Several of the Rulers of the Petal Throne were celebrating at an introductory party hosted by Extensive Enterprises. The party seemed to be amiable enough until Twiggs and Rahvin started to argue with each other and as usual in only moments many of the Rulers were deeply involved.

Several Kings were looking at Rahvin in shock. Twiggs smiled urbanely. “Would you care to repeat that last comment loud enough for everyone to hear or are you to much of a coward?”

Rahvin loudly: “I suggested that Elaine sell her services to the highest bidder. To me she is Queen of Prostitutes. If Elaine doesn’t like Vampires on her border, then I suggest that if she has the mouth to start a conflict then she should have the stomach and the balls to fight it.” *gives wet raspberry* “I hope she knows that I'm going to cram her foot in her big fat mouth.”

Elaine: “That was very rude.”

Twiggs: smiling slightly looking at Rahvin but talking to the other Kings: “I hope he realizes that Elaine is not a prostitute and can't be bought by bullying her. At least... I don't THINK she is and can be...”

Rahvin: angrily to Twiggs: “I fart in your general direction. I say line em all up, I might not win, but I fight my own battles without relying on others to do it for me.”

Dark Lord amused: "Class real Class... and Gilhoolies as well. I predict Rahvin will go far if he survives. OK you can start by fighting Damien first since he is the lowest ranked of the three main warriors. Extensive will arrange the combat. I bet 1,000,000 gold on Rahvin, anyone care to put up?” He waited several minutes but the others seemed to ignore him. “You WIMPS!" He stated with disgust.

Skragg smiled “Let’s see if you’re honest or if you will have Damien throw the fight shall we? You’re on! I’ll take 500,000 of that bet on Damien to wipe up the floor with Rahvin.”

Twiggs: (butting in) “I am sure that the Good Queen Elaine already has a large number of champions lining up to represent her... however, she knows that she can call on me to help in this situation if it becomes needed,” Smiles pointedly at the Nylss King, for now that he has gotten him to speak rashly it becomes obvious that Twiggs is looking for a way to eliminate the Vampire threat.

Dark Lord sudden understanding dawning: "Twiggs, Kiss my DEAD ASS! You get in line with the rest of the rabble you gutless forest animal! Rahvin and Damien have first shot. Besides why would Elaine want a little limp dick like you poking her? Heck you can't even keep it in your pants for your own wife! Let it hereby be KNOWN that I am Backing Rahvin since you insisted he insulted Elaine. He gets first shot at the prize. You wanted it that way. Now live with it, you turd."

Twiggs smiles broadly at the Dark Lord’s anger: "Fine. Now we know how Rahvin stands, with lots of help. YOU don't get to pick the order of the fighting. Elaine and her people do since it's her honour at stake. Besides, having your brain dead zombie roll over for him in the first round doesn't make him any better. I notice YOU’RE not on the rolls for the battle. At least I am willing to stand behind my words, not hide and send my expendable little toys."

Rahvin shoulders past the Dark Lord to again face Twiggs: “I think you have fallen into the depths of your own madness again my good man. I stood without any help, you put your nose in this, and now your schoolboy crush with the Dark Lord is doing the same. I don't need either of you in my business; so don't go dragging me into yours. I think you and the Dark Lord need to sit down and make up, you have issues, I'll still be here standing up to the Lady Elaine for her foolish and arrogant comments when you are finished.”

Elaine: "You boys fight it out and the winner gets to have a seat beside Me." *Turns and walks into her chamber* "Stuart, find another foot stool and fan for the royal chamber. "

Twiggs: The seat beside her is the THRONE of the Towers of the Plains!!! Gentlemen, we apparently have a challenge for the Kingship of the Towers of the Plains!! I for one am more than man enough to step up to the plate. I realize that Elaine will still rule the Towers and I will still rule Namarushta but an alliance by marriage between our two countries would make the world a powerful place indeed. She is already getting her bedchamber ready too! Could it be that she is tired of the single life and wants to become a mother as well?

Dark Lord glowers at the elf: "You overstep yourself elf. If you can compete then I may as well. So be it. If you make any moves in that direction I will be over your border so fast it will make your head spin.”

Thistle: “Your majesty I am getting orders of troop movements on the Dark Lands borders even as we speak.” He whispers to Twiggs, “It would appear obvious the Evil One is able to communicate with his armies rapidly. Be wary.”

Skragg "Gentleman! Please! A little calmness and decorum here, there is no need to start a war. War is bad for business. As for contestants, there are other prior entries, but I am sure Extensive will be most pleased to Host such a contest so that all get an equal opportunity to participate."

Betred: "Come now, we all know Skragg is correct, and we do have prior offers. Come let us all sit at the negotiation table and I will order refreshments. Surely we can come to an agreement over this event? Now who would like the opportunity to battle for Elaine's Hand and let us now sort out the contestants?”

Rahvin smiling: “I bet 5,000gp that I win.” He noticed the disgusted looks. “Don't look at me like that, I'm poor!” It was obvious that most rulers were more insulted by the bet and none offered to take him up on it.

Betred: “Extensive stands ready to make you a most reasonable loan Rahvin. Come let us talk.” Rahvin though seemed disinclined to use Extensive at this time.

Twiggs “Fine I put 500,000gp on Damien to kick Rahvin's butt and another 500,000gp on Harpin to Kick Damien's butt!”

Dark Lord: “Done! Then after Damien or Rahvin beat Harpin I’ll let them kick yours as well! Another million says Twiggs ends up fighting Damien or Rahvin and loses!”

Betred: “Your bets are noted in the Platinum Service, Gentlemen. Your credit is excellent and we will extend credit to those who do not have ready cash available at this time for a nominal interest rate.”

Dark Lord: “I have also entered the contest. You must still face me as well forest sprite. You had best hope that one of the others gets to you first. I of course offer the unprecedented figure of 10,000,000 gold pieces that I will be the one who occupies the seat next to Elaine!”

Harpin speaking harshly. (Belatedly. I guess you don’t have to think fast if you have good reactions. Finally, he decided he was missing something and decided to get involved. I blame it, of course. on that Livyanu Rum he has been drinking and his musings for the lost Rebecca.) “I am a gentleman and as Elaine’s OFFICIAL Champion I will be involved, and I will defend her and her Honour against all comers including upstart neo-vampires, who don't have the guts to be the real thing.”

Elaine: momentarily rejoining the argumentative crowd, smiles at Harpin, “You are most welcome to participate on my behalf.”

Rahvin: disgusted: “Trust the brainless fanatic to lap at the heels of the big mouthed bimbo and by guts I assume you mean the stupidity to not be brainless and stupid, vampires, who can’t handle sunlight and act like you think they should act so you can make up excuses to kill us? Is that what I am hearing from you peanut brain? As for Honour…HONOUR?... her HONOUR?!!!! She insulted Jaul, a fallen hero, without any scruples or any regret, and when someone took offense, she waves her fingers and you guys run to do her bidding. Don't talk to me of Honour, for though you serve that Attribute, you obviously have none.” In an aside to Harpin he whispered, "You can get better whores for allot cheaper Harpin."

Harpin: angrily “FOOL! Honour is what I say it is. I need no loud mouth idiot Vampire to tell me of Honour! You are a deader thing when we meet. As for Jaul he was a traitor to his own country and King. Towards the last his foul deeds were brought to light and a promising cleric was lost to his foolish lust for greed! Jaul was an obvious and well known tool of the Dark Lord.”

Dark Lord smiling in a sly aside to Twiggs: “That’s because he was an elf of course. We all know you elves work for me.” Twiggs gave a disgusted and angry look to the Dark Lord and quietly raised the middle digit on his hand in the Dark Lords direction. The Dark Lord smiled amused knowing that he had gotten to the elf.

Elaine speaking bluntly: “You're the only one here looking for cheap whores, Rahvin. You’re unlikely to get any satisfaction so why don’t you take yourself in hand and go home to your wife. As for Jaul, he was foolish and he was stupid to think that the other Kings he sought to betray would not use him and know of it. You call me a whore for stating a truth, like that will change what is! It will not."

Corman McLear: “Hmm has anyone noticed that Rahvin rhymes with Harpin. I must make a ballad of this. Keep talking please.” He scribbles busily on his parchment.

Twiggs looks disgustedly at Corman and then turns back to Rahvin: “Corman, shut up! Rahvin, I can see you will have some trouble passing the literacy portion of the test. You can't possibly win. Even with the Dark Lord holding you up this "brain fried elf" will insure that. Now Elaine has made it clear that a literacy test will have to be involved in the challenge. I suggest we start there. Does anyone else want to start with some rules or is it anything goes?” He smiled sarcastically.

Rahvin speaking sullenly, “Elaine couldn't pass the literacy test either, so who cares? If you want to marry a simple minded chatter box, be my guest.”

Karen of Crystallu spoke angrily and scathingly: “Why must you men always think with your tools? You act like she is a personal item or property that you can pick up at a bargain shop. Strange enough that all that I’ve heard are your thoughts on the power you would acquire and of course sex but I heard nothing of the words Love or Respect. You disgust me! Just for that. I will compete just to keep any of you from winning. If you think Marla my advisor kicks ass you haven’t seen anything yet. As for the bets, I will bet 750,000 platinum on Damien to beat the dung out of the loud mouth Rahvin. Then I bet Harpin to beat all other contenders. For he is the only one to stand up for her Honour of all of you! You call him stupid fanatic and I call him a real man!”

Galebolt appearing to be unaffected by the emotions displayed so far: “I will judge all the contests for my sister and will make any awards necessary, either during or after the event. I will talk with Extensive of the contests that will take place. I suggest we make it clear as to who the actual contestants will be at this time. We have Rahvin, Twiggs, Harpin, Karen, Dick Helmet and Damien. Does anyone else wish the chance to compete? I thought I heard rumors that someone wanted to fight more battles and gain Prestige.” He looks pointedly at the Cy Clan Ruler. Sirron appeared to ignore the challenge, but other Kings seemed to have no problem with that.

Corman McLear: pompously, “I would not miss the opportunity to take part in such a contest of strength.” Even as Corman spoke a voice spoke from the back and what looked like a servant suddenly threw off his disguise. “Nor I!” I am Zozan the Ultimate Barbarian and Rahvin is a traitor and usurper to his rightful King! I will prove my superiority over his dead body and then I will deal with that harlot Aurora in my own way.”

Brytteney surprised also spoke, “Zozan! I had wondered where you had fled. If you compete I shall as well for I will enjoy humiliating you again before I make Damien pay for his cowardly attack.” Damien said nothing but the Dark Lord smiled.

Skragg also smiling, “Very well. I will get with Galebolt and we will plan the contest. The participants will be Rahvin, Twiggs, The Dark Lord, Karen, Zozan, Damien, Harpin, Brytteney and Corman. I count nine rulers unless we have last minute entries. Now I suggest we all adjourn for now to make preparations. Betred and Skragg immediately moved towards Galebolt and Elaine as they discussed a suitable challenge that would bring added benefit to the world. The rewards promised to be great for any who would be successful.

"I approach the Dark Lord and I try to put my hand in his pocket."

A short while later Twiggs was sequestered with his most trusted and closest advisors.

Twiggs: "I need to get a jump on the DL and Damien. If I do a ceremony now what are the chances of pulling it off?”

Breeze: "Without interference? I would say slim to none."

Thistle: "You know that everyone and his brother wants to do a ceremony this month. Heck Skragg is already doing one and you know Sirron is taking Gerrain's place so there is another. I'll bet Rahvin has considered it since he started assuming the throne at the Nylss and I hear rumors of some unknown race trying to take over Tpsolei now that Damien isn’t around. Want to bet he might do one as well."

Roderick: "Don't rule out the DL either. If your ready, he is more than ready and it would be just like him to take advantage of every king that does a ceremony this time by establishing links on them and siphoning off their power. It is not unlike him to have set this whole thing up with Rahvin. The insults against Elaine by Rahvin seem to have precipitated the kind of Chaos the DL likes. There is little doubt to me that Rahvin and his Vampire horde are tools of the evil one. "

Twiggs: nodding thoughtfully, "My thinking as well, but what if we set it up so that when the DL tries his ceremony drain, we are there to mess with him?"

Breeze: “Such a move would be exceedingly dangerous. Especially if we know nothing of his plans or protections, after all while we know the evil one wishes to destroy all, his methods of getting there are never easy to fathom. You would in essence have to try to guess what he is up to and then have make a plan and arrange to have the components to pull it off. It appears to be an impossible task unless you have inside information that I am unaware of.”

Thistle: “That is not the only obstacle either. While I agree we should protect ourselves, why should we risk everything to save people who are just going to try to kill us later? After all the other countries still have not learned to stop stealing from us. In fact despite the heavy penalties we levy the depredations are getting worse. Do you need another bomb in King’s Tree to prove that they will steal whatever they can and decide they are righteous in doing so later?”

Roderick: “Thistle your probably right but two wrongs do not make a right. It is our duty to fight the Dark Lord as Elaine does. Glory isn’t necessary. Victory isn’t guaranteed but it is our responsibility to face him no matter what the personal cost because the alternative is to nasty to contemplate. I just recently spoke with Advisor Ezekiel of the Towers and you know Elaine favors your views about the stealing that the others have been doing to you. Not all of the humans are bad. We go to the battle knowing we may never return. Can we not forgive the loss of some goods in this most important cause?”

Twiggs: “Thistle I tend to agree with Roderick on this one. Looking to Roderick, “We are not including the Towers of course in our condemnations, your people have proven themselves to the world.” Turning back to the rest of the table, “If we can successfully block or even reduce the damage our friend the Dick does then maybe this time the entire world won’t be knocking on our door demanding a cure to save their children, then later paying us back by stealing everything they can from us. Besides I have a card up my sleeve for both our friend Rahvin and his Master the Dark Lord. ”

Thistle: looking disgusted, shakes his head. “OK, so you have some sneaky plan that will probably get us labeled as a new tool of the evil one. I know you want to do it your way and you’re the King, but it still irks me that not one of them said ‘Thank You after we sacrificed so much to save their kids!’ We save the entire next generation of Tree Killers and the best we can get is ‘maybe you’re not a Dark Lord toady right now, but we just know you will be later.’ It’s like the whole situation never happened.” He leaned forward and put his hands on the table, “ Ok, so we are going to save the world again. How?”

The council went on well into the night as the group compared notes and made plans. The elves had been preparing for a ceremony for some time. They had all the components they needed except for the lost and stolen symbiote, but with so many Rulers who might be performing their ceremonies at the same time the interweaving of powers had to be accounted for and protections against tampering had to be put into place. The worst part was that the ceremony had to be ready to include or discount Rulers who might decide to go then or delay. It was a complex situation. There was great risk involved with this endeavor but there were also great rewards if they could succeed.

"'Demon King', huh? That doesn't impress me. Mankind's power has advanced in the many many years you've been imprisoned. And now I, the Great Cy Clan Leader, will show you what magic is really all about."

Far away at a hidden castle in the Dark Lands a small figure in a shiny black, large full-faced, insect like black helmet walked confidently down the hallway followed by a small skipping blonde haired teenage girl and a large soldier baring a Trident dressed in gleaming armor. Dick Helmet was pleased with the recent turn of events and Mar skipping cheerfully behind him spoke, “You seem extraordinarily pleased today Master. Is it that your new advisors have pleased you so much or have we achieved another gain?”

Dick his voice deep and musical for so small a person appeared amused. “Both child. Rahvin has pleased me mightily. I had prepared to start just such a contention and he does it for me without me having to prompt him. Things go well in my plans so far. As for my advisors, I am also well pleased with them. They are a great improvement over the last two groups I had. I must thank Sirron and Betred for this. Betred for the selection of the party, and Sirron with Gerrain for causing them so much hardship that they ended up having to come here. If not for them and Twiggs getting wind of what was happening with Betred’s Token I would still be doing it all myself.”

Mar spoke questioningly. “Master, I am confused by your choice of advisors. Would it not be better to have ones who are more loyal and from our own country? Several of these could be spies.”

Helmet shook is head negatively as he continued down the hall. A large door guarded by two Legion Troopers was at the far end. His advisors waited within. “That is the mistake many Rulers, including I, have made. It has proven to be an error. I once thought as you did and so did many another. However, Betred and Twiggs have shown us a better way.”

“Look you at this. Do we not know all about our own country? Most of our dealings are outside of our borders. Advisors from the other countries are a must. For who better to be able to explain the mores and customs of each country so that I know when a mistake is being made. This particular bunch was well traveled and knows more than others gave them credit for. They have a proven record of accomplishment against heavy odds. After all look how many Rulers actually meddled with them and yet they accomplished the goal.”

“Besides, Advisors can be watched and monitored. If they feed me false information I will soon know it and replace them. If they do well, I will reward them beyond their wildest expectations.” He arrived at the door and magically it opened before him and he walked inside. He smiled behind his helmet at the assembled group patiently awaiting him. He would have to do something similar in the future and get some more. It never hurt to have replacements for advisors in the Dark Lands for they were always a target of some Rulers Wrath.

“Welcome my most honoured colleagues. What kind of Death and Destruction shall we cause in the world today?” He asked them in an amused voice as he sat at the long conference table. He looked immediately to his right. “Tell me Artuneys Sendant what transpires in the world that we should be notified off?”

“It is as you surmised Master. Damien was able to easily take the Spouting Mountains and Brytteney has run crying to Livyanu, as we wanted her to do. The Tpsoleins have been ‘allowed’ to revert back to their old race and this will set the stage for their downfall later. The Jelgai has pronounced my banishment under pressure from the Elf King who has put a very large bounty on my head. Corman wasted little time doing the same to Doc Ryan’s head. We had little choice but to flee here. Rumor has it that Sirron has killed Gerrain in fair combat for the same reason. He is now King of the Chaka Forest.” The roar of laughter from the Dark Lord interrupted him. “What’s so funny?” asked Doc Ryan seated next to Mar on the left side of the table.

“Twiggs is funny and when not being irritating, he is most amusing.” Chuckled the Dark Lord. “He should have chosen Vengeance as his Attribute. Sirron will be much easier to deal with than Gerrain was. Sirron is even more reclusive and tends to take no real actions as he constantly fears to take the necessary steps a ruler many times needs to take. The Chaka forest is no longer on my danger list. Remind me to bring Death to his country in month three if he hasn’t killed his current advisors by then.” He told Artuneys, who nodded and marked it down. “I suspect our friend Twiggs is a bit miffed at the new King and he won’t just accept Gerrain’s death as Justice.”

Doc Ryan nodded as well, as Mar looked confused. Ryan smiled as he spelled it out for her. “Twiggs will appear to accept the verdict. World opinion is on the side of the Cy Clan there. The Rulers rule is that the one who orders a minion to do damage in another country is responsible for the actions of that person. Not the person himself. As the leader in Justice Gerrain had two choices, he could either have Sirron killed for the good of his people and say that Sirron disobeyed the ruler or he could accept Justice upon his own head. Gerrain did not take the easy way out by killing Sirron as the Dark Lord suspected he would not, probably much to the surprise of several rulers. I believe Gerrain deliberately allowed Sirron to kill him for several reasons of his own besides this. Since Twiggs demanded Sirron be killed Gerrain’s death means that Justice has been done and that legally Twiggs has no other recourse. Justice has been satisfied.”

“Well said,” stated Dick Helmet smiling. “We both know though that Twiggs will not forget. He is not done with Sirron. He will now use more underhanded and devious methods on the new King of the Cy Clan. I think that will keep him busy for some time. We have more grave concerns. I have been proven correct though in my words at the Battle of Tlashtek. Elaine and Betred are the ones to watch. Tell me Jaul of Tlashtek and disgraced elf of Namarushta what in your opinion will Betred be doing?”

Jaul sat at the table looking like some sort of bizarre Frankenstein’s monster. He was not fully regenerated back to his elf body yet but one could see it was in progress. Eventually he would look like any other elf! In the meantime, one ear was hanging limply by his neck while the other drooped over his bald head. His scalp was a crisscross of flesh in varying states of decay from sickly to desiccated. Jaul’s right eye was missing having fallen out somewhere. He had been unable to retrieve it. Of his whole body only his nose and his left eye remained perfectly alive. He was still a Namarushtan elf but after having been vaporized by the blast at Talshtek and put back together by Twiggs and the Dark Lord he was no longer quite alive. The Dark Lord had the power to return him in a zombie’s body, and Twiggs with his power of elf regeneration was slowly putting it all back together.

Parts of him were perfectly healthy while other parts were decaying at an alarming rate still. Eventually, Jaul would be restored enough on the outside but he would be an undead for a very long time unless Twiggs relented on his vengeance. The Dark Lord had pointed out to Twiggs that Jaul could be useful and surely Twiggs did not think he had been punished enough? Perhaps Sirron also should be made aware of the dangers of crossing two such powerful Kings. Twiggs had agreed. Jaul now served the Dark Lord half between death and life under the Power of two of the most prestigious Kings in the world.

“My Looorrd”, a loud 'thunk' echoed throughout the room as Jaul’s jaw dropped onto the table. Looking in disgust he picked it up and placed it back into position where it immediately healed and almost as immediately died and began to decay.

“My Lord, Betred has made a stunning move. In one stroke he has regained his Kingdom and eliminated any Talashtekian who was not completely loyal to him. His new powers and with the resources of Extensive Enterprises, have proven to be a most powerful combination. Betred has already started construction on his new city/palace and if the designs and rumors are true it will be an artifact in and of itself mirroring a deceptive and powerful design. That will give him two artifacts to most Kings one, for it seems that like you Betred has learned to spread his power out over several unique artifacts.”

The Dark Lord nodded, “Then he has learned the lesson I wished to teach him. He learned that his old Token was useless for his abilities and now thanks to me he has learned to have a backup power source or even several of them available. It will be more difficult for the other Kings to interfere in his affairs now. What of my plans to steer him and Skragg into a partnership?”

Jaul somewhat stupidly continued as if he had not been interrupted. A dead man does not think well. “While he will not be able to possess such power personally because of his own powers, I am sure he will design it in such a way that it will be of immense use none the less. Further, with his new partnership with Lord Skragg, Betred has more than doubled his resources. Skragg’s knowledge and abilities at management with his control of the criminal underworld make them a formidable team that rivals even your own controls of the darker elements, Master.”

“Betred’s power to make inventions and the Extensive Enterprise ability to acquire raw resources from virtually every country has made the two the most powerful team in the world and neither is +1 yet. STOP THAT!” This last was directed at Doc Ryan who had been carefully picking at Jaul’s shoulder in amazement. Doc jumped back into his seat still staring at Jaul’s shoulder, “That is simply incredible. The blending of life and death is amazing. Does it hurt?” Jaul stared deep into Doc’s eyes with his empty socket and spoke in a cold whisper, “More than you can possibly imagine, for I can feel the rotting of my very being.”

Turning back to the amused Dark Lord, who had watched Ryan with interest, Jaul continued as Doc sat examining the unique magic he had acquired off the Zombie. “My Lord it is my humble opinion that Betred is going to try to expand his power even farther.” Artunys looked up quickly, “By having a ceremony? He is more than ready for one but still much to paranoid to not get good clean components for the same reasons he could not get a clean token of power previously. He is constantly being watch by many rulers. I have made sure of that.”

Jaul stared at Artunys with the same dead expression but the cleric merely smiled back before apologizing, “Sorry, please continue.” Once again turning back to the Dark Lord Jaul continued with a far colder voice, “It is my opinion that he will attempt to capture the entire country of Mu Ugalan A. I firmly believe that the death of Granite was no ‘accident’ and in so doing he will not only increase his resources by three fold but he will pick up the Inventor Katrina to be his wife.”

Glancing icily at the smiling cleric, “So yes, I suspect he will use this as a ceremony to drastically increase his world influence in the subtle manners of Extensive. I believe he will almost completely forsake combat options and will move on to a far subtler and far reaching means of influencing world events. His prestige is now already being built and several Kings have suggested that they would be reluctant to invite his wrath by making a direct attack on his facilities. His power is feared. His threats of embargo on anyone destroying Extensive Facilities are some proof of this. The Rulers reactions back this up completely. What Betred cannot acquire openly and peacefully, Skragg will acquire by devious and forceful ways! The two make a powerful combination that many Kings will find difficult to beat unless they make alliances with powerful patrons.”

Jaul paused to replace his fingers before continuing. The incredible pain he felt as an undead was beginning to leak into his voice. “I also believe Skragg is doing his ceremony and is going to clean up the mess left by his predecessor, however we are certain that it will not be completed until, at earliest, Month Two. He has spent many years preparing his ceremony and it is my opinion that it is already underway and will culminate when Betred’s ceremony is completed. This will link both Rulers together and the country of Shennu will no longer be the incompetent overly bureaucratic complicated mess it once was. Betred is using his talents and powers to streamline that country as well. In a final note, it has been rumored that Skragg is of demonic origin and has the actual appearance of a large and bestial ape with oversize jaws and fangs and covered in electric blue fur. His main advisor is one Jade Pearl and she appears to handle many of his affairs which is unusual in this country but Skragg is rumored to be unpredictable and eccentric.”

“It is my opinion that Skragg’s ceremony will fit him to be the eyes, ears and hands of Betred. Betred will be the guiding force and Skragg the instrument of that force. It is not the Cy Clan army we need to fear. It is Betred’s ability to scheme and Skragg’s ability to improvise from any opening while acting as a control on Betred’s more impulsive behavior. Betred will state what he wants, Skragg will make it happen and the combination will be deadly. Much more so than the Twiggs and Elaine combination that is not as smoothly run. In my opinion though they should not be our immediate main focus.” The others looked at him wondering what he was about to say that would contradict the Master.

Jaul though seemed to have little care of the danger he might be undergoing. “In my opinion Twiggs is more of a threat to your immediate goals than Betred or Skragg. Twiggs has proven to be both capable and adept at hitting multiple targets with multiple plans. It is my view that Sirron will not take all his attention and despite the rhetoric I feel that the Sirron/Twiggs debates are just as much of a smokescreen as your debates with Sirron. I feel you are making a grave error in ignoring the elf.” Jaul sat down and stared deeply into the pits of hell from where he had come.

The Dark Lord laughed loudly, “Well done Jaul! A most excellent report and I believe it to be accurate since it matches much of what I have seen lately. Even the Elf Lord has appeared to rely more and more on Extensive Services. I do not think we need deal with Betred or Skragg for now except in a normal business manner. We shall wait until Betred takes the dwarf country, but if I know Twiggs he will throw a problem into that as well. I seriously doubt Betred will come to Elaine’s little party, but her and Betred are now my Prime Targets. Elaine will fall first. Then Betred. Then Twiggs. The others are as dust under my feet.”

“As for your assessment of Twiggs, he is a nuisance and nothing more. He will be attempting to foil Betred and we will help him to find evidence that Granite was indeed murdered. We will continue to goad Sirron and the elf as well, tying them up and he will have little time to bother me. I will also have him distracted at the tournament and he will pose little problem to me. Just because he arranged your death does not mean he is all-powerful or even a threat. Still it is your job to be wary and advise. I can afford to let your criticism of my plan be forgotten.” He stared at Jaul for a few moments and then smiling turned to the others. Come let us rest and take our ease.” The group laughing gaily left the room. Jaul sat quietly in agony, thinking, and knowing no peace in death.

What kind of sound does a Muffled Bell Make? DUNG!

Several days’ later trumpets blared and crowds cheered as the Rulers of the Petal Throne walked down the broad red carpet to the Palace of the Towers of the Plains to be officially greeted by Queen Elaine. Word of the tournament had spread fast and anyone who could be there and was ANYONE of Note was in the Towers of the Plains to cheer their favorite Ruler to victory. The crowd was as multicultural as it was immense.

Towers Knights and Men At Arms patrolled the streets and kept peace along the way. The houses were gaily decorated and flowers garlanded a series of arches that led up the road. Cheering crowds in colorful clothes highlighted the spectacle. The first to arrive at the far end of the red carpet was King Twiggs of Namarushta and his wife Breeze of the Southern winds.

People cheered as their carriage rolled up pulled by eight giant man-eating spiders. The crowd edged slowly away from the giant insects as two footmen dressed in the finest silks and wearing Namrushtan Cloaks opened the door to the coach. A beautiful Elvin maiden stepped from the coach wearing a shimmering Shennuian Spider Silk dress of deep red.

Lorega Jarvic formerly of Talashtek stepped aside smiling and waving at the crowd with her long dark green hair blowing in the gentle breeze. Lorega’s dress was so tight that it seemed to leave little to the imagination and she smiled happily at the comments that were directed at her in jest by several of the men. She blew several a kisses and dropped a handkerchief of red silk that was quickly recovered by several dozen near by men.

Behind her another Elvin maiden known by most to be Rebecca of Livyanu disembarked daintily from the coach. The elf Rebecca was dressed in a simple but elegant sky blue dress and looking nervous, smiled shyly and moved to the other side of the carriage door. Rebecca was not as sexually intimidating as the Rebecca but seemed to be much more delicately beautiful. Her mannerisms and attitude were innocently shy and she was dressed to reveal little of her figure, her dress being looser fitting.

A third Elvin maiden stepped from the carriage wearing a Chaka Forest Robe that highlighted the strangely cubic symbol of Gerrain. She was as beautiful but much smaller in stature and her green hair reached almost down to her ankles. The robe was a soft and almost luminous yellow that seemed to highlight her strong features. Unlike the bolder Lorega or the shy Rebecca though she looked very pale and there was a cold uninviting light in her eyes. She was no less beautiful in her own way but she invited no attention and others seemed to avoid her.

Finally Breeze herself stepped daintily from the carriage and wave cheerfully to the crowd. Breeze had started life as a nymph before becoming an elf and she was even more voluptuous than Lorega. Her forest Green dress leant a colorful display to the proceedings. She seemed cheerful happy and carefree and she exchanged several jokes with the crowd. The four women standing side by side were a colorful sight but showed a wide range of attitudes as finally Twiggs himself stepped from the coach waving gaily.

He stood in the doorway for a moment acknowledging the crowds cheers and motioned for his footman and coachman to distribute hands full of copper pieces to the crowds. He was about to go into a speech when a puff of acrid black smoke appeared between him and the elf woman and the Dark Lord stepped from the cloud. “Still collecting woman I see, Twiggs. You know, History is full of races and creatures that could not control their appetites. You keep on like this and you’ll screw yourself into extinction!” Twiggs looked disgusted and the crowd fell silent. “You, Dick, are always showing up where your least wanted or needed, much like an unwanted season. Don’t they have a law that says you’re to be killed on sight here?” He shouldered past the Dark Lord and stood between him and his woman.

The Dark Lord laughed, “Everyone threatens to kill me. Sirron postures and threatens, Jarod postures and threatens. They must be pretty bad because no one has gotten the job done yet, but like the fools you are, you all keep trying. The crowd waited in stunned and deathly silence. None of them had forgotten the destruction and death of the Towers Capital city in Month One when Sir Robert had insulted the Dark Lord and claimed to have as much power as the Evil One. The Dark Lord’s response had been prompt and deadly and his vengeance against Sir Robert had almost destroyed every child in the world. Few had forgotten the lesson.

Mar stepped gaily from the still billowing smoke and gleefully took her Masters arm waving happily to the crowd. She was dressed pleasantly in clothes normal for a teen girl. Smiling broadly Dick Helmet and Mar walked down the red carpet following the elves that had been greeted personally by Queen Elaine. With Damien following the Dark Lord and Mar, Ezekiel who watched the trio closely greeted them. The crowd was almost completely quiet and said little not wanting to antagonize one who had proved his power so many times.

Rahvin arrived next on the back of a large and lavishly decorated Bunda Beast with Aurora at his side. He was expensively dressed in fine robes of Toazami furs and sported several gold chains, rings and bracelets. Aurora was dressed in a plain simple robe with a gold belt and fur trim on the tossed back hood, the ends of the sleeves and the hem of the robe. A small golden crown of obvious dwarf manufacture banded her hair. Behind the Bunda Beast marched a menagerie of animals, several dwarf slaves, and several large wagons for the trip. The slaves carried large brightly colored banners and tossed coppers to the crowd. An elaborate stairs was pushed next to the large beast and Rahvin and Aurora stepped to the ground and started to followed the Dark Lord inside. As they passed under a flower laden stone arch especially erected for the occasion, a pile of juicy Dung suddenly fell from a cleverly concealed trapdoor onto their heads with a wet sucking splash.

In shock Rahvin and Aurora stood dripping, a stinking, sloppy mess, as Security teams went into action rushing the couple away as the crowd roared in laughter. Rahvin was threatening mayhem upon the assemble population. Meanwhile Ezekiel with several security members from Extensive had traced the trip wire back to a group of dwarves. The dwarves were immediately arrested for questioning.

Just A Dinner Among Friends? Not likely, Chummer!

Later that day, freshly cleaned and having received an apology from Elaine for the insult by the dwarves, Rahvin walked through the morning sunshine up to the palisade leading to the Namarushtian embassy. Like the elves he was going to meet he wore darkly tinted glass. Two of the King’s guard stood outside the gate standing at attention. Rahvin let slip a large fang filled smile at their rigid stance and their highly polished silver armor. He could rip them apart in less time than it would take to think about it. The thought pleased him.

At his side Aurora mirrored his smile but whispered, “Don’t underestimate the elves. Look above.” Rahvin looked above the gate but there was nothing on top of the wall. He was just about to say so when he noticed a movement behind a crack in the wall. He studied it for a moment as the two approached the gate. “Clever”, he whispered to Aurora, “hidden arrow slits. It will take more than arrows to stop us though. If we meant trouble of course.”

Aurora smiled, “True, but we are here to test the Elf King and see what he knows, not start another fight in the middle of the Towers Kingdom, even though that cheap slut Elaine deserves it. I still think she put those dwarves up to it. Zozan was always lusting after the cow as well. So behave yourself and watch your tongue. For I am certain the elf also has a devious plan to use on you, be wary.” Rahvin grumbled unapologetically and walked on.

As the couple approached the elves on the gate came to attention and saluted. Aurora’s pleasant voice sang quietly through the night air, “King Rahvin and Queen Aurora of the Nylss Mountains to converse by invitation with His Majesty King Barkhaven.” The guard saluted once and spoke through the bars in the elf tongue. A few seconds later an Elf Officer stepped up to the gate and stared at the two for a long moment. He mumbled a few words casting a spell and then nodded to someone behind the wall. The gate opened quietly and the Officer bowed low, “Your Majesties it is my honour to escort you to dinner. If you would be so kind as to follow me?”

Turning the Officer led the pair down a crushed gravel path that wound through what appeared to be a real forest toward the biggest tree they had ever seen. The path shone with a soft white light as the trio walked slowly toward the great tree at the center of the miniature forest. Small animals and birds sang their songs and chittered busily to one another beside the trail and over their heads as the path passed beneath a wide variety of trees. The sights and sounds were amazing considering but a moment ago they were walking the city streets of the Towers largest city. Rahvin could almost swear he heard a large cat prowling in the shadows. Rahvin again smiled, he had no fear of beasts.

The Officer walked slowly up to a wide fountain that looked more like a natural spring bubbling out of the ground. Kneeling and speaking a few words in the elf language, he drank and turned to offer a cool drink to Rahvin and Aurora. Rahvin looked at the fountain carefully, for it could contain Holy Water. He placed his hand in the water but nothing happened. It was small barely 10 foot around. Its sides were lined with smooth rounded stones and flowers of all shapes and sizes surrounded its surface. Fish swam gently in the waters and insects buzzed merrily through the plants. He looked at Aurora and nodded, both chose not to drink. It would be like Twiggs to slip small amounts of holy Water into things. They would be wary.

The sweet smells of the flowers pleasantly assaulted their nostrils as they waited for the elf to finish. The Elf Officer smiled politely and continued down the path. As they approached the base of the giant tree the smaller trees ended abruptly in a large clearing which surrounded their destination. The path wound a slightly curved course through the short grass straight to the base of the tree itself. Small planters of various types of plants sat artistically placed along the path. Rahvin recognized a few but most were totally foreign and he didn’t pay them much mind as the giant tree itself held his gaze.

It was some sort of Oak and it stood well over two hundred feet tall. Its base was easily big enough around to fit over a good-sized house. Rahvin had heard that the elves lived in trees but try as he might he could see none in the branches of that monster of trees. When the Officer stopped at the base of the great tree like they had arrived at their destination Rahvin almost laughed at him but held back at Aurora’s touch on his arm. The Officer turned to make sure they were still behind him, bowed slightly and then disappeared into the tree trunk! Rahvin stood there for a moment in complete surprise.

Aurora’s chuckle came at him mockingly, “I told you the elves live in trees.” Rahvin looked at her and gestured at the giant branches of the Oak, “That is in Namarushta and I thought you meant up there.” Aurora’s slight smile stayed on her lips her delicate cameo face filled with amusement as she stepped up to the spot where the Officer had stood and then she also took a step into the trunk of the tree. Rahvin frowned and followed immediately.

As he neared the spot he saw that the two had not simply vanished into the tree but had actually passed through an incredibly concealed door. He studied it carefully. Next time such a door would not fool him for he had ways of seeing that were not human or elf. The elves had given away a trick he could find useful. Even when it was left fully open Rahvin had not noticed it until he was practically standing in front of it. Walking into the tree Rahvin found the Officer waiting patiently as Aurora carefully studied a Crystallu painting hanging next to the entrance.

It depicted the Battle of Tlashtek, particularly it showed Elaine and Galebolt standing among their troops holding back the hordes of undead and monsters that surrounded them. In the background you could almost but not quite make out the image of the Dark Lord. Rahvin was impressed. He could feel hunger and lust of the monsters as they tried to break the pathetic line of humans. The Dark Lord radiated an impossible degree of power but there was a smell and feeling of great corruption and time. He could also feel the frustration and fear of the monsters as the Holy Power of Elaine kept them from doing their Masters bidding. The Towers and Jelgai knights radiated such a mixture of feelings that he was astounded that the picture could be made to deliver that much sheer emotional content. His sight told him the picture was not made with magic but drawn in such a way that it had somehow become magical. It was a priceless work of art and he had never seen it’s like before.

Rahvin studied the portrait deeply and considered carefully. No person would place such a piece in a casual doorway. It was so obviously a test that Rahvin was not impressed. He would have to remind Twiggs that Vampires were very intelligent. If he thought that this painting would change his opinion of Elaine or show him something about the Dark Lord that he didn’t already know then Twiggs was more of an idiot than he should be. Rahvin turned away from the painting as if bored. Being undead Rahvin undoubtedly saw much more in the picture than any elf could.

Smiling the Officer nodded to Rahvin and continued on further into the entrance hall. A strong natural incense kept the entrance hall smelling fresh and clean. Although Rahvin’s superior nose could just make out the robust smell of tree sap. Aurora walked beside him pointing out the various decorations and where they had come from, “Breeze must have decorate this place. No man has this much taste.”

The Officer led them to small door where he gestured for them to wait before he entered and announced them. Rahvin and Aurora stepped into the private dining hall and found King Twiggs with his wife Queen Breeze sitting at a circular table big enough to seat six comfortably. As Rahvin and Aurora walked in Twiggs rose and bowed to them slightly welcoming them, “Greetings Rahvin. It is so good of you to come on such short notice. I know this must be early in the day for you, it being just after sunrise and all, but I suspected you would manage it. Aurora, you're looking striking this evening. Allow me to offer my sincere apologies for the insulting joke that was played on you. Some rulers have never grown up and I suspect Zozan paid the dwarves to do it. Please sit. Make yourselves comfortable.”

Elf servants held their chairs as the two sat and poured them a glass of wine each placing silver knives and forks next to Crystallu table wear. Rahvin noted the silver but said nothing. It was obvious that Twiggs was searching for a weakness in Vampires. The trail coming in, the picture, the scents, now the silver told him much more about Twiggs than Twiggs would discover from him. Rahvin sniffed at the wine suspiciously. Twiggs smiled, “Parthanos wine, once bottled in Namarushta now copyrighted by Spouting Mountains. Or at least it was until Damien took over. Now I am unsure where it is going to be made from. That is an interesting legal point. Does the conqueror of the country hold the copyrights of the that country or does the deposed monarch?”

Rahvin ignored the wine as he thought about Twiggs question. “I am no lawyer, but if Brittany thinks she can bottle and merchandise the wine by herself then let her try. However my Extensive Agent informed me that the invention stays in the country of origin. Besides, as long as she is living off of the scraps of Harpin’s table, the copyrights are not doing her any good. In MY opinion, a monarch IS the country, once deposed he or she is nothing, likewise a conqueror has proven to have the power to rule that country and as such he becomes the country. I would say Damien has a strong case if anyone wishes to bottle Parthanos wine without his permission.”

Rahvin studied Twiggs over the edge of his glass. “I must admit that I was a little surprised at your invitation Twiggs, it would appear that in this time of change I have been painted as the next Dark Lord.” Aurora gripped his arm, “He is no fool and he knows propaganda when he hears it.” Rahvin smiled, “Of course, but public opinion is never something to be taken for granted. What do you think Twiggs, will the new rulers be ruled by the public opinion, or will they rule over it?”

Twiggs paused for a moment as servants offered trays with various nuts and berries none of which Rahvin or Aurora accepted, “I have had a great deal of experience in this area. The WORLD thought of the elves as evil and tools of the Dark Lord. While I admit that our view is different than those of the humans it is not evil. However, world perception affects the way people react to you and that control what you can and can't do. If the world thinks your evil you will find things very difficult to accomplish. Competent rulers tend to control what people think of them while lesser rulers run in circles reacting to propaganda. In short: you can't ignore propaganda but you can influence it."

Rahvin licked his fangs as he listened to the elf’s view. "My thoughts exactly, and the best examples to follow are the ones who have been at it for centuries. The Elves have not been popular in history, yet always manage to hang on and prevail. Whatever the future may bring Twiggs, however much we might get on each other’s nerves, I will always respect your skill. I may not like your views, and I doubt I'll ever like being on the receiving end of your schemes, but only a fool would not respect your ingenuity and knack for survival. Speaking of survival... I thought Elaine was going to "grace" us with her presence."

Breeze smiled and spoke up quickly, "She is unfortunately not going to make it but sends her regards. If you truly want to speak of survival though I would suggest that you be more careful of how you voice your opinions. You’re new to the ruler position and you have made a strong impression but it is a thin line between brilliance and insanity. As we have all learned the hard way provoking the rulers of the world into action often has dire consequences. To date you have been lucky because most rulers have a lot to do but if you continue to poke the hive, the bees will eventually come for you. While I am sure that you are quite strong, enough stings can bring down even the strongest. As we said before, propaganda is but an opinion and it does not even have to be a true one. People's beliefs govern their actions. If the rulers of the world allow you to get away with continually insulting them their people will begin to think them weak.”

She adjusted the tablecloth a moment, “No one can afford that. I believe it was mere propaganda that got you into this current tournament is it not? Do you know that at least three of the current contestants wish to kill you during this simple contest? They will try to make it look accidental of course or even make it look like it is your fault but you would be wise to be prepared."

Rahvin's sincere laughter filled the room and he took a moment to wipe a tear from his eye. Squeezing Aurora's shoulder, "You sound exactly like my wife a few days ago. I guess great women think alike. I realize that my mouth gets me into trouble, but discretion is not something that is commonly taught in the Nylss. I am learning, and if the advice were good enough to come from both of you then I would be a fool not to heed it.”

Rahvin leaned forward his eye color shifting chromatically and Breeze appeared fascinated. “ Still the old rulers seem to have gotten set in their ways and that can make things much easier for me. Change is something that is needed or the world will stagnate and many of the power brokers here have not had a suitable challenge for many years. Sometimes it takes someone with a vision and a fresh view to shake up the powers that be. If I can stir some of the old bees up then I feel it is my duty to do so, I just don't wish to find myself stung more than I expect. Like a bear searching for honey, I will take some stings but the bees will learn to fear my approach. This is good for us all. As for the tournament that was of my choosing and already it gives me opportunities that the other rulers will be unprepared to counter, the wise money should be with me for I have initiated the events."

Rahvin sat back breaking Breeze’s concentration and smiled at Twiggs. He saw that his little demonstration had not failed and Twiggs realized that elves were not immune to his gaze. Twiggs would be aware that Rahvin had performed an open test as well. He would realize that Rahvin was intelligent and dangerous and he would be wary of any future tests.

Breeze smiled at Rahvin. “I understand about discretion. It has taken many years for me to teach that lesson to Twiggs.” She pauses to smile at her husband who merely chuckled. “He has finally learned it and has proven to be quite good at taking the long view. Have some freshly roasted Sunflower Seeds. They are delicious.” She said taking some from the servants offered tray. Twiggs also took some seeds and began eating them. Rahvin and Aurora politely declined though.

"I also understand your confidence. You’re largely an unknown to the world but I wouldn't be over confident. The rulers you are up against are among the strongest with a large amount of experience behind them at dealing with challenges. Some never respond immediately but wait for the proper moments to strike and you have given many of them reason to want satisfaction. They may not find a way to 'accidentally' kill you but they will still strike hard. Having been on the receiving end of a few of those blows myself, I can tell you that it is not a great deal of fun. So what are your plans for improving the Nylss?"

Rahvin, "Ah, yes, overconfidence. That is a snare that the prideful fall into allot, I am confident in my abilities, but I have planned in case I fail. Failure is always a possibility, the moment you don't plan for it is when it will happen. As for the Nylss, I'm hoping to infuse it with some much-needed intelligence. The days of relying on strength and brute force to take whatever is needed is a thing of the past. The Nylss will be self-sufficient eventually. The commercial revolution has already started, and hopefully in the next few months the Nylss will be a major contender in the industrial scene. The government has already been revamped, and I'm now turning my attention to the areas of civil order and the military. Both will be improved greatly in the upcoming months." Rahvin continued to ignore his wine and studied Twiggs, "If you don't mind my asking, why have you had dealings with Sirron when he was involved in the terrorist attacks upon your country just a short while ago?"

Twiggs motioned for the first course, a light salad, to be brought in, "Simple, I demanded Justice. Gerrain is now dead. Gerrain was the one that ordered Sirron to perform those acts of terrorism so Justice is served. I don't LIKE Sirron. He has proven himself to be a Tree Killer of the highest order but the Chaka Forest has paid for their crimes against my people. At least as far as they and the rest of the world are concerned. So I must accept that fact or fly in the face of propaganda. Sirron is very much aware of how I feel and firmly believes he can convince me that I need not fear him."

Looking into Rahvin's eyes, "No, I don't fear him. But I can afford to take the long view. Who knows? The Dark Lord might take care of Sirron before he becomes a problem. Then I won't have to worry about annoying the entire world, again." Twiggs sat up straight and looked more serious. "Now onto the real discussion. You have just struck upon the topic I asked you here about, the industrialization of the Nylss. Most countries started off like you, and then like you, decided they wanted something different, something better. Now look at them. Talashtek is a dump. Sure the palace looks good and the noble’s quarters are nice but the countryside is an industrial waste nightmare with all their toxic dumping. It takes a lot to keep that stuff from draining into the forest. Shennu is worse. Over population has made their problems three times as bad as what Talashtek faces. We won't even talk about the Dark Lands or Mu Ugalan A. They have had untold centuries to despoil their territories and it shows.”

“You and I see things slightly differently. We aren't like humans who live for only a century or so at best. We are in it for the long haul. I for one don't want to be staring at a strip mine or a barren wasteland where once a mighty country stood. Do you? Of course not, so what I purpose is a partnership, my environmental expertise and your raw resources. With that combination you would be able to grow crops for your peasants on land that wouldn't otherwise be able to produce. You would be able to harvest minerals without destroying the countryside and subjecting yourself to landslides, earthquakes, and erosion. With Namarushtian medical technology your peasants would be healthier and thus happier and more productive. Just for example, you have the famous Blue Rock do you not? With your ability to create animals and my ability to create plants and heal just about anything, we can mine the mineral safely and give you something unique to provide the world. There are a large number of other possibilities but we can approach those later. What do you think?"

The wine glass clinked softly as it was set onto the table still untested. A clouded expression flashed over Rahvin's face as he considered Twigg's proposal. "In theory it sounds great, but such close relations would require more than you think. Our peoples have many things in common but we also have many differences. I am favorable to this arrangement but if any of your people were to look beneath the surface of things they might not approve of what they find. The elves are the so called Light of the World, whether the humans see it or not some of the customs and underlying policies of the Nylss cannot be viewed by any good personage to be anything other than wicked or evil. Would your people be able to accept that?"

Twiggs sat back and thought for a moment. Servants busied themselves bringing in the next course carried on cold iron trays. Setting the trays down in front of the rulers and warning them that they were quite hot, they took off the lids to reveal a beautifully laid out eggplant casserole. Twiggs continued, "I would not have made the offer if I didn't think it possible. I think you have missed something that most everyone else also ignores. We work with humans. We work closely with humans from almost every country in the world including Livyanu although you'll never find one of them that will admit it. Our gardeners and healers used to be famous. Now thanks to Extensive they freely travel the world. The part that you are missing is that ninety percent of what humans do can only be considered as wicked. They murder entire forests so that they might despoil clearings and fields with their homes and their crops. They raise and butcher and eat the Brothers of the Forest. They enslave each other. Did you know that in Livyanu slavery is not only legal it is expected? No Garth is complete without at least 10 manual laborers and many have hundreds. Even the Towers people with whom we are most closely allied behave in this fashion. Not the slavery of course but you would be hard pressed to tell from their peasant folk.”

“They are the premier lawful goods of the world and no one doubts them. Yet to us they have practices that rival your cruelest behaviors. We don't like it but it is a fact of life that the world is not going to change simply because we don't like it. Now we can sit at home and complain and gripe about how the world is going to hell like the Livyanuians do. Or we can get off our butts and try to do something about it.” This deal would be the first step in convincing the world that perhaps we are not just spouting political ideals.”

“ If we can take the stupidest people in the poorest country in the world, no offenses intended, and help them become a super power WITHOUT destroying their homeland. In fact make them better because they are living WITH their land instead of abusing it. Then we may be able to convince other countries to rethink their ideals. How much longer do you think Talashtek can go on dumping their scroll and ink waste into their water supply without affecting their populace? They are poisoning themselves faster then they know. Why? It is cheaper than recycling.”

“Here is our chance to show them a better way. To PROVE that under the harshest conditions our way is better, stronger, faster, and cheaper. Can my people accept your customs? Probably not but they won't interfere. Now, the same question to you, Can you keep your people from eating my elves?" Twiggs sits back a moment to take a drink of wine. "Since neither of us is foolish enough to simply TRUST the other what do you propose we do about this? What if Breeze and I visit the Nylss and witness first hand these customs? Then we can decide more definitely. Or perhaps you and Aurora would like to visit Namarushta? There is no reason this has to be a one way visit."

Breeze looked up from her eggplant, "I would like to see the aurora for which you are named Aurora. Do you think that would be possible? Then there are the fantastic beasts. Are they really warped by the Blue Metal or is it a careful breeding practice? So what exactly is this Blue Metal anyway? I have heard a great deal about it but have never even seen a piece. Nor have I heard that anyone knows what it does."

Aurora smiled without showing fang, "Finally an interesting person to talk to. None of this all business lets see what we can get out of the other guy testosterone match. I would be delighted to show you the sights of the Nylss just as I would be delighted to see the sights of your countries. If the garden outside is just a small sample I would be truly impressed with the real thing. As for the Blue Metal, no one knows what it does because it has never been researched, and Zozan would never allow anyone else to study it. The best research team Extensive could provide is investigating the Blue Metal now." Aurora reached up and unclasped a small amulet from her around her neck, “In fact, here is a piece of it as a show of good faith. My father used it in his work. He was one of the greatest beast makers of our time. I have used it upon occasion myself. I give it to you now as a show of our friendship.” Breeze smiled brightly thanking Aurora as she took the necklace.

Rahvin continued trying hard to conceal his surprise at his wife’s generosity, "Harpin might know what the metal is, but he isn't talking. His axe appears to be made from the Blue Metal, a fact he does not broadcast. I agree that a visit is in order. If you can stomach what you see then I would be honoured if you would aid the Nylss in its Industrial Revolution. To clarify, there is a difference between eating humans, who are beneath us, and eating elves which are equals. The humans come and go, and even to themselves their lives are cheap."

Breeze spoke, “I noticed neither of you have taken a bite or drank anything. Do you suspect us of trying to poison you?” Aurora laughed, “Not at all, but we are Vampires you know. Regular food no longer agrees with us. Luckily we suspected you might not remember that we live on blood and fed well before we arrived. I noticed that the path was blessed as we approached as well. You see being Undead we have Undead Sight that allows us to perceive many things. Touch my skin. To you it will feel cold for blood warms us inside and our skin is a powerful insulator against many things. Direct sunlight to us is much like the elves, very painful to us but it will not kill us. You will understand that I have recently acquired my status so I understand how confusing it may be to you. Human blood is best. We can take the blood of beasts but it does not taste very good.” The discussion soon turned to other things of less stature.

Later that evening, Rahvin and Aurora left the elf garden by the same gate they entered smiling and laughing. As they turned the corner Rahvin looked at his wife in surprise, “What was the deal giving away your father’s amulet like that? We were going to use that to create a new creature to sell.” Aurora laughed, “My dear husband you should consider for a moment. Father’s amulet is a great object of change but compared to the elves abilities it is insignificant. These are the same people that breed plants that taste exactly like meat for human visitors. They breed the giant riding spiders that my father created and have drastically improved upon them. We remain the best in the world but if we can get their help in making ‘environmentally’ stable creatures can you imagine the time it would save in failed experiments alone? Can you imagine an animal and a plant mix? It would certainly be an interesting sight. What is one trinket when compared to the possibilities of power we can create? Besides, like the gifts they tried to give us as food, my gift is more than it seems.” She said nothing more as they went back to the palace.”

We've been through so much together, and most of it was your fault.

As they left the elf embassy behind, from the shadows Rahvin and Aurora heard a loud clack-clack sound that brought them up short. Turning they saw perfectly into the darkest shadows. Standing not ten feet from them was a very angry dwarf pointing a Shennuian Flame gun at them. Pressing the stock into his shoulder the dwarf whispered, "This is for my clan!" before squeezing the trigger on the bottom of the weapon. A loud explosion ripped the night air and a large ball of fire knocked Rahvin to his feet consuming his clothing and hair. Rahvin was angrier than hurt from the blast and quickly rolled to douse the flames. Even as he came to his feet his body was healing at a fantastic rate. He saw Aurora had also been hit by the blast but was also healing but slightly slower than he had. He smiled at her. “Time to go hunting, Love.”

They listened carefully and noted that several tiny dwarf feet could be heard running into the night. Rahvin and Aurora smiled and removed their clothes. The tattoo on his arm pulsed brightly in many colors and as it did a man stepped from the Shadows and bowed. “We are ready Master.” Taking a Hunting horn as Rahvin nodded he winded it as Rahvin and Aurora changed into wolves. The Huntsman’s dogs eagerly joined them. The Huntsman nodded and mounting his steed and again blowing his horn the Great Hunt began. None of the dwarf assassins would survive. The signs of the Great Hunt and only the savagely mangled bodies or several dwarves would be discovered in the morning.

Rahvin had several comments for Aurora the next morning as they climbed lazily out of bed was, “One thing I learned is that lesser breeds should never ever think they are a match for a king, for they have conception of the power they are dealing with! I have heard many bragging comments lately from Jarod and Sirron. Sirron is a higher level, I have to take him seriously for who knows what he might do if pushed? Jarod is another story. He has no Token and is long overdue for a lesson in how to treat his betters!” Well fed, the couple dressed and went downstairs their revenge completed against several nagging dwarves. Other targets waited.

By the time the Elf warriors and Towers knights had arrived on the scene the night before, the couple was long out of sight and all that could be heard was the hunting howls of wolves and a Huntsman’s Horn. The scouting warriors scouted around for a while and trailed the Huntsman’s group until they found a group of totally mangled bodies. It was the same dwarves that had insulted Rahvin and Aurora earlier in the day. Their Tlashtek ‘Get out of Trouble’ cards had not saved them from the Wild Hunt. Each reported to their rulers that the Wild Hunt, a sure sign of Chaos had again made an appearance in the bastion of law the Towers. It was not a good sign of things to come.

Back at the dinner table Twiggs and Breeze sat quietly talking as they prepared to return to their quarters in the Queen’s Palace. Twiggs sounded slightly impatient, “I think that went well. They realized it was a test of course. I probably shouldn’t have put that painting in the front hall.” Breeze smiled, “Dear we found out what we wanted to know. They are both highly intelligent undead. They didn’t touch the food and that means they can either be poisoned or made sick by it.” Twiggs broke in, “Not necessarily, there are things you don’t eat like wood. It could be they just don’t like the taste!” Breeze replied, “If they weren’t afraid of it they would have eaten to make themselves look more normal.” Breeze stood and waved her hand at the trays.

“We also know that these have the desired effect. Even though neither Aurora or Rahvin reacted in any way to them we do know that the preliminary test in the mountains was an outrageous success.” Twiggs looked on in interest, “How did those tests go anyway?” Breeze looked sad for a moment before continuing. “The local vampire wiped out the entire village because they ‘tasted bad.’ They also made him sick. It is possible that with enough dosage it could destroy him but I doubt it. Still, considering our lack of information we have done well.” Twiggs nodded thoughtfully for a moment and then looking down at Aurora’s amulet he continued with great suspicion,

“You realize of course that thing is probably trapped?” Breeze smiled patiently, “Of course, silly, I can see the Chaos influence on it. This device is designed to cause changes on animals and creatures. It should work just as well on people. Unless you’re properly protected I suspect it will alter the wearer slowly over time. I am sure she meant to mention that.” Seeing Twiggs’ surprised look she chuckled, “My dear husband, just because I am a nice girl doesn’t mean I am stupid.” Continuing quickly to hush his protests, “You research what is important to you and I research what is important to me. It’s amazing what women will talk about with other women. Nothing you big strong boys would be interested in of course. Just a little girl talk.” Twiggs just smiled warmly and kissed his wife warmly, “I love you. You know that right?” Smiling the two got up and started off holding each other warmly.

Don't worry about it, you're dead as far as I'm concerned.

As the two elves walked slowly back to their quarters a silent shadow slowly moved into the street in front of them and spoke in a gruff voice, “Yer Majesty if I may have a moment of yer time?” Twiggs gestured gently before replying, “That depends. Have you hurt any of my people?” When the dwarf silently shook his head Twiggs smiled, “Then by all means Commander Arald continue.” The dwarf looked surprised for a moment so Twiggs continued, “Some months ago shortly after the battle of Tlashtek, Granite sent a bizarre request for help to me. It turned out he wanted an independent survey of his people. He was looking for heroes. I suspect he wanted to know why his army kept losing people, money, and equipment even though they continually defeated their opponents. Your name came up several times. In the first month of Gerrain’s reign the Nylss barbarians attacked and you rallied the scattered dwarven army and beat them back. We believe but never proved that the High Command had been paid to scatter the army. The barbarians could raid the northern reaches and the High command would be justified in increasing their salaries and budgets for ‘defense’. Then there were several more raids and some smuggling rings that you stopped or discovered. You were quite the hero. You and just about every other hero we discovered always turned up missing. We questioned and probed and investigated but the best we got was ‘that’s state business and none of yours.’ Finally we were forced to turn over the little we found and leave. I am afraid Granite never got control of his government. I think it killed him.” Twiggs seemed genuinely sad.

Arald’s gravel like voice rumbled even though he was whispering,” That’s what I come at see ta about sir. The High Command has a habit of sending anyone who embarrasses them or makes them look bad to the Dark Lands for ‘special services’. I know that the dwarf High Command murdered Granite and I have proof. We spend all our time killin monsters and takin their treasures. The High Command gets the loot and we get dead. Solves two problems at once it does. Anyone who makes them look bad goes ‘missin’ and the coffers get the gold that we bleed for.”

Breeze spoke up confused, “I am sorry about that but why have you come to see us in the dark of the night on a side street?” Arald stepped fully into the lamp light of the street and Breeze gasped. Where once Arald had clearly been a strong and handsome dwarf he now stood in front of them covered in scars and wounds. He was missing several fingers and every inch of exposed flesh was marked in some way. His gear looked as battle worn as he and looked to be a patchwork of looted pieces of treasure instead of the standard dwarven battle gear. The rough quality to his voice was clearly explained by a vicious claw mark across his throat. Any deeper and he would have probably died. In fact a lot of his wounds looked like that. “Beg‘in your pardon Ma’am I didn’t mean to startle you like that. We came lookin for your husband because it has recently come to light to us that Granite WAS murdered by the High Command. Me and my boys, we were loyal to the King not the scum he chose to surround himself with. That Gnorst was the worst. Do anything for Gold or power he would. An’ since he has the power we were wonderin’ what he was going to do about it?”

Twiggs glanced around at the shadows but saw nothing. Not even his own men but that was normal. Still, this dwarf could very well be here with a thousand of his fellows for all the good Towers security was. In Twiggs’ view Elaine and her people were very noble but not very experienced. The Nylss barbarians walked through the Towers at will. Thieves and smugglers used their Towers to raid all over the world, especially in Namarushta. Even Granite had managed to escape the Towers dungeon and he was one of the most incompetent Rulers in the world.

Still, Twiggs knew of this man’s reputation. “I intend to do absolutely nothing about it. Publicly this is entirely a dwarven matter and I do not intend to become involved. If I did the entire dwarven nation would band together against me and frankly I haven’t got the time to fight them as well.” Twiggs looked deep into the Commanders eyes,

“You knew that before you came to me. Your resume is impressive. I am sure that your men are equally impressive. I have need of brave men. Particularly ones as tough as you. Should you grow tired of life under the yoke of the Dwarven High Command and whomever they chose to replace Granite with I would have use for you. I can promise you challenging times and good ale. I can also promise you that your work would not go unrewarded. I would be willing to protect you and your men and your families if they chose to come willingly. I doubt the Dwarven High Command would want to waste the time and the resources on trying to recover you. More likely they would write you off as dead since they have already reported you missing. I would need some show of good faith though.”

Twiggs took Breeze’s arm again and continued down the street. “Something to prove that you’re not being sent to me to spy.” Twiggs glanced back but Commander Arald was already gone. He hadn’t made a sound and considering how good elven ears are that was saying something. Turning to Breeze Twiggs asked to no one in particular. “Why is everyone coming to me for protection? According to the world opinion I am as nasty as the Dark Lord and just as viscous.” Her answer was lost to the winds.

It’s a Nasty day in the Neighborhood.

Elsewhere a lonely light burned in the upper reaches of a Tower. The quiet shuffle of feet could barely be heard above the continued rustle of paper. Skragg sat atop a miniature copy of his throne and sighed at yet another report. Skragg been quite busy in his preparations for the tournament that so many of the elite were to take a part in. He just knew that the Rulers would not be able to resist the urge to cause havoc with each other. Many of them would see this as a golden opportunity to promote not only their views but to obtain prestige at the expense of the others. Already several incidents had taken place.

It had all started with Rahvin's parade. As he and Aurora had begun to enter the palace one of the decorative arches had suddenly opened a trap door and large amounts of dung had drenched the couple. Many of the crowd had cheered but Skragg had noticed a bunch of dwarves standing near. Security had quickly traced the tripwire back to them. They had been quickly hauled away to the dungeons but the damage had been done. Rahvin and his consort had been rushed away to their rooms to be cleaned up.

Then someone had Extensive deliver roses with thorns to all the consorts and women that had accompanied the rulers. Attached to the roses was a card that said, "Be my Valentine" signed Rahvin. Several Kings were understandably irate and had to be convinced that someone was making a prank at Rahvins expense and that this should not be considered seriously. Given Rahvin’s comments and attitude though many did not believe the explanation. The problem escalated when several of the women appeared to be kidnapped and no ransom letters were found.

Shortly after this, Rahvin was again seen insulting Elaine openly in her court. Some of the comments made were, "Why does Harpin love someone like Elaine at first sight? Because he knows it's all over as soon as she opens her mouth." Then to Jarod later in the evening he spoke these words, "What makes you chase Elaine when you have no intention of marrying her? The answer is easy even for one as dumb as you, sex and stupidity."

At the evening banquet he was just as bad saying to Corman in an aside, "Why do bachelors like smart women? Because they're so rare. Elaine is not rare but should be served up with onions and barbecue sauce." He looked pointedly at Elaine who ignored him. Later that evening he was talking with Sirron and had this to say in a loud voice. "Elaine has her head up her butt so often that she had a piece of Glass Steel installed in her navel so she could see where she was going."

When asked to control himself he responded to the noble, "Elaine's a miracle of nature; she has an IQ of 2 and she's still able to speak!" Finally several of the rulers had enough and approached him. It had looked like the beginning of a major fight when Skragg had intervened and broke it up. He had Rahvin escorted out.

Rahvin and Aurora had gone later in the evening to see Twiggs and Breeze on some secret meeting. His men had been shadowing the Nylss King and had watched outside the compound as the dwarves had made their assassination attempt. Even his hearty men had been frightened off when Rahvin had summoned the Huntsman though. They had not wished to get caught in the hunt but the outcome had been obvious. Skragg shook his head.

Rahvin was doing well enough and appeared to be holding his own. He had tested some of his powers. Many would not forget the lesson he had delivered. He turned his attention to how the dwarves had gotten out of the dungeons to make the attack. It appeared that they had one of the new "Get out of Trouble" cards that Betred was marketing through Extensive. The card was of the Platinum Variety meaning that whoever bankrolled this group was a member of the Platinum service. Skragg shook his head in disgust. All in all this was getting to be a bad day.
Of more immediate consideration to him was that he had learned that the Elf Lord had dinner with Rahvin and Aurora. Someone was obviously testing the Vampires defenses. It was interesting that the two had not been more permanently injured. Normally Skragg would have suspected the Dark Lord to make such tests. He did so frequently, in this instance though it appeared that Twiggs might be doing it. Skragg looked up and signaled a messenger. It looked like he was going to be working through the night again.

Amazingly enough the rest of the evening went quietly. Skragg was sure that meant trouble for later but there was little he could do as the Rulers found their way down to the first event of the tournament, The Literacy Test. Galebolt had worked exceedingly hard to put together a fair test that would challenge even the most well educated Ruler. Each Ruler sat at a separate table and had a sealed envelope with four writing quills and a bottle of ink. When Galebolt spoke the word, “Begin.” They each opened their packets and began to read the sheaf of forms inside. Rahvin was exceptionally loud in voicing his opinion of the test, “What is this! These things are written in half a dozen languages. How can we be expected to know them all? Nobody even speaks ancient Shennuian anymore.” After half a dozen rulers told him to shut up in ancient Shennuian he laughed to himself and continued writing. As the Thimhalen water clock slowly ticked away the time Skragg called out, “One minute warning.”, twenty minutes before the hour. Skragg smiled evilly at their comments and waggled his finger at Twiggs’ venomous glare. The Elf Lord said nothing though and went into overtime answering the questions. Skragg was surprised that he didn’t see smoke coming off the papers as he shouted, “Times up! Pens down.” a full twenty seconds early. “I said, ‘put your pens down!’” as Skragg enunciated the last syllable the pens that weren’t lying flat on the table burst into flame. Skragg chuckled as Corman scrambled to put his answers paper out. “Just another product of Extensive Enterprises folks. Joke pens. Surprise your loved ones and delight your friends.”

The rules waited patiently while their tests were scored and all appeared unconcerned. However, when Galebolt entered to announce the results they were all paying rapt attention. One by one Galebolt read the results and the rulers huzzahed as they or their allies scores were read. Quite unsurprisingly the Dark Lord, King Twiggs, and Queen Karen all scored perfect marks. The big surprise was King Jarod who also scored a perfect mark on the Literacy Test. The other rulers did a fine showing and each passed. Unfortunately for Rahvin his rude comments came back to haunt him as Galebolt magically projected Rahvin’s answers to the test for all to see.

Joe was a famous teacher who went around giving people advice. They killed
him. Joe died from an overdose of wedlock. After his death, his career suffered a dramatic decline.

Twiggs has three hundred wives and 700 porcupines.

Sirron led the Shennu slaves to the Chaka Forest where they made unleavened bread, which is bread made without any ingredients. Sirron then went up on Mount Cyanide to get the rules of Justice. He died before he ever reached the mythical land of Canada.

Queen Elaine was the "Virgin Queen." As a queen she was a success. When
she exposed herself before her troops they all shouted "hurrah."

Jarod the Atlantian circumcised the world with a 100-foot clipper.

Corman McLear wrote a great many musical compositions and had a large number of children. In between he practiced on an old spinster that he kept up in his attic. Corman died from the time of his birth to the present. Corman was the most famous composer in the world and so was Queen Karen of Crystallu. Karen was half Elf, half human, and half dwarf. He was very large.

The Golden Age of Tlashtek was a time of a great many thoughts and inventions. People stopped reproducing by hand and started reproducing by machine. The invention of the steamboat caused a network of rivers to spring up. Betred invented the Tlashtek raper, which did the work of a hundred men. Skragg discovered a cure for rabbits. Rahvin was a naturalist who wrote the Organ of the Species. Harpin became one of the Marx Brothers.

The Dark Lands are inhabited by mummies and they all write in hydraulics. The Black Lord created the Crystallu dessert because it didn't let him have the cherry on the whipped cream. The climate of the Crystallu dessert is such that all the inhabitants have to live elsewhere.

In the Zozan Olympics, Nylss Barbarians ran races, jumped, hurled biscuits, and threw the java. This resulted in the famous caffeine break that is incurable by modern medical magic..

By the time Galebolt was finished reading the room was roaring with laughter and Rahvin was roaring with anger. Skragg immediately investigated and found that someone with a Platinum account had once again gotten to Rahvin by substituting their own answers for his. Since Rahvin’s answers were nowhere to be found. Many people thought that Skragg passed him just to shut him up. To which all the rulers seemed to heartily agree.

I got your back!!! I'll be standing right behind it

The Dark Lord had been observing the happenings at the tournament. The Dark Lord rarely ‘enjoyed’ things. He wasn’t capable of that but he was amused at all the targeting that someone had done to Rahvin. After all Rahvin did need to be tested and only under stress do people improve. Rahvin had not disappointed him at all. His resolution of the dwarf problem had proven to be most amusing, most interesting. They had all taken the Literacy test and the answers he had changed on Rahvin’s test sheet had created the desired effect. Now he approached Sirron with whom he had many conversations.

Sirron was actually quite boring to the Dark Lord. The same idle threats, the same boring repartee that had highlighted his conversations with so many other would be heroes. He sighed heavily. The Dark Lord had a policy. Corrupt the best and the lesser will follow. It appeared to him Sirron was not worth the corrupting, still the test had to be made anyway, for one just never knew who would rise above himself and become a force to be reckoned with.

The Dark Lord had waited and decided to approached Sirron at Queen Elaine’s palace shortly after the Literacy tests. A drinking contest was going on between Zozan and Skragg and the betting was heavily in favor of Zozan. The Dark Lord spoke quietly, "Greetings so-called Lord of Justice. Have you figured out yet what your Justice is or are you still claiming to have some divine right to administer something you obviously know nothing about? By the way I heard the tales of your killing of Gerrain and your giving Twigg's Estelle, was all that really necessary?"

Sirron looked down his long nose at the Dark Lord before answering, “My view of Justice is widely recognized. Even you seem to be worried about it since you continually try to mock and ridicule it. You would not do such things if you were not worried. As for Gerrain, he chose his own path and the path of his people. I believe that is what you are worried about. You can’t see what his plan is and that bothers you.”

The Dark Lord laughed so hard he almost fell down and several people stopped and wondered at the mirth from the evil one. Skragg took the opportunity to put a drug in Zozan’s beer while Zozan was distracted. Those who saw it smiled and the betting soon started to change odds in Skragg’s favor. The Dark Lord after several minutes of clutching his side in pain finally finished, “Thank you Sirron, I haven’t laughed like that in eons. You are just so pompously self righteous that I suspect you almost believe what your saying. How can someone be so abysmally ignorant of the true nature of the world and still rise to be King? I look forward to watching your attitude change or your death in which case your soul will be mine to do with as I please. I might even consider making you court fool, a roll which I am sure you will fill admirably.”

“I thought it mildly amusing that as your first act of Justice you banished Estelle and now she turns up missing. You didn’t kidnap or just kill her did you? Besides that, all those serving wenches you have been ‘catting’ around with aren’t doing it for you? Maybe straight sex is not your thing. You should come to the Dark Lands and we will show you some interesting perversions that might amuse you. Your friends Artuneys, Ryan and Jaul are already there and I daresay enjoying themselves. Perhaps you would like to renew old acquaintances?”

“You have strange tastes but I guess you like a variety of female companionship and a noble as well as an elf woman were just to much to resist. So you grabbed her away from Twiggs’ harem, Right? Tell me, now that she’s an elf is she any better in bed? I hear the elves are sex starved but I have never actually heard if they are any good. It seems to me that elfin symbiote you took might have some interesting side affects. I noticed your eating more as well. Now with Twiggs’ appetites you sort of accept it as a species thing but looking at you I have to wonder. After all you never seem to see any of his women smiling that same ‘satisfied’ smile’ you seem to put on their faces. So I guess once you have had a true Cy Clan Holy Man no one else is the same.” He nudged the Cy Clan King with a knowing elbow, a wink of his eye and a leer.

Sirron sniffed disdainfully and walked away from the Dark Lord’s disgusting smile, “My private life is none of your affair and I did nothing to harm Estelle. Her time with the elves was meant to teach her patience and mercy.” Sirron paused as a man with a tray full of sweet meats passed by and he proceeded to eat them all before continuing on to a tank full of exotic fish from Tpsolei. He stopped to look in fascination inside the tank.

The Dark Lord laugh in amusement as the Tpsolein mermaid called Lorelei swam up out of the depths of the tank to kiss Sirron passionately. He was about to say something when Rahvin suddenly shouted, “Geez, you two get a room! It’s not like you didn’t keep me up all night last night!” Sirron’s face turned beat red and the mermaid giggled. As Rahvin looked at the gathered rulers, “I didn’t know if it was Sirron or Lorelei making all that screeching but it broke the glass in my window and went on for hours. I barely got any sleep.”

Noticing the suddenly interested looks of several of the nearby ladies Rahvin continued, “It must have been Sirron squealing. Those scales must hurt.” Lorelei changed back into her humanoid form and looked for the entire world like a beautiful woman. A very naked woman, and she smiled at Rahvin and remarked, “Not getting any lately Rahvin since Aurora turned up missing along with Estelle? Maybe they both found something better. She smiled at Twiggs then glanced at Sirron, “Some men have it and some Kings don’t!” She smiled mockingly at Rahvin and in a smile that showed all of her pointed teeth she took Sirron’s arm and walked off. The Dark Lord barely heard her reply; “At least he’s man enough to satisfy a woman, bloodsucking, dead dick. Yours ran off at the first chance she got.”

Rahvins face was angry and terrible to behold. Many of the others were amused but soon cried out in despair as Skragg hit the floor and started to snore loudly. Even with the snickersnee Zozan had still drank the ape under the table. Zozan looked with disdain at the furry lump snoring on the floor. “Banana sucking wimp chimp never could hold his booze. How about you fang boy?” He said to Rahvin. Rahvin stalked away disdaining Zozan’s comments. His time would come and he suspected Zozan might have had something to do with Aurora being missing.

On the far side of the palace Elaine walked quickly down the corridor to her private quarters after a long hard day of trying to do three things at once. Hosting the tournament may have been a wonderful idea for the prestige and power it brought to the Towers but it was a living nightmare in reality. The preparations had been extensive and the security for such an event a shear nightmare even with all the help.

Now the kitchen staff was reporting that their stocks of food were running low again. It seemed that most of it could be laid to the elves. That was understandable given their makeup, but also to Sirron of all people. He was eating tons of everything put in front of him! With all of the additional guests from every land in the world the dietary habits of each race and culture was amazingly different. This culture only eats vegetables as does this other culture but only if they are specially prepared a certain way.

This culture eats almost exclusively meat and that culture eats live food. The Kitchen staff was being run ragged trying to meet the demands of the huge staffs the Rulers had all insisted on bringing with them. They even wanted other Kings moved out to make room for their servants. Twiggs had been insistent on that. This was so he could have all the servants close to him. Naturally Elaine had to draw the line and place everyone by status! Now even several of the woman servants were eating as much as elves. Elaine really did not blame the servants, they were working from before dawn till well after dusk and they were constantly running trying to keep up with the demands.

Elaine decided she would have to think of something nice to do for them when this was all over. They had certainly earned some special considerations, after all they were not slaves no matter what Rahvin might choose to believe. She had just handed authorization to buy more and varied foodstuffs to a clerk when another clerk thrust a piece of paper in front of her.

It seemed that once again Rahvin was testing her patience. If it weren't for the Laws of Hospitality she would have had him banned and removed from her palace long before. She still considered this a possible option if he actually got beyond the insulting with words. While there was some suspicion that he had killed several dwarves, there was no real PROOF the dwarves had actually been killed by Rahvin even though it seemed to be the most likely explanation. The Summoning of the Wild Hunt angered her in the middle of her Capital city and it was very possibly a high crime. If she had positive proof or even witnesses to the deed she could most likely have had him arrested. She would not make a random accusation though based on her personal dislike or act on such hearsay either. Even Rahvin deserved Justice. Several other Kings could have done the deed as well, of this she was sure. She had but to wait anyway. Rahvin had more than one enemy and many of them lacked patience. She was sure that many things would change after this tournament and much would not be for the better.

Rahvin was obviously evil and quite chaotic which made him obviously dangerous to anyone allied with him. She quickly and fairly dealt with the issues Rahvin was complaining about in a precise manner, although it probably made no real difference. He was sure to complain about things no matter what, and she quickly reiterated her orders that everyone was to be exceptionally polite around the Vampire King. The last thing she needed was for Rahvin to have an excuse about her servants being disrespectful. He might even try to get away with killing one. As for Rahvin’s childish insults, insults had power only if they were true. Any rational or prestigious King did not believe his lies. The riff raff that would believe anything she did not consort with. His insults were nothing to her.

She was just being handed another paper in a series concerning the Namarushtians complaints about being quartered next to the Dark Lord and Rahvin, when the door to her private bedroom opened and two figures laughingly stepped out into her antechamber. Immediately her guard yanked her backward and she found herself suddenly and oppressively surrounded by her knights and servants as they threw themselves between her and the possible danger. Ezekiel cursed quietly but forcefully. This room was supposed to have been searched before the Queen arrived! He remembered that the detail was to have been done by Sir Gordon Bernlad! He would have some sharp words for his boss the Green Knight when next he saw him. Imagine a screw up like Bernlad being trusted for anything!

It took her several minutes to free herself from the clerks and secretaries as she moved forward gracefully and with some amusement in her slight smile to find Sirron standing quietly in front of two of her knights. He looked noticeably embarrassed. She was just getting ready to ask why the King of the Chaka Forest was in her private bedroom when Lorelei walked out of the room behind him putting on an Extensive cotton Shirt That loudly broadcast the words ‘Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted.’ It was obvious to Elaine that from the disheveled clothes and hair on both that they had each gotten what they wanted.

The Tpsolei had never really understood why their women had to wear clothing when they attended functions in foreign courts. Now that Jarod was in charge of the Isles, they had been far more willing to cooperate than they had under Damien’s rule. At least they made some attempt to cover themselves, but considering the way Lorelei filled the cotton shirt it left little to the imagination anyway. Still it was admirable for the level of cooperation and Elaine decided not to press the issue. Like ordering the wind, one could not legislate morality; it had to come from within.

Elaine turned her eyes toward Sirron and spoke without any trace of sarcasm or censor, "Why King Sirron, my congratulations on your engagement to Miss Lorelei. I had no idea the two of you had fallen so in love with one another. I would suggest though that you refrain from being so obvious in practicing your outpourings of love in my bed for several obvious reasons. While you may well be partially of the Elvin stock you do not have to follow their customs concerning their sexual practices as well as their preferences for multiple wives and husbands."

Sirron turned a deep shade of red as Lorelei walked up, pinched his bottom gleefully making him jump and then she and pressed herself suggestively against him. Her voice was low and very seductive as she nibbled on Sirron's ear, "Don’t knock it honey till you tried it.” She informed Elaine in an amused tone of voice. “The difficulties in finding a ‘standup guy’ are so tedious. One must be always on the lookout you know.”

Sirron if anything turned even redder as he pulled away and cast Lorelei a disapproving glance, "You know perfectly well that we are not engaged to be married. We were just Ahem, discussing the difference in the two races."

Sirron turned to Elaine, "I am sorry if my behavior offended you in any way and I am prepared to make amends.” Lorelei laughed at his discomfort and swished provocatively out of the room, “See you later honey and you can show me that position you said you learned from that Towers Servant Girl.” Sirron glared after the departing girl and Elaine attempting to maintain a straight face spoke up. “I have heard several rumors and stories King Sirron of your dalliances with my servants. They like you are adult individuals and may do what they wish although I am sure the clerics will be very busy hearing their confessions this Prayer Day. Might I suggest that you take a lesson from your human side and try not to act like any beast in the field and that you pick your next trysting location with some care and respect for those who might have occupy it on a more permanent basis?” She waved him away, “No please, no more excuses and lies to cover your deed. I am not exactly as ignorant of such things as Rahvin might suggest. Just go and consider that you might want to retain some dignity and Kingly respect.” Deeply embarrassed and lacking words, Sirron left.

Judgment Day Sinners! Come Out, Come Out!

The day of the tournament dawned fair but overcast. A warm breeze stirred the trees and bushes slightly and the smell of early morning flowers filled the air. The stands were already packed full and the overflow crowd was seated in the areas in front of the bleachers. Extensive sellers were offering a wide variety of roast Fizz pheasant, sausages, chicken, potatoes, and a variety of fine dishes as well as drink. All in all it promised to be a spectacular day. In the center of the area was a large rounded building of strange yellow colored stone that glowed and pulsed brightly in the early day light. Upon it’s top was four large white squares that pointed in each of the four directions. It could be seen for a long distance.

It was not long there after that Elaine and her court accompanied by Galebolt and Skragg were being escorted to her seat and the heralds stood up in their finery and gleaming trumpets to blow a musical blast for attention. Elaine stood and spoke quietly but her voice carried well to everyone present.

“Greetings to all who have chosen to attend this spectacular event and to witness the mighty deeds of all who have chosen to take part. As all know, today’s tournament winner will have the honour and privilege of being crowned King of the tournament and will take his place at my side the following day for a series of parties and celebrations the like of which has never been seen before. The tournament has been aptly planned with the aid of both Emperor Skragg of Shennu and Galebolt King of the Jelgai and it is a difficult and dangerous event. It will cover a large and wide-ranging area. We will be able to follow this thanks to a special painting that has been made by Queen Karen of Crystallu. She calls this device a movie screen and it will show any action we wish to view. It has been mounted above the building in the center area and we will be able to observe the whole event in safety and comfort. Without further delay let us start the tournament.”

As Elaine took her place a herald blew a might blast on his trumpet and spoke. “We start today with the parade of Champions by order of Prestige and Power as is their Right and Privilege! Please hold all comments and applause until we are finished. Extensive personal are standing by to take any and all wagers and to provide programs and history of each and every Champion. Souvenirs and Objects may be purchased in the areas behind the stands or from any of the roving salesman who are even now moving amongst you.” Again the trumpet was blown and a small figure in insect like armor suddenly appeared in the center area with a loud boom startling the crowd.

“You know him, you hate him, yes folks, its The Dark Lord of the Shadow Lands, Master of Evil and the most famous personage in the World!” The small figure bowed in each of the four directions with a slight bow and a cold wind seemed to spring up. The crowd was deathly quiet and hushed. “Yes, Folks this is the Mighty Master of Death who has such a long list of crimes credited to his personal account that it would take us a full year to list them all. Balked, but never beaten the Dark Lord is undisputedly the most powerful ruler in the world.” The Dark Lord waved his hand and entered the building by walking straight through the wall. As he vanished from sight the trumpets again sounded and a prismatic silver/green light flashed.

“The modern day hero who has balked the Dark Lord more than any other ruler in recent history I present the Lord of the Shrubbery and King of the Elf Lands of Namarushta, Twiggs Barkhaven. Yes folks, the Elf King who saved all the worlds children after the Dark Lord’s return ceremony and the only King to face the evil one in his very Domain and live to tell about it! The Lord of Life facing in tournament, the very antithesis of his power, the fearsome Lord of Death. This should indeed be a tournament to remember and remember well for we are unlikely to see anything comparable in the near future.” Twiggs waved to the crowd and also walked through the walls and was lost to sight.

After the trumpets sounded again a blinding sky blue light filled the area and when it vanished a tall dark warrior in heavy beard and worn leather armor appeared. His blue ax was tremendous and he glared at the crowd in disdain. “King Harpin of Livyanu, Lord of Honour and savior of the World at the Battle of Tlashtek as well as honoured protector of the Queen herself. Harpin is well known for his steadfast devotion against the Master of Destruction and as the foremost Duelist in the World with a record of victories and only one tie against the Elf Lord himself. Never defeated and never admitting defeat King Harpin is a strong contender.” Harpin stalked through the door largely ignoring the crowd.

A sullen red and Black cloud with a sulphurous stench filled the air and when it had cleared a large heavily muscled warrior in gleaming silver armor and carrying a spinning three bladed trident stood upon the field. “The Master of Destruction, Guard of the Dark Lord and servitor to the Master of Evil Damien Stormdragon once ruler to Tpsolei and now disputed Monarch of the Spouting Mountains. Many will remember Damien’s sacking of the city of Tlashtek Heights and the damage and carnage he wrecked in that incident. Now fresh and rested from recent battles there is little doubt that he will soon be facing Harpin once again.” Damien made no acknowledgement but even as he was being introduced he stepped through the wall.

A strangely two dimensional polished and shiny black gleam filled the field and when it subsided Queen Karen of Crystallu appeared dressed in neutral gray armor and with her hair tied back in a long pony tail. She was trim, supple and athletic. For the pleasure of the crowd she performed several kicks and flips that brought cheers of encouragement and appreciation from the crowd. She smiled and waved cheerfully. “The Mistress of the Arts, Queen Karen is known for her valuable support of Harpin and Elaine in the Battle of Tlashtek. Her wisdom and artistic talents helped to shape the events that culminated in the successful defense of the city. It is unknown how Karen will stand in the contest but it is rumored that she dislikes intensely both Twiggs and the Dark Lord but may indeed assist Harpin against Damien.” Karen waved as she entered the wall.

The field was empty but suddenly without moving the Cy Clan King Sirron stood upon the ground surveying gravely, the crowd. “The newly crowned King of the Chaka Forest and Lord of Justice and Mercy Sirron has established his reputation as a cool and level headed customer who defeated King Gerrain for leadership and was instrumental in aiding Betred to regain his Kingship in Tlashtek Heights. Fore square against the Dark Lord Sirron has promised to bring Justice to the World and is a powerful King but largely untested and new to his powers.” Sirron gravely bowed in respect and walked over to the wall and through it.

A bat flew across the field and suddenly morphed into a Dark warrior in chain armor. The warrior smiled showing enlarged canines. “A relative newcomer in the world, but already making a name for himself and the talk of many, King Rahvin the disputed Ruler of Nylss. Rahvin has made it perfectly clear that he detests Queen Elaine but is taking part to prove the righteousness of his claims. It says much for our Queen that she offers him the opportunity. Many believe he will side with Damien against Harpin for this very reason. In such a short beginning Rahvin has impressed many of the reigning High Prestige rulers and should not be discounted.” Rahvin stalked like a predator through the wall.

Suddenly from the sky was a high-pitched shriek and as the crowd looked a birdlike dinosaur flew overhead and a redheaded barbarian warrior in chain armor carrying a bow jumped lightly to the ground. “Brittany, late ruler of the Spouting Mountains has taken part in the Battle of Tlashtek and runs the prestigious dueling school that helped to train both Harpin and Damien. Brittany has also, to her record the defeat and capture of Zozan of the Nylss Mountains. Many believe she will side with Harpin and attempt to kill Damien so that she may recover her country.” Brittany charged through the wall.

Stalking onto the field from the wings was a tall dark haired and heavily muscled barbarian. He disdained a weapon but many could see scars upon his hands and feet where Brittany had staked him to a tree to die. Zozan had survived and pulled the stakes out. Later he had escaped the hunt the Amazon Queen had made for him. “Zozan the Ultimate warrior, once uniter of the Five Tribes of the Nylss and betrayed by Aurora to Brittany has arrived today to seek revenge upon those who have reduced him. It is almost certain that Zozan will seek out Brittany and Rahvin and the fight should be memorable.” Zozan raised his arms as if in victory and stalked through the walls.

A musical note crashed out and Corman McLear appeared with the sun shining on his brow and his voice singing a pure sweet note that brought many of the crowd to tears. The affect was ruined though when he grossly farted and smiled. “The Bardic King Corman McLear ruler of the insane lands of Thimhalen. He is known for his stalwart defense against Damien’s hordes and stalwart defense against Dark Lord forces. Not many really understand WHY Corman is here unless he is looking for a ballad or chasing Karen who it is said he loves. Hey Corman, want to tell the crowd why you’re here?” Corman smiled, “I'm going gobobbolin today! I'm going to gobobble until my fulobble falls off. Then I’ll offer them my bodily flavors.” He finished with a flourish as he walked through the wall. The confused crowd looked at each other uncertainly. After several moments the announcer befuddled continued.

A lone man of slight build stepped onto the field and walked stoically towards the wall. The announcer looked puzzled and was seen talking to several people some of which they overheard in snatches. “ … is that? I don’t recall…., What do you mean a late entry. He has to be known somewhere…. Atlantian what in Curyic’s Seven Hells is that? Jarod, Prince of Piece? He’s a pimp? Ohh Peace! Ladies and Gentleman we have a late entry into the tournament. The new ruler of the Tpsolei Isles Jarod who serves the Attribute of Peace has … uhm arrived as a Dark Horse, yes a Dark Horse candidate for the tournament.” Jarod ignoring everything went through the wall. “This just keeps getting crazier and crazier.” Remarked the announcer unaware he was still being overheard. Now let’s join the action!”

Put a chili pepper in your bum to show you that you love someone! From the famous ballad called: Corman Mclear is Here!

Jarod was the last ruler to walk in and he certainly didn’t know what to expect. When he got inside the scene surprised him. Everyone was sitting with their backs to the wall and Corman was standing in the middle of the room singing something about putting chili peppers in your ass. Jarod stopped dumbfounded. He stared and shook his head and decided to sit down. He didn’t like the way everyone was looking at him and wasn’t sure if the tune was meant to be humorous or not.

“Ah excuse me,” He spoke quietly, “but why aren’t you fighting and why are we sitting in this room.’ Jarod looked confused. The Dark Lord smiled maliciously, “The dumb ones keep asking the same question. The smart ones already know the answer.” He said to Rahvin. Rahvin smiled toothily at Jarod. Queen Karen took mercy on him and spoke gently. “Elaine has set up tests but each test is more than it seems. The first thing we noticed is the walls are one way. They don’t let you back out once you come in. The STUPID ones are supposed to fight and eventually a winner will emerge, maybe. Or does it stay locked until you figure a way out? No one knows and no one wants to eliminate any options we might need later. So consider carefully, the one you eliminate might be the only one who has the ability let you out!”

“Insidious isn’t it.” Stated the Dark Lord as he smiled behind his helmet. “I doubt Elaine’s power can stand against us though if we take a few moments to cooperate.”

“I say we blast our way out.” Stated Zozan surly. Jarod just knew that Zozan must have asked the same question as he did. It did not make him feel comfortable to know that he might be as dumb as Zozan. Several others laughed scornfully at the remark. “Bone Head! If I shoot an arrow in here it may ricochet killing the person we need. If it hit you though I would consider it no great loss!” said Brittany snidely. She turned to Rahvin, “I would invite you to lunch at Zozan’s expense but I wouldn’t want you to turn him into a Vampire. Some things are just to Stupid to deserve eternal life!”

Zozan spat at her, “You didn’t figure it out either you stupid lesbian slut, you don’t have any room to talk either!” Twiggs spoke up, “Let’s not start that up again. Here is what I propose. Whoever opens the door let’s everyone else out first and walks out last. Then with all of us free we can then proceed to weed out the idiots and incompetent. Now who, besides me has a magical way out of here?” Twiggs, the Dark Lord, Karen, Corman, Rahvin and Sirron all raised their hands.

“Now who thinks they are physically able to brute force the wall?” Zozan, Damien, Harpin, Brittany and Rahvin raised their hands. All of them looked at Jarod. “Well?” said Rahvin impatiently, “What can you do besides stand around and look like a veggie meal?” Jarod shrugged, “Enough when I have to.” He responded gravely.

“Oh Fragging Peachy Keen and Okey Dokey! Said Rahvin in disgust, “We got us another Corman MacLear or Sirron.” He turned away in disgust. “OK,” stated Twiggs, “let’s try the magic ways first as being a little less destructive. I think the six of us have more than enough shear power to overwhelm Elaine’s Miracle wall here. The rest of you please wait in the middle and if we fail good luck. Jarod watched as Twiggs took out a Crystallu Chime and struck it. The Dark Lord spat a single word at the wall. Karen painted a quick picture of a doorway and hastily added hinges and a doorknob. Corman played a series of musical notes that seemed to blend Twiggs Chime, and the Dark Lords word and it seemed to strike the false door. The Door suddenly rang “Ding Dong!” Sirron stared at the door and it began to waiver as if with incredible heat. Rahvin’s tattoo glowed under his Armor and the door sprang open with a crackling sound as minor bolts of electrical power attempted to hold it shut and then vanished having failed.

“Interesting.” Said the Dark Lord smiling but Twiggs glared at his hated enemy in disgust. “You Frocking Ice Hole,” he shouted at the Dark Lord. “That word was a Ceremony Link! You Wastage! You’re doing a ceremony right now! You used all the Kings powers to help you and you did it right here in the Towers Lands at a site of Power!” The Dark Lord smiled, “Nothing in the tournament rules says I can’t elf. I want to be the first to Thank each and every one of you for giving me the Power to overcome Elaine’s Miracles. She would have made this building to the limits of her Power, I am sure, and you people just blew it all away with your wonderful co-operation. You didn’t even need my help. My most profound respects and thanks for your invaluable assistance. Now if the Warriors would like to depart I will be the last one out as promised. This building cannot hold me now.”

The others grumbled in disgust except for Rahvin and Damien who both smiled cheerfully at the joke. Rahvin poked Sirron and Jarod, “Gosh and Golly Gee, with that much power I would hate to be in your shoes. Think about it Sirron, the Dark Lord can counter Miracles, so what will happen to you in month three?” He turned to Jarod, “I heard you reneged on Damien fish face. He is a known part of the Dark Lord’s Power, so guess what you’ll be in month two? Sushi!” Rahvin strolled out smiling at the look of consternation on both their faces. Jarod turned to Sirron, “I really am beginning to hate that guy.” Said Jarod and then he also walked out. The Dark Lord smiling walked out last. He wasn’t done yet.

"Oh, PLEASE! Vampires have so many weaknesses, you can't help but kill them!"

As the group walked out through the door they were not really surprised to see that they had been transported elsewhere. Elaine was well known for her teleportation powers and she had stated the tournament would cover a large area. The site location though was disconcerting. The area was a pleasant pastoral setting with lush rolling hills dotted with trees and shrubs. A large Milk White river wound it’s way through the land. Harpin cursed it. “Metemorphia.” Many of the rulers looked at it carefully for the river was legendary and dangerous and this was the first time that many of them had actually seen it. Even as they watched the River changed color to a vile yellow mush like melted butter.

“Now what?” Asked Corman McLear in a confused state. Galebolt spoke quietly from under a tree where he had been sitting quietly. “Simple, my friends.” He pointed at the River, “Metamorphia is a river from another dimension. A rift was created in that dimension but no one knows exactly how.” The Dark Lord smiled but said nothing and Twiggs looked at the Dark Lord as well in a speculative fashion. Galebolt continued calmly, “ A hole this size cannot be a good thing for our world. Your task is to find the entrance where the River enters our land and to attempt to seal the hole as well as the rift itself. I must warn you though that this will not be easy for several reasons.”

“If even one drop of Metamorphia touches you it will randomly transform you and may well lock you into a shape you cannot escape from. There is no known cure to the Rivers influence.” Rahvin broke in scoffing, “I am Master of Shape Changing and a simple River is no match for my powers.”

Zozan laughed scornfully, “Your powers were created by that River FOOL. Just because you’re a Vampire don’t get the impression that you can’t be killed. I have killed many Vampires in my life, and with my bare hands.” He made strangling motions and sounds and smiled. “Vampires have so many weaknesses, you can't help but kill them!” Rahvin smiled back toothily. “I am not an ordinary Vampire, Meat!”

Galebolt spoke again quickly, “Perhaps, and perhaps not but if you two don’t listen you won’t find out anything. What you hear now could save your lives later. However, far be it for me not to allow you two to kill each other. If this conversation is that far above your heads, why, you can just go over that way and fight it out.” He waited a few moments as the two glared and then continued. “As I was saying, the water can be deadly if you touch it, many do not survive the changes it brings about. The next step is that once you find the opening you will have to get through it while it is pumping thousands of buckets per second through it. Then you have to get to the other dimension and find what has caused the problem and then you have to try to fix it. That part of the situation is largely unknown but anything may lie in wait on the other side. Anything that could cause dimensional rips will not be easily beaten.”

“That’s it?” said Brittany snidely. “Go stop a river you can’t touch, crawl through a hole and fix it on the other side. Then hope you can find a way back?” The Dark Lord could be heard chuckling in his helmet, it was not a pleasant sound. “If I didn’t know better I would say that Elaine is taking the opportunity to eliminate a bunch of Ruler’s. It does sound like a one-way trip to me. Even if we stop the river and get through who is going to hold the door open so that the winner can escape. Also if they do win why should he hold the door open and let them out when he can go and collect the prize?” He turned to Rahvin, “Not so stupid now is she?” Rahvin glared at the Dark Lord and as he did Zozan struck!

Zozan had been waiting his chance and had been thinking. Thought was dangerous to a guy like Zozan but this seemed like such a good scheme. Aurora was gone. If Rahvin were gone as well, then the Throne would be opened in the Nylss again. He was in the Chaka Forest and it would be easy to bypass the dwarves and contact his tribes. As the new leader he would begin a war to exterminate the Vampires and everyone would see him as the hero! So he had been letting the others continue with their useless talk and had slowly been moving into position. When the distractions were good he had struck! “BYE BYE Blood Sucker!” He yelled with glee as Rahvin tumbled forward the blood streaming from the back of his head. The blow would easily have crushed any normal skull but Rahvin had managed to survive a blow that could have killed any lesser being.

Even as Zozan prepared to jump on Rahvin with both feet something slammed him backwards onto the turf. Karen had struck by creating from thin air an Iron Golem that looked exactly like her except that it had with three sets of arms and hands. Each bore a sword that menaced the fallen barbarian. The sword had not penetrated Zozan’s Armored Skin but he was angry. He rolled to face the golem and ducking under the swords he bodily picked it up and slammed it into the ground shattering it! The shattering of the Golem blasted the magic back into Karen and sent her spinning unconscious to the ground. Zozan began to stalk towards the slowly healing Vampire.

Corman attacked Zozan suddenly and without warning as Rahvin unsteadily rose to his feet. Corman’s attack was unusual though for he did not actually strike Zozan but he played several loud notes on his Harp and began singing the Ballad of Cheaplaffs and Zozan. Several Kings started to laugh in amusement for it told the story of how Zozan lost his Breechcloth while climbing a mountain. And how Cheaplaffs took advantage of him. Angered Zozan charged the Bard. The Bard had been wise though and Zozan ran straight through the illusion and unable to stop he splashed nosily into Metamorphia and vanished in a huge red wave. The Kings waited for several minutes but Zozan did not reappear.

Corman calmly went over and helped Karen to arise shakily to her feet and then both went to stand near Rahvin as well. Each shook hands gravely with the other and then glared at the rest. Rahvin looked at Sirron angrily. “I was on your land and attacked without provocation. You and your Justice did nothing despite our agreement. Your Justice is so much gas upon the winds.” He turned to Jarod, “I expected no less from the so called King of Peace since we are not allied. However I will also remember your lack of participation as well. You will suffer, perhaps not so much as my so called ally, but enough.” He looked at the Dark Lord and Twigs but even as he was about to speak the images wavered strangely and vanished. “Illusions!” stated Corman disgustedly, “they were not here at all, and no wonder they failed to act. We were all kibbled!”

"I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it."

Jarod looked in the river. Then back at the others. “Was Zozan really here as well?” Rahvin looked at him like an imbecile, “I got hit, hard. He was here and now he could be a pebble in the bottom of the river for all we know. He might even be an irritating gnat like you. Either way it makes no difference. The Dark Lord and Twiggs both cut out somewhere and I suspect they both know a way through the dimensional gate without having to go upstream against the river. I say we track them! They can’t have gotten to far, because we know they were in Elaine’s hut with us when we broke out.”

“I can’t let you do that.” Stated Damien coldly. “I have orders from the Dark Lord to keep you all here even if I have to kill you all. You are probably thinking that you outnumber me seven to one but you have not considered everything. Karen and Rahvin were wounded in the last encounters and probably used up at least one of their major powers already. Corman might just be in the same boat. That means three of your team are already limited. Jarod I believe has no Token yet and thus would be easy meat.”

“That leaves just Sirron and Harpin as any serious threat. My Master does not consider Sirron a serious threat. Now reflect for a moment on this, you can all split up and run in separate directions. I cannot follow you all but I need not to do so either. Split up, none of you is likely to be a match for the Dark Lord and you know it. If you stay in groups I can easily track you, and you can’t combine powers if you split up. All I have to concentrate on is Harpin as the only real and immediate threat to the Dark Lord. My advise to you is easy. Sit down and take no further action and by my orders I will not attack you. If you attempt to leave I will.”

Rahvin yawned widely. “I am in no hurry to leave at the moment, so if you don’t mind I would like to go look in Metamorphia and see what happened to Zozan. I want to see if any parts of his body parts have resurfaced yet.”

Damien nodded in placid agreement, “You can wander anywhere in my sight that you want. As long as you don’t try to escape I won’t attack.” Rahvin, Karen and Corman wandered towards Metamorphia talking quietly.

Corman spoke, “You realize were never going to get a better chance to eliminate yon warrior?” Karen nodded, “I agree that Metamorphia does appear to present many possible solutions but I am not so sure killing is what we want to do. Besides I would hate to count on THEM.” She nodded towards the remainder of the group in disdain. The remainder of that group now was composed of Sirron, Harpin, Jarod and Brittany. They weren’t much use to us earlier.”

Rahvin nodded in agreement with his allies, “I say we leave them to face the music. I would rather rescue Damien than kill him anyway but why not let Chaos decide for us? Let’s tell them to meet us at King’s Tree but we will really meet here….” He drew a strange symbol in the dirt. Can you guys think of a better place to hit right now? I say we split the booty evenly and if you join with me on this I am sure I can get you double pay with mercenary status. After all Damien already made a deal with me. Both Rulers smiled and nodded agreement. “It serves those cowards right.” Stated Karen happily. Corman nodded, “I can’t wait to hear the squeals, those guys will be doing when Damien starts! It will sound like my impression of mating guinea pigs!” The rulers chuckled in complete agreement and then moved fast.

As Rahvin, Corman, and Karen reach the banks of the river Rahvin turned to the other party members and laughed a sadistic smile, "Well, you losers are on your own, we'll meet you at King's Tree!!" With a chorus of laughs the three rulers took off running in three different directions leaving Harpin and Damien glaring at each other. The moment ended swiftly. Damien’s trident blades spun with a high-pitched whine as bolts of red energy started to sweep randomly across the field leaving a path of complete destruction wherever they passed!

Harpin’s Shield of Honour immediately snapped up and as a duelist who was closely watching Damien for a treacherous attack he was ready. His ax immediately whistled back in reply but his blow was easily deflected off Damien’s armor. The trident’s spinning blades struck the Shield and for several seconds a massive amount of energy was released as magic fought magic but the Trident did not penetrate either. The blast from the energy though randomly struck out engulfing Brittany as she raised her bow. In seconds she was nothing but a steaming and blackened husk on the ground!

Sirron’s voice in his head screamed a warning just a bare second before Damien struck. Sirron flipped away from the seemingly random bolts that issued from Damien’s armor but had no time to pause to consider. The attack was relentless and non-stop. This was what the Tlashtek reporters had called Damien’s destructive Chain Fire Attack. This very power had done enormous amounts of damaged at Tlashtek Heights and Sirron had noticed that the bolts were not as random as reported. They were another form of attack. The bolts continued to chase him around as Damien stoically continued his attack on Harpin.

Jarod had little choice but to run considering the circumstances. Brittany and her Token were nothing now. Sirron was hopping around like a toad trying not to get hit. Harpin was standing toe to toe with Damien trying to get through his armor. Damien was not giving an inch.

Jarod mused as he ran thinking. Damien was an undead. How long could Harpin stand against such power? Damien would not tire like a normal foe and they both seemed to closely matched in strength and power to make the outcome a certainty this soon. He had no intention to stay around and witness this. The only reason he had even come was in the hopes of discovering a useful Token that would help his power. So far he would be lucky to remain alive. He ran into the wilds of the Chaka Forest searching for safety and a Token. Perhaps he would get lucky.

In the meantime Harpin was trying to puzzle out a way to get at Damien. Should he try to use the new magic that Kalain had sent back in his report? He thought for a moment and decided not to. He didn’t know what it would take to make it work or what he would have to do to make the spells work. Also he was in the middle of a battle! Who had time for incantations and arm waving? Perhaps Sirron would do something? The battle continued.

Hey! Where did that White Rabbit Go?

The Dark Lord was smiling to himself as he proceeded by air, carried by several of his Legion of the Dead Troopers. It had been so easy to just slip away and leave an illusion behind when Zozan had so obligingly clobbered Rahvin upside his head. All the immediate attention had been focused on the fight. The Dark Lord had other intentions in this tournament though, and his plan was to use this little get together as a disguise to perform his latest ceremony. It would not do though to have other noisy and possibly disruptive rulers around while he was doing just that.

The Dark Lord knew of several ways to get into the Sacred Trail. One was as Galebolt and Skragg had surmised through the gateway of Metmorphia but that was just not possible considering the power of the River and the power levels of the Kings involved. The Dark Lord knew he would not be able to stop the torrent of water from this end. It had to be done from the other side. He knew of no powers by any of the other King that could override the shear force of that river long enough for anyone to slip through the opening unscathed.

The best alternate method would have been through the secret opening in Crystallu where the original blowback had actually occurred. The gateway was still there but it was deep in the catacombs and none in Crystallu knew where that was. The Dark Lord smiled, he knew where that door was because he had escaped out through it those many years ago. Getting out was easy, getting back in through the defenses was another item entirely!

It would have been the best choice because that area was an intake door not and outtake area. He had to originally expend much power to get out through that door but it was possible. However because of the city dome of Crystallu he had no way into the city on this side of the dimensional portal that was not heavily guarded or monitored by the elves. That road was closed to him. He had tried to gain access before but each time he had been balked by Karen and her cohorts. This was not the time to try again when so much depended on the outcome, especially since he had at least two other avenues yet to try.

The next closest entrance was the one located in Namarushta and had been sealed shut by Keymon and his Grave. When the elves had buried the dead warrior, where he had died fighting. Keymon had caused the Dark Lord’s capture by the combined Towers force and Elf forces. A ceremony had been performed and when Keymon was entombed the Dark Lord had been imprisoned as well with the Spirit left to stand guard. The Dark Lord shuddered. He feared Keymon still for Keymon had with his very life bound the Dark Lord in an Elvin prison for more than a thousand years. He had only escaped when some chance potion collectors from Tlashtek had disturbed the site and had removed some of the ceremony items and weakened the elf spirits power long enough for him to escape! Upon his release the Dark Lord had taken the thieves lives as well as their souls and had returned to his home to reestablish his power. Still he did not wish to test Keymon’s power now by going back to that area! Luckily there was no need for that. The best place was at the Towers site itself, in an area located almost right next to Elaine’s palace and it seemed so fitting to his ceremony to use it now. Eadwills Grave now empty, vacant and unguarded was the easiest way into the other dimension now! Eadwill’s body had been the Towers seal for that end but when the Dark Lord had escaped he had been able to attack the Towers in Month One of Sir Roberts rule. There he had stolen the physical body of Eadwill and had gained possession of the spirit as well. His ceremony in releasing and binding the Spirit to him had caused many deaths in the Towers capital City and had brought down a curse upon the Land. Robert had later dispelled that curse but the way was again open and he had gained Eadwill.

Harpin and Elaine had recently rescued Eadwill but the door had never been resealed or was even guarded any longer. Why should they maintain the ceremonial guard on an empty grave? In the days before the tournament Dick had freely wandered around and noticed how easy it would be for him to enter the site and to perform the magic to enter the dimension. This was the place he would use and none suspected his plans. He smiled because this was going to be so easy!

The Dark Lord smiled in respect for Elaine. She had obviously known the best way into the other dimension but had sent the tournament champions to the toughest area instead! It was, of course, another test of intelligence. She had probably expected that the rulers would use all their powers to try to stem the flood of Metamophia and when they all failed she would have sadly spoken that no one had won the contest but all had made a valiant try. The Dark Lord though was smarter than that and knew more than anyone else about the nature of the Trail and the things he would find on the other side.

It would take him a bit to get there but none would be able to track him through the air to Eadwill’s grave and Damien would stop whoever tried. Sure if they all cut and ran in different directions Damien could not stop them all, but then Damien had orders to take them down by prestige in a certain order! Harpin would be first attacked if anyone left and then Twiggs followed by Sirron. Damien would stay especially close to Harpin who was designated his first target. The Dark Lord’s ceremony would not fail now for he had a great lead and it would only get longer!

Twigg’s had been keeping a very close eye on the Evil one and when Zozan struck Rahvin he knew this was the moment he had been waiting for. His method was not that much different than the Dark Lord’s though. Twiggs was also doing a ceremony. He quickly created an illusion of himself as well and then when a suitable distance away from the party he created a shining Green Trail into the air and started to follow the Dark Lord along the trail. For several hours he followed the Master of Evil wondering where he was going. When they passed Crystallu he suddenly began to suspect where they might be heading. He thought for a moment, could it be that he was contemplating using Eadwill’s Grave?

Twiggs was not sure but even the Dark Lord would not be insane enough to try any trickery in the Towers Domain. Time passed as they came closer and closer and Twiggs shook his head in disbelief. He was going to the Towers! He had suspected the Dark Lord would enter the trail in his own country and that would buy Twiggs time to enter through the Towers an be ready to force the Dark Lord back out from that position of strength. This was not good for now the Dark Lord would have the advantages on the dimension side. He had hoped to use his link with Sirron and the Dark Lord to find out where the Dark Lord’s entrance was and then to close that door. Now that would be useless. His only hope was to be close enough to the Dark Lord when he entered so that he could throw Dick’s plans into a confused state.

A short while later Dick landed in the courtyard of Elaine’s palace and dismissed his guards. They abruptly vanished. He was not surprised to be confronted by Elaine backed by Skragg, and Galebolt. Elaine spoke quietly, “Have you given up so soon Dark Lord? That is not your reputation.”

Dick smiled, “I suspect you know why I am here and you had hoped that I would not have figured it out so soon. You know of course that I intend to use Eadwill’s Grave.” Skragg nodded, “Half truths, Dark Lord, we also know you are doing a ceremony as well.” Galebolt nodded with a stony face.

“You intend to stop me? Would you break your own rules? I am a contestant like any other and I do not have to follow the cattle over the cliff. There was nothing said in any rule that I could not perform a ceremony at the same time. If you oppose me then you are as judges interfering in the contest. Will you declare me the winner now or let me proceed?” Dick Helmet stated in a bored tone.

Eliane spoke softly, “We are not here to stop you. If you chose to use Eadwill’s Grave you are within your rights to do so. If you chose to do a ceremony you are also within your rights. We just wanted you to know that we were not fooled. We knew you would most likely figure this out. Unfortunately for you it appears that someone else has as well. Welcome Twigg’s I see you are also ready to enter the next phase of the tournament.”

The Dark Lord, surprised, turned angrily to confront a smiling elf stepping off a Green Path that abruptly vanished as well. “Hi Aye, DICKEY! Fancy meeting you here. Seems like every time you screw around with a ceremony things just naturally go wrong. Maybe you ought to get out of the biz before things get any worse for you” Twiggs face got serious and hard, “Well this time you ice hole you’re going in and you are going to clean up some of your own mess and I’m going to be right along side you when you do.”

The Dark Lord looked at the group. His attention focused on Skragg. “YOU! You did this didn’t you?” Skragg spoke in a gravely voice, “I can’t take all the credit on this one. It was a joint effort. You see the Trail has to be cleaned up and then it needs to be locked away from idiots like you. You screwed it up, so it’s only Justice that you should have to expend some energy to fix the problem. I suspect Sirron would approve because Gerrain definitely did. That was why he knew he had to die. By the way you’re going to be seeing him again when you get there. You see I am doing a ceremony too and my contribution to this part of it was Gerrain’s body.”

“Elaine spoke again, “You see we are not here to PREVENT you from going to the trail, we’re here to make sure you get ON it. You have several high priced bills to pay Dark Lord and you’ve been resting on your credit to long. Or as Betred would say if he were here, you’re bill is way past due. By the time you and Twiggs have resolved some ‘issues’ as Rahvin would say between you. Both Skragg and Betred will be much stronger as well. You see Rahvin’s insults were nothing compared with the chance for us to get you.”

The Dark Lord growled in his throat, “How many were in on this? Obviously, you four. Possibly Betred as well. Well you’re not as clever as you think. I will hear no more of these gloats. Take me to the entrance and we shall see who has the final laughter.” Skragg spoke in an amused tone, “It is refreshing that you make no threats.” The Dark Lord smiled broadly. “I have no need. We know what is between us and to use threats on you four would be stupid and unproductive.”

“We will speak on this again in the future.” The Dark Lord turned and walked toward Eadwills Grave with Twiggs walking right behind him. At the site he made several gestures and with a word the grave suddenly split open and both walked through the shining doorway. With a sharp crack it vanished leaving the ground undisturbed and three rulers gravely watching the site. It was all in other hands now.

"I don't trust you.” "Don't worry. I've done this before.”

Once on the other side of the dimensional portal Twiggs quickly stopped as Dick watched him with some amusement. Twiggs pulled out a strangely glowing green seed and placed it in the strangely yellow ground and for a moment his staff glowed with power. “A Citadel Tree, how quaint.” Dick said with no little amusement. “I assume it’s intent is to seal the door so the others can’t come through that way. It certainly can’t stop me from leaving.”

“I wanted to make sure we’re not disturbed.” Said Twiggs rising to his feet. “All the other methods for gaining entrance to this dimension are not easily discovered or found and I didn’t want to have any of the others interrupt my stay with the Master of Evil!” He rose and looked carefully around at the landscape but was disappointed. They appeared to be on a sandy Yellow Trail that hung in the air over clouds of dark purple smoke. He looked at the Dark Lord and noticed for the first time that the Evil Ones Tokens were no longer with him and that he appeared to have changed even as the elf had been occupied with the tree.

The Dark Lord was now a small dark haired female human with delicate features and large green eyes! An electrical charge seemed to fill the air. This woman had so much sexual charisma it hurt just to look at her! Gone were all the normal accoutrements usually associated with the Master of Evil. Twiggs sighed in disgust, “Oh excuse me, the Mistress of Evil. You know? I don’t care what face you wear or how pretty you look. Do you think I would be stupid enough to trust you? I am not so sex starved as to let you lead me around by my…”

The Dark Mistress cut in amused. “This was the way I looked over a thousand years ago when I completed my last ceremony here. The Trail remembers and it has chosen to revert me to what I once was in my previous incarnation. Time means little in this dimension.” Stated the woman looking at Twiggs almost shyly through her dark bangs. “It feels strange to be back in this form again. It seems almost like yesterday, I had forgotten what affects a woman can have on a man. It does give one a sense of power and control.” She remarked smiling at him. Twiggs looked suspiciously at the woman, but was affected nonetheless. The Dark Lady was quite pretty. He still stuck to business though. “You say you didn’t do this change on your own, well I don’t believe you.”

The girl spoke again, “My name in this form is Arase if it pleases you to use it. That name is much more apropos than ‘Dick’, don’t you think? As you can see I look much like the Crystallu elves do today even though I am not an elf. I was in fact the template used to make the noble Namarushtians what they are today. My reversion is physical at first. As I continue it will also become more mental until the change is where I left off. I would suggest that you try not to become confused over the personality change I will undergo.” Arase smiled a Dark Lord type smile that merely looked impish on her, rather than deadly.

“You will need to understand several things about this place and what it is if you’re going to be of any use at all. Here I have no control of the changes upon myself. We are in a completely different dimension and are ruled by its laws that are not the same as the world we came from. In this place I have totally different powers and views from those we had in the world we have left. If you base your decisions on what I was in our world instead of what I am in this place you may cause yourself much turmoil later that may well include your world.”

“This is a dimension of vast powers and it is locked in a timeless state. One must possess a delicate touch to make things work well here, for shear power is not the answer as so many have discovered previously. This world for the heavy handed and unsubtle is a world capable of the grossest overkill. The World once contained in this dimension was destroyed by a group of machine/man like golems in a cataclysmic explosion. This timeless bubble is all that remains of a pseudo life and memory of that world.”

“So you destroyed previous worlds as well, I guess one world wasn’t enough for you to destroy, you had to migrate to mine and try to destroy it too. Why am I not surprised? So even your golems rebelled against you when they discovered your goals?” Twiggs asked sarcastically.

Arase looked angrily at the elf warrior. “I could tell you the truth but you would not like it and I suspect you would not want to believe it! Your kind had a more villainous role to play in that destruction of this world than I. My goal in the world of my birth was not the destruction of the world. On the contrary, my birthright had been usurped and I was attempting to regain my throne and heritage.”

“You wonder why your Dark Lord dislikes elves? He got that from me but it is a later part to my tale. Your elves chose the wrong side here and paid a heavy price for that trusting and their aiding of the emotionless machine ones. I would not be so smugly self-righteous if I were you. Elves on my world have proven to be of no greater moral fiber or blinding icons of intelligence than any human being. On my world they have proven to be just as ambitious, blind and stupid as anyone else! So put your narrow judgments away until you hear my story, and then make your decision based on some fact! Chaos is not the only thing that can destroy worlds, the neutrals can and so do the lawful ones as was proven here! Just because it is the Law does not mean it is Right.”

“I can already tell your lying. Your lips are moving. I don’t need to listen to your fantasies but just for the sake of that Justice Sirron likes so much I suppose I should at least hear you out and give you enough rope to hang yourself!” Said Twiggs harshly. He turned to check on his tree and noticed it had grown large enough and powerful enough. The magic in this dimension was powerful! He could understand why ceremonies were performed here. The magic enhanced his own and made any ceremony much more powerful than any ordinary one. He vaguely wondered why a destroyed world could have such a profound affect on magic.

Arase answered his unspoken question immediately, “The force that destroyed this world was supposedly neutral but was aided by law itself. Mostly chaotics perished here. Chaos promotes magic so is it any wonder that the links of your world would point to this as a highly magical area? I was a Time Lord on this World in this form. You probably have no idea what that means, since I believe there are no known Time Lords on your World.”

“I created this Timeless bubble area we are now in and it has been my prison for untold eons in time. I live and cannot be killed nor even go insane, my pattern here is set and only the right set of circumstances might free me. When your Dark Lord came here He eventually, through his ceremonies, became a part of me because we are similar in so many ways. Each of us is timeless and cannot be killed. We exist in many worlds in many dimensions. He in essence eventually became me and since I am the stronger of the two of us, when he is here, he becomes me. So when he returned through the portal this world’s magic imposed this change upon him because I am so much more powerful than he has ever been in your world.”

“You’re still lying. The Dark Lord destroyed a trail my people and others created! He lusted for power and tried to perform a double ceremony and his greed caused the damage to this dimension. Why do you continue to lie to me when I know so much of the truth? It appears though that you read minds here as well?” Twiggs stated forcibly.

Arase was not angered though, “From your view it would seem that way. Your people did create a trail. There is no lie in that. The trail was the portal into my little bubble of Time stasis. I was overjoyed to find rescuers who had reached me. I had been so long here and was so very bored and lonely. However, none of them could help me and feared to tamper too much for fear of losing their power source. They told me I should be thankful for the occasional visits. To me it was more a taunting like a starving child outside a candy store.”

“You have no conception yet, being a young elf, what it is like to be doomed to relive throughout all eternity the history of a destroyed world. The worst part is being unable with all my powers to affect the course of History in any way from the reality that has been written here. Time Lords must be neutral as well as wary of not interfering too much, for this can be the result. In my case I was not wary enough, for I had just come into my powers and I was looking at the wrong things when members of my world took that fatal step in the wrong direction in reaction to my becoming what I was. I failed to take it seriously enough and could not prevent the destruction of my world in time. I pay for that neglect now.”

Arase touched Twiggs arm imploring him to understand with tears in her eyes. Twiggs could see the remorse in her face. “Do you know of any more appropriate Hell anywhere, Elf King? However, for me the door is a one-way door. I can never leave. I created this Time Bubble in a reaction to save my life! Time Lords do not die easily and now it too is written on the final pages of time of my world. I have proven to be a failed Time Lord and the others who guard worlds will do nothing to save me from my fate. I have not the Power to change what is, for with great power come great constraints. I built my own prison in my rush to survive and now I only wish to end the monotony and suffering it has brought me.”

“So I remained here, a timeless prisoner and I greeted each new person that entered through your portal with restraint in the knowledge that I cannot leave my prison. Then in one timeless moment your Dark Lord entered through the portal. I greeted him with joy for any change is welcome here and we spoke at length for he is always eager for knowledge. He reminded me much of my past when I had lived in that other world and sought knowledge much as he did.”

“We were much alike he and I, both of us Chaotic and living Timelessly. I had grown so weary of my prison. He offered to end it for me and he outlined a plan that he had called a ceremony. I agreed to help him with all my heart. Death seemed like the only out for me and I was ready to end this trap. No one else could be hurt by this for was not my world already ended?”

Twiggs was interested in spite of himself. Not that he believed this sweet bit of fluff for a moment, of course. She did have more sexual zing than any woman he had seen before but he was not about to fall into her trap. Still her story seemed to open new avenues and possibilities that he had not considered. He nodded for her to continue her story. She started to walk down the trail and he quietly followed to see where she was going. As they walked he could see strange shapes shifting in the purple clouds. The shapes did not form pictures just geometrical shapes. He felt uneasy and watched his surroundings closely.

Arase continued, “Your Dark Lord gained many of his mind powers from me when he did his ceremony. I was the leader of an insect race known as the Krisakis. They worshipped me as a goddess and I had great power. In your world you believe that the Dark Lord performed a failed ceremony. In essence that is truth, but it was not the kind of ceremony you envisioned.”

“You see, he was not trying to perform a two level jump as your people have surmised, although that could be a reason. We both know well that each ceremony prepares the representative for the next stage of their power. Without a due waiting time they are almost certain to destroy themselves. What he attempted was to join me as I performed my own ceremony with him thus creating a linked ceremony that gains additional power that can be shared by both participants.”

“Much like Harpin and Elaine did, for as long as the individuals agree and are not at odds the ceremony is safer! Remember when you performed a ceremony against the Dark Lord? The affects in your world were terrible to behold were they not? That is because of a contention affect by the Attributes. It is important that individuals be match carefully, we thought we were at the time. We seemed to be so much alike then. We were wrong and the power we unleashed was much higher that you and the Dark Lord unleashed upon your world.”

“You see, our concept in the ceremony then was that by using his body link with his world, I would leave with him and enter your world. Without my presence here to power it the Bubble of Time would collapse. Once outside the bubble I could die! He in return would gain some of my powers enhancing his own. Not time powers, but natural abilities that I had long before then. It seemed to me an equitable trade. So, you see? Your basic facts are correct but you interpreted the data wrong because you had no knowledge of the actual situation.”

“I must say, “ stated Twiggs calmly, “you certainly know how to lie convincingly. Let’s just say for the sake of the argument that you are telling me the truth. My facts say the ceremony failed. The river Metamorphia was created, Crystallu was almost destroyed and the nobility of the elves changed into Dark and corrupted tools. The Dark Lands became the beast and monster ridden swamp that it is today. The Dark Lord continued with new powers to increase his reign of woe and was only bound and imprisoned after the death of many heroes of my world. Now why should this be? If he was the nice person you paint him to be?”

As they walked Twiggs saw a strange sight. Appearing out of the clouds the trail led downward into a strangely shaped city resting on a rocky barren waste. The city looked dead, until a strange gnome entered it. The gnome studied the city and tinkered with the things found there. He discovered how to get some of the machines working. Parts of the city came to life but it was not intelligent or organized. The lights flickered feebly. The gnome died but he had done enough, for his brain was taken and placed in a machine to help guide, but his background limited the gnome. Progress for the city was painstakingly slow and the years past with only small, almost imperceptible gains. The Gnome lived on in immortality more machine than human. The golems slowly started to come back to life.

Arase spoke, “ I did not say he was nice and did not have his own objectives, but he appeared to be my best and only opportunity. In my younger days I was not always nice either but eons in prison have changed many of my opinions. I suspect in your teen days you as well have done things you would not be proud of now. I thought he could do little harm in this place, but I was proven to be wrong. The ceremony did fail. We could not overcome the power of the Laws of Time in this place. We joined into one being, we were successful in that much but the join had unexpected consequences to us both. My mental attitudes in the prison had changed and we were not as compatible as I thought. The bubble was placed in flux as our spirits warred seeking stability, but this prison cannot be destroyed while I exist and remain here. A Time Paradox is a difficult thing to break. Cor Deathsinger, the woman who gave me this power warned frequently of this but I paid little heed. The Bubble cannot vanish till I can leave it but it will not permit me to leave without a link to my world. A world destroyed and that can never be again.”

“She stopped for a moment thoughtfully and sadly, tears in her eyes, “I should have known of course but I was desperate and desperate people will cling and fight for any hope or chance. Openings appeared in the Time bubble that mirrored the conflict your Dark Lord and I faced. The energy rushed out through one of the small breaks. It became the River you call Metamorphia. A river of Time and Chaos so powerful that it will eventually affect your world as well and may well end it as viciously as mine was.”

“The loss of power from this dimension was miniscule for it cannot destroy this dimension for it is written in the sands of time, but it could seek to stabilize itself and it did. A breech was opened in Crystallu for that was where your Dark Lord had entered through a portal gate to get here. The stability my world craved from your world was the power for Law that is missing from mine. That power was sucked through and it had to go somewhere didn’t it? The Dark Lord part of me could not handle the shear magnitude of that enormous flow of power and I was reeling from the affects of the failed ceremony. So neither could I in my present instable state. We released it into his own lands on your World, The Shadow Lands, causing unbelievable affects, where he knew another end of the trail was, keeping only the Lawful force that was necessary for stability in this realm.”

“Still it almost killed us both, but we were one person. It was at this point we both agreed to try to escape and thus mitigate much of the damage we were causing in your world. Your people, fearful, sought to prevent our escape. We came into conflict with them but our ceremony and backlash had left us weak and confused. The closest way out that we could take was the Crystallu Gate. We made our way there and tried to pass through. We believed that once through without my presence the bubble would collapse and all would return to normal and I would die.”

Twiggs was listening but he was also fascinated by the golems. Several people tried to fly in on what looked like Nylss Spluds? They were very similar to the creatures of his world and seemed to have the same use. The defenses of the city reacted mindlessly, for it was not a creature with a brain, not yet. The interlopers were tossed from the sky and onto the sharp rocks below. Most died, but one human did not. He was salvaged by the mindless drones to become a Golem. He had magical talent as well as knowledge of machines. This one was powerful and unique and Twiggs felt a disquieting feeling of impending doom.

The city prospered with his arrival and knowledge. Time continued to scroll at the same rate as before but the city expanded much faster and more surely under his intelligent control, but it was short of valuable resources for the rebuilding. A deal was struck with an elf that looked much like Twiggs himself. Resources poured into the city. Lawful elite took up residence inside the city working and assisting the Golems and they started to re-populate the city. The elf agreed with all of this and did much to convince others of his view and then secretly he outlined a plan to the human/golem that controlled the city. It was accepted. For the elf feared a leader of the tribes of Krisakis, strange Dark Insects that reminded Twiggs of the Dark Lord’s elite guard in his world. It appeared that perhaps the Dark Lord had gotten much knowledge from this Arase. Could he also have been behind the design of the Spluds as well? If so why?

“We were wrong.” Arase continued earnestly, “The Dark Lord escaped taking with him my weariness of life and longing for Death as well as my hatred for the elves that had destroyed my world. He was insane for he does not have the stability I enjoy. His mind could not handle the concepts I was forced by my nature to accept. I was ripped apart from him for we were much weaker and I was forced to stay here unable to follow him where he had links into his own world. The ties between us were not strong enough then. Although his link with me did survive and he was able to draw on some of my more minor powers he forgot much of what had occurred here. It would be over a thousand years before he would adjust and begin to remember what he left behind and the power here.”

“The ability to shape change, influence thoughts, order and command monsters became part of his powers. Powers that I had wielded in my past and he could identify with. His Attribute became that of Final Death rather than just a simple Death. The balance of power was broken in your world, for while the elves could understand Death as a part of Life, Final death was too much for them to handle. The Dark Lord did horrible things in his insanity and your people rose against him with the Towers folk. He was imprisoned eventually but like me he cannot be killed or destroyed and his prison was only an Elvin one.”

She turned and looked at Twiggs and spoke forcibly and Twiggs could feel the truth of her words. “You are winning the battles but you are losing the war. Eventually the Dark One will win, no matter what you do to him for my dimension continues to pour more and more chaotic power into your world removing the Law and substituting pure Chaos. It will take thousands of years but it is inevitable. I have no idea what will happen then. If the balance is not restored soon you will pass the point of no return. There will be too much Chaos in your world for it to reverse itself. You can see the signs as your neutral Attributes become more chaotic and your lawful rulers sink more and more towards neutrality.”

“The effort in containing the Dark Lord drained your people of much of their power. You entered what is called the Grey Leaf time to recover. Only now do you begin to recover. Each phase of the Dark Lord’s return though is worse than the last for your world. Each conflict makes you weaker than the last before it. Soon enough in time, you will eventually be destroyed. Your records are lost after each battle and each time you lose more of the information you need to survive. Your chances of winning next time vanishes with it.” Stated Arase sadly to the Elf King..

The strange city now covered in a dome of strange white light arose levitating into the air. Twiggs was amazed at the power of the devices that lifted the rebuilt and repaired machine city. Far enough from the world a button was pushed by the Golem. He could see the core of the planet with strange devices installed that had fed power to the city. They machines overloaded and the planet exploded in a brilliant white light. Purple clouds were all that was left as the Golem city vanished into the night carrying a mixed crew of Paladins and machines. He watched the people who had been cheated and lied to by the elf rise up to kill him horribly for his treachery in destroying their world. The elf looked exactly like Twiggs himself and made him feel very uncomfortable. He looked at Arase, beginning to believe. It explained much. “Your not insane now are you?” He asked quietly.

“No.”, “I am not insane now. Just a lonely woman trapped in a world of might-have-been and maybe with no hope of escape or pardon. The Time Lords Code has ordained my Justice. A living memorial of what the lust for power can do to a world, any world, we live in.” The remorse she felt was like an overwhelming blanket to Twiggs. Psionically and with the Dark Lord link he enjoyed Twiggs felt the loneliness and heartbreak she radiated. The shear futility of being unable to change what was, despite the power to order time and create worlds flooded through him as well. He could no more resist that emotional and silent cry for companionship and love than any other person who called themselves human beings. They joined together in a long kiss and sank to the sandy ground.

"There's only three of them. Watch the one that looks like Death, though."

Rahvin ran and as he changed into a wolf he smiled a lupine smile. Behind him the sky lit up with a blood red glow that smashed brutally against a sky blue one. He wondered vaguely who would survive, but was really uninterested in the outcome. He had a different mission. This was the perfect time to complete his commission for Damien. Jarod was trapped here. Everyone thought Rahvin was either doing Elaine’s stupid game or heading for Kings Tree to mess over elves. He had a better idea. His allies had agreed to hire on as mercenaries in a bold plan to nail that loud mouth pip squeak Jarod.

Even now they were on their way to their various cities to take a Tower trip to Tpsolei. Jarod had just taken the city after fighting the defenses Damien had left behind. The situation there would be in Chaos since the King had done so little. It was the perfect time to attack his land. Rahvin was very close to the Nylss border, Karen was close enough to Crystallu and had special abilities for travel. Corman was a Bard and also had a fast method of covering the distances to his lands. They would each grab their immediate guards and take and ram it to Tpsolei. He smiled as the battle continued behind him. It would be interesting to see how Jarod’s supposed allies would try to handle the problem.

Karen had rushed away at elf speed heading over the river of Metamorphia by quickly painting a bridge. She then raced westward a short distance until she was able to paint a small design that moved her from where she was to Crystallu. She couldn’t put her finger on it but the city seemed to be more subdued than usual. She was used to the chaotic noises and happenings inside the city but today it was almost too peaceful and orderly. Amazingly so, and she felt strange herself, a feeling of impending forces and changed emotions. She did not like this ‘feeling’. Could it be her conscience that told her not to take part in Rahvin’s plan? She pushed it behind her and called her army. Five hundred warriors should do the trick. There was no Token protecting Tpsolei. She would gate her army their immediately and seize and hold the Towers. She knew Corman and then Rahvin would be there soon to relieve her. This promised to be the coup of the century but why did it suddenly feel so wrong?

Corman was happy for a change. Finally! A chance to do something. He raced southward as Karen raced West and Rahvin went North. He started to sing a lusty travelers song and much like the magic in seven league boots he started to cover ground faster and faster. Karen would get to her palace first of course for she was closest. This just made their plan so right though. They needed her to take the Transport Towers first and deactivate the defenses that would not allow armies to march through them. He would have to get Karen to teach him that trick.

The land itself continued in response to his music as it seemed to race rapidly towards him and then behind him as if it had suddenly come alive. In moments he stepped onto the water and headed towards Thimhalen. It would take little time to summon his loyal guard ‘The Son’s of Thimhalen and the Knights of the Shamrock’. They would immediately embark the five hundred men through the Towers that Karen would hold for them. With no Token and King to protect the land it was ripe for the shearing like a fat sheep and Jarod had been full of himself making vague noises of peace and war. Corman felt the ‘wee small man’ was due for a lesson on when it would be best to keep ones mouth closed until he learned where the traps were!

Corman liked gold and Damien was reputed to have stored a lot of the Tlashtek treasure that he and the Dark Lord had taken in the battle of Tlashtek right in the center of his Island. The bardic King would be rich, and famous wouldn’t hurt either. He smiled as he saw the border of his country ahead and ran faster. He didn’t want to be late and disappoint his new friends.

Several hours later with a 500 Vampire guard called the Ritual Blood Drinkers, Rahvin stepped from the Transport Tower in Tpsolei to a sight that gladdened his heart. Karen had moved swiftly and secured the Towers and had eliminated the normal guards that would have prevented a large force from coming out. She had performed the magic that had deactivated how many armed men could transport at a time and his men were pouring out of the Towers at a fast rate. She had even saved the prisoners as meat for him and his troops. She was even currently holding the line of retreat open and was itemizing and sorting the loot that Corman’s little people were bringing in. He smiled. That was more like it, fast efficient allies that he could trust to do their jobs correctly. Perhaps later he would give them the chance to become Vampires? They had certainly earned the privilege.

Corman’s units had come through two hours before him and they had quickly fanned from Karen’s strong points, out into the city. They were a strange mixture of leprechauns, and little people that almost made him smile until he saw what they had accomplished in just two hours. Corman had chosen just the right force for this foray. The army he had brought was adept at easily avoiding people and remaining unseen. They had proven to be especially competent at gathering the large amounts of carefully hidden treasures in a very short time. They had also wrecked considerable havoc magically amongst the roving patrols and the peasant populace creating so much panic and problems that the Atlantian response teams had no idea where the invading force even was! His army moved invisibly all around the other forces as well as people and even in amongst them pick pocketing and stealing and even visiting all manner of minor magic’s on the populace. He especially liked the itch charms they put on several of the soldiers they encountered. They had even used glamour’s to make the soldiers fire on helpless civilians or each other. It was humorous.

Now it was also getting on into the night. Twilight was here and that appeared to be Corman’s time but with the deep Dark his people would escalate the terror a hundred fold! This would aid him and his allies even more. They all appeared to be a good team and worked well together. Jarod would be taught a lasting lesson in not treating the vampires with the respect he was due!

Rahvin smiled, it was time to hunt. He motioned for his vampires to go out into the city and feed. They would create even more havoc. Time passed as fog enshrouded the city and the howls of wolves were heard in the buildings. Soon the screams and cries for help were louder and more fearful. The hunters were very successful. The prey was numerous and plentiful. The feeding was rich and easy. None of the pack lacked.

The Atlantians were soon fleeing to their ships unable to cope with attacks that they could not see and vague shadows in the dark that all to often were their own people! Soon they began to lay down barrages of fire from their ships anchored off shore into the tall stone buildings of the city and deep into the fog. The Tpsoleins already on the island were much to numerous to all fit on the ships and had nowhere to run. For who knew if one of the rabble allowed on board might not be a Vampire in disguise. The ships rays flashed but they dared not to leave the safety of their number to enter the closed in roads of the city at night where they might be isolated and destroyed by the unknown forces arrayed against them? It was a long night of terror.

The looting continued all through the darkness until dawn finally touched the skies and the enemy forces withdrew leaving nothing but destroyed buildings and ruined Transport Towers behind them. When the morning returned all was strangely quiet in the city. The attackers had appeared to have left as fast and as mysteriously as they had appeared, and several Tpsoleins scouting carefully through the ruins could find no signs of them not even bodies! Many of the populace were dead and it appeared that Atlantian guns and the attackers themselves had killed more than 50% of the population. The city was thoroughly looted and not much remained of any of the facilities except for the untouched Extensive facility and it’s Transport Towers.

Survivors started to mill around the facility and soon large amounts of food and medical supplies were being handed out from this site. Doctors on staff and mages were overloaded and worked much through the days. Many of the remaining people asked for sanctuary and many took Towers to the Spouting Mountains carrying whatever goods they could. Even Damien’s rule was better than this! No signs were ever discovered of any of the attackers but it was obvious from the bites that the Vampires had struck! Special precautions were taken of all the bodies found with Vampire bites and they were burned in huge bonfires from rubble in the city. It was a hard and uneasy day that soon led into another terror filled night back at the ships. Gunners waited for more attacks and the populace huddled in the hidden places waiting for more attacks but all stayed quiet with no further incidents occurred. Night would be a time of terror for all. Jarod had come representing peace and responsibility and had brought naught but terror and destruction.

Far away to the North in the Castle of Grundar, Rahvin and his allies had divided the fabulous wealth of the Capital City of Tpsolei. Rahvins cut alone in wealth and slaves tallied more than eight million gold pieces. His allies had done just as well. The best part was the payment Damien had promised, with an unsuspected bonus, had also arrived through Extensive that very day. The Extensive clerk informed Rahvin that his principal was well pleased at the prompt service and promised more lucrative work in the future. The Nylss Barbarians celebrated with beer and song! Finally a war leader of power! The others would fear the army of the Nylss! No longer would they be the target of bad jokes and stupid comments! Another cool 1.5 million in gold that Rahvin distributed to his army in an unprecedented sign of generosity! The parades in his honour and feasts lasted for days. Virgins were sent for him to drain, in his honour, from each of the tribes. A promising beginning for him and his allies he mused. Corman had returned to Thimhalen and seemed happy with the profitable adventure as well.

Karen had stated to him privately that she felt uneasy. She was unsure but felt a looming presence of danger. All her scrying could not locate the source of the problem. Rahvin respected Karen as he did few of the other rulers. If she said something was wrong then it was likely that she was correct. Had he left anything to chance? Perhaps the problem was only related to her alone. He would watch and wait. If Karen were attacked, she would have sure and proven allies for her defense. Rahvin would guarantee that.

"I'll cast darkness to get away from the bats."

Jarod ran eastward into the Chaka Forest to escape the maniacs behind him. Rahvin had gone North, Karen West and Corman South. East seemed like a good direction. Maybe he could find a Tower and get home. The sky behind him was flashes of sullen blood red light constantly probing a sky blue color. The battle looked too evenly matched to call and after seeing Brittany turned into a rump roast in the twinkling of an eye, he wasn’t stupid enough to hang around with all those meat eaters!

Jarod just knew that of all the Kings, Damien would waste the least time on pursuing him, but why tempt fate by hanging around in his vicinity? He had been having ‘disagreements’ with the Spouting Mountain King and saw little reason to coax doom by putting himself next to the King when they were working out a disagreement in policy! It had to be all the meat those idiots ate, they should eat vegetables it was better for them. If more people were to be vegetarians their energy might be put to more useful purposes. Chasing meat produced conflict which breed fear, then anger and finally hatred. The others could not see this as an unending cycle but he could. Now if only he had the power to change it.

As he raced through the trees he saw a small fountain like spring of Metemorphia. It was obviously an underground outlet but the fountain itself was unusual. Looking behind and seeing nothing chasing him he decided to investigate this strange occurrence. The fountain was unusual in that it was made of a strange pale pink metal and encrusted with blood red rubies. He was more than a little surprised to see a female elf sitting beside it. The elf was dressed in Cy Clan Robes of pure white with a large oak tree embroidered on the back and she appeared to be meditating. She looked up at him and nodded greeting. “Welcome Jarod of the Atlantians. I have been awaiting you on behalf of King Sirron for we have much to discuss and his Majesty will be busy with Damien for some time.”

Jarod nodded unsurprised. He had heard that Cy Clan could extrapolate the future mathematically and it would have taken little brainpower with their knowledge of the various rulers to predict that they would be in contention sooner or later in this Tournament. They may have had several other Cy Clan representatives posted at various points to make this sort of contact. He suspected he knew what they wished of him. “You are Estelle? Why are you serving the Cy Clan King now?”

The elf rose and for an elf she was very tall, much taller than the human Estelle was reputed to be. Was their more than one elf Cy Clan? She spoke quietly, “My name is not Estelle, although I know of her. I serve the Cy Clan King on loan from my true King Twiggs Barkhaven of Namarushta. My name is Ashla and I am an ambassador and Advisor to Sirron in these desperate times. My function is to offer him guidance and knowledge so that he will discontinue his destructive ways and learn to be more at peace with the world.”

“You choose a hard road Ashla. The world does not want or desire peace. We have greed at the lives and expense of others. We have assassins, kidnappers and thieves licensed to perform their tasks. We have Vampires, undead and Dark Creatures wandering our lands and many wonder if the so-called ‘Good Folk’ are not as bad as the ones they are supposed to be fighting. We have corrupt rulers more than eager to destroy anyone or anything, including their supposed friends if it will advance them one iota of power above their fellows.” Stated Jarod looking at Ashla calmly.

Ashla nodded gravely her large green elf eyes studying Jarod with care. “You are correct in all that you say. The world is full of much Chaos and Evil and it is getting worse. The Vampires are just a sign of the latest phase we can see, I am sure there will be other such manifestations. So why did you think Elaine wanted Metamorphia stopped? It is a sign of Chaos and injects Chaos into our world. We have been treating symptoms not the disease. Did you think Elaine would be as simple as Rahvin supposed?”

She turned away and gazed into the fountain, “Some people do fight back, not with weapons but with their minds. How will you fight Jarod? You who state they serve the cause of Peace as well as Responsibility. Justice, Chivalry, Honour, Peace, Life and Prosperity are normally all Attributes of Positive things. Chaos, Destruction, Death, are considered by most to be the Negative Attributes. Artistry and Knowledge are usually thought by the sages to be Neutral Attributes. How will you represent your Attribute? Will you corrupt your Peace into the Peace of Death and thus make your Attribute Negative? Or will you do nothing making your Attribute a Neutral Force?”

Again she looked at him. “The Attribute does not care whether we make it positive, negative or neutral. Only that it achieves dominance. They leave us the free will to make of it what we wish. That is the Power they grant us. The Power to use as we wish in their behalf, the road we chose to follow is our own. It takes a strong sense of discipline and responsibility to use such power for the betterment of all. Power can be so insidious to those who have it and it can effect anyone, even those with good intentions.” She turned back to the fountain.

“Notice this Fountain? Beautiful is it not? A short while ago it was not here. Then a warrior called Zozan fell into a river of strange properties and was changed. A thing of beauty exists where there was none before. Zozan fought the right person for the wrong reason. He fought for power for himself. What he fought was dangerous, capricious and evil but he did not fight for that reason.” She noticed Jarod’s startled look. “Yes he is still alive for Metamorphia does not kill but changes randomly what it touches. Take your cloak and drop it into this fountain.” Jarod bemused took off the Ancient Cloak of Atlantian Kings. Made from special materials only to be found in the deepest oceans it was a unique and Priceless Item. With some hesitation he dropped it into the fountain not knowing what to expect.

“You are a trusting soul are you not? That is good, for you, for peace is only achieved by trust. Sometimes a child is more fitted to lead than an adult. There is wisdom in a child for they have no preconceived notions of what is proper or correct.” Asla said gravely. The cloak glowed for moments and the fountain suddenly vanished, as did the pool. The glow remained but the cloak appeared unchanged in any major aspect.

She reached into the interior pocket of the cloak and took something out. Jarod did not see what it was. Ashla calmly picked up the cloak and placed it on his shoulders tying it into place. She adjusted the flow of the cloak delicately and stepped back smiling at the reaction she had caused in the Atlantian. Jarod was slightly flustered. Ashla tossed SAND into his eyes. Jarod struggled to brush the Sand away but in moments he was sleeping on the ground wrapped in his cloak.

Ashla nodded satisfied. Her part in this affair was over. She looked off into the distance at the sullen red glow and the sky blue light as evening approached. Tonight many in a Kingdom far away would die at the hands of Chaos. The Beast would hunt and none could stop him for it was a time of beasts. It would know no remorse or pity but would follow the predator’s way to feed its appetite. It would be sated for only a short time and then would Hunt again. The Nylss would undergo some changes, no longer were it’s ruling class Barbarians, now they would be Rangers, most likely a new type.

A short distance away Honour and Destruction fought a titanic battle that would rock the World with it’s intensity while Justice hung in the balance and would either decide the issue or fail and become a mockery to the world. The lights flashed even here this far away in the trees and thunder rumbled noisily as powers clashed. Ashla sat on the grass and placed Jarod’s head on her lap. A child slept dreaming of peace in a world that knew nothing of it.

"Think of the reputation!"

Twiggs awoke but little had changed except for the naked woman in his arms with the smile on her face as she slept, her short black hair in disarray. He smiled tenderly for a moment and then suddenly remembered. “OH NO!” He groaned, “I can’t believe I slept with the Dark Lord! If this gets out no one will ever let me forget it! The sex crazed elf jokes will be outrageous!”

Arase opened her startling green eyes suddenly and smiled hugely at the naked elf. “Just like a man, he thinks of his reputation first. I think Karen is correct, you guys need to be punished. Next time I carry a whip and wear leather like Harpin!” She stretched enticingly. Twiggs was shocked at his reaction. This woman had more sexual allure than any woman he had ever met. That said a lot because Twiggs had known many women. “What do you think the jokes will be like for me when it gets around that you screwed the Dark Lord? Now I know I’m supposed to be the ‘Master of Evil’ and all of that, which to Livyanuians also means a pervert, but if you got me pregnant I’ll never live this down.” She laughed gaily at the look on the elf Kings face. Arase could not help it. She burst out laughing gaily, “Does this mean we have to get married?” She asked trying to put on her most serious, confused, and childlike face. It suddenly changed as her eyes narrowed in suspicion. “By the way, just how many wives have you collected, you philanderer?”

Twiggs gasped, speechless. His mouth fell open. He tried to talk but nothing came out. Arase cracked up laughing again so hard tears came to her eyes. Twiggs looked at her for a moment then a smile came to his face as well. She was an excellent lover and even now still looked to darned good. He started to reach for her but she ducked away quickly. She stood up and tried to put a stern look on her childlike face. “No way Sir! You have done enough already to ruin my spotless reputation. You should not be consorting, with the enemy! You get no more until Harpin marries us properly, I will not be considered as that Dark Lord slut by the women of your world! In the meantime we have work to do. We have your world to save you know or they won’t be calling us anything.”

Twiggs stopped short and started reaching for his clothes. She was right it was time to get back to business. A short while later they were on the trail again and Arase was leading him along many twists and turns. “What do you have in mind?” he asked her.

Arase looked at him calmly, all business now. “We are going to try to stop the flow of Chaos from here into your world. We must seal the breach that has created the river of Metamorphia. After all, you did come hear so that the Dark Lord could clean up his mess right? Elaine may not have known why she was permitting the Dark Lord to come here with you but her instincts were sound. She knows this has to be fixed. Although she knew nothing of me she must have suspected that somehow the Dark Lord would be rendered quiescent, I can understand why the Dark Lord wants her, her power is amazing.”

Twiggs looked at her strangely. “Let’s see if I understand this correctly. The breach was made by your failed ceremony. Somehow it had to do with the instability between you and the Dark Lord. It would appear that you need a Cy Clan more than you need an elf here. The problem appears to be you. Are you proposing that we separate you and the Dark Lord?”

“No, but because neither of us is a Cy Clan we do not have that choice. If you had brought one with you of sufficient power I might have considered that option. No, we are going to have to do it in reverse, sort of a pull rather than a push approach. You must seal the hole which will in turn fix me, I hope.” Stated Arase calmly. Twiggs was startled and from even this distance he could see the hole. It did not appear real big but the purple clouds flowed like an enormous river to the breech and vanished. The power of that torrent through such a small hole must be powerful beyond belief! Then it hit him what Arase had said.

“What do you mean ‘YOU’ must fix it? Aren’t you helping?” said Twiggs in surprise. Arase smiled brightly for a moment. “Of course I am helping you. I’ll supervise and you do it. Is that not a woman’s normal role?” Unbalanced emotionally by her mood and not sure she was kidding Twiggs cautiously asked, “Then you know a way to fix it?” Arase’s smile widened, “Of course not, but that has never stopped any woman before has it?” The look on Twiggs face was priceless and she suddenly burst out laughing and then relented, a little.

“You and I face several problems that we will have to approach, each in their own way if we wish to succeed. You have to do the heavy physical stuff because most of my changes will be internal to me. While you are sealing the hole I will be dealing with my own mental condition on that level That is the only way that I can assist you. Also there is a very good reason why it has to be done this way, I’m pregnant.” She finished shyly.

“Twiggs was floored. “What so soon? You’re not kidding me are you? How do you know?” Arase looked at him seriously. “Time is not the same for me as for you. I have moved us forward in time to bring us quickly to this rift. Doing so has made time pass rapidly for me. I am carrying your child. A daughter I believe, and a half elf. I’m sorry but I will be physically unable to assist you as much as I might like.” Twiggs looked at her carefully and it was true she was showing, noticeably. She also appeared to be tired and almost uncomfortable. He helped her to sit down to rest and broke out some of his elf food for her. It would be addictive to a human, but it had high energy and recovery properties and she would need it. He would not give her so much that she would be dependent on it. Suddenly it hit him. “How long at this rate before the child is born?”

Arase sat thoughtfully. “Not long by your time. We are close enough now to the rift. I would suggest if you are going to seal Metamorphia that you start now. I too will begin to assist you in my own way.” She carefully laid down and appeared to go to sleep immediately.” Twiggs looked at her and brushed her hair back. Then arose and went to survey the rift. It was only a jagged crack not very large at all. No more than a few feet across. He suddenly had an idea. Metamorphia was much like a river and a river could be blocked or dammed by debris. What would happen if a tree were to block the opening first slowing the flow, maybe then he could get a patch over the hole? That might give Arase the chance to seal the problem.” He mused to himself as the vast river continued to flow.

Twiggs took out a seed and spoke softly. “Elf to Tree, Tree to Elf, Tall the stem long the leaf, protect the world with forest magic. Use your sap to strengthen and heal. Give us shelter, cover and seal!” He tossed the seed of the Citadel tree into the purple clouds and it was lost immediately to sight. He watched intently, tired and fearful that the shear power of this place would overwhelm what little power he possessed. He looked at Arase and she appeared uncomfortable and struggling.

Arase appeared to be asleep, dreaming, but she was dreaming in Time. She saw Twiggs throw the seed and saw it sparkle and grow. She used all her power to guide its direction correctly but the waves of Time were capricious and the task was difficult. After what seemed like forever the tree arrived in exactly the position that it required to be in. The mighty and continually branching root structure reached the hole first. Many roots broke on that fabulously powerful iron oak tree but the tree was strong with the magic Twiggs had given it. It grew more and more and anchored itself in the bubble of time. It continued to fight the enormous pressure but it drank from the Chaos magic surrounding it as well. The tree became stronger and bigger. Arase spent and weary awoke and saw a dancing Twiggs, his back to her and she smiled. It had worked! The rift was sealed! She fell back to sleep exhausted but satisfied for things were going so well.

The Elf King watched for what seemed like a long time, if that could have any meaning in this place, and then noticed the clouds rushing towards the hole, slow. The bubble appeared to be slowly returning to its natural state. Was it working? Suddenly he saw leaves appearing above the clouds! The root of the tree must have struck first! The river was pushing on the strongest not the weakest part of the tree! He had hoped for only a temporary pause but he had sealed it completely! The tree would only get stronger now.

He capered and danced. He could feel the power coursing within him. He turned and looked but Arase was still asleep. He turned again and watched the tree grow strong and beautiful. He had accomplished the Tournament. {Who’s the man Rahvin? Just Kiss it Harpin! Eat my shorts Dark Lord!} He thought as he shook his butt suggestively and then he stopped in shock for a moment.

Did he still consider Arase and the Dark Lord to be the same person? Every bit of fact here cried out against it. He turned and looked at the sleeping woman carrying his child, broodingly. Even in sleep she was amazingly beautiful and sexy and he felt… he wasn’t quite sure what he was feeling! He had a final test that would give him a unique power. If this were a Dark Lord trick he would have a final answer. Meantime, he would play it straight and see. His emotions were to tied in knots for him to make a decision on this situation. He had to admit, he had not really planned for this contingency.

"OK - You may now begin to laugh maniacally."

Harpin had been fighting the rest of that day with Damien and well into the night. He was getting tired. If not for his powerful shield and magic he would have collapsed long ago. However, it appeared that Kalain was correct in his view of Livyanu Magic. The longer he stood facing the Dark Lord’s killer and fought the more he seemed to summon up the reserves of energy he needed to continue the fight. He began to take heart and offered up a prayer to the Clear Sky. He slammed Damien again with his ax. He wondered what had happened to Sirron and Brittany. After the first blinding flash of light in Damien’s attack he had not seen either of them. His concentration was on Damien.

Sirron had tried to get closer and enter the conflict but each time Damien’s attack had swept at him faster and he had been forced to move back to avoid the deadly sweeping beams. It made no difference if he was ‘cloaked’ or not Damien’s power always seemed to follow him wherever he had gone. He had no idea if he could survive the touch of that beam and frankly? He didn’t care to find out! Since Brittany had been killed so quickly he did not dare tempt that fate to see if the beam was survivable. He had no special protection that he knew of but a fighter should have. Logic dictated that if Brittany did not survive its touch, he would not either despite his power.

It had become late evening when ‘Voice’ had warned him that he was expending too much energy. He must stop and eat. He could not carry on at the rate of this Battle like Damien and Harpin were. He would eventually collapse and that time was not that far away. Admitting a temporary defeat he withdrew a short way into the edge of the forest that Jarod had disappeared into so many hours before.

Once out of range of Damien’s attack, he noticed a strange thing. The attacks continued but now the swathes of destruction they caused were random. It was an interesting item of information he would have to remember. He looked around. He saw no sign of the Atlantian, Jarod, and finally feeling his exhaustion he sat down to eat and rest as he continued to watch the behemoths continue to find a weakness in the other. It didn’t look likely to happen soon, he thought. He rolled over and went to sleep. He needed to recover. The night past with Sirron waking several times to find the situation unchanged. Each time he ate quickly and then went back to sleep.

The next morning fully rested he watched for some time and finally decided that he would have to break the stalemate somehow. The only thing he could think of was to try a psionic Mind Control on Damien, but this had its risks. What if the Dark Lord’s power flooded in and took his mind? The Dark Lord was well none to have some type of insidious control over peoples minds, even group controls. A confrontation with that much power backed by the Evil Ones prestige could turn him into a zombie like Damien. He looked again at the battle and decided he had little choice. He had to break the deadlock before Harpin fell. The longer the fight went on the more advantage Damien would have.

Sirron sat down and sought ‘Voice”. “We must stop Damien. Show me how.” Voice, in the form of an elf girl in his mind took his hand and again, as he had done once before with Doc Ryan, his and her spirit seemed to race out of his body and towards Damien. Damien’s attack appeared to take no notice of this and continued it’s random sweep. The sight encouraged Sirron and they entered through Damien’s armor and suddenly he was Damien. He stopped fighting! Harpins ax slammed into his armor but he felt nothing. He decided to wait.

Harpin was amazed. The bolts around Damien still were functioning but he had suddenly lowered his weapon and was standing like an idiot inviting an attack! Harpin would not miss the opportunity. He struck with all his power at Damien’s neck. The ax hit and rebounded without penetrating the armor. He looked and Damien still did not react. Was this a trick to get him to lower his shield? Stupid Damien! He reached up and tried to pull the helmet off. He discovered then that the armor had no releases or catches. It was like Damien had been poured into the suit! He stepped back warily at a loss as to how to kill this thing.

Sirron watched and sensed Harpin’s confusion. He would have had a harder time maintaining control if Damien had any mind left! Damien was nothing puppet a machine, a wind up toy. The Dark Lord could set him in motion or stop him but anything, ANYTHING, Damien did was directly controlled by the Evil One. Obviously the Dark Lord had no interest in his puppet at the moment for Sirron could detect no sign of his presence. This could be their best and only chance to eliminate Damien. He mentally contacted Harpin. “I have control of Damien. I can stop his physical attack as long as I maintain my grip but I cannot move him or make him do anything. I will grant you one wish, state it carefully.”

Harpin saw Sirron in his mind and heard his message. He nodded and spoke, “I wish that Damien were returned to life with all the powers he has now and the Dark Lord influence removed from him.” He then grasped Damien despite the beams and carrying him heavily he staggered to Metamorphia and tossed him in! Evan as Damien was thrown, Sirron and ‘Voice’ raced away from the powerful magic of the river and returned to his own body. They arose and walked out to stand beside Harpin and look into the river where Damien had sunk like a rock. “I hope your wish works like you think it will.” States Sirron calmly.

Harpin looked at him exhausted and sweaty from his long battle. He had again one another duel. “Is it not Justice enough for you that Damien was given back the life he lost to the dark Lord so that he could make amends? He has a choice few others rarely get, but you notice I did not change him back to his old form? That is a reminder to him, a living man in a dead corrupt body of the fate in store for all those who make deals with evil for power. Damien will have free will and a choice having climbed out from the pit of hell once again. Perhaps he will have learned. That is Justice with Mercy Sirron and is more than Gerrain would give such a one I think. You have proven to me your point. Justice is mercy when it save souls!” Harpin offered his hand and Sirron accepted it gravely. They looked again at Metamorphia and a strange sight created their eyes. The river was draining away as if it was nothing and a silent figure in shining armor stepped up on the bank. Metamorphia was no more. Damien looked at both of the Kings.

“I hated you Harpin. I wanted you dead. You have given me an opportunity to escape Hell and I will not forget it. This day my feud with you is over.” He turned and walked away towards the Spouting Mountains. Harpin and Sirron watched the lone figure for a long time until he finally vanished to the south. Sirron poked and Harpin and pointed. “Metamorphia is gone. Did we stop the flow? Can we now enter the other dimension?” Harpin shrugged for he had no answer. Sirron looked and tried to get a psychic impression of an entrance but there was none he could sense. It was like Metamorphia had never existed at all. He had the impression that maybe Twiggs and the Dark Lord? Had they had something to do with this? Why did he feel nothing from the Dark Lord anymore? It was like he had died. There was still chaos and evil in the world but it was like the Dark Lord had been sealed and locked away from the world. Sirron wondered.

The Peace Talks continued today but the only thing the rulers could agree on was that Rahvin has a funny name!

After having the magic sand cast into his eyes by the elf Ashla he sank into a deep slumber. His first dream encounter was with Zozan as he had seen him before he fell into the river. Zozan eyed him speculatively. “I assume you have a plan to get me out of this mess?” He asked calmly.

Jarod looked at the barbarian calmly. Your thoughtlessness got you into this mess and now you ask me to bail you out? You’re in the Chaka Forest my friend where Justice is tempered with fairness and mercy. You are not in the Hell that Harpin would probably deem that you should be in for your thoughtless misdeeds. Why should I release you? Your loss will bring some measure of peace to the land for you have done nothing to make it a peaceful place have you. Still you feel no REMORSE or Guilt for your actions but you should!”

Zozan laughed, “Remorse? Guilt? I was KING! I need not have remorse or guilt. I slay my enemies and stand by my friends. I take what I wish when I wish it. Why should I feel the way you wish me to? As for why you should release me, that is simple. Do you prefer Rahvin in your world? Free me and I will finish the job I started before others interfered in my vengeance. Then I will make them pay as well. Join with me and we will stain the blood red with our enemies! I will give you half his wealth and lands as well. Release me and prove to me we are allies.”

“I will not. You are as bloody handed a killer as Rahvin. I see little difference in you and him. He is a beast that masquerades as a man, you are a beast who is a man. Why should I release you, so you can cause more turmoil and ceaseless wars to increase your power? I cannot stop you all from tearing each other apart but I do have the choice to stop YOU! You must admit, that given the situation, you are lucky to still be alive. Perhaps as the others die others will see by their example that the road they take for power over other not like unto them can be a Hell in and of itself.”

“You are a WIMP! You spout peace but your ships carry weapons. Who is the hypocrite here? I am what I am. I carry weapons, I eat meat and I slay my enemies. I understand Rahvin better than I understand milksops like you. If you will not act then leave me. I have escaped traps like this before and I will again. In this world of power and magic someone will grow tired of Rahvin and will remember Zozan and want to use him. Then will I seek out him for the slaying and you for the torture.” Zozan turned his back in disgust. Jarod eyed him for a moment.

“The I cannot leave you lying around for just anyone to get can I?” In his dream two beams of white light came from his eyes to strike Zozan. “As the barbarian writhed in agony under the beams, Jarod spoke. “With Peace comes responsibility Zozan. A man of just peace would leave you as you say and you could very well escape for some other seeking power over his fellows. You are a sword in the hands of a child. I will change that. I will put you to a useful purpose. Until your attitude changes and you pay for your crimes you will serve the cause of Peace and me! Your powers will be used to add power to my powers and will be used against people just like you. I doubt Rahvin could have defeated you by himself, now when I battle him you will be fighting the very corruption that was you! Each one I defeat will be added to the power of my cloak and when they see as I do that Peace will come then I will release them to join me as well. My power will grow with each unruly, selfish ruler I defeat until none are left. Then Peace will reign Supreme on this world. Go NOW and serve.” With that the screaming struggling Zozan was dispatched into the cloak to act as the slave of Peace. Jarod had added the strength to his Attribute and Strength was subdued for without intelligence to guide it strength served no purpose. The dream faded into the next slowly.

Rahvin stood looking down at the world. He could see the water running through the land like veins through an arm. The land seemed to float above the oceans and he could see the water in the air and the snow capped mountains. “ Water is adaptable my friend. Strike the water and it will absorb any crushing blow, slow it and stop it. It will flow around any power. It will change for any energy used against it. Yet it has strength for in the depths it can crush objects. It can carry iron ships of great weight, and yet it can heal, comfort and be calm and passive. None understand the true power of water, but you will be give the opportunity.”

Jarod looked and saw a young boy much like himself except the boy was made of Water. He could see inside and it seemed to be clear but later he would have only the impression of great mysteries hidden inside. “Who are you?” he asked. “I am the Attribute of Peace.” It responded like the hissing of waves on the sand. Jarod could now see why Ashla had used Sand. “You can’t remove the land from the water can you?’ He asked.

The Attribute nodded gravely, “No you cannot, just like the Dark Lord offers a seeming Peace in Final Death all he gets is negation. He seeks to avoid the punishment that he has earned so many times over. If he is to be punished for all eternity he feels that he might as well earn it. The weight of his crimes upon his soul is truly of immense power. Your Peace cannot be the absence of strife. So we temper it with Responsibility, for creatures are not peaceful. We do not subscribe to the concept of survival of the fittest as so many other Kings and Rulers do. We believe the fittest should help the weaker so that each realizes it’s potential and contributes to all without strife or needless competition.”

“I am not sure where you are leading me here.” Said Jarod in a puzzled way. The Attribute nodded, “It is a hard concept. Let me ask you as Zozan did. Your ships carry weapons of destruction. You claim they are used in self-defense of course. However, each and every person that has a weapon feels the allure of power and the desire to use it. Will it do what I wish? Will it cause fear in my enemies? Fear leads to anger. Angry people seek ways to fight, to eliminate fear. The longer the conflict continues the more anger until it turns into hatred. Now it becomes a death struggle with no rules. The enemy is sub human and of the greatest evil. Weapons escalate conflict. You cannot have and use weapons if you desire peace.” Jarod shook his head, “How can I stop them if I cannot make them see my strength? I feel you ask the impossible my friend.”

The water figure nodded gravely, “Come and I will show you a way. He led the way and as Jarod got closer to Tpsolei, for that seemed to be his goal he could see that terrible things had happened. It was obvious that either Damien or Rahvin had struck. Had Damien beaten Harpin? He did not know but he could see the destruction that had been caused. He noticed small fearful groups of his people digging in the rubble of the city but they did not move far inland away from sight of the weapons.

The boy pointed, “See you not what your words have caused? You chose to oppose Damien and spoke words that Rahvin chose to interpret as hostile. To ones such as that any opposition is met with force.” Jarod glared, “So we should lay down and be slaves! I think not. Is that your peace? Is that your responsibility? If they are not opposed then we might just as well offer ours throats to Rahvins fangs!” The boy waited the outburst of wrath quietly. “See you not? Fear leads you. Now you have anger. Will you sail your ships to Damiens or Rahvin’s lands and attempt to conquer them now? You would lose and give Rahvin more excuse to attack you back. Come put aside your fear and your wrath before it consumes you.” He motioned for Jarod to follow him down to the ground where he stood waiting. Jarod followed sullenly for this spirit seemed to speak in riddles.

The Attribute spoke in its watery voice, “Feel you the fear that Rahvin brought to your land. Already it stirs anger against you its King. If this is allowed to continue then hatred will be next. You follow the trail the dark Lord has so aptly laid out. Rahvin does the Dark Lords work for him. You wonder why Dick Helmet tolerates Rahvin? You now know the answer.” Jarod looked about him and felt the sullen anger and the fear of his people. It was almost overwhelming it mirrored much of what he felt at the moment. “PEACE! Be still!” spoke the Attribute. Jarod was shocked. “The Anger and Fear are gone! Will they return?”

“It will return if you let it and give it an opening. Water absorbs the blow. Fear, Anger, Hatred destroy, Peace rebuilds! Look.” Jarod looked, his people no longer feared for there lives, something else had replaced the fear and anger. Now only concern for saving others seemed to possess them. Many rushed from the safety of the ships to join the crews searching in the rubble. The rebuilding began and as he watched Jarod seemed to notice the small invisible sprites of water helping unseen by his people. Many had died but now without fear, anger and hatred to divide his people he new that they would soon be replaced. He looked at the Doctor’s and builders from the local extensive facility and noticed they carried no weapons. Rahvin had not dared to touch this group. They were tired but they were also aiding in the rebuilding having done so many times before in many cities.”

“Eliane rebuilt the Towers when the Dark Lord attacked, she carries weapons because Peace Officers should carry weapons. Elaine seeks the criminals and names them but does not take Justice into her hands. They are used to bring criminals to Justice. She is your arm!”

“Harpin rebuilt his city when attacked by Damien. He carries the whip and the ax. He insures the Code and Punishes the Offenders He is the executioner and the jailor. He contains the criminal for rehabilitation or destroys him utterly. He is your other arm.”

“Betred’s city was destroyed not once but twice! He is the builder and the worker. He is the root from which the others grow. Betred is the body and organs that support the world. To slay him is to slay us all for he provides what all need. Even the Dark Lord and Rahvin are wary when they seek out Betred for he is the wellspring from which our vitality flows.”

“Your city was destroyed. Will you be the Vision of the World and the Guide to point them to a new path that does not have the Dark Lord waiting at the other end? Will you be there eyes so that they do not stumble and fall? Perhaps and perhaps not, let us look into a future when the Dark Lord will keep his promise to visit Sirron with Rahvin at his side. He will destroy as he has so much before in an attempt cause fear and to corrupt something that could bring peace to the world. Will Justice itself falter set by your example of revenge and retribution? OR will he be the one who will take the criminal from Elaine, catalogue the crimes committed and render a decision of guilt or innocence and then if guilty hand him to the executioner or jailor with a decree of punishment? Will Sirron be the Mind of the World?”

Jarod thought, and then asked, “What of the elves? They seem to have no grand scheme in your design.” The boy nodded, “There is room, for with peace there is always room with great talents that add to all, but the elves are consumed with fear and anger. It may cause their destruction but if they can be made to see, they are the farmers of the world. Their work would bring beauty and the world will be a sadder place, a drabber place, without them. The body can use them or not as it requires. There loss would be mourned but we can go on and survive if they vanish.”

Jarod looked around and noticed how fast the recovery seemed to be going. Peaceful Tpsolein mermen had come out from under the oceans and were bringing new wealth, supplies, food and welcome hands to the rebuilding. The damage had been done. Lives had been lost, Goods stolen all for the sake of Greed and Ego over naught but words. He had a part of this. He had been the red flag in front of the bulls and he had stood and invited them with warnings and vague threats to do there worst. Weapons had not protected them. The blow had left his island and already the water was filling the hole it had left behind. The scene around him faded and he awoke alone in a small forest wrapped in his cloak.

Jarod hoped he understood what the Attribute had said to him. He was not the policeman but he knew where they were. He was not the Brain who would number the complaints against the criminals and separate the Guilty from the Innocent. He was not the Jailor or Executioner that would punish the Guilty who could not let others live in peace! He was the Eyes for only he could see the trail they must follow! He saw the criminals and would guide the proper authorities to them for capture. It might be a long process but he would watch. He arose and walked back towards where he had left Harpin, Damien and Sirron. He had a Vision and his face glowed with light as he stepped out on the field and walked towards a puzzled Sirron and Harpin.

"Do you have a problem? If not, a problem can be arranged for you."

Twiggs had helped Arase deliver a girl baby. It was definitely a mixture between the two of them carrying the features of both. The baby had bright blue eyes and golden hair and the elf ears as well as features of the noble class. Her skin was light brown almost like a human. The baby was asleep right now wrapped in a small blanket that Arase had pulled out of her pack. She suddenly handed the baby to Twiggs to hold. “You take her. I need a few moments to go get cleaned up. I feel like a mess.” Twiggs had never had a child and was awkward but he managed, as Arase seemed to vanish for a time. He felt so strange.

In what seemed like moments wearing a different dress Arase was back looking as lovely as ever. She had changed her clothes and brought others for the child. She quickly and efficiently took care of the baby and stood holding it tenderly. “Are you ready to finish the job now?” She asked him.

“Twiggs was caught off guard, “Job? Aren’t we done?” Arase looked through her bangs seriously and Twiggs felt like a small boy with his hand in the cookie jar. “We have to seal the other doors. I know you have thought of it so don’t pretend to be innocent. We can’t have anyone else from your world coming through and you know why. We are going to have to seal off all the entrances. You know I cannot go back with you, if I do the Dark Lord will be free again. He will separate and leave me behind sealed in and with the power he has gained from the ceremonies we have performed he will cause you new destruction. In order to be really sure you have to seal me and him in here so that even you can’t get back in. That will end all your problems.”

Twiggs looked at her gravely, “At your expense. You will be locked in here for Eternity for if I strengthen it so no one can find this place it is unlikely anyone will! What of your child? You will be dooming her to the same fate and I cannot stay for I must seal both sides of the portals. I will not be able to come back.”

Arase spoke in a very subdued voice. “I know.” She looked up at Twiggs through her bangs, “The baby will have to have its chance for life. I cannot keep it here to live endlessly in my fate even though it would bring me the companionship I desire. That would be selfish and greedy. You must take her with you if you dare. The Dark Lord is a part of me not her. He has no real link to her only to you and I. That link with you will be severed the moment you seal me in.”

“Our child could go to your world because she is a part of you and elves are tied closely to the land and ecology. However, if you feel that she is a danger or you don’t want our child I understand. You’re an elf and I do not expect you to act like a human in this. You may leave us both here if that is your choice, at least she will have love in this place. I suppose if you are raised in a prison it will seem like home after a while and I will try to give her a happy life. Eventually she will die for I cannot give her the powers I have and I will be alone again. Time is written here and cannot be changed by me only those from outside can add addendums and footnotes to my life. Soon even that will cease.”

She squared her shoulders and looked at him with determination. “Come let us do what must be done before my courage fails me. I cannot change things but I can assist you in the footnotes! You will hear no more cries from me. I have my gift and it is enough.” She turned and started walking. Twiggs was in turmoil and could see no way out. Arase was probably right. He could not take her back with him.

He would be releasing the Dark Lord upon the world again. He would have to trade this one, no two lives now for the benefit of his entire world and the people in it. Would that eliminate all the evil? No, but it would eliminate much of it. He had to face it. He had no way to remove Arase from this prison! A prison he now felt she did not deserve. He was beginning to understand Sirron’s view. Arase had received some type of Justice but now it was forever and overdone. Was there to be no escape from this Hell for her once her attitude had changed? It appeared not. Twiggs was angry that these other Time Lords seemed to have no compassion or mercy! There punishment was too much and endless.

What of their child? It could be a trap by the Dark Lord. A clever innocent time bomb that would erupt in his face but it seemed unlikely. Arase was right. The Dark Lord was now a part of her and had a link to Twiggs himself that would indeed be broken. Could Twiggs be so heartless and cruel as to leave an innocent behind? How would that make him any better than Arase’s fellow Time Lords?

They had condemned her for the crime of inattention but the child had done nothing to earn such punishment and could he sacrifice her to the same fate as her mother? It would make him worse than those he already detested and he knew it. Arase would forgive and understand, he was sure of that but could he ever forgive himself? Did he have the strength to take them and seal them both in this prison and walk away as if nothing had happened? He shuddered. How was he any better than the Dark Lord if he could do such a thing?

He suddenly stopped a moment. How could he have been so blind! The Dark Lord was not really a body but a Spirit! Had he somehow planned to use his LINK to Twiggs for his escape? If Twiggs could betray his own innocent daughter for no reason then how would he differ from what the Dark Lord was? Sure he would escape and then he would be the new and improved model of the Dark Lord, oh maybe not right away, but as surely as the sun would rise one day it would be him who would be the Master of Evil. He felt it and could almost hear the Dark Lord laughing through the link of his mind. He wasn’t sure if it was imagination or the real thing.

As he had been thinking Arase had continued to walk ahead and he noticed that she had sat down and was feeding the baby. She was singing softly to the child as he approached and the beauty of her voice touched him. A wave of tenderness swept over him and this was unusual. Arase did not appear to notice for her concentration was on the child in her arms and she spoke as Twiggs came close. “Just ahead around the next turn is the entrance to Crystallu. You must seal that entrance as well with one of your seeds but more will be required here as well. I know you have the body of Gerrain with you. With the Powers of the Dark Lord I can call his Spirit to that since it is linked much like Eadwills was. That Spirit shall accompany you. I will await you here until you return.”

Twiggs suddenly looked at her in suspicion, “You know I brought Gerrain?” Arase looked at him smiling slightly. “Of course I knew, the Dark Lord knows you had the body taken from its resting place in the Chaka Forest. Death is his domain and what the DL knew so do I. I see you still do not trust me. That is a good thing, for you, for it will enable you to more easily leave us when the time comes, although I would have thought that being an elf would have made your task easy enough? Everyone knows you forest creatures do not follow human customs.” She stated with a shrug and turned away ignoring him.

Twiggs felt a slight surge of anger and then suddenly thought. “Your doing this deliberately aren’t you?” He looked at her with respect and tenderness. “Doing what?” countered Arase innocently, not looking at him but adjusting the baby slightly. Twiggs spoke with certainty. “Trying to make me suspicious and angry with you. Perhaps I should tell you a bit about elves that your counterpart seems unaware of.”

“Elves have very few children. We live a long time but this means that our race does not grow as fast as a human one. Especially now in the Gray Leaf Time, we have not seen children for a long time. Your child is the first child that I know of as having been born since I was a child myself”

Arase looked at him and the humor shown through for a moment, “I guess I should feel honoured then. I thought that with all your wives, concubines or whatever it didn’t make much difference to you about any kind of marriage ceremony. To me it never appeared like you people really had any relationship at all. Certainly not one that involved any tenderness, it seemed like just a sexual thing to me.”

Twiggs remained serious though and continued, “You misunderstand. It is for that very reason we have so many wives and the women are permitted as many husbands as they wish as well. Breeze has several husbands one of them being Thistle. I believe she has several others as well. I know Ashla also has several. It is the choice of the individual how many they chose to have. We call this an extended family. Keeping all the liaisons straight is to complex for humans but elves like the complexity.”

Arase was amused and somewhat surprised, “You mean your General is married to your wife? What happens when you both want her at the same time?” Twiggs replied, “Then she decides of course what she wants. We have no jealousy here. The idea is that we attempt to have children and finding a woman that is compatible enough to be an elf and can bare a child is a rare and beautiful thing to us. By elf law we would be considered married and you would be part of my family normally, however, you’re different. You had a child and that makes a big change in my and your relationship in elf eyes. You have not only become my wife you are now my Head Wife, which is a position of power and Honour in any clan. To be related to any couple that has had a child places you far above any normal nobility. We are now expected to have many more. Your place of Honour is assured.”

Arase nodded thoughtfully. “Even though your Head Wife is the Dark Lord? I think not. Still, I suppose that makes a rather horrid kind of sense from the elf view. It seems strange though that the People who serve life have so much of a problem when it comes to reproducing. You do realize your ceremony will change all that don’t you?” It was Twiggs turn to be caught off guard this time and Arase smiled knowingly. “Sometimes you can be so clever and miss the most obvious things.”

“We, meaning you and I as the Dark Lord, are both performing ceremonies are we not? We joined and produced a child. By your laws I am your Head Wife and you are King. I think you will discover it will be easier for your people to have children now with humans!” She suddenly laughed gaily at his look. “You obviously had not considered that. This means that if you don’t return you can’t bring this gift to them. You now have another good reason to leave me here. Have you decided what you will do with your child yet?” She looked serious suddenly, “One thing also that may not have occurred to you is that the humans may be the wrong type of humans! Remember the Dark One resides as a small part of my personality. That part could have an affect on your world through you. Only people with such a taint like Mar might be the only ones suitable. Still I guess your people will just have to experiment.”

Twiggs could not look into her eyes as he spoke, “I have to leave the baby here, I think. My decision is not final yet but you’re too smart and you’re too clever. I can’t take the chance that this is an elaborate trap you are setting. You keep reminding me that the Dark Lord is a part of you. For the safety of my world you and the child have to stay here.” He watched carefully for a reaction. He got absolutely nothing either good or bad just a placid acceptance that he was sure was not her true feelings. She accepted his announcement with a nod like a prisoner condemned to die but bravely retaining their dignity.

Arase adjusted the child again so it could rest more comfortably. “I understand. It is most likely the best decision. You have no way of knowing just how much the Dark Lord influences my thoughts. You know that he is insidious and dangerous and that is why I will not let you forget this for it is important that you go into this decision unencumbered by your feelings. You have to make a decision you can live with and that means you have to decide the dangers. Enough of this, it is decided and we will speak of it no more.”

She adjusted the baby again so she had one hand free and pointed down the road. “You will find the next entrance just up the road and the spirit of Gerrain will meet you there for I have arranged it. Gerrain’s spirit will insure that none will ever be able to enter this world again from any entrance including the Dark Lord’s portal. Then you must pass Keymon at the elf gate and leave. I will guide you to Keymon but you must get past the elf spirit and he will not let anyone pass for that is the rule that the ones that bound him put upon his soul. I will assist you in defeating Keymon and he will finally find his well deserved rest.”

“Gerrain will take his place as guardian but it will only be until you can seal your side and then I can let him go as well. Gerrains spirit is different than Keymons and he will only assist us because he is willing to do so. I am sure you will discover why when you speak to him.” Twiggs nodded and turned and walked for what seemed like a short distance until Arase was out of sight.

"I want you to tie me down."

"So you're into S&M aren't you?"

Twiggs walked thoughtfully down the trail until he saw another opening that lay ahead and then an old man in Cy Clan robes that sat in meditation before it. Twiggs had known this King. Once he had thought him a friend. The friend was a deadly enemy though. Twiggs wanted to know why. He approached Gerrain who opened tired eyes to look at the elf thoughtfully.

“I had hoped this day would not come to pass Twiggs Barkhaven but my loss to you made it inevitable.” Stated Gerrain with regret. “Twiggs looked at him warily, “I don’t understand. We were allies and suddenly you started to arrange problems for me. All my enemies were being strengthened. Was it not enough that I was fighting the Dark Lord?” Gerrain nodded, “All you say is true. I did so arrange for your enemies to get stronger and for you to be weaker. I foresaw the rising of Rahvin as well. You will not believe this but all this was arranged so that you would not be here today.”

Twiggs looked at the Cy Clan with anger. “You wanted Crazyhands to threaten the elves and destroy King’s Tree? It would have destroyed my people forever! What have we done to deserve such a thing at your hands old man? I am glad Sirron killed you for you deserved it! You deserve the Justice of this prison more than Arase does.” He glared at the Cy Clan King in hatred. The old man nodded emotionlessly.

“Just so. Justice appears to have been served then and you should be very happy that I am getting my just due.” The old man rose quietly and Twiggs grabbed the front of his robe. “I want to know why old man. No evasions, no half-truths, no flowery language. I have earned that right.” The old man nodded gently, “No, you have not earned that right. You have earned Justice which you received for did not Sirron kill me? Did I not pay for my crimes against you? Am I not dead and even then locked in this prison? I am not required to bare my soul to you. You will discover the answers soon enough for it is far to late for you to change the path you are on.” He touched Twiggs hand and it fell numb for a second and limply to his side. Gerrain straightened his robe and waited.

This appeared to make Twiggs even angrier and he moved with elf speed but the Spirit was equally fast and moved slightly deflecting blows without moving his feet. Finally after several minutes Twiggs exhausted stopped and stepped back. “Gerrain was unruffled and looked sadly at the elf. “You do not strike at me elf king, you fight yourself for the Dark Lord has lured you here onto this ground. Now you are frustrated fearful angry and your hatred has arisen. You fasten on me as the target of your wrath, but I tried to prevent this. You wish to free the woman, but if you do the Dark Lord will enter our world with her powers and she will be the Dark Lord in her form. Helmet corrupts her and only here is she safe for our world where she is the dominant personality. The evil one counted on you falling in love with her. Leave her behind. You cannot take her back.”

“Why should I believe you? You are my enemy. You would have destroyed all the elves if you had your way. I will not listen to your words. You are here to serve me and if I could trade your soul for hers I would GLADLY do so. Let those Time Lords whoever they may be get their revenge upon you.” Twiggs shouted at him in frustration.

“As you wish it. So be it!” stated Gerrain sadly. I promise that you will find a way to free Arase if you wish to do so. I advise you not to and I don’t think you will. I realize anger has clouded your judgment but I grant you that wish for the sake of Justice.”

Twiggs stopped shocked and then looked at him in everlasting hatred. “You grant me this wish KNOWING I can never take the chance you have given me. You place it on my soul to be her judge and jailor forever! Will you do the same to the child as well? Is your anger against me so great that you would include an innocent child in that wish? Know this old man, I have little liking for your people. I have much less now. Harpin hates the elves but that is as nothing to the hatred I have for your meddling kind! If I can destroy them root and branch I will, as you would destroy me and mine. Know what your Justice has done this day and suffer.”

Gerrain, “Your anger has made you rash. You had to make the choice anyway. I just give you several avenues to do so. You grow angry because the responsibility is yours? It always has been. If you take her out, or the child or yourself the decision is completely yours to make. No one will make this decision for you and you will have to accept any consequences of your actions. Come plant your seed and we will go to the woman. Your time here is short and soon you must leave.” Twiggs turned away coldly and planted the seed. He had not gotten a satisfactory reason from the old man. Why was he hiding still? He walked back up the trail with Gerrain placidly following him.

Arase saw them approaching and rose gracefully to her feet. She nodded and spoke softly, “Greetings Gerrain, I make no wishes, so I ask that you grant me none.” Gerrain bowed slightly, “You are wise not to ask anything of me.” He stated quietly. We must go and seal the Dark Lands Portal. I believe you will accompany us to there and to Keymon. What happens after that is not my concern.” Arase nodded and started to walk and Twiggs still angry moved up beside her. He did not dare to tell her that he had the means to rescue her. She smiled at him and then seeing the look on his face she became more serious. “What is it that troubles you? Perhaps I can help?” she offered kindly.

“I am not sure you can. I got nothing from Gerrain about why he did this. Just something about he had hoped to prevent me from being here.” Stated Twiggs shortly to her. Arase nodded, “Men do not see emotions well. It seems that elf men are similar. Perhaps I can help ease your mind. Obviously to me Gerrain was trying to keep you from meeting me. He is a Cy Clan and a powerful predictor and perhaps he wanted to avoid a chain of events that will be put into motion by your arrival here. Perhaps he did not want you to have a child with me, or perhaps if you lock the child away he did not want you to become some type of threat to the world. The threat must be real and powerful though for why else would he try to destroy the whole elf nation?”

“That raises a very good question then.” Twiggs looked at her closely, “How much of the DL’s plan do you know? You seem to know an awful lot about events and things in my world. Perhaps you will tell me what he has planned?” Arase smiled sadly, “Of course I’ll tell you what I know, but you have to understand my best powers are not mind reading. I can get surface impressions and that is about it even with the DL as part of me. My impression was that it was arranged for you to get enough information to be able to get in here. The Dark Lord appears to be very pleased with the way this is going. I think his old ‘form’ or body was wearing out and he intends to dominate a new one. He would consider mine to be the best. Who would have thought he would have such good taste?” She smiled at Twiggs, who could not help but smile back. Arase continued.

“The Dark Lord planned well I suspect. He played on my loneliness and instability when he got in. He played on your emotions and known weakness for beautiful woman. I think he was trying to make you Love me. Then he wanted a close tie to hold us together so he allowed us to conceive. His whole ceremony seemed to be aimed at that time at that purpose. I guess he felt even if you could resist me you could not resist having an elf child. Children being so sacred to elves would tie you very closely to me. He probably still thinks you will try to rescue me. He must have known about the elf problems with children because you saved so many after your last ceremony. He arranged this whole thing so that you would try to rescue me.”

Twiggs thought, much of what she said made sense, “What makes him think I have the power to rescue you?” If he could not with his powers I stand no better chance even if I would work to the same purpose he has. I think that Dick overrates my chances for my powers affect mostly elves and plants not Time Lords or dimensional gateways on destroyed worlds.”

Arase nodded, “It is confusing and I am not really clear on that myself but I suspect it has something to do with the fact that you wanted Gerrain’s body. He knew you had it smalled down in a bottle and was carrying it. He made it possible for you to use Gerrain’s Spirit. He seems to feel that with Gerrain’s powers and yours something truly unusual could be accomplished. You three are all powerful rulers, Elaine sent you here and performs Miracles.”

“Only a Miracle could release me but it would have to be backed by great power. Gerrain can grant wishes. The Dark Lord has links with me as well as you and elves are close to nature in your World. The way I perceive the Dark Lord’s plan is thus. The child is a ceremonial link between you and I with the Dark Lord also having a link to you. You have a strong link to your world, as does the Dark Lord due to his Prestige. If he can get Gerrain to Grant a wish to release me then it would link with Elaine’s Miracle Power. For did not Gerrain aid her in gaining it?”

“With the five mightiest rulers in the world all pushing and pulling he seems to feel that this would free me. He would have his new body and many of my powers. That is why I specifically requested that Gerrain not grant me a wish! That request is like a wish to him so he had to comply with it! I am surprised that no one on your world made such a request to him if you didn’t want to be subject to his wishes but you have to do it the first time you meet him. It is much to tempting to leave here. So I had to act while I could. Does any of this help you at all?” asked Arase with concern. Twiggs gave her a kiss and smiled.

“Yes, it helps a great deal indeed. I must speak with Gerrain a moment if you don’t mind.” said Twiggs with resolve. “Certainly, “ stated Arase, I need a few moments to change our daughter. You realize we haven’t picked out a name for her yet? I have been thinking about that, mostly, but none seems suitable to me.” Twigs nodded and approached Gerrain. He looked at him coldly. “So you’re still working against me and helping the Dark Lord, Old man. You haven’t learned your lesson yet. I am surprised you haven’t used Harpin’s power as well!” Gerrain said nothing. Twiggs continued, “I will not release Arase to have her taken over by the Dark Lord. Tell me of your connection between you and the Dark Lord.”

Gerrain nodded, “I suppose you have the right to know. After the battle of Tlashtek, the Dark Lord approached me and told me that he had a plan to change bodies. It appeared that after a lot of evil is perpetrated it corrupts his very body. He wanted a strong youthful body to continue his work. He wanted me to bless his endeavor with a wish. I, of course, refused and he departed saying it was not really necessary anyway. I looked into the future of probabilities. More and more it looked to me like you were the chosen one that he intended to use.” He looked at Twiggs with a steady gaze, “If the Dark Lord could take you over that would make him the highest level ruler in the world. He could just fold your powers into his. We barely stopped him and Damien at Tlashtek with ninety percent of the world’s power. He could be unstoppable now.”

Twiggs was listening but it was obvious he didn’t accept everything the Cy Clan had said. “So the Dark Lord takes me and I become the next Dark Lord. Why not just tell me in advance? Maybe I might be clever enough to avoid it on my own. Your hiding things again. Why not try some honesty instead of manipulation?”

“Even knowing the facts doesn’t keep you from being manipulated by evil. Look at what you face now but you are still waffling. Even if I told you everything I know you would justify the answers to be what you want. However if you discover them for your self then you are likely to accept them. You have talked with Arase. Can she be trusted? Does she even trust herself not to be manipulated? She is a failed Time Lord, what does this say of her record for good decisions? Arase is a sexually exciting woman. It is part of her natural abilities and power. She can have an affect on any man and I do not even eliminate Harpin or myself in this case, we are probably the two hardest Kings to deal with. We would still be putty in Arase’s hands because of the shear sexual allure she can produce at her whim. She was this world’s most beautiful woman and if she enters our world it will be the same there. You and everyone else would be nothing in her hands and she knows it and so does the Dark Lord.” Gerrain stated bluntly to Twiggs who could not meet his eyes.

“Come we must go seal the Dark Lands portal now. Let the woman rest. You have decisions to make and this will be your last chance to make them.” Gerrain stated looking ahead on the trail. Arase busy with the baby seemed unconcerned but smiled at them in passing. The baby was awake and playing with her mother’s hair. “You say I will have little time once I seal the Dark Lord’s channel. Why is that?” Twiggs asked carefully.

“We will approach the last portal that leads to the elf lands and that is where you will leave us. If you chose to take Arase out you must fight past Keymon.” Twiggs looked at Gerrain suspiciously. “Why must I fight Keymon? He will surely recognize me as an elf and possibly his King. He has no reason to detain me. You also seem to feel that I have decided to take Arase out? Why do you continually plant that idea on me? I have no intention of bringing her out.”

“You say that like you believe it Elf Lord but I feel the conflict in you. You love the woman and the child and it would not take much for you to change your mind. Keymon was placed to contain anyone in here during the last great battle. He will resist because he must despite his personal preference. To leave you must go through that door and I will remain to guard for a short time and then I will depart as well. On the other side you must destroy Keymon’s grave and this will be sealed forever.” They walked up to a strangely decorated Arch and their Twiggs planted his seed. He turned and started back then suddenly stopped and put is hand on Gerrain’s chest stopping him.

“I have to leave Arase behind. She knows it and I know it as well. The child may be another matter. I want you to marry me an Arase. You have that power as a King.” Gerrain looked at him a nodded. “I do owe you much and the child does deserve to have a father. I will marry you and Arase and will do no more. Go and prepare her and I will join you in a moment.” Twiggs walked away and Gerrain watched him. He had tried to arrange it so that Twiggs would not have to face this. It was already to late. It was to late when he had entered. He would do what he could to make the final moments as joyful as he could. Cy Clan were considered to have few emotions, but that was not true. They hid their emotions well. Twiggs was soon out of sight. He looked up the road and then he sat and wept silently.

What is a zebra? Twenty-six sizes larger than an "A" bra.

Twiggs went up the road and approached Arase. While he had been gone the baby had obviously gone back to sleep. Arase did not see him approach and he watched as she fussed over the child and sang softly to it. She seemed unconcerned that he would most likely leave her behind to spend all of eternity in this prison alone. Surely she had the power to force him if she so desired. She had not done so. She deserved at least to have a husband and it was a lawful thing to do. Perhaps that little bit of Law would help her in some way. He deliberately made some noise as he approached and she turned quickly and motioned him to be quieter.

“I just got her to go to sleep. Now don’t you be waking her back up. I thought elves were suppose to be quiet when they walked?” She fussed at him. He kissed her quickly and she smiled when he let her go. “What was that all about? You either wanted to shut me up or you think you can have your way with me again you brute! Well we are not married and I don’t see Harpin in sight either so you’re just going to have to go back to your other woman.” She said with a slight smile as she pulled away. “I am not going to let you further ruin my reputation. Although,“ she stated thoughtfully, “as the Dark Lord I supposed I don’t have any reputation to uphold now do I? Still why should I be considered ‘easy ‘and lay down for any handsome elf who crosses my path?”

Twiggs placed his hand gently over her mouth. “If you remain silent for a moment woman, I might be able to get a word in edgewise. Why do human woman talk so much? I want to tell you that I don’t have Harpin here but perhaps you would accept Gerrain instead?” Twiggs saw the surprised shock in her eyes and she looked at him steadily over his hand until he removed it. “You’re not suggesting?” She started to say and then stopped.

“Yes, I am. I still can’t take you with me. We both know that is impossible. I would if it was just me who was taking the risk but I have to consider my people and world. I want you to believe that and you would be honoured amongst my people if you did have the means to come back with me.” Arase looked at him gravely. “You’re sure of this? It will make your leaving much harder for both of us and that is just what the dark Lord wants. You are not doing this for pity are you? I don’t think I want a pity wedding.” Twiggs shook his head in negation. “I mean it. You are my Head Wife and there will be no other. I want you to know this before I leave, with no tricks and no deceptions.” Arase shook her head in agreement. Time passed and a simple wedding was performed. Afterward Gerrain was holding the child and smiling to it as Arase and Twiggs prepared for the final steps and had some final moments together.

“You have to go now. It is time for you to face Keymon, plant your seed and leave. I will make sure you get out safely.” Arase said quietly to Twiggs her face pale. Twiggs nodded then arose and both went to Gerrain. The baby was laughing at the Cy Clan, who was tickling her. Twiggs mused that the baby’s laugh was much like her mothers. “Come baby Arase,” stated Gerrain “your mother wants you back.” He handed the baby to Arase and she smiled happily at the Old Man. “I see you have named my daughter Gerrain. Normally that is the husband’s job in my culture but it seems suitable. I am honoured you chose my name for her.” Gerrain nodded, “I hope you will excuse me the liberty but it does seem to fit the child. In ancient Shennuian the name means ‘gifted one’.” He turned to Twiggs. “Are you ready to depart Elf Lord?”

Twiggs nodded, “I would first apologize for my earlier words to you. I think I know why you would not have had me here now. I will forswear my vengeance against Sirron as well as you and wish you well. I would not have missed this chance to be here but I could have wished for a better ending. My heart is heavy.” He extended his hand and Gerrain took it gravely. “What of the child?” Gerrain asked. “Will she remain as well?” Twiggs looked at his wife, then the child and back at his wife. “I cannot leave the child in this prison with no escape. It is enough that I must leave my wife.” He looked at Arase, “I know you would keep her with you safe from harm but I think the Dark Lord would use her as a further link to my world as well. I have to take her with me.”

Arase nodded sadly with tears in her eyes and handed him the child. “I can bare this no more. To lose a husband and daughter all in one day is too much. Excuse me if I leave you now for if I approach Keymons gate I will try to escape. Hurry from me quickly before the Dark Lord wins his release from me. Already I can feel his rage!” She turned and ran. As she ran she faded through time and vanished. Gerrain quickly took his arm. “Come quickly! The decision is made and hesitation could ruin all. Run straight at Keymon and my Power I and Arase will protect you as the final part of the ceremony. He will be unable to strike you for his bolts will hit elsewhere. Run through him and drop a seed as you reach him. Use your bolts on the other side to destroy his grave marker. I promise you I will guard your wife well. Hurry!”

Twiggs raced at elf speed up the trail protecting the young life in his arms. He saw Keymon ahead with his gleaming sword drawn and bolt after elf bolt raced towards him but they touched him not. The bolts spattered around him and as he raced through Keymon he dropped his seed. He passed through the gate and aimed his staff one handed at the aged marker and it shattered before his power. He stopped tired and drained as Breeze approached him followed by Thistle and several advisors.

“Greetings husband. It is good to see you back and have you stopped the Dark Lord as we planned?” She saw the child in his arms and smiled, “What have you brought us?” Twiggs looked at her from the depths of hell. “The Dark Lord is contained with no escape. I have brought you my daughter.” Breeze noticed not the look on his face at first as she took the child from him happily. “A most Miraculous event! Welcome child. You are most welcome for it has been long since we have heard the laughter of children!”

She looked at Twiggs and suddenly her smile vanished. “What is wrong my husband, where is the one who is to be Head Wife in your life?” Twiggs spoke with tears running down his face. “She died fighting the Dark Lord to protect us all. The child bares her name, Arase. I will say no more on this. Come let us return home.” The elves silently left and soon only the rubble of a destroyed grave and the trees remained.

Aftermath!

Betred walked down the corridor and met Skragg who had just returned from the Towers. He nodded and Skragg followed him to Betred’s new office and sat heavily on the seat as Baron joined them. He offered Skragg a glass of smoked eel wine and poured one for Betred and himself. “You look tired.” Said Betred with a smile. “How went the tournament?” Skragg sighed and sat back in the plush Thimhalen chair.

“About like we expected, a real cluster frag with everyone doing unto to the other guy as fast as they could. Standard fare it seems for our world. Good things happened and bad things happened as usual. Rahvin started off making quite a name for himself by hitting Tpsolei. Jarod doesn’t have much recourse though since Damien hired him to do it and Petal Throne rules say Damien is the responsible party. Harpin and Sirron seem to have freed Damien from Dark Lord influence though. This makes Jarod’s legal claims against Damien foggy. The Dark Lord controlled Damien, Damien hires Rahvin and Jarod gets nailed. The culprit would appear to be the Dark Lord as usual. Anyway, that’s Sirron’s business not ours. We aren’t the Justice department we just sell services and give everyone a place to talk out their issues.” Skragg closed his expressionless black eyes a moment and then opened them again.

“It appears Twiggs was the big winner in the tournament and Metamorphia does seem to be gone. If it hadn’t been for Elaine and Karen setting up that magical screen to follow the tournament we wouldn’t have known what happened. As it is we saw it all except for the X rated parts. We did at least allow them some dignity. I don’t think Twiggs remembered or thought he could be watched but he was. I actually felt sorry for him, to have found his Love and have to do that to her is a sad thing.” Baron looked at the Demon/Ape in surprise. He had not thought him capable of any tender mercies! “Now we know what he saw. I predict a major personality change in our elf friend, Betred. You better be ready to deal with it. He is going to be like a bear with a sore tooth now.”

Betred nodded and spoke in an even voice, “Unless Twiggs figured it out you might have more worries than I. Does he know you’re the one who diverted Crazyhands from setting off that bomb in King’s Tree? I suspect Gerrain was a bit miffed at that. You and I both know that Gerrain wanted Twiggs dead. That bomb was supposed to go off in King’s Tree whether Twiggs was there or NOT! Either would have kept the Elf Lord off the trail and out of the tournament. You are the one who kept Crazyhands from setting it off. If he doesn’t know that you’re in more danger than I.” Betred said with a sly smile.

Skragg nodded in agreement, “He figured it out long ago because I went to see him and of course I made sure he got Lorega and the Extensive shares back as well as paying him some under the table money. That is why she showed up at the tournament with him. He has decided we are even since I did NOT allow Crazyhands to set off the bomb. I had to talk fast to convince Crazyhands that we needed to escape with it and that Twiggs wasn’t even there. I convinced him the loss of Prestige for the elf was sufficient for then. The big thing that worries me is the Arase and Dark Lord situation.”

Betred nodded in agreement but Baron looked confused and spoke up. “Aren’t you worried over nothing? Twiggs sealed Arase with the Dark Lord trapped inside her into that other world. If Twiggs did it so he can’t get back in then it is doubtful the Dark Lord got out. He even finished the ceremony with the symbolic link of destroying the grave using his trees as the symbol for life. It seems pretty clear cut to me. Twiggs kicked old Dick’s hoop on this one and paid a pretty nasty price to do it. Still he will get over it, plenty of people have survived a broken heart.” Baron finished with that soldiers thought

Skragg looked at Baron levelly and somewhat in disgust, “With thinking like that, that is why you’re an Advisor and not a King. You may be a good advisor but you’re a poor King. You assume too many things. Allow me to educate you and save Betred the time. First it is very unlike the Dark Lord to paint himself into any corner! He is very slippery and not as easy to contain, as you seem to think. Every King worth the name allows for at LEAST three avenues of escape when they do something this serious.”

“It shows you have no conception of the power or foreknowledge a King must have and can bring to bear in a ceremony. The Dark Lord is insidious and one of the best at scheming a scheme and Twiggs is not stupid either or he wouldn’t be as powerful as he is. The Dark Lord is a Spirit and while he can be contained, the belief of the world and peasant classes in him in this world is enough to allow him to easily return in another form. Twiggs has the power to banish him for a time but not permanently. Even Twiggs knows this. Twiggs has given us a breathing space and nothing more.” Baron looked unconvinced.

Betred smiled at his aide. “Skragg is right. Here is how I see it. The Dark Lord lured Twiggs to that other dimension just to have that child and to meet Arase. Gerrain tried to prevent it because it was a no win situation for the elf. Gerrain failed because the Cy Clan does not deal well with emotional issues. I discovered that with my old Cy Clan advisors, emotions throw off their prediction process. Gerrain saw all the emotions in this and jumped in where he was weakest, he played the Dark Lord’s game right down to the wire. Helmet had him fooled all the way because always emotion is the Dark Lord. Twiggs had several choices once there. Bring Arase back and most likely she would be the next Dark Lord. Twiggs was supposed to see that and the Dark Lord counted on it.”

“The Dark Lord could care less how much Twiggs would suspect Arase. Her job was to tie Twiggs up in emotional knots and that she did admirably. Twiggs was so busy watching her for signs and clues that he probably missed many of the things we saw in that dimension from our vantage point here. For instance she showed Twiggs the machine people but she did not need to be as lonely and cut off as she said. She could pick any time in any area and live a normal low-key life amongst the people anywhere. If she got bored she could move on.”

“She had a whole world over a long period of time to play in. Her prison was neither as small or as constrained as she alluded to. Where did she GO to get those clothes for herself and her baby and to clean up? She could have been gone a lifetime to what Twiggs perceived as only moments! Twiggs never called her on that deception and it puts to a lie most of what she said! Arase can manipulate TIME. She probably took long rest breaks away from Twiggs and he never even knew she was gone. I suspect she had to because her hatred of him was so intense! Lying is a sign of the Dark Lord and she was as much the Dark Lord as Dick Helmet is, but Twiggs never questioned it! He was too ensnared emotionally by then and he never saw but what she wanted him to see. She could replay that time period over and over again until she got just the affect she wanted!”

Skragg nodded as Betred stopped for a drink. “The Dark Lord had figured it right down to the last detail. The next step was the child. Everyone knows how elves feel about children. As Arase herself pointed out they even saved the worlds children, friend and foe alike and got nothing in return! The elves have been raiding Livyanu to make up their population for years now.”

“The benefit that they may now be able to reproduce true elves again instead of changelings was like waving a golden banner in Twiggs eyes, he was as powerless to resist that lure as the Dark Lord wanted. The child could be compromised if Twiggs would take it out. You notice the baby was taken out before the area was sealed and Arase herself had already vanished? Even Sirron, a new and inexperienced King sees enough to suspect the child and thinks that it might be the next Dark Lord. Twiggs is to emotionally tied up to see it yet but the ceremonial links that were set up make it obvious to us that the Dark Lord had every intention of opening that door as well!”

Baron looked startled. Betred smiled though and continued, “The Dark Lord was of course aware that the child would also be viewed with some suspicion as well. If Twiggs had left them both behind without being SURE that they were both a real threat and fully believed it then he would have turned a dangerous corner emotionally and morally. Twigs suspected it himself but knew he could not really leave the child there without clear and pressing evidence. The Dark Lord is a spirit as we said and his Ghost in Arase form would have started haunting Twiggs using the child as a link. They would have eventually driven Twiggs insane.” Baron nodded slowly. “So Gerrain was right. Twiggs had no way of winning this one.”

“Still wrong, you still have no conception of the planning and power of multiple rulers all reacting at different levels. With the Dark Lord there is always a way out but it is never pleasant or safe.“ stated Skragg and Betred looked at him and smiled. “Twiggs could have stayed behind with Arase, the child and sealed himself in with them. If he had remembered Elaine’s words of sacrifice for himself instead of sacrificing others to include an innocent life it would have been a whole different tale. Look at it this way, Twiggs sacrifice would have balked EVERYTHING the DL was trying to accomplish.”

“ I seriously doubt Arase could have held her pose much longer at any rate for if she hated elves as much as she stated then Twiggs touch alone was odious to her. She never ‘loved’ him. It is more likely she hated and loathed elves so much that it is any wonder she could tolerate even being near him! It shows how desperate the Dark Lord and Arase were for this to succeed, Arase to break out of her prison unrepentant and Dick in his lust for power. If Twiggs had done the ‘noble’ thing and stayed, Arase’s pose would have melted instantly. The whole plot would have unraveled and Twiggs might have escaped sealing them in as he planned with no link for the DL to get back hence Arase was careful to manipulate time in her ‘footnotes; as she called them.”

“What about Gerrain?” asked Baron, “Surely he was not so besotted with Arase that he didn’t know what was happening?” Skragg laughed scornfully and Betred shook his head sadly. Skragg looked at the Advisor and smiled, “You forgot the same things Twiggs forgot. You should know better though since your emotions aren’t tied in knots and you’re not under the pressure of high-powered magical attacks! Twiggs can be forgiven for being distracted since it was all aimed at him. You should know better. Everything Arase says is truth mixed with lies. Gerrain is NOT lawful you idiot, he is neutral. Only lawful/goods have high-powered protection against Dark Lord influences and even they are not immune to their manipulations, they’re just more readily able to spot them!”

“Twiggs can be forgiven for missing this, most would, but with us watching we should be separated enough to know the difference! Did not Arase, who we KNOW was the Dark Lord through and through, say she would bring Gerrain’s Spirit to co-operate? Well she did and it served her very well! That is why Gerrain hurried Twiggs out so fast with the child. He wanted to give him no time to think! Gerrain’s spirit is serving the Dark Lord. He guards nothing and I suspect when Arase leaves that bubble of time it will collapse and there truly will be no going back! That was why Gerrain stepped down and allowed Sirron to kill him. He realized his manipulations had gone to far and the Dark Lord tainted him. That was why he cried, not in sympathy for Arase and Twiggs but because he was being used to further a more powerful evil. His Justice was tainted. ”

“The Dark Lord counted on that and the known elf stubbornness to bull through in the opinion that you can outsmart evil. Twiggs was too confident of his powers and himself. The Dark Lord has been practicing his evil for longer than any elf has ever lived. What makes anyone think they are smart enough or clever enough to beat that much experience? Compared to the Dark Lord we are all babes in the woods, some of us know it and accept it. Some delude themselves that they have a chance and some count on a higher opponent to guide them even when they don’t understand what is happening. They are the lucky ones because like Harpin or Elaine they don’t need to figure it out, they just need faith.”

“Twiggs saved his own life and sacrificed Arase. He felt he had to and that was OK. No one questioned it. When the child finds out that her mother didn’t die but is locked in prison by her father forever, what will be the result? She will hate her father and his elf ways. Hatred is something the Dark Lord can use. The baby most likely has many of her mother’s talents and she could be very dangerous. I think we all know that the Dark Lord has taken the steps to make sure the child will find out. The child will pull him back eventually if nothing else.”

Baron was nothing if not pragmatic, “So we kill the kid. We arrange an accident or she gets poisoned. Anything to kill the link! We can still end the threat if we work fast. If Rahvin gets word of this he would try to acquire the child so he could have some control over the next Dark Lord. We can’t take that chance. GRIECH! Even Damien could be a time bomb, he might be programmed to take certain actions”

Betred motioned for Baron to calm down. “It’s to late for that. The baby doesn’t have to be alive for the Dark Lord to use it. You can bet the child is the repository of immense power, the like of which as not been seen since the last Dark Lord war. I suspect it is more than capable of protecting itself. The big thing is that we all know the Dark Lord will return, it is only a matter of time whether as the child, as Twiggs or some other poor luckless individual. Heck he could even come back and possess Damien or Rahvin. It is not that easy anymore and I fear we have only won a small rest break before we are again in turmoil. Besides what makes you think Twiggs will believe us? He truly ‘loves’ the memory that Arase so carefully crafted for him. He will not give up that illusion she so painstakingly implanted in his mind. You want to tell him that Arase is a lying slut and that she was trash and then tell him to destroy his child before it gets old enough to destroy us all? Where do you want me to send the parts?” He turned to Skragg, “What of the missing woman at the tournament?”

“We tracked Estelle’s kidnapping to Rahvin. He is currently questioning her and trying to convince her to give up information freely about Sirron, Twiggs and the Chaka Forest. So far she has resisted. Twiggs will eventually call her back using his control over elves. Rahvin may be in for quite a surprise. Twiggs is at least four times more powerful than he is. I predict elf nobles will have new surprises for us and Sirron is at least twice Rahvin’s power as well. Estelle is Cy Clan, and Rahvin is playing with a dangerous fire and is likely to get burned and badly. We will not interfere.” Stated Skragg complacently.

“Jade Pearl escaped as well and reported that vampires had taken her as well, but I have trained her well in using her mind and she escaped quickly before she could be sent to the Nylss. We suspect the others like Lorelei, Tylla, Felina and Aurora herself may be at the Nylss. We feel Aurora was taken to divert suspicion, unless Zozan got her. If he did then his vengeance would have been terrible and she may be destroyed. Many Kings are noticeably irate at Rahvin and I intend he be taught a private lesson not to steal my advisors!” Skragg finished darkly.

Betred looked at the VP intently, “You have a lot of prerogatives here in Extensive, but you don’t use it for revenge! Any actions you take in this matter will be through normal channels as Ruler of Shennu. I will not have our neutrality violated because you want to get at Rahvin! Is that understood?” Skragg nodded, “I know when to keep my business separated and I will use my own methods to teach our friend Rahvin a lasting lesson in manners.” Betred nodded his acceptance.

“Then onto other matters that we can control.” Stated Betred. “I made my trip to Mu Ugluan A. Rahvin had started a series of raids along the Northern border of dwarf country and if the rumors are correct, along the Towers as well. I seem to be hearing rumors from that direction about some kind of ‘Batman?” He looked pointedly at Skragg but the apes face revealed nothing. “I had heard that this was a contract from someone with Platinum service?” Betred prompted again. Baron looked between the two confused. Skragg sighed in exasperation.

“You know better than this Betred.” He looked at the CEO pointedly. “Platinum contracts are inviolate and not to be snooped into on any whim. Customers with Platinum contracts are given exclusive privacy in any dealings they have and even I as VP and you as CEO cannot snoop in them to satisfy your thirst for knowledge. That is why we have Platinum contracts after all. Even you as a ruler don’t want people peering into your private decisions! You want to violate that and I will lay such a penalty on you with the board of Kings that even you won’t be able to pay it off. We run Extensive, but to do so MUST be from a position of Trust! We will broker any deal and perform any tasks but some things must not be violated. Now if someone wants to hire Extensive to research and find out we will hire a totally separate agency to perform the contract. They may attempt to break into our Platinum Files to see but they are well protected. They can search clues and hire detectives. We will not release any information though from that part of Extensive willingly.”

Betred through up his hands laughing slightly, “OK, OK forget I asked. I just figured you might have brokered the deal and you would share it. I am not stepping on the rules or authority here. I just found it amusing. My bet is that Rahvin and his Vampires are behind it to embarrass Sirron.” He searched Skraggs face even more closely. The ape face showed nothing. Betred disappointed went on.

“Anyway, as I was saying Rahvin was making some hit and run raids and he tried a major attempt to get at Kristiana, which seems to fit that he is collecting woman to become vampires. He made a mistake though. The dwarves are long lived and keep excellent records and they KNOW how to kill his Vampires. Rahvin lost the whole force. I was able to use it as leverage though to convince the Dwarf High Command to allow me to move Kristiana to here for protection. I had to make some suitable arguments,” He rubbed two fingers together and Baron knew that Betred had bribed the dwarves. “It was fairly simple. They don’t think anyone can wake her up so they are not worried she will be there Queen. It is my intention to prove them wrong!”

Skragg smiled, “True if you wake Kristiana and she marries you then you are the dwarf king if you can make the Dwarf High Command accept you. With Rahvins attacks, which I suspect were instigated by Twiggs himself, they are doing your work for you. I suspect that with your money and power as well as the Vampire attacks, the dwarves will soon flock to your banner. I predict a successful hostile takeover of the dwarves by month three.”

Betred nodded in agreement. “Rahvin will be on the defensive I think. I can’t see Elaine, Sirron or Jarod letting him slide either. The dwarves may well join them. Harpin could be involved as well and if Rahvin thinks Damien will save his hoop I suspect he needs to think again. Twiggs will be the unknown here. He has more shear power right now than any four regular Kings. How will he react to Estelle’s kidnapping? We know he takes depredations against the elves seriously and I suspect with his daughter it will be worse. I don’t anticipate a lot of actions from other rulers. The Dark Lord is temporarily out of it and Twiggs and Rahvin are the biggest threats. We should be able to complete our ceremony next month and then concentrate on absorbing Mu Ugluan A. The city is almost completely rebuilt and by Month Four I suspect we will be in enough of a position of influence that we should be able to handle most threats.” He nodded at Skragg.

“You better go get some rest. Well done though on the tournament. I was impressed and wished I could have been there. Well, I am sure there will be other chances.” Skragg arose nodded and left with Baron following. Betred leaned back and dimmed the lights. Half in darkness and half in the light he thought and schemed.

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