Judgment of Celestial: Grievous Cry

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.