Click HERE to see this thread with all of the graphics, features, and links.

Alas! My final version is completed of Judgment of Celestial. Before we begin the story lets review the history of Igros a little bit so we can know more about the Second Age of the East.
First Age of the West:
1- The Three Angels, Five Demons, and Six Sages come to Igros
2- The pendent, Celestial is created
3- Tower of Celestial is built
4- The Demons declare war on the Angels
5- The Demonic Angelic War begins
8- Battle of Raze River
11- Battle of River of Getian pushes back Demon armies
13- Battle of Getian Mountains stops the advancing Angel army
18- The Six Sages build Ethian at the foot of the Getian Mountains
34- Demons are pushed back into their land of Darkice
49- Six Sages join the side of the Angels
52- Demons loses the war at the Battle of Mount Vovlian
53- First king of Gandriar is born
63- First king of Hyland is born

First Age of the East:
64- Trece is built on the Getian River
67- Hyland builds Hyerland
70- Path to Allies is found
73- Hyland declares war on Gandriar
74- First king of Gandriar dies and his son becomes king
75- Hyland forces pushed back
78- Defeat of Hyland at Hyerland
81- Hyland forms an alliance with Gandrair
82- Emperor of Maldarian is born
89- Kaiser of Toran is born
900- War of East and West begins
910- Gandriar and Hyland march side by side against Maldarian and Toran
930- Battle for Trece
950- Battle for Rubian
1000- Toran is defeated at Torko
1030- Maldarian is defeated at Aldar

Second Age of the West:
1040- Serrago steals Celestial
1053- Serrago goes to Darkice
1069- Serrago takes control of the west
1120- Forces of Darkice invade Trece
1322- Hyland and Gandriar march to Darkice
1444- Battle of Darkice
1500- Battle for Mount Vovlian
1503- Serrago is sealed away and the Five Remaining sages are cursed
1674- New Six Sages appear
1700- Second war between east and west
1732- Toran burns Trece
1736- Gandra is built at the foot of the Mystic Mountains
1740- Beremu is built for Hyland at the foot of the Strange Mountains
1754- Battle of Trecdra Plains (Turning point of the war)
1760- Gandriar pushes Toran west of the Getian River
1762- Hyland pushes Maldarian north of the Getian River
1767- Hyland retakes Rubian
1780- Gandriar retakes Trece
1786- Hyland defeats Maldarian at Maldar
1790- Gandriar defeats Toran at Marshor

First Age of the South:
1882- Rebels attack Gandriar convoy
1883- Rebels flee pass Lone Mountains leaving their base alone, Irony
1887- Rebels build their new base in a hill area and name is Marton
1900- Battle for Marton
1901- Gandriar forces retreat to Lone Mountains
1905- Rebels name their new land Gravince
1910- Gandriar attacks with three times the number
1913- Ulpia soldiers ambush Gandriar forces
1915- Gandriar pushes back Gravince and Ulpia troops
1918- Gandriar surrenders and allows Gravince peace
1989- Ulpia is defeated at the Battle of Mangor
1999- Kings from all around gather at Gravince

Second Age of the East: (Years start over after 1999)
1- Kings sign the treaty and Gravine becomes a nation
5- Solomon the Wise becomes leader of the Six Sages
33- Galatians the Wise visits Gravince
75- Adventurs of Elisha, David, Marth, and Galatians
100- 100th birthday of Gravince
125- Elijah's quest begins

????????????????????????????????????????????
who r t The Three Angels, Five Demons, and Six Sages come to Igros

sounds cool

Three Angels: Do you know what an Angel is? They are the guardians of the light
Five Demons: They were their to keep the balance of good and evil equal
Six Sages: Six wizards to keep the peace between the men of Igros but soon after Serrago's betrayel and the five first sages vanishing Six new Sages were placed on Igros:
Solomon the Wise: Head of the Six
Galatians the Wise: Second in the Order
Ephesians the True
Obadiah the Brave
Philemon the Strong
Leviticus the Quick

Any other questions. Please ask for I want everyone to know the past before strating.

ight now i understand

Chapter I:
Land of Gravince




In the land of Igros, just east of the great kingdom of Hyland, south from Irony, and west from Uplia lies the peaceful village of Gravince. Gravince sits in peace with its many hills that goes on for miles. At the northern border of Gravince is the mighty Silence Woods. Three villages are in Gravince and all are peaceful and careful with no wars or troubles.
Mayton being the furthest village south. Is home to Elisha Diadem who traveled east in Uplia with Galatians the Wise and Marth Silvers. Their adventures took them to a mighty mountain. Elisha is now an old man in his late fifties and his son is but twelve who is named Elijah. Marth has a daughter named Destinie and she is twenty but her father died when she was eight and Elisha took her in. They live on the biggest hill with a stream running on the western side of it. Destinie watches Elijah all the time while Elisha is at work and looking over his books.
Marton being the furthest village east. Here is the home of Bradon and the mayor of Gravince. The mayor is named William Kerry and is an honest man. Marton has the biggest militia with around thirty men. Bradon is part of the militia and is owner of a large piece of land in Marton. Marton also holds the Festival of the Moon every year to celebrate the birth of Gravince.
Merrierton being the furthest village north. Here is the home of Alextor. Unlike the other two villages, this one is part of Gravince but is not owned by Gravince. The King of Gandrian gave his younger son that village. Jaro was his name and he became Count of Merrierton. Jaro has an elder brother named Joran that is heir to the throne of Gandrian. Jaro is a brave soldier, captain of the guard, and ranger of the south.

South of Mayton an old man wonders towards the large hill of Elisha. The old man is wrapped in a blue robe which is fastened at the waist by a brown belt. The sun is bright but a large brown pointy hat shades his face. All you could see of his face’s features is the tip of his nose and his grey beard. He pushed most of his weight on his staff as he walked. The staff was long and reached his chin. He circled the hill and came to the stairs that led up to the house in the northeast. A small wooden fence surrounded the house and a small stream circled the western part of the hill.
From the porch of the house you could see most of Mayton. A vast village that is far and wide with farmlands here and their. Children ran freely in the village playing games and singing songs of old. The old man reached the large green door and two windows sat on both sides of the door. Their curtains were drawn so you could no see inside. Three chairs sat on the porch with a small footstool. The old man used his staff and softly hit the door three times.
‘Who is it?’ a voice shouted from inside. The voice was soft but deep with a sort of parrot sound. The old man smiled for he knew the voice well. The voice came out again, ‘I said “who is it?”’
‘Tis an old friend’ the old man said. A noise came from behind the door like someone unlocking it.

‘Galatians’ a man said. White hair covered his head but he had smooth and fair skin with bushy eyebrows. He was wearing a blue jacket and blue pants with a red shirt. He smiled and continued, ‘come in, come in.’
‘Elisha we meet again’ Galatians said steeping in. A round table was in front of him with a fireplace behind it. Four chairs circled the table with maps and books on it. A bookshelf sat on the wall next to an open pathway. Candles were lit and you could see the kitchen behind the pathway next to the fireplace.
‘Is it the fourth already?’ Elisha questioned heading into the kitchen. A teapot sat over a fire with a small line of smoke coming out of the stout. A long table sat in front of the fire with some cheese sitting on it. Galatians removed his hat and placed it on a rack in the kitchen and then laid his staff along the wall. He sat down on the closes chair too him.
‘It is but the third’ Galatians said, ‘but I made great timing this year and you don’t think I would miss the Festival of the Moon now would you?’
‘You love the festival’ Elisha said pouring two cups of tea and handing one to Galatians. Pots were everywhere and so were plates and cups. Elisha sat down in front of the table, ‘come now. Tell me of your adventures.’
‘Not now’ Galatians said, ‘for once I tell you I will also have to tell your son and Marth’s daughter. Let’s wait for them to come and then I will be more then happy to tail you everything.’
‘Very well’ Elisha said, ‘I wonder where those two are. I haven’t seen them since morning and it is almost dinner time.’
‘Those kids have too much of their fathers in them’ Galatians spoke merrily, ‘they will be fine. I can tell that they will do something someday worth tailing about for years to come just like the young lads Elisha and Marth who traveled east over many perils.’
Elisha sat silently for a moment in deep thought and then said, ‘you will look after them? I shall not return to see them or look after them.’
‘I will’ Galatians said, ‘as often as I can. If that will be days, weeks, months, or years I will look after them.’
‘Good’ Elisha said, ‘I shall leave everything in Destinie’s name and leave behind my greatest treasures to Elijah. Everything will go to them expect a few items I will carry with me in the east or maybe west. I haven’t decided if I want to see places I haven’t seen in awhile or never been.’
‘Your maps and your book will go along with you as well as some gold and of course cloths?’ Galatians asked.
‘Of course. And my pendent’ Elisha said with a finger in his pocket.
‘Pendent?’ Galatians asked, ‘through all my long years of knowing you I have never seen you with a pendent. When did you get it?’
‘A long time ago’ Elisha said, ‘a very long time ago. I can’t remember exactly where I got it but I remember it was nearly fifty years ago I got the pendent…or found it. I can’t remember.’
‘Strange’ Galatians said, ‘you remember the littlest details of are adventures but you can’t remember where you got a pendent. Maybe a good night rest will refresh your memory. You shall stay for the festival won’t you?’
‘Of course’ Elisha said, ‘I wouldn’t miss it for the world. For I shall miss the festival and all of its lights but I shall not miss it as much as my Elijah and Destinie.’

‘Then we wouldn’t mind showing me this pendent of yours?’ Galatians asked.
‘I don’t mind at all’ Elisha said pulling out a blue sphere with a yellow metal outline with strange writing that spilt and formed a cross. In the middle of the cross sat a red sphere. Galatians gazed on it and say the writing:

Mnbuu bexugl me fguimu ere, i mexug me bgemufum eru, ir irkuv me koigh eru, mnu burhurm ej urhvull, mnu burhurm ej lmugrkmn, mnu burhurm mnum fir’m clu lmebbuh irh am al fivvuh Fuvulmaiv

And Galatians looked upon the eyes of Elisha and said, ‘do you know what these markings mean?’
‘Nay’ Elisha responded.
‘It would be best to leave the amulet here with Elijah as an heirloom’ Galatians said, ‘a family treasure even to pass down to the next child.’
‘An heirloom?’ Elisha said to himself, ‘wonderful idea Galatians. I will leave it for Elijah to give to his son some day.’
The door opened and a fair lady and young lad entered. The boy had long hair that passed his eyes but it curled a little to stay above his brows. His eyes were blue and we like gazing into the ocean at sunset. The lady had long light brown hair that reached down into her back’s middle. Her eyes were brown like brake off an oak tree. Elisha stood and walked to them.
‘My boy Elijah’ he said, ‘and Destinie. About time you returned for Galatians the Wise is here a little earlier then usual.’
‘Galatians!’ the two shouted as he appeared in the doorway.
‘You have come early’ Destinie said hugging the old man. Galatians smiled and gave a hug to Elijah that stood a little above his waist.
‘My lad, you’re grown’ Galatians said to Elijah then turned to Destinie, ‘and you have too grown like a flower. The men of the village must be after you this way and that.’
‘No’ Destinie said, ‘they are busy with work and choirs and I find no time to have free time with helping at the church and watching Elijah. But I am only but twenty and I have an entire life ahead of me to do as I please.’
‘That you do’ Galatians said.
‘Now’ Elisha said, ‘now will you tale us your tale of your adventures over the year. I know that you have done nothing of boredom and will keep us entertain for a good long while but come. Let us go back into the kitchen for tea and cheese. Everyone loves cheese. I have a most excellent cheese today. Swiss Cheese and it is the best Swiss you have ever tasted if I do say so myself.’
‘You never say anything of boredom’ Destinie said, ‘and I do hope that your adventure is good and long for I have time to spare before heading out for Marton for the Festival of the Moon tomorrow.’
‘Gather around’ Galatians said sitting back down in the same chair. Destinie sat next to him and Elijah sat down next to Elisha, ‘when I left you a year ago I traveled east heading along the borders of Uplia the fair kingdom of vast forests. I traveled directly east for forty days. I met Philemon the Strong along those forty days who was in Uplia to settle a debate in the kingdom so the people could live happily once again. Philemon asked me to go with him so I did.’

‘Philemon wears what I wear but he has red instead of blue. We came to the kingdom of Uplia, a strong kingdom but no where near the strength of Gandrian and Hyland. The king welcomed us and the debate begun. The king argued and yelled “we came to these lands to assist Gandrian from foes and keep them safe in the eastern border” and another man…the steward yelled “but Gandrian has done nothing for us. Why should we hold the alliance in longer?” and I could easily see the problem here.’
‘Philemon spoke in a loud clear voice “to break the alliance with Gandrian will give them an excuse to declare war on Uplia and will lay siege to your villages and castle” and I thought that would do it. But the steward had other issues and I could tell it would be a long debate. For five days we argued until finally we came to an agreement.’
‘We decided to hold the treaty for Gandrian is a grand ally to have and I bid Philemon farewell and I continued heading east. My quest was delayed but I cared not. Alas I came to the River of Basra in the eastern border of Uplia. Out of the waters rose the mighty beast, Salamandrian. A huge snake like monster with four large tentacles. It guarded the bridge and would not let me pass without slaying the beast.’
‘I held my staff out and waited for it to strike. It attacked first with its tentacles but I drained them of their strength and forced it to surface out of the sea. It tried to strike me but I released a mighty wave of lighting on the beast and it was slain like I knew it would be. The corpse fell into the river and I crossed the bridge.’
‘I headed northeast after crossing the bridge and came to the Fiery Mountains where the Dragons dwell. Shun, the Dragon King greeted me for we were old friends and even Elisha met them fifty years ago. The dragons are now too few but they are still a powerful foe and they have the greatest caves you ever seen. We feasted and cheered and talked about adventures both new and old and after three days I departed and continued east.’
‘After traveling for a long time at this point four months I knew that something was troubling. I headed south and entered the Wery Swamps and their it was. Dressed in a black hood and red glowing eyes and cried out. With a long piercing sword it approached me. I released a force of energy and pushed it back into the swamp for I sensed nothing but shadow and despair emitting out of this creature.’
‘I have never seen anything like this creature for it stood up without a mark. I hit it directly with lighting but it barely phased it. Finally it charged after me but I summoned for an aura of light which drove it away. The creature fled south fearing for its life and I haven’t seen it since. By that time nearly six months have passed so I returned to Mayton and here I am.’

‘You encountered a Salamandrian Galatians?’ Destinie asked in amazement.
‘Aye’ Galatians said, ‘and killed it.’
‘Cool’ Elijah said, ‘I wish I could have seen it. You must have been really strong to defeat a Salamandrian. But what of this black creature your drove out?’
‘I know nothing of it’ Galatians replied, ‘but that is the last I will see of it, hopefully. Now come now, it is dinner time and I am very hungry.’
‘Oh yeah’ Destinie said walking over to the stove and pulled off a pot. She grabbed four bowls and poured into them stew. Destinie handed everyone a bowl with one for herself. Elisha blessed the food and they ate. Bread and cheese was also on the table for them to eat. Elisha poured them more tea and kept the teapot on the table. Destinie finally said, ‘how long are you here for Galatians?’

‘Until the festival is over’ Galatians said, ‘and then I must travel south and continue my research of the lands.’
Everyone finished eating and went outside to the porch and sat. Elijah sat on Destinie’s lap to give Galatians a seat. The sun was setting in the west but they were looking in the east. Elisha said, ‘so Destinie, were where you two today?’
‘Out in the town’ Destinie said rocking back and forth, ‘doing errands for the church and making sure Elijah wasn’t in trouble. I don’t know why the kids don’t like him. He has a few friends.’
‘They are jealous’ Elisha said, ‘jealous because their fathers haven’t done anything great throughout their fifty years of living and I done something great in my fist decade. You need not worry about them Elijah.’
‘I won’t’ Elijah said. Elijah sat silent on Destinie’s lap and fell asleep. His head was leaned against her breast and Destinie placed the side of her head on the top of his. Destinie muttered a soft song where only Elijah could hear it.
Galatians looked at the village as people went to and fro heading home to rest at last. The village fell silent as the children stopped playing for the day became night. Elisha enjoyed these peaceful moments very much and smiled with his eyes closed enjoying the silent air. Destinie stood up holding Elijah in her arms.
‘We’re off to bed’ Destinie said, ‘good-night Elisha and Mr. Galatians. May the night bring peaceful and lovely dreams.’
‘Same to you’ Galatians said. Destinie took Elijah into their room. Their room was to the right as you entered. One large bed sat on the corner wall and Destinie laid Elijah on the side closest to the wall. She took off her green dress and slipped into a blue night gown. With that she laid down next to Elijah and fell asleep.
Galatians and Elisha sat outside for an hour or two before turning in for the night. Galatians rested in the guess room in the northern part of the house located next to Elisha’s. Morning came over the land of Gravince. No shop was opened and none were planned to be opened. Many people left their homes at the first sign of the sun and headed off for Marton in the east.
Elijah was the last to wake up and found that Destinie, as usual, picked up his outfit for the festival. Galatians was outside on the porch watching the sunrise that he loves so much. Elisha joined him a little after breakfast and the two talked with one another. Elijah dressed in the white shirt and brown pants Destinie laid out for him and she wore a white shirt with a red dress. It came to her ankles and she wore brown boots.
‘Elijah!’ Destinie shouted putting up the plates, ‘are you ready to go?’
Elijah emerged out of his room and said, ‘I guess so.’ Then the two left the house and joined Elisha and Galatians. Galatians stood and smiled at the two. Elisha was fixed looking to the north for a faint sound like a horn echoed over the hills.
Elisha came too and stood up. Elisha wasn’t a tall fellow only coming to the chest of Galatians and to Destinie’s eyes. Elijah stood up to his father’s chest. Elisha flung unto his back a bag with food and clothes. Galatians grabbed his hat from the chair and put it on and grabbed his staff.
‘Come’ Galatians said, ‘we have to make are way to find a good inn.’ And with that they traveled onward heading east to Marton. Galatians led the group down the hill and through the town. People were still getting up and some were doing a bit of work in the house and in the garden.

The road curved to the left and then to the right as the marched through the hills. The roads were made as to never go up a hill expect for leading to a house. A dog was asleep under a bench the group passed. A golden retriever with a reddish look in his fur. Birds flew overhead as the sun crept higher and higher into the sky.
A sweet aroma rose of pleasant smells like those found in roses. Destinie had a rose in her hair just above her left ear. She had to hold Elijah’s hand every now and again for he tried to run off. Up ahead in a small but nice house, a rather large man walked out with his son that looked a bit older then Elijah but looked very much like him with the expectation of the hair.
‘David Wellow’ Elisha said, ‘my dear cousin. How goes the harvest this year? I hope for only plentiful amounts of your famous carrots that I do love so much. Tell me when you put a fresh batch on sell for I have the need to buy some.’
‘Elisha Diadem’ David said, ‘my dear cousin. The harvest is well and I will sell my most famous carrots as you put it on sell next week on Wednesday perhaps. I see Galatians the Wise has returned. I can’t wait to here your tales for they always keep my son and I entertained.’
‘As they do everyone’ Galatians said, ‘but my tales are no where near as good as tales that Solomon the Wise will tale you.’
‘Solomon?’ David asked, ‘you’ll say more in Marton I guess. Destinie, I see that you have had a nice time yesterday with the church and watching my boy and Elijah. I hope he wasn’t too much of a handful.’
‘Nay’ Destinie said, ‘boys will be boys. I find that Elijah is more of a handful then Sheldon for Elijah is more outgoing while Sheldon thinks ahead and decides the best action of play.’
‘Sounds like their fathers’ Galatians said.
‘Come’ Elisha said, ‘we should get going.’ With that they continued leaving the village. A group of children ran in front of them chanting and shouting ‘Galatians! Galatians!’ and finally the sage sat down on a bench.
‘Children’ he said, ‘what is the meaning of this? I am heading for Marton for the Festival of the Moon I so enjoy and yet you can’t wait until tonight to here some tales of far away adventures?’
‘But Galatians’ a child said.
‘But nothing’ Galatians responded, ‘you will have to wait until tonight like good children. Now run back to your parents.’ The kids lower their heads and begin to walk off, ‘alright. You get one story for we have along time to spare.’
‘The kids cheer and sit down in front of Galatians. Elijah and Sheldon join the kids on the ground and Destinie, Elisha, and David sit down on the bench with Galatians. ‘Now then’ Galatians said. ‘Which story shall I tale…I know. The tale of Mark and the Golden Jewel. Long ago in the far south lived a terrible king. This king ruled Fargo with a terrible and cruel leadership that made the people suffer well. Finally a young man named Mark opposed the king and ran from the kingdom and searched the land for freedom. Finally after many months of searching, Mark came across a Golden Jewel that would grant his deepest wish. He thought long and hard on what the wish should be and then finally it hit him. Mark wished that Fargo’s king died and someone worthy of the crown was throne. The people celebrated and do you know who they crowned? They crowned Mark for it was his doing that the wicked king died.’

‘Now go back to your parents’ Galatians said and with that the kids ran off. Galatians sat silent for a moment in deep thought and finally he stood and said, ‘come, we have a long ways to go till Marton.’

With that Galatians and the rest stood to their feet and continued to head off to Marton. Elisha looked far north again for he swore that he heard faint horns over the hills but no one else could. Destinie, after a moment or two, heard the horns approaching them and then everyone heard the sound of horns and horses.
Up ahead another road joins the road Galatians and the group are traveling down. A stone road with a road sign that says: Kambo. Twelve men mounted on horses came down the road and stopped a little in front of Galatians. These were tall and strong men equipped in blue and silver chain. They had shields on their backs with a white eagle on it. The horses were bigger and stronger then the horses found in Gravince.
‘We seek Galatians’ the lead knight said. The one to his left bore a blue banner with a white eagle on it. The lead knight had long hair that curled a little with a rough beard. He looked at Destinie and then to Elijah and then to Elisha, ‘where is the sage?’
‘I am he’ Galatians said. ‘What business do you have with me for I am on my way to Marton to enjoy merriment and peace with the good people of Gravince. I ask you, what business do you have with me?’
‘We traveled far from the kingdom of Gandrair’ the same man said dismounting his horse. He was a bit smaller then Galatians and a bit taller then David but towered over the rest, ‘I have news for you from Ethian, home of Solomon the Wise.’
‘Solomon?’ Galatians asked, ‘what news could possibly be that needs some knights of Gandriar to deliver this news. Come what is your name and what is this news?’
‘I am Joran son of Vasileff, Prince of Gandriar’ the man said, ‘I come with bearings of ill news for when I left Ethian a few weeks ago strange activity was in the decaying land of Darkice. He sent me to tell the other five sages and have them ready to be called upon anytime.’
‘Then so Joran son of Vasileff,’ Galatians said, ‘I will heed your warning and await for Solomon to call upon me and the five sages. But now we have to travel across Gravince to Marton.’
‘Of course’ Joran said placing his right hand on his breast and bowing. He mounted his horse, ‘hopefully we may meet again Galatians the Wise. For rumor says that you are wiser then Solomon.’
‘I hope we meet to’ Galatians said and the knights rode down the road Galatians just walked down. Galatians turned to everyone and waved his hand to and fro telling them to come on. They finally reached the borders of Mayton at high noon. Vast hills covered the lands as far as the eye could see. Large hills and small hills and sometimes hills going into the ground.
Destinie had to, of course, grab Elijah’s hand because the boy always wanted to stop and try to run off somewhere else. Destinie bent over to be eye level with Elijah and said, ‘stop trying to run off. We go through this every time we head someplace.’
‘But I just want to have an adventure like Galatians’ Elijah argued. Destinie rose back up and continued walking. They got a little behind from everyone else but she caught up pretty quickly. They walked for three hours straight and finally Galatians halted on top of a rather large hill.

‘We shall rest up here for lunch’ Galatians said. Destinie was carrying a brown basket and sat it down and allowed Elijah and Sheldon to roam around. Destinie sat up an area for the food and drinks. Galatians sat down on a tree stomp with his staff with him. He looked deep into Elisha’s pocket which he noticed carried the pendent he found.
David helped Destinie with the food. Such wonderful things to eat like salted pork, sliced ham, crescent rolls Destinie made in the morning, carrots from David’s farm, apples, oranges, bananas, roasted turkey, and for drink was of course tea and water. Galatians ate only ham and carrots and drank tea. Destinie had a little of everything, mostly just one bite of each. David and Elisha feasted on anything that came to close them. Elijah and Sheldon ate only pork, turkey, oranges, and apples. Elijah drank tea and Sheldon had water.
After lunch everyone sat or laid in the sun and rested for a moment and then at last Galatians stood and said, ‘come now. We have awhile to we reach Marton and so we must hurry if we are to find a good inn at the Moonshine Inn.’
‘But of course’ Elisha said and with that they cleaned up and headed off. The day was still bright and shinning and a few birds flew overhead heading north. Elijah loved birds and wished he could someday fly with them. Hour after hour of walking, well two hours and they were at Marton. Banners flew in the sky and the streets were filled in every corner with people of all shapes and sizes.
‘Destinie’ Galatians said, ‘why not take the boys out for a bit of sightseeing why we go get the rooms at Moonshine Inn. We will meet in the town’s square at sunset for that’s when the festival will begin.’
‘Okay’ Destinie said. As usually, she grabbed Elijah’s head and didn’t bother doing the same with Sheldon for he never wonders off. Elijah was always turning his head this way and that. Finally Destinie let go of his hand as they came to a diner that wasn’t too crowded, ‘we’ll have dinner here so we won’t be hungry at the festival.’
Destinie sat down at the counter with Elijah on one end of her and Sheldon on the other. The waiter was a lively fellow with a round belly. A strange mustache that curved up and around his head and he was bold but had a big round red nose.
‘What can I get you three?’ the waiter asked, ‘are special for today is Baked Chicken. A lovely chicken breast with a leg that is juicy and steamy with some vegetables and a drink of your choice.’
‘I’ll have that and a tea’ Destinie said. Elijah and Sheldon got the same but Sheldon wanted water. The waiter gave their orders and came back over to the counter.
‘Did you hear that Jaro is suppose to come to the festival?’ the waiter asked.
‘Aye’ Destinie said, ‘but it is just a rumor and rumor shouldn’t be trusted all the time for sometimes they will disappoint. I will be glade to see Jaro for it will be the first time I ever seen a ranger and the count of Merrierton. But alas I really don’t expect him to show.’
Why Destinie was talking, Elijah and Sheldon ran off and into the city. She didn’t realize they were gone till the waiter had their food, ‘oh no! Those little idiots! Wait till I get my hands on Elijah!’
Destinie ran off and searched around the diner for any trace of them. The sun was already starting to set and Destinie wondered the village to find them. Elijah and Sheldon were already on the other side of Marton looking at all the animals and people that entered the village.

‘We shouldn’t have left Destinie’ Sheldon said to Elijah as they walked around town.
‘Don’t worry Sheldon. What’s the worse that could happen?’ Elijah said with his usually comeback. Before they could take another step a hand grabbed each of them by the collar and pulled them towards a rather large fellow. He looked sort of like the waiter from before but had more hair and the mustache was short and he looked older.
‘Mayor William Kerry’ Sheldon said in fear.
‘Why is it that the Diadem boy and Wellow boy are out wondering the village with Destinie?’ the mayor asked, ‘or Galatians? or Elisha? or David?’
Elijah nor Sheldon could respond as he took them to his house on the far eastern side of town. The sun was now setting and was about to vanish from site. The mayor stopped and said, ‘I have to go to the festival so you two are coming along.’
Elijah and Sheldon walked in fear and shame behind the mayor as he approached the town’s square. By the time the mayor arrived the night was dark and lit by a full moon. The people gathered and filled the town’s square with tents and banners and all the sorts that is needed in a festival. In the center of the square sat a large wooden stage in the shape of a circle…

(And that is the end of Chapter 1)

Chapter II
Festival of the Moon


Fireworks lit up the night sky in an aura of colors from blue to yellow. The mayor got on the stage with Elijah and Sheldon waiting by it. The people cheered and clapped and the mayor stood in the middle looking at the people and waited for them to get quiet.
‘My fellow Gravincers!’ the mayor shouted and the people cheered for a second and then fell quiet, ‘toady is Gravince’s one hundred and twenty fifth birthday! Alas, are fair land may not be as old as Gandrair to the north or Uplia in the east but its people are just as good and even better none the less!’
The people clapped and shouted. Destinie looked through the crowd and finally found Elijah and Sheldon sitting by the stage and said in an angry voice, ‘where have you two been!? I told you not to wonder off. I was worried sick! You should know better Elijah. I should send you home at this moment if it weren’t far away.’
‘And now we move on to a new age!’ The mayor yelled over everything, ‘and with this age we will see that are lives are just as meaningful as the great kings of old who fought and died in battles for their freedom! None the less, we fought for are freedom those many years ago and now we are free to make rules and laws that seem best for are people!!’

Elisha did not look at the stage at all and looked far east with unblinking eyes. Galatians noticed it and asked him. ‘Does something trouble you my dear friend? You seemed worried and you pay no attention to the merriment.’
Elisha broke off his gaze and looked upon the sage and said, ‘nothing. I just feel down. That’s all. Nothing more and nothing less. I feel a little sick and should get some rest early tonight but threat not for I shall be alright.’
‘Are you sure?’ the sage asked. ‘You don’t seem to be your normal self. Normally this festival will give you joy and great pleasure but all I seen in you is sorrow and your face tells me that you are worried. I have not spent one thousand one hundred and thirty two years on Igros and haven’t learned a thing or two.’
‘Aye’ Elisha said, ‘my heart is filled with sorrow. I shall retire to my room early. Good-night Galatians the Wise.’ With that Elisha stood and walked off. Galatians now sat silent in deep thought but the children came and he told them stories of Bill and the Giant of Sole Mountain, Jack of Jewels, and the great King of Hyland. Elijah and Sheldon sat with the kids and Destinie sat with Galatians for she loved his tales.
Galatians ended his third tale and said, ‘that is enough for one night. You will get more tomorrow. I don’t want to tell all my tales before the second night comes now do I? Besides I would like to check on a friend that is feeling a little down. If you would.’
Galatians pardoned himself and headed for Moonshine Inn which was empty expect one candle lit room in the end of the hallway in the third door on the left. Galatians looked at the counter for the foolish innkeeper left some gold on it again and so he put it up in his secret keeping. Galatians wondered down the hall and slowly opened the door and found Elisha sitting in his desk looking at the pendent. He saw Galatians and threw it in his pocket.

‘Galatians?’ Elisha said. ‘How long have you been there?’
‘For a few seconds’ Galatians said, ‘what is the meaning of this pendent? Are we not friends and can you not tell me? We are old friends that been through a lot. Come tell me where you found this pendent.’
‘Very well’ Elisha said. He took a deep breath and started, ‘in are adventures fifty years ago we came to the Temple of Celestial. I wondered in first and saw this pendent in the alter and it drawn me to it and I threw it in my pocket before you and Marth and David came.’
‘I say’ Galatians said, ‘you found it in the temple? I think you should leave it on the desk and head north now. Your chapter here has ended I fear for now you can no longer continue living normally and living here for now you and David must head north to Port Town and tell Obadiah the Brave everything of your adventures with me fifty years ago. Make haste for if I should go many enemies will strike but if you go your journey will be safe. Your things are pack and so are David’s. Go silently like a thief with your cousin and go. I will look after your son and his son and Destinie.’
‘Galatians’ Elisha said with a tear in his eye and he placed the pendent on the desk and grabbed his bag and flung it on his bag. He walked over to Galatians and the two hugged and he said, ‘I expect you to visit me in Port Town some time you here?’
‘I do’ Galatians said. And with that Elisha left the room of Moonshine Inn and left. Galatians last saw him as he traveled down the hall for he turned and bowed and Galatians did the same. Galatians folded his arms and smiled and looked on the desk and saw the pendent. His smile went away and a look of confusion came to him.

Elijah started to look far for Galatians but could not find him and David went missing. Elijah decided to go see Elisha at Moonshine Inn and wondered off but Destinie saw him from a far heading that way and she said to herself, ‘now where is that boy heading off too?’
Destinie weaved through the crowd and got stuck once or twice. Elijah opened the door that was lit in Moonshine Inn and found Galatians sitting in front of a lit fireplace in deep thought. Elijah saw the pendent and noticed the missing bags and said, ‘Where is Elisha and David?’
Galatians turned and smiled, ‘they have gone to Port Town to see Obadiah the Brave to discuss matters of old days but he will return.’ He noticed Elijah had the pendent in his hands and the strange markings started to glow blue:

Mnbuu bexugl me fguimu ere, i mexug me bgemufum eru, ir irkuv me koigh eru, mnu burhurm ej urhvull, mnu burhurm ej lmugrkmn, mnu burhurm mnum fir’m clu lmebbuh irh am al fivvuh Fuvulmaiv

‘What are these markings?’ Elijah asked looking deep into them, ‘I saw my father have this pendent before but I never noticed the markings if they were on it before they must have been hard to see. Galatians, do you know anything of this?’
‘I believe I do Elijah’ Galatians said, ‘that is the language of the Catlons which they took from Angelic beings that gave them their bodies of grace and beauty. That is something strange and I have never seen the markings glow before but then I found this bookerrago and the War of Igros.'

‘Serrago?’ Elijah said aloud to himself, ‘wasn’t he just a story?’
‘Nay’ Galatians said, ‘for he was real…he is real. He was sealed away by the five remaining sages but he placed a curse on them and they lost all forms of their humans selves and are now creatures of darkness.’
‘The same thing you encountered before?’
‘Aye’ Galatians said, ‘Serrago used this very pendent which has an unlimited source of power and cannot be destroyed. Serrago used it to conquer the western lands pass the Getian River but Gandriar and Hyland defeated Serrago’s forces.’
‘Then this pendent was placed in a temple in the far east where your father found it. Now the dark creatures know it is here for the blue light is a beacon and that means that Serrago has begun to break the seal in which he was casted away in. The markings read:

Three Angelic Powers in the night sky,
Five Demonic Auras in the burning flames,
Six Sages strength in the land doomed to die,
A Tower built by mortals to house the light.
A Pendent of endless power, A Pendent of strength,
A Pendent that can’t be stopped and it is called Celestial.

This is that pendent that Serrago stole from the Tower of Celestial and turned corrupt and made it his.’
‘Then why do we have it?’ Elijah panicked. He paced back and forth, ‘if it is a beacon then it shouldn’t stay here. You should take it!’
‘No!’ Galatians screamed, ‘I would be corrupt for the power of the pendent is too strong for me to handle but you have the innocent nature of a child and you desire no power where even I desire greater power. It is only safe for you to hold it. I must make haste to Ethian but I will return as soon as possible.’
‘What should I do?’
‘Stay and wait’ Galatians said heading down the hallway, ‘stay with Destinie for she is like an elder sister to you. If I am not back in a month head north to Irony and seek for the ranger Striker and he shall lead you to Port Town and you shall be safe their.’

Galatians ran out the door and called forth his horse, Thunder. He mounted and looked at Elijah and then to the north and rode off. Elijah looked at Galatians until he vanished then he placed the pendent in his pocket and headed back for the festival.
The festival hasn’t died down any and Destinie was waiting for him, ‘where have you been Elijah?’
‘I was with Elisha and Galatians in Moonshine Inn’ Elijah told her.
‘Oh’ Destinie said, ‘I guess that’s alright. Hurry along for you couldn’t wait for the festival to come and you wouldn’t let me sleep for you were to eager and couldn’t wait for it to come.’
Elijah nodded and ran off. Four large fireworks exploded in the air each a different color; red, blue, green, and yellow and that ended the first night of the festival. Destinie soon found herself with only Elijah and Sheldon but Galatians left a note on the fire mantle explaining everything. Destinie looked hard at the note and she smiled a little but it was a sad smile.

Destinie,
Elisha, David, and myself (Galatians) have parted from you. We entrust the boys in your hands but be more watchful on Elijah. We have traveled to Port Town and will return in one month. If we do not travel north to Irony and find Striker who will lead you to Port Town. Many partings happen with me each year but none so sad as parting for you and Elijah and Sheldon.
Galatians the Wise

Destinie folded the note and placed it back on the mantle and said, ‘looks like it is just us three for awhile. I guess when we return to Mayton Sheldon will stay with us for I shall not have him stay at home alone.’
‘Alright’ Sheldon said. Elijah had already crawled into bed and was sound asleep. Destinie took the empty bed for herself and allowed Elijah and Sheldon to share one. Destinie found some trouble sleeping for it worried her to watch Elijah and Sheldon and be their guardian.
Destinie finally fell asleep but had an odd dream that she could recall very clearly. She stood at the foot of a terrible and dark and large mountain with black clouds circling its peak. Anywhere she looked the land was dead and black and grey and cracking. In front of her stood a huge creature, a minotaur like monster completely black with red piercing eyes and two large demon wings on its back. Fire spread through its feet and to its head followed by lighting, then shadow, then water, and the fire again.
At the feet of the creature laid Elijah pierced through the gut by its large claws. Elijah’s eyes were closed and blood covered his torso and came out of his mouth. Destinie screamed, ‘Elijah!’ and found that she had waken up. Her scream woke up Elijah and Sheldon.
‘What’s wrong?’ Elijah said for it was his name she screamed, ‘is something wrong Destinie?’
‘Nothing Elijah’ Destinie said with sorrow in her voice. Elijah and Sheldon went back to sleep and for half an hour or so Destinie looked upon Elijah before finally falling to sleep. Destinie was awaken by Elijah jumping on top of her. Destinie smiled as Elijah sat with one leg on each side of her ribs.
Destinie grabbed Elijah by his arms and threw him unto the bed and rolled on top of him and tickled him. Elijah laughed and tried to get free and Destinie smiled and said, ‘wake me up like that again and you’ll get more.’
She stopped and gave a soft kiss to Elijah’s forehead and stood up. She was in her green nightgown and Elijah was already dressed. Sheldon entered after a moment or two and said, ‘can we go eat now?’
‘In a moment Sheldon’ Destinie said, ‘I still have to change out of my nightgowns. You boys would go eat naked if you were hungry enough.’
‘So true’ Elijah said.
‘Go look around but don’t go to far for I’ll be ready in a second’ Destinie said. The two left and she closed the door behind them. Destinie placed her back on the door for a second then walked over to her clothes. She looked through them and grabbed a green and white shirt and a brown dress with white markings going down the sides of it. Destinie removed her nightgown and she dressed herself in the fashion she picked out and of course she wore the brown boots from before which gives her an inch or two in height.

Destinie walked outside and found Elijah and Sheldon playing sword fighting with some sticks they found. Destinie grabbed the sticks and said, ‘let’s go eat. I’m hungry and I’m pretty sure that you two are also hungry.’
Elijah and Sheldon smiled and followed her into town. People were going to and fro many came from Mayton and Merrierton in the west and north. They came to a place called:Big Joe’s Cabin and they stopped to eat here. Tables were filled with people already and so was the counter. A rather large fellow that towers over everyone saw them walked in and shouted, ‘Destinie! Little Destinie!!’
‘Big Joe!’ Destinie shouted back. The large man walked over to her.
‘I see you finally settled down and had children’ Joe said, ‘or is this Elisha’s boy you said so much about?’
‘This is Elijah son of Elisha and Sheldon son of David’ Destinie said, ‘neither of them are mine, I’m just watching them for their fathers have gone to Port Town for a month’s time. We came here to get some food for we are hungry.’
‘Then sit down, sit down’ Joe said leading them to a table, ‘I’ll be right with you for I must attend these other people. Business really sky rockets when the Festival of the Moon comes to Marton.’
Joe walked off. Destinie stroked her fingers down her hair to straighten it a bit. Elijah lent back and forth in his chair but Destinie had him stop. Sheldon started to count all the people that were in the place. Destinie remembered last night and looked deep into Elijah for fear that she may lose him.
Joe returned and said, ‘alright what can I get you good folks?’
‘We’ll just have the special’ Destinie said. Joe nodded and walked off. The people were loud and singing a merry old song used as Gravince’s national theme song:

High hoe, we showed, we showed are valor,
You know, we took the high road and won are valor!
We showed them who was best!
We were greater then all the rest!
Through hills and trees and merry old songs,
We sing this victory song!!

And so they repeated it five times and fell silent. Then a man stood and walked over to Elijah and Sheldon and said to them, ‘sing for us young lads’ and the people cheered. Sheldon and Elijah got on a table and song and danced:

Through the trees, through the mountains,
Over the hills, pass the roaring ocean,
I would travel far and wide all for my homeland of Gravince,
No place is fairer then Gravince,
So I will take up my steed, I will get down to see,
Because no place is fairer then Gravince,
Even though I can’t fly, even though I am not strong,
I would risk it all for the fair land of Gravince
Now ride with me and you too can see
The fair land of Gravince

Elijah and Sheldon took a bow and everyone cheered and clapped. Such merriment can only be found here in Marton during the Festival of the Moon. Destinie smiled at the two and laughed a little. They spent the rest of the day either walking around in the village or resting at the inn but when night came the fireworks lit up the sky.
Merriment could be found even under a rock. The people were happy and cheerful and gay and amused with the fireworks and they sang the song Elijah and Sheldon sang that morning. Even ten miles away you could here the joy in their hearts for nothing was so wonderful to the people of Gravince then the Festival of the Moon.
The third day Destinie, Elijah, and Sheldon enjoyed the day with either wondering the village or resting at the inn but when night came, so did the entertainment. Too some people the festival hasn’t stopped since day one and to others they never want it too stop. Elijah got to perform again to the people along with his trusted friend Sheldon and the people couldn’t get enough of it.
The fourth day was dark and cloudy in the morning and people hoped it would clear but by mid afternoon it did clear and the sun pierce through and when it sat there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Stars and a full moon lit up the night sky and so did a wave after wave of fireworks.
The finally day Destinie was awakened by Elijah jumping on her like the second day and he shouted, ‘come on Destinie. You don’t want to miss anything. Come on! Wake up and hurry. Hurry, hurry. Not much time to spare.’
‘Really?’ Destinie said grabbed Elijah under his arms and picking him up as she stood up. She held Elijah with one hand wrapped around his torso and the other on the back of his head. Destinie sat Elijah on a chair, Sheldon was no where to be seen, ‘where is Sheldon?’
‘With Mayor Kerry’ Elijah said, ‘the mayor came over and wanted to enjoy the company of someone that would cheer him up and so Sheldon went with him back to his house in the far east.’
Destinie got ready and the two wondered outside. Some people have already left and returned to their homes in Mayton and Merrierton but a crowd still remained. The morning came and gone swiftly and the moon rose and the final night of the Festival of the Moon begun. Cheering and dancing and drinking and laughing and signing and merriment to be seen everywhere.
The last rocket that ends the festival was about to launch and the mayor stood on the stage and said, ‘my fellow Gravincers! Today is the end of the Festival of the Moon but what a festival it was!! I guess I must say that I cannot wait till next year’s festival so we may have just as much merriment again.’
With that the rocket soared off into the pitch black night sky and in a flash it seemed that it was dawn for the night was thrown aside and it appeared to be mid noon for a few moments then it returned to the darkness. With that the people cheered their final cheer and returned to the inn or to their homes.
Early the next morning, Destinie had to wake up Elijah and Sheldon. The three ate breakfast at Big Joe’s Cabin and after that they headed off to Mayton. The people of Marton stood along the borders of town and waved farewell to the people of Gravince as they returned home. The trip back was peaceful enough and life returned to normal the next morning.

Elijah almost forgot about the pendent and he hid it away in Elisha’s secret spot. Three days passed since the festival ended and all is calm and peaceful throughout Gravince again. Mayton hasn’t changed any for people are still farming and children are still at play.

The fifth day and many days onward were peaceful like this. Never changing and no surprise to be seen. The thirteenth day was the same and so was the twentieth. One night Elijah returned to his house on the hill which had but a single candle lit and no one else was home.
Elijah opened the door and stepped in looking carefully around and entering. A hand grabbed him from behind out of the shadows. Elijah turned and saw Galatians and he said, ‘Galatians, you returned.’
‘We haven’t got time’ Galatians said looking out the window, ‘you must go now, go to Port Town. Travel through the Silence Woods to avoid the six.’
‘The six?’ Elijah questioned.
‘There is no time! Gather your things and pack food and clothes for this will be a long journey and I cannot travel along with you.’
‘Then I’m suppose to go alone?’ Elijah asked.
‘Nay’ Galatians said, ‘for I have already brought you a traveling partner, Sheldon Wellow your good friend and cousin.’ Sheldon stepped forward with a bag on his back, ‘go through the Silence Woods and do not get caught. Do no tell Destinie you are leaving and hurry now.’
The three ran out of the house after Elijah gathered some supplies. He ran out the door ready to go and Galatians said, ‘do you have the pendent?’
Elijah ran back into the house. Sheldon stood behind Galatians and said, ‘how long will we be gone Mr. Galatians?’
‘I cannot say’ the sage replied, ‘it may be weeks, months, or even years but you must not worry on how long it takes. You must get to Irony and find Striker as quickly as possible then reach Port Town.’
Elijah came out with Celestial in his pocket. Galatians smiled and the three headed north. It was mid day and the sky was bright and cloudy. They walked and did not stop or talk to each other or anyone. Finally they came to the border of Mayton where Thunder, the horse of Galatians waited. He mounted.
‘Travel only by day and do not take the road. You two remind me greatly of your fathers. Ready to go on ahead with no questions but here’ Galatians gives them a blanket rolled up with something in it. Elijah opens it up and four short swords are in it. They were shinning in the light and Elijah gave Sheldon two and kept two, ‘use these to make it to Irony but hopefully you will not need them.’
‘Thank you Galatians’ Elijah said. Galatians patted Elijah on the head and rode off like an arrow being released. The grey horse rode onward with great speed and strength. Elijah and Sheldon watched him ride off and finally they headed off north each with a bag on their back.

Sheldon was ahead of Elijah a little but both starts to hear noise coming from behind. Elijah turns around and gets pushed down to the ground by two kids that look very much alike.

‘Christian! Cameron!’ Sheldon yelled, ‘crazy twins. What are you doing here and why did you knock down Elijah?’
Sheldon helped Elijah stand. Christian started, ‘we followed you and Galatians and why are you leaving? Destinie is going to get mad.’
‘We have to leave’ Elijah said, ‘we must for the good of Igros.’
‘In that case’ Cameron said, ‘we’re going with you. You need someone as smart as me on the team or else you will have to start back here again.’
‘Alright’ Elijah said, ‘here.’ Elijah gives Cameron one of his swords and Sheldon gives Christian one of his, ‘the more the merrier for now we are greater in number and in strength.’
‘You hear that Cameron?’ Christian said holding the sword upward, ‘they say they need my strength.’
‘There is strength in numbers you sad excuse of a twin’ Cameron said fastening the sword to his belt and Christian did the same. Elijah and Sheldon carried their swords on their bags. Christian started off first but Cameron stopped him, ‘where are we going Elijah?’
‘Irony’ he said, ‘to find Striker and then to Port Town where my dad and his should be at.’
‘Alright’ Christian said.
‘Then lets go’ Sheldon said and the four made way to the woods which was a long way north. Sunset came and the four boys stopped at the foot of a large hill they found and started to cook something to eat for Sheldon was a master chief.
‘Stew’ Sheldon said, ‘we are going to have rabbit stew for that sounds good tonight. We have nothing to drink but water but I can boil some tea if you liked.’
‘Please do’ Christian and Cameron said at the same time. Sheldon started to boil tea when the stew was ready. Elijah was lying down on the hill in the middle wrapped in a cloak he found in his bag. Sheldon walked up with a bowl of stew and gave it to him.
‘Thank you Sheldon’ Elijah said.
‘You need to keep your strength up Elijah’ Sheldon replied as Elijah ate a spoonful of the stew. Elijah loved the taste of the rabbit stew and all the vegetables in it. Sheldon stood back up and headed down the hill. Elijah looked into the stew with unblinking eyes and could not think of anything.
‘So will we be at Silence Woods before sunset tomorrow?’ Cameron asked, ‘I really don’t like sleeping the open considering someone might be out here looking for us and I don’t know whether that be for a good reason or bad reason.’
‘I really don’t know Cameron’ Sheldon said, ‘I never been this far north before and all but hopefully it will be tomorrow before sunset.’
Christian fell fast asleep rolled up into a little ball next to the small fire. Sheldon slept on the other side of the fire and Cameron slept next to Christian. Elijah fell fast asleep in thought trying to figure out the cause of the pendent.

Sheldon woken everyone up early the next morning saying, ‘come now. We have further to go before we get to Silence Woods so hurry now.’
They packed their stuffs this time Christian carried Elijah’s bag and Sheldon continued on with his. They were traveling long before stopping for lunch five hours later.

Elijah and Cameron practiced with their swords together. They all gave their sword a name. Sheldon named his Stab, Christian named his Shinning Soul, Cameron named his Blade of Mayton, and Elijah named his Swift. Sheldon and Christian talked to one another while enjoying a meal and Elijah and Cameron continued goofing off.
After lunch they packed up and headed off. Two hours have passed and they reached the borders of Silence Woods.
‘Is this a good idea?’ Christian asked.
‘Galatians told us to go through here’ Elijah responded. The trees were tall and twisted this way and that. The leaves were falling off and turning color for fall was here. The leaves were orange and red and yellow and some still green. The forest floor was covered in leaves. Elijah stepped in followed by his companions…

(And that's the end of Chapter 2)

Chapter III
Attack of the Belves


The forest made no sound at all expect for the sound Elijah, Sheldon, Christian, and Cameron made while traveling. A squirrel sat on top of a tree not moving expect for its head that kept an eye on Cameron. Elijah made no sudden movements and tried to keep everyone quiet. Sheldon sneezed a loud sneeze that echoed back and forth across the woods.
After the sneeze has faded the forest echoed in laughter like hundreds of little children laughing. Cameron and Christian drew their swords Shinning Soul and Blade of Mayton. Sheldon and Elijah didn’t stop like they didn’t hear anything.
‘Elijah’ Cameron said.
‘Sheldon’ Christian said. Elijah and Sheldon halted and turned.
‘Didn’t you hear the laughing?’ Cameron asked the two. Elijah did not answer, ‘the laughing like they are children in these woods besides us.’
‘I did not hear anything Cameron’ Sheldon said, ‘isn’t that right Elijah. The only sound we heard was the sound of us moving and my sneeze. I think you two are getting a bit worried about the entire thing and that being this far from home is making you hear things that you normally hear.’
Elijah looked around and he thought he saw something move in the west heading south at great speeds. Elijah drew Swift and Sheldon looked at his face which seemed determined that someone or something is preparing to attack. Sheldon drew Stab and the four gathered close together and continued onward.
Silently they moved not trying to make a single sound that may disturb the silence of the forest. The forest grew darker as the trees above blocked off the sun. They traveled deeper and deeper and came to a river that was wide and long for miles. None of the boys could tell if they were traveling north or east or south or west.
‘Why didn’t Galatians come with us?’ Sheldon asked silently to Elijah making hardly any sound.
‘I don’t know Sheldon’ Elijah responded just as quiet. They traveled up the river or down for they do not know anymore. They traveled as far as they could for the river went pass many thick thorn bushes and they decided to continue onward traveling to their left. It became too dark to see after hours of wondering.
Sheldon found a small meadow in the forest where you could see the night sky clearly. The boys ate salted pork and drank water for now they think it would be best to save most of their supplies for they do not know how long it would take for them to get out of the woods. Elijah decided that for an hour or so one of them would stay up to watch the others. Cameron was first followed by Sheldon then Christian and then Elijah and then they would repeat.

Morning came and the boys only drank a mouthful of bread and drank only a mouthful of water and then headed off. Elijah swore he saw two more black shadows dart by traveling at fast speeds like something was following their every move and gathering more to attack them.

They traveled this way and that unaware of which way to go for they may be traveling back to Gravince. Sheldon stopped and the others turned to him. Sheldon had a look of anger.
‘I give up!’ Sheldon shouted, ‘we don’t know where we are! For someone who is suppose to be wise, Galatians sure enough failed to see us getting lost. Now we will run out of food and water and starve out here in the darkness of this blasted forest! Not a single animal to be seen as far as we walked! I can’t take it!’
‘Sheldon…’ the other three said.
‘Not now!’ Sheldon continued, ‘I tried no to say anything but this is the stupidest thing we ever done! Why are we going to Port Town!? Because Galatians told us to? How can we actually trust him? He only comes to Gravince for the festival and if you haven’t noticed people keep vanishing when he comes! Elisha and my father vanished this ti’
Elijah placed his hand over his mouth and turned him around. A huge creature stood behind him with piercing black beady eyes. Fangs filled its mouth as its tongue licked its upper lit. Dark brown hair covered the creature from head to toe and it was spiked out to make it seem larger. A fuzzy tail wagged back and forth and it sniffed Sheldon and pulled its head back.
Its head went forward like an arrow but Elijah pushed Sheldon out of the way. The boys drew their swords and separated each running in a different direction. The creature chased after Sheldon and the three boys ran after the beast after seeing it chase Sheldon. Sheldon tripped and fell to the ground but before the creature could reach him Elijah jumped on its back and stabbed the beast in its left shoulder. Dark red blue dripped down its left leg.
The beast howled and threw Elijah off but Christian and Cameron slashed at its two back legs causing the beast to fall to the ground. Sheldon stood up and stabbed the beast in its throat which caused it to howl and fall to the ground motionless.
‘What was that?’ Sheldon asked still in a panic.
‘I believe it was a belf’ Cameron said, ‘the size of a bear but looks more like a wolf. Belves travel in pack usually making up a dozen but this one was alone.’
‘Let’s go before more come’ Elijah said. They all looked at the belf for a moment and then ran off. They traveled pass more trees that curved over to make a tunnel. The boys went in. Leaves surrounded them with all sorts of colors.
Elijah explored in first followed by the twins and then Sheldon. Move carefully over the leaves trying not to make a sound they crossed the tunnel. Elijah’s skin became cold like an icy wind was hitting him in the middle of a snowy wasteland. He wrapped his cloak around him trying to stay warm and placed the hood over his head.
‘Elijah?’ Christian wondered, ‘is something wrong?’
‘I am very cold’ Elijah said not turning around. They continued onward and finally made it out of the tunnel but a loud howl came behind them. They all looked back in fear and turned and ran as fast as they could. Sheldon was behind them all hearing faint footsteps of many foes. He drew Stab and paced himself trying not to pass out.
Christian and Cameron drew their swords but Elijah could not find the strength to continue and fell to the ground. Christian and Cameron tried to help him to his feet and Sheldon stood looking back. Elijah could hardly move and out of the tunnel came nearly a dozen belves.

ok...great story...but their is one thing i have to add...
KEEP GOING OR I WILL START PMING YOU LIKE A MADMAN THAT I AM>

They charged at the boys with great speeds. They claws caused leaves upon leaves to get flung behind them as they charged. Elijah laid face down on the forest floor and Sheldon, Christian, and Cameron formed a wall with swords ready.
The belves were now twenty feet behind but before they could take another step, shadows emerged through the gaps in the trees and ambushed the belves. These were creatures half the size of belves but there fur was flat and shinny and gold. They had a fluffed up tail with a white tip. These creatures had long noses with blue fair eyes. There ears were folded back to give them more speed.
About twenty two stood in front of the belves but two belves were slain on the forest floor. The other belves turned and fled away. The fair creatures turned and one larger then the rest stepped forward.
‘What say you young traveler?’ the beast asked.
‘Who and what are you?’ Sheldon asked with his heart beating fast.
‘I am Cloudspeed and we are the kiltons’ he said with a great voice, ‘I am the leader kilton here and we have been keeping the belves from breaking into Gravince.’
‘So can you lead us to the northern borders of Silence Woods?’ Cameron asked lowering his sword.
‘Aye’ Cloudspeed said, ‘but first we will need to refresh ourselves at the river. You may ride on back to keep up and then we shall go see the catlons.’
‘The catlons!’ Christian yelled with joy, ‘I heard about them. A tribe of cat people and they are all women. They never have any males born.’
‘Correct’ Cloudspeed said. Four kiltons walked forward. Christian and Cameron helped Elijah onto a kilton. The rest mounted up and the kiltons ran off. They ran fast and smooth for none felt themselves going up and down.
Sheldon was next to Elijah and he kept him from falling off. It seemed that Elijah was turning white and had trouble breathing and gasped for air every now and then. The kiltons stopped at the river and the boys jumped to the ground.
‘We shall sleep here tonight’ Cloudspeed said. Most of the kiltons lowered their heads to drink from the river. Elijah stayed curled up unable to move. Sheldon walked over to Elijah.
‘Are you alright Elijah?’ he asked. Elijah turned his head slowly to look at Sheldon.
‘Nay’ Elijah said, ‘I feel cold and weak and stiff. It seems like a voice is chanting in my head saying: Small child, I know what you are doing. You cannot reach Irony so give in. I know all and I am watching you even as I speak. You can hear me and I you. Give up and I will allow you to return home safely to Mayton. But I say to him “I mustn’t give up for Galatians is continuing on me but he says: Galatians the Wise is a fool compared to me and I don’t know what to do Sheldon. It is like he is casting a spell on me.’
‘Fight it’ Sheldon said, ‘say to him “Be gone for I shall never give up” and if he doesn’t go then say “I will never give in” and you show him just how strong you are Elijah. You will not fail with me at your side.’
‘Sheldon’ Elijah said smiling now. He felt warm again and stood up. Elijah brushed himself off and said, ‘we been through a lot together cousin. This one takes the cake. When all of this is over, we shall return home to Mayton and see everyone again. Mr. Barkan, Mrs. Smith, and Destinie. But first we need to get to Irony and find this Striker character. We don’t know why we are going for sure but Galatians kept my father on the right path and he’ll do it for us.’

good good good

For a second Elijah thought he saw a glimmering light that illuminated the forest with an enchanting glow. The light faded and Elijah smiled as he looked at Sheldon. Cloudspeed walked over and saw Elijah standing.
‘Are you Elijah Diadem?’ he asked.
‘Aye’ Elijah said not even realizing what he said.
‘Good, Galatians the Wise told us of your coming’ Cloudspeed said, ‘and he told us to make sure nothing bad happens and to take you to the Village of the Catlons. We will travel to the village in the morning but for tonight you must rest.’
‘Best thing I heard all day’ Cameron said walking up eating an apple. Cameron through the apple down when he noticed a half eaten worm in the core and Cameron looked like he was about to throw up. Elijah and Sheldon laughed at Cameron as he took a long drink of water from the river.
The kiltons slept near the boys that night. Elijah had a queer dream that he was standing in front of a tall tower. Out stormed Galatians making way to his horse but someone dressed in a white robe forbidden him to leave and he casted a spell on the sage and dai-orks took him away. Elijah woke up in a sudden leap and found himself standing alone in the darkness of the forest.
He looked around but could not see Sheldon or Cameron or Christian or the catlons. He shouted in fear, ‘Sheldon! Cameron! Christian! Anybody!’ but no word came back. He has been sleepwalking and had no clue where he was. Elijah sat down next to a large tree and wrapped his cloak around him and placed his head over his head and lowered it between his knees.

Elijah woke up the next morning still alone. He had no food or water. All he had was the pendent and his sword, Swift. Elijah wondered off hoping to find anyone that could help him. The young lad stopped still at a lovely voice singing a soft melody. Elijah followed the voice and came to a hot spring with a small cliff at the foot of it making a small waterfall. At the top sat a woman with long blonde hair. She was dressed in gold and white and had green eyes like that of an oak leaf.
She stopped singing and saw Elijah at the bottom of the spring. Elijah rubbed his eyes and when he looked back up she was gone. Elijah climbed the small cliff and pulled himself to the grassy top and could not see her. He turned around and there she was right behind him. Elijah came only to her stomach.
‘What is a young lad doing this far in the forest alone?’ she asked.
‘I am Elijah Diadem, son of Elisha. I was separated from my group last night and got lost. I heard your singing so I came here’ Elijah said. She got on her knees to be eye level with him.
‘I am called Rose’ she said, ‘you may follow me to my home for every night or so I get a visit from my kilton friend Cloudspeed, lord of kiltons. He may know where your friends are.’
‘I was traveling with Cloudspeed’ he replied.
‘Then you may want to follow’ she stood back up and headed off. Elijah followed close behind her. Elijah noticed that the forest here was still full of green leaves and everywhere were red roses. Rose stopped and ahead sat a house. The house looked much like Elisha’s house back home expect no porch. Rose opened the door and allowed Elijah to step in.

‘I have but one bed’ Rose said, ‘and if Cloudspeed doesn’t come tonight you may sleep with me but it is a small bed.’ Rose sat down at the table and Elijah sat down in front of her, ‘young Elijah. I have sensed something about you. Why do you travel through Silence Woods?’
‘Galatians the Wise has sent me on a quest to Irony and told me to go through the woods.’
‘I see’ Rose said, ‘I know Galatians the Wise for we met three hundred years ago here in the woods.’
‘Three hundred years!?’ Elijah said shocked.
‘Aye. I am half-angel. My mother was human and my father an angel. I have long life that is said to be a thousand years and I am but four hundred and twenty’ Rose said and Elijah did not blink for awhile, ‘I hide my wings under my dress for they are small wings when kept at bay but if I chose they would be large and enchanting.’
‘Why not keep them out?’ Elijah asked.
‘Because I have no need to fly’ she said, ‘if you want to you may see them at full extent.’
‘I would like to see your wings’ Elijah said. Rose smiled and stood up and walked over behind Elijah. Rose placed her hands on his shoulders.
‘Not now weary traveler. You may have had sleep last night but you haven’t rested. You shall eat and drink and rest and when you are fully rested I shall show you my wings. Galatians told me of your travels that you hold Celestial. Do not ask me anything about it for I made a comment not to say anything about it that may give you doubt and fear’ Rose said walking into another room. Elijah sat silent for a moment.
Rose walked back out with two plates in her hands. Both carried roasted chicken with her own seasoning that boosted the flavor to make it the best thing Elijah ever tasted. Corn and rice were on the plate and before Rose sat down she went back into the room and came out with two cups filled with tea better then all of Gravince.
‘Thank you milady’ Elijah said. Rose sat down. The two ate in peace, ‘what have you done with your long life?’
‘I lived here for three hundred years doing nothing of the world’ Rose responded, ‘and for the first hundred and twenty years of my life I traveled the world but was thrown and neglected by the world for it is evil and I am pure. I came here to escape the evils of man.’
Elijah finished the meal and helped Rose clean up a little. She enjoyed the company of a child that seemed to be a brave man trapped in a young body. Rose showed Elijah to her room so he may rest.
‘Sleep now young child’ Rose said. Elijah crawled into bed and Rose left the room closing the door behind her. Elijah felt very sleepy and at once fell into slumber. He woke up two hours later full of energy. Elijah ran outside and saw Rose on her knees smelling the many flowers.
Elijah walked to her side and Rose smiled. She grabbed Elijah’s right hand and placed her other on his back and lowered him to the ground. The aroma of the flowers gave Elijah peace and made him forget about everything around him. Rose stood up with Elijah and she looked down at the boy. Elijah at first looked deeply into the flowers and then he looked upon Rose’s face that was smiling a smile that you see after you give a gift to someone you care for.

‘Now I believe you are rested’ Rose said. She took a step back from Elijah and placed her hands on her back and untied her dress. She pulled it apart and two small wings were on her back. The top of Rose’s dress fell to her waist for a white belt kept it from falling. The wings grew large and white. Elijah looked in amazement at the wings.
Elijah walked forward and Rose’s wings lowered themselves close to the floor. Elijah finally said, ‘can you fly?’
‘Sadly I can’t for I have never learned’ Rose said. She wore nothing under her dress and she allowed Elijah to feel the wings. When Elijah got done she withdrew her wings and placed her dress back over her chest. Rose tied it up and said, ‘now you can say you met a half-angel.’
Rose and Elijah spent the day near the hot springs. Elijah stood near the edge of the water but would not go in for he doesn’t know how to swim. Rose told him that she would teach him. Rose slipped herself into the spring and carried Elijah in her arms. Rose could stand up in the spring but the young lad was too small.

Rose and Elijah played together like small children all day long. They enjoyed each other’s company very much. Finally the sun begun to set and the two returned to Rose’s house. They ate what they had in the morning and afterwards Rose started a fire and they two sat down in front of it. Rose sat on a wooden chair and Elijah sat on her lap.
Elijah had his head under her chin and begun to drift off to sleep. Rose whispered to Elijah, ‘come. It is pass nine and Cloudspeed never comes pass eight so we will sleep. You are sleepy and so am I.’
Elijah jumped off her and Rose stood up. Elijah slept in what he wore since last night with the cloak and sat on the bed. Rose took off her dress and Elijah noticed the wings would not extend so he thought it only grew if Rose wanted it too. She got into a white gown and the two crawled into bed together. Rose laid down on Elijah’s back and wrapped her arm around him and they fell asleep.
When Elijah woke up Rose was gone. He wondered through the house and then went outside and saw Rose spreading her wings. Rose turned and looked at Elijah and said to him, ‘sleep well last night young Elijah?’
‘Very well’ Elijah responded merrily. Rose withdrew her wings and tied her dress up. Today she wore a green and blue dress. Rose walked over to Elijah and got on her knees and hugged him. Elijah felt warm and happy like the moment he first saw the fireworks during the Festival of the Moon.
‘If Cloudspeed does not come in two nights I shall take you to the Catlon Village but I wish not to see the catlons for they are gearing up for war’ Rose said.
‘War? Against what?’ Elijah questioned.
‘War against the belves and dai-orks that have taken the ruined fortress in the north and are using it as an outpost’ Rose said returning to her feet. She took Elijah by the hand and Rose took Elijah to a strange tree. It spiraled up like a staircase and the two climbed to the top. They were on the tallest tree and far off in the north Elijah could see black smoke rising pass the forest, ‘that is where they are at but I shall not worry.’
The two returned to the forest floor. Elijah and Rose enjoyed the day like yesterday and they went to and fro finding something to do. Rose taught Elijah how to swim a little bit and Elijah enjoyed her help. When night came there was still no sign of Cloudspeed or any kiltons.

Rose and Elijah went to sleep around ten that night. Elijah woke in the middle of the night about two. Rose’s arms were wrapped around him tight. Elijah wondered if Sheldon and Christian and Cameron were alright. He wondered about Galatians and his travel. Elijah could not sleep and he rolled over and Rose’s eyes were wide awake.
‘Can’t sleep?’ she asked. Elijah shook his head a bit. Rose sung a soft tone that she learned in Uplia and with that Elijah fell asleep. Morning came and Rose was outside like yesterday morning spreading her wings out.
Rose walked over to Elijah with her wings still out and she gave him a golden ring and she said, ‘this is one of the three rings of the Angels. The Angels gave their rings to someone they hold dear in their heart and now I’m giving it to you Elijah Diadem son of Elisha.’
‘Thank you malady’ Elijah said. Rose took his left hand and placed the ring on his ring finger. It was too big for him but somehow he changed size to fit him perfectly, ‘how did that happen?’
‘When all light has been taken from you and you are only in the dark’ Rose said, ‘this ring shall be your light and cast away the shadows’ Rose withdrew her wings and tied her dress back up. Out of the trees Cloudspeed came followed behind him were Sheldon, Christian, Cameron, and four kiltons.
‘Lady Rose’ Cloudspeed said. Sheldon and the twins ran over to Elijah, ‘I should have guessed that the lad came to you.’
‘Cloudspeed, it’s good to see you again’ Rose said.
‘Come now son of Elisha. We had north’ Cloudspeed told him. Rose got on her knees and hugged Elijah and kissed him on his forehead. With that Elijah bowed and headed off. Cloudspeed led the group into the woods and Elijah turned after taking forty steps and looked at Rose. One last time she showed him her wings and Elijah smiled, turned, and ran to catch up with the group.

‘Dai-orks and belves’ a kilton said, ‘have been spotted at the old fortress. A scout reported that three nights ago by a catlon. The catlons have mobilized their forces but they are too many and they wish for are aid in the upcoming battle.’
‘Then are aid they shall get’ Cloudspeed said, ‘gather up your forces. I want every kilton ready for battle.’ With that the four kiltons ran off and Cloudspeed stayed with the group…

(And that's the end of Chapter 3)

Chapter IV
Silence Woods


The belves left the woods and sniffed the ground. The lead belf shouted, ‘to the fortress!’
The belves were few in number but they arrived at the fortress used during the Gravince Rebellion. Eight rows of columns led to a stone platform. Ten columns went to the platform and surrounded it. Vines and leaves covered most of the ground and a small wall circled the area with a large gap in the eastern wall.
A bunch of men stood in the platform but they had yellow sharp teeth and their skin was dark green and scaly and their eyes were blood red. They had thick armor on and wore mighty helmets. One stood in the middle and he was bigger then all the rest. A white belf stood behind him on his rear legs and he was twice the size of normal belves. A flag waved in the wind and on it was a red wolf.
‘Captain Kenya’ a belf said, ‘the kiltons are mobilizing for an attack. We believe they may have one hundred strong soon. They are gathering now even as we speak.’ At this moment Elijah just woke up with Rose the first morning he went missing. The sun rose above the trees.
‘Then we shall prepare for battle’ Kenya said and then he turned to the white belf, ‘draw back all your belves Atari and make it quick. The kiltons must know of us being here by now. We shall prepare to burn the woods.’
‘That is over doing it don’t you think Kenya?’ Atari asked for he is a belf and belves love the woods but they hate kiltons. Kenya had a long bow on his back and a sharp sword on his waist.
‘The kiltons shall not stop us. Once all is ready, burn the forest.’ Kenya finished and the dai-orks roared and shouted and cheered and waved their swords and bows in their hands. Nearly two hundred dai-orks roamed the fortress with around a hundred belves. Some dai-orks rode belves like horses and they flew through the trees gathering all their forces back to the fortress Kenya named Vengeance.
Dai-orks and belves emerged out of the woods in great numbers and after two hours nearly three hundred dai-orks and one hundred sixty belves protected the fortress. Kenya rode Atari through the fortress and made sure all was going to plan. They geared up and night came at last. The next morning the dai-orks took torches and started to burn the forest from the north.
‘Burn it nicely’ Kenya said. The dai-orks watched the forest burn with great delights and smoke rose into the sky and at this moment Elijah and Rose saw the smoke miles away. In a flash the fire died out.
‘So the legend is true’ Atari said, ‘the forest can never be burnt down. Then we must hunt down the catlons for the kiltons will surely try and get their help.’

Cloudspeed led the boys to an open meadow with stones and boulders here and there. He howled in the middle and then turned to the boys and said, ‘this is where the kiltons shall meet and prepare for battle. Hopefully the catlons will assist us in this battle for Silence Woods.’

Christian and Cameron sat down on the soft grass and Sheldon threw down his bag. Elijah and Sheldon drew their swords and practiced a little. Cameron watched the two for Elijah kept dropping his sword. Cloudspeed curled up like a small cat and rested. An hour has passed and now nearly thirty kiltons were in the meadow.
Cloudspeed stood up and leapt to the top of the largest boulder and shouted, ‘kiltons prepare to move out! We must reach the fortress by nightfall! I want two to stay behind and tell the other kiltons to head north to the fortress!’
Two kiltons went to the southern side of the meadow and the rest moved north with Elijah, Sheldon, Christian, and Cameron. The forest seemed to open up to them like the trees moving aside to give them a walking path. Cameron and Sheldon had their swords in their hands as they walk. Whispers ran through the trees and Elijah slowed his pace as he heard a noise:

Why do you even bother? I will take Galatians the Wise and lock him up so he can never find you so stop this pointless quest. Many would have given up at the beginning of the forest but I shall allow you to return to your home in Mayton so you may see your friends again. I know what you want.

Elijah felt cold again he opened up Sheldon’s bag. Sheldon turned his head and asked him, ‘is something wrong Elijah?’
‘I am very cold’ he said pulling out a green cloak and wrapping it around his body. Elijah walked with his arms folded and walked slower then the rest. Cloudspeed saw the lad struggling to continue forward and he stopped.
‘Come lad’ Cloudspeed said, ‘on my back so you will not get left behind.’
Sheldon helped Elijah onto Cloudspeed’s back and ran to the front of the group. Elijah lost all strength and fell off Cloudspeed and hit the floor. Everyone stopped and gathered around Elijah.
‘Elijah’ Sheldon said trying to help him up but yet nothing was achieved. Elijah’s ring of the Angel started to glow and a golden aura surrounded his body. His skin felt warm again and the lad stood to his feet. Elijah smiled at Sheldon and with that they headed off again.
High noon came and they stopped in a wooded area. Sheldon cooked a nice small meal. Cameron said, ‘you know, most people in Gravince never seen a battle between two opposing armies and we are still young and we are heading into a battle.’
‘It is kind of scary’ Christian said, ‘I heard many tales from Galatians about battles and they are not what people expect. People think of battles as glorious but they take lives and destroy…nothing else.’
‘But we must defend what we believe in’ Cameron said. Everyone rested for about half an hour and then they moved onward. Further and further they went the more and more the trees seemed lifeless. Elijah heard shouting coming from a distance that yelled, ‘prepare to move now!’
The edge of the forest was now half a mile away and the kiltons hid. Elijah could see other kiltons to his left and right and behind him. Maybe a hundred kiltons were gathered or maybe two hundred. Elijah and Sheldon and the twins grew their swords and crept as close to the ground as they could. Three belves sat near the forest and Cameron could see the ruined fortress behind.

Kenya rode through the fortress shouting, ‘prepare to move now!’ and the dai-orks and belves mobilized. Three belves sat near the edge of the forest watching the rally of dai-orks. One of the belves stood up but four kiltons leapt onto his back and twisted its neck. The other two howled by twenty kiltons pounced those two. Kenya looked at the fallen belves and then to the kiltons. Cloudspeed emerged out of the forest.
‘So’ Kenya said, ‘you believe that you can stand against the might of the red wolf? Charge!’ with that the dai-orks and belves ran towards the kiltons. Dai-orks with long bows stand behind the army and fired hordes of arrows at the kiltons.
A glorious charge and the kiltons collided with the dai-orks. Some had swords, some had axes, and some had pikes, and some rode belves, and some belves pushed back the kiltons. Wave after wave of kiltons ran out of the woods with Elijah and the lads with the fourth wave.
Kenya stood in the middle of the stone platform and fired his arrows at the hordes of kiltons. Elijah fell to the ground and stabbed a dai-ork in his leg forcing him to fall. Sheldon jumped onto the back of a dai-ork and pierced his head with Stab. Arrows flew out of the woods and shoot down a bunch of dai-orks and belves.
A bunch of women emerged out of the woods with more kiltons. The women did not have human ears but ears of a cat and had a long cat tail. The lead lady wore a gold crown that circled her forehead. She had long black hair and her ears shined like crystal in the sun. The catlons have come. Some catlons rode kiltons and some had arrows and others used short swords.
A loud snap echoed through the forest and a catapult flung a large stone and it crushed a group of dai-orks. Atari stood next to Kenya. Three catlons jumped down on the stone platform but were slain by three slashes of Kenya’s sword. Soon the dai-orks and belves fled the fortress heading north with a third of their number. Kenya jumped on the back of Atari and retreated.
‘We shall return!’ Kenya shouted. The catlons and kiltons cheered and celebrated at the fortress as the sun begun to set. The remaining soldiers gathered at the fortress and the lead catlon talked with Cloudspeed. Cloudspeed called forth Elijah, Sheldon, and the twins.
‘This is Elijah son of Elisha. The boy Galatians told us to be aware of’ Cloudspeed said. The catlon looked deep into Elijah, ‘and this is Princess Jennifer, princess of the catlons. This is Sheldon son of David and the twins Christian and Cameron.’
Jennifer had long legs with black boots that came to her waist. Her top came up to her chest revealing her shoulders and the top of her chest. She got on her knees and looked at the ring on Elijah’s hand and said in a fair voice, ‘you met Rose I see.’
‘Aye’ Elijah said. Jennifer stood back up and faced Cloudspeed.
‘We shall take them to the Catlon Village’ Cloudspeed nodded, ‘we travel fast and quick so it will be faster to rest here tonight and tomorrow we shall carry you to are humble home so you may rest and gather supplies.’
Elijah smiled and said, ‘I have heard a lot about catlons. It has been a dream of mine to meet one and to see their village in Silence Woods. I have heard great tales about the catlons and their sad story of the destruction and burning of the woods in the west during Serrago’s reign of terror. You are all fair and lovely and brave and true and fast like the people spoke of you.’

‘I’m glade you enjoy seeing us’ Jennifer said, ‘now come. We must head west first through the woods and make sure no dai-orks or belves still roam the forest. Once we reach the Getian River we shall head home to our village and another one of your dreams can come true.’
Jennifer snapped her fingers and three catlons walked up. Each had long blonde hair and fair skin. One had green eyes, one with blue, and one with brown but they all wore the same thing that Jennifer wore. Their tails were waging back and forth.
‘This is Denise’ Jennifer said pointing to the green eyed catlon, ‘Mary’ she said now pointing to the blue eyed catlon, ‘and Amber’ Jennifer finished at pointing to the brown eyed catlon, ‘these three shall carry you across the forest so you will not fall behind and I shall take Elijah son of Elisha. But rest here for tonight and celebrate.’
Elijah and the lads nodded. The catlons started a large fire in the stone platform and the kiltons and catlons cheered and danced and celebrated. The moon was no half lit and shinned brightly across the land.
‘Elijah’ Sheldon said, ‘we are at the borders of the woods so why should we return into them instead of traveling north now to Irony?’
‘I don’t know Sheldon’ Elijah said, ‘but something tells me to stay here and go with the princess and the catlons. I have always wanted to see the catlons and so I believe that we should stay as long as possible at least until the end of the week.’
Elijah froze stiff for the words of a charming and brave and deep voice came back into his head like those before:

You are weak. My forces shall destroy the catlons and the kiltons and the people of Gravince if you do not give me the-

His voice was cast away when Rose’s ring started to glow and surrounded Elijah in a gold aura. Sheldon looked in amazement. Christian and Cameron gave the kiltons and catlons a two man play.
‘We present to you’ Cameron said, ‘the old man and the young lad.’
The catlons clapped for merriment were on them. Christian and Cameron performed their play and they even got some catlons to join in. Elijah sat near the closest column to the broken wall in the east with his cloak wrapped around him.
Sheldon kept him company but Cameron called him on stage. Elijah sat alone for a while but the princess herself came over to him and sat beside him. Jennifer looked at the moon and said, ‘what troubles you Elijah?’
‘I never been away from home so long before’ Elijah said, ‘I miss Mr. Wellow’s carrots and the sound of all the children and the little old lady at the corner that I helped every day with chorus. But most of all I miss my father and Destinie.’
Jennifer placed her hand on his shoulder and said, ‘most of us don’t like today but none of us knows what tomorrow will bring. All we can do is go forward and hope to see light at the end of that tunnel and maybe just maybe when all is over you shall be back home.’
Elijah smiled and Jennifer gave him a soft hug and laid his head on her lap and Elijah drifted off to sleep and Jennifer fell asleep a few minutes later. Kiltons and catlons stayed guard throughout the night to make sure that the dai-orks wouldn’t return. Elijah woke up with the sun.

Elijah saw that Sheldon, Christian, and Cameron were still asleep. He stood to his feet and saw the sleeping Jennifer. Elijah walked around the fortress and the stone and grass was damp and wet. Cameron woke up and jumped to his feet.
‘Have you been up long Elijah?’ Cameron asked.
‘No. Just a few minutes now’ he said. Sheldon was waking up and so was Jennifer followed by Christian and then everyone was awake and Elijah said to Jennifer, ‘when we will leave?’
‘We shall leave now’ Jennifer said and Amber and Mary and Denise stepped forward and kneeled down to allow the boys to climb on their backs. Elijah got on Jennifer’s back and Sheldon got on Denise and Cameron got on Mary and Christian got on Amber. The catlons ran back into the woods with great haste and speed like a horse.
Jennifer stayed in the head of the group and Elijah wrapped his arms around her tightly. Mary with Christian was in the back and besides the four with the children about twenty catlons ran through the woods. Elijah saw a dear moving through the trees. Jennifer stopped the group after half an hour.
‘We shall split up here’ Jennifer said, ‘travel alone and meet up here in two hours. Those with the lads keep them close to you.’
The catlons ran off in different directions and Jennifer headed directly west to the Getian River. Elijah could not find any words to say for he thought that she wanted to remain silent like a shadow but she broke the silence.
‘How long have you wondered in these woods?’ Jennifer asked.
‘Not including yesterday I would say nearly a week or so’ Elijah said. Jennifer smiled and continued her great speed. After an hour or so has passed Jennifer arrived at the Getian River and allowed Elijah to get off her back and walk around.
‘This river is fourteen miles wide’ Jennifer said, ‘across it is the kingdom of Hyland. The strongest ally of Gandriar. Galatians have told me much about the two kingdoms and the hardships they bore together. But enough about the west for we are in the east and we have troubles of are own.’
‘Nay’ Elijah said, ‘I believe that the troubles of the west is are trouble to. For if it falls what will keep are east at peace and away from enemies?’
‘I guess even a young lad can tell an old man something new. But do not get me wrong for I am not old only four and I can still learn more.’ She told Elijah.
‘Four years old? But I thought catlons lived to be a hundred and twenty’ Elijah said.
‘But we do. We age quickly in are first four years but then we stop for a hundred years and never age’ Jennifer said. Elijah was amazed by this. Jennifer looked as old as Destinie but was younger then he was. Elijah took a drink from the river and laid down. Jennifer looked around the area a bit and then to the sun that could barely be seen through the trees. Elijah drifted off to sleep and he heard a voice but it was not the same one from before but instead a fair voice and he saw a figure glowing in front of him and large wings extended and their stood Rose and she spoke to him:

As long as you have the Ring of the Angel on I can always talk to you and cast away any spell that troubles you. You have shown me light of men and now I believe that there may be more people like you in Igros. But for now I shall remain here and talk to you from afar but in two weeks I shall leave Silence Woods and travel Igros in the north like I have in days long forgotten.

Elijah woke up and saw Jennifer swimming in the river. Her clothes were up on a tree branch. Elijah looked at his ring for now markings in blue appeared around the ring that appeared to be wings.
‘Come swim with me Elijah!’ Jennifer shouted.
‘Nay’ he said, ‘for I do not know how to swim.’ Jennifer got back on shore and grabbed his arm and pulled off his cloak and tunic and Jennifer leapt into the river with Elijah in her arms. Elijah thought for a moment and decided that being so small and not weighing much wasn’t so great after all.

About twenty minutes have passed and Elijah and Jennifer laid on the grass and dried themselves in a ray of sunlight that breached the treetops. Finally Jennifer stood and grabbed Elijah’s arms and said, ‘we must return now.’
Elijah nodded and climbed on her back. Jennifer’s hair was still wet but that did not slow her down. She ran just as swiftly and quickly as before. Jennifer dratted pass trees and jumped over roots. It took them nearly an hour to return and all the other catlons and the lads were back.
Jennifer’s hair was now dry and smooth again and they allowed the lads to walk. Jennifer said, ‘we shall go now to the Catlon Village but of course we shall take are time for when we are in no rush we enjoy the woods.’
‘Very well’ Christian said, ‘for we too enjoy the woods.’ Christian ran over to Elijah and everyone started heading southeast, ‘these catlons are all beautiful. If I were as old as them’
‘Jennifer is only four’ Elijah told his friends.
‘Your joking’ Sheldon said.
‘Nay. They age quickly in their first four years but for a hundred they appear to be only twenty’ Elijah informed them, ‘I was shocked at first but I remember Galatians’ words about the catlons two years ago. He said “catlons are the fairest beings on Igros. They look like they are only twenty for a hundred years and they are only children in are eyes for a short time.”’
‘I remember that’ Cameron said, ‘catlons are truly the fairest creatures on Igros. I haven’t seen so many lovely maidens before in my entire life.’
Elijah walked proud along side Sheldon and he looked around and mostly his glare went to Jennifer and then he gazed off into the forest. He kept thinking her heard a terrible cry that begun in a very high pitch but ended very low. Elijah became very afraid when that cry was heard but no one else paid any attention to it.
Elijah looked far to his left and felt something soft and furry around his chin. He turned and saw that Jennifer’s tail was tickling his chin. Elijah stepped aside and moved out of the path of the tail. Elijah bumped into Sheldon a bit. Elijah felt strange and cheerful and happy. He looked down at his ring and noticed the blue markings have vanished. A small stream ran along north in their path. It was small and had tadpoles swimming around in it.
The sound of the running stream against a small rock gave a pleasant tone. The stream ran downhill for miles before stopping and turning to the east to form with the Getian River. After half an hour they passed the old fortress and were heading for the Catlon Village.

Elijah kept his right hand on the hilt of his sword every now and then for it seemed to him like something was ready to attack. Jennifer turned and saw Elijah preparing for battle and she said, ‘threat not Elijah, for nothing will come to harm to you. Rest and relax for now for your journey north will be filled with hardships.’
Elijah lowered his guard and looked at Jennifer who smiled at him like a schoolgirl. Elijah gave a small smile back and blushed a little and turned his gaze out into the woods. He turned his eyes every now and again to look at the catlons as they walked down the road with no worries.
Elijah looked at Cameron and then to Christian and then to Sheldon and then to Jennifer and smiled at the princess. Elijah couldn’t stop wondering why there are no catlon men to be found. Elijah found it shocking to see a race with nothing but women. But Elijah remembered Galatians’ tales: The catlons never give birth to a male no matter how many children they give birth to. When you are older I shall tell you about their rituals.
Elijah walked up to Jennifer and said, ‘if your tribe has nothing but women in it, how can you have children?’
Jennifer looked at Elijah in deep thought and then said, ‘well, when a man enters the woods he is usually challenged by a catlon. The two will fight and if the catlons wins the man is killed and if the man wins he mates with the catlon at that moment to give birth to a stronger generation. But sometimes when are numbers are few and no men entered the woods in a long time we go to Merrierton and mate basically with any man that seems suitable.’
‘Okay’ Elijah said in amazement. He couldn’t help but smile at the new information he received. Elijah may be twelve but boys in Gravince are declared men at the age of eight for they mature quickly but they grow just as fast as any other child across Igros. Elijah may be twelve but it is more like he is in his late teens then being a child.
Elijah looked up and saw a shadow fly across the sun. It was larger then any bird and yet it had no feathers but it did have a beak. Its long wings were longer then the beast from nose to tail. Two long tails moved slowly to its left and right and a long neck allowed it to look in any direction without turning its head.
The creature circled the area twice and then headed west. Elijah wondered what that was and became deep in thought. Cameron saw Elijah looking up but when he looked the shadow had passed.
‘What were you looking at Elijah?’ Cameron asked.
‘Nothing’ he responded, ‘just the sun. The woods keeps it hidden most of the time with only a ray here and their.’

The woods were silent and the day drew to an end. Jennifer stopped everyone and said, ‘we shall rest here tonight.’ And with that the catlons stopped and some wondered off and around and gathered fruits to eat.
Elijah found a tree that seemed perfect enough to rest in. The roots curved into a little nest and a branch filled with thick green leaves covered the root nest a few feet above. Elijah dared not to go in after seeing a small snake look at the lad and then vanished into a small hole. Christian looked around with Cameron keeping themselves busy. Sheldon helped the catlons find fruits and sticks to start a small fire. Elijah watched from his spot up the slope.

He finally noticed that the rode was in a small valley. The slope up was deep and as tall as he was and four feet across was the other end of the slope. It swoops down to give it a road like path. Elijah kept his cloak near him but he didn’t put it on.
Sheldon got a fire started but it didn’t last for rain poured down from the sky like a rushing river. At that point all four lads threw their cloaks on with hoods up. The catlons didn’t even mind the rain for they called it a blessing from the sky no matter how much or how little they get.
The rain hit Sheldon on the face as it deflected off tree branches and roots and bushes. It was hard for Elijah to sleep that night for a consent fear of the belves returned to him. He went to sleep around ten or twelve for he lost track of time and it could have been two for all he knew.
Elijah was awakened by Jennifer whispering into his ear, ‘awaken Elijah son of Elisha. Today you shall see the Village of the Catlons.’
Elijah looked up a little dizzy and a little weary but he stood to his feet. Everyone had a bit to eat of oranges and pairs and apples before heading off. The rain left the ground wet and damp and muddy.
Cameron never liked mud and he wanted to find a dry spot as fast as possible. Sheldon got his foot suck in a deep mud puddle once or twice and had to get help from Elijah to pull himself free. Sheldon missed cooking and cleaning and gardening for those were his loves back home in Mayton.
Cameron missed learning and reading Cameron wished he was still with Mr. Bookman studying about the history of Gravince and much, much more. Christian missed sleeping all day and eating in between.
Elijah missed most of all the people. He missed his father, Elisha and David Wellow and Destinie. He missed everyone back home in Mayton even the people he didn’t like. Elijah continued walking trying not to fall behind. He hurried himself forward.
The woods seemed to go on forever and they took a small rest around noon. Elijah could tell something strange were in these woods and could feel the presents of something trying to reach him.
A cry echoed silently through the woods. It sounded something like a dragon but started out like one and ended in a very low pitch that threw off the entire sound. Elijah looked north, the direction the cry came from, and noticed his pocket was shinning.
Elijah reached into his pocket and pulled out the Pendant and noticed with that the markings were glowing bright red like a beacon. His hand grasped the Pendant and pain crept throughout his body like thousands of tiny knives stabbing him. Elijah fell to his knees and with his free hand grasped the hand holding the Pendant.
Everyone gathered around in fear and doubt and many believed that Elijah would fall to his death. The ring started to glow blue but after a second it faded like the power of the Pendant was sealing it away. The Pendant’s glow faded and Elijah stood back up. He looked around and threw the Pendant into his pocket. Everyone remained silent and still fearful.
Sheldon, Cameron, and Christian gathered around Elijah and placed their hands on his shoulders and with that everyone continued forward. The march now was silent and felt oddly enough for it seemed that Elijah was now shunned out of the catlons expect for Jennifer that stayed close to him. The feeling in his hand returned after half an hour and Elijah dared not speak of it.

A light breached through the trees up ahead and Elijah could see shadows and shapes moving around. After approaching further all four could see a large fire with many catlons gathered around it. High in the treetops were platforms of wood that were connected to one another by a few wooden bridges here and their. A wooden house was built around the tree trunk on the top of the platforms. Rope fell down from the platforms and came down a little before the floor and the lads saw catlons climbing the ropes up and down.
Jennifer stopped and turned to them and said with great delight, ‘welcome to the Village of the Catlons’ and the boys walked pass her and looked in amazement. Hundreds of catlons roamed the village some on the ground, some on the ropes, and some on the wooden platforms high in the trees…

(And that's the end of Chapter 4)

Chapter V
Village of the Catlons


Elijah looked with complete delight and saw many catlons. Catlons took a special liking too Christian and Cameron. Sheldon even found some catlons that took a liking too him. Three catlons gathered around Elijah with great interest and took the young lad up into a house in the treetops. One had long blonde hair and had on Jennifer’s outfit but it was red, one had long white hair and wore the same outfit but it were blue, and the last had short blonde hair and wore the same thing expect it is green.
‘Young Elijah’ the white haired catlon said, ‘I am Mercy an elder catlon. I am ninety four years old but my age does not appear it though. The one in the red is my first daughter Abigail and the one in the green is my youngest daughter Mary. Neither one is even fifteen yet but they have turned out well.’
Elijah looked at Abigail and Mary and then to Mercy. She looked like twenty and showed no signs of aging. Abigail sat to Elijah’s left, Mary sat to his right, and Mercy sat down in front of Elijah.
‘How old are you?’ Mary asked who always wants to know everything.
‘I am twelve but the children of Gravince are ready for manhood at the age of thirteen for that is when we are done maturing but not growing’ Elijah informed the catlons. Abigail moved one of her index fingers around Elijah’s cheek.
‘Not to many people see catlons but then again even fewer gets to sit inside their home and’ Abigail paused for a moment, ‘enjoy the company of three catlons and one is an elder catlon who is held high and is honored by catlons.’
All three looked upon Elijah with dark green eyes. Elijah never felt this way before, he felt wanted and he felt like they wanted him their and that no one just told them to be their. The three spoke to one another in the language of the catlons and Elijah could not understand one word of it. He listened to the words they spoke for they were soft and relaxing to him.
Mercy placed both her hands on Elijah’s chest and pushed him down on the bed as she stood up. Mercy examined Elijah and walked around the bed three times with Abigail and Mary standing next to the bed without moving. Elijah had no clue as to what was happening here but he did not mind.
Finally Mercy sat down on the bed side opposite from Elijah and crawled over on her hands and knees until her head was above Elijah. Abigail and Mary crawled on their hands and knees and they too stopped when their faces were above Elijah’s. Mercy licked Elijah’s forehead. Strange feelings now entered Elijah but the common one was what are they doing?
‘Your face is confused’ Mercy said, ‘this is a ritual of a catlon family to their guess that shall sleep with them for the next three nights.’ Elijah smiled and Abigail and Mary licked the side of Elijah’s face. Their tongues were not wet but more hard like sand paper or like a cat’s tongue. Abigail unbuttoned Elijah’s shirt and licked his chest and moved her fingers around his stomach. Elijah could only wonder if Sheldon and the twins are getting the same thing in another house. Mary threw off Elijah’s boots and placed one of his feet in the middle of her chest.

Mary rubbed Elijah’s leg, the one with his foot on her chest, and purred a little. Mercy licked Elijah’s nose and then his lips. All at once they stopped and stood back up and Abigail said, ‘their. The ritual is complete. You may feed and sleep and rest here until time is needed for you to move out.’

Elijah sat up and his body was relaxed and he had a pleasant feeling like he was at the Festival of the Moon enjoying the fireworks and the tales of Galatians. Elijah did not move for a second and he gathered everything that just happened and ran it through his mind. Then Abigail sat down on her knees behind him and she placed her head on his shoulder.
‘What say you Elijah? Are you hungry or do you wish to rest’ Abigail asked. Elijah thought for a moment and tried to get his thoughts straight.
‘I am hungry’ Elijah said at last for he has not eaten anything since the small meal at around noon and it was nearly eight. Abigail stood up and walked in front of him. Mary brought him salted pork, a catlon favorite with sliced apples and catlon milk. Elijah ate the food and drank the catlon milk quickly.
Elijah now felt tired when he finished and noticed no blankets anywhere to be seen, not even on the bed. Elijah yawned. Mercy said, ‘sleep now Elijah son of Elisha. Sleep.’
Elijah got onto the middle of the bed and tried to sleep but was too cold. Abigail and Mary got on both sides of him and wrapped their arms around his arms and Mercy laid down on top of him with her head on his chest. Elijah found it hard to sleep now for never in his life did he feel so happy.
Elijah became tense for a moment and couldn’t relax. Mercy’s fingers closed his eyes and she said something in her language that made Elijah relax but he does not know what she said. Finally Elijah fell into slumber with a small smile on his face.
Elijah found himself in a strange room. Four doors surrounded him that were tall and strong. The room was squared and it stretched high for about two hundred feet. In front of him was a platform with twelve steps leading to the top and on the platform was a throne. A rather large throne that looked like the doors shut. On the throne sat a man but Elijah could not see him for he was glowing too brightly but he said:

You cannot hide forever. Soon you shall meet your end either by the dai-orks or even worse. You heard them in the woods. The Six that once was is now on the hunt and no prey ever escapes them no matter how hard they try.

Elijah woke up with the catlons still around him. Mercy was wide awake and she looked upon his face with her chin on his chest and said, ‘you finally woke up young Elijah. I see you have slept well no doubt or else you would still be asleep or you have been unable to sleep at all.’
‘I have slept well’ Elijah told her. Mercy rolled up now with her chest on his waist and she placed her arms over his shoulders. Abigail woke up and licked his face followed by Mary.
They did not move for nearly an hour or so. Abigail and Mary licked his face and neck and Mercy licked his bare chest. Elijah grew a liking to this and he enjoyed it so for the feeling of their tongues was nice to him. Elijah could feel Abigail’s and Mary’s breast pushing against his arms.

Mercy stood up followed by her daughters and slowly left the room. Elijah stayed on the bed for a moment and then he sat up and buttoned his shirt. Elijah ran outside and it was mid morning. All the catlons appeared to be up and about roaming this way and that. He could see Sheldon far down below in the middle of a group of catlons; Christian could be seen hanging on the back of a catlon while she climbed down a rope and Elijah could not see Cameron.
Elijah circled around the platform and found Mercy, Abigail, and Mary waiting for him. Abigail stepped forward and said, ‘do you know what today is?’ Elijah stood with a blank face, ‘today is the Call of the Catlons.’
‘Call of the Catlons?’ Elijah asked never hearing that phrase. Abigail placed her hand over her mouth and laughed a little. Mercy walked behind Elijah and laid her hands on his shoulders and they both stood up straight.
‘The Call of the Catlons’ Mercy begun and froze for a moment, ‘is like your Festival of the Moon but no fireworks and we have a different way of ending it. Call of the Catlons will last three nights and the finale is one you or your friends shall not forget.’
‘I call Elijah as my partner’ Abigail said. Mary got a little upset but Abigail grabbed Elijah’s hand and pulled him away and across a wooden bridge behind the house Elijah came out of and they stopped half way.
‘Why do you need a partner?’ Elijah asked.
‘When the finale ends all will be clear. We don’t want to ruin a surprise’ Abigail told him, ‘and what a night that shall be. It will be my first time actually performing the ritual for I have never had a chance to get a partner. My mother has done the ritual thirty four times and she loves it. I can see it now.’
Elijah did not speak. Abigail had her eyes closed and she blushed a little. Her tail wagged back and forth like a whip. Elijah finally tapped her on the shoulder and said, ‘can we go to the ground?’
Abigail smiled. ‘Get on my back’ she said. Elijah clutched onto her as Abigail stood up and leapt off the bridge. She flew forward and grabbed a rope with both her hands and even had one of her legs wrapped around it. Abigail lowered herself quickly and got on the floor and allowed Elijah to jump off.

‘Are you hungry?’ Abigail asked. Elijah looked up and nodded. Elijah followed her closely.
‘What day is it?’ Elijah asked.
‘It is Wednesday Elijah’ Abigail said, ‘November sixteenth if you must know. Are times are equal to those in Gravince so what troubles you?’
‘Today is my thirteenth birthday. It is the day when I enter adulthood and get married and have kids but here I am’ Elijah said. Abigail stopped and took his hands.
‘Here in are village, a birthday is something important’ she said, ‘and none are so important as the one when you enter adulthood but here it is the age of four for we age physically quick but I learned of you Gravincers and you mature on the inside quick and are ready for marriage and joining the guard and anything at the age of thirteen.’
‘But I have no one to celebrate my birthday with expect my dear cousin Sheldon and the twins Christian and Cameron’ Elijah told her. Abigail looked into Elijah eye to eye and smiled. Something about that smile made Elijah get tensed up. Abigail noticed him tensed and laughed a soft laugh.

Abigail pulled Elijah to her and held him in her arms. Elijah relaxed but still had many questions that would never seem to be answered. Abigail whispered into his eye, ‘in three days when the ritual begins you shall be pleased for this is something all men enjoy with delights.’
Abigail stood back up still holding his hand and she dragged him through a small door that led down a spiral staircase inside a tree. The staircase went down for what appeared to be miles and at the end their sat a large round room. Four torches were on the walls separate equally from one another. Abigail lit all four.
A long square table was in the middle of the room. Only one chair was in the room and it sat at the head of the table. Abigail sat Elijah at the head of the table. Elijah looked around at the four burning torches. Abigail laid down on the table facing Elijah with her stomach on the table.
Abigail looked deep into his eyes with a blank face. Elijah tried to smile but couldn’t for some reason. Abigail’s tail wiggled back and forth near her head. Elijah finally found words to say, ‘so what are we doing down here?’
Abigail pulled herself forward and their two foreheads met and Abigail said, ‘we must do the ritual into adulthood for it is customary for anyone entering their adult birthday in the village to be given the ritual.’
‘Do you have a ritual for everything?’ Elijah asked.
‘Almost everything’ Abigail replied. Her hand grabbed his chin but she completely stopped when a horn echoed in. Abigail sprang to her feet and yelled, ‘the Horn of Remnec.’
‘The horn of what?’ Elijah asked.
‘It will only be sounded when the village is under attack’ Abigail hurried up the stairs. Elijah thought for a moment and then followed after. When he reached the village’s floor. Elijah stood in silence as tree branches fell due to terrible flames and fire spread across the floor. Dai-orks charged and moved and slain all in their path.
A dai-ork stopped in front of Elijah and rushed him but a loud scream came from everywhere and Sheldon and the twins leapt out and sliced the dai-ork and stabbed him until he was dead.
‘Sheldon!’ Elijah said in panic.
‘The dai-orks are back’ Sheldon responded handed Elijah his sword Swift. The four crept close together and stayed close as they ran through the village. A tree branch burning in flames fell down and separated Elijah and Cameron from Sh