“Cute,” said Rahvin dryly, "The difference between tragedy and comedy: Tragedy is something awful happening to somebody else, while comedy is something awful happening to somebody else.” He looked at Jarod pointedly.

The Monster’s Ball had passed with the ‘removal’ of the Dark Lord from Sirron’s country. Sirron followed by Ashla and Jarod moved down the hallway with a chained Estelle being brought behind. It appeared Sirron had finally managed to catch the elusive criminal and now he was again faced with the problem of dealing with her. Jarod spoke up quietly. “My work here appears to be at an end. I must make contact with my country and set things back in order. I also have several of issues such as Rahvin and then Corman that will have to be dealt with.

Sirron spoke quietly, “What are your intentions towards them may I ask?” Jarod using Karen’s Pendant opened it for a conversation so that the entire group of King’s could hear. “I intend to give Rahvin one final chance to surrender of course.” Rahvin immediately spoke back. “Maybe this time you shouldn't piss me off... Even you SHOULD have learned your lesson by now!

Jarod: "Nope... we lawfuls are stupid like that... I will offend again. You had better get ready."

Rahvin: “Jarod, for a man of peace, you cause an awful lot of conflicts. I will state for the record, that I will leave you be if you do the same to me. Now, since we all know you are going to start another conflict, I guess I should get ready.”

Jarod: "Ahhh, I cause the conflicts? But the world will be a more peaceful place without you. That is the responsibility side of my Attribute. I am making it my Responsibility in the name of Peace to deal with your Chaos in a positive fashion by using a negative method."

Rahvin: “Ah, so you are declaring war formally then? You wish to start a war against Chaos. Why stop their fool, go ahead and declare war on Evil as well, let's see just how big your gilhoolies are. You pathetic wretch, all I wish is to be left alone, but one ruler after the next keeps sticking his nose in where it isn't welcome.”

Jarod: "You have attacked my country twice. You were sure that we were at war then, what has changed? Your toady captured me for a time. Have I surrendered? Have I sued for peace? No. A state of war already exists between our countries. So why should I redeclare it? While on the first attack, you did it at the request of the Dark Lord, the second was NOT a mercenary action at all. You did that one all on your own with no warning and no formal declaration either. Of course we are at war you pathetic buffoon! You started it, I am going to finish it. Contrary to your opinion though I am not declaring a war on Chaos, I am going to eliminate Rahvin the arrogant Dark Lord Stooge. The world will be a much better place without your 'vision'."

Rahvin: "HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!! Big words for such a puny boy. My attacks were in response to your actions and statements. I never would have accepted the contract had YOU not swore to rid the world of me. The second attack was in retaliation for that little curse you orchestrated on my country. And yes you were captured, that to was in response to YOUR OWN ACTIONS! No formal declaration of war was ever issued because I foolishly thought you would learn your lesson. Apparently you will never learn to simply shut up and work WITH others instead of against them all the time. I offered you peace, you have declined, and if it's all out war you want then I'll prepare your grave."

Jarod: "Your so-called reasons are unimportant Rahvin. I want no mistakes between us. So now you understand? There is a state of War between our countries. Even you should understand that by now. Now how many countries are you formally at war with? Oh yes, the Jelgai and Tpsolei so far. You better run crying like a little baby to Corman to come save you. You're a trifle outnumbered and out gunned."

Rahvin: "Really? The Jelgai army and YOU with your little Atlantians. I'm so very scared. How many of your people will fight for you now that you have let them down three times? You have been nothing but a failure since the first day of your reign, and you think your people will simply rally behind you and put their trust in you again? Attack if you want, it doesn't bother me if you wish to pretend that you're a real King, you will only increase my powers again. I have bigger fish to fry, if you wish to play toady to them by opposing me then go for it. My course is set and I will not tolerate anyone standing in my way, you were offered peace, the decision is yours for it matters not to me."

Jarod: “I will tend to my people. If you think I have no chance then you have nothing to worry about” Over the communication suddenly came the voice of Twiggs.

Twiggs: "Not that it matters right now but Namarustha and I believe the Towers as well are also at war with Rahvin."

Jarod: "Of course it matters. The more people who want to teach Rahvin to behave the more likely it is to stick. Now we know you are out there in the world somewhere and you are allied to the Jelgai and Towers, why not command their armies against Rahvin this month? I am sure that with all of us after him Rahvin will be swiftly brought to justice and his evils against the world will cease. I am even now in consultation with Damien and Sirron on this very matter."

Twiggs: "Why not? Because I owe them a great deal and I don't wish to steal their armies or their countries. Still you are also allied with them and in a more trusted position than I." Suddenly Corman broke in as well.

Corman: “Cute Twiggs, you steal everything else but you balk at stealing their armies? Now even I don’t believe that one.” Issues wet raspberry.

Jarod: "Shut Up Corman, real men are having a conversation. Go get a bone from your Master. OK Twiggs I will have them mobilized if you wish to shirk your Responsibility again. I requested that you do something by leading them into battle! After all was it not YOU who prevented Elaine and Galebolt from doing that very thing? You definitely owe them and by leading their troops against an enemy they have already declared war on you would be repaying them! The attacking armies would be under my command and I take full responsibility for it" Twiggs was quiet and it was unsure if he was still listening or had shut off the amulet.

Rahvin: "How can Namurashta support you? Again you try and assume control of the armies of your allies. How far you have fallen Jarod, I could almost appreciate what you have turned into if it was not for the task at hand. You sold yourself to the Dark Lord to escape your bottle, and now you play his game just as I did. No more words Jarod, there can be no peace between us now, the war is at hand and one side will fall. I need no allies to support me, but Corman is a good, loyal friend and ally. He has chosen to stand by me. I acknowledge that I have erred grievously, for I aided the Dark Lord.

I understand my folly, and I have no excuses. You, Sirron, or anyone else will not judge me. I must right the wrong I have perpetrated, and so I shall destroy the Dark Lord, or die trying. You are insignificant, do as you will, you have given yourself to the Dark Lord and I shall destroy you along with him, or I will be destroyed in the attempt. Either way I shall have my salvation, what you or any other ruler thinks is irrelevant."

Jarod: "PATHETIC! You now do what you accuse me of doing? You WAFFLE, Rahvin? Was it not last month you were going to wipe up the floor with Corman? Now it's the Dark Lord? Do you really expect anyone will even consider your lie? Join Me Harpin said Corman and he died for it betrayed. Then you and Corman congratulate each other as the Dark Lord pats your little heads. Now if anyone wants to join you to take on the Dark Lord then it is my guess they will end up much the same way. Did you really think that trick would work again? How can anyone support me? They support me because you have left them very little choice. As for Corman 'loyally' supporting you, you are the only one he HAS loyally supported but if he serves the Dark Lord like you that can change as well. How does it feel to know that you may be betrayed at any time just like all the others by your 'loyal' ally?"

Rahvin: "Like I said, what you think is irrelevant. Now, are you done talking? You aren't getting any younger you know. I will show my sincerity with actions, plain and simple. You have opted to once again pick a fight, so be it. I always say what I mean and do as I say... just because others misinterpret what I say does not mean I waffle Jarod, my track record proves this."

Jarod: "Why is it that every time I make a telling argument we are done talking? Corman will betray you. Chaos always betrays! How long will it take Rahvin for you to betray him or he to betray you? Sincerity? You have none. It is an attribute that would not serve you well and how will you mix it with Chaos? Why as sincere sounding lies of course. I picked a fight? Who sacked whose country twice over words? My words must be very dangerous weapons to you? Do you fear my words so much that you must react violently to them? Killing and attacks are very hard to misinterpret, words may be but killing isn't. I find it amusing that you say I waffle but I opposed you in Month one, I opposed you in Month Two and still opposed you in Month Three when you wanted me to join your betrayal and attack Betred. Strange that my ‘waffling’ as you put it has always been in opposition to your grandiose plans."

Rahvin: "It was YOU who wished to end this discussion... now that I try to do so you accuse ME of backing out when you claim to have made a point? You again bend my words and try to mold my actions to deceive those around you. You said my words were hollow and worthless, YOU said there was no use arguing. Well I agree, but now you have changed your mind, waffled again, now my words are interesting for you wish to continue this debate. Now words are not worthless, you want more of them, now you think there is a use to agreeing! You have no point! Never before have you been this vocal, this focused. Convenient that you would have this radical change right when I begin preparing to fight the Dark Lord. Even more convenient that you miraculously escaped from your prison right before this change of yours. You are obsessed with me, and you will do anything to try and regain what you have lost at my hands. You have forsaken Peace for Vengeance, you traded your soul to the Dark Lord in exchange for the freedom to destroy me. To bad for you, Sirron has released Hope into the world, and I will let Hope use me as its tool against the Dark Lord. This gives me strength, and it shall be your undoing. I don't care if anyone joins me, or follows behind me, or supports me... I do what I do for my own reasons."

Jarod: "You now will use Hope? What happened to sincerity? You are a Dark Hope for the world. I think I would rather not depend on your brand of hope. Somehow it has a tainted smell of the grave about it. If your idea of hope is the hope of dying and lying undisturbed in the grave or of being raised to serve you I think not. Your words ARE hollow and useless. Still I give you the opportunity to avoid your fate. It is more chance than you gave others you have betrayed. As for I have no point? I have a point, bring Rahvin to Justice or eliminate him. That is focused. The vocal comes from pointing out to you that your usual tactics of deception and confusion will not work anymore. Tis the season for Miracles, Rahvin. I would be wary if I were you."

Rahvin: "Again, the Towers and the Nylss are NOT at war. The Jelgai declared war on the Nylss, and I will deal with that when it becomes an issue. BUT WITH KING GALEBOLT GONE, this should not be an issue for HE is the one that should lead his army and country, NOT his so-called allies who would exploit his absence and people for their own ends. You quickly use up my patience Jarod, you seek to capitalize on Elaine and Galebolt's absence by using their people and their resources to fight me. You prove yourself a false ally, and you show the world your cowardice. I have no love for Galebolt, and I would not weep long for Elaine's loss, but you go to far. The armies and people of the Jelgai and the Towers are not yours to command, if you try and assume such a position I will destroy you. You cease to amuse me little man."

Corman: "Hey fish face. Leave my good buddy alone. We all know you’re just a front for that pathetic coward Twiggs. Heck he didn't even have the guts to face me in a duel and now you want him to lead your armies! You’re a fool. Thimhalen and I stand solidly behind Rahvin and the Nylss. Your butt is toast. So where do you want to meet on the field of Honor? I vote the Towers northern plains. Their armies are already there!"

Jarod: "Field of Honor, Corman? You have no Honor for did you not betray your ally Harpin and kill him to increase the power of Rahvin and the Dark Lord? Did you three come to fear Harpin so much that you played your charade just to kill him? Murderer, Betrayer of a loyal ally, I spurn your challenge as being unworthy, dog of evil and chaos. Go defend your Master, Dog. As for Rahvin, did you not know the Towers must aid the Jelgai in a war? Galebolt declared a war and Elaine’s army must support them. This defense Pact includes Namarushta by Ancient Treaty! Another country by the way that is at war with you. Surrender or be eliminated, and if you think you can "hide" by moving to another country I will also make sure my plan deals with that concept as well. As for you not being amused? Good, I am not here for your amusement."

Corman: "I'm a loser? Who was trapped in a bottle? Moron! Harpin let Karen die! He deserved everything that happened to him and so do you. Rahvin and I are so going to wipe the bottom of the ocean with your butt."

Jarod: "I was indeed trapped in your bottle. I am not trapped in your bottle now. Who is the worse Moron now Corman? Now consider this. Harpin did not 'let' Karen die because he didn't know about it and it is a little hard to save someone when YOUR ALLY Rahvin started a revolt in his country. So Rahvin KEPT Harpin from saving her! Blame Rahvin for Karen's death. Now if you blame Twiggs, Aren't Twiggs and Harpin at odds as well? Betrayer, Liar, Murderer. What you have to say is as worthless as what Rahvin has to say. You are nothing, you continue to be nothing and you will die a nothing." Corman continued to listen angrily.

Rahvin: "Pretty words coming from a failure such as yourself Jarod. Sirron released Hope into the world... let us see how this effects you and your puppeteer."

Jarod: "There is some truth skillfully mixed with your lies Rahvin. True, to date I have been a failure for all to see. Time is on my side though. With Hope and Luck I might even destroy your evil. When Sirron used the bell called Hope did you not notice that it was then I escaped the bottle? Your lie is just as obvious when you accuse Sirron of being my puppet, why should you bring him into it? He was not mentioned as one of the attacking countries. I did not even state it would be HIS Justice. Perhaps you will face the Justice of all those you have wronged and injured in your lust for power. Bad Move Rahvin, I would think you would want to leave Sirron alone so he doesn't think you should be dealt with as well."

Rahvin: "I only mentioned Sirron in passing, seeing as he released Hope. YOU bend my words, and you know it. Sirron is not your puppet, you have neither the power nor the wit for something like that. And Sirron has no puppets, to date he has not operated in that fashion. You are the puppet Jarod, and I shall cut your strings and reveal what you have become to the whole world. Now shut up, you'll need some wind left to scream with, or beg for mercy. At least you can take solace in the fact that when I kill you your Master will raise you again."

Jarod: “Still trying to use Hope to beat the Dark Lord, Rahvin? No one has to bend your words when you do so much talking around them yourself. I will not again be deceived as you try to insert divisions between my allies and myself. You see this time I don’t care if they assist me or not. One lesson I HAVE learned from you is that if I want you out? I am going to have to do it myself. I give them the opportunity to join in common cause with me for their own betterment. If I fail then which of them will be next to feel your wrath? I was captured and Twiggs had to remove his land, Harpin died and Elaine was almost destroyed. I wonder if Sirron and the rest see the same pattern I do?”

Rahvin: “Sirron is cowardly, if he was going to attack then he wouldn't even consider saying so, he prefers attacking people's backs or helping others to do his dirty work for him.”

Sirron: “Gee, Hmmm, attacking others backs, sounds like I'm learning from YOU! Attack Tpsolei while its weak with no provocation doesn't show your strength fanged one.

Rahvin: "Wary of YOU? I have defeated you three times and you have lost power and prestige every time. You are a laughing stock, and you waste my time. What you think is irrelevant, you stand in my way and so you shall die, it's that simple. I have never betrayed anyone, Harpin was set up that is true, but Harpin challenged us and swore to kill us, it is his own fault if he turned around and let his greed lead him into a trap. I have never been given the chance to show my true goals, for the Lawfuls have been on the offensive since day one. This is the second time I have tried to attack the Dark Lord, and once again it is YOU who stands in my way. How can this be coincidence? Twice you would prevent me from attacking the Dark Lord? Well I will not allow it this time; this time I will destroy you both. I know the method that can rid this world of the Dark Lord once and for all... and I will carry it out even if it means my death. What you think is irrelevant, what you say is irrelevant. Even if you somehow succeed, you will only vindicate me for the Dark Lord would have no hold on my soul, proving my point and condemning you for your crimes. The Hope I stand for is the Hope of a world without Ultimate Death... a world without the Dark Lord. If this is a Dark Hope then so be it. If you oppose this Hope then you show your true allegiance. Puppet. False Savior.

Jarod: “More lies Rahvin. I do not even grace such trash as you are speaking with a rebuttal. Since you will not recognize that we are serious you deserve the fate we have planned for you.”

Twiggs: "Namarushta fully stands with Jarod against Rahvin. With him gone the Dark Lord will have to go back to hounding us on his own. I will fight with Jarod against Rahvin with the Towers and Jelgai armies and with my own when they return."

Rahvin: "Twiggs betrayed me and double-crossed me... now he runs and hides from me. Elaine made peace with me and then planned an attack against me behind the scenes; she almost lost everything because of it. Harpin challenged me and swore to kill my people, and me, so he died for his trouble. You swore to kill me and my people, you waffled and kept me from attacking the Dark Lands... and you were humiliated and locked up for your crimes. This is a pattern indeed, and you wish to continue it. The Dark Lord played me like a harp and blamed me for his inability to defeat Twiggs, he threatened to destroy me unless I paid him off... and now I will destroy him. This is part of the pattern. Like your pattern, starting conflicts with your big mouth. Standing in anyone's way if they try to attack the Dark Lord. Bending words and telling half-truths to make others see your side of things. You are the corrupt one Jarod, and I will reveal you to the world.”

Jarod: "Twiggs doesn't look like he is hiding now, Rahvin. It appears he is going to come after you as well. I find it interesting that everyone picks on poor Rahvin but I see you doing very little of the suffering. They say something you don't like and you destroy them. These bullying tactics of yours will not succeed this time Rahvin. We are coming for you and there will be nowhere for you to run in the whole world."

Rahvin: "Interesting choice of words. Ha ha ha ha ha"

Elaine: “I don’t seem to be able to get back but with my power I have finally managed to establish contact. I think these irrational decisions have gone on long enough. Will you all look at what you are doing? How many of you claim to oppose the Dark Lord? Rahvin, Twiggs, Betred, Jarod, Sirron, Galebolt. All you do is blame each other for sympathizing or even aiding the Lord of Evil, but have one of you actually decided to stop blaming and face that who you oppose? I am as guilty as the rest of you for not seeing this earlier. Stop turning on each other and realize that by doing what you are doing, you're as much a puppet for the Dark Lord as the dead he numbers his army with.”

Twiggs: "GOOD LORD WOMAN! You’re talking about Rahvin. The beast that was/IS going to kidnap you and hand you over to the Dark Lord TO BE HIS BRIDE!!! You are STILL trying to save him? To visit his lands? Have you been turned into a vampire? Are you under his thrall? First you ignore his evil and now you advocate leaving him alone? You do realize that until Rahvin came into the picture the Dark Lord and I were stalemated and now I have fallen further and further behind. We eliminate Rahvin and we come one step close to eliminating the Dark Lord. We can't even figure out who the Dark Lord is but we can point right at Rahvin! By the way, how did you get back so quickly and where is my country?"

Rahvin: "I am going to destroy the Dark Lord, I know how it may be accomplished. I may not stand much of a chance, but I will prove once and for all that I am no one's toady. Now, who stands in my way? Jarod, again, twice now he has tried to stop me from going after Dick... and unless someone talks sense into him he will die for it."

Damien: "Elaine, I remind you that it was Rahvin that had plans to destroy Galebolt and YOU just as he did Harpin! Now maybe none of us have figured out a way to get at Helmet yet but we sure as heck can get at those serving him! If we cut off the Dark Lord's arms like Rahvin, Corman and Skragg, possibly even Betred then we may have a chance at old Helmet himself. Why are you trying to protect Rahvin? Has he gotten to you? Have you been corrupted? Three of your allies have died in the last three months, Brittany, Karen and now Harpin. How many more have to die before you will see Rahvin as what he is! If I can't hit the DL, Rahvin will do just as well!"

Rahvin: "You dare consider attacking me when I have left you alone to my own detriment. You who I tried to help long before Harpin or Sirron even thought about it! I destroy those who threaten me. I swore that I would not harm Elaine, and I had no intention of doing so... what Helmet planned is not my concern; I was merely to bring her to the party. That was my CONTRACT with the Dark Lord. As for Galebolt he was not part of my deal, his destruction would have been between himself and Dick, and he is the one that declared war on me. But this is beside the point. I admit it; I aided the Dark Lord, even if it was by accepting a contract from him. Even if the law says I'm not guilty of anything wrong, I admit that I did in fact err. I have already said how I will correct this matter, I will be the tool of Hope, and I will destroy the Dark Lord or die in the attempt. Oppose me if you will, you only hurt yourselves in the long run."

Damien: "I do this for the benefit of your soul Rahvin. I am a better friend than you think. You travel the wrong road. I am not greasing the road to hell for you so that you can slide in. If you want to get there then you MUST destroy me to attain your goal. Better I oppose you now while you still have a chance to change. Stop. Make restitution for your crimes while you can. You admit yourself that you aided that Dark Lord. That is serving him."

Rahvin: "I will make restitution for my sins, but I will not sit by and allow my people or my country to suffer for it. I will pay my debts in my own fashion; I will not throw myself into the hands of Jarod the Petty, or Sirron. How do YOU propose I make restitution? How can I prove that I am sincere, that I am serious? Will it matter, Twiggs has been trying to destroy me since Month one, and Jarod swore the day he took the throne that he would destroy the Vampires. If it is my death or the death of my people they want, then they will have to fight for it, and we all know that the price for such a thing will be high indeed."

Jarod: "Restitution is not made your way against the people you have wronged, Rahvin. You still struggle to avoid your fate. You have built this with your deceit and lies and now you ask us what you must do for us to TRUST you. I have told you. Surrender and accept your punishment, then together we can move forward to establish Peace in the world. Your Chaos must be controlled before it destroys us all. If you will not do it willingly we will do it for you."

Sirron: "Agreed. If you do not wish for us to stand in your way then prove yourself. Justice is available as an option."

Rahvin: "I will never surrender, and I will not kneel before anyone. If this is all you are willing to accept, then let the killing begin."

Twiggs: "His story is getting old. 'I ain't to blame for anything. You guys did it all to yourselves.' He has a minor point. Our complacency has caused us a great deal of pain and suffering. Our arrogance has gotten us to this position. I think I can safely say I am no longer complacent and their is nothing like getting kicked in the slats to remove arrogance."

Rahvin: "No vampire has or ever will surrender. You seek to control something that cannot be controlled you fool, you cannot bind Chaos, to try could destroy us all. I will not surrender to anyone, I wronged few people and I will repay those I did. You got less than you deserved Jarod, and so you and your people will be the first to die in this war. We will not go quietly, and we will not yield. If you think you can defeat Chaos in this manner then you are sadly mistaken, for all your efforts you will only strengthen that which you seek to control... all you might accomplish is forcing Chaos to find another face."

Jarod: "You are incorrect Rahvin. While others like you may reappear after a time, we must deal with what is now. That is you and your refusal to stop being a predator on the helpless of the world. I think enough has been said for now. We will not agree. Actions will be next. Good Bye Rahvin." With that statement Jarod closed his communicator and looked at Sirron. Rahvin’s voice though continued to come from Sirron’s open communicator. Sirron was not inclined to miss any of the conversation. However he left the speaker muted so that others could not overhear him.

Rahvin: "Some fools never learn. Suicide comes in many forms I guess, but this is a new one."

Jarod: “Well Sirron. You are still strangely quiet and have made little contribution. If you are convinced by your own words that Rahvin is bad for this world then why will you not commit to a decision? How long will you remain uninvolved in events? I remind you that you too were a target and it is likely to continue. I aided you in stopping the Dark Lord, will you not help me to bring Rahvin to Justice, if not for my sake then for yours?”

Rahvin: Meanwhile the conversation continued over the speaker. “You blame me for your inability to keep up with the rest of us, Twiggs? The strong survive elf... you were not strong enough to keep your exalted position. How pathetic that it takes all of you to stand up to me, but don't count your victories just yet.” There was no reply from Twiggs and it seemed obvious that he had closed his communicator as well.

Corman: "You tell them. Those high and mighty better than you and me people think it's OK to betray us but when we give them a taste of their own they come down on us like a ton of bricks. Where were they when Twiggs raped and pillaged Karen's country? Where were they when Betred killed Granite and the Dwarf high command? That is OK, but let the two of us do anything and the mob is hounding our heels."

Sirron: taking off the mute. “Left alone? Then perhaps you've stopped taking mercenary business, but I don't think so. Again you mouth words yet they have no meaning. Perhaps your fangs are getting in the way of your words? Either that or your foot is stuck in it.” Meanwhile Jarod was having a private conversation as well.

Jarod: "Betred. I wish to hire a dwarf army for an attack upon the Nylss. I want it to be equipped as well as possible. I also wish to hire a command structure to plan strategy-using advisors from various countries. The army will require supply, communications, transport facilities and a spy structure. I want each system to have an alternate method in case the primary fails. I want you to hire Damien to Command the force as general under my control, with Red Baron and possibly Skragg to act as aid and advisors. I want you to hire in addition to the dwarf army mercenaries from the Nylss, Towers, Jelgaian and Spouting Mountains groups as well. Finally I want to hire assassins to attack the Nylss spy corps and eliminate Rahvin's spies, worldwide. Can you quote me a price and have it ready to go by the third week of next month?" The spy killers will be needed by Week one of next month." Underneath they saw Betred’s reply.

Betred: “I have received your request and I am working on the proposal. I'll get back to you soon.” Betred motioned for his Nameless ones to get to work and in less than half a day the contract was agreed to and completed by both parties and was official.

Betred: I am willing to release 60% of the dwarf forces to this contract. The cost for this is as follows:

Officers: 10GP per day.

NCOs: 5GP per day.

Soldiers: 1GP per day.

Additionally, each dwarf will receive a death benefit, funded as part of this contract, as follows:

Officers: 1,000GP, payable to family.

NCOs: 5,000GP annually, for 5 years, payable to family.

Soldiers: 10,000GP annually, for 10 years, payable to family.

Additionally, there will be a 200,000GP monthly logistics fee to cover communications and transport. Any costs over and above this fee will be invoiced to you separately. Supplies may be purchased from Extensive at a 10% discount for the duration of the contract.

You will agree to a division of spoils as follows:

10% to Extensive Enterprises, with Second Choice rights.

20% to the Dwarf Hoard, with First Choice rights.

80% to Kingdom of Atlantis.

You will also agree to a hold-harmless agreement, indemnifying Extensive Enterprises, the Kingdom of Tlashtek Heights, and the Kingdom of Mu Ugluan 'A from any and all retributions against them by the Kingdom of the Nylss Mountains, or any other entity, foreign or domestic, personal or politic, for participation in this MERCENARY contract. For the purposes of this contract, all forces herein listed are to be considered under the command and control of Jarod, King of Atlantis.

You also agree that forces will be bound by this contract for a minimum of 30 days, regardless of any settlement, and if the contracted time exceeds 3 months, all costs to you herein, except insurance costs, double. Damien has agreed to command this force as a MERCENARY COMMANDER serving Jarod, King of Atlantis. Fee for service is 100,000GP. The hold-harmless indemnifications reserved for Extensive, et al, in the above paragraph hold also to the employment Damien.

Red Baron, as Chief Minister to the King of Tlashtek, is not available for MERCENARY STAFF duties on a fulltime basis. However, the Baron may consult with forces both in and out of the field for a fee of 10,000GP monthly, as long as such consultations do not interfere with his primary duties to his King. The hold-harmless indemnifications reserved for Extensive, et al., in the above paragraphs hold to any consultations by the Red Baron.

Skragg, Emperor of Shennu, has agreed to serve this force as MERCENARY STAFF to Damien, MERCENARY COMMANDER, and Jarod, King of Atlantis. Fee for service is 1,500,000GP. The hold-harmless indemnifications reserved for Extensive, et, al., in the above paragraphs hold also to the employment of Skragg, Emperor of Shennu.

The hiring prices and conditions for forces not under the direct control of Extensive/Tlashtek/MUA can be negotiated with your local Extensive representative.

Assassinations are not negotiated in standard Extensive contracts. You should contact the Vice-President of Extensive Unusual Operations Division to arrange any services in this regard.

Finally, Extensive, as agent of arrangement for this contract, charges all parties involved a 10% representation and negotiation fee. All usual penalties apply for non-payment of funds owed. Any arbitration required will be managed only in a court of Extensives choosing.

Jarod: “Excellent, then I will be able to start proceeding with the attack.”

Betred: “I remind you that you won't get anyone till I see some gold up front.”

Jarod: "You will have my payment in Tpsolei pearls, gold, and treasure in the amount of 25 million gold pieces immediately at your main facility even as we are speaking. What isn't used can be refunded later. My thanks, for your prompt attention. I am already in consultation with Emperor Skragg as well." He ended the conversation quickly. “Sirron I must now leave I have much to do. Sirron still arguing with Rahvin waved vaguely as Jarod departed.

Jarod flew from the Chaka Forest moving rapidly towards his country. Even as he flew he was issuing orders to his men. “Each time I have threatened Rahvin with punishment for his deeds he has made an attack on Tpsolei. It seems it is his pattern and may well be repeated. I expect he will again try some type of attack when I show up on his borders. This time I want to lure him into a trap at Tpsolei. He may well attempt to run, leaving the Nylss folk to be killed and may well try to take and hold the islands. We should be well aware that Corman does have a return key to our country through some hidden area.”

“We have a general idea of where his armies started attacking each time. I want that area immediately evacuated. I have hired several units of Skraggs armies with enhanced weaponry. I want strong points set up around the area and runic traps set up inside. When the enemy shows I want them in a trap they can’t escape! We have already emasculate Rahvin’s spies and I will move the whole army to his border. That will be the time we will be hit I suspect, in much the same fashion we were attacked before. I believe Extensive is in the same area so be sure to include this area inside the protected zone.”

“I think Rahvin got lazy and we are going to make him pay for it.” Jarod smiled. Rahvin was going to discover that no matter where he moved they were going to be waiting for him. They had supplied him with so many juicy targets and Rahvin’s own greed would not let him pass them all up. He continued on his course to Tpsolei alerting his people that he would be arriving soon.

What is Loyalty but Faith?

Sirron talking to Galebolt in the Jelgai in Month Two, “Loyalties and lies seem to be compatible. Is not your brand of Loyalty just lying to yourself and closing your eyes to disaster? If Rahvin gets to your sister will you continue to blindly follow her into his hands?”

To which Galebolt replied, “The worst lies in the Petal Throne World my Cy Clan friend are, ‘I don't want to hurt you.’, ‘I'm not saying this to hurt you.’, and ‘I'm doing this for your own good.’ So I feel that I may be excused if my support of a good cause leads me to my death. There are worse ways to die and the pain of death is very brief.”

Galebolt had been trapped in elf land almost a month now and it certainly did not look like he was going to be leaving anytime soon! His sister Elaine of course had been furious. She had been scheduled to go to Rahvin’s immediately after the duel, which had never happened of course. Galebolt was more practical. He could do nothing to affect the circumstances of his ‘imprisonment’ so it seemed that he should use the time for other matters.

He had been at King’s Tree when the lands had suddenly become isolated so he had decided to go to Crystallu City. It appeared to have traveled right along with the rest of the lands and Galebolt had never been there. His sister was still dealing with the elf advisor’s, complaining, and obviously had decided to be ‘difficult’. It had taken him several days to make the trip but it appeared the elf patrols had stood down. The border patrols and high security had been given a rest by order of the King before he had vanished.

Galebolt was not surprised though when the Advisor called Rebecca greeted him at the entrance to the city. The communications systems were obviously still working and he suspected his progress had been monitored. It appeared that Rebecca was being blamed for the loss of Twiggs child Arase and the elf girl Seara, her closest companion.

Somehow the girls had left the city and they were still being sought all through the elf lands. Many feared that they might have been outside the borders when the strange shield had manifested. If so there was no way they could get to them and no way to alert anyone on the outside either. While nothing had been done to Rebecca as yet, it was very clear that tensions over this ran high amongst the elves and they were only awaiting the Justice of the Elf King.

It was also obvious that she was being given this task as a punishment. Rebecca though seemed unconcerned with the obvious hostility around her. This probably infuriated the elves even more.

“Greetings, King Galebolt. You have traveled far and a place has been prepared for you to rest. I have been assigned to deal with any requirements you may have.” Rebecca bowed quietly. Her voice had a low sensual, husky quality that was fascinating amongst the normally more high-pitched voices of the female elves. Galebolt was impressed.

He had only met one woman to date who had impressed him as much. That had been Jade Pearl but she had later turned out to be Skragg. In Rebecca though he saw the same quiet spirit and wisdom that had so much commanded his interest. “I thank you for your courtesy. I am also familiar with your story. Can I ask you a personal question? You don’t have to answer if you wish.”

Rebecca smiled sadly, “When someone asks if they can ask a question it usually means it is something personal or painful. What normally entices such a question is curiosity. I have found that even when given the answer it is rarely understood or accepted by the asking person. Still you may ask anything you desire to know. I have been sent to insure your comfort while you are here and I have little to hide.”

Galebolt smiled as well. “You are wise as well as gracious but the reason for my question is more to confirm my view than to cause you problems. In your life you started by serving Harpin as his ward. Betred who claimed you were actually a spy for his country stole you. Finally you ended up as a servitor to Twiggs and have it seems been relegated to nursemaid since you failed to become his wife in reality. Why did you not go to Twiggs bed and thus gain power?”

Rebecca looked startled for only a moment and then calm again replaced the look on her face. “I was indeed Harpin’s Ward. I never shared his bed although I knew he loved me. Still it was not correct for either of us, for the Church forbade him to marry me. I was indeed kidnapped by Betred, who had sought to make me his Queen, but I was never a citizen of his country and my loyalty was always to my own lands and people. When the sickness came upon me from Betred’s Gift, the Church and country laws were very clear. Harpin did what he had to do but even as an elf I still tried to help him. Twiggs has, like Betred, stolen me from my lands, my people, and my heritage as well as placing a wall between us. My loyalty is to my country, my people and I will not share the bed of one who has harmed so many of them just to enlarge my own powers.”

“You are loyal Rebecca, but why did you not take Estelle’s path? You could have bedded the elf king and killed him had you wished or perhaps have made him more compliant to your views. I am not under any illusion that you could not have a strong effect on any man.” Galebolt looked at her with humor in his eyes but underneath Rebecca could sense the seriousness of his question and she did not smile.

Rebecca looked back gravely, “My path is not Estelle’s path and I do not use my body as a weapon to sway others. Why should I commit more evil because evil was done? My killing of Twiggs would not stop what is happening. It might even cause more hatred and grief. See the world as I see it and picture the Kings in a small-enclosed room, all in a crowd. One is jostled and angry at the blow, strikes out at the person nearest him who seems the most likely offender. The next unable to see where the blow originated strikes at another. Soon all are fighting. As for me? I believe in King Jarods way that he has so amply demonstrated last month with Corman. Strike if you will, but I will not strike back and perpetuate the evil on another. I will confront that evil peacefully.”

“It would seem that Jarod’s and your way are a foolish way Rebecca. What has it gained Jarod but to be placed in a prison? His country has been sacked twice and he has done nothing to stem the tide. You are in a prison no less different and your situation is little better. Jarod may well be destroyed and where will your peace be then? Will you also be destroyed for your following of such an unrealistic view?”

Galebolt continued in a small voice shaking his head, “It seems the easiest way to deal with either of you has been proven to be so simple. You either use Rahvin’s way, which is to imprison or kill you. Or perhaps you can also use Twiggs method to just steal what he wants and use you until he gets what he wishes from you and ignore you the rest of the time.”

Rebecca nodded in agreement, “It would appear to be so but life is not always so neatly placed in a box for it is what you cannot comprehend or recognize that is the most dangerous. Let us look at Twiggs for instance. He has me but no one trusts him. Sooner or later his lies and deceit will catch up with him. Many are correct in stating he is a Dark Lord tool. Every time he deceives for what he thinks is a good cause without thought of the consequences he serves the evil one.

As for Rahvin, while he is more openly honest in his statements and intentions it does not make him any less a Dark Lord Tool either. Does anyone truly want him as a leader? What has he gained by his attacks and killing that he could not have gained peacefully and with respect? Neither KING is fit to rule the world for who wishes to serve such a one that takes either openly or by deception what they will?”

“Contemplate this King Galebolt, The Dark Lord has not killed or even seriously harmed EITHER of them because they BOTH serve his purpose so usefully. He has corrupted them but they are such good tools he has no need to destroy them yet. That is why he has continually pitted them one against another to the detriment of the world. The fact is that the Dark Lord is so insidious and so clever that even while they try to fight him they mostly end up fighting each other. Gerrain at least recognized when he had become corrupted and chose to die at the hands of Sirron. It gives Sirron great power if he chooses to oppose the Dark Lord, more power than he has yet shown the world.”

Galebolt nodded, “Yet you seem to serve Twiggs just as loyally as you did Harpin and others. Why? If you disagree so much with his methods as you say here then should you not take a firmer stance?”

Rebecca spoke softly, “I suspect you already know why. Twiggs believes he is justified in what he does because he believes he does it for a good cause! He commits evil hoping to someday end it. I try to show him that he just perpetuates and adds more of it. I do this for the good of his soul for I would see no person in hell. Damien went there and it is a worse place than you or I can ever imagine. Most descriptions deal with the physical horrors to be found but the mental ones are much worse. There is no Hope in Hell, King Galebolt.”

“Twiggs and Betred both kidnapped me because they saw great power in me. They were both disappointed because they could not use that power their way. The power I have is great but you must give up much of your freewill to obtain it and neither King would do that. Someday they both may learn the lesson others have tried so hard to teach them.” Rebecca finished sadly.

Galebolt nodded as he dismounted. “I thank you for your courtesy and honesty. You have, with your words, solidified a decision I have been attempting to make for some time now. Come let us shelter and care for my mount and then I will refresh myself. We shall dine together tonight with the Crystallu elves for I have much to ask them as well.” Rebecca nodded and led the way inside.

Later that evening Galebolt with Rebecca seated beside him was being entertained at a formal dinner to welcome the Jelgai King. They were eating the Phizz Pheasant course and drinking Jelgain Lilac Water when Galebolt inserted a comment into the polite conversation that brought a hush to the crowd of nobles. “How do the elves here feel about the death of Queen Karen and the usurpation of her Throne by the deceitful King Twiggs of Namarushta?”

Rebecca spoke quickly, “You are brutally honest and a trifle biased in this comment King Galebolt. I would have thought that you would have shown a touch more discretion in your remarks. Do you really expect that sedition would be allowed here? Have you read the archives that shows that Security in Crystallu is heavily monitored especially so soon after the recent events? Even you must be aware that Twiggs would not welcome dissenting opinions at this time and could deal harshly with those voicing such views publicly to outsiders.”

Galebolt nodded in agreement. “Very well let me rephrase my remark so that it appears less offensive. Queen Karen was well liked by the elves of Crystallu. The culture was a unique one. Both have been removed by the Namarushtian elves in favor of their particular culture. You have in essence been conquered against your will. Now I am aware that Twiggs holds the claim that you were all part of the original elf empire and he is just restoring it. I find it strange though that he did not ask what the people wanted. He gave them no choice. So from a loyalty standpoint I was curious as to the view your people hold on this event. It is not meant to be seditious. I am sure King Twiggs would like to know your true outlook on this as well.”

Rebecca looked at Galebolt steadily with some amusement. “Curiosity is a dangerous thing Oh, King. The others will not answer such a question no matter how nicely you put it. You must understand that they are incapable of doing so because of the very nature of Namarushtian elves. There are though exceptions to every rule and I am one such exception in this land. I am much like Betred and Sirron in some respects. I have enough power to be able to override the elf imperatives and can speak for myself. Neither am I afraid to answer truthfully any question, possibly due to my Livyanu upbringing. I am sure my words will be reported of course.”

“To answer your question, like most people in a similar circumstance, the opinions vary. Some are extremely angry and would revolt immediately if they had a way of doing so. It is not the power of arms or the threat of losing their lives that deters them. It is the fact that they have no way to reverse the magical effect that has made them what they are now. These comprise roughly ten percent of the population and are the loyalists who are faithful to the memory of Queen Karen. She was indeed a good Queen and well liked.”

“The mass of people, roughly eighty percent, has accepted their fate without liking it. They do what they must to live and survive. While not exactly enjoying what has happen they have adjusted to the changed circumstances and continue much as before. The final ten percent embrace the change hoping to gain more power from it. These are the opportunists. You would find many of the elite amongst this group. As long as the Namarushtians do not take their power and perks from them they will be more than eager to take the scraps from their new ruler.”

“Of the three groups who is to say what is right? Each has a good point to bring to the table. The Loyalist faction states they are loyal to the ideals and memories of their true and duly elected ruler. Twiggs is but a criminal and usurper, but many see them as unrealistic. Loyalty has, as we can see, little to do with reality. Loyalty is Faith in the correctness of what is right.”

“The Opportunists state that things change and that the reality of the situation is that they are now forest elves. It does no good to cry over this. Why should they be inflexible and not take advantage of the change? This is now their future and only a fool would ignore it. Many of the others see this group as traitors and boot lickers. Toady to a Dark Lord Stooge and they say no good to the elves will come of this.”

“The Complacent are of course the largest group and not having any justifications of their own claim they are moderates and state they take the good points of either group. Yes, they were loyal to Karen but that has changed and now Twiggs rules. As long as their General lifestyle is uninterrupted they will do nothing. Much like the way Rahvin views most of the Kings the others see them as lacking both moral fiber and ambition. They think this group is so wrapped up in it’s own selfish desires as to be worthless.”

Rebecca shrugged, “So which is correct? Depending on your attitude most would select one of the three. How does this differ from any King? Each will espouse one of the views I have named and will think it correct. They like these people will be prepared to lie, cheat, steal or kill to prove they are correct.”

Galebolt noted that many of the nobles were looking angrily at Rebecca but they obviously were not going to say or do anything at this point. She was, at least in word, an Advisor and Wife to the King. He was sure though that they would be yelling loud and long to other members of the government soon and these might just act. He spoke quietly but his voice contained an obvious threat.

“I thank you for this truly honest appraisal. I must say you are one of the strangest people I have ever met and I now understand why you have impressed so many.” He looked at the other elves sternly. “I would take it as a personal affront if there was to be any retaliation against you for your honesty. I would most certainly have words with the Elf King and he might well lose a valuable ally if he were to so displease me by ignoring my humble request. I will remind all here that he does owe me several favors and I consider this such a one that I will NOT negotiate on with him.” The group looked very uncomfortable and the dinner ended soon afterward in silence.

The next day Galebolt was on a tour of the facility when Elaine arrived. She wasted little time seeking him out and came upon them in the very room where Harpin had completed his ceremony. Rebecca watched silently as they conversed in somewhat heated tones. Elaine spoke angrily first. “For what reason’s have you run off without my permission? You should have stayed with me so that we could present a united front against this prison the elves have put us in.”

Galebolt looked somewhat surprised but spoke back calmly. “I was unaware I required such permission. I saw no need to berate the elves that are trapped in here with us. Personally I have become somewhat alarmed of late with your attitude. You seem to be making very dangerous decisions when it comes to Rahvin. I thought it best that I should not involve you in what I am doing because I don’t believe you will want to follow where I am going. I came here to increase my power because I am at war with the Nylss and Rahvin. Now normally by our treaty you would be required to support me. I hereby release you from that agreement. I do not trust your judgment as it applies to the Vampire.”

“Rahvin may not be the criminal you think he is Brother. Many have given him no chance. If you were to put aside your prejudice and bigotry you might see that. Rahvin is responding to attacks made against him. If we stop attacking him he will most assuredly attack the real enemy, the Dark Lord himself.” Elaine said as convincingly as possible.

“Prejudice?” Galebolt shook his head in denial. “Must I remind you that he ORDERED me to attend his Monster’s Ball? He was not giving me a choice. Who is he to order me around? He killed Karen his own ally.” Elaine interrupted hotly. “Twiggs killed Karen with help from the Dark Lord. You are a fool!”

“You have blinded yourself. Have you fallen in love with Rahvin? Do you think that he will change his ways under your guidance? I have heard that Love can make one foolish. Next you will say I am jealous of Rahvin. Rahvin is a beast and an animal. He is no good. You should have nothing to do with him for he will only bring you pain and misery.” Galebolt stated back hotly as well.

Elaine looked stubborn. “I’ll make the decisions about my own life. You are not our Father. I will choose the men I want to talk with and not talk with. First you tried to ‘protect’ me from Sirron and now you ARE jealous of Rahvin. You will do what I tell you to do and you will do what Rahvin asks of you. I command it!”

“I see. You have decided that I either must serve as you say or be disloyal. You leave me little choice. What is it you wish to do?” Galebolt stated with no expression. Elaine glared at her brother. “That is obvious. We must establish communication with the other rulers and tell them our position. I order you to do so if you have the means. I suspect you do because your spies are very effective and I think Mondragon has made such devices for you. I wish to talk most especially to Rahvin. I must know what is happening in the world.”

Galebolt bowed, “As you command Queen. He waved his gauntleted hand and a Demon appeared and bowed. “Demons may freely move in many worlds and dimensions.” He stated to his sister. “Open a communications channel to Rahvin and the other Kings. “The demon bowed and suddenly they were able to speak. It appeared that once again the Kings were contemplating a War. After some argument most of the Kings appeared to sign off and only Elaine and Rahvin continued to converse.

Elaine spoke to Rahvin quickly. “I have ordered Galebolt to not go to war with you, Rahvin.” She glared at Galebolt daring him to deny it but he said nothing. “This will prove that I will give you a chance to win my trust. He will also issue orders to his army not to attack you and mine will follow suit. This will deprive Jarod of his means to start a war and perhaps then they will listen to reason. What say you to this?”

Rahvin spoke in reply, "You are wise indeed my Lady, I will talk with Jarod and Damien more to see if they are more reasonable now. If they are still not willing to listen then I will not hold back, I will deal with them with everything at my disposal. If they are not going to be part of the solution, then they must be removed as part of the problem. I only grant them such a second chance because you wish it of me."

Elaine nodded, “Then Galebolt will withdraw his order of war and will make peace with you. From now on he will serve me as a satellite state and will be only a governor and not a ruler. Now we must find some way to leave this trap Twiggs has brought us into, then we will add our armies to yours and will battle the Dark Lord. Have you any thing else you wish to add at this time?”

Rahvin: "Corman is agreeable to this, he will aid us in this endeavor. The wildcards in this are Betred and Sirron, they could cause us much trouble, or prove to be invaluable allies."

“Then I will once again go and place pressure on the elves to secure our release. Come Galebolt you will aid me in presenting my demands to the elf advisors.” Elaine turned off the communications device. “I want you to understand Brother, that I am not insane. I implore you to trust my judgment on this matter for I am able to see more than you can at your level. I only ask for your support.” Galebolt nodded in agreement.

Several hours later Elaine and Galebolt were seated at a table with several of the advisors. The most notable ones were Queen Breeze, General Thistle, Tylaa and Rebecca. Elaine was once again voicing her complaints publicly. “I find it inexcusable that you have chosen to detain me and my brother in such a fashion. Do you realize that this could easily jeopardize our alliance to the elves and might even precipitate a state of war between our countries? I demand that you use your famed elf powers and release us at once!”

Queen Breeze spoke quietly and gently. “I must again restate that we did not do this deliberately and that we are all quite surprised at the recent turn of events. I am sure that when King Twiggs returns he will be most eager to offer his explanation and make recompense for the frustration and irritation these events have obviously caused you. I must stress again that we in the council had no prior knowledge of this event and it was as much a surprise to us as it was to you. We do not have the power to reverse or negate this affect and we are not certain we should. If Twiggs saw so much danger that he would place us here without warning then it is obviously against his wishes that we try to circumvent his protection at this time. I am sorry you feel the way you do and is King Galebolt of the same mind as you are in this matter?”

“Galebolt is no longer a King. He serves me now as governor of the Jelgai by his own wishes! He supports me completely of course as any loyal subject supports his rightful ruler. You will address me and not my subject in the future for ALL matters of policy pertaining to the Jelgai and the Towers.” Said Elaine angrily. “I have come more and more to distrust your King and your kind as liars. I was asked to come here and it turns out it is just a lure to trap me. I must ask what Twiggs is doing while I have been imprisoned here? Well I have made contact with several of the Kings and it turns out he has had the effrontery to try to use my armies to attack the Nylss! This is intolerable! How dare he usurp my rule in such a fashion?”

“Perhaps he feels he is protecting you? While I am glad that you have been able to communicate with the outside world, I can assure you we have not been able to do so. Perhaps he is under the impression that Rahvin will attack your countries while you are gone. That has been Rahvin’s pattern after all and Twiggs may well feel responsible and want to protect your countries from harm. He is after all an ally and Galebolt did declare war on Rahvin last month.” Stated Breeze softly.

“You elves are so full of DREK!” Elaine screamed angrily throwing her wine glass at the wall in fury, “You lie, cheat and steal constantly and hide it under some bright illusion that your helping us out. You have betrayed every alliance you have ever made in your lust for power. I begin to understand why Rahvin, Betred and Corman are so angry with you.”

“I will give you one last chance to release us or the alliance between our countries is at an end. I have already instructed Galebolt to inform both the Jelgai Army and the Towers Army to arrest King Twiggs on sight for the kidnapping of his allies against their will. Let us see if he likes what has been done to us when it is done to him. If he uses any Tower, any at ALL, it will deposit him in my prison. I expect to hear that he is there at any time now. So far he has been smart enough not to use Towers but with his needs to move that will not last long I suspect.”

Tylaa spoke with a concerned look on her face. “Your Majesty, are you well? I think you are very over wrought and require medical care and rest. We could order a physician to attend to your needs. You seem to be showing unusual behavior. Normally you are much calmer and more deliberate in your negotiations. Also did you not make Galebolt King of the Jelgai after he aided you in your ceremony? Why has he now turned over the country to you?”

Elaine spoke scornfully. “I need not answer your questions Jelgai traitor! You now serve the elves. As for elf betrayals, of course I am angry! What ruler would not be so? Twiggs has played upon my sympathy and good nature to many times to the detriment of our country and people. I have been patient, nay more than patient even when he has turned my nobles and my subjects into elves to satisfy his lust for power.”

“Now he attempts to steal my country and people to fight a war while his people remain here safe and secure from harm? I instruct you again that Galebolt is loyal to his ruler and like me he notes that the elves are not to be trusted. He follows me willingly because my power is greater and I am can see more than he can. He believes fully in the correctness of my claims and is backing me without reservation!”

Tylaa recoiled from the angry Elaine’s rage but Rebecca spoke directly. “Is this all true Galebolt?” Elaine white faced and raging spoke harshly at the Livyanuian elf. “I told you people that you would address any comments to me. Galebolt is loyal to his Queen and his wishes are my wishes. Again you ignore my comments and decrees’s and do what you want with my people behind my back. This meeting is ended. Come brother we have much to discuss on how we shall deal with these traitors to the alliance.” Elaine arose and stalked angrily from the room followed by a silent Galebolt. The elf council watched her with some obvious speculation.

Back in her room Elaine paced restlessly back and forth much like a caged beast. Galebolt stood watching her quietly and saying nothing. Elaine looked at him and smiled brightly. “That should put some fear in them Brother. We are the best and most powerful allies they have and they have treated us shabbily. I remind you that you confronted King Twiggs last month about the theft of our people and the pain it caused many and he made no explanation then either.”

“Once he got what he wished from you he did nothing to inform his allies and once again he has exceeded our treaties and good will. He shows disrespect for us and I for one have had my fill of his lies and evasions. Do you not see that my way is correct now and that perhaps Rahvin is not as bad as you thought when you are not blinded by the lies of the elves?”

“Much of what you say concerning Twiggs himself is accurate, my Queen, but I am still uneasy in your new choice of an ally in Rahvin. I feel the Council of Elves is not to blame for the faults of their King and they appear to be telling the truth, as they know it. I am uneasy with you working with Rahvin. While Twiggs has done many things I do not like the elves have always been good allies to us and have supported the line of Eadwill many times.”

Elaine looked like she was getting angry so Galebolt spoke quickly, “I understand you are the Queen and publicly I will back you as you desire. Still you allow your Towers advisors to still present dissenting views do you not? I do not say I am correct I only state what I feel in this matter. I will do as you wish since you are the legitimate ruler of our country.”

Elaine smiled the anger vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. "Thank You for your Faith and Loyal Support. Come brother let me give you a little kiss to show there are no hard feelings between us. Soon you will discover that my way is correct and we will both see a larger world, not the narrow limited viewpoint that have been imposed upon us by history and tradition. We are after all not dwarves. We can adapt to changing circumstances.”

She moved slowly closer to Galebolt her eyes seemed to shine strangely to him and her gaze fascinated him. “I will help you to see the world the way it should be seen, not the confining obstructions that are imposed upon us by people long dead and gone who were just as fallible as we. Your people were slaves once and learned some freedom. Now I will give you the gift of true freedom, one that you can carry back to then. It will soon teach the world to fear us and will remove the encumbering menace of the Evil ones like Twiggs." She came forward and wrapped her arms around him in a hug and bent to kiss his cheek.

“At that moment Thistle and Tylaa stepped into the room. Thistle forced Elaine roughly away from Galebolt and pushed her so that she fell backwards across the room. Tylaa restrained Galebolt as she pushed him back as well although he seemed a trifle dazed. She looked at him carefully but he appeared to be unmarked.

“I think not.” Stated Thistle grimly, “We know you are a Vampire Elaine. You have given yourself all to willingly to Rahvin and have sealed your fate with his. You were going to lead Galebolt into a trap last month and he was to be sacrificed in the Dark Lord’s return. Now you are trying to make him a Vampire. We have ways of dealing with Vampire scum like you.” He drew his sword and stalked towards her.

Galebolt shook off the shock of the interruption and angry at the shear boldness and effrontery of the elves plan, moved with a blinding speed and strength that no one expected. Galebolt gestured angrily and his hands glowed with a sharp blue/white light. The affects were immediate and obvious. Tylaa was slammed backwards into a wall where she slumped to the floor unconscious. Thistle was picked up by a strength he could not hope to resist and tossed with great power out through an open window! Galebolt had not even moved his feet, but had only made one angry gesture. Elaine was impressed.

The Towers Queen arose limping and wincing in pain. “Come Brother, the elves mean to kill me as they did Aurora. They try to make me out a Vampire to hide their evil deeds since I oppose their aims. We have the proof that they are either in contact with their King or they are part aware and in agreement with his plans and act to help him. Either way we know they are now against us. We must escape before reinforcements arrive. The pair immediately teleported as more guards suddenly rushed into the room.

Even as they teleported Galebolt threw his power behind Elaine’s. While they encountered considerable resistance they were able to break into the considerable defenses around the area they had chosen as their target. Elaine and he appeared in Arase’s vacated room but Galebolt waste little time securing it and one could still see the signs of anger on his face at the blatant attempt at murder.

“How dare the elves attack my sister! They will pay a heavy price for their treachery this day.” Elaine smiled, “Be not concerned brother, for we have the means to foil their plot at hand. I would not have used this information prior to the attack on us, out of respect for our hosts but they have proven they deserve no respect or consideration by their treachery towards us. Listen well and I shall educate you.” Galebolt looked at her and realized she was using her power of teaching. He smiled.

“You are aware that in my history I spent much time with Queen Karen. We also worked on several projects together. One such was Corman’s fruitcake, I am sure you recall that? Another was that when Tpsolei was attacked Karen, it was said, knew the Keys to bypass the Security in the Towers activations! No one questioned how she got such ability but it was because I was working with her on a special project. She had to know how Towers worked so she could build this.”

She pulled out a strange Crystalline Device. The device was rod like but segmented and heavily engraved. Each segment was capable of revolving and had small runes crafted on each segment. “This is a dimensional portal.” Galebolt looked at it in fascination as it sparkled in her hands. He was familiar with dimensional devices and Towers. Indeed he and Skragg had done much sharing of information on the nature of such devices and how they could be used.

“What it will do in conjunction with my teleport power is open a gateway back to our world for one person,” stated Elaine with some satisfaction. Galebolt looked puzzled, “Why is it here and how did you know it was?” Elaine laughed, “It was in Crystallu when Twiggs captured the city. The child Arase, it was stated, had found many interesting devices and was studying them with Seara. When I discovered that Seara was reincarnated from Karen I suspected the children had the devices. Twiggs in his greed figured that Karen had hid her treasure in Tpsolei so he couldn’t get it. Karen was much smarter than that. She disguised her best stuff as part of the Crystallu art!” Galebolt looked shocked.

“Wait a minute. You mean Twiggs, who ordered that all that art be recycled and destroyed. He destroyed his own history and devices he has been hunting for already? He screwed himself?” Elaine laughed a harsh laugh, “Serves him right doesn’t it. The whole Tpsolei thing with the key and such is a total red herring.”

“Karen could never have moved all that stuff in time and in secrecy. The amount of Transport needed alone would have left clues. Not to mention the hands needed to move and guard such a huge amount of items. Someone would have been forced by Twiggs to talk by now but none has. I suspect Karen always hid her stuff in artistic creations all the time and kept the vaults as traps for those who might wish to steal from them.”

“It never left the city but Twiggs was to blind to see it. Karen hid it right under his nose! No wonder the kids were saying he was stupid. They had already figured it out. So she disguised it amongst years of art! Invaluable Art that Twiggs in his barbarian way never recognized! He ordered it all destroyed and thus destroyed all her devices and history as well by his own intolerance and arrogance.”

“The funny part was with her city falling apart she didn’t have TIME to destroy everything. With Twigs helping though he has destroyed it all for her. The only things saved were the small things that Arase and Seara managed to acquire as ‘interesting’. They were still largely ignored because Twiggs and any other Namarushtian elf couldn’t understand them. I suspect that Seara made Arase a much better version of this device and they both escaped to the outside world to locate their father! That means it does work and one of us can follow them!”

Galebolt looked concerned and somewhat dubiously at Elaine. “They are only children. How do we know it didn’t just kill them? Maybe it will take you to someplace else as well. It seems to me that you are taking a big risk here. There is no doubt that you should escape while I hold off the elves but I think it should be a last resort.”

Elaine nodded in agreement, “Much of what you say is true, but I am not taking as big a risk as you believe. First I have met the child Arase and you have not. Did I not give her a special gift of Survivability? Believe me with the powers that child has even the Dark Lord should fear her. With her as companion is the reincarnated Karen who although she does not recall her history is still just as brilliant and has an instinctive knowledge as well. I suspect they would have been testing this device first for at least two months. They would be familiar with it and any dangers associated with it.”

“When Twiggs did whatever it was he did, I think they tested it again and then used it to go find their father. Considering how fast both were growing I suspect Arase is a teen by now and Seara is almost one. Arase looks more like a nymph than an elf because of her mother’s human heritage. So we only need watch for a Blonde haired human looking girl of great beauty accompanied by an elf. Now while this is the test device I have special transport abilities myself. I always carry a portable ‘Tower’ for added transport. I will have no problem using both devices to get home. Luckily Karen showed me the correct settings for getting to where I wish to go.”

Even as she spoke she had been getting the Portable Tower out and setting it up. Galebolt nodded and took out a small golden wand with a large Red Fire gem on the end. This time Elaine looked surprised. “What is that?” she asked curiously looking at the device. Galebolt smiled and it was not a nice smile. “Today it is an elf killer. A little something Mondragon made that is normally issued to our espionage forces. It will enable me to hold this area for a long time. He aimed the device at the doorway and a red beam shot out widening until the whole doorway was covered but nothing seemed to happen. Elaine shrugged and taking the Crystallu device she turned the segments to the proper settings. She looked back at Galebolt for a moment.

“Be careful brother. If it looks hopeless there is no shame in surrender. I will return for you. Besides it is me they wish to destroy. They should be more wary with you.”

He nodded complacently. “Be not overly concerned for me, I intend to fully enjoy this, since I so seldom get the chance.” She nodded and smiled and stepped into the Tower and was gone. The Tower immediately melted away. Galebolt turned back to the door and waited. The elves would soon be arriving. He took several other devices from his robes. He had more than one surprise planned. After all he had been planning an attack on Rahvin. He was well equipped to fight.

It was not long after that when the first elf warriors rushed the door in an attempt to take them prisoner. Galebolt had set up a device that had the illusion of Elaine sitting at a table talking with an illusionary Galebolt. As the elves rushed through the door a sizzling sound was heard as they encountered the device Mondragon called a Force field. There was nothing forceful about it though for it completely destroyed the elves trying to pile through it with weapons drawn. Some could not stop in time and their friends mistakenly pushed them into it. The device had no mercy. They died as soon as they touched its beam, glowing a bright red in color. They didn’t even have time to scream.

After the surprise had died down the elf warriors had tried to shoot arrows and use their swords on the defenses as the illusions watched from the table. The swordsmen quickly stopped for the device transferred its power up the swords immediately and killed them. The arrows just died in flashes of light with no effect. Galebolt still invisible watched as the soldiers cursed balked. His device did not have unlimited power but as long as he had light and the device was not ‘tested’ constantly it would slowly recover it’s charge. After the initial attacks they were obviously waiting. The next attack would not be so long in coming but Galebolt was confident he could hold out. He wondered how his sister was making out in her escape.

Let me give you a little kiss, a kiss can’t hurt you.

" It's OK, I trust her...” said by Tiberian just before Arase sacrificed him in Spectral World.

Rebecca had sat quietly in the shadows watching Elaine talking angrily at Galebolt. It was quite surprising to her since most reports lead one to believe that the two got along perfectly. Still she knew that even the closest of kin had arguments now and again and it was nothing to be worried over. She listened closely to the conversation they were having, since the two seemed to have forgotten she was even there.

Elaine spoke angrily first. “For what reason’s have you run off without my permission? You should have stayed with me so that we could present a united front against this prison the elves have put us in.”

Elaine nodded, “Then Galebolt will withdraw his order of war and will make peace with you. From now on he will serve me as a satellite state and will be only a governor and not a ruler. Now we must find some way to leave this trap Twiggs has brought us into then we will add our armies to yours and will battle the Dark Lord. Have you any thing else you wish to add at this time?”

Rahvin: "Corman is agreeable to this, he will aid us in this endeavor. The wildcards in this are Betred and Sirron, they could cause us much trouble, or prove to be invaluable allies."

To Rebecca, it was like a slap in the face and chilling in its implications. She watched as they walked out of the room but she was fighting a sudden battle of her own for the wave of Chaos that had just hit her had been like a physical blow that chilled her to the very bone. It was obvious to Rebecca that Elaine had somehow just finished her transformation into a vampire! The question was what should she do?

There were several problems inherent in this situation. They could not just arrest and kill Elaine! After the Aurora mess the other Kings certainly would not believe that Elaine was a Vampire. They would figure Twiggs was just killing another ruler to acquire another country. It was important to determine WHEN Elaine had been bitten because everything she had done after that would be suspect. Had she been bitten before she had seen Arase or after? She had given Arase a gift and now the child was gone. Elaine could have been the tool of Rahvin all along, even as far back as the tournament. All people knew how desperately Rahvin wanted that child.

The second problem was very important. Had Elaine become a vampire willingly or had she been ambushed. If she was willing then there was no hope of reversing the Vampire Curse upon her and she would have to be destroyed. If she had been unwilling then she could be changed back.

The final problem was the most serious. There were very few humans currently in the elf lands. They would all have to be rounded up, tested and guarded to prevent Elaine from getting to them or containing them if she already had. It was a well-known fact that elves with their Tree of Life blood based on plants were immune from the Vampires bite. Elaine had been here over a month and would soon be so hungry for blood that she would be out of control. Rebecca could already start to see the signs of such desperation. Elaine’s carefully crafted public face was slipping more and more. There was only one obvious target she could go for right now. Rebecca nodded. She must tell Breeze and the other counselors quickly. She hurried off to alert security and then to explain her problem to the other advisors. The Dark Lord was still at work here and even in elf land his manipulations had yet to fail.

Rebecca a short time later was at the council with Elaine and Galebolt. It was becoming more and more obvious to her abilities that Elaine had changed. She watched as Elaine in a fit of anger threw her glass at the wall and she could see that Galebolt was trying to hold in his feelings. To the others he would appear to be agreeing but Rebecca could sense the doubts in him with no trouble at all. He was being coerced in some way and Rebecca knew it.

After two humans left Thistle spoke, “There is no doubt left in my mind, Elaine sounds to much like Rahvin and Aurora. I think hunger for blood is starting to get to her. We found two humans she infected on her last visit here. That means with all the additional security we had, even around Arase, we didn’t detect her as a Vampire at that time! This is very troubling and Twiggs is NOT going to like this. She could have had something to do with the disappearance of both children.”

“We might also include Sirron’s power interfering in this as well. Did he not tell Twiggs that unless he made TRUE repentance for the people he stole and the lives he ruined that he might well lose his daughter? He granted that wish to the Jelgain Girl and her mother. Now the Dark Lord has them as well. I see the Cy Clan closing a web around us once again. The wish would be strong with relations to Jelgains and the Dark Lord is able to inject his brand of Dark Power through this rift as well. Despite the fact that Twiggs put us here, the protection he created is still not enough. We are still under heavy attack and I can only imagine what the results would have been if we were not protected this way!” Rebecca stated thoughtfully.

The others looked at Rebecca in shock and disbelief. “No WAY!” stated Tylaa. “You have looked at conspiracies so long you Livyanuians link anything to everything! You people see the Dark Lord in the smallest of details! This is only a normal chain of events and nothing more.” She looked desperately like she wanted to convince herself but she still had doubts. Rebecca said nothing more her steady gaze chilling them all. Thistle and Tylaa, very uncomfortable went off to watch Elaine and to try to guard Galebolt from her. If Elaine craved blood, Galebolt was going to be the bait they would use to proved her a Vampire.

An hour later, the briefing room was quiet save for Thistle cursing softly. Thistle sat nursing a broken arm as Breeze bent over him healing. “Who would have thought that a little wimp like him could be so blasted strong?” complained the elf general. “I never even saw him move! One minute I was after Elaine and in the next I was flying out a window! Luckily Twiggs made that tree smart and it caught me and brought me back in a lower window but I’ll have to tell him that he should put some moss on their to make that wood softer.”

Tylaa sat next to him showing several bruises as well. She looked tired and sad. “Galebolt did attend the little known Gladiators training school in the Jelgai, I heard he graduated top of the class but most people don’t know that. Galebolt is not a publicity seeker and likes his privacy. He has done very little to show his true power. Word is the school didn’t go easy on him either. They say that Colonel Red Baron from Tlashtek was at the school at the same time to learn knife fighting. Baron is considered to be one of the best with a knife.”

They all looked up as Rebecca walked in. She nodded to each of them before sitting down. "We have received no definitive reports of their current location and nearly all of the scouts have already reported in. The last report should be received within the hour." Her gaze appeared slightly disjointed and many suspected she was somehow looking magically at something. It made them uneasy when she did this. "I knew that when we put this plan into action Elaine would most likely run and teleportation would have been her first choice. Where could she teleport to that we could not know of it? After all Elaine's teleportation power is not a secret. She was smarter though than we suspected despite being caught off guard. Her ability to hide with Galebolt is indeed impressive considering they were both given so little time to plan."

Thistle continued to curse for a moment. Then spoke harshly to Rebecca. “You mean you wanted them to run? You set all this up so that they would run didn’t you? Why the heck didn’t you TELL me that? You told me that I would have no problems taking her and that they couldn’t escape but you deliberately left an escape path opened? You used me as bait!” Rebecca placidly nodded in agreement. “Does not the elf way say that as a warrior you serve? ” Thistle glared but said nothing.

Breeze looked worried, "Far more impressive than it should be, Rebecca, and I don’t see what you hope to gain from this little plan of yours. Elaine has obviously been a vampire for some time and has hidden it successfully from everyone. It appears to me she was changed in month one of the Chaos Cycle. That means everything she has done since that point is suspect to include her tournament!”

“Galebolt has the best spy system in the world and almost undoubtedly has safe houses scattered about the country side." Tylaa smiled sadly, "I would not know of them of course, Galebolt partitions his resources well. He will be smarter than you think." Breeze looked at her in sympathy. She was taking her failure to save her King hard. Rebecca took her hand gently and smiled again, "There are only a few places they could be. Thistle is even now assembling the strike teams. In a short time each of those places will be hit with enough force to capture them. Elaine has already used her teleport for today so she cannot escape that way again. We will save Galebolt. Even if he doesn't realize he wants us to."

Thistle snorted, "How is it WE always wind up saving the day and getting blamed for everything that goes wrong?" His arguments were cut short by a steady penetrative glance from Rebecca, "Because you save the day for the betterment of the elves not because it is what is best for the people you are saving." She stated bluntly and Thistle could not meet her gaze. Breeze finished with Thistle and sat in her chair.

"The time for recriminations is after we have saved Galebolt and stopped Elaine. When all the teams are ready, strike as one. We don't want our capture of one hiding spot to alert them in another location"

Thistle and Tylaa nodded and left the table to see to the last minute details. Rebecca and Breeze continued to discuss the back up plans. Rebecca spoke softly. “There are only a limited number of places they can hide. They could have gone to the Crystallu catacombs but they would have had to appear outside the dome. The area is well monitored and we would have seen them appear. The second place is in the Mountains either in the Extensive facility there or around it. The area is small and well guarded. They are not around that facility but may well be in it in their guarded area. Mostly our people man the facility and they say they have not seen them. They could be lying but I doubt it. It will be checked anyway.”

“The next spot is that they could be hiding in one of the many refugee camps in one of Galebolts prepared safe houses. Not everyone that was changed into elves was happy and like the people of Crystallu some 10% of the population will aid them. They will all be carefully searched. The final spot is Arase’s quarters. Elaine may be smart enough and devious enough to use it. She only has to have visited a place to be able to return to it. She has been there. She knows the kids are gone but the Security is outside the area. It would take us sometime to get to her there. She may well be there now, but I suspect she has no intention of staying there. If she is there, I have no idea what she hopes to accomplish.” Breeze looked thoughtfully at Rebecca.

“So why did you leave her a way out? I don’t blame Thistle for being angry with you, Rebecca, and you did lose the girls. I am beginning to distrust you.” Rebecca’s face betrayed nothing as she listened. “You underestimate the Vampires just as Twiggs and you have done before. Do you really think that Elaine would bite Galebolt while we were watching? She KNOWS she was being watched. The kiss was an act to draw us out and give her an excuse to run. It makes us look like the villains later.”

Breeze looked angry, “Then why on earth did you tell Thistle to arrest her at the first suspicious sign? It does make us look bad and it does cause us a lot of problems.” Rebecca nodded unaffected by the rage. “I did so because it is only temporary. I wanted Elaine to know we suspected her. With no time to think she forgot her carefully studied LAWFUL reactions and ran! Like the predator and animal she has become, rational thought has vanished and she acted on animal instinct. Fight or Run. Fighting would have immediately exposed her, so running would look so much the better. She is to impatient now to hold her disguise any longer and all will know by the end of this month that we were correct and she has sold us all out.” Breeze looked unconvinced but said nothing more.

Another battle was going on in the Towers of the Plains. The Towers Throne Room was grim and you could cut the tension with a knife. The panic had been handled and the rioting that had accompanied it had been brought under control. The quiet nervous whispers of the assembled nobles were almost as bad as the panic reactions.

The Dark Lord had killed almost all of the top nobles and a good number of their seconds had also died. Only three knights of the original Council remained, Squire Roderick, the Green Knight and Sir Bernlad. Inexperienced young men and women had quickly risen up to fulfill their new duties as nobles of the realm. The worse part was fully a third were Children! The confidence and stability that had once shape the great country was missing and it was unlikely to be regained very soon. The Chaos forces were striking them on multiple levels and it appeared the power of Law was failing fast. There were no doubts in anyone’s mind here. The Dark Lord was winning.

Elaine was gone with Namarushta and Crystallu. A message had been received from Galebolt in which Elaine had stated that the Elf King had apparently kidnapped them. Galebolt was also captured having accompanied his sister to the elf lands to observe a duel. Elaine had issued strict and uncompromising orders. They had been betrayed by the elf King. He had lured the Champions of Law out of their countries and the Dark Lord had struck killing many of the nobles. Twiggs was to be arrested on sight and the Towers set to bring him directly to face Justice if he should use one. Twiggs had now been named as a Dark Lord crony and was officially to be placed under arrest. The Towers was to stand fast with the Jelgai and make no attacks. When Elaine and Galebolt did return they were to be examined thoroughly in case they had been altered to obey Dark Lord commands. Galebolt had backed up the Queen. All Jelgai Units were to act only defensively and all spy operations against Rahvin previously planned were to be terminated.

The last thing they had heard on this was that Elaine had escaped the elf lands but would not be in country for some time. They were to await her return and were to follow explicitly the orders already issued. She would not be contacting them for a while in the interests of security. Galebolt was holding out in the child Arase’s room and fighting a rear guard action. So far the elves had been unable to get to him. He also reported that Twiggs children were somewhere in Petal Throne as well and they should be detained if spotted.

The nobles of course were going to follow their orders and their duty as best they could all the while wondering if they were doing the right thing. From the end of the room a startled murmur rose as a tall figure walked slowly toward the castle Steward, Sir Bernlad, one of the few knighted nobles to have survived the Dark Lord's curse reacted first, almost like he had been expecting it. All of the other nobles in the room were merely standing and staring in total shocked silence.

King Twiggs Barkhaven of the Elves walked slowly through the crowded room searching carefully for vampires and any signs of Corman, whom he knew to be chasing him. Twiggs had no fear of the Towers Knights for they would immediately sense that he was not a Dark Lord minion. It came as a complete surprise when the heavily armored Sir Bernlad struck him on the back of his head and he fell stunned to the floor his Token falling from his hand and rolling across the floor where many hastily moved out of the way, afraid to touch the device. From his belt Sir Bernlad pulled magical and dwarf made silver chain that he quickly fastened on the elf’s arms and feet limiting his movements. He then yanked his sword and was about to behead him when Sir Roderick grasped his arm and stopped him. A fight immediately ensued with the others unsure of what to do when the Green knight intervened and stopped them both by forcing himself between them.

Sir Bernlad growled at Sir Roderick, “Why did you stop me? The traitor deserves death. You are as BIG a traitor as this useless piece of garbage, here.” He kicked Twiggs in the ribs with his armored boot. Twiggs grunted in pain but said nothing. Bernlad continued, “I think you were spared the Death because you already serve the evil one. If Elaine had remembered you I am sure she would order you burned in cleansing fires.”

Roderick glared back, “You are an idiot. The Queen did not say to KILL him, she said to hold him for JUSTICE. Would you usurp her right to administer High Justice on the criminal? You are not King and have no such authority. I also deny serving the Dark Lord and I demand you take your accusation back or you will face me on the field of Honor and I will prove it over your dead body, SWINE!”

“Silence,” bellowed the Green Knight angrily. “I will not have my two most senior knights trying to kill each other during a crisis! Sir Bernlad was correct in arresting the criminal Elf King but he overstepped his authority by trying to kill him and insulting Sir Roderick. He will apologize for that and you will shake hands and act in a proper manner to set an example to the other nobles. That is MY Command.” Bernlad angrily mumbled a small apology and shook hands perfunctorily but all could see that he was not sincere. It was ignored by most in the interest of peace. The Green Knight looked at Twiggs who then spoke.

“I am here to offer my services in the up coming attack against the Nylss. Since my actions seem to have stranded Elaine in Namarushta it is only right that I take her place in protecting her country while she is gone." The crowds reaction was not at all what Twiggs had expected. Instead of quiet relief or even serious concern he was suddenly facing a very hostile crowd of the Towers elite. Twiggs noted the reaction with some astonishment, “Did I say something wrong?”

Sir Bernlad's face became stoic as if he expected to die with his next breath, " You Sir, are under arrest by order of the Queen. We have had word from our Queen through Prince Galebolt about your actions and she has left us very specific orders concerning you. Even as we speak, Galebolt is under attack by your people while he covers the escape of his sister. I can honestly inform you that several of your soldiers have already died trying to take him. You have betrayed our alliance by your dishonorable actions and many in this very room have lost loved ones to the Dark Lord’s attack that you helped to make possible. The month before many more lost loved ones when they were changed into elves and fled to Namarushta. Be in no doubt as to the seriousness of the charges against you.”

At that proclamation every man and woman in the room pulled a weapon and pointed it at Twiggs. Twiggs seemed completely surprised by the hostile reaction. "You have had word from Elaine? That isn't possible she is in Namarustha and it has been moved to a safer location to stop the Dark Lord from getting it and her. Prince Galebolt? Galebolt is King of the Jelgai. What is the meaning of this?" stated Twiggs by now thoroughly confused.

Sir Bernlad gazed down sternly at the elf. "Due to the circumstances you have created along with the widespread death and destruction Her Majesty has decided it would be wiser to present a more united front to the world and with Galebolt’s consent has reclaimed the Throne of the Jelgai for herself. Prince Galebolt has limited ways to dimensionally travel and communicate and your assassination attempt of our Queen is not a form of protection and we will not tolerate it! You are caught in your own lies. General Thistle and Tylaa attacked the Queen while she was in conference with Galebolt. Thistle drew his sword and threatened to kill her. Galebolt acted to save her life and they fled your assassins."

Twiggs was in shock. First he had no idea Galebolt had been capable of dimensional travel. If so why wasn't he here running things? Why had Elaine felt it necessary to take his Sovereignty when it was well known that Galebolt was completely loyal? Twiggs was beginning to suspect a big fat Dark Lord rat called Rahvin was somehow involved. The biggest question though was what assassination attempt? If Galebolt had sent Elaine back why wasn't she here? These questions flashed through his mind before he even realized he was being threatened. He looked at the Green Knight for a moment and realized the man expected to die.

The Green Knight was threatening a powerful King, one of the foremost duelists in the world. He of all the people here would know just what that would mean. He fully expected Twiggs would slay them all but he would not violated his orders or his morals even when faced with death. Twiggs glanced around the room and saw the same look in many of their faces. Some held the arrogance of youth but most realized that even all together they didn't stand a chance. Yet each stood their ground. Twiggs considered for a moment, he had no desire to kill these people. "If Elaine and Galebolt are back then I demand to see my accusers. What crimes am I being accused of and what evidence is there?"

Sir Bernlad opened his mouth to speak harshly that they had already told the King all he needed to know when a rash young boy with a dagger in hand took that moment to act. "You lying bastard! You tried to kill our Queen. You'll get no second chance at her." He sprang forward trying to stab the elf King. He got no farther than the start of the lunge before Roderick struck him almost gently on the side of his head. Twiggs watched the incident as he sat on the floor and endured the indignity of having his arms bound with a very frustrated look on his face. He was quickly hustled off to a specially prepared prison before other incidents could occur but several things bothered the Green Knight in this whole affair.

If Galebolt could dimension travel why had he stayed behind? The only reason he could think of that made some sense was that Galebolt was ordered to stay by Elaine. Why would Elaine order Galebolt to stay in danger? If she had returned why had she not taken immediate control when the two countries had taken such a large hit in leadership? Why had Twiggs not slain everyone and escaped? If he was as evil as Elaine stated they should be able to sense it. What really disturbed the Green Knight was Twiggs did not seem to have the power that he should have had. He was no stronger than Elaine. He had many questions, but no answers as he prepared to try to run a country with children and untrained knights in what had to be the worse thing that had ever happened. It was not a good picture.

Later that day in a specially guarded cell they removed the blindfold from Twiggs eyes. Even he didn’t know where they had taken him. It seemed that Elaine had improved security that much he mused. They weren’t just tossing people into the dungeons anymore. He could be anywhere. Twiggs sat in his cell staring at his chains as he talked to the Green Knight, "Sir Bernlad is a known Rahvin sympathizer. I would prefer it if he weren't guarding me." The Green Knight laughed harshly, "I suppose you want Sir Roderick to guard you? Since when does the prisoner get any say about who guards him?" Twiggs smiled briefly, "No, I don't want him blamed should anything go wrong but I don’t want to make it any easier for certain parties to get at me either. Since you can't afford to have your top knights watching me anyway just stick someone expendable on the door. I am sure Rahvin will enjoy the snack" He finished sarcastically. The truth of the comment was not lost on the knight.

The Green Knight's smile faded and he scowled, "So your planning on going somewhere are you?" Twiggs shook his head, "No, that would violate Towers Law and automatically prove me guilty. I have no intentions of doing that but we both know I have many enemies and I imagine at least one assassin will be paying me a visit now that I am locked down and perceived to be helpless, which we both know I am not. If I were going to leave I would have already done so. I want Rahvin to come so I can kill him or maybe he will send Corman and I can finish the job Betred bungled."

Twiggs looked straight into the Green Knights eyes, "I don't know what happened in Namarushta but if my people really did try to kill Elaine then you need to get a good solid look at her just as fast as you can. Thistle wouldn't start a war between us without a damn good reason and Tylaa is a loyal Jelgain citizen. She wouldn't attack her King for no reason. After all LOYALTY is a major part of their Attribute. The question I have for you is what is Galebolt being loyal to? Hasn’t Elaine’s behavior bothered you the last few months? Even the mercenaries that Corman sang to about the death of Karen sense something wrong."

Seeing the look on the Green Knight's face Twiggs smiled ironically for he knew the Green Knight already had doubts, "No I can't force them to do it. I am here and they are there. If they were here that is a different matter but as 'horribly greedy and selfish' as I supposedly am, I am not stupid. The Towers were the ONLY people supporting me in the whole world. I would not drive a spike through that for anything. Frag It! I helped put Elaine in charge when it was discovered that her brother worked for the Dark Lord. I wouldn't turn on her now just for the joy of it." The Green Knight only nodded and walked away for he had no answers. Twiggs called after him, "Prepare for the assassins Sir Knight. They won't stop at me when they come."

The Green Knight turned back grimly for a moment. “We will be ready, for assassins and rescuers Elf King. You may be sure about that and we won’t send children to guard you either.” He turned and walked away as Twiggs smiled.

"Lets screw up all of her stuff!"

"Did we get to the Bell of Hope?” - Rahvin

"Was that the Bell of Hope you tried to steal?” - Elaine

"Nope!” – Sirron to Rahvin

"Darn, I missed the Bell of Hope!" – Rahvin – “ Now how will I get the Dark Lord?”

"You'll never get to the Bell of Hope.” - Sirron

“What is the Bell of Hope?” - Elaine

No answer…

"Remember...being materialistic means never having to acknowledge your feelings.” Betred said to Elaine while negotiating in Tlashtek, "So far no one has ever paid me to be nice."

Skragg smiling, “It’s probably more than most people can afford.”

Skragg and Betred had been listening in with their amulet communicators open but muted. They had reviewed the conversations once again, which had been duly recorded and logged in the Shennuian archives after others had hung up. Now they were reviewing several troubling transcripts that the Nameless Ones had committed to parchment for them.

Sirron: “I have stated that from day one Elaine. Now that evil has taken hold good finally binds together. Perhaps good cannot exist without evil.”

Jarod: "You say Good cannot exist without evil. I say to you Sirron that it has never been attempted. I think we will eliminate as much as we can because the ramifications of evil make it necessary that we try. You seem to like this paradox so let me give you another. Evil has banded and is pushing hard. They seem to have no belief that evil cannot exist without good. They are killing as many of the good people as they can. Now I have no desire to be eliminated, so I plan to fight back! Now. You and Elaine can both roll over and die or you can in the interest of bettering the world fight back. We may not vanquish evil but I will limit it as much as I can with or without your help."

Twiggs: "GOOD LORD WOMAN! You’re talking about Rahvin. The beast that was/IS going to kidnap you and hand you over to the Dark Lord TO BE HIS BRIDE!!! You are STILL trying to save him, to visit his lands? Have you been turned into a vampire? Are you under his thrall? First you ignore his evil and now you advocate leaving him alone? You do realize that until Rahvin came into the picture the Dark Lord and I were stalemated and now I have fallen further and further behind. We eliminate Rahvin and we come one step closer to eliminating the Dark Lord. We can't even figure out who the Dark Lord is but we can point right at Rahvin! By the way, how did you get back so quickly and where is my country?"

Rahvin: “There cannot be Order without Chaos, and there cannot be Good without Evil. All things must be balanced. Order has stood for too long, Chaos must reassert itself... the evil of the Dark Lord has no place in the world, the scales must be tipped.”

Jarod: "Pattern killers say the same thing. They are locked up as insane. Rahvin feeds your belief, Sirron. His actions show he does not truly believe it though or he would not be eliminating as many of the good as he can. If you buy into his lies because he parrots what you wish to hear then you are a fool. Rahvin you are so full of it!"

Elaine: “Forgive me if I do not trust your motives in this endeavor Rahvin. However I do oppose the Dark Lord fully and wish you triumphant over the most evil of evil.”

Rahvin: "Your trust is not required. I just ask for the chance to prove myself, no one has ever given me that."

Elaine: “I am willing to give you a chance. Still, I will NOT aid you in your military actions. You must understand my misgivings about leaving myself open to you.”

Rahvin: "You will be sorry for this lack of decision, all of this has been orchestrated by the Dark Lord and I will no longer play to his tune. I do not say that I am free from blame, I merely say that others are to blame for what has happened as well."

Elaine: “Damien, I do not serve the Dark Lord, or sympathize with Rahvin. If you believe that, it is your choice. I only wish to state that hotheaded decisions and not thinking things through fully is what nearly cost the lawfuls an even greater loss last month. I think it is in the best interest of everyone to reevaluate what they wish to accomplish and how they want to go about doing it. Make sure that you do what you do, not because of provocation but of your own free will.”

Damien: "Not thinking things through, Elaine? Harpin died by direct manipulation and betrayal of Rahvin! HIS TARGET was YOU! What don't you understand about a direct attack against you? Let me make this clear. The Dark Lord DEGRADES anything good. Do you really think he intended to HONOR the institution of marriage when he married you?" Damien laughs harshly. "You have no conception what you’re dealing with. I suspect Galebolt and YOU would have been the VIRGIN sacrifice lead by Rahvin himself and you would have been raped by scores of Monsters as well after Rahvin was done and Corman got his share while the Dark Lord and his evil henchmen looked on in glee. He would have disgraced marriage and you at the same time. He would have let you live...in shame. Galebolt would have died. Your power of ROMANTIC Chivalry would have been destroyed with your loss. Do you think the Dark Lord loves you? He hates even himself why should he treat you any better? This is NOT a hotheaded decision. You are a PROVEN target and if you can't see it be thankful that your Miracle Power allows you this chance for those around you to see it. Face it! Rahvin is not a good person and has no intention of being one despite his CLAIMS that he opposes the Dark Lord. I throw your words back at you. You are obviously under the hypnotic influence of the Vampire. Be sure what your doing is YOUR own free will."

Elaine: “You make it seem like I feel something for the Dark Lord. Well your right, I feel contempt and disgust. Fighting Rahvin is a waste of time. Why not go for the head of the beast? I truly think that all of you are under the influence of the Dark Lord. It is the only way I can explain the blindness you all suffer.”

Damien: "You think I waste time going after Rahvin when we should go after the Dark Lord? Again it shows how much you believe the lies of Rahvin. In case though you have not considered properly I will spell that out as well. WHO IS THE DARK LORD? WHERE CAN HE BE FOUND? HOW CAN WE ATTACK HIM? Now let's deal with reality. No one is sure who the Dark Lord is. Is it Twigg's child Arase, Betred, Rahvin, Twiggs himself, Corman or even ME? Even now Rahvin names Jarod so. We have all been under that label at one time or another. How can anyone be truly attacked if no one knows who the Dark Lord even is? So Rahvin says attack the Shadow Lands? In month Two Skragg explained why that would be a very BAD idea. If we don't hit the right target then that same target will most certainly retaliate in ways we cannot protect ourselves from. IF you can't handle Rahvin's depredations what makes you think you can handle the DL? Finally it is proved that the Dark Lord does use Rahvin and Corman. They are currently the only targets we CAN hit. They have access to the DL and maybe they can tell us who it is? If you have a better plan let's hear it? I am afraid you are the one who is blind. You blindly follow Rahvin when it is proven he does not have your WELFARE in mind."

Rahvin: “No, you will all die, and from the ruins of the world evil will spring forth again, stronger than ever. You cannot defeat evil-by-evil means Jarod, war changes people for the worst, and in the aftermath of war evil thrives. Pretty words, but everyone knows that's all they are. You have no noble cause, stop playing games, admit why you really attack and see who would follow you then.

Elaine: “Rahvin, you are a perfect example of someone who thinks not of the consequences of his actions and laments doing them after. Perhaps you should think before calling war on those who might not be your enemies.”

Rahvin: "I do not seek this war, it has sought me. War is Death's feast; it is Jarod who seeks this. Jarod and Twiggs have sown the wind; they shall reap the storm. I cannot focus on the Dark Lord if Jarod and Twiggs are focusing on me. I have offered peace to Jarod but he doesn't want it. Jarod wants blood and he does not want peace. I can only avoid a war if they are willing to negotiate, to compromise. They are not, this war is forced upon me, and I can only end it by killing them. You speak to the wrong person my Lady, I have done what I can."

Elaine: “I follow my intuition. Something I have grown to trust. You need not if you wish but I stand by my choice.”

Damien: "Your 'INTUITION' almost got you destroyed last month if Twiggs had not saved you. Very well. You have either made a secret deal with Rahvin or you are insane. Your position is way past stupid and borders on the criminal. Do what you will, I will no longer be worried as to your fate. Let the Vampire do TO you what he wants. We shall see what kind of protection you have from his depredations."

Betred looked at Skragg. “Your assessment?” Skragg shrugged expressively, “Damien is correct. It is obvious that Rahvin has gotten to Elaine. Either she has made a hidden deal with the Vampire or his power has grown so much that he is controlling her. Either way makes no difference at this stage. Once corrupted whether it is by Rahvin or the DL makes no difference. The Dark Lord will have no further interest in Elaine. That means if his ceremony required the corruption of Elaine and the death of Harpin, then he has succeeded in his ceremony once again, despite what it looked like last month. It is a certainty that next month we shall be under attack by many and I think we should take steps to neutralize as many of our future enemies as possible this month.”

“Damien is right as to what would have happened to Elaine if she had been delivered to the Monster’s Ball as Rahvin tried to do. He left out the graphic details but the outcome would have made the Dark Lord and Rahvin clear rulers with little to stop them. As it is the DL has won a major victory and most rulers don’t even know it yet. Rahvin will be high in the Dark Lords favor right now.”

Betred nodded in agreement as well. Elaine was not acting like a Champion of the Law. In fact she seemed to be mirroring the same insanity that had gotten the first King, Sir Robert, destroyed by the Dark Lord. “I have received a private message from Jarod. He at least is deadly serious this time.” He showed the document to Skragg and Baron as well as Kristianna.

Betred: I am willing to release 60% of the dwarf forces to this contract. The cost for this is as follows:

Officers: 10GP per day.

NCOs: 5GP per day.

Soldiers: 1GP per day.

Additionally, each dwarf will receive a death benefit, funded as part of this contract, as follows:

Officers: 1,000GP, payable to family.

NCOs: 5,000GP annually, for 5 years, payable to family.

Soldiers: 10,000GP annually, for 10 years, payable to family.

You will agree to a division of spoils as follows:

10% to Extensive Enterprises, with Second Choice rights.

20% to the Dwarf Hoard, with First Choice rights.

80% to Kingdom of Atlantis.

The hiring prices and conditions for forces not under the direct control of Extensive/Tlashtek/MUA can be negotiated with your local Extensive representative.

Assassinations are not negotiated in standard Extensive contracts. You should contact the Vice-President of Extensive Unusual Operations Division to arrange any services in this regard.

Jarod: “Excellent, then I will be able to start proceeding with the attack.”

Betred: “I remind you that you won't get anyone till I see some gold up front.”

Jarod: "You will have my payment in Tpsolei pearls, gold, and treasure in the amount of 25 million gold pieces immediately at your main facility even as we are speaking. What isn't used can be refunded later. My thanks for your prompt attention. I am already in consultation with Emperor Skragg as well." He ended his communication. Betred looked at Skragg curiously.

“This appears to be a very strange month and I heard that Rahvin has been trying to get you to stay out of this mess or go support him. He has even threatened me to try to bring you up short in this matter and get you to sell Twiggs out. It is unlike you not to be involved more actively in some way. Are you up to something?”

Skragg smiled, “"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake, Betred. Rahvin is in big trouble. You saw the Jarod contract. I suspect they have learned lessons and there is more than one trap for Mr. Rahvin. This is an excellent time to take care of business and not be involved in petty politics." Betred laughed, “You’re pretty devious but I am beginning to understand how you think. So when did Twiggs become Corman with your help and why?”

Skragg was surprised and tried to look innocent. It failed miserably on his demonic face. “What makes you think that? Doesn’t it seem a little far fetched?" Betred looked at the CIO with a sharks smile. “I had to think about it a bit and Kristianna was a big help. You told me that you had Corman killed and it was a success. You never LIE. Sure you don’t always tell the complete story but whatever you say is not a lie. You were certain Corman was dead.”

“I almost believed Rahvin’s claims that they had a way to bring Corman back but then Kristianna pointed out that we saw no signs that anyone actually did IT! Surely so great an event would have shown up somewhere in the ceremony with the preparation to it? I suspected suddenly that it was more Rahvin propaganda. After all it has been proven that he can and will lie if it suits his purposes to do so.”

“You had Twiggs there monitoring Marla and he was the one that prevented Corman from coming back to life. He was the only King that could have. Twiggs was the backup you hired for the hit not the DL. The DL was not available at the time and would have had no preparation time for the work anyway, being heavily involved in his ceremony. I suspect Twiggs was repaying you a favor or you were giving him one, it really makes no difference in the long run which it was.”

“Skragg looked at his long claws and buffed them on his electric blue fur nonchalantly. “Do continue Betred, I find your story fascinating. Betred nodded. “Let us say I am correct. The very next thing Corman does is go to the dwarves. Why there? Sure he gives some penny ante reason about how I will never look for him there, but heck I wasn’t looking for him at all believing my wonderfully devious CIO that Corman was dead. It was window dressing pure and simple.

“Why he went of course was so that he could mess up Rahvin’s killing of the Dwarf High Command and possibly to try to frag up my takeover of the country because Twiggs just can’t stand to see me gain anything! This from the guy that stole Crystallu. So it was no wonder the Dark Lord accused you of delaying that takeover and you didn’t deny it either did you? It was again just another deception. No wonder Twiggs likes working with you. As for the DL? You only offered to pay him a penalty without trying to show that you weren’t involved.”

“You knew better than to try to LIE to the DL. I suspect he always knows when people lie to him because it has to play a big part in his powers. You were the one delaying my takeover. You must have wanted Twiggs really heavily in your debt to play that loose with me.”

“Now we both know the real Corman would not have spilled Rahvin’s plot to the dwarves, not for anything, but he did because he is the only one that had the power to really do so considering the steps that were taken. Corman was the servant who was supposedly hiding and overheard the plans, because it was written that Corman did overhear the plans. The Cy Clan or the Vampires would have easily discovered any dwarf servant! He was after all only a servant with NO magical protection whatsoever. It was obvious that it was Corman in disguise as a servant that spilled the beans. He changed disguises later into a servant when he sought out one of Arald’s boys. He knows them well as Twigg’s doesn’t he? Corman would not have known that and would have most likely have gone to a member of the Dwarf High Command itself just as any real servant would have if Corman was actually doing the betraying.”

“Corman is good with illusions as he so ably proved luring Zozan into Metamorphia. So good that Sirron didn’t penetrate his disguise! It was easy for him to rat the plan out. As I recall Twiggs and the DL are also just as good with illusions, so good they could fool all of the King’s at Elaine’s tournament when they were just plus one, but in this instance with the dwarves? There weren’t any king’s who were witnessing the event were there? Although this trick was meant to fool kings again and did for most of them.”

“The part that confused me most was that Twiggs has no Bardic ability and Corman did demonstrate it. Then I remembered several important clues. He didn’t play as Corman but as an ordinary BARD. He just played Corman songs! He played to ordinary people once again and no one of any real power. A nice piece of misdirection there once again and a known Twiggs tactic. Do something openly enough and no one will question it. It was all right under our noses all the time. Twiggs is not if anything else, if not bold enough to do this.”

“Still Twiggs is not even in the class of an ordinary Bard. Then I remembered a little trip he and I made to the Dark Lands in the last cycle. He picked up as part of his loot a Harp that when played simulated a bard’s abilities at the user’s level. That was the missing piece I needed.” He looked at Skragg waiting for a confession but the ape said nothing. Betred nodded, he KNEW he was on the right track. The very silence of the ape/demon spoke volumes to one who knew him so well. Betred had spent the last three months getting to know the CIO’s methods.

“Twiggs can’t resist meddling even when his hoop is on the hot seat. It is a major personality flaw with him and like the Dark Lord has said a most irritating one. I should know. Before Rahvin came along he was doing it to me all the time. Twiggs/Corman then made sure that Rahvin got sealed in with that male ‘virgin’ sacrifice which was no more a virgin than that whore Lorega was. I talked to Corman before he was replaced. He was going to set up Elaine and Rahvin as an item. From what I have seen he might have already done it. The upshot is that when Twiggs started messing, suddenly the program is all changed so that Rahvin looks like a fool at his own party. No wonder the DL laughed. He gained power just from that! Power over Rahvin!”

Look at the timeline. Corman acted normal up until Harpin died and he entered that room. He has been totally Twiggs like ever since. I have to admire the shear boldness of this. Rahvin is discussing his plans with Corman, who is Twiggs. Twiggs passes them onto you and Jarod. The only one that can wreck this whole scenario right now is me. I could sell the information to Rahvin.” He glared at Skragg who looked very uneasy.

“I really wish you wouldn’t do that Betred. I would even be willing to pay a lot to insure your silence.” Betred smiled, “Your going to pay more than money my furry manipulating, sneaky CIO. Your going to stop playing games like this behind my back. For my silence this time I want your word that when I ask you questions in the future you will give me full and complete answers to the best of your knowledge. If I catch you omitting anything again you violate your position and I can have you removed as CIO but I can still keep all that I have gained by trade from your country and your satellite country of Livyanu. Agreed?”

Skragg nodded, “Agreed. You drive a hard bargain Betred. It might also be a dangerous one for you. There is much that I know that might not be good for you to know. So I ask that you be careful when you question me for your own sake.” Betred nodded, “Now if you will be so good as to put me in touch with Corman. I want to have a little talk with him as well.” Betred just KNEW he was going to enjoy this part.

A short while later he was talking to Corman. “You might as well come clean, Twiggs. I know you are hiding as Corman. I must admit that it was very funny when you volunteered to find yourself and Rahvin so readily and emotionally agreed to let you. Then you tell him you’re in the Spouting Mountains when you are standing right next to him and the DL. I am surprised that Dick with his link to you didn’t rat you out.” Betred stated to the Bard cattily.

Corman looked confused, “I have no idea what you are talking about. Have you been hanging around the dwarf smelters for too long? What would possess you to believe that I would be the elf I hate so much? Really Betred, I think your losing it. You must be just trying to get Rahvin to kill me. You really should let it go. You got me last month and I haven’t bothered you since. You have even gained from the experience. I know you want me dead real bad but even Rahvin will not believe this lie from you.”

“You think not?” Stated Betred ominously, “I suggest you think again. Rahvin could not afford to not investigate my claim. I can see the trap you have woven around him already with several King’s aiding you. I suspect the Dark Lord did not rat you out because he knows Rahvin is trying to gain power at his expense.”

“While he will most likely not let you kill Rahvin at this time he will allow you to humiliate or capture him. He is using both of you by allowing you to nail Rahvin or if Rahvin is smart enough to nail you in return, either way he will enjoy as much as he can enjoy anything. That is why he has been so quiet again.”

“The Dark Lord has nothing to gain or lose either way so he permits you to do what you wish to create more confusion. I suspect he is by now, through Skragg, also aware that I know and is leaving it entirely up to me to decide if I should let Rahvin know or not. Perhaps the DL looks on this as paying off another favor to me. It does appear he doesn’t care either way, what way it turns out. I find this interesting don’t you?”

Corman laughed in glee, “You really should become a Bard Betred. This is an amusingly insane tale. I must surely make a song of it later when all this is over. You make a lot of wild accusations but you have actually discovered nothing of real proof. What physical object can you offer to prove your case?”

Betred laughed harshly. “Come now Twiggs or Corman whichever you prefer, I am not stupid. I deal in business and corporations. Do I leave physical objects lying around to prove me guilty of anything? I look at your actions not for a physical object that doesn’t exist. If you were STUPID you might just make the actions you have made recently, but history has shown you to be most devious and clever in the past. Twiggs would do no less. Your actions show a clear pattern and there will be no physical tell tale clues left around now will there?”

Showing less humor Corman spoke forcefully, “Do you really think Rahvin will believe you over me? A proven ally? As for the Dark Lord, you say the Dark Lord didn’t warn Rahvin about me? How stupid! Why would the Dark Lord save Twiggs? Now you say, because he doesn’t care? That is totally moronic. The Dark Lord hates everyone. Why would he not let Rahvin kill Twiggs before he becomes plus two again, and then he could easily deal with Rahvin’s power. You seem to be weakening Rahvin by trying to kill me. Your view makes no sense even to one as insane as I.”

Betred looked at Corman his face hard and cold. “Then you won’t care if I go and sell the information to Rahvin? You see I know you are Twiggs and if you keep trying to jerk me around like this I am going to actively start working against you. Now you either make a deal I like or I take Mr. Skragg, we go see Rahvin, and the Dark Lord. We will clear the air and I’ll bill them over your cold dead corpse when all your plans fall apart. So if you think I can’t make a case then you just keep playing games with me.”

Corman looked very uneasy, “OK, let’s for the sake of argument say your right, I am not saying you are though, because you aren’t. I don’t want to have you disrupting Rahvin’s and my plans during this delicate time, so it seems it is better to see what it is you really want.”

Betred looked at Twiggs, “Despite what you may think this should be an easy price for you to pay. I want you to stop meddling in my affairs just because it suits you and your powers to do so. I don’t like the stuff you pulled in Mu Ugluan A and I don’t like you constantly trying to mess over my plans.”

Corman smiled, “Even if I was Twiggs I sure as Drek am not going to agree to any such thing. Look at it from my viewpoint here. Your takeover of Mu Ugluan A was not exactly a non-Twiggs affair or even a Corman one. Every country you take over and have influence in is a power threat not just to Twiggs but everyone else. You have a hell of a beginning for a neutral empire there.”

“Let’s see now in the last three months we’re looking at Tlashtek, Mu Ugluan A, Shennu and now Livyanu? Even our Chaos Empire with the DL, Rahvin and I is nowhere near as big and the lawfuls are even worse off. I don’t care what you say here Betred, someone needs to give you some opposition before you gobble up the rest of the world and send us all to corporate hell. Now you should only have to be quiet a move or so, what do you say I make a deal that I owe you a favor for one month if you decide to go against the Dark Lord direct. Say you want to attack his country or want help defending yours? Then if I am Twiggs, Twiggs will have to help you. If not and your wrong about me, and I assure you that you are, then you keep quiet and Corman helps you for one month in return for you not stirring things up at this crucial time.”

Betred thought for a moment. “You still seem to believe that you can convince me that you are not Twiggs. I tell you now that I am convinced you are. Let me make this very simple for you. While favors are nice I don’t want a favor I may never collect on. I’ll offer you a simple deal so that you can keep your illusion that I have not penetrated your deception.”

“If you ARE Corman, then you will leave me alone for one complete month starting next month and you will steal for me the Gem making machine in Crystallu as your own personal contract and give it to me as a gift.” Corman appeared about to protest but Betred ruthlessly continued. “If you are Twiggs you will leave me alone for a full Month as well starting next month and you will give me the gem making machine from Crystallu. We will then split whatever we are able to create from this machine as a shared invention! It will be 80% for me and 20% for you.”

Betred smiled thinly, “You see I really do dislike Corman and since I believe you are Twiggs I don’t like you much either especially with you being so obstinate to me at this moment. While as Twiggs you’re a valued Platinum customer and I have to be nice to you, as Corman you’re a fraggin nuisance with no Platinum account at all! So I offer Twiggs the better deal despite his nuisance value. I want to make it clear that I will control the machine and it will be moved to Tlashtek. You pay whatever moving fees are involved. That is my bottom offer and I suggest you do not push my patience further at this time because I have many other deals I am transacting this month. I am tired of you messing me around, and I strongly urge you to accept my more than generous offer.”

Corman commented back almost immediately with a smile. “Really Betred you should learn to have more patience when your negotiating. I accept your deal of course. I have a couple of comments you may find interesting though. If I were Twiggs, not saying I am of course, but if you are correct then Twiggs might have paid Skragg back for the privilege of being allowed to take Corman’s place by later making him an open bet in which he gets paid off with the country of Thimhalen. Now wouldn’t that be funny that you might be adding Thimhalen to your growing list of countries? Guess what? With that many countries under your control, guess who is going to be the target next month. Little Twiggs with only two countries or Betred with five or maybe even six? Almost half the Petal Throne World.” Corman cut the connection laughing.

“Son of a SLITCH!” exploded Betred looking at the complacent and still trying to look innocent Skragg. Skragg in apelike fashion did not directly meet the gaze of the CEO. Finally Skragg spoke with a slight smile pretending to be disgusted; “Well it was supposed to be a wedding present for you and your bride, sort of, to cement our alliance and to show you that I was working on our behalf. I knew you were uncomfortable working with me and I wanted to cut some of the distrust. Still, I guess you just had to know. That darn Twiggs, he just couldn’t keep his BIG FAT Mouth SHUT. I should KILL him for that and maybe I will. He just has to keep meddling. I told him if he did he would give himself away. Oh well sometimes, deal’s suck!” Kristianna laughed gaily at them both noting at the looks on their faces and even Baron cracked a smile.

Go Away Rahvin! You bother me. I have much better things to do!

"Of course it's evil, kill it!" Twiggs screamed at Sirron as the Demon approached.

“ You are always in such a hurry. Maybe it just wants to talk. After all Evil can’t exist without good.” Sirron responded calmly as he measured the creature’s power.

Twiggs running away, “Maybe so, but does he believe that?”

"You'll never go broke underestimating the intelligence of the public" Betred to Elaine during negotiations in Tlashtek.

Sirron finally broke off his conversation with the annoying Rahvin. As usual it had been full of the same old accusations, lies, deceits and misplaced statements that seemed to characterize most of the world leaders conversations lately. First he had to deal with Estelle. He really had no desire to kill Estelle but Jarod had suggested a much better method of controlling the Cy Clan. Calling on his power and with Voice as a guide he banished her to a specially prepared dimensional area in much the same way that Twiggs had removed his country. With a pop she disappeared into stasis prison where she would be held until the Cy Clan had need of her talents for a useful project. That problem settled he walked in to discuss with his advisors his next course of action. Both Oshima and Ashla awaited him in his private rooms.

Sirron wasted little time. “I have two goals in mind for this month. I wish to rescue the two Jelgain people that were given to the Dark Lord last month and I want to attempt the rescue of King Harpin of Livyanu. I wish to hear from both of you your views on the subject and possible courses of action. Ashla I believe we will start with you.”

Ashla seemed to be unsurprised at the request and had learned much from the Cy Clan. Her face betrayed nothing of her inner feelings and Sirron sensed no change in her calm. “The rescue of the captives is simple enough I suspect. We must either steal them back or negotiate with the Dark Lord for their return. This is a dangerous undertaking for the price will certainly be more than we will want to pay. If negotiation is your choice you have a mental link with the Dark Lord. It would be easy enough to see what he might accept. If you plan to steal them this will be more difficult. We must first locate them, measure the defenses and then attempt a rescue. I suggest the most direct method be followed.”

“As for the Harpin situation. I have spoken to Emperor Skragg on this very subject. His price as always for such information was high. He suggests from his knowledge that Harpin was caught in the dimensional rift that currently exists between the elf lands and our world. This would be an area similar to the Void. Harpin was powerful but living. He had to breathe. In the nothingness and no gravity in that area and the frozen cold of the Void he eventually died. His body still exists there. It is possible to recover the body and to resurrect him but like Damien when he died, Harpin will most likely have undergone emotional changes.”

“On a final note though I must state the obvious. Skragg is in the process of taking over Livyanu. He will not take kindly to the reappearance of the King and will not look with favor on the one who brings such a deed about. Also King Twiggs would not desire the return of this ruler on his southern border. He found Harpin disruptive and in his current battle with King Rahvin he will not like the distraction that Harpin will certainly bring. He would much rather have Skragg on his southern border than Harpin. Both Kings will not be pleased at the deed. Betred will also be somewhat put out for he dislikes Harpin and Livyanu as well and would relish Skragg owning the troublesome country and controlling it as part of his growing Neutral Empire.”

“Strange I only now just realized why Gerrain was strengthening certain countries around the elves. It seems he was starting the beginnings of the neutral empire run by Betred. Twiggs was a deterrent to this so Twiggs had to be opposed. The neutral countries now include Tlashtek as the Central point, The Chaka Forest as it’s enforcement arm, Mu Ugluan A as a resource and military point. Shennu is to be a knowledge and creative point, and if the plan continues. Livyanu will be a food area for all of them. It seems while Rahvin and the Dark Lord have been trying to build a Chaos stronghold the neutral empire has grown in power. I am not so sure you should disrupt this plan. I even now suspect that perhaps the Towers and Jelgai may become part of it. It may be our destiny and Jarod’s to join Betred.”

Oshima waited for a few moments but Sirron did not respond or make any comment on the elf’s advise. Nodding he spoke quietly. Dealing with or inviting the attention of the Dark Lord is never a goal to be desired. I suggest we do nothing about the girl and her mother. You see when they made a wish and the King granted it the wishes affords them certain protections. Protections not easily circumvented even by the Master of Evil. I think we should concentrate on the Harpin matter. While the elf seems to think that Betred will end up controlling us all I doubt this to be the case. Betred is not that powerful.”

“While he has recently amassed the dwarf country and Skragg appears to be taking Livyanu, we have seen no signs that Betred will acquire the Towers the Jelgai or us. Jarod has made no moves in that direction and Twiggs and the Dark Lord have more shear power in magic than Betred can possibly overcome. I suggest that we as the Cy Clan have always done, should stay quiet and neutral. Already we have avoided several wars and the latest war looks very dangerous. I think we ought to sit and contemplate and start preparing what we will do for Sirron’s next ceremony.”

“The King finds it difficult under the sexual curse of the elf symbiote to stay focused and concentrate on his duties. Twiggs, right now, appears greatly weakened and the King no longer feels that urge but this is only momentarily. Twiggs will eventually get his power back and the curse will return. If we are to find a cure for that then this is the time when the dangers are lessened. Leave this thought of foreign adventures to rescue a worthless King and two nobodies. Now is the time to set yourself free your majesty, from any elf influence.” He looked at Ashla, “No offense intended.” She nodded back, “None taken. What say you Sirron? What course shall we follow?”

Sirron thought carefully. “Both sides offer good advice. Why can we not take the best of all of it? I think Harpin should be raised. We shall send Cy Clan to investigate the area where he was lost and then we shall see what happens there. I think Harpin will be changed enough that he may convince the others to give him a chance to prove himself. We shall follow the lead here we have set with Damien. As for the two captives, I do not wish to invite the attention of the Dark Lord by negotiating with him. See if Extensive will negotiate for us keeping it secret that we are interested. Let them deal with the DL and try to locate or regain the captives for us.” Ashla nodded and marked the instructions down on her tablet. She suspected Sirron was making a grave error here but he had been warned.

Sirron continued his thoughts. “I have heard that Twiggs has been captured at the Towers by Eliane’s people. I have also felt in the ether that Rahvin has attacked there with assassins to try to eliminate the elf. So far he has not succeeded by Twiggs did request aid from Jarod to rescue him. I sent a request to Twiggs asking him if he wanted my protection but received no reply. Perhaps the Towers people who seem intent on holding the elf on several criminal charges intercepted my message. Be that as it may since I have not been invited I see no reason to get further involved. I think though that while Twiggs is weak we should see if I might be able to wrestle control of the symbiote from him.

Several days past as they sought to contact and control the symbiote but the effort was in vain. Finally Oshima brought the Council report to Sirron who was again in bed with Ashla, his problem having returned suddenly again. “It appears we have failed your Majesty. We cannot even tell that the creature is there. Even when you are dealing with it or using it we can detect no other presence but yours. We cannot control what we cannot see. If this is an illusion of some type it appears you are the only one that can deal with it. We don’t know if this is a sign of instability in you or not.”

Sirron looked at the advisor sternly as Ashla having recovered her clothes left the room. “Explain. This sounds suspiciously close to treachery.”

Oshima spoke quickly, not looking at the King. It was obvious he was embarrassed and the reason soon became obvious for it was not about Sirron’s recent dalliances once again. “We feel that the symbiote may be a delusion in your mind. We think it is your powers or abilities in some combination that makes you think the elves are controlling you. We feel that perhaps your guilt at killing Gerrain has made you unstable and that perhaps you should abdicate in favor of another ruler. It may be that Estelle was correct about you. I have been delegated by all the Cy Clan to ask you to renounce your throne and position willingly so that we may appoint a successor.” Sirron glared at the Advisor.

Consciousness: That annoying time between naps.

"What do you mean my axe bounces off him? What does Invulnerability do anyway?" Harpin fighting the Dark Lord in the realm of death.

Rahvin speaking with Twiggs at the Towers: “I don't care about quiet as long as it's fast! What tricks do you have left? What's up those sleeves of yours? What tricks are up my sleeves? What little knickknacks and oddities has Corman brought along? Is Ezekiel broken and bleeding in some ditch? Why has the Green Knight not done more to protect you? All these questions and more in the next installment of "Armageddon Now!”

Zular watched as the little female walked slowly down the line of his men. Normally he wouldn't tolerate such behavior especially from a woman but Moria was not only one of King Rahvin's favorites, she was a most powerful and implacable person to have as an enemy. So he stood quietly betraying no thoughts or concerns while he seethed, waiting for her to finish her stupid inspection. He almost snorted in disgust. Like he wouldn’t have peeled the skin off any in his unit who were not ready. She probably had no clue what to look for anyway the stupid slut. When she reached him she simply smiled like the imbecile she was without showing any fang at all.

"Your men will do for so easy a task but do not underrate the target, he has survived many attacks and is tricky. I advise you to be prepared for traps and ambushes. Go to the Towers. Use the secret tunnels we have made there and find out what cell they have put Twiggs' the elf king into. Then kill him, don’t attempt to feed on him. Elf Blood might kill you.. Take no chances with capture or torture, for even chained the Elf King is dangerous and clever and I do not want to waste your lives stupidly.”

Zular smiled showing her all his fangs, for he was large and heavily muscled even for a Vampire. It was the only comment he needed to make. Vampires never actually smiled to express humor or agreement. A smile to them was a warning of attack and might even contain anger in it. Most humans misinterpreted this as malicious and sadistic humor. What it was actually was a prelude to attack. The female would understand that he did not want to play anymore and would be wary.

He had risen to this post of Commander by using a certain amount of low cunning himself. He knew why he was being sent. The small female hoped he would die and might have even arranged an ‘accident’ amongst his own men. Well he was notoriously hard to kill and he trusted no one.

"As you command, Mistress, the Towers people shall never see us and we will bathe in the bastiges blood for the glory of the King!" Turning he and his men began the long trail to the Towers. After they had departed and had been gone about fifteen minutes Moira walked to another room where waited the Chaos Elite warriors of Rahvin. Fully ten of the ominous dark Vampires awaited her command. They ignored Moira’s sudden laughter as she thought of the stupid Zular. Did he really believe that she would trust him alone with such a task? He was the tip of the pole to spring the trap. Who cared if the pole was destroyed?

"Bathe in an elf's blood? He is a complete moron. Still he will do the job I really wish done well enough." Moria looked at the leader of the second group and nodded. “You understand your instructions? Zular will spring the elf’s trap. You will trap the trappers but be wary for more traps for we know that Twiggs never sets just one. Slay the elf or do not return.”

Their leader didn't say a word and a second later they were gone without a sound. Moira smiled for she knew there would be little that could save the elf now. There would be one more wave even more powerful. Twiggs would not have infinite protection and each wave would use up part of that protection. Vampires were hard to kill or stop. Twiggs was outmatched but he probably didn’t know it yet.

Sometime later, Twiggs sat quietly in his cell waiting. Truth be told he was actually enjoying his mini vacation. To be able to sit and do absolutely nothing was a rare event for the Elvin King and he found it to be pleasant. There was a muffled click from the hall and Twiggs' head suddenly snapped up. His guard was no longer standing in front of the cell door. Standing and moving to the other side of the cell Twiggs waited patiently. After what seemed to be an eternity but was really quite fast a hand grabbed the bars of the door and with a great wrenching sound tore them free.

Instantly three vampires rushed into the room and Zular shouted, "Now you die you treacherous bastiage." From that moment things became completely chaotic. The three vampires charging into the room suddenly fell as if they had run into a wall. While behind Zular his lookout's head suddenly turned completely backward with a sickeningly loud crack. Zular pulled his sword and leapt toward the Elvin King to find himself suddenly facing off against three Elvin Cy Clan. Twiggs merely smiled at the Vampire casually.

"Everyone assumed I was helpless. I am never, ever helpless. Foolish Vampire, not all the elves have left this world. Do you not remember that the Chaka Forest retained there’s foolish bloodsucker? I think you'll find that the ones remaining have a particular grudge against Rahvin and his vampires. By the way Sirron sends his regards." The sounds of fighting intensified in the hall and Zular knew he had been trapped. With a roar of barbarian rage Zular threw himself at the Cy Clan in berserker fury, it was a very short fight and soon he was lying on the floor next to his own head but he had taken one of the Cy Clan with him, his fangs buried in it’s throat, Twigs did not dare to resurrect such a one for the disease of the Vampires might be in him to be transferred to the elves.

The Vampires though beaten tried to regenerate. The mind force of the remaining Cy Clan guards finally burned them completely away but they were certainly most weary after the attack. They were given no rest though for a more dangerous foe suddenly appeared by surprise.

Twiggs, still seated looked up as one of his 'extra' guards ran into the room "Your majesty..." He never finished his sentence as the point of a sword exited his chest where his heart would be. Behind him the leader of Rahvin's elite merely smiled as he pulled his sword out of the dead Cy Clan and then smoke in a deep ominous voice, "You’re not the only one that brought extra people with you little elf toad. We knew that idiot couldn't find his arse with both hands but he was a tough enough fighter and he could spring a trap with the best of them. He did give a good account of himself despite the odds didn’t he." He moved towards the chained Twiggs with a smile.

Twiggs did not smile but he wasted no time either. He glowed a silvery green light and in the wave of the silver bolt the Chaos Warriors wavered and shimmered. The bolt continued shining as the warriors struggled forward dematerializing slowly. After fifteen minutes the light slowly subsided. Twiggs sweating and looking pale slumped down the wall and with a heavy thump and hit the floor sitting and gasping. Normally the Silver bolt was focused, not released in a burst. However when he had trapped the shield that Harpin had stolen he had learned to release its power in a burst. To have to hold it that long though and make it continuous had drained the elf greatly especially with his loss of power when his country vanished.

As he sat resting he could hear alarms being raised in Elaine’s Castle and suddenly Bernlad, The Green Knight and Roderick entered through the open door. Bernlad had five other knights with him as backup. They appeared surprised to see Twiggs still in chains on the floor although the door was open and guard outside was dead. No signs remained of the Chaos Warriors but several Cy Clan elves were scattered about as corpses. Twiggs spoke wearily, “You’re too late. Rahvin almost got me but he again underrated me. I live and his assassins died. Now do you believe my innocence?”

Bernlad snorted in disgust and disbelief, “I think not.” He stated kicking a dead elf corpse. “Looks like a rescue attempt to me, I see no signs of any Vampires at all, just your toadies. Did you kill them just to prove you are innocent to us? Your still in chains and you are not going anywhere until the Queen deals with you.”

He spoke quickly to the Green Knight. “I brought five of my most trusted men at arms along with me. I suggest that you leave them to guard the miscreant so that he may work no further mischief this night. I would be most happy to insure that he can go no where else, ever.”

Twiggs angrily spoke back still winded. “Fat lot of good that would do against the Chaos Warriors Rahvin sent after these. You’re lucky I destroyed them and the first wave before they started getting back up. Go look at your guards and try to tell me there aren’t Vampire bites on them. I suggest you make sure they don’t come back as well. The last bunch were burned see you not the ash of such?”

Bernlad laughed in disdain, “Planted evidence to convince us. Rahvin has made no attacks. Our Security is tight. Rahvin doesn’t even know where you are. Now those Cy Clan of yours obviously read a few minds and found their way here. I say you’re trying to pull a fast one and we aren’t going to buy it.” The other two knights had watched the by play with some interest.

Roderick had also examined several of the bodies and reported. “The Cy Clan elves show only the signs of weapon wounds most likely swords. The wounds fit the new type of wounds made by Chaos Warriors. Their swords are not like normal weapons but more like the Dark Lord types. I see no weapons around and I see no bodies other than the ones slain. I would say that the opponents were either able to carry off the dead bodies or they were destroyed in some fashion.”

Bernlad scoffed angrily. “Don’t BULL-SHINE me you FARKING elf Bastiage.” Turning on his heel he walked out accompanied by his men. The Green Knight looked at Roderick carefully. “He is correct you know, you are guessing since no one has yet seen Chaos Warrior blades. Did you know that Ezekiel was in Tlashtek when all this hit and he was not touched? I asked him to join us here and to act as guard over Twiggs. To be honest I don’t think I can trust you and Bernlad to guard Twiggs properly. He should be here in a couple of minutes. I was notified before I came up that he had arrived here by Tower.”

Roderick spoke back calmly. “I understand your dilemma and Ezekiel is a good choice. You are caught between Bernlad and me as far as bias is concerned. Despite what you think I too will be happy to see a disinterested party doing the protection. I think Bernlad is in the pay of Rahvin and we both know he is a royal screw-up. I wouldn’t put him in charge of emptying chamber pots.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t say that.” Spoke Corman cheerfully. “Perhaps you never gave the old boy a decent chance. He did handle the Batman caper quite well and it was solved in less than a month. I am sure an elf ICEHOLE like you would have taken at least a year to get to the bottom of that. Oh Wait! That’s right the elves did that caper didn’t they so it might have only taken you six months. Still you elves are like that, so unforgiving to anyone NOT an elf.”

Twiggs got shakily to his feet and glared at Corman. Corman smiled back, “MY MY, isn’t this my lucky day. I really must contact Skragg shortly and tell him he has just lost his country. Won’t he be angry with that! I think I’ll wait though till after your dead. No use counting chickens before their hatched.”

“By the way Twiggs, I have some friends with me I am sure you will be most interested in. Let me introduce, not one but TWO Legion of the Dead Soldiers. As a lower level than the Dark Lord, currently, I think you won’t find it as easy to do away with these like you did the Chaos Warriors. He looked at the sweating and very pale elf, “you sure don’t look like you have the power to even try.” He snickered and waved his hand at the next person in the doorway.

“This small delicate child is Moira. She is the main advisor to Rahvin and possible future love interest of Sir Bernlad.” He motioned to the knight who had his arm wrapped protectively around the small girl. “They have been quite an item since the Batman caper you understand and she will most likely be future Queen of the Towers and perhaps Jelgai when we do away with your two friends there.” He nodded at the Green Knight and Roderick. “I must thank you for that prank again because it was you that brought the two of them together and Bernlad has been so helpful to us when it came to pin pointing where you were. Yes, very helpful indeed!”

“Finally I should introduce someone who has promised to meet with you for some time. You know some people in this world like to keep their promises, unlike you. You realize he owes you so much and he is here to collect it all out of your green hide. Say a fond Hello to your old partner Rahvin, King of Vampires.”

“He has so wanted to meet you for so very long and I have done all in my power to arrange this most difficult meeting. Let’s see if Mr. Rahvin has anything he would like to say to you before the dying starts. I don’t think you will be saying much when we get done. Food rarely ever talks back except in my country. ” Corman laughed loudly and insanely.

Rahvin spoke in a low threatening voice, “Finally you can't hide anymore. You killed my wife, double-crossed the Nylss and me, framed me, and aided my enemies twice. All this for no reason. I shall take your life in payment, and I will not wait any longer.”

Twiggs smiled slightly at Rahvin suddenly making him uneasy. "You never have understood just exactly what is going on have you? I have allowed you to run loose for some time. Today I settle many accounts with you. Welcome to my prison. Really the Towers a Prison? Think it through Rahvin.”

Rahvin though responded calmly enough, “I'd say something about devouring your soul, but I'm not a vegetarian. I guess I’ll just have to kill you instead. I am glad you have decided not to talk me to the edge of boredom here. It is just like you Elves. All you want to do one day is help everyone build your industries in a way that won't hurt the environment. The next day they rape and murder your wife and use the trust you put in them to place a curse on your entire country. Then they wonder why you’re mad at them.”

Twiggs still looked tired but his eyes were bright as Ezekiel suddenly came through the door and stood next to the Green Knight and Roderick. “Hey Rahvin? Remember Bragging Rights? Deja Vue Dead Hoop!” The Towers knight began to recite a Holy Prayer and the light brightened in the room. It seemed to come from every surface and soon the light engulfed the room.

Can’t a Girl just do a little shopping? Enjoy a snack and take in the sights?

Elaine: “Wouldn't it suck to find a dead body?”

Rahvin: “Male or Female? It’s important to eat properly.”

Harpin to Skragg after he died and went to his reward. “Procrastination is like masturbation; it's all good until you realize you just forked yourself.”

Elaine reappeared in the Petal Throne World exactly where she had planned, at the Main Extensive Facility Tower that was reserved as her visiting enclave. It was a private area that was maintained by her country for when she needed to go somewhere quickly and privately. Many of the Rulers of the world had a similar transportation system. She entered her private office and summoned at Tlashtekian scribe and dictated to him a letter.

Betred,

I have had disturbing thoughts lately that I may not be fitted to run one country let alone two. As I result I offer you the chance to purchase the Towers and Jelgai ruler ship lock, stock and barrel. The opportunity to own these two countries will come very high but I am sure that you would find it a lucrative investment. Here is my initial offer.

1.) Before negotiations are started I want a courtesy account and a permanent Platinum Account to include all future upgrades to the service at no fees ever. After all this may be the biggest deal you ever make and I want to feel like I am a prized customer. I wish for Skragg to be my permanent representative in the negotiations with you and you to be my permanent representative in negotiations when I have to deal with him. At other times you can chose who will negotiate on an as available basis. Added to this account will be a required return response from you to any request that I make so that it will not exceed 48 hours or a penalty will be paid by Extensive of 10% of the contract worth for each day my request is delayed.

Betred Immediately agreed to this item.

2.) For actual negotiations:

a.) I have decided I require a change of life style. I feel stifled in my current surroundings. I have decided to follow the course of Eadwill and make my own fortune. I wish for Kristianna, Skragg and you to create for me:

1.) One Magical Token Sword built to incorporate powers I will make clear

later.

2.) One magical Suit of armor with Shield built to my specifications.

3.) A companion beast as a mount preferably a well trained WAR Dragon.

This part was agreed to with the added provision that the required materials would be available and that it would not inhibit, or divert the maker’s alignments or control.

b.) I will require at each of your Extensive Facilities a palace, with servants, security, and supplies of a modest sized estate. I may want to vacation and perform ambassador functions in other countries and will desire places to stay. The cost of upkeep, maintenance, staffing, security and supply will be handled by you and will last for the rest of my life. Any heirs I may have will pay 50% of the cost and any heirs after that will pay full cost or will be required to sell them back to you at 25% of their actual worth.

This part was agreed to.

c.) I will require a roving security force of 1,000 elite with a variety of skills. They will be hand picked graduates of either the Spouting Mountains Duelist School, The Gladiator’s School or combat veterans of distinguished records in no less than five major battles. The cost and maintenance of this group will again be borne by Extensive under the same rules as item b above.

This part was agreed to.

3.) I will require a source of income to maintain myself in retirement. I request 25 % voting Stock in Extensive with the status of Advisor in your corporation and another 25 % non voting Stock. My duties on this board will be in name only unless I am required for a Special Service to the Corporation. This fee will be negotiated at that time dependent on the service required. MY Title will be Advisor without a Portfolio.

This provision was agreed to.

4.) I do not wish to be bothered by propaganda and possible legal harassments from Rahvin, Sirron, Damien and his ilk. I will desire immunity from any prosecution for all past indiscretions I might make up till the beginning of Month Five of this cycle. Extensive will accept and negotiate all legal matters that might be brought against me up to day one Month Five of the Chaos Cycle. I will accept responsibility for anything after that point.

Betred did not immediately agree to this and it was open to some interpretation.

Skragg immediately negotiated Elaine’s position.

Skragg: "I think you misunderstand, Betred. Elaine wants immunity from any Prosecution for Months One through Four. Her view is that she is NOT a member of Extensive until Month Five and an officer of the corporation. She knows that of course at the beginning of Month Five she will be and will of course have a limited responsibility to you for actions she might take from that moment onward. This gives you a lot of authority over her. To repay this authority she does not want to have to constantly deal with spurious charges from Months one - four. Especially from outsiders. She is asking in return for two very lucrative countries, for Extensive to accept any charges levied against her for those four months only. This is not as out of line as it appears, it is only a simple "Immunity from Prosecution Clause much like a 'Get out of Jail or (JAUL) Card" Since this is a service we already offer I suggest we accept her request as is and I as her Platinum Agent will handle the details if it becomes necessary. We of course will not guarantee complete safety, just that we will accept any charges against her for Months One through four and will do all in our power to satisfy the claims much like the standard Card we already offer in Platinum Service. Since Platinum Service holders already have this service we are giving up nothing here. Would this satisfy your problem?"

To this addition Betred readily agreed.

5.) Automatic, Rescue, Repair, Resurrection etc. IF I should be captured or harmed or killed Extensive will pay all necessary fee's to return me to my proper estate. No cost will be spared in this endeavor.

This one was agreed to.

6.) The price of 25 million gold pieces will be placed in my holding account immediately to meet my needs. This will be a one-time payment until my resources from my Advisor position start arriving next month.

This one was agreed to and during negotiations Elaine’s stay will be covered by Extensive as a courtesy.

7.) As negotiations progress and substitutions are required I may have to change some statements or add a request for more complete services. If this initial deal is accepted as is No further requests will be made since the above seems to meet most of my needs at this time.

This was agreed as long as Extensive has the same rights before the close of the final contract. Elaine stipulated this as fair. However, the contract must also stipulate that Elaine is indeed SELLING her birthright and total control of the two countries of Towers of the Plains and the Jelgai with all patents, rights and objects contained there in.

Elaine accepted this addition and Betred then agreed to it. .

Elaine was surprised that negotiations had gone so rapidly and that virtually every one of her demands had been met. While there had certainly been some minor disagreement in word phrasing she had gotten virtually everything she had requested without argument. Betred was not known as a fool but she could see no way she had left herself open. Upon completion of the contract signing she had gone out to see the rebuilt city. It had undergone major changes since the last group had gone through in Bragging Rights.

The city was now laid out in several concentric rings much like a bulls eye, with very large moats and only four large bridges spanning each crossing. The roads were paved with that special stone from the dwarves and were smooth and comfortable. Cy Clan heavily guarded each of the bridges with mercenary soldiers from various countries under their control. Papers were required to move inward but not outward. The center ring contained the main Extensive administration and research centers where she had recently done business and now that the country of Tlashtek had been dissolved and had become a corporate asset it no longer had a King or palace. It appeared that now everyone in the country worked in some way for the corporation or they were tourists and travelers.

The next circle outward was reserved for Elite Platinum Customers and Services agencies. It contained many of the foreign embassies and enclaves each Ruler maintained as well as each countries warehouses, admin areas and such. Here also was maintained the Cy Clan contractors, local judges and emergency response services.

In the third circle outward, was maintained the main market and business areas. The area contained rigorously maintained shops, which offered an amazing variety of goods and services tailored to almost any pocketbook. The area had been laid out so that shops in the same area were compatible but did not offer the same goods so as to cut down competition. For instance one stall offered an amazing array of beasts for travel while next to it on one side would be a leather worker offering saddles and leather goods of similar quality, while a provisioner or blacksmith might maintain an area across the way. Above each area was marked an Extensive Rating standard that denoted price vs. quality for the area. If someone offered goods that did not meet the standard they were forced to move to an area that did if an opening was available. This method insured a guarantee to each customer of a level of service, price and quality that was strictly maintained at all times by random and frequent inspections.

Interspersed around these areas were several complaint booths as well as facilities for rest and relaxation. The streets were maintained broadly and walking through the area was more like a walk through a handsomely manicured town than the bazaar area that it was supposed to be. Law enforcement was well maintained but unobtrusive.

The forth circle contained the facilities for visiting travelers, tourists, and passers through. Here were found many of the first class, eating establishments, taverns, inns, hotels and stables. All measured with the same rating systems as used further into the circles and all were subject to secret random inspections and observation. In this area were also many of the entertainment industries such as bards, brothels, dancers, parades, unusual experiences, schools, libraries, gambling casinos and a whole host of things to divert a traveler from his money.

This was also the area maintained mostly by the CIO for Special Operations where the unusual or illegal could be procured for a price. This was where the thieves’ guild and licensed assassins, smugglers, pirates and such maintained their guildhalls, shops and hidden warehouses. Many stolen items were also offered here in private auctions and much found it’s way back to the bazaar stores for resale. It was also the place where adventurers received top gold for the items they brought back from their adventures. While the law was less maintained here it was still present and one had best have his papers in order before doing anything illegal.

This area was pure glitz but the customer was well protected from the unlicensed, of course if they entered they were still ‘encouraged’ to purchase certain protections for their own safety and enjoyment usually for a nominal price. They were then given a device that made them exempt as marks to all and sundry. A portion of this was always paid the thieves and assassins as part of their regular take. In this area anything could be purchased for a price. The part it didn’t usually cover was when dealing to purchase or sell. As usual with most Tlashtekians the standard law of ‘Buyer Beware’ was rigorously applied.

In the final segment were the houses and living areas of the workers. While not as lavish as the interior, the houses were well maintained, neat, colorful and somewhat comfortable. Here were small shops, churches, schools, and guilds where the people lived and went to work each day in the city or out to the country to raise sheep, pan for gold, or grow crops. Many of the nastier heavier industries were distributed well out beyond this area so as not to offend the sensibilities of those in the main area.

The area was certainly more comfortable than most peasant houses found elsewhere in the world. This area was considered by most to be most enlightened in its radical design. This was now the city of Tlashtek all maintained by the corporate executives of Extensive. It was obvious that since the Bragging Rights saga, the area had been almost completely changed. The state used to appear to wield the most power but after Betred’s return as King with a new token it appeared that his businesses had crowd out and overcome all other operations. The daily take just from this one city was enormous. Considering that this was happening on a worldwide basis it illuminated that Betred was indeed powerful in business affairs.

Elaine with her serving maid Indrakathear, and several mercenaries hired by Extensive to guard her spent much of her initial time in the third area traveling through the shady shops of the Tlashtek bazaar. Needless to say, her rating was proudly held and proclaimed loudly by an Extensive agent who preceded her. This quickly cleared her a suitable moving area for her party.

High priced sedan chairs and expensive carts and carriages were offered to her as courtesy transport but Elaine wished to walk. She felt she had not been getting enough exercise lately and she reveled in the chance to be outside in the warm sunlight. When it started to get too hot, a courtesy slave was supplied to her carrying a large ornate parasol to protect her from the heat.

Elaine first entered a large long building and with some surprise saw that they were offering Dragons of various sizes and colors. Several nobles were earnestly bidding upon the offerings but one nine headed dragon of iridescent hue caught her eye. It was a young adult but it appeared to be intelligent and well read. The price on it was very high and it appeared to be the only dragon of it’s kind in the building. Elaine motioned to one of Betred’s Nameless ones who accompanied her as a courtesy from the King. “That is a most unusual beast. I don’t think I have ever seen it’s like before. What does it do?” The Nameless one motioned the owner over and told him to answer Elaine’s question.

The proprietor a small fat, balding man in rich clothes took one look at her credit standard and fell face first onto the polished floor of his shop. “Great One, be it known that this species is called the Moon Dragon and is one of the rarest species in all the world. I do not normally offer such a thing for sale and the price on it is only for show as to it’s rated worth, but I use it to entice customers to my shop. For most could not afford such a beast as this. Most Moon Dragons are Female but this beast is one of the only three known existing Males in this world.”

“The creature is magical in nature and highly intelligent. This one was captured as an infant and has been trained as a magician and to fight as a warrior. Its attacks like most dragons is claw, claw, bite but it also has as you note a spiked tail which also does damage, The claws are most unusual as you can see. It is sheathed until needed and appears when the creature fights. The claws as you can see are very large and sharp as well as hooked for pulling prey to it.

The moon Dragon also has a breath weapon but unlike most dragons it is not made up of energy or a gas. It’s breath weapon is random much like the moon itself and is pure magical. Like a Wand of Wonder or Deck of many things the breath can generate magical affects as an area of affect weapon. This makes its weapon dangerous for how can you prepare against a random attack? This alone makes the creature powerful. The main head is the only one that can perform the breath attack but much like a Hydra the other heads will regenerate.”

“Where did you ever acquire such a creature?” Elaine asked in fascination as she continued to admire the monster. “The proprietor continued, “The beast was brought in by Galebolt where it was discovered as a infant. It appeared that he had to capture the beast as part of a graduation exercise or some such Drek. Anyway the beast is Chaotic in nature and so Galebolt had no use for it. He said it was part of something the old Giants must have created. I was there at the time and offered him several other things and he gave me the Dragon as a reward.”

Elaine looked at the Nameless One, “Part of my contract with Betred is that he is required to procure me a mount, preferably a dragon. I want this beast or one like it. Can it be done?” The Nameless One nodded in respect and motioned the owner to the side. It certainly looked to Elaine like the owner was not going to sell for he seemed to be protesting as he waved his arms in distress. Just as obviously the Nameless One was not going accept ‘No’ as an answer. Eventually he appeared to tire of the argument and Elaine was sure that she had lost the creature, when the Nameless One opened a small book and showed it to the owner who blanched in fear. A few moments later Elaine was walking out with the animal as well as an instruction parchment on the beast. At the door she turned back a moment and looked at the owner. “By the way, how do I control this beast?”

“The owner spoke sadly, “A dragon here is usually controlled by a special spell. When you feed the Dragon outside this building it will become emotionally involved with you and you alone. It will serve you well until you die.” Elaine nodded and then asked again, “What does it eat?” The owner responded quickly, “Mostly your enemies but it will eat almost anything in a pinch. The things it likes most though are magical gems or magical items. It doesn’t need much depending on the power of the item but when it gets hungry it is harder to manage.” Elaine nodded and once outside quickly purchased several Tpsolei pearls that were being sold at rock bottom prices, there being a glut on the market at the moment. She wasted no time feeding the beast and it seemed satisfied to follow her about causing no trouble and it did not attract even much interest from the crowds.

As Elaine continued down the street she motion the Nameless One over and asked, “What was in the book you showed the proprietor when he didn’t want to sell the dragon? “ The Nameless One spoke quietly, his tone not changing at all from the smooth cultured tones she was beginning to understand was a trademark amongst them all. “I showed him his future.” He stated obtusely. Elaine was intrigued, “You have a book that shows the future?” “In a way.” He replied. “Let me see it,” stated Elaine. The Nameless One was reluctant insisting the book was only for corporate use but Elaine was interested and soon to become a member of the elite of the corporation and he had no choice. He eventually opened the simple book. Elaine cautiously looked into it the book and she was surprised to see Skragg’s face slowly appear inside. He seemed to be unruffled at the interruption. “Platinum Service, CIO Special Operations, What is it you wish of me Elaine?”

Elaine laughed, “It was YOU that scared the Drek out of that poor owner wasn’t it? What did you say to him to make him change his mind?” Skragg smiled. “I just reminded him where he was doing business and informed him that your desires are part of the CEO’s contract. He would normally be suitably compensated of course by Betred himself, a singular honor, but when we fill a Platinum Contract such as yours there is no such thing as ‘It’s not for sale.’ I was glad he proved to be a loyal corporate member of the firm and immediately saw it MY way as your Platinum representative.”

Skragg looked thoughtful for a moment, “However, the imbecile should have looked at your rating and immediately turned the dragon over to you with our compliments. He would have never had to pay fees or taxes again and would have made a fortune beside but he got stupid. The fact that I had to get involved at all means that he had to pay a rather heavy fine for wasting my valuable time on something he should have done automatically.”

“The dragon is now his personal gift to you for making you wait while he made his futile arguments. I doubt he will be in business much longer either. So stupid a businessman who angers customers of the CEO has no business running a shop, especially here. Have a good day cycle, Elaine. By now I am sure that the word has gotten around as to your status and you will have no further problems on your outing in dealing with anyone.” Skragg closed the book on his end and so did the Nameless One.

Elaine thoughtfully continued her shopping trip. Betred and Skragg’s corporate powers were well hidden normally but obviously immense and not to be taken lightly. The way they had come down on the shopkeeper had made Rahvin look like a choirboy. Rahvin killed people. Betred and Extensive could make their remaining life so miserable as to be worthless. It was a lesson well worth remembering.

She had noted the price on the Dragon. 100 Billion Platinum pieces had been the asking price. It said a lot about the wealth of Betred and Skragg that they had not even blinked at the price and had been fully ready to compensate the owner as well. Just how much was her stock worth? She asked the Nameless One about her stock.

“Your stock, Elaine, is of course not as much as Betred, Kristianna or Skraggs. The stock is issued in that order, with Betred as the Major shareholder holding 51%. You hold voting stock of twenty-five percent. Most Kings hold only a standard 10% of the rulers stock. As you should know from running a country a Kings share usually earns a steady income of about a million gold a month.”

“This is not counting the standard amounts the rulers received on the goods they sell and taxes they earn. You will not have any overhead such as taxes and purchase of other services, so your amount will be slightly higher in the profit range. You will be earning roughly three million Gold per month. The stock though is rising in price and it could be paying higher dividends in the coming months. Most rulers keep their Extensive treasuries separated from their country treasuries as a protection. Extensive Banks are very safe.”

“The common stock is sought by the normal folk as well as nobles and usually earns roughly 1 gold piece a month per share. It is quite expensive and quite common but well liked by the populace as a stable item of trade and a good resource. In some countries common stock is being used as cash to replace the heavier coins. Rarely is voting stock issued and only by order of Betred. Kristianna and the CIO have no right to issue voting stock at this time. This may change though when Betred feels it is necessary.”

Elaine thought on this. If Betred had 51% and guessing that Kristianna and Skragg had the same amounts under him. It should be easy to figure. She had 25% and everyone knew that Marla Doates had a 5% share, which left 19% remaining. It would seem likely that Kristianna had a slightly bigger share. That meant Kristianna carried a Rulers share of 10% and Skragg most likely had a nine percent share. Something wasn’t right! Where did the ruler’s shares fit in? She raised the question to the Nameless One.

She quickly learned something of interest. Ruler’s shares were a separate category than common or voting stock! Ruler’s shares were non-voting but paid a higher dividend than Common stock. Skragg still had his rulers stock but with his voting stock he was fast becoming a very wealthy ‘whatever’. This seemed to make sense. A ruler’s stock was tied to each country and went to the ruler of that country. By selling her countries to Extensive they had obviously acquired the 20% of that stock back as well. Elaine laughed; Betred had obviously made a very good deal! No wonder he had not argued overly much on her terms. He had easily defrayed his costs. She shrugged; it made no difference though as long as she had gotten what she wanted. The shopping trip continued quietly. Elaine would have to go back to the palace soon to work with Kristianna, Skragg and Betred on her new Token and armor. She had much to think on though.

All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.

"I have six locks on my door all in a row. When I go out, I lock every other one. I figure no matter how long somebody stands there picking the locks, they are always locking three." Stated Corman to Jarod

Maybe that’s why you can never get back into your rooms without breaking down the door? Jarod responded patiently.

“Naw can’t be that because I have the key.” stated Corman unconvinced.

Galebolt had waited patiently for the next attack. It was not long in coming but he was somewhat surprised at the nature of the attack when Rebecca walked up to the door. As she appeared about to speak to the pair at the table she suddenly stopped and looked strangely at it. “Illusions?”

Galebolt seeing that she had discovered the trick removed the illusion. Rebecca was not fooled though by his invisibility either, because she looked directly at him and spoke. “I can still smell you in there Galebolt but Elaine is gone. Her stench still lingers.” She made a face. “ You should be grateful for that since she is now Rahvin’s tool. Galebolt deactivated his device and looked at Rebecca with disbelief. “Were you behind the attack against my sister? If so why was that?”

Rebecca nodded in the affirmative. “I really think you should let me in Galebolt. We have so much to discuss.” “I think not.” Galebolt stated grimly. “I think I have had about enough myself concerning recent acts of elf duplicity and deceit. I am not so foolish as to let anyone in here with me, especially an elf. If you want to be comfortable and talk then have one of your lackeys bring you a chair and anything else you need. As for me I think I will be just fine right here without anymore elf encouragement.”

Rebecca looked at him in speculation for a few moments then smiled, “Surely you are not scared of one small elf girl advisor? I can do you little harm and I suspect you would not want my words overheard by the guards and others. I will promise not to attack you but you really should listen to what I have to say.”

Galebolt did not smile back. “No. Say your piece and leave.” Rebecca frowned as she continued to measure him. “Very well. There is no need to be rude though. I can see you have no desire to work this out person to person so will you at least listen to what I have to say?” Galebolt said nothing as he went over and took a seat in the room. He watched her carefully waiting.

“You are usually a very wise man Galebolt. This sort of behavior does not show you in a good light. You know I only want the best for you. I tell you Elaine is a Vampire. She has given herself to Rahvin. When she took back the country she had given you, her disguise fell in tatters, and I was able to see and smell the undead thing she has become. If you were an elf you could smell it as well.” She waited for Galebolt to speak but he said nothing and she could see no sign on his face that he was reacting to anything she said.”

“This really is a most frustrating way to converse,” she told him. “You must believe that I only have your best interests at heart here. Elaine has betrayed us all. Did you not think it odd that she has supported Rahvin so much in the past few months? It has been an almost complete personality change. You must have noticed some sign as well. Have you not detected her lies as readily as most rulers have? How long will you be blinded by your loyalty? Elaine was once a good ruler and now she is a tool to evil. Admit this to yourself at least if to no one else.” Galebolt continued to say nothing.

Rebecca, normally patient was looking frustrated. “We both know that Rahvin and his Vampires could not have hid from the security we had up. He does not have the kind of power to hide Elaine like that. The Dark Lord hid her. It had to be him for he is the only one capable of such a deception. We would have detected anyone else. If the Dark Lord was hiding Elaine’s change so that she would not trip detectors you have to ask why for the good of your country. Your people are depending on you to act and you cannot ignore the evidence.” Galebolt continued his silence. Rebecca waited to hear what he might say and when it was obvious he was going to say nothing she finally gave up and walked away.

Galebolt waited and inwardly smiled. He had learned this technique last month when Rahvin had been most vocal that he should appear at the Monster’s Ball. You said ‘No’ and showed that you meant it. It did not mean he had not considered her arguments though. He had heard a lot of accusations but he had seen little evidence of proof! Sure the elves said they could tell, suddenly, when it suited their purpose? The Dark Lord hid Elaine and that was why no one but elves suddenly could detect it? He almost laughed aloud. That was like saying someone must be guilty because they hadn’t been shown to do anything wrong!

The part about Elaine’s change of attitude had been the closest they had come but he was not going to give them ammunition so they could change his mind! Elaine’s attitudes had changed before when Sir Robert had died and now that she was beginning to think Twiggs might be committing their countries to a course of action she did not like? Of course her attitude would be changing. Karen and Elaine had been allies and Karen had been killed, possibly by Twiggs, possibly by Rahvin so did she not have a right to view Twiggs and the elves with some suspicion?

The big convincer to him though was when he had confronted Twiggs personally about his kidnapped advisors! Twiggs had refused to discuss the subject and had not returned them. Galebolt had remembered Sirron’s curse on the elf lord. Twiggs had tried to quickly negotiate for the little people in each country thinking to evade the curse against his child. He had proved he was not sincere though because he had failed to address the return of the advisors he had kidnapped. It was obvious to Galebolt that much of what was happening was caused by the Cy Clan’s granting of wishes last month.

Twiggs was not to be trusted and while he controlled the elves he could not trust anything any elf said either despite how convincing or pretty the face. They would lie for their King no matter what there personal opinion was because they could not do otherwise. Galebolt could not afford the luxury to listen to the deceptions in Twiggs views any longer. He sat back to await the next attack, for surely they would not wait long after his latest refusal.

Rebecca went back to the elf council and spoke carefully. “Galebolt has decided that we are guilty of deceit and treachery. He has no intentions of surrendering. In his mind we are as bad as Rahvin and he has remained loyal to Elaine. His loyalty has blinded him to any argument that WE could make. In some of his points I must agree with him. I told you he would not listen to the words you gave me to say. Perhaps if I am allowed to speak to him freely?”

Breeze looked at the elf girl and ignored the question. “Then it is obvious that I will have to act. I will use the Silver Bolt to destroy his wall. I want you all to be ready to subdue him. He is innocent and I want him captured NOT killed.” Rebecca spoke quickly. “I don’t think that would be wise Your Majesty. Why not leave him alone in there? He is doing no harm and he surely expects another attack. Why waste lives when it is not necessary to do so?”

Thistle spoke harshly at her, “Because OH STUPID LIVYANUIAN COW, you let him get away in the first place and we have to discover where Elaine has gone and what plans she has made. Do you think she intends to do a kindness to our King or us? What if she has escaped to one of Galebolts safe houses in our land or is using one of his devices to stay hidden from us? If Elaine has escaped back to the Human Worlds then she would be placing Twiggs in a danger he is unaware of. We have to know and Galebolt knows. He must be taken for the safety of our people.”

Thistle continued in the suddenly silent room. “It certainly looked like you didn’t try to convince Galebolt very hard about our view. You keep insisting you want to tell him what you want to tell him. You were ordered to present our view to the best of your ability but I have soldiers that could have done it better!” Rebecca nodded and spoke softly, “It is hard to convince another, general, when you don’t believe much of it yourself and I will not lie. I did not voice the lies you told me to say but gave only truth. If Galebolt does not believe Elaine is a Vampire then nothing short of her being a Vampire will convince him. Since I could not show that why should he believe anything at all? Your insistence that I use the council’s words was flawed from the very beginning much like the King’s viewpoint is.”

Breeze spoke quickly, “General that insult was uncalled for. I think you should apologize.” Thistle glared back, “OK I apologize that she IS a STUPID LIVYANUIAN COW and MORON who not only got my arm broken in her plans, but also lost Arase and Seara as well. Her actions have placed all of us in mortal danger with her idiocy. Don’t make the mistake of being so polite that you misunderstand our position, Breeze. Why the Drek are we listening to someone Twiggs only trusted to be a baby sitter and she didn’t even do that right! Listen to her! She is a traitor! She disobeyed orders and she has been sabotaging us since we started.”

“It was her job to watch Galebolt and she hosed that up. She hosed up taking care of the girls. She hosed up the capture of Elaine and rescue of Galebolt. I am still getting nasty reports from the nobles of Crystallu on her treasonous activities against our King. Imagine her comments at that table when we are trying to acclimatize their return. The situation there was delicate! She may have set us back for a long time just on that alone!”

“Now maybe you want to listen to her twaddle but I think it’s time to lock her away before she causes anymore damage to us. Her statements against the King right now prove the truth of my opinion.” Rebecca was silent at the accusations. Breeze looked sad but it was obvious that she would side with Thistle. The words were not long in coming.

“Rebecca, you are hereby relieved of all Council duties and discharged as well as demoted from the status of Advisor to the Throne.” Breeze said with a stony face. “You are now only a normal noble and will have only the privileges of that class. I am forced by elf magic to recognize that you are an elf noble because of your physical makeup otherwise you would be made of the peasant class but for some unknown reason your nobility cannot be removed like it can with other elves.”

“Your crimes against us would normally require you to be destroyed but I have not the Power to make that ruling against the noble class only the peasants. Only King Twiggs has that right. Your part in this will be brought before Twiggs when he returns and he will make the final decision on your case. You will be held in your rooms until that occurs. Guards! Take the traitor away, for in my eyes that is what she is.” Breeze finished with disgust as Thistle nodded in agreement his face still angry.

Rebecca was lead from the room in disgrace. “Now,” stated Breeze, “We must go and deal with Galebolt. Followed by the others she went out the door. They proceeded down the hall to the arsenal and barracks, while Rebecca and her guards went the opposite way. The Queen knew it would take split second timing to capture Galebolt safely and that meant careful preparation.

Galebolt shut off the device. Mondragon had called the device a ‘bug’ and indeed it was made to look like one! He had planted them on several people and in several areas. One was in the Throne Room and another was on Rebecca herself. So the others had used the Crystallu conversation as an excuse to punish her against his wishes? It was interesting that she had been accused of ‘allowing’ him to escape. If she was a traitor to the elves then she had not been against him at all during this time, but might have been trying to save his life from further attacks. She would have to be rescued of course. He would not let her suffer for helping him and Elaine. Galebolt was loyal to his friends.

Galebolt quickly pressed a strange button on his communicator and issued a few terse commands. Galebolt smiled for he was not as helpless as they thought he was. Mondragon was the most prolific inventor of the modern world. He had, with Tylaa’s help, created the best undercover organization in the world. It remained to be seen if Betred, Kristianna and Skragg could rival his abilities. Today the elves were going to get a lasting lesson of just how powerful he really was and just how far he was prepared to go. It seemed they were not going to take him seriously, thinking he was just a mindless, gullible hick! To bad Rahvin wasn’t here as well, he thought to himself. The lesson might do him some good as well.

Rebecca walked calmly down the hall in the center of four guards. The guards, like most loyal to their leaders, held much the same view of the elf female as Thistle did. They did little to hide their disdain of her and she endured their insults and comments in silence and with no sign of acknowledgement. As the group rounded the corner a strange sight suddenly confronted them.

A squad of what looked like small wooden goblins with strangely glowing red eyes and holding devices were lined up on each side of the corridor, five to a side. She had no time to wonder where they had come from for they suddenly opened fire with the devices in their hands and the effects were immediate.

Bolts of lightning erupted immediately from four of the weapons striking two of the forward guards. The guards stood for several seconds illuminated by the devices and some of the shock was distributed to the others and Rebecca knocking her down. The guards, more heavily armored, were able to remain standing but it did them little good. Once Rebecca was on the ground, two more devices went off with a terrible ripping and screeching noise and with metallic and dull thuds a hail of small missiles struck the guards penetrating their armor and tossing them backwards with gaping wounds, like broken rag dolls, down the hall.

Four others holding their strange devices in one hand grasped Rebecca’s arms and legs with their free hands and quickly moved down the hall behind the other guards. Alarms started to go off in King’s Tree.

Breeze and the others were caught by surprise when the alarms started to go off. There first thought was that Elaine had somehow found a way to strike back. They were in the barracks getting the elite unit ready to storm Arase’s room once they opened the defenses. The well-trained guards immediately rushed to their posts and it was not long before they discovered that their problem was not Elaine. A short while later the elf council were in the corridor to Rebecca’s room looking at the six lifeless bodies scattered grimly in the hall.

Angrily Breeze raised her staff and in only moments the six guards were restored to life and able to state what had happened. Of Rebecca there was no sign. One guard though had passed out later than the others and reported that Rebecca had been dragged off, stunned, and back down the corridor into her room.

The guards grimly fanned out and began to search each room down the corridor, just in case there were more surprises It was not long before they rushed into Rebecca’s room expecting a fight but no one was there. The next room was the guard station to Arase’s bedroom. The guards here had been quickly and efficiently killed as well, Breeze, angrily, wasted little time restoring them as well. They looked down the corridor to Arase’s bedroom and now they could see the strange golems guarding inside the door to Arase’s room with weapons ready.

Rebecca still unconscious was laid on the girl’s bed and seemed to be alive if unconscious. Galebolt was sitting near the bed and watching the door. The wooden Goblins tirelessly watched the corridor their baleful red eyes shining. Breeze angrily walked up to the door but wisely did not attempt to go past the glowing red barrier. It appeared Galebolt’s shield was still working. “How dare you?” She exploded angrily at the human but was cut off by the harsh laughter and reply of Galebolt.

“How dare I you stupid elf cow?” He said sarcastically and caustically making no attempt to moderate his voice. It caught Breeze off guard because she had never heard Galebolt talk in anything but quiet, polite tones. “How does it feel when what you have done to us is done to you? You have kidnapped my people and my advisors. Now I have one of yours and you ask me how I dare? You try to attack and kill my sister and ask me how I dare? I think you had best step back away from this door and send others to do your dirty work before you see how much I would DARE!”

He motioned to one of the golems and Breeze suddenly saw that it carried the new and improved Shennuian Flame Gun MK II. It did not hesitate at its Master’s gesture but with amazing speed it raised the gun and fired a flaming burst down the corridor. Flames engulfed the wood corridor and the whole tree shuddered in agony. As the flames continued no sign of the elf queen could be seen and the tree rocked in agony tossing many off their feet. Several guards stumbled into the flames and were immediately reduced to ash.

Stupidity got me into this mess. Why can't it get me out?

Elaine to Rahvin, “The CEO of Extensive says things will be all right because he has the bull by the horns. If you saw a man with a bull by the horns which one would you bet on?

Sirron to Rahvin, “One thing vampire children should be taught early on is, don't run with a wooden stake. You have obviously not learned that lesson.”

Jarod arrived back in Tpsolei and saw that Rahvin had obviously attacked the place again while he had been away. He saw that his new advisor, Tranquilisa, was already hard at work. She was a mermaid that had risen to replace the missing Mermaid Lorelei that Rahvin and Twiggs had kidnapped and then had been changed into a forest elf. Like most Tpsoleins she had the normal three forms and was well trained as a Sun magician. She quickly reported to him that Damien was already on site with a cadre of officers and they were quickly organizing the military in preparation for the attack.

Progress in that direction seemed to be going well as Jarod made his way through some rubble filled streets to the ruins of his palace. Several of the rooms had been restored pending his arrival and a Base Camp had been set up. He sat down and while eating and drinking he looked over the reports from his intelligence units. Huge success had been achieved and virtually every Vampire spy had been wiped out and the Nylss intelligence network had been broken. It would take many months for Rahvin to rebuild the network. Jarod had no intention of giving Rahvin that time.

Rahvin was currently blind to what was going on. His usual information sources had been eliminated and the remaining ones were either working for him now or were being fed huge amounts of false information. The big question was, had Rahvin taken one of the baits and was now in a trap that would spell his doom? He asked his advisor for an update. Tranquilisa spoke with humor as did most mermaids, “I have received one communiqué from King Twiggs. It was of course the coded and prearranged message that was set up through Emperor Skragg. It was the one where he claims Rahvin has made one attack and yells for you to come rescue him. I am not sure what that means but Emperor Skragg was smiling.”

She shuddered slightly at the thought of the demon’s smile. “Why do you deal with such a horrible creature, Lord of the Seas? I feel the evil in him and trust him not in these troublesome times.” Jarod looked at her, “I use what I must and if the archives are to be believed, Emperor Skragg, can be trusted up to a certain point. You are correct that it is dangerous to use him but right now if we are to stop Rahvin then I must. Peace sometimes makes for strange bedfellows.”

Tranquilisa spoke again, “I have also received a request from Skragg that he will require Damien for a few hours on a mission of great urgency. He insists that you need to release him for a few hours or the plan might fail. I tried to get details but he stated that I had no need to know and it would be up to you. He did state that this was a Priority problem.”

Jarod nodded, “Very well, Skragg has yet to fail us and if he says it is a priority then inform and send Damien immediately by Portable Tower. I certainly am glad I negotiated transport with Betred for all this. Things do seem to be moving very fast this month. I suspect when this month is done we will either achieve victory or the world will fall to evil. I wonder what it is that Skragg needs Damien for?” Jarod went back to work organizing his ships and birds for the attack.

Damien arrived fairly rapidly in the Extensive Facility Platinum area. This was a surprise to him because he was not a Platinum member. He was also surprised to see not only Skragg but Betred and Baron as well. Each was dressed in battle armor. It appeared they were going to fight. Damien spoke first catching them by surprise, “Betred, long have we been at odds against each other. I find this a convenient time to make peace between our countries. I wish to sign with you a standard treaty of neutrality and trade.”

Betred was wary, “Why now? While we have never made formal war, you did serve the Dark Lord in the first battle of Tlashtek. While technically you were a mercenary and under his control we both know that you wanted revenge against me.” Damien nodded in agreement, “All you say is true. I would have destroyed you on that day if I were controlling my actions. Now the situation has changed and I am wiser than I was. I would end this conflict and have peace between us.”

Betred considered for a moment, “Very well, I will accept your words at face value and see where it takes me.” Damien nodded but neither shook hands. Skragg spoke to fill the gap. “Damien, last month Corman led Harpin into a trap. He betrayed and killed him. I offer you the chance today because of your words last month to slay him. Right now even as we speak, Rahvin has entered the Towers country to kill Twiggs. Twiggs fights for his life against minions of the Dark Lord, Rahvin, Corman, Sir Bernlad, and the Nylss Advisor Moira. Standing by his side are the Green Knight, Sir Roderick and Ezekiel. Will you join us in ending this threat?”

Damien did not hesitate, “I will go with you. I don’t know how useful I will be against the Master of Deceit but if you are also willing to fight then how can I do less? Besides I told Corman I would settle with him. Today is the Day.” Betred nodded, “You see Corman irritated me as well and I paid good money to see him dead. Today I want to make sure he does die. I hate spending money to no effect.” Betred smiled and the smile was not pleasant, “Besides Rahvin has decided to threaten me once again. I feel it is time to teach him that he owes me, and that I do not take his orders. Corman will make an excellent example. The planning is done. This will be the most decisive moment in the World. Come let us go forward and face it bravely.” The four stepped into Elaine’s private Transport.

In Tpsolei Jarod stepped on board his flagship as well. It was the Powerful Carrier unit known as the Unicorn. He looked across at his fleet. He had three carriers all told, five battleships, 12 Battle Cruisers, 24 Light Cruisers, 50 Destroyers and 180 transport and supply vessels. It was the largest fleet ever assembled and the Tpsolein Marines with the cadre of Spouting Mountain's warriors were already on board. The plan was to move Northeastward and rendezvous with the Spouting Mountains Army with its Dinosaur cohorts and them move northward and join the Mercenary contingents composed of the dwarves, Towers knights and Jelgains. Nodding to begin, the ships flying above the waves with flags flying and weapons gleaming in the bright sun moved northward towards their destiny. Jarod looked across the sea and watched storm clouds gather. The storm was almost upon them all and many would not survive.

Hey diddle diddle, straight up the middle!

Today we mourn the passing of an old friend by the name of Common

Sense. Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents Truth and Trust; his

wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason.

Three stepbrothers survive him: Rights, Tolerance and Whiner. Not many

attended his funeral unfortunately, because so few realize he is gone.

Rahvin: “Should I bite Twiggs and make him my slave now that we have him right where we want him?”

Corman: “Raw?” He made a face of disgust. “Maybe he will taste better with Tabasco sauce. I recommend a shish kabob style killing.”

Twiggs:” Let me be the first to say, that in all humility, that I have always suggested that one should take a big bite out of Life!"

As the light began to brighten Rahvin waved his hands in response and darkness warred with light for several minutes. When the battle was done the room was as it was. “Really Ezekiel, do you think I am so stupid as to NOT study the archives as well. Your little light trick is totally outmatched by my Dark Powers. You are after all only an advisor and I am a powerful King. Your pathetic little light show is all but worthless and you are not even a strong advisor. Elaine found you worthless and I tell you now that she has been working for me since Month One of the Chaos Cycle. She was so helpful in setting so many of you up. While you fools rushed around trying to ‘protect’ your poor helpless Queen she was becoming a member of my powerful alliance. Jarod and his peace, BAH, I will be the one who brings peace to the world. Today the Chaos Powers will be supreme if that is the best you can do.”

He strolled towards Twiggs flanked by the two Dark Lord Legion Troopers as Bernlad, Moira, Corman and Bernlad’s men attacked the Green Knight, Roderick, and Ezekiel. Several things became immediately apparent. Sir Bernlad’s men were vampires and the Green Knight although powerful was quickly overwhelmed by sheer numbers of the lesser Vampires who concentrated just on him initially, Then Moira, Bernlad and Corman joined the fray but it was Bernlad who managed to kill the Knight.

Despite them each getting a Vampire Ezekiel and Roderick quickly teamed up and were forced backward into another adjoining room with their magical weapons. In total three of the five vampires were killed by the flaming swords wielded in the hands of the Knights!

Corman had initially run forward but seeing that there were only two knights left he decided to remain near Rahvin to help him deal with Twiggs. Surely Moira, Bernlad and the other two Vampires could deal with the remaining two Knights. Besides this was where the real battle would be. He was so close to the end of his goal that he wanted to be certain he would be in on the final kill.

He smiled at Twiggs who was still in chains and had moved back into the corner. Corman did a scan for danger using his powers of magical sight and fairy fire. There were no bombs in the room and nothing seemed to show a magical trap. Twiggs of course did glow with his powerful magic but it was no more powerful than Rahvins.

Corman laughed and spoke, “Rahvin I think he is about done in. He doesn’t seem to have anything left. Do you want to try to make him a Vampire first? Killing seems to easy a deal for the scum and if you bite him and he has to kiss your hoop for eternity that would be even better!”

In the next room two more of the Vampires were down and gone but Ezekiel had also fallen to the combined attack and now lay dead upon the floor. Bernlad and Moira grimly confronted the remaining Knight, Roderick. Roderick, though an elf, was tiring rapidly. Moira, the Vampire was an elusive target awaiting an opening as Bernlad attempted to beat down his guard. He could not last much longer. Then he saw his chance moving swiftly he managed to get Moira between him and Bernlad for only a second and thrust with his whole weight behind his sword leaving his shield behind. The sword struck through Moira and into Bernlad and he triggered the flame. Moira screamed and so did Bernlad. Bernlad however struck with his sword at the knight and cut deeply into the elf slamming him into the ground. The sword continued to flame more and more and in moments nothing was left but the slag of melted armor in the room.

Rahvin cursed but Twiggs was now alone facing Corman and the two Legion Troopers. Rahvin hated losing a promising Advisor and Bernlad would have made a good puppet to rule the Towers and Jelgai if he could have gotten Galebolt. Still he had not thought he would be left unscathed when trying to kill Twiggs. The price was still cheap enough. It still looked like he would never have a better chance than now!

With Corman and the Legion members on alert Rahvin raced in on the cornered elf. He did this to give the elf no chance to call or gain further help trusting in Corman to be ready to help him if necessary. For a few moments the elf struggled futily in the grasp of the brutish Vampire King.

Kicking and punching seemed to affect the Vampire not at all and Rahvin smiled with his fangs showing brightly he raised the smaller elf and sank his teeth into his neck. Strange Yellow blood spurted for a moment not the Green that should have been an elves blood Rahvin tried to hurl the false elf away but his fangs were stuck in the neck.

The false elf smiled and gestured. The affect was surprising and immediate; both vanished in a reddish sulfur smelling cloud. Corman waved his hand in surprise and the legion troopers slowly faded away as well. He had no more need of illusions for Rahvin in his greed had struck the wrong target.

Corman smiled and laughed. “Well now wasn’t THAT a surprise for old fang head? It seems the Dark Lord has claimed his own and yet I am still alive. I really thought that Rahvin would be smart enough to figure out that I had swapped for Corman especially since I didn’t really do anything crazy but luckily his ally blinded him. Well Jarod did warn him several times that Corman would betray him sooner or later. It certainly looks like he did. As for the Vampire slut Elaine, I already warned Skragg that I was steering her at Kristianna!”

Corman/Twiggs laughed, “After all it was my idea that Elaine go after her and I was in on a lot of Rahvin’s planning sessions. I was worried about Betred for a bit but he is too stupid and lazy to warn Rahvin and I’ll pay him back for his blackmail now that I have found a more permanent ‘solution’ to the Vampire problem. I’ll have to bring my country back first though but by that time Elaine should be dead meat as well and the Vampires will be cleaned out easily by Jarod’s attacking army. Who knows maybe even the Dark Lord will be more wary now.”

Even as he laughed two spinning golden coins were tossed through the door and spun for a few seconds on the floor then one released a burst of Golden Light. A second later a more reddish gold light was released as well from the second coin. While the first appeared to do nothing the second coin caused the room to be suddenly filled with the angry buzzing sound of Magical Hornet Darts!

The Corman disguise fell in moments revealing a surprised Twiggs for he knew he would need all his power and familiarity with it to stop this threat. He tried to raise his magical elf shield but it failed to come up. The darts struck the elf at artifact level power and he was required to channel his power a different way. Twiggs was no quitter he used his power of elf regeneration, luckily that worked.

Twiggs regenerated quickly but the darts were numerous and did not miss. For several moments the golden darts struck at him in overwhelming quantity and force singing the walls and floors of stone and leaving blackened marks. Gashes and tears appeared all over his body and healed almost as rapidly but the power required was draining Twiggs rapidly. After five full minutes the attack started to fade and stopped leaving a perspiring and tired elf barely standing but still healing. Luckily for him Rahvin had waste so much power on a false Twiggs. He could face this confrontation.

Just as Twiggs thought he would make from the room alive, two more coins flew into the room and another barrage of darts of equal power to the first began. This time the room also exploded in fire and cold alternating slowly from the second coin. First would come searing heat for a minute, then would come a freezing cold of equal power. This also alternated for five minutes. Twiggs sought to escape.

Escape though had been blocked. For Damien stepped into the room and a red shield appeared around him and Twiggs. The shield did not stop the other attacks from entering but it did not allow anything to escape. Damien smiled, “So it was you disguised as Corman and you killed Harpin. Well I promised Harpin revenge traitorous elf and now he shall have it. You have seen very few of my real powers but one of these is this shield. Nothing can pass through unless I will it. Not even your soul. You will not be resurrected or reincarnated and you cannot escape with your powers so weakened. Your evil will be ended here. Twiggs would have protested but he had no time and no strength. When the commotion died down there was nothing left of the elf. Betred followed by Damien, Skragg, and Baron entered the room

Even as they stepped in the hot smoking room, many Towers warriors now fully alerted and alarmed were rushing up the stairs. Betred showed the leader the duly notarized document signed by Elaine and even passed out copies for everyone to read. Many were shocked to see that the country and everything in it had been ‘sold’ to a foreign king. Why had Elaine sold the country with no warning and now it appeared that Betred was the new ‘owner’?

While they mulled this shocking event over and proceeded to argue amongst themselves as to the legality of this transaction, Skragg had been examining the room. He came back to Betred and spoke. “It appears you were a success. Nothing remains of Twiggs and he did something to Rahvin that left nothing behind either. It seems that both have been eliminated completely. Jarod will now have no problems taking the Nylss against the few remaining vampires especially since they now have no leader to lead them. Even all the Nylss Advisors are gone. Twiggs was certainly quite efficient that way.”

Skragg smiled and amused smile, “Who knows Zozan may again lead the Nylss as puppet ruler for Jarod. The only Vampire threat remaining, according to our dead spy Twiggs, is Elaine. Once she is dealt with in a rational fashion the only real challenge left should be the Dark Lord. Even he may find it difficult to hide from our Empire now that the remaining rulers will be working together to destroy his influence here You were very clever to let Rahvin walk in first.”

Betred nodded, “Today was the day that I repaid the debts I owed to so many who out of lust for power made my countries people miserable. I owed payback to Harpin, Twiggs, Corman, and finally Rahvin who by the way has planned to attack my wife with Elaine who is his tool. Galebolt I suspect will see reason and will bring the Towers and Jelgai into line under my rule once we recover him. That should be possible after she finishes examining that strange device that Elaine brought back from wherever Namarushta is. Kristianna is already working on that problem. Today most of my debts are settled and only the DL remains to repay.”

“Twiggs made several mistakes in his trap for Rahvin. First he assumed I would want him alive after he did away with Rahvin. Nothing could be farther from the truth. He made life miserable for me before Rahvin arose and it was only Rahvin that gave me the chance to nail him. I could not trust Rahvin though without Twiggs to hold him in check. They both had to go. Twiggs gave up some of his power. Elaine was right only through sacrifice can the Dark Lord and his minions be beaten. To bad she forgot her own prophecy at the First Battle of Tlashtek.”

Baron spoke, “I was surprised it was so easy to nail Twiggs.” Betred laughed, “Twiggs only had his plus one powers. The first coin I tossed in the room was an Artifact Level magic negation spell especially developed to stop Twiggs Shield and only his shield. The rest was easy. Twiggs relied on himself for power. My power is placed over a period in time into several coins which I save until I need them. My attacks could be constant as long as I have coins. I have had four months to create coins. I shall be certain to create more.”

“Twiggs had no such recharge points especially in this stone Tower with no plants or trees to help him. He set a trap for Rahvin and I set one for him once I figured out he was Corman. Now I am rid of TWO pests and as Jarod says the world will be a better place for it. War is so BAD for business. Nothing personal against either one but they had to be removed. They were bad for business.” Betred walked back out the door followed by Baron and Damien. Skragg remained behind a few moments more looking about the room. Nothing remained.

“Nothing personal, Betred?” He mused silently. “Only business? I don’t believe that for a moment. No emotion involved? No hatred? This was personal all right. With the Dark Lord it is always personal and I have always been loyal to the Master of Evil because to be otherwise means worse things can happen to you. Interesting how you use so little power to accomplish your goals. You can be so many people. Even different people at different times when they become corrupted enough. Evil often wears a fair face and to rule so much with just a few pieces of window dressing is so amazing. It is no wonder that you are well on your way to ruling the world.”

He smiled and it was not pleasant. Rahvin and Twiggs were gone and now the Dark Lord would have to face the mighty Empire of Betred, Right? Or was it already the Empire of Betred the Dark Lord and the remaining rulers who would be destroyed or serve his purposes. It appeared that Gerrain’s strengthening of Betred even though he had lost his life had paid fruit. Betred had indeed been the DEATH of Twiggs. Now he wondered if Sirron was to be the DEATH of Betred.

The fun would really begin now. He hoped Rahvin and Twiggs liked very hot places with lots of screams of agony because he knew right where they were now. He was certain many of the other rulers would be joining them soon and they could continue arguing and fighting amongst themselves making life miserable for all in the underworld. They had been so good at that. They might even all be returned here. For was this world not now a suitable hell for all. Demons ruled in hell.

Skragg would have to pay them a visit to gloat about their defeat and his ‘I told you so’, in a thousand years or so. Rahvin would be fun for he had been most rude when Skragg had warned him. Skragg liked that. Warn someone that they were going to get nailed and then laugh when they ignored you and did. It was so delicious. Maybe he could purchase Rahvin and Twiggs as slaves for his demonic palace? He would be amused by the constant fighting between them. Skragg laughed and followed Betred back to Extensive. For only the Demons had won here.

“I'M GOING TO PAY FOR IT, in about fifty years.”

Corman, justifying why he killed Harpin. “HE LUNGED AT ME WHILE I WAS HOLDING THE KNIFE.”

Twiggs quiet reply, “Yeah about thirty times.”

Betred to Skragg after he eliminated Twiggs/Corman.

“I DIDN'T KNOW, this Wand of Magic Missiles WAS LOADED.

(Because I had already put six thousand missiles into him.)

Kristianna had been left behind with little being told to her. She had watched as Betred, Skragg, Damien and Baron had entered the Tower and vanished from sight. Kristianna was unconcerned. She had more than enough experience with governments and the secretive, manipulative tricks they entailed to know that this was not something all above board that her husband was doing. Government was a tapestry of lies and deceits many times and the one who was your fast friend yesterday could easily be trying to cut your heart out the next. Government was run on the basis of what could you do for me!

That was one reason why Kristianna had consented to become Betred’s wife and Queen. She had become tired of the constant squabbles and political maneuverings when running a country. It had been such a relief when she had slept so long. Betred seemed to enjoy such maneuverings and she saw no reason not to turn over such an odious task to him so she could get back to creating things. For instance the Nameless ones had discovered a very strange device in Elaine’s possession. They had made a copy and brought the original to her. She had spent some time examining the device and had figured out that it appeared to be a dimensional transport. It had taken her several hours to decipher the runes on the device. They were written in ancient Crystalluian. She was certain that she had discovered the setting for where Twiggs country had gone.

Putting aside the device so that she could talk to Betred about it later, she left her laboratory and walked down the hall towards her rooms. She was surprised to see Elaine coming from the other direction followed by her Nameless One. Elaine smiled brightly at her and spoke quickly. “There you are. I have been looking all over for you. I was informed that I would have to discuss with you what would be required to create my New Sword Token and armor. If you have nothing better to do this might be the perfect time for that. Might I suggest that we take advantage of the Spouting Mountains Hot Springs in the city? That way we can relax and talk at the same time. After we get done we can go to dinner.”

Kristianna saw no reason to refuse the invitation although she somehow felt a trifle uneasy. Skragg and Betred both had been very forceful about telling her to be wary of Elaine and that she should go nowhere with her especially alone. However, Kristianna had few friends that were still living and very little contact with the outside world. Her curiosity got the better of her and she decided that since the others were out a little relaxation would not be a bad thing. She quickly agreed and after taking a few moments to prepare, she and Elaine left the Central Palace and proceeded to the third circle to discuss their business.

Elaine spoke quietly to Kristianna, “I think you will understand better than the men. I have gotten so tired of dealing with all the problems in running a country. It got even worse when I had to start running the Jelgai. Galebolt, is a good brother but such a wimp! He really was not cut out to run the country and he begged me on his knees to take the duty from him so he could go back to his books. Then he started to get jealous. First it was the Dark Lord wanting to marry me. Actually I was kind of surprised at that and it was flattering. The Dark Lord though is just too small. He wasn’t much bigger than Twiggs and I just couldn’t see myself married to so small a person. Still the Dark Lord was fascinating and really funny at times. I could have done worse I suppose but you know how hard it is to change men.” Kristianna nodded in sympathy as Elaine continued.

“Then Sirron started to show a little interest. He was tall and handsome and really fascinating. He seemed like a perfect choice even with all his wenching and such. I knew I could settle him down from that but Galebolt interfered again and Sirron didn’t seem to stay interested long enough for anything to come of it. My relationship with him was on again and off again and that really sucked. I heard he is now importing a variety of woman to be satisfied so I guess I should be happy nothing happened there after all, but it was still galling.”

“It sure began to look like I was going to go through life as the Virgin Queen. That may be all right in the history books but it sure sucks oozing drek in real life. People didn’t seem to understand that I was a woman and I had needs just like everyone else. The old double standard was in place as usual. Twiggs and Sirron could jump in bed with whatever but we were supposed to remain chaste and virginal until someone noticed us. That’s when Rahvin started to show an interest. You know how young boys are. They don’t know how to handle woman so they start insulting and teasing them to get you to notice them.” She giggled slightly and Kristianna did as well as she continued to listen.

“I played it like an ice princess and insulted back. Now that Rahvin knew he had my interest he started to make some behind the scenes moves during my tournament. It was great fun sneaking out dressed up and going to some inn together.” Elaine giggled a moment. “Rahvin was hiding in my closet when Sirron and Lorelei used my bed that time. He got to watch the whole thing and told me about it later.”

Kristianna looked shocked but it was obvious she was interested in the tale. “Anyway, we were having an affair and of course we kept it hidden from everyone. It was none of their business anyway. We had a great time together and Rahvin was really great to be with. We pretended to be at odds in real life and continued to see each other whenever we could. It got harder when he had to leave but I had my transport powers and Rahvin his Vampire abilities so it was not impossible to meet occasionally it just became more difficult.” Kristianna acted scandalized but was laughing.

“You’re such a BAD girl! Really! With your reputation you not only take up with a man out of wedlock but the Vampire KING! You know your people would never accept that. Did he put the bite on you? How could you hide that? You must tell me all the juicy details. I haven’t had gossip this good in three thousand years!” Elaine laughed as well.

“Yes, he did put the bite on me of course. The very first night. It was wonderful. When Rahvin turns on the power he is fascinating and he actually made me feel like a woman rather than an oversized cow. I was able to hide the effects of the bite with my powers although they did undergo some changes. That was why I continually refused to get involved like I used to. It was taking all my powers just to hide what happened. I didn’t dare use any of my alignment-based powers because it would have been noticed immediately. The hardest part was hiding it from the elves when I went to see baby Arase. I guess you can’t call her a baby any more though. She’s gotten to be quite a nice looking girl. Anyway, we did the ‘dirty deed’ several times that night.: She said with a wink at Kristianna. “Things were going well in our affair until Galebolt stumbled on it.”

Kristianna, nodded in agreement. “That’s bad, from what I hear about Galebolt the situation had to be tough to deal with.” Elaine smiled, “It was awkward but Galebolt is loyal. He blamed Rahvin immediately and was all set to kill him to release me, the dear boy. He never understood what I saw in him and if we could have been left alone I think Rahvin would have changed for the better by now. What Galebolt didn’t realize was that I was a willing participant. He thought killing Rahvin would make it easy to cure me. He was furious with me of course but I played on his loyalty and got him to keep silent about the whole thing. Tears can be such a wonderful thing if you use them well. He had me carefully watched after that and it became harder and harder to hide what I had become. No longer could I and Rahvin slip out for a nibble on some poor terrorized peasant. The situation was becoming intolerable for me and I knew it would only be a matter of time before the others finally discovered our secret. I decided that this was the best time to make my break.”

“Now you can probably guess the rest of it. In the interests of world peace I sold the two countries to your husband. That will make neutrality stronger and will give the others more to worry about than Rahvin and I. Given what I know of Skragg and Betred they should be able to keep Twiggs out of our hair while we build up the Nylss as the new rulers. Now you also understand why I require a new token and special armor. Rahvin is a warrior and if I am going to be by his side then I need to be ready. The weapons you craft for me have to be along the lines that my life has led me. Tlashtek with its neutrality is the last place I could go to prepare for my new life. Can you help me?”

Kristianna nodded, “Yes, of course I can help you. I think I have just the thing for you. It will be difficult to obtain but if you acquire it you will have more power than you could imagine. Have you ever heard of the sword of Krawn the Crazy?” Elaine shook her head negatively. Kristianna continued. “I ran across it recently when I was browsing in Emperor Skraggs library. Most people don’t realize just how many different dimensions that Big Furry blue ape has been in. Anyway I was reading about his life in a different dimension when he served under a chaotic ruler who had a Vampire Wife. The rulers name was Krawn the Crazy and he had a fabulously powerful sword that can do all you asked and more. It does have some liabilities though. It has to be fed souls fairly often and it requires that it be treated like a very prized person.”

“In Skraggs story Krawn was killed but his Vampire wife survived and traded sides and later put the bite on the lawful champion as well. The sword was never recovered but I know in the story where it was left and according to Skragg no one dared to touch such a powerful weapon. It should be easy to send in a team to recover it. Skragg will know how to handle it and the sword is tailor made for your new alignment of Chaos because it is a chaotic weapon already. With that sword I hear you don’t even need armor! That may be just the thing you need. Does it interest you? If so I’ll tell the team to go get it.”

Elaine thought for several seconds. Did she really want an intelligent unknown sword? How would it react to the changing of dimensions? Where did it get its powers and how much could it aid her? She was almost at the bathhouse and it would be a good idea to set that event in motion. She decided that the sword might be interesting and so readily agreed to it. Kristianna nodded and as both girls went into the bathhouse. Minutes later they were preparing for their bath when Elaine approached Kristianna. Elaine was a full Vampire and she smiled at the woman. I want to offer you the opportunity to join us willingly. Think of the possibilities. Later of course you can initiate anyone you like. You will be stronger, faster and harder to kill. Your beauty will not fade with time. Come join us.”

Kristianna as if in a trance walked forward and Elaine bent her head to bite the woman, but Kristianna caught her around the throat and wrestled her to the ground and broke her neck. “Poor deluded Vampire. Don’t you know that we dwarves have been fighting the Nylss for years? Many thought it just a silly feud. You see I was alive when we started to fight the Vampires in self-defense. We know what you are and better still we know what to do with you and how to kill you. You thought you were luring a poor unsuspecting little girl here so that you could prey on me. Today another Vampire will die and the world will be a cleaner place for it. You see dwarves are very strong and we have a certain amount of innate armor in our skin. Poor Elaine, that you did not know this and you are too new to being a Vampire to have learned anything about the dangers of dwarves. Good Bye!” She carried the Vampire down to the heating furnaces and chucked the body in. Even the bones burned until nothing was left.

This isn't an office-It's Hell with fluorescent lighting.

Sirron says to Rahvin on the witness stand, "Now, sir, did you, or did you not, on the date in question or at any time, say to the Dark Lord or anyone else that the statement imputed to you and denied by Twiggs was a matter of moment or otherwise? Answer me, yes or

no." Rahvin puzzled looked at Sirron, "Yes or no, what?"

“And just how may I screw you over today?” Stated Corman at the front desk of Hell when Rahvin and Twiggs arrived arguing.

Corman heard what sounded like a lot of argument as he continued to process paperwork in the Administrative circle of Hell, the Great Wall of Dis. The wall was huge of course and made of iron that always glowed Red Hot. He watched as his old friend Rahvin and Twiggs marched up to his window. Corman laughed insanely and smiled at them pleasantly, “You guys look like drek. Is that the style now? Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed. Welcome to Hell! Don’t worry about the surroundings, I'm just working here till a good fast-food job opens up.”

Rahvin glared at Corman. “How the heck did you get here ahead of me? The last I saw you were standing behind me to rescue me from Twiggs trap?” Corman laughed, “Heck Betred killed me a while back, you kind of lose track in this place. I heard that Twiggs had taken my place and that you would be here soon so I volunteered to meet you guys. No one else wanted to.” He remarked thoughtfully. Rahvin turned and glared at the laughing elf. You were pretending to be Corman? I feel like such a fool! I knew there was something wrong with Corman but I just couldn’t put my finger on it!”

Twiggs smiled, “Yeah like you sending Harpin to trash my country. I ALMOST didn’t see that. Looks like you got too involved. Bad mistake Rahvin. I had you by the HOOP!” Corman laughed, “Makes no difference now, Twiggs. I know that Macho Law forbids you from admitting you’re wrong. Still, you might want to consider that you’re standing here outside MY Gate on your way deeper into Hell. Do forgive me if I refuse to star in your psychodrama. By the way Harpin is around here somewhere too. It’s like old home week around here. Damien used to be here and was located down with the treacherous group but he somehow escaped. OH well, at least the DL ain’t made it yet or we could have a reunion in the lake of boiling blood.”

Twiggs glared, “That fragging Betred got me and I’ll just bet that icehole Skragg put him up to it.” He cursed under his breath for a few moments. “OK butter brain where to from here? I can’t believe I’m talking to an insane icehole in Hell.”

Corman snarled back, “Yep this is hell drek-for-brains, so don’t bother me. I'm living happily ever after. Do I look like a freaking' people person? Like most places that have Hell as a background, I pretend to work. They pretend to pay me. So although I started out with nothing I still have most of it left.” Corman shuffled a very large form that was nine pages long. He handed one to Rahvin and one to Twiggs. “You guys need to fill these out before you can go downhill.”

“Um...” remarked Rahvin looking at the papers with some suspicion where's that get out of Hell free card when you need it? Are you sure Extensive doesn’t have a branch here? Anyway, I want a refund. My life was defective. I spend a couple of thousand years buried in dirt and now I have to spend a couple of thousand years more hanging out with Twiggs in the low rent district. My life sucks.” Corman handed Rahvin a large pencil and short stubby one to Twiggs. “Yep, looks like the Chaos cycle is over. Your work is done and it’s on to the next job. At least there are lots of ‘bad’ girls here so I guess in some ways it’s better than being buried. The bad thing about it is you can look but you never get any.” He pointed at Twiggs, “but don’t worry to much, ole buddy, his is the afterlife that is going to suck!” He pointed at Twiggs with glee.

Twiggs immediately argued, “Hey this pencil isn’t big enough to fill out all these forms.” He had been busily reading them. “These things make no sense! Copy seven to be destroyed? Why fill it out if your only going to destroy it? Why the heck do you need my 144^th cousins blood type for anyway?” He finished angrily shaking the papers at Corman.

“Regulations of course.” Corman said without heat. “You have to fill them out because it’s required, we all had to and your no exception. With Betred becoming so powerful in our world right now it’s having a big influence on Hell itself. You’re getting a small taste of Extensive Hell. We do have to keep up with the times you know. Some people thought hell should be more automated and up to date because of the soulless possibilities you understand. Still it got so people expected the lack of empathy from machines, why in some cases they even welcomed it. Nope, Lucifer is always reminding us in E-Mail and memo’s that there is nothing like being personally snubbed by a human being. He’s a big fan of the personal touch. Especially knowing the customers can’t touch you without some demon ripping their hoop apart. Look at it this way, you do the forms, I have to file and maintain them. Who gets screwed the longest?”

“As for your pencil? Well, regulations are quite explicit there as well, only one to a customer. The regulations do leave me some leeway in the handing out of the pencils mind you and I take care of my old buddies. As for you? You’re just a fragging elf icehole that I don’t particularly like and I’m glad you’re dead. Now get to filling out those forms and you’ll just have to do what you can. Corman finished with a shark like smile.

Rahvin smiled a bit, “Yep it pays to have friends in low places, now I know the DL fragged me over too. He told me he would bring Corman back and he could have told me you were playing Twiggs. I think he owes me a favor.” He finished thoughtfully.

“How the heck am I supposed to fill all this out with only one small pencil? It can’t be done so maybe I won’t fill them out at all! You keep this up and I am going to pull out my placard that Undead have Rights too!” Twiggs said angrily and looking stubbornly at Corman as Rahvin laughed.

“I hear there’s a place for hypocrites too.” Rahvin spoke with a smile. “You used to say that Undead had no Rights! Now the shoe is on the other foot. What a fragging icehole you were in life and it hasn’t changed a bit even here. Only now do you see the weight of my argument, you Twinkie!”

Corman still smiled despite the angry Twiggs glaring at him and Rahvin’s comments. “Of course you can finish filling them out. Use your own blood of course but be sure they’re real neat when you get done. This is eternity ol’buddy and you have all the time in the world. By the way if you don’t fill them out I get to summon the demons on your Hoop. Word is that the boiling pitch doesn’t take long to bring most people around who fail to cooperate. You can’t die in Hell but you can sure wish you could when they start messing with you.” He turned to Rahvin who was busily writing.

“By the way I saw Aurora here a while back. She’s down in the treachery circle for betraying Zozan. They got her hoop froze in the ice down there. He waved at the red-hot counter none of them dared to touch. Oh well at least she isn’t frying up here. I looked through the files for Karen while I was here as well, but she didn’t make it. Seems some fragging elf rerouted her soul on the recycle plan but I guess he couldn’t have done it if Hell had a lien against her soul. Now that she is one of Twiggs elves maybe we will see her later.” He spit on the counter in front of Twiggs and it sizzled away in seconds.

“You know Twiggs?” asked Corman casually, “I am going to have a hard time placing you unless Minos judges you first. I’m fairly certain that you’re going to have to go back up hill to him. That means more papers to go back uphill. I can see your going to be here for a very LONG time. There are so many places in here that you belong in that you might have to rotate through them on a daily basis. One torture one day, something else the next. Just when you start to accept the pain of one torture a new one appears. I can see your going to be a busy boy.”

“Let’s see now, you impersonated me so fraud and deceivers is a good place. Then there is the Carnal area for all the woman you stole and raped. Then they’re the unnatural acts you set Rahvin up for at the Monster’s Ball so that means the burning desert. That doesn’t even take into account all the people you have killed, kidnapped or stolen. You have a record Lucifer himself would envy. I can see your going to be real popular with a lot of the demons here. I’ve been waiting for this and saving up my points so maybe they will give me a closed circuit TV so I can watch you getting yours.”

“Bugger OFF!” Twiggs said with finality, as he continued to fill out the papers. “I won’t be staying here as long as all that you odious toad. Now maybe Betred sent me here but I am not exactly helpless and if you keep messing me over I’ll jump over that counter and beat your sorry hoop.” Corman laughed as Twiggs started to move forward and the counter turned white-hot driving him back. Rahvin continued to write moving back slightly so his papers would not be burnt by the additional heat but otherwise ignoring the elf.

Corman laughed insanely. “You mess with me and bad things will happen to you. So go ahead I dare you. Come and get me.” Twiggs balked by the counter glared at Corman in frustration. “What’s the matter little elf, scared of a some heat? Don’t worry down here you can almost get used to it. There are a lot worst places further down a lot hotter than this.” Twiggs ignored the taunts and went back to writing. Corman smiled, for after all was he not part of Twiggs punishment here? Twiggs would not be going anywhere for a long time, for there was so many papers he needed to fill out and so many lines with canned music to stand in.

The group was startled though when suddenly out of the heat haze, Elaine walked up to the window as well and saw Twiggs and Rahvin busily scribbling. Corman stopped laughing when he saw Elaine arriving as a Vampire. He nudged Rahvin. “One of yours?” Rahvin took one look and spoke with feeling, “Drek! Now she can’t rescue me. How did you get killed you incompetent COW!” He finished in a scream.

Twiggs laughed, “It’s house cleaning day in Petal Throne World and all the trash is coming in. I guess this takes care of the Vampire threat. He looked at Elaine, “Hmm, traitor to kin and country. That’s the very lowest place in Hell and you were supposed to be a good girl. Some people get what they deserve.” Twiggs it appeared had the last laugh as Elaine and Rahvin glared at the laughing elf but Corman continued to smile. Hell always had the last laugh.

A deal he can’t refuse!

A Tlashtekian tourist was admiring the necklace worn by Harpin. "What is it made of?" she asked. "Alligator's teeth," Harpin replied.

"I suppose," she said patronizingly, "that they mean as much to you as pearls do to us."

"Oh no," he objected. "Anybody can open an oyster."

"You know, there's nothing like getting your hoop kicked to really bring down your morale." Rahvin to the Dark Lord.

Betred, Skragg and Baron soon arrived back at his palace in Tlashtek. They all had a satisfied smile on their faces. Damien had split off earlier though to rejoin Jarod. Betred had been satisfied of the outcome but he still couldn’t believe it had been so easy! Twiggs and Rahvin in one shot. It was just the best that life could offer! He was surprised though to see Kristianna waiting for him with more news. “I killed Elaine. She was a Vampire and attacked me. Just to let you know up front for your contract since it requires you to restore her if you can. As a Vampire who gave her soul willingly, even Twiggs could not recover it. Rahvin might have it now so you will most likely have to deal with him in some way.” Skragg laughed. “Rahvin is dead and gone courtesy of Twiggs. Twiggs is gone courtesy of Betred.

Betred smiled, “It seems the only way to rescue Elaine is resurrect Twiggs but there is nothing to resurrect. Then we must get Twiggs to bring back Rahvin.” Skragg laughed, “Yeah like that will ever happen.” Betred nodded and continued, “Then Rahvin must release the soul of Elaine, something he has never done, and then we might be able to Reincarnate her. It would appear that this is an impossible task.”

Skragg spoke quickly, “Not at all. Let us say that with our current powers and knowledge we cannot do it immediately but it is a contract. I will of course accept the task as Elaine’s Platinum Representative. My first move will be to convene a panel of ‘top’ men as well as some blue ribbon experts and we will discuss in committee the best way to bring Elaine back.” Baron looked at Skragg in confusion. “How will that help? It will take years.”

“Actually,” Skragg stated calmly, “I suspect it will take at least a thousand years or at least a few hundred just to examine all the methods at our command. We would not want to rush madly into anything and get it wrong. After all Elaine IS our most valuable customer. I am sure that with a calm and deliberate stance we can bring her back some day. Anyway the contract states we must try to do it and we will leave no stone unturned. The biggest thing, first, is that all our ‘top’ people must reach 100% agreement. I am not sure that this possible in Petal Throne given the way most of the rulers act which seems to carry downward to the people.” Skragg stated somewhat thoughtfully. Kristianna smiled and Baron looked stunned. Betred though spoke calmly and with some satisfaction.

“Quite Right of course. Elaine is our BEST customer and we want to do this right and the odds must be in her favor. I think a press release should immediately be issued that Elaine has fallen victim to the Vampire Curse and being under the Dark Lord control has been killed by our elite security forces. Be sure you mention that this Tlashtek Law has always been on the books and that minions of the Dark Lord are to be immediately killed. We regret Elaine’s change of course, but she was not paying for protection from Extensive and this should be a warning that others not under our bodyguard service that they might be at grave risk. The Vampire was slain and we are working ceaselessly to restore the original Elaine. All donations will be applied to her research for a cure and be sure to give them an address where they can send their gold in care of Extensive.”

“Really Betred,” stated Kristianna turning into the elf woman Arase. “Don’t you think that might be a bit much?” Betred and Skragg appeared unsurprised. Betred spoke quietly, “No, not really. Business is Business. Elaine and Rahvin thought they were very slick but so stupid to think they could get the better of me in any business dealing. Business is my Power. I take it Kristianna is still with Seara safe and sound?”

The Dark Lord nodded. “But of course. Am I not the Best Assassin in the World? All my favors are repayed to you Betred and to you Skragg as well. You have gotten the Petal Throne World to do with, as you will, for who is a better assassin than the Lord of Death. Rahvin was useful in his way and I regret losing his talents but he was trying to betray me and of course I could not tolerate such a thing. Bad for the image you know.” She stated brightly, “Twiggs is gone, and now so are Rahvin, Harpin, Elaine and Sirron will soon be joining them unless he wises up and swears allegiance to you. He won’t of course so I will finish him as well.”

Betred spoke, “What of you though? You realize I cannot have you working against me in this world.”

Arase nodded, “All of the others should have listened to you and Skragg when you told them I was the Dark Lord. You were both quite correct. You must understand though that my work here is completed. You may have and rule this fallen world, for there is no champion worthy of the name, here to stop you. I may come back some day if others rise who do pose a threat but that looks remote for now.”

“I have other worlds to lead down the road to final death and you with Skragg will do well with this world without my interference. I will go and take my rightful inheritance now that my ‘dear father’ has met his end. Namarushta and Crystallu will not reappear here unless I return and they will be my lands. I will give you other fresh lands to take their place so there will be no holes or gaps in this world. You can populate them as you see fit and even name them the same if you so desire. All this is yours with no interference from me.”

“Jarod has his peace and Galebolt will be loyal to your empire. No heroes really remain in this world. I will of course take Seara with me when I leave this world. She would be a future threat to you and I keep her with me to control her possible heroics. If she should become lawful and good this would be a danger to my plans.” Finished the Dark Lord quietly.

Betred seemed somewhat surprised at the Dark Lord’s comments. “So you really intend to leave our world. I would not have thought it likely. You seem to believe that Galebolt will just fall into line with me.” Betred stated quietly.

Arase smiled. “Of course he will and we both know it. However, I will spell it out if it pleases you. Elaine was the rightful ruler and signed the contract. The only out any lawful has is if they can prove she was a Vampire before she signed it. In this world only one person knows that. That person is I and I don’t intend to stay.”

“That means that lawfully Galebolt has no hope, despite Sirron’s Bell, of proving a thing. He has to accept it. Now when you offer him the Kingship of the Towers and Jelgai to appease the people there, Galebolt, with his sense of duty and loyalty will accept. He must then loyally serve you. You will be hailed as a Great Ruler and you will bring the Peace to this World that Jarod seeks. Sirron used up all the hope of this world to drive me from his little country. There is no Hope left at all. None of you can change the course of this world now. Only new Champions could do that.”

“Enjoy what you have won Betred, when you pass it will all be mine eventually and you will serve me after you die. I am patient and you will not find my burden to heavy considering what you have gained.” The Dark Lord stated in a soft seductive voice.

Skragg nodded sighing heavily, “Yes it is time for me to leave as well.” This seemed to surprise Betred, again. “This world’s fate is decided and Betred will rule here as Emperor. I will use my funding to take ruler ship in a different world. The people here will prosper and become even more complacent like Sirron and Jarod. They are already on the road to hell and know it not. I will stick around to clean up some loose ends and then all will be yours, Betred. I want nothing more to do with this world unless your power slips. Then I may come back to make further claims. For now enjoy the fruits of your labors.”

Arase smiled. “I will of course send you Galebolt back but I shall keep Rebecca in the land of the elves if you don’t mind. She would be a danger as well to my plans here. She incorporated all the best that was Livyanu and the elves. Luckily no one listened to her. That was why in the very beginning I had her kidnapped. That was so I could place my curse upon her that she would never be trusted or listened to. If Twiggs and Harpin had joined together because of Rebecca I might not have fared as well as I did. It was much easier to make sure that she was always being fought over.”

Baron was shocked. “We were all working for you and never knew it did we?” Arase laughed, “I told you that you all were. I never did have to lie. You all found it much to easy to mess each other over whenever you had a little extra power to do so. All I did was loan some of my power to one ruler one time and to his foe the next time. It fostered such hatred and revenge that I almost had nothing to do but watch. You were all too easy.”

“Before you can make the world a better place you have to make yourselves a better people. You rulers were all much too lazy to do that. Everyone wanted everyone else to follow that hard road and no ruler did! You each wanted what you wanted and there was no self-sacrifice at all except with Rebecca, Harpin at his end and Karen. Each of them turned aside from the path of power and you killed them for it like the wolves you were. You constantly found faults in each other while showing the same flaws yourself.”

“It was amusing and somewhat of a challenge to bring it all together but the end was never in doubt once the lawful/goods fell. Elaine and Sirron had been your last hopes after Harpin died and they were all too easy to corrupt. I made sure that Twiggs symbiote was placed in Sirron during Bragging Rights. No one ever questioned how it got there. I put it there and it worked so well. Rahvin easily dealt with Elaine. I may have to go get him out of Hell someday just for his contribution. I may have need for his talents in other worlds. ”

“So why the big change then?” demanded Baron. “Why lure Twiggs to that other place if you were already winning it all? I think you’re lying. You couldn’t have planned it all out that easily.” Arase turned her bright blue eyes on Baron and smiled invitingly. Baron was obviously and immediately affected and took a step with arms extended before Arase suddenly turned it off like a switch. Baron stumbled backwards for a moment in shear panic his eyes wide, realizing what he had almost done.

“Now do you understand you pathetic little man? Death can be so fascinating and enticing.” Arase spoke menacingly her voice a chilling hiss where it had been so pleasant earlier. A chill seemed to enter the room and all even the demonic Skragg shuddered.

“I didn’t change just on a whim. I changed because I would be leaving this world and needed a form more suitable to my next environment. With the arrival of Rahvin I knew that was the sign that I would soon have everything I desired from this world. The old Dark Lord forms do, as I say, wear out. You felt just a very small part of the sexual allure that this form is capable of. I changed because it was TIME to change.”

“I had three possible winners lined up you pathetic, ignorant fool. Do you think that I would count on just one plan to realize my goals? Even Skragg told you that once upon a time but you have not remembered it. More the fool you for not learning and you will be nothing more than a pathetic lackey all your days.” She finished smiling in disgust, the scorn obvious on her gorgeous face.

“I set it up so that Rahvin, Twiggs and Betred each had a chance to win. Survival of the meanest and nastiest has always been my way. I breed you people to be bigger and badder predators! If Rahvin had won the Vampires would have ruled this world but he was too eager as well as impatient and paid not enough attention to those around him. It is a common mistake of those new to great power. He suffered for it of course for Twiggs lured him in and destroyed his body.” She smiled, “Twiggs is not as impatient and was very good at protracted schemes but his weakness was when he had to react immediately without thought to threats. He made many mistakes then. Rahvin’s instincts were good and Twiggs planning was excellent, working together they would make a most formidable team.” Arase stated with some fondness.

“Rahvin did have several advantages though. He wanted to win. Desire and ambition were his strong traits. They served me well. Next time I am sure he will do more to protect himself. For I am sure I will require his service in different worlds later.”

“Twiggs was another prime candidate of course. He would always ‘justify’ his evil deeds with the excuse that he was fighting me.” Arase laughed in an amused fashion. “Anyone who commits evil is not my enemy. They are just chaotically serving my purposes in another way. Goodness comes from within with self-sacrifice and moral convictions that are not limited to just a certain ‘type’ of person. Twiggs thought he could pick and choose the types of people he wanted with elves at the top. If he had survived he might have done so. Like Rahvin he had the desire to win but he had a fatal flaw. He took on his tasks in the wrong priority! If he had really wanted to eliminate me he should have started by building trust and respect with all the rulers around him. In his lust for power he decided trust was not required and he tried to be a one-man show. It was the reason he died.”

“Finally there was Betred and after some study I determined that the golden allure of his road was a goal that would best suit my purposes in THIS world. Wars are all well and good but let’s face it, while they were great window dressings and smoke screens the real work was best being accomplished in the bowels of Big business. People are so NASTY when they get rich. Greed does strange things to people. Yes, I am more than happy with the road you’re traveling now.” The child Arase abruptly vanished with no warning leaving a thoughtful group behind.

"So little done, so much to do."

Sirron speaking to Twiggs in Hell: "Everybody has got to die, but I have always believed an exception would be made in my case. Now what?" Twiggs looked at the Cy Clan in disgust. “What is the question you idiot? Even in the valley of the shadow of death, two and two do not make six. Why am I being saddled with YOU for my punishment?"

Sirron awoke and looked around. It appeared that he had no body. This did not worry him as much as it would most people. Cy Clan were used to mind travel. What was different about this was that everything was a uniform Bronze color. Not that there was anything he could see all he saw was a bronze light. He could not touch any part of his body but when he tried to move it seemed that his feet made the motions of walking. It was a very strange sensation. Sirron noted that his symbiote appeared to be gone. He could feel the absence of the creature much like a pulled tooth. Something was missing.

Sirron puzzled for several moments but none of his powers seemed to make any difference in his situation. He decided to wait to see what would happen. He waited. He waited. He waited some more. After what seemed like a VERY long time with no change in his situation he decided he would have to try other things. So he contemplated. Nothing happened. He yelled in hopes of attracting attention. Nothing happened. He tried mind contact and nothing happened. So finally he started to review his life. Slowly and painstakingly he worked all the way from his birth and here he found a clue. He was dead.

He thought again on how he had come here. He remembered accusing Oshima of treachery after there last conversation and having the Advisor taken away in chains. It was only a short time later that once again he felt the urge imposed upon him by the elf symbiote. He had summoned his latest female acquisition to his room and the Cy Clan maid had been most pleased at his attention. She was virgin and this pleased Sirron mightily. Afterward she had offered him a cup of tea that he had drunk. It was after this that the female had suddenly thrown off her disguise to show that it was Estelle that he was confronting. Even as he tried to dispel the poison in his weakened condition Estelle was again injecting him with another concoction and using her powers backed by all the Cy Clan leadership to foil his goal.

Even then he was almost able to beat her when several Cy Clan Monks attacked with sharp blades from all sides. Striking deeply they had soon scored deep wounds on the King. The last thing he remembered seeing was Estelle’s face as he slowly lost consciousness. He had awoken here in these surroundings. Estelle it appeared had taken her revenge and had somehow with the aid of the Cy Clan people escaped the prison in which he had placed her. How had she acquired the power though to so deceive him? The answer soon came.

“Is she not my wife?” stated the voice of Arase the Dark Lord. “Her price for doing so was as always, your destruction. It has always been easy for me to hide myself from you, you pathetic little half elf toad. You are truly dead and you are in a bottle in the Vestibule of Hell.” Sirron said nothing as he looked at the image before him

The voice of Arase was light and musical but he could detect a hatred in it that made him shudder. “Mostly though, for you, this is a place for those who made no commitment or decisions in life. I find this place a most suitable punishment for you. If you had not hesitated so long in seeking out Betred and offering him your loyalty you might still be alive and enjoying the pleasures of your woman. Betred was not going to let you return Harpin or Twiggs to his now peaceful world. Since you again proved you could do nothing even when given much time to decide you have found a more natural and less comfortable location for yourself than what Betred would have given you.”

“I think you will be here a long time for no one in this area will want to make the decision to release you.” Spoke Arase with some humor as if she enjoyed his mental pain. “It will be a most exquisite torture don’t you think? You will eventually beg me for a final death you do not deserve. Have you any last words before I depart and leave you to your lonesome fate?”

Sirron said nothing as he considered the Dark Lord. Arase smiled at the Cy Clan. By the way I almost forgot. You have also assured the destruction of your people and maybe several others groups of humans as well. You see that Symbiote of Twiggs was really more unique than you thought. The reason you were so desirable to woman and you lusted after them so much was so that it could implant spores in them, using you as the seeder.”

“You see Twiggs does think best as a peasant farmer! Every woman you had relations with is infected and will, like you, continue to unknowingly spread the disease it imparts. It will have some interesting affects for Betred and his people in about 50 years. I must admit that little device was Twiggs masterpiece. No one can even detect it yet! Even eliminated he will still insure that if elves don’t survive I doubt anyone else will as well. How does it feel to know that you were the carrier by which life will be wiped out in that world?” Arase laughed harshly. “That is something I never shared with Betred or Skragg.”

Arase looked at Sirron brightly, “You see the few elves that remain in that world will not be enough to continue the race. Given Twiggs little present though, elves are the only ones that can survive it! I must remember to go back in a thousand years or so to see what happens. Twiggs finally made a really long range plan and I really must applaud his idea. Good Bye Destroyer of the World.” Arase vanished leaving Sirron sitting in his jar.

"I'm too good for this joint."

Galebolt: to his army as it is being disbanded. "Go tell the Towers, thou who passes by, that here obedient to their laws we lie in a vegetative state, sold out to the Corporate Machine."

Galebolt was watching the elves in the corridors fry when suddenly a shimmering window seemed to open and the voice of Betred came through from the other side. “Come quickly Galebolt, this is a rescue.” Galebolt wasted no time picking up Rebecca and stepping boldly into the window. It quickly closed behind him and he found himself in front of Betred’s Desk in his meeting room. Skragg, and Kristianna seemed to be in the process of quickly taking apart a strange looking device. Galebolt nodded, “My Thanks for a timely rescue King Betred. Where is my sister?”

Betred motioned to a couch where Galebolt could lay down the Livyanuian elf and then motioned to a chair. “I have several important things to tell you Galebolt and I think it will require some time. Might I offer you some drink and food while I bring you up to date with some recent happenings? From there you are free to make your own decisions.” Galebolt looked at Baron who nodded in agreement. Galebolt placed the elf comfortably on the couch and took the offered seat. He was hungry and he waste little time sampling the food before him.

Kristianna, Baron and Skragg had meanwhile also sat down and it was Kristianna who spoke first. “I have sad news for you Galebolt. Rahvin somehow managed to get to your sister after she arrived. I was a target of one of Rahvin’s attacks and your sister tried to save me. She went as a member of the line of Eadwill should go, fighting the forces of darkness and the minions of the Dark Lord. Right now we are trying to do everything in our power to bring her back but the situation has become very complex. We will welcome your input in the matter.”

Galebolt looked in shock and then anger. His face hardened, “Rahvin will pay.” “He has already paid.” stated Skragg with such finality and murderess intent in his voice that Galebolt suddenly spun to look at him. “Twiggs set a trap for Rahvin and killed him in what looks to me to be a most permanent fashion. That is what is causing our problems. Rahvin has taken your sister’s soul somehow and for us to get it back we must force it from Rahvin himself.” Galebolt looked at Skragg knowing he spoke the truth, he could sense it.

“Then we must get Twiggs to return Rahvin so that we may deal with him.” Galebolt stated with finality. Baron looked at his old classmate, “Would you really bring Rahvin back to threaten the world and all the people in it for the sake of one person? Your sister herself stated that we must all be prepared to sacrifice ourselves. Now you would reverse her sacrifice to ease your own pain?” Betred spoke, “The decision though like most decisions in this world is complex. Kings have died in mass this month while you have been gone. Your sister was only one of the first. Let me bring you up to date.”

Betred pointed at a map behind him. “Elaine we think died first. She had been set up by Rahvin to attack my wife so that he could get to me. When exactly she was changed to a Vampire by Rahvin is not well known but we know it happened sometime after her arrival here. The next king to fall was Rahvin. You might remember that Elaine had ordered Twiggs captured? Well he was. We sent Lord Ezekiel back to help guard the elf king prisoner as a favor to the Towers nobility. Rahvin though must have seen this as an opportunity to strike. All the Towers nobility was eliminated in Rahvin's gruesome attack. When Rahvin though touched Twiggs he also vanished. Twiggs had obviously turned himself into a trap and when he went he took Rahvin with him. Who would have thought the elf would sacrifice himself that way?”

Skragg spoke, “Unfortunately we were also after Rahvin after the attack here and only arrived in time to take out his toad Corman and the attackers that remained. Meanwhile Jarod made a successful attack on the Nylss and quickly is bringing the remaining Vampires to Justice as fast as he can find them. He tried to contact Sirron but there appears to have been a Dark Lord fostered revolt in that country and Sirron was reportedly killed by Estelle and a coalition of advisors. Due to my alliances I have sent mercenaries and my Cy Clan there to restore order and Estelle seems satisfied now that Sirron is dead. The country seems to have become a part of a new world order. Your countries I might add may also be a part of that order.”

Galebolt glared at Skragg, “What do you mean by that?” Betred quietly handed him the contract Elaine had signed. Galebolt read it carefully and was about to speak when Betred spoke first. “Before you start arguing your case I want you to consider several things. First I have legal witnesses that your sister signed that contract openly and not under any kind of duress. However, I am willing to tear this contract up if you desire it in memory of the service that your sister rendered us.” Galebolt was obviously caught off guard by the comment. Betred having had the desired affect spoke calmly.

“This contract is binding and legal but I think I can offer you a better alternative. Join with me. Honor your sister’s final wishes. She must have foreseen the outcome for the world this month. Rahvin and Corman are gone. Twiggs and Elaine are gone. Sirron is gone. Harpin is gone. This leaves Jarod, Damien, Skragg, and me as the only legitimate rulers. Jarod and Damien have already made petition to join this counsel. Skragg is already a member. If you join us as well we can finally present a united front against the Dark Lord for the first time in two millennium.” Betred looked at Galebolt calmly.

“So I must ask, are you loyal to your sister’s memory and ideal or will you choose the more destructive road? On your decision hangs the fate of the world. Join me and we will bring a new golden Age to this world. Or dishonor all your sister died for and I will tear up this contract and on your head will be the fate of all.”

Galebolt again looked at the paper. It is indeed drafted and notarized properly. “Even if it is a fake I could not prove it.” Galebolt spoke bluntly, “The law appears to be on your side. You do not have to offer me anything. I am no more than a small noble in your country. Why do you offer me so much more?”

Betred nodded in agreement, “All this is as you say. I am not doing you a favor, but I am doing myself one. It is good for business if you continue to run both the Jelgai and the Towers. You have shown that you have the ability and you have done much in just the Jelgai to make it a good member after the defeat of jip the Giant. You will also get the empty lands of Crystallu and Namarushta, which I have been told by reliable sources, will reappear shortly with no inhabitants. The countries will have to be repopulated but they will be my gift to you for loyal support. It will do much to heal the wounds of this world. Jarod will acquire Tpsolei, and the Dark Lands as well as Livyanu to rule. Damien will own the Spouting Mountains, Shennu and Thimhalen. I will gain the Nylss, Mu Ugluan A and the Chaka Forest.”

Galebolt looked at Betred still warily. “You are generous but how will you deal with us if we do not do as you say. I also notice that you have left out the Dark Lord and Skragg. I am sure neither of them will welcome such a move.”

Skragg spoke, “I will be leaving this world and I have already heard that the Dark Lord has done so as well. Look all you will but he is gone from this world, Galebolt.” Galebolt looked surprised. Kristianna continued, “ Think of the possibilities Galebolt. The Dark Lord gone for this first time in untold ages. All the remaining powers and rulers working under one guiding hand in a Council such as this. The Attribute Wars would be ended forever and we could make our own future with no interfering hands. We would all be working together and not against each other for a change. We will no longer require large destructive armies. Spies and assassins will not be required. Peace has come to the world as Jarod foresaw. All it takes is your willingness to sacrifice your personal ego to the good of the world. You are the only one left to make a decision. All others are willing to try. You ask the question what we will do if you don’t accept?”

Kristianna looked at Galebolt steadily. “We will do nothing. The one thing we do want is a choice. It is the reason things have come to the point where they are. Will you walk the road of peace with us or will you go your own way and create another rift that will eventually bring us back to the Wars again? Are you responsible enough and Loyal enough?”

Galebolt looked at them all. “What of Rebecca?” Kristianna smiled, “Well said that you remember her. Only her and the elves in your country, in Tlashtek and the Chaka Forest remain. Ashla has been contacted and with Rebecca as well they will be working for you. You will be the new elf lord without being constrained by Twiggs limited views. The elves will not be outcast any longer but will be a partner in what is to come. Perhaps you can give them the freedom they truly deserve. Might I suggest that if Rebecca were willing she would make a most fitting Queen for you? I am sure she would not let you stray to far from what is required and is she not a fitting mate for the line of Eadwill? Her knowledge of elves would be a rallying point to those elves that remain. Who knows when we might need a new hero to face the Dark Lord? If you ask her nicely she might even be willing.”

Galebolt looked at the sleeping elf girl for a moment. She had indeed sacrificed all to follow what was right. In her were the greatest hopes of the world. He nodded. If she was willing it might be the last act needed to banish the Dark Lord from this world forever. He looked at the others. “Very well. You have been more than generous Betred. I will serve your Empire and will take the position you have granted me. Where do we go from here?”

Betred smiled, “Where indeed? Why upwards into the light of course.” Skragg smiled to himself. The Dark Lord would not know for a long time that Rebecca was back in this world. The deadwood and disruptive had been removed and the world would have time to grow strong. He would return when the time was right but once again the Dark Lord had assumed too much. He had failed. However, the Dark Lord had a grave weakness. If Arase thought she had won she would go and focus her attention on something else and in time would forget this place as she became involved in new worlds. She would not look at what she thought was her most recent conquest for a long time. Time to the Dark Lord was not like most humans. It could be thousands of years before she looked here again. Before that time Skragg might be back to make this realm strong. All depended now on the rule of Betred but Skragg like the Dark Lord was patient. He would wait.

Final GM Comments and Explanations from the Chaos Cycle

As many players and ‘lurkers’ might have noticed this game runs in segments. This way the players are not LOCKED into an endless game that boringly never ends. Personally I always hated those ‘endless dungeon things’. This insures a logical movement of characters and a realistic game progression.

This game attempts, in a fantasy setting, to model ‘real’ world decisions and concepts to give players a sound footing in dealing logically with this setting. Players for the most part make the ‘natural’ rules of the game world. The GM is limited to enforcing game rules of move submission and the limitations spelled out to players before such a match starts. This works on the basis of, if it isn’t in writing when it starts its fair game and creates desirable loopholes that players can use. I never like playing games in a box with no chance for imagination to take part.

Isn’t that why we get into gaming after all? We are drawn by the imagination and lure of the unknown and a created world. The worst thing is not being able to shape it in any way and leave a mark! That is perhaps why so many of us ‘professional gamers’ enjoy playing games in the first place. Having gamed steadily since 1970 and slightly earlier in the old Chain Mail type games, I still enjoy the player that can still pull a fast one within the rules on the ‘fat old man’ as many of the players refer to me. I accept the title in the spirit it is intended. One thing I learned after more than thirty years of gaming was that every player new or establish can contribute much and no contribution should be ignored. It might need to be channeled or revised but never ignored.

Each cycle the game goes through has new players. Betred, Twiggs, Skragg, the DL were older players from previous ‘cycles’. Rahvin, Sirron, Jarod, were new additions and Elaine while an older character was in flux as a new player took her over from another older player. Each player brings a unique view to the game and some are better fitted for certain characters than others. Still no one is forced into any role. How can one learn if they play the same thing all the time? Let the players make the additions that keep the game in flux and interesting.

One instance of this was Jesse playing the Rahvin character. He was especially active for a new player and the quips between his old adversary Twiggs/Ron were enough to keep the game snowballing. I tip my hat to those two professional and crafty players for their contributions. Jesse was chaotic and a certain amount of chaos is actually encouraged by me, while Ron with his years of experience is crafty and he made a wonderful foil for Jesse’s boldness. Their contributions were enormous.

As for Sirron/Norris? While the Cy Clan seemed to not be a prime mover it should be remembered that this is the way the CHARACTER was SUPPOSED to be played. Keeping the characters in ‘character’ was extremely important to the balance of the game. I could not think of a better player for the Cy Clan than Norris and he did a fine job despite the ‘rhetoric’ he received from many players. I tip my hat to another playing partner, who I have teamed with on other games on the web.

Jarod and Elaine had some difficulty with their characters and with free time. This is understandable. This is after all a game and ‘real’ life must take priority. I have no complaints and will cheerfully go take a players position in their games when we all take a break from fantasy by entering in a Star Wars Game for a while. I am sure Elaine/James will have some interesting encounters for me. I think I’ll play a Jedi and test out my ‘Paladin’ values.

As most people can see in end of this cycle there are ways out for several characters. Dante’s Inferno makes a great Hell ‘holding’ spot and does allow characters to eventually escape. I am sure Twiggs, Rahvin, Sirron, Elaine, Corman, and Harpin may indeed find their way back, eventually. Although I am sure if Betred has his way it won’t be for a very long time. Dave is busily enjoying his ‘Bragging Rights’ while Ron humorously protests getting nailed and Jesse says he should have never trusted Corman. He just KNEW something was wrong, but it looked so GOOD! All the players allow them their view and insults flow liberally. Such is life.

Where do we go from here? This has been asked by several of the players and lurkers. Games end and new ones begin. Our lives pass in phases. One part of our life ends and new phases begin. Boy, am I looking forward to retirement! In games it is the same. After a couple of years you like to take a break. The GM and players need a rest and need to encounter a fresh area with a fresh point of view. We do this often, on purpose.

So as GM I step down and again take a players role and viewpoint as another Player steps up to the GM’s position to present us with a new world. James is slated to take my place with a Star Wars game and already is fielding the usual quips, laments and comments from people ready and willing to tell him what he can do to make it better. Now I won’t say that James ignores us, but he does send comments and insults back which evens things out somewhat. James as he informed me will run his game his way and not my way and that too is good for us all. Star Wars will run and then another will take the mantle. Perhaps Matt with a Shadow Run game. Betred and his corporate intrigue I suspect.

In the meantime, characters have died but the affects they created as we can see linger on after them. They are now an established part of this game history and will add a richness and background to the world when players again enter in the next cycle to add their ideas and comments. It will make no difference if they are new or old for all are welcome. So, someday, I will again dust off the dice and pull out the game and new players will attempt to set things right that those idiots and morons before them messed up so well.

So in parting, the fat old man smiles, for people are not just one thing in life but wear many faces in a lifetime. I am not the same person that went to a war all those years ago and inside this old man’s body is a kid who still likes new ideas as well as exciting and unusual places. I am always learning something new but at my age as many of the players have pointed out; it is harder to remember it.

Tomorrow I am a Paladin/Jedi and after that a scum sucking runner in the corp. world. See you all in the next game. Especially those I haven’t met yet. Hopefully Norris, Matt and Dave will continue to put up our groups adventures on the web for those ‘lucky’ enough to find us and will include an address for those who want to contact us to try it out. All are welcome. Keep in touch, for you never know what we might get into next.

Congratulations to Dave/Betred on his win. My thanks to each and every participant. To me? You all won.

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