Chapter 1836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJOnA69Htw
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiiB5qewyh
Even as a babe in a crib I was aware... I might not have undestood everything but I was aware.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JDztOJaGs
What I was the most aware about was the soft sweet smelling creature that held me and comfored be and fed me from the soft containers on her chest. Dangling from her neck was a gold chain with a medalion whose image was that of a gold greeneyed dragon836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwa6U1FhLb
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8hKzspxOR
Two years later I came to know the soft creature that held and cared for me was my Mother. I still liked to play with the medalion around her neck.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqKdKwcwk5
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCI2L398pP8
She often talked to me about it., “Your name is Rafter De Louis, your Father was the Crown Prince Duvalson of the Kingdom of Dulciana, Remember this medalion identifies you. Your uncle John Mare De Louis had your grandfather and your father killed. His minions are looking for you.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfCxngeqrz
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEuCvWzvq9
I listened to everything she said and I remembered, “The night your father was killed he hung the medalion around my neck to give to you when you are ready”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlWur3THRA
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MBWtRwzuN
In my young mind I remembered the soft beds and the tapestries that hung on the walls... but now we hid in a tent and lay upon old blankets and mother cooked over an open fire. She had to fetch and carry water and we only had her old maid servant, I did not understand.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PE10LwR31
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyaeZ0ihEi
One night my mother rushed into the tent pulled off the medalion and said to maid Ceil, “John Mare is searching every tent...Take Rafe and flee.” She leaned down and placed the Medalion around my neck. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZAEcGBN4h
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eFnjTNgFc
Maid Ceil grabbed me up and ran out the back flap of the tent. This was the last I ever saw of my Mother.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGJN5AJSmx
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcWIjOz589
Maid or rather, Mama Ceil as I came to call her took me to a Wizard's Keep. No one in their right mind would ever try to search a Wizard's Keep. There we lived a peaceful life till... Mama Ceil caught the ague and died when I was eight.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLBmXxP8CK
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvPUoy37nI
*****836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5oE1FHi0yO
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYmTj99YaB
Wizard's Keep836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToZzpdVjoX
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZQhWXxls9
Mama Ceil knocked on the door of the Wizard's Keep. After several knocks the door was opened by an elderly gent wearing an old grey Robe...836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRfOyv6o8A
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZbiMivle8
“Yes ...may I help you?”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqm9h71Lp3
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TyklQnW7P
Mama Ceil says, “ My mistress Rebecca said if the time came... I was to come to you...and here we are.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhPIAOlt6kG
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjTmyKWvWv
“Yes you are … but who are you and time for what?”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTc9saLGFPt
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPM8B5eTVTo
Mama Ceil stammered and stuttered then her face lit up and she said , Oh, Oh I forgot, Rafe show him the medallion.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtwzz0Pv6X
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2vIqknTsx
I proudly displayed the medallion that my Mother had given to me.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyC4XohvjPk
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJn8IbZwujx
The old man hardly able to speak said, “Put the medallion away oh my goodness inside quickly, quickly”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrE7O40LNt
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jljCBWWzr
That is how my new life began, I made friends with some of the children of the village especially the younger weaker ones. I stood up for them against the bigger and older boys even at three I hated bullies. I myself was as large as the bullies and they tried to get me to favor their side. It didn't work, the first time they started picking on a weaker child I jumped in and started swinging. I didn't know at that time but my blows were magically enhanced.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPpY4XFu06
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVQDUJOjPa
My best friend was a kid we called “Sneaker” he could fit in the tiniest places. He was just small. Next was Bean he was a skinny kid and Lump, well he was fat and it wasn't from eating to much. Most street kids rarely had more than a meal a day and often not even that. Lastly was our tomboy Mira a red haired freckled face waif who wasn't afraid of any thing She tried her best to hide the point to her ears.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2mx93MKLs
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdjyPdRKCo
Although we were not supposed to tell about it, The thieves guild was three houses down from the Wizards Keep. I guess you can say I was being hid right under John Mare's nose in the capital city, Dulci. They called me Rapper be cause I busted heads of Bullies.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOK4cjzxE1q
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXi7yK5H6cB
The thieves I guess you could say adopted us... it wasn't long till we were all quite adept at snitching purses as well as other things. Sneaker became a 'caser' He and Bean made a team. Bean would lift Sneaker up to a window, that I had checked for wards, I was able to read magic. I didn't yet know how to bypass the wards as yet but my wizard training would soon teach me that..836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5edh5WxAU
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCOXw9nqhJ
Sneaker would case the place while Mira would watch the front and Lump and I would watch the sides. Afterwards Sneaker would give the info to a Housebreaker and after the job was done he would give us a share.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEiivoeZxe
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV071IxySSR
By the time I turned twelve I was learning how to fight hand to hand and with clubs and night sticks. I quickly learned that although the night stick was good … there seemed to be something missing. I bored a hole in the handle and threaded a leather strap through it and then placed the strap around my wrist. With a flick of the wrist I would add eighteen inches to my reach. Thugs were quite surprised when they were expecting the nightstick toward the head but instead it hit in the groin.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEgIFn0ojP
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMwJ9PLF9L
Sneaker had remained small, Bean had grown taller, Lump was no longer fat he had turned to muscle.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqRtKPUUY4
Mira was beginning to look like a girl, but you better not get caught starring at her charms. And me I was 5'10'' and about 180# it too was muscle.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCHniIk9G8
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BndMxbXIT
Tommy the Rat was a guild master he had asked our group to join up but we said no and that we would help when needed but to us it was just fun.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaA3suDgQk
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeBsu8k7Bw
Since The Elder insisted I learn reading and writing as well as the spell books it was decided that my friends be taught as well. We were able to earn extra money as messengers.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6jPyrNZEX
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWq8TR5PFW
One day while I was training at the Keep the elder sent me on an errand to the spice shop for cinnamon. It was an excuse to get me clear for awhile and I knew it. I hid out and watched, about an hour later four Horsemen stopped at the keep. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSHapphWtc
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUBN8Fzeco
I had Sneaker hide out close so he could listen and report.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4L5mmnL66x
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9QtugvWtx
“The elder opened the door and ask the Horsemen if he could be of any help.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHSTT5QpHp
The leader of the four asked if there had been a maid die from the Ague recently... The Elder replied that was the truth. He asked if she had a boy with her. Elder said no and that the only boy at the keep was his apprentice. The Horseman demanded to see this apprentice and was told he was away on an errand and was not expected back for hours.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVt0CPdSHu
For some reason this upset the horseman and he drew his sword. “The elder waved his fingers and chanted. The Horseman and his companions repeated after the Elder. The boy is not here and never has been,” they got on their horses and rode away.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DshZ5xYqe
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZe9CR3V0H8
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMOTnC9J4V
Sneaker asked, “Whats going on Rapper?”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeT1z2TS5P
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjawJMchxEv
I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡor86Q34yFM
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePvK3LRTS1
*********836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjUx4DduNi
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aWEe6pAij
Chapter 2836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuxGH5i1fJ
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wpLdTvav9
As I grew older my second sight or intuition seemed to be stronger. It seemed that I could fathom what people were thinking. Especially if it pertained to me.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9s20EkMThM
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUP76S4yP7G
I liked to eat lunch at the Sleeping Lion. Momma Mavis was the cook, she called us ruffians but our bowls always seemed to be filled higher than the regular customers. Today I was dipping into the lamb stew, it needed a bit of salt. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCCBNut6Pq
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTSJMMexzq
I looked and the salt was at the other end of the table, I put out my hand thinking of my need for salt. I tried to get some ones attention but there was an argument in progress and everything else was being ignored. I was getting exasperated and thinking harder about my need for salt when...Whap! the salt bowl slapped the palm of my hand. My mouth fell open and I looked around but no one seemed to notice. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmehHpEliFy
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5Gvaa85Gs
I was puzzled as well as surprised, I had a class with the Elder Wizard after lunch I would ask him. That decided I went back to eating and joking with Mira and put it right out of my mind.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1HHkhJoh8
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQsEiWsSck
The Elder gave me a spell book and a book with blank pages and had me copy from one to the other. He kept telling me that because of who my parents were I was going to be a Mage. As usual I laughed. Then I reached for the inkwell and it landed in my hand.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNteJxPN0Ij
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMm6LQew0YS
Elder gasped and pointed at the inkwell, “Did you just call that inkwell with your mind?”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrH4WlB9qL
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvE4v5CIYc
I looked frightened but answered truthfully, “Yes.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYn0dLwtLF6
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQReUQCKtD9
“What else can you do that you haven't told me.” The Elder was glad that he had released my friends from this part of the class. This needed to be kept quiet for a while.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05EqJLID4J
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IkaRPq5GA
So I told him about the voices in my head but they were hard to understand because there were so many. Also guard Logan was picking on Mira. So I had used my mind to Pinch Momma Mavis's fat bottom. She turned around and dumped the Water pitcher she was holding on his head. He ran out of the Inn with Momma in Pursuit.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGkJLwFKwb
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSIZtNWneZ
Elder had a big laugh about that and said, “ Your training will change starting tomorrow I will try to teach you how to control the voices as well as other things. Be careful and not use your mind powers so someone might see. The King, he sneeringly replied is suspicious enough as it is, And for the Gods sake keep that Medallion hidden.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdasR1tuIQ
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjbG9jl049
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaK1O7ELpFl
********836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiqXVI9Zxs
Chapter 3836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIviIHY4OAn
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEXwTWKSMO
Acting King, or rather The Regent, John Mare De Louis, was pacing back and forth in the throne room. Speaking to his Chamberlain. “We have to find that kid without that medallion the Cardinal will not crown me King.I am a farce now. Even the peasants are laughing behind my back.” 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdLdGaNeqI
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk1N1VTG758
The third man in the throne room stood out of the shadows, Master Assassin Haver Was so non nondescript that he could blend in with any crowd. “I have told you give me a free hand and the guild will find him and retrieve the medallion, 100 Gold pieces. Just say the word.''836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFblVYy7ht6
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4wIsK7lIb
“I am not ready for the Chaos you would cause to the country. Besides the Elves of Bramble Wood is just looking for an excuse to start a war. Right now it is a war we could not possibility win. But if I have the Medallion that would be proof that Prince Rafter De Louis was dead. The Cardinal would have no choice but to crown me King. John Mare ended the meeting by saying he was hungry and pulled the bell cord to summoned a page.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOO4fEH7wc
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqwWfK4jz4
Haver was disgusted with the Regent not allowing him to put a deadly search together. He was sure he could get results and he probably only have to kill eight or nine people to get those results. He decided he would still keep his eyes open.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6RPoMwZFV
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uxPRT4sCI
The Chamberlain was opposed to the Regent but since he enjoyed living he chose not to speak of his opposition of the Regent. That didn't mean he had to help him either. He looked back before leaving the Throne room in time to see the Regent slap the page for some minor infraction. He hated cruelty.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKylfD5GuCw
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnrCxCgb61Z
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBODPqWafy
*******836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxADDrApPN
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5t4INCUGVi
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEcija9vHP
Rapper was relaxing in the Market square. He leaned against a post on the fringe of the square he had spent a silver at the sausage stand. The rest of his friends had tasks to complete. Rapper was glad he didn't have any tasks today. He watched the Nobles and Merchants and tapped in to the workings of their minds. He was still struggling to separate the different thoughts it was like trying to understand a maelstrom.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjR9vrW8hFs
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcF9ATyatHx
Then he felt a clear thought blasting at him.”I will find him then I will charge the Regent a fortune... he has to be here some where. “836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hhomW36kF
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbagEa6woz
Rapper was startled, he scanned the crowd but was unable to discern who the thinker might happen to be. No Luck, Rapper edged back and behind the vendors carts. He observed the square and tried to pick out the person with the errant thoughts but no luck. He hung out till almost dark before sticking to the shadows he made his way to the Keep. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CQncbnweI
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZirqJWI2p
The Elder was waiting for him...Rapper told him everything and how the voice had entered his mind with out him seeking. They talked and laid some guide lines for his attempts to hone his skills. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYreY63TCxA
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yUsU2yjEl
They were up till the wee hours and the candle was almost gone.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto0SutRQUT
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PBICuM8da
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Dv11HGRCK
I was rudely awaken by the slamming of the door to my room. I raised my head expecting the Elder. Instead there was Apprentice Mage Arture. “Whats the matter Arture ? Are you crying? “836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwf8QZDANq
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ySz4hUyAV
“It's Bean he's been taken by the City Guards.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1m9wK5esIU
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7cxRLMoRF
“Why?” 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmWFUTbkE1
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLydnZ2vPs
“He was standing outside a Nobleman's window. “836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuz2Xj4gnf4
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTyYGZxOI2
I rushed out on the street and found Lump with tears in his eyes, “It was my fault I was on watch. Last night I ate sumpin' that messed up my tummy. It hit me hard and I had to run to an outhouse. By the time I got back... they had him.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtsGLXVq1d
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m0tE2ZEua
“Which Nobleman.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUJ4miCw0g
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOjeEDJsy5
“Nobleman Frane, you know next to Noble Pritcher.''836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JqtoMZnbK
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILKd7v4Bcn
“Pritcher isn't that where Maggie works in the Kitchen...?” Maggie was one of our friends and she slips us goodies from the kitchen on occasion. Noble Pritcher knew about it but turned a blind eye. We classed him as a good Noble.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3UfNMbb4G
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYinIR7nOxn
We went around to Noble Pritcher's kitchen an called to Maggie. We told her what had happened and she just smiled and said she knew what to do. Maggie was 16 and what we called a looker. She spoke to the cook then filled a basket with rolls and bread. When she came outside she told me to go with her 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9C3jLOA9By
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz11Oy1pifE
She told me not to talk unless she nodded. She stopped at the Guardroom and knocked on the door. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALmz5jPiWZ
A guard opened and said, “What'cha want?”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76ZoqS1R1m
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXcUFHj4sp
Maggie smiled, “I was told one of your Guards took my delivery boy Silas”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxQeDPzsBh
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2okdH6bsB
The guard Captain stepped up and asked, “Well if he is your delivery boy why was he outside Noble Frane's house?”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiSltWR4uy
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bZyGqoogV
“First time he has been there he just got the houses mixed up.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpxEbGZ7Vw
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamFLVcZiyx
The guard Capt. Said, “Well just who was he delivering too.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjg6qCXT27
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SRtOjxIwe
Maggie looked at me and nodded. I smiled and spoke up, “He was to deliver them to me for the Wizards Keep, I am an Apprentice there they call me RD and I am sure the Elder is getting upset waiting on his bread.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgTQsV7WAR
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mEi4h360e
The Capt. Told the jailer to release Bean. When they brought him in the Capt admonished him and reminded him to be more careful from now on.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWnw09u5Gu
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhunrOOrzzM
We all kept a straight face till we were well away from the guard room then we let out a sigh of relief. Maggie handed the basket to Bean and directed him to deliver it to the keep kitchen just in case the Guard Capt. Did a follow up.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXH6JYKUqf
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eZXgLshCr
Off sped Bean with the bread and we thanked Maggie profusely then I went to check on Sneaker.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4twx32QiO
Sneaker and Lump was standing with Mira on the street corner. I asked Sneaker, “Who were you doing the casing job for?”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YOhABaYDw
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIhOErBdLn
Sneaker replied, “ Gomer''836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡag30NdGyk8
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThyq4V8cF6
“When you give him your report tell him that he should put off the job for at least two weeks. The guards are going to be watching the house just in case.” I pretended I over heard the Capt. Telling this to the guards. Really I had a moment of clarity and was able to pull this from his mind. He really wasn't sure we were telling the truth. The Cook, May, told me later the Guard had been around checking to see if the bread had been delivered.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDB2yGDmxx
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2JnOBWyJr
May told him. “Yes are you hinting for a piece.” The guard stammered and thanked her when she cut him off a piece of bread and slathered a mess of cheese on it . 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc13kl9S3E
Chapter 4836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5p7Zwt4GAW
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRgSm8waHk
I was getting better at grasping one voice and clearing the rest of random chatter, The major problem was I still could not discern which mind was sending the thread. Then one day it was like a vision... I could see out of someone elses eyes and I had a clear path to his thoughts . I was still surprised when he grabbed a lady and drug her down an alley and began ripping her clothes off. When he pulled down her bodice and her white breast popped out I almost stumbled.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yGCQ6xV9V
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBtRYCxSIX
I ran to the alley while slipping my hand through the leather strap attached to the night stick. I turned into the alley as he was lifting her skirts, I could see her milky white thighs. I flicked out the night stick and it flashed out and made contact to his shoulder. He grunted and turned toward me, I noticed his size, he was a good ten inches taller than I was and he held a large knife in his hand.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUSRD97yym
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCebXbmP3P4
I flicked the nightstick again the handle appeared to be headed for his face he put up his knife hand. The handle reached the length of the strap, the handle came to a stop. Inertia caused a pendulum effect and the end of the nightstick was on a collision course with his manhood which was in view. He was ready to take advantage of the lady. Then contact was made he screamed and went down. I rapped him across the back of the head and he went down and out.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BDlTyhzcU
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTazJ9lXSk
The lady hadn't seen any thing her dress was still over her head. Momentarily I admired her wares, the first I had ever seen, oh well. I helped her up and directed her back to the square and told her to scream for a guard. While she followed my direction I slipped into the crowd and vanished.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiqHDrFEv0
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgT5t2BEL1f
The next day it was all over the square about the gallant rescuer of a Noble Lady that was almost raped.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSFdDF4ClT
The rapist had been captured but the gallant rescuer had disappeared. The Noble Lady's Father had offered a reward. Many attempts were made to collect it but none had the real story. I had kissed her inner thigh almost to the VEE before helping her up.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugwX6jLyrQ
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr0zB2E4l6
I often followed her when she came to the Market, but she never knew. I often thought of the musky smell I had been near and how I was drawn … I knew I had no chance with her not only was she of Noble birth but she was at least eight years my senior.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYk5zbleqRW
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqk3KSxZJ3
I began watching Mira more often and noticed the small protrusions on her chest. One day our group was outside the gate and romping through the woods and I fell in to the river. It was in a small cove where the water ran slow as to be gentle. To be truthful it was our swimming hole and we would have ended up there sooner or later. The next thing I knew the rest of them were in the water also. We played for hours then crawled out to enjoy the afternoon sun. Without thinking we all stripped off our shirts and laid them out to dry.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxfMHFRsON
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEKkUiZvwc
We were all laughing and joking till Mira raised back up from spreading her shirt as she set back she put her hands behind her and stretched with her eyes closed. Suddenly everyone went quite her breast with nipples the size of the 1st joint of a pinkie finger was standing proudly. None of us, except me, had ever seen a bare chested girl before.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Xn8VATcfx
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwrFeua56D
Mira noticed the silence and opened her eyes and saw every one looking at her she said, “What?”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRV3RfUCGne
She looked at each one of us the others were to enraptured to say anything. She looked at me, I nodded my head and stared at her nipples again. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DqYHgWmZt
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4elafa136
She looked down at her chest and her face turned Red and she put her arm across her chest and grabbed her shirt, turned her back and put her shirt back on. Sneaker couldn't leave it alone and asked, “Where did you get those, they sure are pretty.” We all nodded.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5t3yXzj3xT
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXARmfq60W
Mira jumped up and ran back to the City gate. Before following I had to explain all I knew about the birds and the bees. By the time we reached the gate they knew as much as me... which was almost nothing.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRMaAuPX8f
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJLPP5n0Mt
Chapter 5836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEL933BIX0B
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjWyCVlsjY
The years flew by and we grew up, Sneaker was still under 5' and could still get into small places. Bean was close to 6'5'' and still skinny but still quite strong. Lump was 6'2'' and weighed 220 all solid muscle. Mira was a vision her bosom was the size of small grapefruits. Her red hair appeared to be flames while her freckles were just enticing, this delectable package was on a 5'3'' frame. Her ears .had become more noticeable and cause many fights. I had grown a little as well I was 6' even and weighed 220 and no fat. I was 17.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCK0Qiw2Wc
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolWndb2tOZ
John Mare De Louis had become a fat slob and his rule was becoming heavy handed on the people of the realm.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS37i5GrrR3
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3uiwIePxO
One day the Elder called me to his office and said, “The time has come the people are repressed and have been taxed till they can hardly buy food. The City Guards favor the masses but the palace guards seems to lean toward brutality.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPsFwWGLnu
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNHffvECylw
After listening to the Elder I began to plan. The first thing was a whisper campaign I had my core group start the rumors.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3vguWFXV1f
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqRw2NMrK9
“Have you heard, the real king has come of age, and he is not pleased with his Uncle. He is raising an army to reclaim his throne.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCB1UFGddZM
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcibSJSc3L5
There were a large number of break-ins at Nobles and Merchants homes. It seemed odd that it was only the supporters of the Regent who were hit the hardest. A little Redheaded Elf paid a visit to the Bramble Wood elves. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sfHYfb0rQ
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtC81HsyqIf
A caravan consisting of two wagons pulled by huge draft horses. Wagon one was occupied by the Red headed Elf. The second by the Wizard Elder. The rest of us walked it took us a week to reach the border between Dulciana and Bramble Wood. There we stopped and set up camp. We made no overt moves in fact other than a night stick (mine) and a Staff (Elders) we carried no weapons. We all were a little uncomfortable in the fancy clothes the Elder had supplied. That is all but Mira she reveled in the finery she was dressed in today. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7saPB4UUGI
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLA56Fqhnm
Each day as we made this trek that begun with six people. Each day others joined us, by the time we reached the border we were Two hundred fifty strong with more arriving daily. The Elder used his Magic only to provide food for the masses.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRI8IUgEZP
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooClTurcNE
We waited at the border for four days. On the morning of the fifth day three Elves appeared in front of Mira's tent. Mira invited them into her tent and sent word to the Elder and I to join her. I entered the tent and stood behind Mira. While awaiting the Elder I observed the Elven party. Each was blond with hair to the shoulders, their noses were almost pointed. The stand out feature was their eyes, they seem to penetrate deeply into the soul of the person before them. All three of them were locked onto Mira not even acknowledging that I was even there.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKV6DQETPy
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiW6N1q0kP
They remained so until the Elder entered. He they acknowledged and slightly bowed. The Elder nodded and moved behind Mira next to me.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaai5UfVS6
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiaIYtHKyZ
Mira spoke, “The rightful King of Dulciana has come of age and seeks an alliance to over throw the Usurper John Mare De Louis. I am Admira cousin to king Felies ruler of Bramble Wood. I by my own choice have lived in Dulciana to keep the peace between the two lands.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXR5ujj3R2
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncxz3B6pNG
“ The time has come to declare your recognition of the True King of Dulciana and to bring out the treaty of Bayer Bridge which our two countries vowed to support each other.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFtxszoiNf
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4w5XzwmRS
The Three Elves, none looking to be over twenty, huddled together. Then one stepped forward, “I am Admiran brother of Admira and Cousin to King Felis. To my right is Sir Slender Shoot in Command of the Palace Guards. To my left, Prince Felieson, Crown Prince of Bramble Wood. Heed my words we have reluctantly kept our side ot the treaty of Bayer Bridge. All though it has been trying, John Mare has continued to raise tariffs for the goods we have imported to Dulciana. It has been almost useless to trade with them.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3o7Bg2nNWJ
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36w1gUTsET
Mira looked at me. I nodded, She stated, This will be evaluated and an agreed on tariff will be set for each lands imports.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjIFsn7jpX
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKeVw9pqzSc
Admiran continued, “How do we know the rightful King is prepared to agree and that he is ready.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdI4es3pXF
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVh1K8wKV1
“Take our delegation before the King and all will be made clear.” 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngCatroN1A
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMoD18BUiQ
The Elves again huddled together, Admiran stepped forward, “ You will have our answer before the third Sun sets.” They turned and left the tent an the camp.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnjSSmmAdv
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDxyZ5b16F
“Well what do you think, I said as I paced inside the tent.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7WKI7wMPR
The Elder as usual played his cards close to his chest and Mira said “I guess we will have to wait and see.” *******836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nhYKiorfz
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZlj6Lmxur
The Elf delegation wasted no time before they were in the presence of King Felies. They bowed to the King but he waved it way … “Yes, Yes, what did they say ?”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfqU1ExRC5
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomm9nwtRng
Prince Felieson acted as their spokesman, “Father they said that if they were brought before you, all would be made clear. I think the young man is the rightful King. Our cousin Admira is to confidant for that not to be the case.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeTmM3qSxe
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0aNpGAHiT
King Felies asked them if they were aware of why Admira was raised in Dulciana. They all nodded “NO.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB11ELQkMCv
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSGwCdctnE
Chapter 6836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmH1y3Tvcjo
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFq1iyMkuC
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDd19FQ2JGi
The “Treaty of Bayer Bridge”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1taBlfyks
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4OnRU4eKA
King Felies leaned back from the table and looked steadily at King Duval De Louis the ruler of Dulciana. They had been discussing the terms of the treaty which would make their friendship official. The final codicil of the treaty would be the eventual joining of the two family's. King Duval had a new born Grandson. King Felies had a female cousin In the direct line the two were bound to each other. She and her Mother would live in Dulciana and be raised with the Crown Prince's son. When he came of age they would be married.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEi3sneO1Lu
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZSBVgBvsS
Two years later King Duval and his son were dead...and the grandson was missing. King Felies did the best he could with the Treaty. He was still hoping the rightful ruler was still alive. And Now....836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2LQMkc6Ep
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6p2Nrv1Rd
King Felies told his son, “Yes bring them before me.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmb41VMjME
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQ0ESzJIiv
*****836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoBNNa6d3w
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPAIgBM1r6
Mira had been aware of Rafe's identity for years. Once when they were swimming in the river she had seen the Medallion and recognized the Dragon of gold with green eyes. She kept her silence, she was aware of the Treaty and that she was promised to Rafe. She had always known …836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vEE5Nn4nj
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpUimecutV
She looked toward Rafe and smiled ….836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZY3BC3NUc
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNP0Nn3znZ
There was a loud noise out side of the tent and people yelling a head was shoved into the tent and an Elf yelled, “Quickly you have to get across the Bridge. Dulciana's Army is on the march.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6i3q0X2RE
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhGcSA7Ya9
We all rushed across the bridge only to be swallowed up by the Elven Army. A squad of them took down the tents and hitched the wagons and brought it all across the bridge. Then the Elven Army lined their side of the border. At the Bridge itself was a group of Elven Mages Led by the wizard Elder.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslhdsHcSYH
An Elf walked to the center of the Bridge with a paint brush and bucket of paint, He drew a line three inches wide and wrote Dulciana on their side of the line and Bramble Wood on the other.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCO882bdSFZ
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfIstHICOC
In less than an hour the Dulciana Army came into view. Nearer and nearer they came till they were at the bridge. The Baron who was leading the Army walked to the center of the bridge and was close to stepping over the line when the elves on the bridge lowered there Lances toward the Baron's chest. He stopped and backed up. Only then did he notice the freshly painted border. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaCRORN2ch
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWqV5iD1Dw
The Elven Commander asked the Baron, “What business do you have in Bramble Wood.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9pWxoJXrr
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCHqaeWA9R
The Baron stated, “I have been dispatched to arrest a traitor.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPekrj36ca
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUgPyYXOM2
“And just who is this traitor and what did he do?”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTRaqGUI5t
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYniGg2oh9
“ I am not sure of his actual ID but he is one of four street kids, and as to what he actually did I don't know. What I do know is he is wanted by the King John Mare De Louis.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJGIPsnYiN
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnH7L8zOQH7
The Commander smiled, “As you can see we have near 300 refugees and at least 50 of them fits that category. But first King Felies has informed me he does not Recognize anyone named John Mare De Louis as any thing... except as a criminal.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyBwmB8TSy
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSuv20WUFA
“I advise you to turn this ragtag bunch around before My archers lose their strength and loose the 100 arrows that are aimed at you and yours.” “ On the Count of ten My Lancers are going to clear this Bridge.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkV8VFo4Um
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqHGPqZfb4
The Baron began to back away from the bridge and set up camp. He set up a bridge watch at the Dulciana bridge end. The Elves did the same at their end. Traffic was not stopped on the Bridge but was closely scrutinized.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZqroMdl2s
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEloH1Do06v
A messenger was received at Mira's tent and she was informed that King Felies was ready to receive them.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSc1p4kSlt
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ED8ruDbsz
A few hours later they were ushered in to King Felies's presence. King Felies asked for introductions.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6g1akZzTY5
Mira stated, “I you know but I am Admira Cousin to you King Felies and promised to Rafter De Louis.” 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83bUuMrkwQ
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdWXo09ngZ
Rafe's mouth dropped wide open not in disappointment, just surprise.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gZOMIRlNT
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJB4qPJrtL
Mira continued, “You also know the Wizard Elder, The rather small gent is Lonnie Better known as Sneaker. Next to hin is Silas Better known as Bean, Next to him is Tom also known as Lump. Last but not least is Rafter De Louis, known as The Rapper or Rafe or just RD. The rightful King of Dulciana.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIErjTdrcUZ
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNM1H0mWWEI
All of his friends were mouth agape never suspecting their friend was a Royal. King Felies says, Lets see proof.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGPYu1QNApN
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUbzLgNuxC
Rafe stepped forward and reached inside his Tunic and removed the medallion...The green eyes of the gold dragon transfixed all who saw it. All of Rafe's friends dropped to their knees and bowed before him. He told them to stop bowing it made him uncomfortable.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO10HFcAOUE
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm606ZywVuW
“ I was raised by The Elder and by Mamma Ceil, My mother was Rebecca and my Father was Crown Prince Duvalson, Son of King Duval De Louis. Both were killed by Assassin Haver by order of John Mare De Louis.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR26LeGpE4q
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa90kon9mQ
Word has been sent to the Cardinal that I have come of age.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo86x2HaDiO
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGn9xUfyIA
“I accept the betrothal of Admira, I looked at Mira and she was blushing and smiling, Wedding to take place after I am crowned.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHEQGhBkPi
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14Uo7HMLi4
I turned back to King Felies and asked, “Sire what say yee?”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DTIbZLpNZ
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZthPcIKzm
He looked to the Elder, “Elder what is your story?” ********836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRVopzg4Mb
Chapter 7836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AOoHbTGQ9
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnLdpTFcA1
Elder's Story836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaAPKDS6Z1
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApIzLjNq6n
“ I will first tell Mama Ceil”s story. I was folding clothes in a tent out side the village of Collie while my charge Rafter De Louis played on the floor. My mistress Princess Rebecca rushed in and told me John Mare's men were searching every tent. She said I was to take Rafter to the elder. She removed the medallion from her neck and placed it on Rafter's neck and told him never ever lose it ..He was three.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe8TtbXsxO
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvq6ngNAbr
“He and I crawled through a tear in the rear of the tent. We slid out and down to the river which was near. I waded out in the river and holding Rafter I turned on my back with Rafter between my breast we floated down the river.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp06EVUgDJC
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPOpd3pXHq
“We neared the Bayer Bridge, I directed us to the Dulciana bank. We followed the roadway although we stayed in the forest. There were merchants traveling along the road which allowed me to snitch enough food to keep us going. It took us almost two weeks to make our way to the Elder's Keep. We arrived near the hour of noon but waited till almost dusk before knocking and asking for the Elder.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxBFZQsMfP
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZd4gCdRfRR
Elder 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTycHFz0NC4
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcaEtZP8mE
“ I was enjoying a glass of ale when I heard a pounding on the door of the keep I was alone my compatriots were all on errands. There was not many of us to begin with. I am Mage Sabron but called Elder. Also abiding in the Keep was Mage Aquinas, Mage Arture, Arture's apprentice Jody and their cook/maid, May.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgsNKh39Yp
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSMg9erN9t
I went to the door and opened it to find a woman and a babe, they both were filthy. “Yes can I help you.” The woman spoke.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAJenJoyfo
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOspJQQYLW
“My Mistress Rebecca said that the time would come and we was to come to the Keep and here we are.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BbHI33NA1
I said , “Well yes you are but who are you and time for what.” 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoVDrnbauj
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3hWrH9t7L
The Woman's face turned red and she stammered and stuttered and then said, “Oh I forgot Rafe show him the medallion”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ImfjThuWk
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9n5vHPDuh
The boy pulled out the medallion, I got flustered and told him to put it away and pushed them into the keep. I made him a leather bag to put the medallion in it had a drawstring so it kept the medallion covered. Mama Ceil helped May in the kitchen until she came down with the Ague and died I think the boy was about eight. By that time he was already the protector of the weak. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KyoTk96Eu
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSrCZCjZcC
“I knew he had a magic background so I began to train him. To insure he learned everything I also recruited all his friends so they also have been schooled except in magic. I did not try to influence them but allowed them to view the world and to make up their on minds. I am proud to say the weak and downtrodden have always been taken care of by these few. They also learned from the street and learned to bypass the cruel. “836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05lirmKXBI
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtB04T46st
“One other thing Look at him closely. Now the picture that was painted at the signing of the Bayer Bridge. Look close at his Grandfather.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7JxdV6DJb
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeyyn0KPNw
Every one turned to the picture hanging on the wall. It looked like an older Rafe. The elder said, That is all I have to say.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsauRhRZyy
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoInbBQQr6
King Felies thought about all that he had been told and all he had seen. He remembered his friends voice and was surprised to hear that voice coming out of this young man. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy88yHgpa5J
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYD01OAsS7
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0NVLtxd2u
The King rang for a page and told him make ready rooms for my party. I stopped him and told him that we have over 250 followers at the River I will stay with them, my friends nodded that they agreed.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsh6E814V18
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfeL85U1zw
We departed for the camp. As soon as we arrived the Baron was asking to speak with me. I met him at the center of the bridge.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCAEQoMtDl
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmzHK33QHs
“Might I see the Medallion.” I removed it from my tunic. He stared at it. “I must do some thinking I was sure you were dead and with that thought in mind to try and protect my people. He asked and I gave my oath. Now I know not what to do.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYoNEcmJjv
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYMUrlrANB
I looked deep into his heart and said, “I am sure the right decision will be made. In fact I would bet there will be a lot of soul searching going on.” 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEPXBpvprF
I heard a noise and looked over my shoulder to see a contingent of the Elven Army began lining the River. Their Commander walked onto the bridge and Handed the Baron a scroll. He opened it and read aloud. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qO9ALDHhR
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfu3KGO2zsd
To John Mare De Louis, “We the kingdom of Bramble Wood do here by recognize the rightful King of Dulciana ' Rafter De Louis'.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuyXiLy7dv
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkO7qwtobF
In so doing I King Felies place the Army of Bramble Wood as his to Command.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡih8ONhVIL7
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkPlLnyZzA
The is a formal Declaration of War, Not with Dulciana but with the armies of the Usurper John Mare De Louis. You are here by given Five Days to answer .836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOaY73OKQf
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EWR1OtkOF
Signed: King Felies 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9F2LLarvkQ
Ruler of the Kingdom of Elves Known as Bramble Wood 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmlA0XBAzo
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJ6xXILJkf
*******836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7mhNO5OaIw
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcfwbDu7Q2
The Baron ordered his men to fall in... and departed at once... The Baron called his fastest runner and gave him the scroll to deliver to the Regent.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzdKVR67JZ
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndEP8mcyOg
Upon reaching the crossroad, straight was to Dulci, right was to his Land Holdings. Baron Phelps hesitated then called a halt. He called all his Officers to a meeting.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZewRolKNLS
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zPxA0cEsV
He looked to each one, some had been with him for years and some just a short time. “Our long lost King Rafter De Louis has come of age and is demanding his rightful place, to the dismay of the regent. A few years ago I gave an oath to the Regent.” He noticed some shuffling and whispering among them. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXn6oVaJwAe
“Twenty years ago I also gave my Oath to defend the Crown. Since the Crown belongs with Rafter De Louis and not the Regent that is the oath I must honor.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMKzLU6N3a
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbN39euE6X
“Any of you who wish to be absolved from your oath to me and wish to follow the Regent is free to do so. But first I wish you to speak these words to your men. I leave for my home in one hour. All who wish to honor their oaths can follow. All who wish to follow the Regent may depart with honor.” 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJX3lroU99O
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IR1rD2ZVx
The Baron's Page lay a cloak in the shade of a mighty Oak. The Baron sat and leaned back and closed his eyes. From the noises he was hearing there must be quite a discussion going on. After a few minutes … nothing but silence. He nodded off to sleep.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIAopNDIOk
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKGSwr48WW
Until his page gently shook him, “Baron the hour has past.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTLXP5PawH
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmQBdFdnvt
The Baron opened his eyes to see all his troops lined up and prepared to move out on the path to the right. He stood walked to his horse and said, “Very Well Mount UP.” He tried to hide his emotion as he brushed a wayward tear from his eye.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lx2815afm
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ijyxpmi1V
“Messenger, take this Message to King in Waiting Rafter De Louis. We the men of Baron Phelps Stand to your right.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vTn7VdIcv
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9prsZqDO8b
Even before the Baron could reach his estate the power of gossip had raised its ugly head. It had been shouted throughout the lands that Baron Phelps Favored the King in Waiting. As he rode into the grounds of the Estate there were messengers from his fellow Nobles wishing to confirm his decision. Some were condemning him but most were aligning with him and offering their help.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTEAiQSNja
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTdF5TbJBA
******836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCUtBzFfOQ
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5qsEZ2ICw
I stepped out of the tent to a blast of noise . I was almost stunned, overnight the supporters had increased to over a thousand men and women. There was also a line of messengers awaiting his attention. One by one he read the messages. The list of support by the Nobles was staggering. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Baron Phelps had been the first to issue his support. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iCI9QmwId
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEd3ttpknDD
I sent message to them all accepting their support and asking them to Join me for a meeting and to bring their second in command as well. The Elves set up tents and supplied food stuffs. We searched through our people and was soon able to fill the tents with cooks and kitchen help.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XJuOFBmVi
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxupYtJ2fDU
Bean and Sneaker began interviewing our masses. It took over two weeks to establish what each was good at. The first and most important was Scouts and Runners. It was a welcome to know we had a core group to train others. They consisted of twelve lancers and eight archers all thanks to the City Guard. They were led by the Captain of the Guard I smiled when I learned they had brought the entire armory of the City Guards. I had the Captain set up companies and squads and begin training. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaqZE4YQEM
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBXFQhKA9Y
It wasn't long till the ladies were making vests with a Green Eyed Gold Dragon in the center on a field of blue. I was even more surprised when a spar was erected and a silk flag of Blue with the same Dragon represented. I never knew where the material came from.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabRh66BZaC
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbEiYvnwlT
I was most surprised by the lack of response from John Mare. I had sent scouts into Dulci and awaited their return. Days later I had my answer. There was desention in the ranks and mass desertions. It was said he was hanging his own men. I guess you could say there was a trust issue.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnN3qM7KX2
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4Kt4oh6rR
According to the Scouts What was left were mercenary s and men who were just there for the money with no real desire for the sake of the Kingdom.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQWa15KW4a
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYRSs2dZMI
Chapter 8836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeONa7qd4N
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrKqziWqvOt
So this is war.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENyg5znRNv
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RmqwWLzBI
With the support of the Nobles and the peoples of the land we had an Army of about 10,000 strong. We knew we would be facing about 30,000 all better armed.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HUL0XSaCS
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbi4WCgBtwD
Lump surprised us all, he had a real gift of strategy. He told me we were missing and important item... Supply lines. Which were open to Dulci from the South. I assigned him a troop of fifty mounted men and named them Tom's Raiders. They traversed the miles to Dulcianas Southern border. They carried few supplies, which meant either make successful raids, live off the land or starve.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFnkVh1MiA
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjpVucW0FQ
******836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmY6idHbZd
Tom's Raiders836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREQJ1K0MX3
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9c0AkYjFf
Lump, Tom, Lead his Raiders south never coming in sight of any road except when it was necessary to cross one. They scouted the roads entering Dulciana from Langdom to the south and to Arrington to the East. Their fourth day they heard the squeaking of the axles of a heavily loaded wagon. As the wagon with five outriders entered the clearing which was ringed by the raiders. When they were completely inside the clearing, including the 4 outriders at the rear..836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9FaRtnjDI
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBkkqIb7KL
The archers stepped out of the bushes with their Bows fully drawn. Lump spoke, “ Well gentlemen please lay down your weapons and step away from them. You two on the wagon get down. Please lay face down on the ground with arms and legs spread.” 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPA5Yumqa1L
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuTcFD7GKX
Each were checked over and knives and night sticks removed from their person. Their hands and feet were bound. Lump placed two men in the wagon and started it onto Bramble Wood Border.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡap78uwLqNS
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYMbyP4wQ3
“I am sure it will not take you long to free your self. I suggest you turn back to Langdom and not return. If you had put up a fight all of you would now be dead and we would have all regretted it. But none more than you.” 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmJvvaNqZG
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOonbIcWC00
Lump had given orders for the wagon to move as fast as it comfortably could toward the rest of the army. They were also prepared to ride like the dickens at the crossroads to Dulci. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVRcNO7br1
He was not aware that there was a squad on watch near the cross road Which escorted them the rest of the way.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLZnUTZa4N
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzaIrJHBOEj
Each day they would watch an incoming road and were averaging at least I shipment a week.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNaU6bTSh9
Dulciana sent out troops to try to protect the incoming supplies. The raiders ambushed them and wiped them out to a man.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHLjBP7aId
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iHDkuyUnt
After a month the Dulciana Army began to move. We nipped at their heels and ran away. When they chased us we would ambush them. Their losses was about 10 to 1 of ours. Theirs was an Army while ours was a bunch of skirmishers or back alley fighters... We didn't fight fair.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfAuy6IiaL
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJ3lmTAcW3
John Mare brought in Mages from Drummond which was to the North west We wondered what he was promising them. The Elder had warded our raiders against magic. We attacked their rear with arrows then rode away. The Mages were frustrated when their spells returned toward them and they had to go on defense against their own spells. We found out later that John Mare had not told them anything about the Elder supporting us and he knew nothing about me, and that I too knew magic.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMu65jFY6J
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZyoaih4wg
*****836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2NPWWMnhY
With out informing most of my officers or King Felies I left camp with four scouts and Mage Arture. Our plan was to sneak as close as we could to Baron Ronin's HQ tent. Baron Ronin had designated himself as General Ronin.His only thing that qualifed him to be a General was... he was the richest Noble in the Kingdom. Also the most arrogant and the least knowledgeable of how to run an army.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6u73dnjjsB
His officers were getting very frustrated.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRsftCAl3U
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHHTdK5TaD
I cast my mind into the tent. As usual there was an argument going on. Captain Cross of the Palace guards and Major Nells of the Dulciana Army were already at their wits end. It was impossible to get through to General Ronin that you could not attack some one who was already gone. The General decided they would leave a squad of Calvary behind. Then when the Raiders slipped in behind they could attack and wipe them out.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUwDe6mBnR
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeOrqaapHh
When we arrived back at the Camp, we made our own plans. Rather than attacking the rear we honed in on the right flank. We held back a reserve and when his trailing Calvary came around to attack our raiders they were met with our reserves and a hail of arrows. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNxsfQad16
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Jbt3Io3zU
To embarrass them more Sneaker slipped in and stole the Dulciana Flag. We hoisted it up the spar where our Dragon flag flew. It was flown second to our Dragon.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3GZHqHn4W
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQz68MZxME
It would have been simple to take out General Ronin. But he was their worst enemy so we left him alone.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBINLpASvK6
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iG5BCyWXZ
*****836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzyKtCrsoL
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jg4mXvDyY
King Felies was very incensed when he discovered my scouting foray. “What in the world did you mean by leading that scouting party? Kings don't lead raids they direct from the back ground.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJwqFkPYKC
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVT0QmwXrbU
I looked at him and smiled, “ As yet I am not a King, and I do not follow...I lead... by example.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzapFG2Gtf
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21yGUAhWSa
I talked with Mira and Sneaker, Mira had an idea to scare the hell out of Dulciana troops. For three days one tent was a beehive of activity and only a certain few were allowed in. Late on the third day Mira walked out of the tent and nodded to me. Three of the smaller scouts who were experts in stealth and Sneaker all entered that tent... nothing else happened. Soon it was forgotten. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOOUkI8Zd1
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4rvHii2nK
*****836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXhUOOI9kB
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkQ83Gq6v4
The camp of Baron Ronin began to stir....Then it turned into a male storm... Each was holding and looking at a small piece of parchment. Baron walked out of his tent also holding a piece of parchment , demanding to know who was responsible for the parchment.... 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uMChCZeAW
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9ZtLa63N1
He looked back down at his which was on a piece of rawhide and was around his neck. The parchment had a drawing of a dagger and the words you could be dead ...next time for real. He started screaming where are the guards... they were found with their throats cut and a piece of parchment held to their chest by a dagger.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqNWYSQd5D
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEhMrqS4U8
For the next week there were desertions and some worn out soldiers that appeared to have not slept for awhile. Every night someone was killed in their sleep and Baron Ronin collected another piece of parchment.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv62haWnD5P
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlfKZwwdHU
Before the last part of the plan could be put into play Assassin Haver had his try. I began getting reports of a black clad figure fliting in and out of tents around camp... In some cases there was a body to go along with the report. Elder immediately said an assassin I added Haver.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0RCPwNp1u
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbeoIW4Iri
I begin to browse with my mind...near evening time I started to pick up traces of Haver. I turned in about 11 pm. At about 2 am I said, “ NOW ! “836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQaUJbIKmC
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡansr4ABfV1
Sneaker removed the cover from a lamp and light blazed into the unsuspecting eyes of Haver. Elder stepped into the tent and enwraped Haver in magical restraints. Haver tried to turn his head towards me and spit. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhX66iSaad
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoD9Bgn4bb
I was expecting something of the sort and sent a magical force into his face which cause him to swallow what he tried to spit at me. He began to gasp and his face began to have a bluish tint and he crumpled. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWPnNbacpQ
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rawm08rTQ
Elder checked him over and said he was dead. He and I using our magic and not touching the body carried the body to a cairn outside of camp which we had prepared earlier in the day. We placed the body on the cairn and set the pyre alight. First we warned everyone in camp to stay away and especially not to breathe the smoke.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAnfmwAwkZ
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWyEKuegxn
Chapter Nine836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqYR20xSbi
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJtikZBHBw
The two army's had been camped close for weeks each trying to be an irritant to the other. It was almost a war of attrition. But we had plans, and I assume they did too. We just had to be first.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDmCTeCmyd
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZgBgsuv1F
On the first day of Winters Chill... Baron Ronin awoke to silence, he dressed and threw back the tent flaps To find himself facing Sil Slender Shoot and Silas Bean. It was almost amazing when the soft spoken Bean unleashed his true vocalizations of his stately rich baritone voice.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUYzUmhm0x
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hiKvA56fj
“General Ronin You are surrounded by the forces of free Dulci and the army of Bramble Woods.. For your treasonous acts you are hereby stripped of all land and titles and exiled with only the clothes on your back. Or you will be put to death by hanging...I almost forgot if you accept option one...and ever decide to return. Option two is automatically enforced. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMs8HvXAtm
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpkD3SjGWu
Ex Baron Ronin was escorted by Tom's raiders to the border of Langdom. He was pushed across the border begging for at least a horse... which he did not get.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeP2ganeuS7
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapv0wfg7f5
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0dXlcpgwE
With the addition of Baron Phellps army, our Volunteers and the Army of Bramble Wood we decided it was time to take the war to John Mare836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPbIZBxv7r
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Wi0mk1JwT
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZQ1yDTkTm
King Filies called a meeting and after much discussion we came to a decision... We wished to make them worry as well as to pay. We decided to make it seem as if we were on parade. We put up a facade of joyous playing around. As if we had not a care in the world. The truth was we had thousands of mouths to feed.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7jh4INC3i
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDqyXBXuVA
In each camp the Elder assigned an apprentice who fed the troops by magic with platters of piping hot food. Our daily marches were short not starting till near 10 am and stopping nigh 4 pm.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUwpN2wwqU
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfW2UDFPOy
On the third day John Mare's army took the bait. They moved up to attack as we would be making camp for the evening. What they didn't expect was before they could get the word to attack...Arrows came flying out of the trees all around them.. They lost over a hundred and sixty men that day and the surrender of fifty more836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWoHLm1Rmk
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1h8IQlyfWn
They thought they had laid the perfect ambush of an unwary group. When in essence they had been missing one detail. First a number of scouts would search out the next nights camp ground. Only one would return to act as guide.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEfGKEUwI9
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVQmwUu0Uo
Second as dusk began to fall a troop of about fifty men would peel off into the night. They would go to the next nights camping area and prepare an ambush. When John Mare's soldiers moved through they did not realized they were passing with in inches of our men. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPogkeujtN
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwax7ZtD6gM
There was a watch kept on their Officers and the attack came before he could give his orders to attack the camp. From our positions we were driving them toward the camp where they were met by... Number three, a well placed group of lancers.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIeUO9vCDA
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0V9vxc33KY
We lost three injured and two dead..... We heard their Army was disgruntled and saying things like we don't fight fair.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtx3ClOATgv
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtlezD2F1B
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6laAeBury6
*****836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9zdEVY9UO
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSY1w3VX2M
The days turned into a week before the walls of Dulciana loomed into sight The buildings outside the walls were empty836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCOO81F30I
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeljMFHzvp6
I rode up to the Gate “John Mare come out and face me... You have been trying to kill me for over 17 years.... “ I heard a swishing noise and a soldier's body hit the ground in front of me. I glanced to the side . Admiran was notching another arrow... he smiled. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIX4oHusWXu
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDCJMtl6HW
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡydULkdP8HS
We had scouts in trees, not close enough to make an attack of any sort but they were not there for that purpose. They were there to observe and report. Each scout had a long glass and watched and re ported the gathering of John Mare's mercenary Army. Soon we would engage.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNM34sbyJry
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfx2kYoQxpb
Again we used subterfuge … we grew up in that town and all of us knew how to enter and leave without being seen. Again the Wizards Keep played an important part. In the basement of the Keep was a secret passageway that opened into the tack room of the barn in the Smithy. The Smithy and corral was just inside the wall of the town. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXthoCQvaSW
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs55k5eeAy8
Once inside we could scatter throughout the town. Our first night, Lump, Bean and Sneaker went in checking the access. The second night each of them led a group of fifteen men each, our stealth fighters. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmyCSrLf4qI
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAMxhlVAkS
They hit the barracks and the guard shack near the North and south gate. They set fire to the barracks then attacked the soldiers as they tried to escape. They never knew what hit them nor how to respond. This was our manner of harassment for two weeks. John Mare's troops were tired but afraid to sleep. They were making mistakes, just what we were waiting for. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy9kgYePaMf
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92iRjss2Os
The next thing was to take out the guards on the west wall, open the gate and to fill the square with our troops all before John Mare's Army awakens.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCc3AKTJPAs
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQgWKg6ZvR
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiY4gh1FFL
****836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnS11x5IfD7
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPMRmfc6Qt
John Mare De Louis awoken to men shouting and the clatter of weapons falling to the ground. He rolled out of bed and looked at his empty table and was instantly angry. That lazy Perdon was late with his Breakfast again. He pulled his bell chime cord angrily three times.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uI0FRBvUy
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPaRs2WBh1
On the third pull his door opened...He was all set to rail against Perdon when he saw that the two men entering his chambers were armed and their Sashes were the colors of Green and Gold. Not his Red and Black he rushed to his weapons. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PgrAZl5jC
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnRUBXDJhI
They smiled and one of them said, “ By all means arm thy self Just as Crown Prince Rafter desires you.We are here to escort you to the battle yard. “836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcP8nApuQ2G
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3f8uoC8ON
John Mare grabbed a lance, his Sword and a brace of throwing knives. Thinking to himself, “This kid has never had any training with weapons...What chance does he have against me, a sword master.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrB51GS91p2
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfsXywGZbY
** Truth be known John Mare was not near as good as he thought...I mean seriously if you are practicing with an unstable King just how hard are you going to try to win.**836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZF5aT5biY
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKy7elb8tN
Bean and Lump escorted John Mare to the Battle yard. He entered and found himself alone he looked above at the viewing area... it was full of Men, Women and Elves. The 1st face he recognized was the Chancellor the second the Cardinal.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFP7DDg7el0
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjpUCzZ74o
Chapter Ten.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTv9KmTHw6T
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJq4MQ2uM4
The door began to open, John Mare drew his sword, he was ready.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0Sz7nN96O
He almost burst out laughing...The young man who entered, he assumed was his nephew, was only armed with a nightstick dangling from a rawhide cord.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnM9SMU3wu
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ygFhup5Oc
“Good Morning Uncle... I was told I had to give you a chance, Thus I chose to face you with a nightstick. Since I don't wish to kill you, only beat you senseless I thought it only fitting.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYbviJ8Mhd
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzteZc2qbaD
John Mare smirked and said, “Quit crying and lets get on with it so I can eat breakfast.” All the time he had been talking he was moving towards Rafe. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yXpqwd0Tt
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCLlcNc8vdC
As he drew near and was ready to swing his sword. Rafe's nightstick struck like a snake hitting the knuckles of the hand holding the sword which clattered to the ground. The audience roared. John Mare was stunned not seeming to understand what had happened.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCQHV8GOBW
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8qvVuIYXY
Rafe backed off to allow him to pick up his sword. Never taking his eyes off Rafe, John Mare reached for his sword. Thinking Rafe a fool he again started forward. He had taken two steps when the nightstick flicked out again and caressed his elbow... His arm went numb and his sword again fell to the floor.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApfo3w5fXp
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTR24nwDXlx
John Mare realized the sword was useless. He lowered the lance he had been holding in his left hand. Rafe was watching his every move. When John Mare made his thrust, at the last instant Rafe stepped to the side and flicked out the nightstick it met John Mare's chin with a cracking sound.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZuDP5YMCA
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuK4STb87P
John Mare was so keyed up he didn't seem to realize his jaw was broken. He swept the lance to ward Rafe who stepped back and loosed his nightstick. John Mare thought he was prepared and whipped his head back. Again the fulcrum effect took over and the nightstick took the lower path. The only thing that saved his manhood is that he had turned his body. The nightstick struck his left thigh bruising it deeply.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TlUF24d4q
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoxK4xQGAX
John Mare was finding it difficult to stand. He retained the lance but was now using it as a cane. Rafe flicked out the nightstick again in the direction of John Mare's left wrist. He retaliated by swinging the lance butt striking Rafe in the rib cage, cracking a couple of ribs. Rafe missed with his attack. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKXaNG0srA
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrU4jRnJ2Az
John Mare tried to follow up on his good fortune, pull his dagger and lunged forward. The night stick was already on the way headed for his manhood. John Mare's lunge put his head in the way and the night stick caught him square in the forehead and down he went.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjKpjPLGTl
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3vUnTuF1v
Rafe waited but there was no movement from John Mare, Sir Slender Shoot and his medical man Fever entered the Yard,. Fever felt for a pulse and nodded, yes there was a pulse he was just unconscious. Slender Shoot called for three men. They trussed John Mare up like a Christmas Turkey.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAJyAHuPWr
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeQp9giAIG
*****836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wD65OQsFe
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrtVOsoTFlw
I looked up to the Audience and announced. “He will have a fair trial, “836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrWBqWNnteW
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGQDWLs3QB
I Looked around as they drug John Mare to the dungeon. “Runners take a message to Langdom, Drummond and Chelsea And any other near by Country we have dealings with, speak to the Chancellor, asking them to send a representative. To sit at this trial they must also have authority to negotiate Import export Tariffs. Also Must Represent their Country. In my Coronation and wedding to take place, I turned to the Chancellor and motioned...”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38vdlSln5F
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwGKjIr3SI
The Chancellor spoke quickly, “ Six Weeks for the trial and in two months for the festivities.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SMKcy3N2w
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsoX6cPRDU
“Also I wish a runner be sent to Mountain Home for a Dwarf representative to be here as well.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8h5xhYO7E
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8FPF94BtY
Time seemed to drag even with all that had to be done, The household staff had the Palace to clean up and prepare for all the guests. It had been decided that the Coronation and the wedding would be held in the Court Yard so that all who wished could attend...after all I did grow up on the streets.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8ow3EkhhB
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHD8FYZ4yHx
I made a few appointments, Lonnie/Sneaker to head the Intelligence corp. Silas/Bean Secretary and Treasurer, Tom/Lump Head of the Palace Guards and Baron Phelps Commander General of the Army of Dulci.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzB0t0uSt5g
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUDTpyHCgZ
Six very active weeks went by and the Dwarfen Representative, Smash Stumpf Foot, had arrived. The trial began... “John Mare De Louis You are charged with High Treason and Regicide How do you plead.” 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4blx2fWjZU
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQJva9IbRY
John Mare stared around the Court room, “ How dare you . You have no right to try me I am a King...!”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTnYBaiSs2
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuzemK17nY
There was chuckles and noise from the spectators. King Felies shouted “S I L E N C E” As acting Judge and a King the silence was instanious. “We will take that as a not guilty plea.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd52pk3bYX2
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhgTvtmvvw
The first witness was Mama Ciel's younger sister. “My name is Myra”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0AbaP4dWx
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70lCFkGzF7
The Chancellor, acting as Prosecutor asked her what she had to offer at this trial.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxeFgJ3BSKN
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeRg6o7cWk
Myra's Story:836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPsTj5oS7I
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBE6rQnRbeY
My Mother had been a Ladies Maid and my older sister was as well. My Mother died in child birth and my sister Ciel raised me. Ciel was Ladies maid to Princess Rebecca she spoiled me. I was always hiding and eavesdropping. She would laugh at the things I told her, she thought I was making them up. One day when I was seven and Prince Rafter was a Babe I overheard John Mare and a man he called Haver Talking.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfRpt0w2F6
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fvc6GFK3R
John Mare said “Haver I will give you 100 Gold to assassinate The King and his family.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlcIASEPa3
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdZEf958jO
“How do you want it done?”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWkcj98hls
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbF6hPZo2B
“I don't care Make them pay but make sure you get the Medallion from around Duvalson's neck.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMeDPlWMOR
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHxmg5ojbY
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXOgRJD00y
I didn't understand what assassinate meant and I got sidetracked and went to play with my friends. Later I asked my sister what assassinate meant. She asked me why and I told her. She told Princess Rebecca and I had to tell the story again. Princess asked me if they said when.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRmsq0Qkpl
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QeyPT67l7
I said, “They said something about a boar hunt.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPULl2WPKqO
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZt6f9jAwPt
Princess Rebecca got all excited and said “That is today.” She had Ciel grab a few things and they left the Palace. I never saw them again. “Later that evening a messenger brought John Mare a note saying the King and his Son was dead.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3bPMaTHdp
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhW23J6GYg
After that John Mare tried to get Crowned King But the Cardinal refused unless he had the Medallion proving he was the last of the family line.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fby7DniDY
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfHdvNddao
“John Mare was ruthless he had servants beaten for no reason and he raped the castle ladies including me.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzlQrYwleV
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbTbzh0Jo0
John Mare Leaped up and yelled it was his right to rape the women he was the king.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOa0hIlJGGM
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJILpOWPFhs
The Chancellor answered,” It was not your right and you are not and never have been King.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zENzxLiKR
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMw4wo8jR4
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBuwqTkJxL
Many were called but none spoke for John Mare. It was really a farce as Trials goes. The verdict was known by everybody.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4GhK6plfO
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkPXAS6qJ4
King Felis stood and told John Mare to rise. “John Mare De Louis you have been tried and convicted by a court of your Countrymen. You have been found guilty of High Treason, Regicide as well as later added Rape charge. I argued vehemently for the Death Penalty but soon to be King Rafter De Louis argued for a more lenient sentence of life in the mines. Smash Stumpf Foot Take him away he is all yours.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SB3ATWlAu
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ744V80bvQ9
John Mare De louis screamed NO NO as Stumpf Foot placed him in chains.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQ3zp1EDA1
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYIU43lKMkb
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡus0hGjwBhz
Chapter 11836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSB46a5bS5f
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWlaCEWtM1
I was glad for that part to be over and it seems like everyone was in agreement. The moment John Mare was pulled through the door and it shut behind him. I stepped forward and...836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9rkYa5sOot
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5YvbRqNSq
“Ladies and Gentlemen The Wedding will take place in Two Weeks from today. One week Later the Coronation will take place.”836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbK090GPYl
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8To3bVM7gE
The Wedding was a frantic rush between beating out Trade Concessions and agreements and trying on Wedding Clothes. Finally the day arrived. The wedding was held in the City Square. This was necessary since I had Promised no one would be turned away. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg93s6BHSEY
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB45cAk6DQ0
I had never seen such finery in this city and then Mira stepped out escorted by her Father, The Elder agreed to stand with me.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oLgtGHcLf
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDik3lpSrYm
We turned and Knelt in front of the Cardinal. “We are gathered here together to join these two. Crown Prince Rafter De Louis and Princess Admira Felies....That is the last I remember till I heard the Cardinal said I now pronounce you Husband and Wife... You may kiss your Bride. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xBPRC8cvB
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPhviaEI04
I hesitated, Mira said, “ Go ahead I won't Hit you... “836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrBiJkDxQ8
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau0aFdsp6m
I smiled and gathered her in my arms and we shared our first Kiss... then we disappeared to our Chamber which was kept personal.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHavlO5i17
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMNvNvzlLu
The reception lasted two full days and the Chancellor stated well there goes the treasury just to feed the crowd.836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf28LxZQqx3
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdB6H6nAaS
The next few days we finished hammering out the trade agreements. And then it was time. 836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbq19AD7Zjt
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAmJE0iEzV
The Cardinal read the rites of the Coronation as Mira and I again knelt before him and then...” I crown you King Rafter De Louis King Of The land of Dulci. He took the Crown from The Elder and placed it upon my head. Then he completed the ritual for Mira. Admira Felies I crown you Queen of The land of Dulci thus Joining the Two lands of Dulci and Bramble Wood. May God Bless and Guide you both in your Rule. “836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzELnLOw2Kp
836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgOuJ9VKGv
...And thus began our rule....836Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMQUSU6MM7

SUBMIT A COMMENT