone nodded yes.

" O.k. I'll be back in 5 minutes with all your orders. Now does anyone want a quick whiskey?" asked Mumsa warmly as she looked around at everyone.

" Yeah, why don't you please just bring the bottle of bourbon and wine and we'll sort it out," said Jamce as he nodded and grinned.

" Done and double done 5 lovelies," said Mumsa then she danced away happily as she sang.

" You know I really like her she seems to really enjoy her job," said Krowny as he watched her dance away.

" Maybe a little romance in the air ole, Krowny," said Jamce implying a question.

" No maybe's about it, that woman has my juices flowin'. I wonder if she likes dashing older men with 60 coin to spend on her?" asked Krowny slyly as he grinned.

" If you win the Teraps she would be a lot more willing to share a dance with ya," said Saycha coyly as he grinned at Krowny.

" Then don't think for a second that a one of you is gonna lick me. It's my sworn destiny to win that game and so I shall," said Krowny boldly as his eyes opened wide and he scowled at everyone.

" Oh, is that it? Well I wouldn't be much a friend if I didn't fight me hardest against ya dear, Krowny. Ya see I'm a Mospet we win," said Jamce happily as he flashed a cocky smile.

" Oh ho ho, Jamce, with my love for Mumsa on the line not even the Mospets can tame my grit. I've got a Canto's heart pumpin' pure victory thru these old bones," said Krowny sternly as he felt his bicep and scowled at Jamce.

" Well why don't you pump a little bourbon thru 'em and see if you get the girl," said Mumsa warmly as she stood behind Krowny with a carrying case with bourbon, whiskey, wine and 6 Seesoo wooden barrel shaped cans inside.

Krowny turned to face her and got down on one knee and said coyly," I've fallen for ya, Mumsa, as you can see. Now I know you've had better offers, but I can give you the one thing they can't. And that's a lifetime of broken promises, I mean it that's where I'm comin' from," said Krowny sarcastically as he grinned up at Mumsa.

Mumsa looked at him as she laughed and then asked," Is that a promise man whose name I don't know?"

" It's Krowny and yes, I can assure you we'll never have a shortage of laughter as I fail you time and again," said Krowny jokingly as he took her hand and stood up and grinned at her warmly.

Mumsa smiled and couldn't think what to make of him and then said brightly," Then I say after your match you come back and buy me dinner with all your winnings, Krowny."

" I'll do just that, Mumsa, and nothing less," said Krowny warmly and then he turned to Jamce and said sternly," alright, Jamce, let the old man have his victory."

" Neva," said Jamce quickly as he waved his finger at Krowny and smiled.

" Ya see why I need you, Mumsa, I'm surrounded by the children of wild Canto's. Which to be fair is how I like it," said Krowny slyly then he put his arms around Mumsa's waist and asked," can you stand to be my best girl?"

" Love, love too, I'll go get your food and then we'll have ourselves a nice long chat," said Mumsa then she gave Krowny a smooch and smiled from ear to ear and then went to get the food.

Mumsa came back 2 minutes later and gave everyone their steak tips and Seesoo pops and then said in a sultry voice," Save appetite for me, Krowny, I'm dying for a dish of Krowny."

Krowny smiled and then said smoothly," There's always plenty Krowny to go around."

Then Mumsa gave him a quick kiss and went back to work. Everyone ate their meals and Jamce and Krowny finished off the bourbon and whiskey and paid the bill, then headed over to the Teraps course where Pene was waiting and he asked," 15 coin from each and the stars you will reach, please pay your toll?"

" Fine with me," said Jamce as he pulled out a handful of coins and handed Pene 15 as did everyone else.

" Great and greater now you will go up to your crows nests and get on your Eeluc. Then you have to destroy the other player's eggs before they destroy all of yours. The color on the head of your Eeluc is

your eggs. Then when only 2 players have eggs left we will move onto the next portion of the game. When you're ready to go press the purple button in your crows nest and when everyone is ready off you go. Have a great match and enjoy," said Pene boldly as he stood casually in front of everyone on a small podium.

" Don't think you're gonna win this one, Jamce, I'm here to defend a fair maidens honor," said Krowny sternly as he started up to his crow's nest.

" Dorama says thanks, but no thanks she wants her old bro to take the prize. You know there's no shame in second place, that's where all the best hang their hats," said Jamce as he flashed a cocky smile.

" You incorrigible rascal, are you sure you're not my son secretly?" asked Krowny jokingly as he got to the top of his crow's nest.

" Maybe, but don't think I'm callin' ya dad. How about the keeper of grey hairs, it has a nice ring to it?" asked Jamce jokingly as he got on top of his Eeluc and began reading the instructions on how to fly it.

" Grey hairs, those babies are silver and I've got a better name, Pabstrum's reigning king and cherished love. How's that hit ya?" asked Krowny as he strapped himself in and looked down and said nervously," boy, I hope this thing works or I'm lunch meat."

Jamce laughed and then pressed his purple button and said," Oh to be a kid and do dangerous things, this is my lot."

Everyone was strapped in and then Saycha said boldly as he pressed his purple button," Only champions forget their fears and remember their power!"

Then everyone's Eeluc was released and they flew into the course, with Dorama smashing one of Jamce's blue eggs with an ax that was on top of a golden statue and she shouted," Now we're cookin'!"

Micavello swooped over to the left wall and punched a red egg inside a black mask of Cashre that belonged to Dorama and it burst into a pile of feathers and fire and he said sternly," Sorry, Dorama, but I'm not losing another match."

Jamce flew over to one of the islands in the manmade lake and landed and began throwing open brown chests and smashing every egg inside with his ax. He smashed 3 black eggs and 2 yellow and said sternly," Now we're playin' for keeps and I keep winnin'."

Krowny was flying thru the bush tunnels and shooting every color egg besides his own. He hit 2 green ones which were Saycha's and he burst out laughing as he loaded his bow and arrow up. Then he shot 2 more green eggs with arrows and said ecstatically," Even if I lose I'm taking the green eggs owner with me. This is the fun I never had whowee."

Meanwhile Baesar was in a room that had 4 walls of cabinets and every one he opened had 2 black eggs in it. He crushed them 2 at a time with his ax and then said snidely," I feel for ya black eggs, but not that much."

Then a man in a black robe popped out of the black cabinet and nailed Baesar right in the face with a pair of balls of sour meat and shouted," Have a snack you straggler."

" Straggler, I'll whoop your butt," said Baesar then he went after the man, but he disappeared back into the cabinet and then said loudly," you're lucky my friend that I don't have my staff!"

Saycha flew down in between several moving mechanical statues and jumped off the Eeluc and began chopping the red and blue eggs they had in their hands. The statues were of Kalm Gosedi and they were

all of different sizes and shaped. Then Saycha punched one of the statues in the stomach and 5 black eggs came pouring out. Then Saycha trampled them and shouted," Kiss these goodbye, I be cooking me some breakfast!"

Dorama made a hard right into a large room that looked like a bar, but there were bottles filled with green and yellow eggs behind the bar. It had 7 stools around a counter that looked like human teeth. On the walls were dozens of square boxes built into the wall and colored blue.

" Pay dirt," said Dorama as she saw all the eggs.

Then she ducked under the door to the bar and began grabbing random bottles and smashing them on the bar. She smashed 3 dozen one right after another. Then she came out from behind the bar and noticed that the wall was made of boxes and asked softly," What's this?"

Then she started opening them and saw they were filled with eggs and she said happily," The ultimate find, meet your maker eggs."

Then she started opening drawer after drawer and pulling out eggs of every color and throwing them at the bar. Where they burst into a puff of smoke and a flash of fire and she shouted," Never mess with a Mospet, we're jaded from birth!"

Then Jamce was in a different room that was made to look like the inside of a Palant's belly with ribs and even the Palant's brain. It had dozens of different colored eggs littered around the room and Jamce saw there were a few of his own so he hid them under a barrel in the corner and said," If they can't find you lovelies, then I am home free."

Then Jamce started to run and jump on every egg he saw crushing them under his boots. After he crushed the last one a voice came booming onto the course," There are but 2 now who have eggs

remaining. They are red and blue, you must head for the start of the course to get your next instructions, hurry please."

" Yes, now that is sweet justice!" yelled Jamce as he started back to the start on his Eeluc.

" Whowee, I love these games and I am good, good, good," said Dorama proudly as she flew back to the start and waved to the other players.

Once everyone was back at the start the near side of the course began to slid out to the sides and revealed a large sandy ground beneath. There were 2 Pesi worms brought over to the center of the sand by 2 staff members driving them and then Pene said warmly," Dorama, Jamce, you have won the first leg of the contest. Now what you must do is climb inside the mechanical Pesi worms, then your task is to dig into the sand and find 3 Oya staffs and bring them to these 3 staff holders. The first to do that well get to go into the Beniha chamber and compete for the prize now ready yourselves," said Pene then Jamce and Dorama got inside their Pesi worms and grabbed hold of the joysticks and then Pene said sternly," You are ready, get ready set go!"

Then Jamce shot into the sand followed closely by Dorama's Pesi. Then Jamce ran right into a Oya staff and said as he stopped and reached out and grabbed it," That was easy, now for the next 2 and it's goodbye to the lovely Dorama."

Meanwhile Dorama was digging frantically around a large statue of Kalm in the sand and then she saw he was holding a staff and rode over to it and said boldly," Now that's what I needed!"

Then she reached out and grabbed it and tore off into the sand. Jamce was steering thru a golden maze that had hundreds of masks of Pornaver Opmic.

Pornaver Opmic was a green wizard known for his loving heart. He took over rule of Pabstrum from Count Moos Gosedi and ruled with an open mind and heart. He was 6'8" and had broad shoulders that appeared almost square. His hair was orange and long and flowing with Compamain crystals tied into the ends. His eyes were perpetually out of focus as his thoughts were always of anything but life. He wore a flowing black cape and a red robe that touched the heels of his blue leather boots with pointed tips.

" This maze if a-mazing and not in a good way. I see no staff all's I see is mask after mask weird," said Jamce sadly as he drove thru the maze and grimaced at every turn he mad and saw more masks.

Dorama was driving thru a torch lit stone hallway with a large mural that ran the length of it of Pornaver chasing a large group of fleeing wizards. It was painted and also used pop out real limbs made from plastic that made it look real.

" Now this is creepy, boy I hope there is something good at the end of this tunnel or I will be quite a bit annoyed," said Dorama sternly as she continued down the hallway and then she saw a Oya staff at the end and shouted," Hello beautiful, just in time too."

She rode up to it and grabbed it as she rode past and let out a happy yell then drove to the right and into a large dining room and asked happily," What's for dinner my friends?"

Jamce was finally out of the maze of masks and rode into a seal black room lit by dozens of torches with 3 staffs lit by candles at the far end on a small podium and when Jamce saw them he said loudly," Jackpot, come to the king of things and come quick!"

Then he rode over and grabbed the first one and it burst into flowers. Then he grabbed the second and it crushed in his hand into a chocolaty goo and he said," Oh that is really gross, what a sour prank. I had better get a real one with the last."

Then Jamce grabbed it and it was a Oya staff so he threw it into the Pesi and pumped his fist and said boldly," You're not winning this game dear sis, I've got but one more staff of Oya and it's on!"

Dorama was exploring the dining room. It had 2 large t shaped tables piled on top of each other that had black leather chairs that kept going up and down from one table to the next. On the top table there was a red piglet on a silver tray surrounded by all the baked rolls and Guros, as well as a tray of cookies and brownies. The wall kept moving in and out rhythmically and was black and green in color.

" Where are you hiding my sweet?" asked Dorama as she rode thru and then a glimmer caught her eye from beneath the top table and she said softly," Right there."

She rode over and reached up under the table and grabbed her 3rd Oya staff and tucked it away and said happily," I'd pat myself on the back, but I don't want to tarnish my shimmer. Now it's off to the surface."

Then Dorama started looking for a way upward. Meanwhile Jamce was in a barber shop and it had a wall filled with different size straight razors. There was also a black wooden chair with red cushions on it in the center of the room. Beside the chair was a brown wooden case standing upright that said," Eat the last grape," written the length of it in silver letters. There were also 4 pairs of sock filled green boots lined up in a row, with a green gargoyle smiling behind them.

" O.K. weird is where the odd is. The room makes no sense, but yet I like it. And that case might have good things inside it," said Jamce slowly as he drove over to the case and grabbed it and opened it and saw inside the 3rd Oya staff and said brightly," yes, I needed a bit of luck and she came to my rescue. Now I've got to hustle to the surface and I'll have to go forward, because there's no way I'm going back to the mask walls."

Then Jamce tucked away his 3rd staff and rode out the doorway at the other end and into a hall of people shaped mirrors with a ramp upward at the far end. Jamce saw this and his heart started pounding and he drove straight for the ramp.

Dorama was going full speed for the surface and then she broke thru into the games room. She saw the staff holders at the far end of the room and started towards them and said hopefully," C'mon let me please get there. I can't lose to Jamce on this one."

Saycha, Baesar, Krowny, and Micavello were standing beside the staff holders yelling and clapping for Dorama. She got halfway there and Jamce's Peso sprung thru the games room floor just behind her and Jamce saw her and said hopefully," Please let me catch her, I can't take her bragging."

" No you don't Jamce, I've got the lead," said Dorama boldly as she saw Jamce behind her.

Dorama's Peso rode right up to the staff holders and she jumped out quickly, but she only grabbed 2 Oya staffs. So she stopped and ran back and grabbed the 3rd, but now Jamce was getting close. She ran for the staff holders with Jamce 5 steps behind her and gripped the Oya's tightly.

" Don't do it ,Dorama, drop those staffs quick!" shouted Jamce as he closed in on Dorama.

" You can forget that, jokerboy," said Dorama boldly as she reached the staff holders then quickly threw the Oya's in.

" Darn it," said Jamce as he bent over and put his hand on his knee then dropped the 3 staffs to the ground.

Then Pene said brightly," Now but one shall face the mechanical Qytoe. That one is you fair, Dorama. Enter the Beniha chamber and meet your destiny."

" Alright, then let's get to it," said Dorama as Pene handed her a sword.

Dorama walked up to the large v shaped golden door and as she stepped on a large square gold floor segment the doors swung open. Inside the 3 mechanical Qytoe were moving from side to side in the center of the 50x 50 foot room. Behind them was a 12 foot rectangular stained glass booth that represented the actual Beniha chamber. On either side of it there was a small 2 foot high statue of Blomvo.

Blomvo was a mythical creature that had a half man half python head and one arm like a bears and the other human and muscular. They had silver stakes thru each side of their chests that were put there by non believers. They wore only thick dark brown corduroy pants with gold and jewel encrusted belt that read," We can see the blind men," in black diamond letters.

The walls of the room had shields of every color with various numbers forged onto them that signified the day the former owner of the shield had perished. The floors were covered in a dense and red carpet with the green wizards insignia sewn into it in the center. The ceiling had a pair of Canto's eating a Palant's head statues dangling by cords from it.

" Gee, this doesn't look like an accident waiting to happen or anything. And then there's you 3, wow fun," said Dorama wryly as she walked up to the Qytoe and waved her sword.

" Go get 'em, Dorama, be nimble be quick," said Micavello sternly as he and everyone walked in and stood on the sides of the doors.

" Chop their worthless Qytoe craniums off!" shouted Krowny as he sipped his bottle of bourbon.

" Easy, Krowny, they can hear you," said Jamce sarcastically as he put his hand on Krowny's chest and then clapped and shouted," if you can't win, I'm disownin' ya from the fam'!"

" Thanks, Jamce, I love you too," said Dorama then she stepped forward and the first Qytoe ran at her and Dorama did a split and chopped off his front 2 legs at the shin and the Qytoe did a face plant and his head fell off and Dorama asked sheepishly," does that count?"

" Anyway you get their heads off counts, it's fine," said Pene quickly as he watched the action.

" Then here comes carnage," said Dorama bravely as she ran and did a flip and landed on the head of one of the Qytoe.

The Qytoe began to shake violently and move in a circle. Then Dorama flew off its back and did a forward roll as she hit and stood up. She turned to see the other Qytoe barreling at her. Then she jumped straight up and did a split and the Qytoe rode right under her and she said snidely," Not so fast, Qytoe scum!"

Then Dorama ran at the Qytoe and sliced off his head in one foul swoop. The other Qytoe came running up behind her and kicked her in the back and she tumbled sideways.

" Fight, Dorama, you're not licked!" shouted Saycha quickly as he gritted his teeth.

Dorama sprung to her feet and was face to face with the Qytoe with her sword in hand. The Qytoe jumped up and tried to land on her, but she rolled sideways. Then she stood up quickly and ran and jumped and split the Qytoe's head into 2 pieces with one lightning quick blow.

" Yes, way to take control!" yelled Baesar as he smiled.

" That's my sis, did I tell you that, that's my sis," said Jamce proudly as he clapped and grinned from ear to ear.

Dorama pumped her fist then raised her hands high and shouted," Yes, I am the grand priestess!"

" O.K, Dorama, step into the Beniha chamber and grab your prize," said Pene happily as he smiled and pointed with his fore and index finger.

Dorama stepped in and the song," Fiddle, bladdle, where's my rattle," began to play as a shower of gold coins began and Dorama said happily," Now this is really cool!"

Then in ran 3 Purpas men with daggers and the shortest one named Peum shouted," You'll never escape us!"

Jamce pulled out his dagger and sliced the short ones forearm wide open and he dropped one of his blades. Jamce grabbed it and threw it to Saycha and said sternly," We've got to fight our way out!"

" You'll never escape it's useless!" shouted Peum as he tried to slice Jamce's throat with his other blade, but Jamce saw the blow coming and ducked.

Then Jamce grabbed Peum's wrist that was holding his other circular blade and chopped off his hand. Then Peum fell to the floor and screamed in agony.

Then Jamce cut open his throat and while this was happening Saycha and Krowny were toe to toe with the other 2 Purpas Reom and Velt who were identical twins.

" You'll meet your doom now wizard," said Reom snidely as he glared at Saycha.

" Don't count on it child," said Saycha boldly and then he did a foot sweep and tripped Reom.

Then Saycha jumped on top of him and tried to stab him in the chest, but Reom was holding his blade back with his 2 blades. Then Saycha looked into his eyes and shouted a Lillary spell," Drndusk be freas now!"

Then out of Saycha's eyes came a pod of red light and it blasted into Reom's forehead. Then Reom stopped fighting Saycha and started to chirp like a Larce bird and move his head quickly from side to side. Saycha stood up and looked over and saw Krowny exchange knife thrusts with Velt. Then Velt cut open Krowny's thigh and Krowny punched him right in the mouth sending him reeling and Saycha asked," Do you need help, Krowny?"

" Help's for suckers, c'mer you," said Krowny snidely as he thrust at Velt and buried his blade in his heart.

Velt clutched Krowny's knife handle and looked at him wide eyed. Then he fell backwards off of Krowny's blade and hit the ground and died.

" We have to get out of here and right now. Dorama grab all the coins you can and we're off to the wagons," said Jamce sternly as he looked at everyone.

" I'm hurrying," said Dorama as she frantically grabbed handful after handful of coins and put them in a black leather sack.

" Jamce, if they're waiting at the wagon and they've come in a large group, we won't be able to fight them off. It could be a disaster," said Saycha anxiously as he looked at Jamce.

" Then we'll get creative, we'll make that Guros when it's dinner. You ready, Dorama?" asked Jamce quickly then he looked outside in the games room.

" Ready, let's roll," said Dorama as she hurried to everyone.

They made their way out of the games room and saw no Purpas in sight. They rode the elevator down and then cautiously walked thru the snake hallway. There came out of the hallway and Jamce said

calmly," I'll go out and take a look so wait here, but if I'm not back in a minute then come out with your blades ready."

" Got it," said Saycha as he nodded to Jamce.

" Alright then, this could be fun I always wanted to take on an army single handed," said Jamce nervously then he opened the door and went outside.

He looked around and saw no Purpas anywhere. Then he walked over and looked at the wagon and still saw no Purpas and he whispered," Look's like it's dinner and pie."

Then he walked back over and opened the door and Micavello asked softly," What's the story?"

" There's no one out there, I looked all over. They could be up in one of the rooms, but if that were the case why would they only send 3 to kill us," said Jamce as he shrugged his shoulders.

" Good point, maybe they were by themselves and stumbled upon us accidentally. The question now is do we stay here for the night or hit the road?" asked Dorama as she rubbed Micavello's back.

" Look, I'm too tired to hit the road right now. If you're asking me I say stay," said Baesar.

" I'm with Baesar, that Teraps game completely took it out of me. I'm all for taking our chances with a room," said Saycha plainly then he put his hands in his pockets.

" Well I'm all for that, but we need to have someone in the wagon as a lookout in case they ride in during the night. That would buy us a little time to escape," said Dorama as she looked at Jamce.

" That's good point, why don't Krowny and I sleep in the wagon because if they did ride in I could cast a fireworks spell you would easily see be awoken by in your rooms," said Baesar calmly then he pursed his lips.

" Then it's settled, Micavello and I will grab our staffs and a few Compamain crystals and then the wagon's yours," said Saycha then he started outside.
Chapter 6

Riamond dice and JJomp

A t Mafid's lakeside cottage, he, Boesa, and a few yellow wizards were awaiting Kerdivel as well as Dlarm. The living room had 4 crystal pod chairs floating above the floor that were under a spell cast by Mafid to keep them just so. There were also 2 large diamond oval tables set on top of 4 large Palant teeth in the center of the room They had the petrified head of Ducas Lint on the top of one.

Ducas was a red wizard of note as he almost killed Mafid in a battle for Masulo Yea, a beautiful woman, affections and love. Mafid made sure that Ducas and his treachery always be a reminder to him so he kept his head and burned his body.

There were also several black glass bins filled with old staffs and other wizards weapons like Barasand gloved and Pilk pyramids, on one side of the room. On the other was a large picture window that faced Lake Censhoo. There were 5 brown cushioned chairs that would flip out of the floor at the touch of a red square button inside the front of the picture window.

In each of the pod chairs sat Boesa, Mafid, Lord Isayep Ard, and Evolver Goa the most feared yellow wizard because of his lightning quick 3 part spells.

Isayep Ard was a 6'2" brown skinned man with wavy short blonde hair that had a single curl at the very tip of each hair. His eyes were sequin and he had a long thin nose. He was wearing a dark tan robe

and an off white belt with no buckle that was tied in a knot. He also had on white slippers that had a Pilk pyramid on the toe of each. Around his neck there was a silver necklace that had the words," Give me a good belief."

Evolver Goa had a face covered in scars from the hundreds of battles he had been involved in, with a badly broken nose that hooked to the right. There was a prominent v scar right between his eyes that he got in a battle with Cashre that went on for days leaving both men severely injured. Evolver had spiked pointy dark green hair that could pierce your skin if you touched it. His eyes, if you dared look, had a constant miniature rain cloud in front of each, that had been put there by Evolver to conceal his emotions. He was made of solid rock muscle that bulged from every inch of his 6'2" frame. He was wearing a dark purple long bellbottom sleeved shirt and a black skirt that had several small pockets filled with Pilk pyramids, Compamain crystals, daggers, and even charmed socks to use in an escape. He never wore shoes, but had gold rings on each toe and a silver bracelet around his ankle.

" Where is this coward, Dlarm, he is wasting my time and exhausting my patience. What is it again he said was so urgent?" asked Evolver sternly as he smoked a black thin cigar.

" He wouldn't say, but he said it was quite urgent," said Mafid as he sipped a glass of red wine.

" It is gentlemen, it is dire," said Dlarm as he walked into the room holding his staff in his hand and then smiled and said brightly," your home, Mafid, is a wonderment few could grasp."

" Thank you, Dlarm, but you would be one of them. Please have a seat and let us know what has you troubled?" asked Mafid as he shook Dlarm's hand then walked over to the picture window and pressed the red square button and 5 chairs popped out of the floor and then as Evolver, Boesa, Isayep sat down in front of the picture window then Mafid said warmly," make yourself comfortable while I get you a drink."

" Thank you," said Dlarm as he sat down and looked at the setting sun on Lake Censhoo and thought of his summers at his family retreat and then said warmly," this view is truly inspiring, Mafid, it thrills me."

Mafid walked over with 2 glasses of red wine and handed one to Dlarm and sat down and asked," So you've come all this way, Dlarm, please speak to us as friends."

Dlarm took a sip and then said," The lords and caretakers of every province have disappeared. I feel, as do my fellow wizards of the Crimson Way, that it is our responsibility to take over their duties in their absence. What I am here for is to ask you and your fellow yellow wizards to help us carry the load. Granted it is an undue burden, but the aforementioned Lords can't be counted upon to return anytime soon. So will you help us keep order in the province?" asked Dlarm nervously as his hand trembled slightly as he Looked at Evolver and Mafid.

Evolver began to laugh loudly as did Mafid, Isayep, and Boesa at Dlarm's request. Then Mafid caught himself and said softly," Oh, Dlarm, my friend."

" Why do you mock me? This is not an unreasonable request, what is the error I have made?" asked Dlarm quickly as he looked at everyone and felt embarrassed.

" Dlarm, we mock you because there is an error and it is large. The Lords have not disappeared, we killed them! WE murdered them all then destroyed their bodies so for us to now take over their duties is an irony most foul. And now that we have told you of our dastardly deed, there is no way we can let you live," said Mafid snidely as he sneered at Dlarm and stood up slowly.

" Wait ah minute, why on Pabstrum would you ever kill the Lords? There is nothing to gain?" pleaded Dlarm as he furrowed his brow and looked at each of them perplexed.

" Because, Dlarm, the Bram Parchment is no more. And we killed the Lords so that it would be easier to kill off all of the red wizards and take over Pabstrum. This was our world before you took it from us and it will be again," said Evolver snidely as he glared at Dlarm and clutched his dark blue staff of Fetts tightly.

" Please, Evolver, Mafid, don't do this it will accomplish nothing but hundreds of useless deaths. You have to see that?" pleaded Dlarm as he stood up and looked at Mafid wide eyed.

" Brok neck daverus!" shouted Evolver in a lightning burst of words.

Then a huge 8 foot wide scaly green hand appeared and then it grabbed a fist full of Gragums out of the floor and then shot them at Dlarm. Dlarm saw this and shouted," Scorched pillars of Kavent!"

And as he did in walked Kerdivel and Dlarm looked at him the same instant he cast the spell and was instantly consumed by a large orb of a red gel. Then Dlarm tried in vain to free himself, but the orb got slowly smaller with him inside and small spears of fire started to shot inward at Dlarm. Dlarm shook and fought violently, but in a matter of seconds the orb had shrunk to the size of a golf ball, with Dlarm's staff popping out and being caught by Evolver. Then the red ball tore into a million little pieces of red light and they poured into the medallion of Farkrackus until there were none left and Dlarm was trapped inside.

Kerdivel looked down at Dlarm and smiled and said boldly," Your wizard days have ended, Dlarm. You won't bother us no more."

" He looks very lonely just inside there. Let's hope we can bring him a few friends," said Evolver snidely as he looked at a shocked Dlarm.

Baesar got up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, while Krowny was sound asleep in the wagon's living room on the couch. He walked past Krowny as he was in a dream about being eaten by a

horde of Canto's and grinned at the scared look on Krowny's face. He went thru to the back of the wagon, but as he went past a pair of windows in the kitchen he heard a pair of voices talking outside. So he crept over to the window and slowly opened it and looked out and saw 2 Qytoe men with bat shaped swords standing right next to the wagon. Their names were Vemsay, who was the older of the two, and Ampurd his much younger friend and brother who had on a blue headdress and white shades.

" O.K. look, Ampurd, this is their wagon. I say instead of going for help and risking them escaping, we cut their heads off and end this right now. The 2 of us can do the task without a bit of help. What do you say?" asked Vemsay sternly as he whispered and looked around.

" But if we fail they will flee and it will be on our heads, Vemsay," said Ampurd nervously as he looked around.

Vemsay put his hand on his shoulder and said sternly," Yes, but if we succeed, we will be heroes to our people. I know we can do it, let's take our destiny by the throat and kill these..."

" I'll do it, I'm ready we should go in thru the back and catch them sleeping," said Ampurd sternly as he looked at Vemsay then nodded.

Baesar heard this and moved slowly away from the window then tan and woke up Krowny by shaking him and then said sharply," Krowny, our enemies are outside and they're coming in!"

Krowny woke up and said in a sleepy voice," Tell them to kill us in the morning, I'm tired."

" Krowny! You need to get up and grab a weapon or we're dead, hurry!" said Baesar sternly then he hurried over and grabbed his staff and 2 Compamain Crystals and then said when he saw Krowny slowly rolling out of bed," Krowny, they're here to murder us!"

" Yeah, got that, but we have a power of violence that they don't possess. So bring it on while I'm still in the mood for death Qytoe," said Krowny as he stood up and slowly walked over and grabbed a sword and then smiled at Baesar and shrugged his shoulders.

" They're coming thru the back door," said Baesar as he fought back a smile.

" Here ya say," said Krowny wryly as he turned and saw the 2 Qytoe enter the room and then said slyly," oh these Qytoe are my favorite."

" Your jokes won't save your life old man," said Vemsay snidely as he began to wave his sword in front of his face in rapid speed.

" No, but this sword is no laughing matter, Qytoe, so watch it!" yelled Krowny then he ran at Vemsay with his sword swirling in front of him.

Ampurd ran past Krowny and towards Baesar who was caught a little off guard and couldn't think of a spell. So he grabbed a knife off the table and caught Ampurd's blade with it before it hit him.

While this was happening Krowny and Vemsay were locked in a fierce sword fight. Krowny blocked Vemsay's sword thrust at his face and spun his sword off to the side. Then Krowny sliced into Vemsay's thigh and blood burst out and Vemsay shouted," You'll regret that old man!"

" Don't count on it young and dumb!" shouted Krowny as he chopped off Vemsay's hand in an uppercut sword swipe and then Krowny said snidely," let's shake on our new friendship, I insist."

Vemsay looked down at his bloody stump then gnashed his teeth and ran at Krowny who flipped his sword from one hand to the other them sliced right thru Vemsay's mid section cutting him right in half. Then Krowny pushed him in the chest and his torso fell to the ground and Krowny said calmly," I didn't want to be friends anyway, you're too serious."

Mean while Baesar had been trying as hard as he could to keep Ampurd at bay. Ampurd stabbed right thru Baesar's right hand and Baesar yelled in agony and Ampurd said snidely," That's just a paper cut, here comes the death blow."

Then Baesar looked up and paused for a second and then tried to stab Ampurd, but Ampurd saw the sword coming and blocked it and flipped Baesar's sword out of his hand. Krowny saw what was happening and started to run over to them, but it was too late Ampurd did a wide slicing sword blow and severed Baesar's head and it fell to the floor, while blood gushed from his neck.

" You were nothing to me, fool," said Ampurd snidely as he looked at Baesar's severed head.

" But he was to me," said Krowny as he stabbed clean thru Ampurd's back and out his chest and then Krowny twisted the blade and said boldly," I never liked you Qytoe, you just aren't neighborly."

Then Ampurd coughed up a mouthful of blood and Krowny twisted the blade again and Ampurd let out a scream. Then Krowny pulled out the blade and kicked him in the back of the head and when Ampurd's body hit the floor Krowny fell to his knees and began to weep and then said softly," You were my brother, Baesar, I can't believe they took ya so soon. Now I hope you're in a better place free of all the pain in the world. You deserve it cause you were honest and fair with everyone and not in a small way. I love you, Baesar, I won't ever forget ya."

Then Krowny stood up and began to shake and he remembered he had to warn the others. So he ran to the front of the wagon and climbed down off it and ran full speed into the Pemcik. He ran past several yellow wizards who were leaving the hotel. He hopped into the elevator and said frantically," Is it 3 or 4, I can't remember! No wait it's 3, I know it's 3. Up we go I hope."

Then the elevator went up to the 3rd floor and as the doors opened a cleaning lady named Penas in a purple flowing dress was standing there with a grimace on her face and a broom in her hand. Krowny

looked at her and wanted to tell her what had happened and he then said softly," Excuse me, I'm a bit frazzled."

" Aren't we all," said Penas quickly as she hurried past Krowny onto the elevator.

Then Krowny started down the slanted hallway. Each of the door s to the rooms were made of unusual shaped and dark brown and looked like they were melting, with Eeluc shaped door handles. Between the doors were statues of Gragums being eaten by wizards as they sat at small tables. The floor was covered in a 4 inch thick black fur rug that bore the yellow wizards insignia. The ceiling had a painting of Bomar's beginning.

Bomar was an ancient philosopher who wrote that the subconscious of a man was god's voice speaking thru him. He coined the phrase," If your apple was stolen, then why aren't you rejoicing. A hungrier person has sustenance." He was a bit of a hermit only leaving his mansion named the Stolen Gifts, only once in the past 35 years. He looked like a Canto in the face, but had the body of an Adonis and had married several times. He created the Corngut portal, which allowed people to watch daily life in heaven.

Krowny ran down the hallway fighting back tears and when he saw Saycha's room marked with 18 small gargoyles in a face pattern, he started beating the door.

" Saycha, Jamce, hurry there's been a tragedy!" yelled Krowny as he fought back tears.

Then Jamce swung open the door all sleepy eyed and asked," What's the matter, Krowny, and where's Baesar?"

" Baesar's dead, 2 Qytoe attacked us. I was able to kill them both, but not before one of them chopped off Baesar's head. Jamce, I think we need to grab our things and get out of here right now," said Krowny slowly then he wiped the tears from his eyes on his forearm.

" Of course, alright I'll wake everyone an we'll get the Underworld outta here. That's really bad news Saycha will be crushed. I'll be the one to tell him alright, Krowny?" asked Jamce as he stood there in long johns and no shirt with a long gold necklace that had a locket with the words," Friends and everything," carved into it around his neck.

" Alright, Jamce, I'll let you handle it," said Krowny as he stepped into the large room.

There were six 5 foot torches in the corners of the room that Jamce went over and lit. There were a circle of brown wood beds with a Duness game in the center on a table. There was also a small 4 foot blue icebox filled with snacks and steak tips as well as Seesoo pop on the right wall by the windows. There was a trio of green cushioned chairs on the left side of the room facing a living painting of Lorsag giving a speech to a large crowd of well wishers. The walls were covered in hundreds of different colored triangles that each had a different person who had stayed there's favorite joke.

Saycha felt Jamce's hand on his shoulder shaking him awake and he asked softly," Yes, Jamce, what's wrong is it the Purpas?"

" It's worse, 2 Qytoe attacked Krowny and Baesar. Saycha...Baesar didn't make it I'm sorry," said Jamce as he looked down at Saycha.

Saycha looked around the room and couldn't believe what he'd just heard and then as he stood up asked sternly," Where are these worthless Qytoe now?"

" They're dead, Krowny killed both of them. It's alright to be hurt by this, but right now we've got to grab our things and get out of here before more come," said Jamce sternly then he gave Saycha a hug.

Saycha began to cry and then said tearfully," Those Qytoe and Purpas now owe me a debt. And they're gonna pay it someday soon."

Dorama and Micavello woke up and Dorama asked," What has happened?"

" I'm sorry, Dorama, there's no time to talk needless to say the Qytoe have found us now and we've got to hit the road," said Jamce as he began putting on his pants and shirt.

" Alright, let's get your staff, Micavello," said Dorama quickly as she climbed out of bed.

Everyone put on their clothes and grabbed their things and hurried down to the wagon. Once there, the sun was just starting to rise as they left town and set out for safety.

On the road to Hafitdy Boesa, Evolver, Mafid, and Isayep were inside Evolver's wagon while Kerdivel drove. The outside of the wagon was covered with a mural of Evolver beating 7 men to death with a series of spells. It showed him swinging a Canto like a bat and crushing one man into the ground. The roof of the wagon was similar to the roof of a Buddhist temple and had a crow's nest to look for encroaching enemies. The wagon was 6 stories high and had a deck that extended out form the 2nd and 3rd floors with chairs, tables, and liquor bottles in an icebox on each.

Inside the weapons room sat all 4 men on red leather couches that circled a glass case filled with antique swords, knifes, shields, and helmets as well as wizardly wares of yore. On the left side of the room there was a large black round glass statue filled with staffs and Pilk pyramids. There was also a brown leather box beside them filled with Barasand gloves and Forneu glasses.

Forneu glasses had the ability to blind anyone who looked too deeply at the person wearing them. They would use a cash of black magic cast into the lenses to shoot out if you gazed too long.

On the opposite side of the room was a bar and icebox filled with various meats and cheeses. On top of the icebox was a bread box that had a spell cast on it to ensure that any loaf put inside would never age and be perpetually fresh. On the far side of the room there was a bulbous round tank filled with thousands of different kinds of fish. Some were for looks and others for dinner. The floor was made of a square of charmed wood and felt like a rug when there was no rug.

" O.K. look this is how we'll know. When the Horsam spell arrives, and it will be soon, the majority of the red wizards will have perished. Then we know that Hafitdy is ripe for the taking and our brothers in arms will meet us there. Then we will use our superior numbers to do away with the last of the red wizards," said Evolver snidely then he lit up a cigarette of the Hanoo brand.

Hanoo cigarettes were individually cast upon by a yellow wizard to create a euphoria when you smoked them. It could last the length of the day and into the night.

" What of the blue and green?" asked Mafid calmly as he rubbed his chin.

" No matter, they are without a soul for battle. They won't help the red wizards, so they are no concern for us. They lack the lust for power and could eventually aid us in our rule over Pabstrum," said Evolver sternly as he smoked.

" I agree, we'll have the power to bargain with the remaining blue and green wizards after the dust settles. I am so excited I can barely sit still," said Isayep as he stood up and began to pace back and forth.

All over Pabstrum the red wizards who had stepped in for the lords of each province, were being murdered by vicious means. The yellow wizards were visiting them under false guises and as soon as the

red wizards let down their guards, they were besieged by diabolical spells that either crushed, smashed, or tore their bodies to pieces. Some were even burned alive under a shower of molten lava, leaving only the spot on the floor where they were standing as any reminder of them at all. Thousands met the afterlife, as many of us do, by surprise. After 8 hours of devastation thousands upon thousands of red wizards were now gone. Then into the weapons room flew a Horsam and simultaneously the morning sky filled with an all encompassing blue and red lightning storm that stretched out all over all of Pabstrum. Mafid heard the lightning and went to the window and peeked out and said coldly," The sky is alive and the job has succeeded. Now there is only that relic of Hafitdy and we will have total domination over Pabstrum. Prepare yourselves my fellow yellow wizards, for greatness is a poor man's dream and a wise man's reality."

The Horsam exploded from its butterfly shape and said simply," We've inherited Pabstrum." Then a Riamond pair of dice and JJomp necklace appeared on the table.

Riamond dice were dice that always showed the number or picture you wanted the least. And a JJomp necklace was made from captured happy emotions that were grabbed in a simple trapping spell and boiled into pure silver. Mafid grabbed the Riamond dice and JJomp necklace and laughed and said," Our brothers are on their way and none too soon."
Chapter 7

The Gabrah Realm

Inside the wagon Saycha felt a horrible feeling come over him as he sat on the couch and said," Micavello, I don't know how I know, but I know that something has gone horribly wrong. I feel like a huge chunk of magical energy has left the world for another."

Across from Saycha in the living room Micavello was sweating profusely and the wiped the sweat from his forehead and coughed and said softly," Yes, Saycha, something extremely terrible has been transpiring. I...I think that...a large number of wizards have left the world all at once," said Micavello then he passed out on the floor.

Jamce ran over to him and tried to help him up and asked," Are you alright, Micavello?"

" I'm...I'm not, I feel so much pain and sickness I can't describe it now. I could use a glass of wine, please."

" Of course, I'll get cha one quick," said Krowny as he hurried over to the wine rack and grabbed a bottle and poured Micavello a glass and then brought it to him and said quickly," here it is."

Micavello sat down on the couch and took the glass of wine from Krowny and said breathlessly," Oh thank you, Krowny, Saycha you should drink a glass as well before it hits you."

" Too late," said Saycha as he fell back onto his side and let out a yell in agony.

Krowny hurried over to Saycha with the bottle of wine and poured some into his mouth and Saycha swallowed hard and then Krowny asked," Is that enough?"

" That's fine it seems to have passed. Micavello, I think we have to alter our route. We must go to Hafitdy, I can feel an enormous force pulling me there. I fear that if we are not swift all will be lost," said Saycha slowly as he sat up and blinked his eyes hard and let out a large breath.

" I feel it too, but I also get the sense that Hafitdy will fall before we get there," said Micavello in a concerned tone as he drank the rest of his glass of wine.

" I feel that too, but it still calls me and I know there is a reason or purpose for this. So we must go and be swift," said Saycha as he winced in pain.

Then Jamce walked to the window and looked out and asked sadly," Where is the old Pabstrum we sang about when we danced home? Where has she gone flying too?"

" Don't worry, Jamce, things could be worse, the black wizards could be running us into the ground right now. At least there's that," said Micavello warmly as he walked over to Jamce and put his hand on his shoulder.

" But, Micavello, we're running right now regardless who it is. So black or no we are in the worst of it," said Saycha coldly as he looked at the floor and thought of his father.

Jamce looked at Saycha and then started for the front of the wagon and said," I'll go see where we are and how Dorama's doing."

Dorama was eating a Guros as Jamce popped out and she asked brightly," Hey, Jamce come to admire this fine country?"

" Of course, but ah I also had to tell you we're going to go to Hafitdy."

" Why Hafitdy, Isn't that a long way to go to lose the Purpas and Qytoe?" asked Dorama in a concerned tone as she stopped eating.

" Well, Saycha and Micavello had a powerful feeling that a large number of wizards have died. So Saycha feels Hafitdy is the only place we can go and be safe," said Jamce then he sat down beside Dorama.

" Wow, it seems the bad news keeps on coming. If that's the case then we could be in serious danger. Who do they think is behind it?" asked Dorama gravely as she looked at Jamce.

" We don't know it just doesn't make any sense. Whoever it is will reveal themselves at some point, but it might be too late," said Jamce as he put his arm around Dorama.

" Well let's hope not, the good thing is I just saw the sign for the Baker Grove road which will take us to Hafitdy. I'll steer us into it right now," said Dorama as she steered the wagon onto the road.

Then in front of them were a long line of wagons heading to Hafitdy filled with yellow wizards and Jamce saw this and said perplexed," Where in the Underworld is everyone going?"

" You don't think it's Hafitdy?" asked Dorama as she smirked.

" Maybe, I'll go get Saycha and Micavello," said Jamce as he shot back into the wagon.

Then a few seconds later everyone came out onto the front of the wagon and saw the road to Hafitdy filled with Palant drawn wagons and Saycha said sternly," This isn't good, I feel these wizards whoever they are, are looking to do harm."

" They have the crest of the yellow wizards on the sides of their wagons. It was the yellow plague all along. I never would have believed it," said Micavello in disbelief as he looked at the hundred mile long line of wagons and lost his breath for a second.

" But why would they do it?" asked Krowny as he rubbed his cheek and then spit off the side of the wagon.

" Power, they want to take over Pabstrum. They're no different from the black wizards. If they're all heading for Hafitdy then they must be trying to finish the job. Micavello, is there any other reason they would suspect us or this wagon?" asked Saycha as he looked behind the wagon and then at Micavello sternly.

" There is no reason, what are you proposing?" asked Micavello as he smiled already knowing the answer.

Saycha smiled and said brightly," We ride the whole way there purporting ourselves as yellow wizards. Then when we arrive we make a mad dash for the castle. If we can get close enough to the front gate for my magic to shield us the yellow wizards won't know what hit 'em."

" It's a great plan, but I've got a better ending. There's a series of passageways hidden beneath the area around the castle that are only visible if you cast a certain spell up close to them. When we get there we park the wagon over one and cut a hole in the bottom of our wagon..." said Micavello sternly as he smiled at Saycha.

" And then cast a spell to reveal the passageway. It is a pristine plan, we just need to go undetected 'til we arrive," said Saycha boldly as he thought of the castle and the grounds surrounding it.

" That's not as hard as you think watch this," said Micavello as he raised his staff and then shouted," Malipsed mouvrit per chance!"

Then an ellipse appeared with a paintbrush sticking out of it and Micavello began to use it to paint the yellow wizards crest by thinking if it. The paintbrush flew at lightning speed around the sides of the wagon painting the seal on both sides and Jamce said happily," Magic is the ultimate friend. And now I have officially seen it all."

" Until tomorrow of course, then watch your hair blow back," said Krowny slyly then his eyes bugged out and he cackled loudly and patted Jamce on the back.

" Krowny, you've got a way of putting things together. I think it's a slightly insane way, but I'm good with it," said Jamce sarcastically as he grinned at Krowny and laughed.

Inside Evolver's wagon he and Mafid sat scheming their plan of attack in the liquids room. It had a bottle of every kind of magic potion known to Pabstrum in 7 large 10 foot high round cabinets, from disguise potions to fool an attacker, to the Curlaque potions.

Curlaque potions had only to be drank then your breath delivered the spell which usually caused a person's bones to turn to wood or their muscles to flex so hard they couldn't move an inch.

Lining the left wall was a collection of 10 unique chairs like one that looked like a Canto head and another was made from human bones that had been chiseled and woven into a chair that looked like a flower. In front of each chair was a different colored square box filled with books and snacks like the Wizards Referred Revered, which was a book of 1002 spells. On the right wall was a descending line of brown jackets on hangers that got smaller as you went along and ended with a 2 inch coat. The far end of the room had a turnstile that went into the kitchen and made it easy to deliver a hot meal. On the left wall there was a window shaped like the number 8. And on the right wall one shaped like the letter Z.

Mafid sat on the chair made of bones and Evolver sat on a purple chair that looked like a burlap sack, eating a Xstepy when Mafid said quickly," I think we need to completely map out our attack or we could be warring with them for many nights."

" I agree, what we could do, and this is only a suggestion, is not greet them with violence, but instead give them the impression that we are coming to their aid. Then once they let us inside the castle we stab them right on the center of their trusting holier than thou backs," said Evolver snidely then he laughed menacingly and took a bit of his Xstepy.

" Wise, very, very wise, if that is the case we should keep the rest of the yellows at a safe distance while we offer them our help, don't you think?" asked Mafid as he set down his Xstepy.

" Yes I do, but not too safe a distance as we will need their aid before long. When we get within 2 miles of Hafitdy we will stop and send out Horsams. We should probably have one of us stay there in case any yellow wizards don't get the message, we would have someone to let them know the plan," said Evolver sternly as he crossed his legs and began to think out the plan and then said," And we shant be too happy when we arrive as the red wizards will be in turmoil as so should we."

" Agreed, boy what a day it will be for the red wizards of the Crimson death. Their hearts already filled with hurt from the death of their friends and now to be besieged on all sides, well, it's beautiful simply beautiful, Evolver," said Mafid proudly then he smiled and took the last of his Xstepy and ate it.

" Better than Drained Peas day for certain," said Evolver honestly then he grinned wildly and stood up barely able to contain his giddiness.

Drained Peas Day was held on the last day of summer and involved every person in Pabstrum eating an enormous feast that lasted from sunup to sundown. It was named after the meal the great Duke Glant Nium ate before he freed the people of Pabstrum. Glant fought toe to toe with ruthless black wizard

named Gameru. Gameru had enslaved the people of Pabstrum with a 5 part spell that forced all to do his bidding. Glant being in his wine cellar 200 feet below the surface, at the time it was cast, was not influenced by the 5 part spell. So he being the only one left had the charge of destroying the Gameru and freeing the people of Pabstrum which he did bravely with his famous 8 foot blue staff.

After several hours on the road Micavello decided that they should pull off into the town of Jackaroot As they rode down the green brick road to Jackaroot the sun was just setting. There were rows of 5 shaped orange wood houses on either side of the road that went up a pair of gently sloping hills, with wooden statues of blue wizard Otong Maversy and a sign for Jackaroot.

Otong Maversy was a slight man and was 5'0" with checkered baldness and red and blonde hair. He had one red eye and one blue. He loved to wear his navy blue overalls that he kept several weapons and notepads in that he wrote short stories and jokes on, in the pockets. His skin was dark brown and he had a large well defined nose that caught the eye. His hands were small, but he had large knuckles on his fore and index fingers. He always wore his black and grey leather boots that he had personally made.

The edge of town was marked by a huge 300 foot high granite wall that went all the way around it with 5 circular openings cut into it for roads. Once you drove thru the opening in the wall you saw the town of Jackaroot and its people dancing in the streets literally. There were five 150 foot high white marble buildings that looked like statues in the shape of Otong that were in a circle around a black marble building in the shape of a Palant, with thousands of small eye shaped windows combined in all of them, right at the far end of town. Leading to the colossal building were 2 dozen red marble buildings in the shape of pianos that were 30 feet high and included piano stool shaped huts in front of them that lined the road on either side. Behind them were the Corngut Portals in a row that were built into a hill that rose up almost to the top of the wall, which appeared to be floating pools of oval shaped water that you could clearly see people living in heaven and they could see you. There was a long line of people in front of

them waiting to look for loved ones. Jamce saw the group of people in front of the Corngut and asked," What do you reckon that's all about?"

" I don't know, but I need too. What say we head over there after we get our room?" asked Krowny as he looked at all the happy people in Jackaroot.

" I'll give you a heads up on the heads up that is coming. Heads up we should do exactly that dear, Krowny. If this town has secrets I'm a sympathetic ear," said Jamce as he steered the wagon over to the front of Otong's hotel and parked off to the side and then asked," am I the only person who can sense how happy all these people look?"

" No, not by a long shot. This is the warmest most inviting town in all of Pabstrum. Even the kids look well behaved and are laughing look at that group," said Dorama happily as she pointed to 5 children and their mother walking together and laughing uncontrollably and then said happily," it's absolutely amazing to see this."

" It's like they all just got the best news of their lives. And it seems like it has to do with all those people we saw. Let's hurry in and get a room and go check it out," said Jamce enthusiastically then he jumped down off the wagon with everyone right behind him.

The front doors to the Otong hotel were shaped like Huno's, which were a 2 headed fat belly bird that was too fat to fly and was a favored pet as they were very affectionate.

Jamce opened the front doors and saw a thousand star shaped tables on 3 level spires that had spiral staircases up to each level. There were 3 bright red cushioned chairs at each of the tables and on the table were copies of Bodart's heaven Prerogative.

Bodart's heaven Prerogative was a book that describes the daily struggles of a person in heaven. And it gives a list of tasks put upon them to stay like retraining their minds to jump to calm instead of anger when stress is put upon them. Also it details the glorious 7, which are a person's first seven years in heaven, spent without god delivering orders or requests. Simply spent going thru 1000 cycles if joy and contentment thru the fantasy generator, which can make any wish or desire in life actually happen for you in heaven. The next seven years are meant to be spent with an ear to god's wisdom.

There were thousands of people sitting at the tables and being brought food and drinks constantly as in the center of the room there was a round stage that was 200 feet around. The stage had a colossal set of a fake mansion and garden set up where the band, The Drunken Magicians, played their songs and a 30 piece acting troop called ,"the Wasole Women," put on a play simultaneously.

The Drunken Magicians were a 4 piece band made up of Samguts, which were a half human half gargoyle race of giants with dark green skin and bright red eyes. The lead singer Grem was discovered in a half mile deep cave singing by himself as he fished for Petah fish, by lead guitar player Borem.

The Petah fish has dark black skin and are similar to an ape, but with a dorsal fin and fishes mouth. It would give the eater the benefit of endless strength for 6 years and were greatly sought after, but also extremely rare to find.

Borem walked over to Grem and asked," Did you write that song you were singing?" to which Grem replied," Yes, I have many concerts in my head," and then Borem said plainly," I see it really was bad, but you sang it beautifully we should start a group. Then the band was formed shortly thereafter.

" Well everything about this town of Jackaroot surprises me," said Jamce as he grinned and looked around the room in amazement.

" This stop was worth it just to see this room," said Dorama as she walked next to Jamce.

Everyone walked thru the room towards a large red 250 foot long check in counter that had 100 beautiful seal black haired woman behind it checking everyone in and was shaped like a boomerang. Jamce paid for 5 rooms and then walked over to everyone and said brightly," Let's find ourselves a good time and tear a hole in the sky."

" Sounds just plain beautiful to me. I need to know what all the excitement is about," said Dorama happily as she did a quick dance step and laughed heartedly.

Then they walked over to the Drunken Magicians and watched as the band played their instruments as they stood there totally frozen. While the Wasole Women did interlocking flips as they acted out the rage of being cheated on. Everyone looked at the performance perplexed as they couldn't quite tell what to make of it then Krowny said slyly," It's a bit of weird for weird's sake. I'm too sober for this, let's grab a bottle before my last 2 brain cells die from stupidity."

Everyone laughed a second after he said it as it took them a minute to realize he was right and then Saycha said," It's hard life bein' a performer, one day you suck and the next day you quit. You just never know."

Again everyone laughed and then Grem threw an evil angry stare at Saycha and spit out a mouthful of fake blood and Jamce said quickly," I think we should head outside this act's no appreciating our youthful exuberance. And plus the music sucks, 3 chords and 1 note just doesn't thrill the senses."

Then they all went outside and as they were crossing the street they saw 2 dozen Eelucs fly over head with yellow wizards on their backs. Saycha looked at them and felt his heart skip a beat. He knew where they were going and he knew what he would have to do. Then Jamce tapped his shoulder and said warmly," It's o.k., Saycha, we'll deal with them the morrow. For today we enjoy our lives."

" Well put, we'll concentrate on joy and forget the worst of it," said Saycha softly then he started across the street.

As they walked up the gently sloping hill to the Corngut they saw people crying and laughing uncontrollably as they walked past them. There was a small red haired girl who as they walked past said," Mommy looked happy, daddy, and now I'm happy." Micavello looked at the young girl and felt a rush of warm feelings come over him and he stopped the young girl's father and asked," What is this place that makes people so happy?"

The tall curly red haired man just smiled and said hopefully," It's heaven, so don't be afraid at what you see."

" Heaven is it, the last time I heard that I got served a picture of beer with a dozen pickles in it. Let us be wary of this heaven," said Jamce plainly as he walked up to the Corngut and looked inside and when he did his jaw dropped.

It showed hundreds of people walking by, but their feet were stopping just before they hit the ground. Each was wearing a white living jacket that pulsed and moved independently of the person wearing it. They also had on red or blue silk trousers that had an ornate design of their favorite memories and changed every few seconds. Their feet were covered in a flowing red liquid danced rhythmically and produced a beautiful son of their emotions. They also had on golden necklaces that continually spun in a circle around their necks. They walked around a city of 100 red marble towering buildings that were shaped like a shotgun barrel and had elevator carriages made from white clouds and floated in a spiral direction up and down the outside of the buildings. There were the words," You've earned your continued existence by sharing your wisdom and love. Now be the person you set out to be and soar," written on the front of every building. At the base of each was a green wagon that when people walked by any food or drink they wanted floated over to them out of the wagon and met them in stride. There

was also a dozen orange upside down waterfalls behind the buildings that had people falling upward on. At the top of the waterfalls there were the words of god inside small cups of blue liquid that you drank and instantly were content and enriched by. The sky was a thick green grass and there were 7 blue suns that danced around the sky playfully.

" It looks like a different world in there. And it is beyond comprehension how incredible it is wouldn't you say?" asked Dorama softly as she looked at heaven.

" It defies all logic. I don't understand how this can be possible..." said Jamce happily as he looked at everyone and then he put his hand to his mouth and his eyes grew wide and he said stunned," Oh my god, Saycha, look, look right there it's Maryartha and Rodgee, mum and dad."

" What!? How can this be?" asked Saycha sternly as he stared at his parents who were standing in front of one of the green wagons then a Cory tongue flew up into each of their hands.

" Can they see us?" asked Dorama as she watched them slowly chewing their Cory tongues.

" They can't see you, you can only see them," said Pevat Cosigona as he walked up next to Dorama.

Pevat was 50 years old and had dark blonde hair that was shaved on the sides and had a row of 5 ponytails down the center tied with silver thread. His eyes were tan in color and lacking any malice. He had a long thin nose that came 2 inches out from his face. Under his left eye was the tattoo of an Eeluc and under his right the yellow wizards crest. He was the same height as Saycha and just a bit heavier. He had large hands and feet with his right hand missing his pinky finger's first knuckle. He had on a dark yellow sweater made from cotton that had a letter H on the back in the center. He had on black corduroy pants that had small yellow pyramids sewn into the pockets. He also had on red leather boots, with 3 Compamain crystals on each of the.

" Really, is that heaven?" asked Dorama hopefully as she turned her head slightly to Pevat, but didn't look at him.

" Oh don't worry it is indeed. Those people you're looking at are the lucky ones. There are worse places you can end up," said Pevat as he smiled.

" They look so happy, I never thought they could be so at peace and no longer be with us. God, mum, dad, I miss you more than anything in the world. I wish I could talk to you so badly ah," said Saycha as he started to cry and watched Rodgee give Maryartha a kiss on the lips and then tell her he loved her.

" They're still in love, boy isn't that somethin' special, I can't believe what I'm seein'," said Jamce happily as tears rolled down his face.

" Believe it my friends, there is another existence after this one. There's a lot of people who can't admit that to themselves. It takes something like this before they'll finally accept it," said Pevat as he watched Maryartha and Rodgee talking and laughing.

" You don't have to tell me, I knew before today. This is why we're out here, Saycha, Dorama, this is why we've gotten so far from home. It makes sense now doesn't it?" asked Jamce as he looked over at Saycha and Dorama.

Dorama nodded and Saycha said boldly," This journey makes sense to me now. This seeing them again, this is why I was given that medallion. I know it now more than I've known anything in my life."

" Medallion, are you a wizard?" asked Pevat honestly as his interest peaked and he squinted his eyes at Saycha.

" Yes, he and I are yellow wizards," said Micavello smoothly as he looked over at Pevat and smiled.

" Then you are on your way to Hafitdy as am I. Won't the morrow be a glorious one?" said Pevat implying a question as he put his hands in his pockets.

" Yes, indeed it will, a fine day quite glorious," said Micavello quickly as he smirked.

" Look, mum and dad are walking into that building," said Dorama quickly as she pointed to the Corngut.

" I hope we get to see them again someday," said Saycha sadly as he wiped the tears from his eyes.

" The great poet Drimsla said there was a place called the Gabrah Realm where all hopes became realities and all fears came to die. I wouldn't worry about your parents. I'd venture to say you'll see them again when you are ready. It's just the way of things," said Pevat honestly then he turned and said," I must go now, but I'll look for you all tomorrow at Hafitdy. Have a nice night."

Then Pevat walked away and everyone waved to him. Then they all looked at each other in shock and disbelief. They were thankful at what they had seen, but Saycha was more relieved that Pevat hadn't found them out.

" What if we use Pevat as a way to ingratiate ourselves with the yellow wizards tomorrow?" asked Saycha plainly as he looked at Dorama.

" Yes, we could pretend like we were old friends, that would get us close enough to make a break for it, smart thinking," said Dorama.
Chapter 8

Sofratical forest hides Gaorical

Back at the hotel everyone sat silently after they had ordered their dinners unable to express their feelings about what they had just seen. Saycha couldn't get the image of his joyous parents out of his mind. He was filled with conflicted feelings of joy and sadness as were Jamce and Dorama.

" It sure was nice to see mum and dad again," said Jamce softly as he sat back in his chair.

" Truly beautiful, really I won't worry about them anymore ya know?" asked Dorama as she fidgeted with her hands.

" Exactly, it gives me a real relief and just settles some things. It would have been nice to talk to them, but I can wait," said Saycha honestly as he pursed his lips.

Then a trio of pretty waitresses come up the stairs with several plates of Cory tongues, Palant steak tips, Guros, and even a 2 foot wide glazed apple pie that looked absolutely perfect and also 5 Seesoo pops and a bottle of bourbon and 5 sliver glasses. They left the food on the table then went back down the stairs and said brightly as they did," Enjoy it, you've earned it."

" Thank you," said Jamce quickly then he looked at the food and everyone around and said," I can see now why everyone is so happy."

" Yes, yes it doesn't take a wise man to see why. God I never would have thought I could feel this happy. Ya know what I say, I say we do something fun tonight. I mean tomorrow we're going to be in a giant fight. Why not let off some steam and celebrate instead of worry," said Dorama implying a question as she grinned.

" Pour the good times I'm all for that," said Krowny enthusiastically then he slapped his own cheek and let out a yell.

" If, Krowny's, in then I'm in, I wonder what else they have to do in this fine town. It could be a bit of fun and danger oh no," said Jamce as he pretended to be scared.

Then it's settled, we'll feast then explore. There's got to be something hiding in this town to do that has our interest in it," said Dorama happily then she cut out a piece of pie and took a bite and smiled.

Then everyone chowed down and finished the whole bottle of bourbon and went to the end of the dining hall and saw a sign on a pair of pyramid shaped golden doors that read," Maveram's mystery unsolved," and Jamce said," This might be a good bit of fun, let's try it."

Jamce opened the door and saw a huge room that had hundreds of small individual rooms that ran the length of it and several were on a second floor, but had no roof or all 4 exterior walls so you could clearly see in. There was a tongue shaped fury rug that led into the maze of rooms with a 9 foot tall broad shouldered Purpas standing at the entrance named Raire Goam who was wearing a thick black cape and black denim pants.

" Welcome, I am Raire Goam and I will tell you how to compete in the Maveram's mystery and possibly win the grand prize of 10,000 gold coins. Firstly, hidden in this maze of rooms are various clues as to the whereabouts of the staff of Semb. Every person who plays pays 15 coin and the jackpot rises with every person that plays until the staff is found. If you be brave your first clue is this, the staff helps

the hungry man fill his belly. Now whosoever decides to enter this mystery must pay now or turn and run as I will do them harm for hanging about," said Raire sternly as he glared down at everyone.

Then everyone instantly reached into their pockets and counted out their 15 coin and put the coins in the palm of Raire's enormous hand. Then when everyone had paid he closed his giant hand and turned and dropped the coins into a Canto head slot and they disappeared. Then Raire waved his arm and said boldly," You may look for as long as you can stand. Once you have found the staff please bring it to me and I will give you your prize. Now enter and test your luck."

" Well, we may be in this maze for the rest of our lives if that's what it takes, Raire, cause we're Mospets and we were born to win. So go ahead and get our treasure ready cause we'll be back for it soon." Said Jamce boldly as he grinned at Raire and then entered the maze with everyone right beside him.

The first room was shaped like a light bulb and had a dozen miniature 5 foot high Palant, Canto, Gragum, and even Blamvo's arranged in a circle with a hourglass shaped dark brown table in the center. On the table there was a baker's dozen wizards and warriors set up in a mock battle with a Palant steak in the center.

" Well, this game is starting off with a certain pea-snash, if you know what I mean," said Jamce jokingly as he walked up to one of the statues of a Blamvo and punched it in the stomach.

Then the Blamvo punched Jamce in the chest and started to wrestle with Jamce and Dorama said stunned," Now we have a game, the statues are alive."

Then Jamce flipped the Blamvo over and it hit the ground hard and Jamce said boldly," Careful who you tangle with my friend! Boy I wasn't really in the mood for a ruckus, but it found me nonetheless," said Jamce then he grinned and took a look around the room.

" This room looks rather simple, but I'm getting the sense that if these 2 armies are fighting over a steak, the finding of said staff has something to do with food, either way I'm hungry," said Krowny as he pulled up one of the rubber wizards and bit its head off.

" O.K. then if that's the case, where would you hide it? In an icebox, a cupboard, in a cabinet, I mean those would seem the obvious choices, but that would be too easy," said Micavello as he started into the eyes of the Canto statue.

" Maybe it's in the steak hmmm, what do you think?" asked Jamce sarcastically as he punched his lips and raised his left eyebrow.

" Yeah, I think you are right, it all makes perfect sense now. They cooked it right into the steak genius!" said Krowny jokingly as he threw up his arms.

Everyone laughed and then Saycha said," I've got it, check this out."

Then Saycha went over to the table and tore off one of the legs and cracked it in half and found nothing and Krowny said wryly," That looks like wood chips, not quite a staff, but you're close."

Then Saycha grabbed another leg from the table and all of the rubber wizards and warriors as well as the steak fell to the ground. He then cracked that one in half and found nothing and Dorama said," Ya know that's pretty smart. Raire said it helped a person eat like the leg of a table would do."

" That is pretty smart, but it may be in a different room. Look the Blamvo is nervous," said Jamce as he pointed to the guy in the Blamvo costume who looked away instantly.

" I saw that, let's take a look around and let Saycha get these," said Krowny then he darted into the next room which was filled with 5 oval shaped dark mahogany tables. Each table had 2 chairs at it with Gragums statues sitting at them.

There were silver eggs 2 feet long on each of the tables on top of golden serving trays. The walls had 6 paintings of Otong that showed him at 6 completely different ages eating the same pear. The floor was covered in a red and blue rug that had the yellow wizards crest sewn into it. Krowny saw all the tables and let out a sigh and Dorama came right in after him and said sadly," This looks like a lengthy process."

" To say the most, I'll get the first 3 and you can have the rest," said Krowny as he walked up to the first table.

Dorama walked over to the table next in line and flipped it over and said," I love my life and the adventure it has become uhh."

Then Krowny ripped off a leg and smashed it and saw nothing in it. Dorama ripped hers off and broke it open over her knee and found nothing and said wryly," If this table gives me any more lip I'll break its legs."

Krowny laughed and then broke another leg open and saw nothing and said," These tables aren't cooperating like a lifeless object should who knew."

In came Micavello and Jamce with sad looks on their faces and Jamce asked," How are we doin'?"

" We don't know yet, but nothing so far. Where's Saycha?" asked Dorama then she ripped off another table leg and smashed it.

" He went deeper into the maze on a hunch," said Micavello as he grabbed a table and tore off 2 legs at once.

" A hunch, well I hope it pays off," said Krowny as he broke open another leg and found nothing.

Meanwhile Saycha was running full speed thru the maze on his way to the very end. He passed dozens of people who were combing every inch for the staff of Semb. Then Saycha thought he would run forever so he shouted," Skysus flynus me now!"

Then a pair of white wings formed under his arms and he began to fly up over the maze. He saw the end 200 yards to the right and he headed straight for it. As he got close he saw a 1 legged table with a plucked Larce bird on top and smiled as he flew down into the room. It had a huge rubber statue of Otong that went around the entire 25 foot wide room that showed him lying on his side and shouting while he crushed a diamond with both hands. The walls had hundreds of 2 inch paintings of every person Otong had ever met that he himself painted, covering every inch. The floor had a rug made of used shirts left behind by hotel patrons covering every inch of it.

" Now we'll see if I was right or bust," said Saycha boldly as he walked over to the one legged table.

Saycha grabbed the table and broke the top half off and saw the golden staff of Semb and shouted," Yes, it pays to be a bum!"

Then he broke the rest of the wood off it and flew back to the beginning. Jamce saw him fly by and said loudly," He found it, now that's impressive!" and then he started back to the start and said happily," Saycha, was always smarter must've eaten his vegetables."

" Or was smart enough to say he had," said Dorama slyly as she walked beside Jamce and Micavello.

Everyone went back to the start of the maze and saw Saycha dancing in a circle with the staff of Semb held above his head. Raire was not anywhere to be found and Krowny asked," Where's Mt. Raire, I thought he worked here?"

" That's ah good point, how can we collect if there's no one to pay us our 10,000 coin?" asked Jamce as he looked around for Raire.

Then out of a door in the maze came a nervous looking Raire with the huge red leather sack of 10,000 gold coins. He walked over to Saycha and dropped the sack in front of him and asked," Here is your treasure, you have earned it most righteously. Now may I have the staff of Semb?"

" Yes indeed, here you go," said Saycha brightly then he handed Raire the staff.

" Thank you, now let the winners gala begin!" yelled Raire as he pressed a black square button on the maze wall.

Then out of the ground rose the band the Drunken Magicians and a crowd of people came pouring into the room and Saycha said," I knew this town was a good idea."

" This and breathing, boy I love a good party, put's hair on your palms," said Krowny jokingly as he danced a jig and let out a cackle.

" And wax in your ears," said Jamce as he began to dance back and forth in a line.

Everyone was having a great time and then in strode 4 Purpas with swords in their hands. Saycha saw them and tapped Jamce and Micavello on the shoulders and said boldly," We've got sippers of wine who didn't bring a bottle."

" Purpas, this never ends, what do we do we only have daggers?" asked Dorama anxiously as she pulled her dagger from out from under her shirt.

" I can handle it," said Saycha confidently as he stared down the 4 Purpas.

" But we don't have our staffs, Saycha," pleaded Micavello as he grabbed a pair of Compamain crystal from his shoes.

" I don't need it," said Saycha calmly as the 4 Purpas looked menacingly at everyone and then Saycha raised his left arm like a staff and shouted," Deram melt the souls of thy!"

Then a tiny fiery red ball appeared in front of Saycha and shot at the Purpas who was the closest and went into his chest. He stood there and shook his head and then started for Saycha, but his body exploded from the inside out in a fiery burst that left only his skeleton standing where he had been. Then Saycha raised his left arm again and shouted," Brado taketh the wind!"

Then a green muscle bound dwarf appeared and blew a red cloud over the 2 Purpas on the right. And then the cloud sucked all of the air out of their lungs and out of the whole 10 foot area around them and they began gasping for air. Their faces turned blue and they collapsed to the ground an died. The remaining Purpas looked at his dead friends and felt an enormous anger well up inside of him. Then he ran at Saycha with his blade slashing in front of him. And just as he got close to Saycha Dorama threw her dagger and hit him right in the side of the head. The Purpas staggered from side to side then fell dead to the ground.

" Thanks, Dorama, that was close," said Saycha as he looked over at Dorama nervously and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

" You're welcome, but we may not still be safe. There could be others on the way," said Dorama as she walked over to Saycha.

" What do you mean, could," said Raire snidely as he swung a giant black ax at Saycha and Dorama's head.

Saycha grabbed Dorama's arm and helped her duck, but the ax chopped off a tuft of her hair. Then Jamce stabbed Raire in his giant leg with his dagger, but it had no effect and Jamce said," Now we're in trouble."

Everyone scattered away from Raire. Raire raced after Saycha and swung his ax at Saycha's feet, but Saycha used his white wings and flew upward and just barely missed the ax with a thin slice of his shoe's soul cut off.

" Micavello, do something quick he's in trouble!" shouted Dorama as she looked at Micavello.

" I don't have my staff, what can I do?" asked Micavello as he frantically looked around.

" Use this," said Jamce boldly as he threw him the staff of Semb.

" Thanks," said Micavello quickly as he grabbed the staff and ran after Saycha and Raire.

Meanwhile Saycha's wings were starting to lose their power as the spell was cast without a staff. Saycha dipped and Raire punched him hard and he flew into the wall. Then Raire tried to crush him with his foot, but Saycha rolled out of the way. Then Raire turned and raised his ax and was just about to cut Saycha in half, when Micavello raised the staff of Semb and shouted," Conflictus on homesa now!"

Then a pair of Eelucs appeared and swopped down and sunk their claws and teeth into Raire's head and back. Raire dropped his ax and tried in vain to fight off the Eelucs. They gouged out his eyes and then one of the Eelucs tore open his chest and ripped out his still beating heart. Raire collapsed to the ground and died. Micavello hurried over to Saycha and helped him up and said warmly," You look like you have an ax to grind."

Saycha laughed and said," Close I almost grinded the ax. Thanks, Micavello, that was close."

" You need to be more careful when you win one of these games I see," said Jamce jokingly as he walked over to Saycha with Krowny and Dorama.

" Yeah, they really didn't want to pay up. Which reminds me let's get our winnings and get out of here," said Saycha as he began walking over to the sack of gold coins.

Saycha grabbed the sack and looked inside and saw the 10,000 gold coins and showed Krowny and he said wryly," It's a fortune, but it's gonna take all of us to carry it out of here. And my back just went out...to get a bottle of wine. So there's that goin' for us."

Micavello saw the giant sack and said slyly," I've got to watch this and take notes," and then he raised his staff and shouted," Caverm gort be lightly!"

Then a black wooden cart with Gragums for wheels appeared and Micavello and Jamce grabbed the sack of gold coins and hoisted them onto the cart and Jamce said brightly," And the Mospet luck continues and the riches keep comin'."

" Let's hope it stays that way, remember we've still got our work cut out for us tomorrow," said Dorama in a concerned tone.

" Very true, let's hit it," said Jamce as eh pushed the cart towards the door s to the main room.
Chapter 9

An unknown pair of friends

Inside his hotel room Saycha was sleeping soundly when he was awoken by ad fierce thirst. The room itself was round in shape and had a 10 foot long red wood bed that went out onto a small patio, with flowing curtains in the middle of the bed that the wind gently swayed. There was also a pair of Otong statues made from wood on either side of the head of the bed. There was a Duness game on the left side of the room. And on the right side there was a pair of book shelves with all of Otong's favorite books like," The Greyish battalion."

The Greyish battalion was about a troop of 8 warriors that fought hundreds of battles together until they were literally old men. Then when they had no one left to fight they decided to fight each other to see who was the greatest warrior of all. After there were only 2 left the oldest laid down his sword and said honestly," I won't kill the only friend I have left." To which the other warrior replied," Then you are no friend to me," and then he chopped off his head.

The floor had a red rubber floor that bounced gently as you walked. On the walls were shirts, shoes, pants, and hats on hangers that were given to each guest to borrow during their stay. Saycha rolled out of bed and out onto the patio and looked out over the town of Jackaroot and several torches lit up the countryside.

" Beautiful isn't it?" asked Gogh Veas softly as he walked up next to Saycha.

Gogh Veas was the same height as Saycha, but a bit thinner. He had soft brown hair that had a pyramid braided into either side above his ears. His eyes were white in color which gave his gaze a lost feeling. His nose jutted out from his face to a square pointy tip that had the letter Z tattooed on it. His ears were pierced with matching purple wizards crest earrings, which was of a medallion being pierced by a pair of staffs. He had on a tan robe that went to just above his brown leather shoes. He also had on a white belt with various potions, Pilks, and even a pair of Barasand gloves attached to it.

Saycha felt slightly startled, but for some inexplicable reason wasn't scared and asked," It is incredibly beautiful, who might you be?"

" I might have been a shepherd, but I Gogh Veas. No need to introduce yourself, Saycha, I've been watching you and your friends closely," said Gogh warmly as he looked out over the countryside and grinned.

" Why have you been watching us, Gogh?" asked Saycha as he looked over at Gogh.

" Well, Saycha, I am a purple wizard and as you may or may not know you are as well, Saycha, I've been watching you because you are of pure heart. And, my friends and I know that it is you who can save Pabstrum and keep her safe from the yellow wizards," said Gogh then he looked over at Saycha and nodded.

" Then you know what we're up against tomorrow?" asked Saycha plainly as he looked forward and felt anxious at the idea of the battle ahead.

" Yes, and it's worse than you think, Saycha. An enormous yellow plague if descending on Hafitdy and the Crimson Way will fall. You must have sensed that?" said Gogh implying a question.

" I have, but if that's the case then why go at all?" asked Saycha in a concerned voice as he rubbed his hands together.

" To rescue whatever red wizards you can, but more importantly there are a few other things that must be rescued or there will be no hope of turning the tide against the yellow wizards," said Gogh sternly then he looked far into the distance and sighed.

" What are these things and how do I find them and get them out safely?" asked Saycha boldly as he looked at Gogh.

" O.K. the first thing is there are several objects of extraordinary power that cannot be allowed to fall into the yellow wizards hands and they are the green gold staff of Porcuis, the Book of Memrifa, the medallion of Yeall and the wizards wear of Armatribe Arsidius the great white wizard. These items in the wrong hands would destroy us all," said Gogh sternly as he thought of the blackness the world could fall into if the items weren't secured and he saw in his mind all the lush green fields scorched black and the sky blood red and filled with clouds and lightning storms.

" What powers do they possess?" asked Saycha calmly.

" The staff of Porcuis has the ability to render all staff within half a mile useless as it consumes their power. You could wipe out a lot of wizards with that alone. The Book of Memrifa has a detailed list of 300 spells that in the wrong hands could do unspeakable damage, as well as the family lines of every known wizard, which means people like yourself and our children would never be safe. The Medallion of Yeall has the ability to give the wearer a shield against all attacks and all magic needless to say it would make any wizard nearly all powerful. The final item, the clothes of the white wizard Armatribe, would do just that in that it allows you to change your form, shape, and even your size to virtually anything you would want. Imagine if you were 10 stories high and had the body of a Blamvo. Now you see that if

there is any hope of a normal life on Pabstrum these items must be secured, Saycha, and only you can do it," said Gogh gravely as he looked intently at Saycha.

" Why me, why don't you go yourself and retrieve them or even a wizard of the Crimson Way?" asked Saycha anxiously as he peered at Gogh.

" 2 reasons, there are several magical locks that can only be opened by the staff of Wrom. Secondly only you have the power to touch the items without being destroyed. Saycha, this destiny that you are racing towards it is not to be feared. We've known about you all of your life and we hoped some day that you would realize your full power. Now I need to warn of the items, because once you take them in your hands they can never again be more than arms length away from you," said Gogh seriously as he grabbed Saycha's wrist.

" What would happen if they were to get farther away?"

" It would be an unspeakable death that would last an eternity. Your soul would experience a pain that would never waver, but grow every moment until all's you were was pain. So, Saycha, be mindful of this at all times, because your enemies certainly will be," said Gogh then he let go of Saycha's wrist and reached into his pocket and pulled out a blood red glass case with a arrow shaped twig inside and then said," this compass has been cast from the same tree as the staff of Porcuis and it will always point directly at it and guide your way. Here I give it to you."

" Thank you, but once I have all of the items then what do I do?" asked Saycha as he examined the compass.

" Go to Sofratical forest with the remaining wizards and seek out Vem. He is a powerful green wizard and will help you find your way. Before it is all said and done a war will be waged and you will wage it.

I will go with you to Hafitdy and help in any way that I can, but if we are separated remember the compass it will guide you," said Gogh warmly then he smirked and nodded.

" I will you need not worry, Gogh," said Saycha as he nodded his head and thought of all he had been told and then asked," Sofratical forest isn't that in the Mmbago province?"

" Yes and it is very dangerous as it is crawling with Blamvo's, Canto's, and Gragums that are man sized. So we will need to be extremely careful," said Gogh sternly as he pulled a black cigar from his pocket and lit it with a blink of his eyes.

" I thought Blamvo's and Gragums were made up," said Saycha implying a question as he looked at Gogh.

" No, they are very real and when one sinks their teeth into you, you will know that fact entirely. And there are other dangers in Sofratical to worry of, but we will deal with them in time. For now we must sleep and prepare ourselves for a day of danger," said Gogh sternly as he took a drag and then threw his cigar off the patio to the ground below.

Saycha climbed into his bed and went to sleep while Gogh slept standing up in the corner of the room with his arms above his head. In the morning everyone awoke and went downstairs and out to the wagon including Gogh. As they rode past the Corngut portal Jamce said softly," I'm glad for mum and Dad, they looked truly at peace."

Dorama sat next to Jamce on the front of the wagon and smiled and said warmly," I've never been happier than I am knowing they made it to a better place. It makes up for them not bein' here."

" It gives us freedom to just stop saying what if and move on with our lives," said Jamce warmly as he took one last look at the crowd in front of the Corngut.

As they pulled out onto the main road the row of wagons was stretched 20 miles long in front of them filled with every yellow wizard in Pabstrum. Micavello and Gogh came out onto the front of the wagon and Gogh said," Well we've got a long day on the road today before we reach Hafitdy."

" Yeah, and its' warm already which means it's gonna be a scorcher," said Jamce.

" In more ways than one, Jamce, but if we don't want to travel by wagon we could do a bit of conjuring and speed up the process," said Gogh slyly as he ducked into the wagon.

" What do you think he's gonna do?" asked Dorama as she grinned at Micavello.

" I've got an idea," said Micavello wryly as he grinned back at Dorama.

Then out came Gogh with his staff as well as Saycha's and Micavello's and then Gogh asked brightly," Who likes to fly?"

" You know it could be very dangerous to try this, Gogh," said Micavello slyly as he looked at Gogh wide eyed.

" Try what, what are we going to try?" asked Dorama anxiously as she looked at everyone.

" We, fair Dorama, are going to lift ourselves up into the pale blue sky. Gentlemen will you join me?" asked Gogh warmly as he grinned at Saycha and Micavello and raised his staff high.

Then Saycha and Micavello pointed their staffs over either side of the wagon at the ground and Saycha said boldly," We're ready when you are."

Then Gogh shouted," Let winged flames burn in thy name!"

Then a 4 foot wide ball of blue flames formed at the end of Gogh's staff. And then Micavello and Saycha shouted," Winged friends come home again!"

Then they stood up and where their staffs had been held was now a black crystal pair of Larce birds heads on top of a long crystal red 2 foot wide ten foot long cylinder. Then Gogh cast another quick spell by shouting," Jemko flamed give air!"

Then the ball of flames he had, split into 2 balls of green flames and shot into a crystal Larce birds heads. Then a rainbow stream of fire came out of the red crystal cylinders and the wagon started to lift off the ground. It rose 200 feet into the air and began flying rapidly forward over the other wagons.

" Now this is fun!" said Dorama happily as she watched the other wagons beneath them go by.

" This is more than fun, before I just thought I was above people, now I actually am whowee," said Krowny slyly as he grinned.

" At this rate we'll be at Hafitdy in no time," said Saycha as he steadied himself.

" The sooner the better, these yellow wizards aren't looking to make friends. I just hope we aren't too late," said Jamce.

" We won't be, even if the fighting has started we can still get the items and a good number of red and green wizards to safety. Then we're off to Sofratical forest and a good talk with an old friend," said Gogh then he sat down and thought of his older brother Vem and the last time he'd seen him at their father's funeral.

" Who is this Vem anyway, Gogh?" asked Saycha.

" He is my brother and I haven't spoken to him in 8 years. He and I had our battles as children. And some of emotional scars never healed for either of us. There was a time when we rarely went an hour without sharing our thoughts with each other. Then a young woman named Vesla fell for him after she

had forsaken me. And I could never forgive him which was my failing," said Gogh as he thought of his brother kissing Vesla and how bad it hurt him.

" I hate to tell ya your business, but family is always more important than strangers, love or not," said Jamce honestly as he grimaced.

" I've heard those words before, but she was the love of my life and if you knew how hard it was for me to find her. You would truly understand the pain I felt. She was the air in my lungs."

" Then take another breath, there's always other women in the world who would love a man like you," said Dorama plainly then she shrugged her shoulders.

" I did, but it was a disaster. But having said that lately I've begun to feel I'm beyond it. Maybe the woman for me will find me somehow. That's all I can hope, she's got to be looking for me is what I surmise," said Gogh hopefully as he looked off at the horizon and smirked.

" Boy can I relate to that. It's the luck of it all that bothers me. Why doesn't it ever happen when you want it too. And then other times it happens when you don't. I could never get my head around that," said Jamce as he rubbed his chin.

Then Krowny came out with a Durion shaped bottle of bourbon and said slyly," The first sip sends the signal and by the tenth it's message received. Who's up for a quick burst of liquid confidence?" asked Krowny as he grinned.

" Always, Krowny, give it here and we'll set off for the island of good times," said Jamce slyly as he reached for the bottle.

Farther down the road near Hafitdy Evolver, Kerdivel, Isayep, Mafid, and Boesa were putting on their proper wizard attire, including their Barasand gloves, Compamain crystals under their belts, Pilk

pyramids in their pockets and in their sleeves and of course grabbing their staffs. Then they came out and sat down in the second floor music room.

The room had 6 brown leather recliners in a semi circle facing a mahogany stage that rose up from the floor 2 feet. The stage had dozens of instruments large and small on stands like guitars to Loins. Behind the stage was the large harpsichord whose pipes went out thru the walls and came back in behind the chairs. Behind the chairs there were paintings of famous yellow wizards that were painted on canvases shaped like people and leaned up against the wall like one of Marev Blopottle holding his staff and frowning. The floor was covered in used magic, which was a shiny silver powder that didn't stick to anything, but instead felt very soft to the touch. The ceiling had a large red clouded sky that was put there by Evolver's spell and looked completely real.

" O.K., all the other yellow wizards have received their orders and will keep a safe distance. When we arrive we go to the front gate and tell them we wish to aid in the governing of the provinces. Once we are it's take no prisoners, as I will send a Horsam immediately to let the other yellows know it's time to attack. I want to personally kill Paragon and be the one to topple Colexor. I feel it is my destiny," said Evolver coldly as he thought of Paragon.

" I want Ravela, that abomination is the source of many angers for me. He will feel my wrath and know my true power," said Mafid snidely as he looked over slowly at Evolver.

" Then we are ready, let us take a look and see how close we are to Colexor," said Evolver as he stood up then walked over to the stairs with everyone close behind.

They walked down the forming staircase that was made from magic and each step appeared as you stepped up or down. They walked thru the weapons room and out onto the front of the wagon and saw

Colexor 200 yards in front of them and Boesa asked," Do you think a thing of beauty should reflect a man's ego?"

" Good point, look at that monstrosity. They built it right up into the clouds. The heavier the head the better the target. We'll show them how to be humble," said Evolver snidely as he took the reins and sat down.

Evolver rode up another 100 yards and then out of nowhere came Saycha and everyone flying past them and Mafid asked sternly," What is this? All yellow wizards should have received the Horsam!"

" Something is amiss, this could ruin our plans," said Isayep nervously as he looked at the flying wagon.

" No, maybe not, we'll see what happens, but whoever is in that wagon has got a debt to pay with me for their pure stupidity," said Evolver snidely as he clenched his jaw and fist.

Aboard the wagon Saycha looked down at Evolver's wagon and said," I don't know who that is, but I would guess they are the first to arrive considering there isn't another wagon in sight."

" That's Evolver's wagon I would know it anywhere. Be very careful with that one he is extraordinarily powerful. And he is lightning fast at casting spells," said Gogh in a concerned tone as he looked at Saycha.

" Evolver...why do I hate the sound of that name?" asked Saycha as he looked back at Evolver's wagon.

" Because he is pure evil, the worst sort he is. If you ever find yourself toe to toe with him be quick and decisive or it will cost you your life. He's the one who probably started this whole thing if I had to guess," said Gogh sternly as he exchanged glances with Saycha and Micavello.

" Then he's the one who should fall under my blade," said Jamce boldly as he pulled out his dagger and looked at the gleaming blade.

" If we're so lucky, now we're at the front gates time for a bit of spell casting to set us down," said Gogh and then he shouted as he raised his staff," Let old wings find soft soles!"

Then the wagon set down slowly right in front of the first gate. There was a pair of women wizards standing on either side named Savolt Shems and Demapo Coilvo. Savolt had dark red curly hair that cascaded off her head and down to her mid back. She had lavender and blue eyes that gave people a sense of calm when she looked them in the eyes. She had a button nose with a clef in the tip. She was 5'6" 143 pounds of curvaceous sexy. She had small hands and large slender feet. She had on a purple flowing dress that accentuated her figure, as well as a pair of purple leather boots with a S shaped dagger on the right one.

Demapo was 6'2" with green and black hair that was in a bun. Her left eye was missing and had a large golden eyeball with the Crimson Way crest carved into it. She was very thin, but had a large bottom. She was wearing seal black lacy dress that was down to her ankles, but shorter on one side. She also had on black leather high heels with a Compamain crystal on the sides of each.

" What is your business here?" asked Savolt sternly as she gripped her black staff with a crystal Gragum on the top.

" We must speak with Paragon it is of extreme importance. Tell him Gogh Veas and Saycha are here to speak with him," said Gogh as he looked at Savolt warmly.

" Saycha, oh I am sorry I did not recognize you. You are always welcome here please pass," said Savolt brightly then she waved her staff and the gates opened.

" Thank you, young lady," said Gogh warmly.

Saycha got a smile from Savolt and instantly became nervous, but then said quickly," Thank you really."

Then they rode in and the gates closed behind them with Evolver pulling up to the gates right after them and then Savolt asked," What is your business here?"

" We are here to offer our services to the wizards of the Crimson Way. We hope we can help," said Evolver warmly as he grinned and looked at Savolt.

" You will need to see Paragon, but we can only allow one group of visitors at one time. So unfortunately you will have to wait outside," said Savolt.

" Oh well, who was in the wagon ahead if us?" asked Evolver brightly as he smirked at Savolt then looked at Demapo.

" It was Saycha Mospet and Gogh Veas, as well as their group of companions," said Demapo.

" Oh, I see...well we'll be back in a short while thank you," said Evolver warmly then he backed up the wagon and rode away and then said sternly," the Yamit's out of the sack. I have no doubt that Saycha and Gogh figured out our plan."

A Yamit was a fury pink round headed 4 eyed creature, that if you let it out of its sack it would run in every direction.

" O.K. then what's our new plan?" asked Mafid.

" All out war, we'll pass the word to the other yellow wizards and then when they arrive we storm the gates. That part does not worry me thou, it's this Saycha I've heard he is the reincarnation of Havermo," said Evolver anxiously.

" No, the Sectis you say," said Boesa in disbelief.

" Yes it is him and he has the ability to wield the staff of Wrom. He's not one to be trifled with, but if we could get him alone we might be able to take him out. Now this will take doing, but nothing is impossible if you be of vicious heart," said Evolver snidely as he steered the wagon over to the side of the road and saw the horde of yellow wizards coming down the road and flying in on Eelucs and then said coldly," or friends that do."

Inside Colexor in the hall of Living Books sat Paragon enjoying his dinner with Momeva Potts. The hall had hundreds of thousands of books made from pure magic on 2 levels, inside of round glass cases that had triangular shaped blue glass doors on the front of each. A living book when opened would show a characters actual head reading the contents on the left side of the book. And on the right the action was acted out by 5 inch people in full wardrobe. You could ride up to the second level on an octagon shaped pedestal of white magic that rose up slowly just after you stepped on. In the center of the room there was a pure white square elevator that only went downward, and had huge black steel x shaped lock on the front with a hand shaped keyhole. There were also 5 blue cushioned couches that looked like Palants backs flipped upside down, arranged in a T. The ceiling had a long stained glass window opened slightly, that depicted a young wizard running thru a vortex while fighting off a huge snarling black and green beast with dark red eyes.

Paragon set down his living book and turned to see Saycha and said warmly," Saycha, how good of you to come. You have heard of the troubles?" asked Paragon as he looked at Saycha.

" There are more troubles than you know, Paragon. It was the yellow wizards who killed the Lords and all the wizards who took their places. And they're coming in droves to Colexor now to do away with the rest of you," said Saycha sternly as he looked at Paragon and pursed his lips.

" No, it couldn't have been. That would be a violation of the Bram Parchment. They wouldn't dream of it," said Paragon in disbelief as he put his right hand to his forehead.

" The Bram Parchment was rendered useless when the black wizards broke the agreement. Now with the black wizards out of the picture the yellows have decided to take over," said Gogh sternly as he walked up to Paragon.

" Oh that's right, well of that's the case there isn't a lot we can do to stop them. They must outnumber us by ten to 1 and even if we got most of them in a trap they would still overpower us," said Paragon sadly as he looked at the floor blankly.

" Paragon, there is a hope, but we must get all the wizards of the Crimson Way and get them out of here and to the Sofratical forest. My brother Vem and his people the Gromrath could help us, but we would need to move fast. And we will need the sacred items from the Possu vault," said Gogh quickly.

" Only the chosen one can open the Possu vault and only that person would be able to touch the items, I..." said Paragon softly as he rubbed his forearm.

" Saycha, Saycha can open it I know it to be true!" said Gogh loudly as he looked at Saycha.

" Then let him try its' over there. Put your right hand into the lock and shout the Forslio spell and if it's meant to be your s it will open. If not, Saycha, the door will do a horrifying death upon you, so be careful and confident," said Paragon sternly."

" It's o.k., Saycha, this is your destiny. Keep your thoughts dear and joyful and the door will open," said Gogh as he rubbed Saycha's shoulder and nodded.

" I'll do exactly that," said Saycha calmly but his thoughts were of his possible death.

Saycha grimaced and gritted his teeth and walked over to the Possu lock and Dorama yelled," You can do it, Saycha, I know it!"

Then Saycha thrust his hand into the lock and a red skull appeared in front of him and shouted," You know not what you seek!" The skulls eyes turned to rats and they climbed down onto Saycha's wrist. Then they burrowed into his forearm and after they were beneath the skin they disappeared. Then the letters Y and T formed inside a square crest on Saycha's forearm and burned his flesh as he was branded. Saycha tried to pull away, but couldn't so he let out a yell in pain. Then the lock itself turned into a Canto's mouth and just as it was about to bite down it burst into a swirling blue smoke. Then the door opened and Saycha said in shock," How can this all be and be so real that I can't deny it."

" Nice work, Saycha, take the elevator to the bottom and grab the items. You've earned them," said Gogh happily as he grinned at Saycha.

Then Saycha stepped inside the elevator. Its walls were covered in a thick plush red cushion, with 3 small square glass cases filled with 4 inch tall statues of Armatribe in different colored robes and with miniature staffs in hand in the center of the wall facing you as you walked in. The other 2 walls had gold coins sewn into the cushions in the shape of the face of Armatribe smiling. The ceiling had a purple cushion covering it with an everlasting flame cast by Armatribe himself inside a round candle holder.

" You're fine Saycha just relax and good things will happen," said Saycha hopefully as he looked and saw a single green button on the wall that read," to the top," and then he pressed it and said," off we go."

Then the elevator hurled downward at incredible speed, going 1 mile straight down. It stopped slowly and the doors evaporated revealing a small triangular shaped room that was 30 feet long, but the ceiling was only 8 feet high and had 6 everlasting red torches hanging from it. There were 7 statues along each wall of the Secumlary spirits.

The Secumlary spirits were believed to be the peace keepers in heaven and looked like people with animal heads like a Gragum, Canto, or Larce bird.

At the end of the room there was a golden altar with the staff of Porcuis standing straight up on the left side with a blue flame engulfing it. On the right side floating in the air was the black diamond encrusted medallion of Yeall with several small white stars encircling it. In the center was the Book of Memrifa on top of the tip of swords blade suspended perfectly above the altar. Lastly the clothes of Armatribe were folded into the shape of a cube and were sitting on a large 6 foot wide mask. The floor was covered in a red carpet with black Gragums feet sewn into it leading up to the altar. Saycha walked up to the altar slowly and then suddenly the Secumlary statue ran at him and Saycha punched the first one and it disappeared instantly. The next 2 grabbed him by the arms and Saycha shouted," Let blaze take shapes!"

The six balls of blue flames shot out of his body and blew up 10 of the Secumlarys and then Saycha sighed and said," That was close."

But then the remaining 3 Secumlarys pulled out daggers and did a flip over them. Then he shouted as he turned to them," Black fists of pain remain thusly!"

Then a dozen black fists appeared in front of him and began pummeling the Secumlarys to death until they all disappeared. Then Saycha walked up and looked at the items and said," Here goes the old and in comes the true."

Then he grabbed the staff of Porcuis and a pair of yellow lasers shot into his eyes and suddenly his vision was twice as strong. Then he picked up the cube of clothes and in an instant his old clothes were replaced by the shimmering white robe, boots, and slightly tinted white sunglasses with octagon shaped lenses and his body grew 6 inches. His muscles also got 2 inches larger and Saycha said happily," I always wanted to be taller, what a great feeling up here."

Then he reached over and grabbed the medallion of Yeall and it disappeared for a second then reappeared around his neck and a circle of light passed over his whole body. Then he shrugged his shoulders and grinned and reached down and picked up the Book of Memrifa. It was made of platinum and depicted the wizard's named Napama Ovop's journey into mastering the wizardly arts and all forms of magic.

Napama was a beautiful curly red haired woman of 6'3". She had the lightest of blue eyes that never showed concern. She always wore her dark green robe and brown leather boots, as well as her medallion and tan tinted glasses. She came to magic by accident, when her older brother punched her in the arm she shouted," Burn your wicked blood black!," and her brother turned into a stone statue. After that she spent the rest of her life discovering spells, but was unable to reverse the spell she had cast on her brother. A fact that troubled her all of her life.

Saycha looked at the cover of the 10 inch book and then opened it to the first page and it flashed a green cauldron of light then the face of Napama appeared and she said simply," If it's damage you seek then continue to read. Every spell contained inside has the power to take out dozens of men. But if you be not wise you'll hurt the ones you love. Think before you turn the next page."

Saycha stood there looking at Napama and then started to turn the page and said hopefully," I have to know."

The first page had a living depiction of 80 soldiers being crushed and burned to death by an enormous red scaly dragon and the caption read," Shout mere men dragonis glory be done! And your power will be unleashed."

" Wow, now that will come in handy. I'll read the rest later, time to fly," said Saycha as he closed the book and put it in his right pocket.

Then he hurried back to the elevator and in front of him was the smiling face of Armatribe appeared for a split second and Saycha smirked and wondered if he'd really seen it, then got in the elevator and saw only a yellow button that read," Bottoms up," and he pressed it. The elevator shot straight up at even greater speed then slowed gently and stopped. The doors opened and the room was filled with red and green wizards and Jamce ran up to Saycha and said sternly," We're under attack and we're escaping thru a secret tunnel. Oh nice threads hey did you get taller?" asked Jamce as he looked at Saycha quizzically.

" A bit yeah," said Saycha as he grinned at Jamce.

" Well I like it, we can trade each other's clothes now," said Jamce honestly as he looked Saycha up and down then nodded and smiled.

Then Gogh came up to Saycha and said quickly," We must hurry they're breaching the outer wall."

" Then let's go," said Saycha quickly as he started after Gogh with Jamce beside.

Colexor began to shake and crumble as the yellow wizards pounded it with 5 foot wide balls of molten lava, as well as walls of Eelucs tearing gaping holes in the walls. All the red wizards ran to the Curpit passageways beneath Colexor. They all flooded down the 8 story spiral staircase deep into the ground. The walls of it had huge 20 foot tall paintings of all the great wizards including Havermo Blemsink.

When Saycha ran by it he double taked and tapped Jamce on the shoulder and pointed and Jamce said," It's dead ringer."

Outside Colexor the horde of yellow wizards led by Evolver hammered away at the castle with spell after spell.

" Comdoninus Sacto vile be thus!" thundered Evolver as he glared at Colexor.

Then a stone gorilla the size of a truck appeared and started jumping from side to side then it rolled into a ball and barreled at Colexor. It picked up tremendous speed and sparks were flying off it as it smashed thru the castle's walls and deep into the heart of it. Then it exploded in the Hall of Living Books and smashed all the glass cases. Glass flew everywhere and hundreds of yellow wizards started to flood into the castle thru the gaping hole. Evolver led the way with staff in hand and a menacing look on his face, with Boesa and Mafid on either side of him

" Where is everyone?!" shouted Evolver as he looked around and saw no one and felt he'd been duped.

" They're hiding here, they have to be there's no way out," said Mafid.

" Then we find them and we show no mercy," said Evolver sternly.

Down in the passageways beneath Colexor there was a labyrinth of round tunnels made from black marble and going in every direction. They had 10 foot statues of animals at the start of each that acted as a code to tell where they ended up, like one of a Palant or gargoyle. Only the wizards of the Crimson Way knew of the code. The ground was covered in a soft red rubber with square area rugs every 7 feet in the center of the ground. The walls had the Cosegat phrases written on them in red marble.

The Cosegat phrases were short phrases said quickly to put a false thought in an attackers mind like," You're only handsome when breathing," and ," Only steal it if it's yours." They were created by Bevcop

Cosegat to use as a last resort if you couldn't cast a spell. He happened upon then by accident when a black wizards caught him away from his staff and he said quickly," Half eaten frogs are regret," and the black wizard paused long enough for him to grab his dagger and hurl it at his chest. After the success of the encounter he set about the business of writing 3,000 of the phrases and putting them in a brown leather book that he gave to all his fellow wizards.

All the wizards were going into the tunnel with the 2 baby Palants statue and racing up a long gradual mahogany staircase.

" Where does this lead, Paragon?" asked Saycha as he ran beside Paragon.

" Sofratical forest, its' the quickest route, but it will still take a good bit of time to get there. We'll go see this Vem and hope Gogh is right and that he can help us," said Paragon hopefully as he ran and thought of the beautiful Kirched trees in Sofratical forest.

Kirched trees were shaped like a very fat man and were over 20 feet tall. They had a hollowed out body with unusual homes for the Gromrath inside. They also had thick long branches that went outward and could easily support a deck or structure as there wood was so dense. They had black spots on them that blinked occasionally.
Chapter 10

The Gromrath

After 20 minutes of climbing the mahogany staircase Paragon said sternly," We've got to go thru the Mesiblat tunnel and they can be very testy, so be careful."

" What's a Mesiblat?" asked Saycha as he rubbed his aching thigh muscle and let out a sigh.

" They are people made from tree roots and they live beneath the ground. If they grab hold of you don't fight them or it could cost you your life. Just let them toss you around a bit, because they will eventually let go," said Paragon calmly as he went up the last 4 steps and walked into the Mesiblat tunnel.

The tunnel had hundreds of large and small Mesiblats sitting in couches smoking cigars and talking. There were lots of old area rugs covering the ground. And there were dozens of wood carvings of wizards, Palants, even one of a lightning cloud strewn about the tunnel. The tunnel walls had racks with freshly cooked meat hanging from them, as well as barrels of whiskey every so often thru the length of the tunnel.

" Wow, I had no idea that a place like this existed," said Saycha in disbelief as he looked around wide eyed and a bit afraid.

" Remember what I told you, we have a way to walk in this tunnel and it could get dangerous," said Paragon sternly as he walked past a robust Mesiblat woman who was holding her child as she sat on a rocking chair.

Then a Mesiblat walked up next to Saycha and wrapped his arm around Saycha's neck. Saycha looked over at his round lifeless blue eyes and felt ill at ease. He remembered what Paragon had said, but fear was gripping his mind. Then Saycha felt his body start to change to the shape of a Canto and the Mesiblat instantly moved away from him as Saycha snarled fiercely. Then Saycha went back to his usual self and saw all the Mesiblat looking at him in terror and moving away from him as he drew near and he said slyly," Ya know these new clothes are working out just fine if you ask me."

" There comes great responsibility with huge power, be mindful," said Paragon sternly , but he secretly thought it was pretty cool.

" I think I'll stay close to my dear young bro, Saycha, before one of these Mesiblats gets frisky," said Jamce as he walked up next to Saycha after seeing the transformation.

" I think you're right," said Dorama quickly as she and Micavello moved closer to Saycha.

" I'm not worried about these livin' trees, I'm old, try and take me," said Krowny defiantly as he stared down a Mesiblat.

" Careful, Krowny, this is no joke," said Gogh as he stepped over a Mesiblat child lying on a rug in front of him.

They all hurried down the tunnel until it came to a spiral walkway that went up into a huge Kirched tree. Inside the Kirched thee was a lavish living room with beautiful crystal statues lined up in a row of the red wizard Ducas Lint, with each one showing him in a different phase of casting a spell. There were

also 4 purple 10 foot couches with Canto shaped armrests arranged in a semi circle. There was a 3 foot high black mahogany crown shaped table in front of them with a square hole in the center where the whiskey would rise up when you pressed a button. There was also a white staircase along the left wall that disappeared into the second floor. On the right side of the room there was a pair of Caligaly men and a pair of Torex helmets and rubber swords.

The Torex game involved fighting an animatronic half man half Palant until you had chopped off its head and limbs. Then when you had you climbed inside its belly and then you had to construct a life size puzzle in 3 minutes or the other person got a chance at the victory. The puzzles were usually of famous wizards of Yore. You each put up 50 gold coins and played for that as well as a golden mask and sunglasses. When someone had won the game the sides of the Palant slid open and 6 silver staffs rose up out of its belly as the song," Too many I love you's," by the Drunken Magicians played. Then the coins you had put in the Palants eyes rose up inside the gold mask.

There were 2 Gromrath men sitting on the couch named Pentai and Korup, with bottles of Bourbon in their hands. The Gromrath had long bulbous red skinned bodies with black S's all over them. Their eyes were all identical red and they had thick black curly beards. They were all exactly 6'2", but their weights tended to vary as some loved to eat more than others. They wore dark blue trousers and brown corduroy shirts, as well as black leather shoes that had dozens of tiny trinkets dangling from them. They also wore a black smooth metal necklace with the words of Dranco the magnificent, written on them.

Dranco the Magnificent was a ruthless Lord from the time before order. And Dranco believed that if someone hadn't died the day hadn't happened. He even went to the lengths of doing in many of his followers to satisfy his beliefs. He also wrote a book that gave insights into the actual thoughts of man and wizard kind called," Reasons for asking." The book had thousands of lines of logic like," If he believed pain wasn't real, never again would he inflict it for fear of proving himself wrong," as well as,"

You can love a penniless man only if he's rich with pride or the love would only be sympathy." Dranco disappeared after his wife died and was never seen again. Although he was rumored to have used a spell on himself to change his form.

Pentai stood up and walked over to Gogh and looked at him fiercely and then turned to Korup and asked," Doesn't this one look like Vem?"

" Yes, he does look like Vem, but a bit heavier," said Korup then he took a swig from his bourbon bottle.

" Are you any relation to Vem?" asked Pentai as he stared at Gogh.

" Yes, I am indeed he is my brother. And we are here to speak with him do you know where we can find him?" asked Gogh as he smirked.

" Yeah, I thought you looked Vemlike. Here's what I'll do for 15 coin I'll take you to him. How's that feel to ya?" asked Pentai happily as he folded his arms and nodded and grinned.

" Well, ah... I don't have any money."

" I got cha covered, Gogh, fear not I've got it right here," said Jamce as he pulled out a handful of coins and then handed Pentai the coins and said slyly," Don't spend it all in one place unless it's at my market."

" Very funny, comedians always know the truth of the world, cause they see the underlying absurdity. Please follow me," said Pentai coldly then he walked over to a red wall and thru its fake wall.

Outside there were hundreds of thousands of Kirched trees that went as far as you could see, with lots of houses built between their branches and lit by torches. There were many with 7 stories of house built on the Kircheds that were built right and left at odd angles. Between the trees at the base were thousands

of Durions roaming freely and statues of Dranco made from red marble and fully clothed in lavish attire. Every 50 feet there was a 40 foot wide and 70 foot high market or business owned by Vem, but operated by the Gromrath. There was also a heart shaped pond behind the nearest market to where Saycha was standing that had several small V shaped bamboo boats floating on it.

" He is a good bit from where we are, but not so far it will bother you," said Pentai as he walked briskly thru the herd of Durions with everyone right behind him.

" These sure are some beautiful animals," said Krowny as he patted a Durion on the side as he walked past.

" They are indeed, but they are also very useful in battle. Let me ask this fella a query," said Jamce then he walked up next to Pentai and asked," I was wondering if your Durion could be used in battle, meaning by us?"

" Durions are a sacred animal to the Gromrath, but if the money is right then we forget many things. But only if Vem desires it, he is our master," said Pentai sternly as he waved to his wife Gelly and his son Darmo.

" That's what I like to hear a man of principles. I'm Jamce by the way and you would be?"

" I am Pentai, Jamce...I like name Jamce it tickles my tongue," said Pentai as he grinned and nodded to Jamce.

" Well, Pentai, that name of yours has a nice ring to it. It says a thing or 2 about your people," said Jamce honestly then he looked at Pentai's bourbon bottle and asked," might I get a sip of your liquor?"

" I would, but I only have 2 thirds left and I'm still thirsty," said Pentai sternly then he took a swig from his bottle.

Jamce slowed down his pace and looked over at Krowny who was trying not to laugh and said sternly," Laugh it up, grandpa, just don't laugh your wooden teeth out."

" Boy I'm so thirsty, I mean I am parched. What I wouldn't do for a sip kind sir, NO!" said Krowny jokingly then he let out a belly laugh as did Saycha.

" Don't encourage him, he could die any second," said Jamce quickly as he shook his head.

Then Pentai walked up to the largest Kirched tree, that had an 8 story palace built on it and said sternly," This is his humble home. I will tell him you are here please wait."

Then Pentai went inside the home and everyone stood outside and waited then they heard Vem shout," That pile of Palant crap is outside my home! How dare he ever speak to me again after what he's done to me! I outta slit his throat! Where is he?!"

Then they heard total quiet and Gogh just shrugged his shoulders and looked at everyone nervously and then said nervously," It was a minor squabble, just brother stuff it's fine."

" Why do I get the feeling they're gonna skin us up and cook our gizzards," said Dorama anxiously as she grimaced and looked at everyone.

" If we're lucky, they may use us for Durion feed if we' re not careful," quipped Krowny as he looked at a Durion who was glaring at him and sent a shiver down his back.

Then out burst Vem Veas in all his glory. Vem was 5'6" 182 pounds of hard as rock muscle. Even his neck bulged with muscle. His hair was long perfectly straight and light blonde. It had 2 dozen tiny statues tied into his hair all over his head of the yellow wizard Cashre with his head cut off and in his hands. He also had emerald green eyes that started at you. His nose was bulbous and long and had a piercing of a staff on the right side. He had on a green corduroy shirt with the sleeves rolled up, with a

white T-shirt underneath and a Compamain crystal in the front pocket. He also had on a pair of black corduroy pants with a silver and black marble belt. His shoes were black leather and there was a Pilk pyramid on the heels of each. Around his neck there was a thin gold necklace with the words," Dispel the myths, create the legends," written on it.

" Gogh, you...brother of mine who I love more than life itself. How are you?" asked Vem warmly as he put his hands on Gogh's shoulders.

Gogh looked around sheepishly and then said warmly," I am well, Vem, but I come here seeking your help."

" Really, well come inside and we'll discuss it, follow me," said Vem then he put his arm around Gogh and walked inside with everyone behind them.

Inside you first walked thru the legs of a 25 foot tall statue of Vem drinking from a large bottle of whiskey with his shirt off and a large medallion around his neck. There were banana shaped floating dressers and cases filled with wizardly artifacts like staffs, medallions, and event the silver mask of Trom Roars floating 3 feet above the ground. There were green Canto and red Palant shaped couches on the left and right side of the room, with wizard fury dolls littered all over them. In the center of the room there was a dark brown mahogany oval shaped desk that was nailed to a swiveling round piece of floor with a black velvety cushioned chair behind it that could go 360 degree around. It had crystal statues of Vem filled with his favorite red wine. Behind it was a huge Duness game and a wall filled with hanging Palant steaks. On the other 3 walls were living paintings that changed due to a person's mood to become entirely different paintings of all of Vem's favorite places. The ceiling was heart shaped and had an upside down golden chess board that had all the pieces glued to the ceiling with a spell Vem had cast.

" This is my home, it suits my personality, but vexes my enemies," said Vem slyly as he walked over and sat down at his desk.

" Nice place, says a lot about the owner," said Jamce as he looked back at the giant statue of Vem.

" You ain't kiddin' there's living magic here. What a thrill," said Saycha as he looked at the cases floating above the floor.

Everyone sat down on the 2 couches and Gogh then said," Vem, the yellow wizards are trying to destroy every other wizard and take over Pabstrum. We are at an impasse as to how to fight them and be victorious. We need your guidance, can you help?" asked Gogh then he pushed a floating case away from his view of Vem.

" Yes, brother, I can and will. If you are to win with lesser numbers your only hope is to bring them here to Sofratical and then get them to chase you to the Crutom swamp. Once there we set the swamp's oily water ablaze and scorch them to ashes. I also see your friend is wearing the clothes of Armatribe," said Vem implying a response as he looked at Saycha.

" Yes, they are I also have the staff of Porcuis and the Medallion of Yeall as well as the Memrifa in my pocket," said Saycha as he pulled the Book of Memrifa from his pocket.

" Really, well in that case we could certainly use your incredible powers to our advantage. If you were to change your form to be 10 stories high, the yellow wizards would see you and come after you as a whole. And with the staff of Porcuis you could make their staffs useless forcing them to use Compamain crystals and Pilk pyramids which would limit their powers," said Vem then he interlocked his fingers and thought of the strategy.

" What kind of danger would Saycha be in from the Compamain crystals and Pilk pyramids?" asked Jamce as he threw a glance to Saycha then looked at Vem.

It depends whether he absorbs a direct hit. If so he could be in a great bit of danger. The key would be him staying a safe distance from them as they chased on foot and by Eelucs. If he did that he would be fine. What you have to understand is this, for the world of Pabstrum to have a future someone in this room may have to die before it's over," said Vem sternly as he looked at everyone and then Gogh.

" It's up to you, Saycha, it's your life on the line what do you want to do?" asked Gogh softly as he gave Saycha a concerned look.

" I accept, I don't think I'll be in any true danger with my new powers. Plus I'm wise enough to elude them I'm convinced of that."

" Then it's settled, all's that has to happen now is for you to go outside and spring the trap, remember the distance, Saycha, keep that in mind," said Vem sternly then he clenched his jaw and nodded.

" Then it's time," said Saycha boldly as he stood up.

Then Saycha walked over to the front door and went outside with everyone following behind. All the red wizards were amassed outside and waiting for the plan and then Paragon shouted," Head for the Crutom swamp and wait on its far shoreline! When the yellow wizards get into the bulk of the swamp, set it ablaze! "and then he said sternly," be ready for anything."

Then the red wizards headed for the Crutom swamp and Gogh said boldly," Now is the time, Saycha, unleash your power."

Then Saycha took a step forward and sent a thrust of magical energy thru his clothes and he began to grow. Slow at first, but then faster and faster until he was 20 times his normal size and his face morphed to that of a Palant's head on his body. Then Jamce said wryly," I used to be the big brother."

" I used to be young, get over it," said Krowny sternly then he started for the Crutom swamp.

Everyone started to go except for Dorama who asked," Are you gonna be alright?"

Then Saycha smiled and said boldly," I will, I'd worry about them."

" Don't get hurt," said Dorama softly as she touched Saycha's foot and then hurried towards the Crutom.

Then inside the Mesiblat tunnel the yellow wizards were destroying the Mesiblats as they raced thru with flaming spells that torched their bodies.

" Good work, if they won't tell us where they went then let them burn," said Evolver snidely then he walked past a burning Mesiblat and kicked its head off and laughed.

Then Boesa came running down the tunnel towards Evolver and Mafid and as he got close shouted," We've found them, they're at the end of this tunnel!"

" Really, o.k. everyone leave these twig people be and follow me to our destiny," said Evolver snidely then he began to run down the tunnel with all the yellow wizards behind him.

Up above the tunnel yellow wizards had assembled outside of a Kirched house and were awaiting Evolver's orders. He walked up the last step and saw Korup sitting on the couch and drinking his bourbon and Evolver showed no emotion and walked thru the living room and outside and saw Saycha and Evolver's said nervously," Whoa, there's a big problem in our way."

" Yes I think they left him here to keep us at bay. What do you think we should do?" asked Boesa as he looked at Evolver.

" Kill him, and then lay waste to the rest of them. We will not be denied today my friends. This is our world now," said Evolver coldly then he walked towards Saycha and shouted," Drawn painted blood be spread!"

Then a seal black dragon with white eyes and only one claw on the right side that was a 5th of the size of Saycha appeared and flew straight at him. Saycha saw this and raised the staff of Porcuis and shouted," Mere men dragonis glory be done!"

Then a huge red scaly dragon with purple cat like eyes and large claws appeared that was twice the size of the seal black on and shot a pair of blue fiery arrows at the smaller one. The arrows hit it in the chest and wing and the black dragon began flying erratically. Then the black one fired a mouthful of flames at the red one, but the red one fired a star shaped fireball from its mouth that met the fire and the 2 burst into flames lighting up the sky.

" We're in trouble it looks like," said Mafid nervously as he looked on.

" Maybe not, let's try out a good bit of patience," said Evolver calmly.

Then the black dragon righted itself and flew at incredible speed at the red one and sunk its claw into its neck deeply. But then the red took both of its large claws and sliced them deep into either of the black one's head and it died shortly thereafter. Then its body fell helplessly to the ground just missing Kerdivel.

" Well?" asked Mafid.

" Well nothing, everyone take him out with all you've got!" shouted Evolver as he glared at Saycha's smiling face.

Saycha saw what was about to happen and turned and ran as his red dragon shot at the yellow wizards. Some of the yellow wizards scattered while Evolver stood calmly and shouted as he raised his staff," Murderous lifeless stone taker!"

Then a huge whit rubber slingshot appeared and it had a 20 foot tall blue marble man inside. It fired the blue man at the red dragon and when he hit he went clean thru its belly and came out the other side with the dragon's heart in his mouth. The dragon flapped its wings 3 more times then fell like a stone to the ground. Meanwhile the blue marble man came flying at Saycha who sensed this and turned and caught him and crushed him to powder and said boldly," Nice try, but not just yet!"

" Everyone after him!" shouted Evolver as he looked away in disgust.

Then some of the yellow wizards raised their staffs and cast a spell for an Eeluc and hoped on and flew after Saycha. While others cast a spell for a Gragum with wheels instead of feet and used their staffs to propel them, as did Evolver and Mafid.

" Come and get me," said Saycha boldly as he looked over his shoulder as he ran towards the swamp.

Saycha was getting nearer to the edge of the swamp and Jamce said anxiously " Come on little brother, move those legs," said Jamce as he and everyone hid behind a thicket of bushes.

" He'll be fine if he can get to the center before they catch up to him," said Vem.

" Why the center?" asked Dorama nervously as she crossed her fingers and looked over at Gogh.

" Because then he should be able to jump the last of it. I just hope he can make it, it all depends on him," said Gogh as he watched Saycha get to the edge of the swamp.

" He'll be fine, he's a Mospet," said Jamce boldly as he hugged Dorama.

" C'mon dear, Saycha, you've got this I know it," said Krowny as he paced back and forth and then said slyly," If you make it I'll buy you a house full of whiskey, c'mon!"

Evolver rode his Gragum into the Crutom swamp and then raised his staff and shouted," Corpses of light ignite!"

Then 50 skeletons made of a white light with red eyes and long 7 foot silver spears in their hands appeared just behind Saycha. They had red wings under their arms and began to fly after him. Then 10 of them threw their spears and hit and sunk into the back of Saycha. Saycha then looked back and saw them and shouted as he winced in pain," Torablit gabbpea walls of everything!"

Then a wall of red flames and stone pillars appeared and 30 of the skeletons ran into it and burst into flames. The other twenty flew over the wall and kept after Saycha. Saycha saw this and shouted," Modurn be santerous!"

Then a horde of over a thousand Larce birds with blue scaly skin appeared and descended on the skeletons. They bit off the skeletons heads, arms, and legs and then flew away with them. Then Saycha got to the halfway point of the swamp and started to sprint on a muddy patch of ground and then shouted," Beas be winged now!"

Then a huge pair of black wings appeared under his arms and he lifted into the air. As he soared over the swamp behind him there were all the yellow wizards and the spells they had cast chasing him, form 200 skeletons with fiery swords to a 30 foot tall half man half Canto with a pair of black daggers in his hands. There were also man shaped lightning carrying a woman 20 foot high trying in vain to catch him and throwing lightning bolts at him, but he kept ducking them.

" As soon as he's clear of the swamp light that sucker up and I mean light it!" said Gogh sternly as he stood in front of the red wizards.

A little closer, Saycha, just make it...a little further," said Dorama hopefully as she hugged Micavello tightly.

" C'mon little brother, get over here!" yelled Jamce as his eyes grew wide.

Saycha ducked a pair of lightning bolts and dove down to the other side of the Crutom swamp then turned and shouted," Burnarus for the lighted souls!" and as he did the other red wizards shouted similar spells and then suddenly a wall of flames started at the swamp's edge and shot across it igniting the oily surface.

The swamp exploded into a cauldron of red flames and all the yellow wizards were being burned alive except for Evolver and Mafid. They had used a lightning quick spell to surround them with a pure platinum capsule and they sunk to the bottom of Crutom safely inside it. The rest of the yellow wizards met their early demise and their souls went to the appropriate places for each of them.

On the shoreline all the red wizards were shouting and cheering as were Jamce, Krowny, Micavello and Dorama. Gogh and Vem just stood in shock that it was over. Saycha reduced his size back to normal and pulled the now pencil sized spears from his back and smiled and said," Another day of saving Pabstrum and still no coin for it."

Dorama and Micavello were locked in a passionate kiss as Saycha walked up. Then Jamce patted Saycha on the back and said happily," You did it, that was incredible!"

" We did it and now we can go home and get back to our old lives again," said Saycha warmly as he put his arm around Jamce and grinned.

Then up walked Gogh and he said," Saycha, we all owe you an enormous debt. If you ever need anything you shall have it in spades, I mean that."

" Well now that you mention it. I could use a good Xstepy and a case of red wine for starters. Then I'd like a castle for my family and I to live in. Then we'd like the biggest nicest wagon that's ever been built," said Saycha slyly then he winked at Gogh.

" You may be kidding, but I am a man of great wealth and I will see to it that you enjoy splendor and riches beyond what you just asked for," said Gogh.

" Thanks, Gogh, we really appreciate that. It will make our life a great bit more enjoyable, thanks," said Jamce sincerely as he shook Gogh's staff.

" What will you do now, Saycha?" asked Gogh.

" After all this excitement I need a lifetime of relaxing to get centered again."

" I'm glad for you you've earned exactly that. I will be heading back to my home soon do you need transportation?" asked Vem as he looked at Saycha.

" Yes, anything you could spare would be greatly appreciated."

" Oh, I've got just the thing," said Vem brightly then he waved his hand for them to follow.

Then they followed Vem thru a dense field of blue bushes that had a round tunnel cut thru them. They came to the end of the tunnel and there in front of them were ten 8 story wagons that were as lavish as could be. One was actually a white marble castle on wheels with Palants pulling them all. Then Vem grinned and said brightly," Take your pick my friends, I can always get more."

" Wow, well I don't know about you, but that white castle looks like the winner," said Jamce boldly as he walked over to it.

" That works for me, let's hit the road in style," said Krowny then he did a brief dance and hurried over to the wagon and did a flip and landed on the front.

Everyone else climbed up on the wagon and went inside while Gogh took the reins and yelled to Vem," Don't be a stranger, I missed you brother."

" I'll come see you sometime soon. Have a nice trip," said Vem then he waved as Gogh drove away.

" Thanks, Vem," yelled Gogh as he drove out onto the Corrunp road and started back to Consey.

Inside the wagon there was a 71 foot long living slash games room. It had 10 purple felt cushioned square chairs with 5 on either side of the room facing the middle. There were 2 long tan wood tables in front of the chairs with petrified Canto's legs as the legs of the tables. On the tables there were an assortment of tiny animal dolls like a Palant with a gargoyle head as well as a Blamvo with 2 wooden wheels for legs. There was also a small rack with 6 half sized bottles of wine, bourbon, and whiskey lined up inside. Beside the end of the row of chairs was a Vormusk game that went across to the other side of the room.

Vormusk was a game played by 4 people on a game board that consisted of 3 mountains that got larger as you made it to the next phase of the game, with the largest being 7 feet high. The game started with everyone putting 20 coins into a statue of Lorsag's eyes and they went into a golden bank. Then you chose your warrior and your Durion, Gragum, Canto, or Palant to ride in the game. Then you each had to press your green start button and you were off. What you had to do on the first mountain was to find the golden statue of Draep hidden somewhere on or in the first mountain, before the other players chopped off your head, arms, and a golden ax you kept on your back. Once you had found the Draep statue you

had to bring it to the base of the mountain and put it in your individual slot without it being taken from you. The first to do that went onto the next mountain and the next 2 players to get to their starting spot first also went on to the next mountain. The second mountain involved a race to the top while you dodged obstacles to get one of the 2 silver hand sized crowns. Then those 2 players fought their way up 2 different sides of the 3rd mountain fighting 3 different monsters. They were a Marfis, which was scaly 4 armed man with a bulbous red head with huge teeth and large claws and 3 yellow eyes. The second monster were a pair of muscle bound gargoyles with chain mails and daggers. The 3rd was an evil wizard who sat inside a Palant with swords and axes in each of its hands. The first player to defeat all 3 won all the coins which came out of the statue of Lorsag's ears inside a red leather sack. This while all 3 mountains erupted with fake lava as the song," It was only love," by the Hairless Hat Salesman began to play.

The Hairless Hat Salesmen were a 2 piece comprised of a beautiful red haired Loins player named Famiel Yoke and her handsome younger brother Gamie who also had red hair. They formed the band out of necessity as their field of wheat was destroyed in a flood and were desperate for money. The group was an instant success and they were able to feed and clothe themselves until the next growing season. Then Gamie was tragically killed in a sword fight to defend his sister's honor.

In front of the Vormusk game was a pair of Blamvo skin rugs with 4 chairs of red leather set up on them to play the game with joysticks. On the walls of the living room were hundreds of championship medals that Vem had won for Vormusk, Duness, and even bare fisted boxing. The ceiling was covered in a long forgotten sky spell that gave it the look of a thunderous storm cloud.

" Now this is the dig's. Vem's a man after my own heart," said Jamce as he sat down at a chair along the left wall and put his feet up on the table.

" Yeah, he sure has a good idea of the beauty in medals," said Dorama sarcastically as she looked at his heart shaped medal for pie eating and then said slyly," and he likes pie."

" Don't we all, what's that monstrosity you're looking at, Saycha?" asked Jamce as he grabbed a bottle of red wine and opened it.

" It's called Vormusk, and it looks like the coolest game in the history of games. Come take a look at this," said Saycha as he read the instructions on a wood panel in the front.

" Alright, I'll have a quick look and bring you with me," said Jamce slyly as he grabbed his bottle.

" It looks like it's got 3 stages 'til you win. I like that," said Dorama as she read the instructions and then looked at the large 3rd mountain and smirked.

Then Jamce and Krowny read the instructions and looked at each other and grinned and Krowny said slyly," I got no problem sending the Mospet family a crushing loss."

" We're not accepting gifts at this time, but we've got a plate full of humble pie with your name on it dear, Krowny," said Jamce smoothly as he grinned.

" I would, but I'm holding out for the taste of victory. It's more of an old man's dish," said Krowny calmly as he smirked.

" Oh, Krowny, to be old and feeble I can wait. Let's try this wonder of the world out and see who's where and how long it took to what," said Jamce then he walked over and sat down at his chair and grabbed his joystick.

" We have to put in our 20 coin each first. Then we have to choose our trusty steeds, I've got the Gragum," said Saycha as he put in his 20 coins 2 at a time into Lorsag's eyes.

" If that be the case I've got to get the Durion. Looks like a fast runner," said Jamce then he dumped in his 20 coins from a leather sack.

" Well then I'm all about the Canto. I love how we chose in a fair fashion. Don't you think so, Krowny?" asked Dorama as she grinned and gently elbowed Krowny in the ribs.

" Dear dagger in my side, Dorama, the old are often forgotten, but easily remembered. I'm gonna take that blue skinned Palant and trample the wills of you youngins and take those coins for the ones who can't do it themselves, those with no arms! Now stand aside before I slap that behind of yours so hard it bares the mark of Krowny for all time!" said Krowny boldly then he rolled his 20 coins down his arm into Lorsag's eyes and then wiped his hands clean and smiled.

" Krowny, if I weren't crazy, I'd think you were. Let's tangle old man," said Dorama sternly then she sat down at her joystick and chose a purple bare chested warrior with a black crown and attached him to her Canto.

Krowny choose a green skinned wizard in a red robe with a broad sword and put him on his Palant and nodded slowly. Jamce choose a 2 headed pure white knight who had a black shiny helmet on one head and an oval shaped orange helmet on the other and had a half ax half sword weapon known as a Pushe blade. Saycha choose a green 3 armed warrior with every inch of his body covered in armor and his eyes covered with red shades. And he had a long black machete in his right hand.

" Alright everybody, the warriors have been chosen, the battle is at hand. When you are ready to be completely destroyed by my vicious warrior, press your button and meet your doom," said Saycha in a deep voice as he glared at everyone then he slapped his button.

" O.K. it seems all bets are on and the tension is fever pitched. Let's see who's got the goods," said Jamce then he pressed his starting button and grinned.

" Oh I got your goods right here you biscuit eatin' gravy hoardin' whiskey guzzling son of a Mospet! O.K. I'm ready," said Krowny sternly then he pressed his button and made a pair of wings with his hands and flew them up above his head.

" Well if there is a thread of greatness in your shirt them my whole dress has got the rest. I decree that I will pummel you all to the point you're too beaten to ask for mercy!" said Dorama boldly and then she said quickly," alright I'm ready."

" Are you gonna press that button pretty lady or no?" asked Krowny warmly as he looked at everyone then raised his eyebrow and looked at Dorama.

Everyone looked at her and she pretended not to notice and then Jamce said sternly," A bit of gamesmanship is it, well get on with the pressing, my lovely."

Dorama smiled and then said softly," I love to watch you squirm. Let's play a game," said Dorama boldly as she pressed her button.

Then all 4 players tore off into the tunnels at the bottom of the mountain. Jamce went into a room with 6 black crystal boxes and chopped off the locks of the first 2 and saw nothing inside and said sadly," You weren't filled like I'd hoped," and then he chopped the next 2 and one had tiny red rubber balls in it and the other black leather mask of Paragon and he said," what good are these," and then he chopped off the last 2 locks and a clown's head flew out of one and crossbow fired 2 arrows at him barely missing him and he yelled," whoa these babies are loaded with danger!"

" Oh poor, Jamce, did you get scared?" asked Dorama in a child's voice.

" I'll be a bit less when I chop off your little head," said Jamce as he rode out of the cave into a room filled with glass statues of Vem and then said sadly," well now I am a bit scared."

Meanwhile Dorama's warrior was in a room that had a dozen tilted wooden barrels with thin paper covers with Lorsag's face painted on them and there was a small bathtub in the center of the room with a wrapped present inside.

" Now this room looks like the place. Where are you dear Draep, momma misses you?" asked Dorama warmly as she rode up to the first barrel and shopped it open and as she did an explosion of blue paint came out of the barrel and soaked her Canto and she said wryly," this game was made by a devious soul. And boy is that a great thing," and then she chopped open another one and a Canto head shot out and bit her left arm off and she then said," Hey, I needed that arm, how am I supposed to put on my winners jacket without it."

Saycha was a quarter of the way up the mountain inside a tube that had spring loaded drawers on either side, that would open instantly if touched. He checked the first 2 and saw only miniature gold coins and a half empty bottle of wine and said," I guess Jamce has been here before me. I was a bit thirsty thou."

Then Saycha opened the next one and it folded inward and revealed a secret doorway to another room and he said softly," This looks promising," then he rode in and saw a wall with 30 crossbows pointed at him with a sign that read," You were too sneaky."

Then Saycha tried to turn around and escape, but as he did all the crossbows fired and filled his Gragum and him with arrows causing Saycha to wince and then said," That was a great trap, whoever thought that up was a real smartie."

" Get a good sharp trick played on ya, Saycha, looks like your Gragum's seen better days," said Krowny as he rode onto a narrow suspension bridge with 6 black and gold safes in a row on the bridge.

Krowny rode up to the first safe and chopped off the lock and inside saw a plate with a miniature meal of steaks and Guros on it and said," Looks tasty, but I'm still a little wary from a bit of dinner."

Then Dorama's Canto rode out onto the bridge and came blaring at Krowny and chopped off his left arm and she said boldly," Out the way, I'm startin' a revolution!"

What, how dare you this is my bridge! I'd hate to see you fall off the side," said Krowny sternly as he tried to push Dorama's warrior off the side of the bridge.

" Not so fast," said Dorama as her Canto rode away from Krowny's player and to the last safe on the bridge and she chopped it open and a black steel fist sprung out and knocked off her head and she shouted," What, I needed that head!"

" Your head gone and left ya what a shame. That's the way it is with a woman's mind. It just leaves unexpectedly," said Krowny softly as he rode up to a safe and then chopped it open and saw a large red diamond and when he chopped it with his sword it exploded and covered his warrior with red paint and Krowny said," This game is beyond enjoyment. Who could've have known that someone would chop at the diamond. And then to have it booby trapped is truly divine."

Jamce was riding thru a green walled triangular tunnel that had dozens of large mask shaped lockers with the faces being of Lorsag, Vem, and even Paragon and Jamce sliced open 2 of them and inside were 2 clucking chickens that spun around and clucked and Jamce said happily," Now this is cute, what a cool surprise huh, I'll try a few more."

Then Jamce chopped open a Paragon locker and inside was a red button and Jamce looked at it and said softly," Well you're either help or harm. I'm game let's try it out."

Then he pressed the button and a secret passageway opened up and he rode in. Inside there was a rocking chair with a sign on it that Jamce read out loud," The statue of Draep is inside the mouth of Vem, huh, where is the mouth of Vem," said Jamce softly.

Krowny had heard him reading and scanned around the mountain quickly and then he saw a large bulbous plastic head of Vem inside a room beneath Krowny's player. So he fell off the side of the bridge and on top of a miniature round leather couch below. Then he reattached his player to the game and Jamce saw what Krowny was doing and then saw the Vem head and said quickly," You son of ah, you stole my tip. Now it's personal!"

" Tough luck soap for brains. You should have kept it to yourself ha ha," howled Krowny as he rode up to the head of Vem and sliced open its teeth and the statue of Draep fell slowly out and Krowny grabbed it and tucked it away in his sack on the side of his Palant and said boldly," You can't catch the wind or the people that break it! Now it's a race to the bottom!"

" Whoweee, don't let me be last," said Saycha hopefully as he started to ride down the mountain towards the starting spots.

Dorama was already halfway up the mountain so she just plotted her best route down to beat Saycha and she rode into a tunnel. Then back across the suspension bridge and said," Slow down, Saycha, what's your hurry."

Meanwhile Krowny put the Draep statue in his slot and Jamce rode back to his starting spot and said happily," Only the best survive the worst of breaks. You can still win, Dorama, if he falls off the side."

" I'm tryin'," said Dorama as her Canto rode thru a room filled with black skeletons playing poker at a heart shaped black table.

" Not so fast, I'm almost there," said Saycha boldly as he rode around a narrow pathway on the side of the mountain.

Saycha rode under a bridge with Dorama right on his tail and she said sternly," Don't choke or I've got ya."

Saycha felt nervous, but her tore at full speed into his slot and yelled," Choke, I'm still tasting victory and my stomach's too empty to be choking."

" What does that mean?" asked Dorama as she looked at Saycha perplexed.

" Uh...I have no idea, but it sounded cool at the moment," said Saycha then he shrugged his shoulders.

Then a 1 foot statue of Vem came up out of the game and said in a deep voice," 4 brave souls started, but alas one was too weak. The 3 that survived were of a champion's ilk. Let you now take your spots on the second mountain and be prepared for the worst of it! Only a fool would dare to try to tame Mt. Cormank ha ha ha."

" O.K. well let's get to it and yes that was a nice touch," said Jamce as he detached his warrior and then put him at the base of the second mountain.

" That was cool, but what is that?" asked Saycha as he saw 3 one foot tall plastic women in red dresses come out of the game at the top of the mountain and start dancing in sync.

" Looks like too much bourbon when they were making this game. Either way the more I play this game the more I like it. My player's locked in and my button if pressed. Now it's your turn my dear friend whenever your hearts pump a good quart of blood, press those lovely buttons," said Jamce slyly then he cracked his knuckles and grinned and nodded.

" I got a good quart right about now!" said Krowny quickly as he pressed his starting button.

Saycha looked at Krowny and Jamce then pressed his button quickly and the race was on. Krowny took the early lead and went over a bridge of brown whiskey barrels as arrows, from crossbows holding silver soldiers, bombarded him.

" Nice work, Krowny, for clearing a path," said Jamce as he laughed at Krowny getting nailed.

" These bonehead soldiers are getting on dear Krowny's last and most powerful nerve. Just wait 'til I get my revenge you'll see," said Krowny sternly as he rode into the middle of 3 golden tunnels that had small wooden jumps all along them to get over pits of metal spears.

Jamce took the left tunnel which had 2 dozen one armed pie throwing women in paisley dresses and when Jamce saw this he moaned and said sadly," These momma's got too much pie."

Then as he rode past each of the women they nailed his warrior with pie after pie and Krowny said slyly," Looks like old Jamce has got a bit of a sweet tooth. How's the apple today?" asked Krowny as he grinned at Jamce.

Then Krowny rode into a huge loaf of buttered bread and his warrior got covered in custard and Jamce said," Not as good as that custard looks dear, Krowny."

Meanwhile Saycha had taken the other tunnel and was riding thru gel covered cookie clowns and making good time. He came thru the last clown's belly and into a fake rain storm that washed his warrior clean and Saycha said happily," I love me some rain, but only if it's clean."

" What are you blathering about over there?" asked Jamce jokingly as he rode into a shallow man shaped pond that had fish that were flying at you as you rode thru.

" Pay no mind I only talk to winners and right now I'm in the lead so I'm talking to myself," said Saycha calmly as he rode up a dirt road into a room filled with hundreds of different colored torches that had Vem and Lorsag's head on them.

Krowny was now inching his way across a narrow bridge that swayed from side to side, with nothing but pointy swords below. He got out in the middle and saw a pair of Larce birds come out of the mountain wall and were heading right for him. At the last second he swerved and narrowly missed them and let out a sigh and said," Boy, you would think an old geezer like myself would be smart enough not to get nervous. And you'd be right whoohoo I can't believe those birds missed me!" yelled Krowny as his player rode off the bridge and into a small bar with 4 men with swords sitting at it.

" Uh oh, Saycha, Krowny's getting' a head of steam. We better quicken our pace or it's wooden apples and broken teeth," said Jamce as a pair of large rubbery fish hit his warrior and knocked off his head and he said sternly," You worthless water suckin' fish. I needed that head, where can I put my helmet now!"

" Pay no mind, Jamce, at least you don't have to worry about shaving now," said Saycha jokingly as he grinned at Jamce.

Then a torch was catapulted at Saycha's player and knocked off his left arm and Jamce saw it and said wryly," Oh don't fret, Saycha, arms are only good for everything. Look I'm using mine now," said Jamce brightly as he waved his arms above his head and grinned.

Saycha rolled his eyes and then asked," Hey, Krowny, Jamce is getting frisky let's gang up on him. What do you say?"

" Oh don't you try it. Leave old Jamcsy alone," said Jamce sternly as he rode up to a Gragum maze and then said," boy, wait 'til you 2 get to this maze here, now we're talkin' fun."

Then Jamce rode in and the walls of Gragums started flinging their heads at him as he rode by, as well as they exploded as he touched one and Jamce said brightly," the fun has started."

Then into the maze rode Krowny and he took a left turn and the floor fell out from under his player and he was suddenly in a dungeon with 7 dead bodies handcuffed to the walls and spikes sticking out of the floor and Krowny said softly," I hope I don't end up like one of these fellas geez, look at 'em."

Then Krowny rode past 2 of them and they flew off the wall and stuck to his Palant and then he rode a few more steps and suddenly the floor started to lift up and it carried him half way up the mountain and Krowny yelled as he rode away from Jamce and Saycha," I can smell success and it don't taste like chicken ha ha."

" How did he pull that off?" asked Jamce as he was getting pummeled by Gragum's heads and riding over a ramp made of clothes.

" Pure Krowny luck, I've seen it before and it is always a shock," said Saycha as he rode into a room in the maze that had baby Gragums eating from a large plate filled with fake steaks.

An as Saycha rode up to the plate the floor collapsed and his player was suddenly in a huge library with piles of books everywhere and Saycha said," Cool, but now what do I do?"

Then a large red hand came out of the floor of books and grabbed Saycha's player and lifted him up to just below where Krowny had been and Saycha laughed and said happily," Now that is a lucky break."

" How come you 2 get all the lucky breaks. Where's all the love for poor Jamce?" asked Jamce and just as did the ground beneath his player lifted him up to above Krowny and Jamce said happily," this game can hear us. Now it's a fair playing field."

" Fair my butt, you got the long end of the stick," said Krowny as he rode into a Palant's butt tunnel and saw a wizard with 2 staffs at the far end and said," This is beyond weird."

" Weir is good, ask a weirdo," said Jamce quickly as his player went up to the top of the mountain and into a golden Blamvo shaped cave that had the winner's number above it in red and then Jamce shouted," It's always a race for second when I play the game!"

Krowny's player rode at the wizard and he jumped from side to side in a herky-jerky motion. Then out of the walls on either side came a dozen eggs that soaked Krowny's player and Krowny said slyly," Alright wizard you want to get nasty, you try old Krowny. Your eggs don't scare me one bit."

Then Krowny rode up to the wizard and he began pummeling Krowny's player with his 2 staffs and Saycha said slyly," Hold him there wizard I'm almost close enough."

Then the wizard disappeared into the ground and Krowny's player quickly rode past and Krowny said," You'll never catch me now I'm too wise and too quick."

" Dream on, I'm right behind you," said Saycha as he rode after Krowny, but then suddenly the wizard popped back up out of the ground and started pummeling Saycha's player with his staffs and Saycha said in disbelief," What I can't believe I got duped by a metal wizard. I outta cast a spell and melt you into a ball of rubber."

Aw poor, Saycha, takin' out his anger on inademate objects," said Krowny as he rode into a room filled with cells with mean looking prisoners in them and as Krowny rode past the second all the prisoners reached out with their long arms and grabbed his Palant and Krowny said loudly," let go of my steed you lawbreakers!"

" Poor, Krowny, lettin' an unfortunate soul be his object of frustration," said Saycha slyly as he grinned at Krowny and then the wizard disappeared into the ground and Saycha's player rode over him and Saycha said quickly," Yes! Here I come, Krowny!"

" Oh no please forgive me, you beautiful criminals. I take back what I said about ya," said Krowny warmly and then the prisoners let go of his Palant as Saycha rode up beside him.

Then they tore off for the top of the mountain neck and neck. They rode the last bit and Krowny stabbed Saycha's Gragum and it slowed him just enough for Krowny's player to ride in the silver number 2 cave. And when he did Saycha let out a sigh and Jamce said," Nice work, Krowny, you took out a Mospet that's a large endeavor."

" Tell me about it," said Dorama as she walked up with a coffee cup in her hand and a Yeha cake on the other.

Then out of the game board came a bulbous blonde haired man in a red cape and with a green crown, who was 2 feet tall and he said boldly," Oh lovers of victory you have done well to get this far, but there is more dangerous and diabolical things that await you! If you've got silver blood and keen eyes it will serve you well in this next part. The monsters you will face will show no mercy so let there be none shown by you. I will leave you with this bit of advice, run for your lives!" and then he went back into the game board as he bowed to everyone.

" O.K. greatest game ever. I don't know where they got their inspiration, but I don't care it's great," said Micavello boldly as he watched on and ate a Guros.

" It's way beyond that, we're into a whole new category now. The best there is," said Jamce as he moved his player to the 3rd mountain.

" Can you give me a second, Jamce, got to refuel?" asked Krowny as he walked over and then grabbed a bottle of whiskey and took ad swig and then said happily," you haven't got a chance son, there's pep in these legs."

" Yeah, but your brains filled with ants and Canto droppings. Admit it old timer you're doomed," said Jamce slyly then he went over and grabbed a bottle of wine and downed a 3rd of it and grinned.

" Doomed no, destined oh you better believe it. Let's light up the sky with the greatest battle of all time. Are you ready dear, Jamce?" asked Krowny boldly as he smirked and put his player at the base of the 3rd mountain.

" Ready like a pound cake. Let's have it," said Jamce boldly then he pressed his starting button.

Krowny whistled a quick song and then passed his button and they were off. Jamce roared down his path that had the ground made of skulls and pies and as he rode over them they made sounds like they were dying and Jamce said softly," The ground is in agony what a cool thing."

Krowny's player meanwhile was riding down a path covered in a royal blue rug with Gragums lining either side. And as he rode past them they howled and punched his Palant and warrior in the head and Krowny said," Hey take it easy Gragums or I might get frisky, and you don't want me frisky."

" Frisky is it, now old Krowny's getting' riled, everybody stand clear," said Dorama sarcastically then she sipped her coffee.

As Jamce rode down the path of skulls suddenly the ground beneath him lifted up and a hand grabbed him and put him into a trophy room at the 5th of the way up the mountain and Jamce asked," Now what's this?" and then he rode around the room looking for a way out and then the trophies started to fire off the wall at him and he said anxiously," I'm trapped somebody explain this one to me."

Then Jamce's player started to chop at all the trophies and when he sliced one on the left wall it spiraled inward and revealed a secret room. So Jamce rode in and saw the first monster the Marfis with his 4 swords and said," O.K. time for greatness."

The Marfis was sitting in a black velvet throne and as Jamce got close it jumped up and tried to chop him in half with its large sword, but Jamce went beneath it and escaped. Then Jamce's player stabbed it in the back and its stomach popped out the front and a red goo oozed out of the hole left behind. Then Jamce ran around the sides of it and the Marfis chopped off his arm with its sword and Jamce said nervously," uh oh got to be more careful."

Then Jamce sliced off its right leg and the Marfis fell onto its side and started to move using its 4 arms and leg.

" Nice work, Jamce go for the head!" said Dorama boldly as she put her hand to her chin.

" I'm tryin', but it ain't easy," said Jamce as he moved away from the Marfis.

Then he rode straight at it and sliced off 2 of its arms and now it could barely move. Then Jamce went in for the kill and chopped its last leg and then its arm and head and Jamce said wryly," Never mess with a furious heart my friend."

Then the Marfis disappeared into the ground and a secret passageway opened up behind it in a rock face. Jamce rode into it and was lifted halfway up the mountain inside a green cable car.

Meanwhile Krowny was looking around in a dining room for his Marfis and he sliced at each of the chairs and nothing happened. Then he chopped the table in half and suddenly his player fell into a see thru tube and was sucked into a blue crystal cave where his Marfis was waiting on top of a wagon and Krowny said coldly," At first we meet at last you feel my fury."

Then Krowny rode at the Marfis and as he drew close it slashed at his Palant and chopped off its head and a spray of blue liquid exploded out of it and Dorama said," That is awesome, who would think of that, putting fake blood in the Palant."

Then Krowny chopped off the Marfis's 2 left arms and moved quickly away from it as a red goo oozed from the arm sockets and Krowny said slyly," The red blood's my favorite, cause that ain't Krowny blood."

Then the Marfis ran and jumped on top of Krowny's player's shoulders, but Krowny moved forward and shook him off and Micavello said boldly," Nice moves, Krowny, that was close."

" Too close for my tastes," said Krowny anxiously as he rode around to the back of the Marfis and chopped off its left leg causing it to fall onto its chest and then Krowny jumped on its back and chopped off its head and said coldly," never mess with dear Krowny or it'll be disaster every time."

" Way to go, Krowny, ne never had a chance," said Micavello as he walked over and grabbed a bottle of wine then he poured 2 glasses and walked up beside Dorama and handed her a cup and said brightly," This is a fine game here, the storylines are endless."

" Oh I know it, I wish I could have lasted longer I was really enjoying it," said Dorama then she took a sip of the wine.

Jamce meanwhile was in a room filled with laughing bare chested fat men who were flailing their arms wildly and walking around randomly and Jamce asked," I can't see the point of this room even thou I am enjoying it."

Then Jamce started stabbing the fat men and then he chopped off one of their heads and a light and a stream of feathers came bursting out of his neck hole and Jamce said softly," O.K. let's try a few more and see what happens."

Then he chopped off another of their heads and this time 12 arrows launched out of the neck hole and the arms flew into the wall and Jamce said happily," This is getting fun, let's try another," and then he chopped one of the fat men's heads who was standing still and a smaller head came out of the neck hole and said warmly," your next opponent is in the left corner, push the wall and seal your doom."

" So cool, I never saw that coming," said Saycha in disbelief as he looked at Jamce.

" You're not the only one. Well then let's try it out," said Jamce then he rode over to the corner and pushed in the wall which spun around behind him and locked him in the room.

Inside the room were 2 gargoyles sitting on 2 chairs that looked like Palant's feet, with a dagger in one hand and a chain mail in the other. The walls of the room had statues of Vem that showed him from his birth 'til he was an older man. There was also a pit surrounding the gargoyles that had 3 walkways across it, with 7 dragons down in the pit shooting bursts of fire up every few seconds.

" Well things just got a great bit wilder. Look at this room boy am I impressed," said Jamce as his player rode up to the edge of the pit.

Then the wall behind the gargoyles opened up and a red head with yellow fangs popped out and said coldly," You've tasted the blood of my Marfis now meet your demise with my gargoyle sons!"

" I think he's angry huh," said Dorama sarcastically then she blew a kiss to Jamce.

" Yeah a bit, thanks for the smacker. Now time for business," said Jamce then he rode across the center walkway and the gargoyles sprung to their feet.

Jamce went for the one on the right and chopped his chest into 2 pieces and a green thick liquid oozed out and the gargoyle laughed. Then the gargoyle on the left swung his chain mail at Jamce's Durion and sliced open his side and Jamce said anxiously," Whowee, we're in for a bit of danger."

But then Jamce chopped off the left gargoyle's hand with the chain mail and the gargoyle did a little dance and laughed.

" This is so sadistic, I love it," said Saycha greedily as he clapped his hands together.

Then Jamce chopped off the other gargoyle's dagger arm as he tried to stab Jamce and Jamce said coldly," oh not today my friend."

Then Jamce sliced off one Gargoyle's head and it exploded sending pieces of it and green liquid everywhere in a thick stream and Micavello said," Even the deaths are ugly, god loves a gargoyle."

" Wait, I've got on left to dispense with," said Jamce as he rode at the Gargoyle.

Then the gargoyle jumped high into the air and kicked Jamce's player's head off and Saycha said enthusiastically," Wicked, one less head to buy hats for!"

" I needed that head, how dare he," said Jamce sadly then he did a spinning sword thrust and chopped the gargoyle's head into 2 pieces and it suddenly burst into pieces and green blood oozed out of it.

Meanwhile Krowny's player was in the holy temple that had 6 statues of Bussma, with 3 on either side of the room.

Bussma was an ancient prophet who coined the phrase," If we love all the ugliest things, then nothing will ever feel ugly." He came around at a time when wizards were abusing their magic. So he tried to calm the situation by writing a 10 page book called," The greater lessons are lived," and gave it out to all who would read it. He was a portly fellow who had bright green long curly hair and beige eyes. He was

all of 6'0" tall and weighed 285 pounds. He always wore robes covered in sewn in messages like," Be the compromise," and Lay down old hatred." He went into the Cremlip mountains one day and was never heard from again. His oldest son Vendo spent the next 30 years searching for his father in vain.

The walls of the room had Larce birds heads coming out of it and pretending to be speaking. At the far end of the room was a small white box on a pedestal. Krowny rode into the room and chopped off the head of the first Bussma statue and the floor started to shake then a statue of Vem rose up out of it and said coldly," You are weak, but useless. I will grant you one chance to prove yourself worthy, but If you fail you will die an unspeakable death now fight!"

" Cool, Krowny's game's heatin' up," said Dorama enthusiastically as she stood next to Krowny.

Then out of the left and right walls burst 2 gargoyles with swords in their hands and red blood dripping from their teeth and Saycha said," You're in over your head, Krowny."

" Don't count on it, baby tooth, I'm feelin' my powers surge," said Krowny sternly then he rode at the left gargoyle and jumped up and in a quick slicing motion chopped off its head and shoulders and the gargoyle's body oozed green blood and ran around erratically.

The other gargoyle chopped off the tail of Krowny's Palant as he rode past and Krowny said coldly," You're gonna pay for that my friend."

Then Krowny spun around quick and did a front flip with the Palant and all and landed on top of the gargoyle and crushed him to the ground. Then Krowny buried his sword in the back of its head and it began to shake then exploded sending green blood everywhere and Krowny said happily," Boy is this a good time. I can't remember having this much fun."

Then the far wall opened up and revealed a red and golden wagon with a Gragum as the driver who was waving for Krowny to hop on. So Krowny rode over to the wagon and jumped on and it tore off up a narrow mountain road with people popping their heads out of huts along the way and yelling," You're dead!," and ," Go back quick!" Then the wagon pulled into a brown barn at the top of the mountain and there stood a 2 foot tall wizards in a paisley red and blue robe on top of a grey colored Palant with a cherry red staff in his hands and he said coldly," You were but nothingness and now you've ascended. I only fear you will die quickly as I hope to ease your suffering. Be quick be deadly, for I will be TWICE deadly my friend!"

" You're all talk, let's tangle," said Krowny quickly as he stretched out before the battle.

" I got my own wizard to tangle with dear, Krowny, but he looks stronger than yours. So I scared silly," said Jamce jokingly as he rode up to the opposite side of the mountain to face a white haired red bearded wizard, with a light blonde and green robe and a purple staff who said coldly," Oh foolish heart, so foolish indeed! I will dine on your blood before the sun dares set! You were just a boy when you started and now a cowardly man. I'll give you one chance to run for your life...no then meet your maker!"

" This wizard's fun, I'm gonna love choppin' that head off, believe you me," said Jamce brightly then he took a sip of whiskey and grabbed his joystick.

" May the best Krowny win," said Krowny slyly then he winked at Jamce.

" Can somebody shake Krowny I think he's asleep?" asked Jamce sarcastically then he started towards the wizard.

Jamce's wizard hauled off and took the legs of his Palant with a lightning quick staff blow. This sent Jamce's player off the side and he said anxiously," I guess I've got to do this without ya."

Meanwhile Krowny was slowly approaching his wizard when it swung its staff and just missed Krowny's head and sent a shock thru Krowny and he said nervously," This guy is fast whowee. I've got to be careful."

Then Krowny tried to chop off the wizard's arm as he rode past, but the wizard blocked it with his staff. Then the wizard nailed Krowny's Palant in the head and his head rolled off and a burst of red blood popped out and Dorama said loudly," Careful, Krowny!"

" I'd worry more about my poor Palant, she lost her head," said Krowny jokingly as he rode away from the wizard to regroup.

Jamce meanwhile was being chased in a circle by his wizard and he kept narrowly not getting hit by his staff. Then Jamce turned suddenly to face him and did a front flip and chopped off the wizard's free arm. Then Jamce started running in a circle again, with the bleeding wizard racing after him.

" Keep those legs pumpin', Jamce, he can't catch ya," said Saycha boldly as he looked at the wizard and smiled at how lifelike he was.

Then Jamce did a back flip and chopped off the wizard's shoulder blade and then ran for it and said softly," A little at a time."

Krowny rode around the side of the wizard and the wizard swung his staff at Krowny, but Krowny's player simultaneously swung his sword and chopped his staff into 2 pieces leaving his wizard with only half a staff and Krowny said greedily," Oh the rich man finds a sack of gold he hee."

Jamce turned to slice his wizard, but as he did the wizard nailed his arm and knocked it out of its socket and Jamce's player was defenseless and Jamce rolled his eyes and said sadly," All is lost, I have no way to win now. Alright, Krowny, I'm routin' for ya. I hope you win."

" Thanks I'm about too," said Krowny then he did a swirling flip and chopped off his wizard's head.

And as he did the wizard shattered and oozed blue blood. And then all the mountains erupted with lava and the song," It was only love," began to play. Then a 3 foot tall animatronic wizard that looked like a more muscular Vem came out of the game board and thundered," You have beaten the greatest wizard of all time! And you have vanquished him to the Underworld! Now you will receive your bounty, but I must tell this... you are a lowly cowardly foolhardy smelly no brains idiot and I like ya. You're just like me and that's an honor beyond wealth, but here's your money anyway."

And then a red burlap sack filled with the 80 coins came out of Lorsag's ear and fell down to a silver cup that had rose out of the game board. Krowny grabbed his sack of coins and said plainly," It's hard bein' the best, but it's a burden for shoulders as brave as mine."

" Oh give me a break you old coot. That was pure luck," said Jamce as he shook Krowny's shoulders.

On top of Chisise mountain stood Evolver and Mafid on a marble pedestal with their backs to the sun when Mafid asked," How can we do this?"

" Our brothers , our sisters, our friends, our only reason for life are dead. If it were them they'd do the same in a heartbeat. We will have our revenge and it will take a vicious heart, Mafid," said Evolver coldly as he regripped his staff and released his muscles.

" But if it goes wrong, then what?" asked Mafid nervously as he stared at Evolver.

Evolver looked at Mafid and said coldly," Then Pabstrum will be destroyed and us with it. But one thing's for certain our brothers will get their debt paid," and then Evolver raised his staff and shouted," Copredjecem backtro reap vengeance!" and then the ground shook and a huge cauldron of white light formed around them.

THE END

