Spring Break
Chapter 6
By Rachel76m
Edited by Don Kaufman

I have a mixed night of dreams. It is one right after the other. It is difficult to make sense of the images and meaning. In one dream there is peace. I settle down and get married with children and a loving wife. We are laughing and enjoying life to the fullest. Then in the next moment they're not there. I see lawlessness running through the streets of the cities and towns everywhere ever I went. This went back and forth several times.

I see the back of a man looking at the war progressing in front of him as he hovers in the Ethereal Space.

“That's it, dragons. Set on fire and sink those warships. No one will ever know what caused those fishing fleets to sink. Soon I'll be ruler of Twainor! Hah, hah, hah....”

Then the next dream sequence shows me bodies laying everywhere with the stench of death. I see towns laid waste and in piles of rubble. Towns and villages abandoned. I wanted to run and hide so that I'm not caught. Then I tell myself I must find somebody; I don't want to be alone. I search the world over. All I see are animals running free, going where ever they wish.

There has to be somebody left. Where did they go?

I'm getting worried. Soon I arrive in a small village. I finally see people, but there are very few children among them. However, the people don't look to be in good health. I walk up to them. They don't pay attention to me.

“Hello, can anyone tell me what day it is?”

They ignore me as if they don't see me. I walk right in front of a man and he passes right through me.

Then I hear some mumbling of words from the people. I walk up to them and listen in.

"Why, why did he make our parents sick? Now we are sick."

"We can't do magic anymore."

"He has taken our light, youth and joy."

"We will wander forever, lost with no future."

"No one will remember us."

These are just ghosts and memories. What did the world do to bring such pain and hurt? Then I smell blood in their breaths.

I think for a moment. Then it dawns on me.... No! Not that!

I begin to panic... Arrgh!

=====<<<<<>>>>>=====

"Arrghh... !!"

Suddenly I wake up in bed with a sweat on the forehead. I'm breathing fast ... pant ... pant. I look around and see it is still night. I lie back down and stare at the ceiling.

Rats, those dreams seem so real. Are you trying to tell me something Maker? That is the most obvious, but what is it?

Then two doors open quickly.

Sir Halgren steps in and the guard from the front door opens.

"Are you all right Richard?"

"I heard a scream."

"It was bad dream. Usually it is a warning."

They calm down.

"Then let it be a warning. It is still Third Watch."

"Then I better get some sleep then. Thank you both."

"You're welcome." The castle guard closes the front door.

"Good night, Richard." Sir Halgren closes the door. Then he decides to open it all the way this time.

"Good night, Sir Halgren."

I stare at the ceiling again. Come on Richard, you've been through this before. Think about good thoughts, slow down the breathing and get some sleep.

I finally fall asleep.

=====<<<<<>>>>>=====

I meet people that I met in school and in college. We are having a good time with learning the world around us. Then I find myself at the mountain cabin with my family. I relive several winters and summers and the fun I had then.

Yes, it is a good time to be alive with friends and family.

Just when I about to settle down to the peace, the dream switches to rows and rows of coffins everywhere like a sea. There must be millions here, maybe billions. I yell out. “What does this mean, Maker?”

I hear silence. The coffins disappear, and then I am standing in white space with no sense of being in a room.

Then I hear a still small voice, it gets louder and louder. The words are one after the other. "Looktothewestlooktothewestlooktothewest....."

Soon the voice is right in front of my face, the wind blows. Then I hear the words clearly.

"Look to the West."

=====<<<<<>>>>>=====

As soon as I hear the words, I wake up and stare at the ceiling and see the white light fading from memory. The heart is beating fast. This time I'm not sweating. I sit up on the edge of the bed and look out the window. I see dawn breaking with light on the horizon. I get out of bed and pull a chair to be near the window.

I open the window and let the breeze come in. I sit down in the chair and look out on the world as it begins a new day.

I mutter to myself. "This will not happen again. I know what must be done today. Somebody is trying to bring the horror here. It all started on those islands to the West." I start to shed some tears.

I hear the door open behind me. Renard speaks, "Good morning Richard. I hope you slept well. The guard told me you had a bad dream last night."

I turn to him and show him my tear stained face.

"Oh my, Richard, what happened last night? Hold that thought Richard. I need to bring in King Tierion and Dryden, they need to hear this."

He closes the door and leaves me in silence. I look out the window and see the light getting brighter. "Soon the morning light show will begin."

Then I hear the door open again. I continue to look out the window while they gather around. Some sit on the bed or stand. The two Kings come in and sit on the extra chairs in the room. They all look at me. Queen Shiranna hands me a small cloth from the table. I nod my head in thanks and give a slight smile. I dry my face with it and hold it in my hands.

I take some deep breaths to compose myself. "The Maker warned me. It's happening again. Somebody is trying to bring the horror here. It started on those islands to the West."

"I had two distinct dreams last night. They were mixed in with my own dreams of back home. The dreams came in loud and clear from the Maker. Usually he's subtle, but this time he was direct." I repeat the dreams from last night. I then become quiet looking out the window again.

"No, it can't be. That means somebody survived on the islands."

I hear some muttering of prayers from the women.

"Yes, Lord Dryden, somebody did survive. That person or someone else created the lie and started the war back then. Do you think he could be alive today?"

"I don't know; it is possible, Richard. He would be very old if he is. Then he would have followers."

"That would answer some of the questions about the sea tooth we received yesterday."

"Yes it would. What are you going to do, Richard?"

I raised my voice a bit, "Face it head on. If that group wants to bring it, then I will be right in front of their faces and challenge them to look in Avel's face and mine. They must look straight in our eyes. We'll see if they want that future."

"I see; that might be the best approach. What if they still want it?"

"Then Avel and I will unleash the stories from Earth and let Twainor decide if they want that future as well."

"I doubt it very much. Can the horror be erased from their minds?"

"No. It scars the mind forever. You're constantly reminded of the choices that you make. The innocent dies at the hand of the guilty. It took centuries and centuries before any form of justice took hold. It is still there no matter how hard you try to erase it. It spreads like wildfire once it gains hold in the children. It takes great training of the mind to put it aside to get what little peace you can achieve. I can kill someone if I wish, but I've put up constant reminders to think otherwise. My parents taught me well. I try very hard to be quiet so I can listen to the Maker's voice."

"How did it start, Richard?"

"Usually from eating meat one should not be eating."

"What are you talking about Richard?"

"When the people of Earth started to spread throughout the world after the Great Flood, most had no guidance on how to live. Only a few could hear the Maker's voice. They lived the best way they could. They knew they were weak in the wilderness. They saw the wild animals to be strong; killing one another to survive. So the people ate those animals to gain their strength. What they didn't know, it also brought that animal spirit to them."

"So they became more savage than ever."

"That's right. Plus new diseases were introduced that even shortened our lives. It's now rare to live up to ninety years."

Then I hear some gasps and more prayers from everyone in the room.

I stand and turn to look at the Kings, "You need to investigate their kingdoms if they have eaten any wild animals. Avel can tell the story of what happened before the Great Flood. I won't repeat it here. Save the story for later today." I look out the window again.

Then everybody looks at each other. "There has to be a solution to the problem, but what is it?"

"I know what the answer is, my Kings. They're easy to find with your magic once you see the signs. They will have the smell of blood in their breaths. It is there for all time. Gather them together and put them back on those islands to the West where it started and let the sea dragons take care of them if they wish. The survivor must have been eating one of their kinds that were slain by the fishermen then to stay alive."

"Then they will live out their days on the islands and not leave. They will be banished to exile until they pass away from memory. Their magic will be removed and not allowed to build sea ships. If they do, we will let the sea dragons take care of it. Their families will go with them if they wish. We will check the island periodically."

"What are we to eat, then?"

"It is the fish from the sea and the birds that we raise on the farms that are safe for us my Kings. Of course the vegetables, grains and fruits must remain a staple of the daily foods."

"You're right, Eldwin."

Renard agrees with him by nodding his head up and down.

"We still need to make contact with the sea dragons, Lord Dryden. We must come to an agreement with them. They know the water world better than we do. If we can, with their guidance, we will have no lack with the sea harvest."

"I agree Lord Tierion. Eldwin and Renard you must unravel the mystery of that tooth as soon as possible."

"Yes, my King."

"It is time to get cleaned up and get ready. The morning repast will be held in the dining room on the second floor below us with the other guests in the castle. Can you pull yourself together, Richard?"

"I think I can, my Lord. Since I shared the dream, my spirit has eased."

"That's good to hear." King Tierion smiles and hugs me.

The others come up as well with smiling faces and gave me a quick hug or a hand on the shoulder.

"Thanks, I needed that."

"You're welcome, Richard. We'll go now. See you within the half mark."

"See you then."

They all file out of the room. Sir Halgren is the last one standing there and looks at me. He smiles at me, "You amaze me every time Richard. I don't see how you put it together."

"If this horror gets unleashed here on Twainor, then in time your world will be like my world. You'll know what Avel and I are going through in our minds. It is a constant battle of good versus evil."

"I see. Then we must be steadfast with purpose today and be wary of the evil. Is there hope, Richard?"

"It depends on how far it has spread among the people. That will be the key."

"Then let us hope it has not."

"Let us hope."

Sir Halgren walks back into his room and I turn to get myself ready for the day. I quickly grab a mint leaf from the bowl on the dresser top and put it in the mouth and begin to chew it. I open the drawer and see the clothes are clean and fresh. There must be a cleaning spell on the drawer. I take them out and place them on the bed. I walk over to the table and pour out some water in a bowl. I take the small cloth and do the same clean up like I did in Renard's cottage yesterday morning.

I put on my own under shorts and shorts on. I put on the breast and back plate and attach it. I put on the pants, shirt and boots that I will be wearing for the ceremony. I put on the jacket and look in the mirror. I smile to myself and comb my hair. I take out the chewed mint leaf and throw it in the receptacle in the private room.

I take a look in the satchel to see if I need to put anything in it. The comb is all I need; I'll put that in the pants pocket this time. I'll keep the watch on the wrist. The other clothes can stay here for now with the satchel.

I turn and walk to the inner door. "I'm ready, Sir Halgren. Are you ready?"

"Yes I am. I'm ready for the morning repast, see you out front." Sir Halgren closes the inner door. We both walk out and greet the guards.

Then I see a green glow around the doors. Apparently they want it locked now.

"We're ready for the morning repast."

"Follow us, please."

We follow the guards and make a turn to go down some stairs. We make another turn and walk down a hallway where we see two large doors with two guards standing near them. They open the doors for us and we enter in. Soon we see everyone else gathered there. What? Late again? These people are real early birds, unless they're using magic to get cleaned and dressed up fast. I smile to myself at the thought.

I see the Grand King and the other eleven kings with their queens sitting behind their tables on a raised dais. On the right and left hand sides are tables for the guests that are invited. On the left I see wizards and sorceresses mainly, but there are some others there. On the right hand side I see people who must be the Outside Helpers and at other table near them who look like escorts.

I stand for a moment wondering where to sit.

Then a well dressed man walks up to me. "Come this way, Richard. You'll be sitting with the other Outside Helpers. Sir Halgren, we have a table setting where you can sit near him."

"Thank you." We both say it at the same time.

He leads us to our seats. I sit on the end of the table row and Sir Halgren is just to my left with another table group setting.

I look down the row at the other Outside Helpers and I smile and nod my head at them. They do the same in return.

Soon we hear a voice speak and we look up towards the front.

The Grand King stands and greets us all. "Welcome to Angathorn Kingdom. This is a most glorious day that Twainor gets to be counted among the Local Group."

Everybody claps. "The twelve Outside Helpers arrived within the last several days. We hope our customs will not upset them too much."

We all give a short laugh.

Lord Dryden raises his hand to quiet the room. "Let us begin with giving Thanks."

Grand Wizard Eldwin stands up and gives the Thanks. "Maker, we just want to give Thanks for this day. Thank you for bringing the Outside Helper's safely here. May their talents help us and remind us we are not alone in your Creation. Thank you for this food to give us the strength we need today."

Everyone then said "Thank you, Maker."

Then the dull sound of conversations is heard around the room. I see some vegetables and fruits on the table. This time I see some cooked grains put out. I decide to grab one of the fruits right away and put it in the bowl near my plate.

I take some greens and put that down first. Then I put some vegetables on top of that. Then I take a spoonful of cooked grains and place that on the side.

I then begin to eat my breakfast. Then I get interrupted by an Outside Helper to my right.

"Hello my name is Tek. I'm from the star system Quetzal, fourth planet Takron."

I swallow my bite. "I'm Richard, from the star system Sol, third planet Earth. I’m pleased to meet you."

"Which kingdom do you represent?"

"I represent Thryson. Which one is yours?"

"I represent Correlle. I guess saying how far away or which direction your world is would be difficult to describe right now."

We exchange some bites of food.

"Yes it would be, these stars and nebulae are in a different position from where Earth is."

"It is the same with me. Fortunately only the nebulae and some of the stars provide a reference point. We just need to figure out the new angles."

"That's true. What is your specialty, Tek?"

"It's bio tech environmental systems. What's yours?"

"It is computer networks and security software mainly with some other interests."

We take some more bites of food.

"That's good. I would imagine each of us has something to offer when something goes bad here on this non-tech world."

"Probably, I wouldn't be surprised if something happens today unexpectedly. Magic can make up for it and other information if used properly."

Tek looks at me for a short moment and takes a bite while thinking on that statement. "That's true about the magic that I've seen so far. Then we better hope the unexpected is not too serious." He smiles.

I smile back at him as well, "I hope so, too." Yes, he takes the message.

"Let's continue eating. We're going to need our strength today."

"I’m sure we will."

We continue eating in silence and looking around the room while we eat and drink. After an half mark we're finished with the morning repast.

"Richard, these fruits they have here are fantastic. The flavors are far above the fruits from my world."

"Same here,Tek. What do you think of the light show for the sun settings?"

"Those are fantastic as well. On my world it is mostly cloudy all the time. Rarely do we see the stars at night."

"My world is not too bad with the clouds, but they still bring the rains needed to keep the grass green."

"Green grass? Our grass is red."

"Well I guess the Maker wants variety in his creation."

"That's true." We give a few laughs. Then we hear Lord Dryden
speak up.

"This concludes the morning repast. The guards will escort the Outside Helpers and their escorts to a waiting room near the Grand Hall. We have a full mark to allow Twainor to come in and get settled in their seats and locations. The ceremonies should last about two marks. When that is accomplished we'll proceed to conduct some Twainor matters. Our next gathering is not for several more moons. The kingdoms decided to hold an interim meeting. There will be another meeting in the Grand Hall afterwards. This should last until the noon repast. Once that is done, we'll have the noon repast here. Then the rest of the day is yours as well as the next day. Then we will break camp tomorrow and send our Outside Helpers home."

Then some clapping and cheering began. Lord Dryden raises his hand and everybody gets quiet.

"Everybody rise please." Everybody stands up. "Guards will you please escort our Outside Helpers and their escorts."

We all line up in two columns; Sir Halgren is on my left side. As we file out it turns out that Sir Halgren and I are leading the rest of us. We follow the guards and walk down the stairs to the main floor. I see people and First Ones coming into the Grand Hall. The guards lead us to another hall on the left side of Grand Hall. We walk down the hallway and see two guards standing by single door. They open the door for us. We all walk in. We see comfortable chairs and long sofas in the room. Painted pictures of landscapes found on Twainor is hanging on the walls. Against the wall are several tables with pitchers of water and glasses and mugs. The room is big enough for all of us without feeling crowded.

We all walk around and get ourselves comfortable. We begin to greet each other and introduce our names and where we come from and whose kingdom each one represents. It is a mixed group of different planets; each one looking a little different from the others. If it was not for the language spell here on Twainor, none of us would have understood each other. There are eight men and four women in the group.

There was one man who got my attention. I become very concerned about him. He looks very nervous when he approaches me. I look to Sir Halgren and quickly blink my eyes twice and slight nod with my head pointing towards the nervous man. He sees it and walks up beside me and watches.

"Are you all right? You're not nervous, are you?"

"I don't do well in small rooms, Richard. I will be more comfortable when I'm in the Grand Hall. I look at the pictures to ease my fears."

"I can only imagine what it is like. We're all strangers here. Hopefully by the end of the day we'll be great friends."

"I hope so too. Can we shake hands, please?"

"Sure, Belisar." I shake hands with him. Then I feel something in my palm. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Richard. Can I tell you something quietly?"

"Can he listen in? I trust him with my life." I look towards Sir Halgren.

He looks at him as well, "Yes."

We lean forward and Belisar whispers in our ears. "We're just pawns."

We step away; Sir Halgren and I give a look at each other a bit wide-eyed then it turns to worried eyes.

"Can you hold a moment while I have a talk with my escort here?"

"Sure, don't take too long." He then stares at a picture on the wall with his escort nearby.

I motion for Sir Halgren to follow me to a corner of the room for some privacy and whisper to him. "He just gave me this." I open my hand between us and we look down. It is a small medallion with a broken chain.

"This is very bad Richard. This time I know what it is. I need to inform Sir Trenton right now. It's a wizard in training medallion."

"These Outside Helpers are innocent. We must tell them what is going to happen afterwards. Perhaps they can come up and stand by our side on the stage."

"That's possible. But we need to ask Belisar what this means."

"All right, we'll ask."

I turn around. "Belisar, will you please come here."

He nods his head up and down. He gets nervous as he approaches the corner of the room.

"Sorry about this Belisar, but we'll be quick. We need to ask some questions."

"All right."

We whisper to each other. "Who gave you this medallion?"

"A wizard in training, his name is Corrbas. When I arrived here three days ago, I appeared in his cottage and not with the Master Wizard. Corrbas sent the call out with some other wizards before the Master Wizard did. Did you receive the sea tooth yesterday?"

Sir Halgren and I look at Belisar earnestly. "Yes, we did. Master Wizard Renard and Grand Master Wizard Eldwin are trying to decipher the tooth as we speak."

"Tell them not to touch the knife point; it's dipped in sea dragon's blood. Behind that is a small crystal sphere with a message from Corrbas."

"What? Where did he get that blood and tooth from Belisar?"

"From Master Wizard Ruald, he's the one who survived on the islands to the West as a wizard in training assigned to the fishing fleet."

"Say no more. That confirms it Sir Halgren. It is Master Wizard Ruald that is sick."

"Sick would be a good word Richard. Corrbas is actually the second wizard in the Kingdom. He was demoted when he confronted Ruald's behavior some years ago. When he heard about the Outside Helpers coming, he knew it be his one chance to set things straight. Corrbas is the one who sent that tooth yesterday; he was dressed as a servant."

"How many other people are sick in the kingdom? Have they eaten any wild animals?"

"It is not a total sickness, but the people live in fear. The King and Queen are unaware, I think, and not sick. It could be anywhere from five to fifteen people I would think are sick. There could be more, I don't know. I know some of the nobles and soldiers who have eaten the wild animals. I've seen it once from afar. They're planning to spread the sickness here. How? I don't know."

"Bring your escort over here; we need to ask him as well."

"All right, Richard." Belisar turns around and motions his hands to him come over.

The escort comes over and stands between Sir Halgren and Belisar.
"Sir Peridan, what can I do for you?"

"Do you know what Belisar gave to Richard," asked Sir Halgren.

"Yes, I was hand picked by Corrbas for this assignment. I've been with him for years. I remembered a story that Ruald was the fastest student to learn the spells from wizard in training to full wizard. Within ten years he became Second Wizard. Then for some unknown reason the Master Wizard disappeared unexpectedly. Then Ruald was sworn in to be Master Wizard and Corrbas became 2nd Wizard. I was just sworn into the Castle Guard in my younger years."

"I remembered how things were in the forests before Ruald became Master Wizard. Afterwards, we found carcasses of dead wild animals in various places around the Castle and Ruald's cottage. Corrbas realized there was a change in him that was most profound. Corrbas snooped around and found a sealed jar that Ruald is very protective of. Corrbas never got an answer from Ruald. But he remembered that Ruald had an unusual smell to his breath when they're face to face. He wanted to meet with the Legion Commander and the King to press charges against Ruald. Ruald got wind of it and demoted him. Ruald has support from the Army and Navy Commanders."

"Soon thereafter; Corrbas detected more people with this strange breath smell. He also noticed a change in attitude and so did I in the people. Corrbas then put a request to the Legion to have me assigned to aid him and be his escort at all times. Legion Commander Jakan allowed it. Corrbas and I hatched a plan. The next time that Ruald would have a Wizard in training meeting, I would go and put some liquid from our sleep darts on the door handle to his Castle study room and wait until he opened the door again when he came back. Well it happened three days later for the next Wizard in training meeting. Corrbas informed me of the time. When the day came I put a small jar of the sleep liquid in a leather pouch with gloves and rags. I escorted Corrbas to the meeting. Once he entered the room, I immediately walked to Ruald's Castle study room and put the sleep liquid on the door handle with the gloves. I immediately walked back to the meeting room and waited for Corrbas to come out. When I got there I noticed there was no one down the halls seeing where I came from."

"I stood outside the teaching room and waited. After a mark, the meeting ended. Ruald immediately left the room looking drained. He immediately walked back to his Castle study room. I waited with Corrbas and smiled at him. He smiled back. We walked to Ruald’s study room and saw the door ajar. We walked in and see him on the floor asleep with the mystery jar in his hands. His face was very pale. The jar was open and some of the green liquid spilled on the floor. I took Corrbas pen knife and dipped it in the liquid and gave it back to him. At the time we were hearing the roar of the dragons in the distance while this happening. He then put it in a small box that he had with him. He then put a sealing spell on the box and carried that out. I went back out and recited a cleaning spell to remove the sleep liquid from the door handle."

"Ruald never knew what transpired. Ruald figured he must have fainted and fell asleep from exhaustion. Because the next day I found another wild animal carcass near the castle totally drained of blood and some meat portions missing. Corrbas and I then knew it was a bad sickness. Each time Corrbas opened the box the dragons nearby roared in anger. He did some more information digging and testing and determined it came from a sea dragon."

"We kept this information to ourselves and watched everyone around us and in the Kingdom. The people became more fearful and afraid when anyone came from Maranelle Castle. The First Ones sensed a change as well and kept to the mountains on the islands. Corrbas confirmed this to them. When we heard of the call for Outside Helpers, Corrbas determined this was the chance to straighten things out. The rest of the story you know already."

"When the crystal sphere is removed from the sea tooth, it will be the same story that I just gave, but it will be Corrbas speaking."

I look to Sir Halgren, "We have hope, then. Go and contact Sir Trenton, King Tierion and Renard. We'll inform and organize the Outside Helpers here. Ask King Tierion if fish or fowl is being served today inside the castle. There could be a compromise there, and have the Kings tell the Master Chef in there to be extra clean, heat the metal utensils, pots and pans before he starts, burn the wooden utensils or bring in new and clean utensils, pots and pans."

"Right, if you excuse me." He turns around and takes out his contact sphere to send the message.

Sir Halgren decides to contact Renard first and recites the spell.

The image of Renard appears above the sphere.

"We just received dire news; we met one of the Outside Helpers here. He just confirmed our suspicions. That tooth has a knife point dipped in sea dragon's blood."

"Where did it come from?"

"The Master Wizard of Maranelle Island Kingdom. He's the survivor from the islands to the West. He was a young wizard in training then."

"Oh, my Maker. That explains a lot."

"Corrbas is the one who sent that tooth yesterday; he was dressed as a servant. Behind that knife point is a crystal sphere with a message. Belisar just showed Richard and me a wizard in training medallion with a broken chain. Sir Peridan just gave us the most incredible story to believe in. You will hear the same story from Corrbas on the crystal sphere."

"Thanks for the warning. Now we know what to look for. We can figure out the rest of clues with this tooth."

"There's more, Renard and Eldwin."

"Yes Sir Halgren."

"Belisar says there is an attempt to spread the sickness during the day. Right now he thinks there are five to fifteen people sick in the Maranelle Island Kingdom, there could be more. Richard thinks it will be done during the noon repast. Is there any fish or fowl served in the castle today?"

"Why yes, both are being served,"

"Richard said there could be a compromise there. He wants the Master Chef in there to be extra clean, heat the metal utensils, pots and pans before he starts, burn the wooden utensils or bring in new and clean utensils, pots and pans."

"Thanks for the warning; we'll take care of that. We'll contact Tierion and Dryden, go and inform Sir Trenton."

"Yes, Renard and Eldwin."

The image disappears above the crystal.

"Sir Halgren, before you contact Sir Trenton, I have an idea. Tell Sir Trenton we need another eye witness from their kingdom to speak up against this sickness. Corrbas would be good to add to the stories from Avel and me."

He smiles, "Yes, he would."

He recites the spell again to contact Sir Trenton. An image appears above Sir Trenton with many people around him. Sir Halgren gives a hand signal for a private talk quickly.

Sir Trenton nods his head. "I'll be right back."

The image disappears. Moments later the image of Sir Trenton appears again with no people around.

"What is it, Sir Halgren?"

Then Sir Halgren explains everything that has transpired here and the conversation with Renard.

"Good job, Sir Halgren. You and Richard go ahead and inform the Outside Helpers what is going on. I'll inform the rest of my knights and the First Ones on my end and with the Legion Commander of Angathorn Kingdom. Is Richard up to the challenge today?"

"His mind is set for it. He's very aware of the consequences. He's hoping for a confrontation right in front of us."

"Yes, the direct approach. I like it. It will be like what he did yesterday in the Thryson throne room."

"Richard just came up with another idea. Find Corrbas from the Maranelle Kingdom to be a witness against this sickness. He was the one who delivered the tooth yesterday. It will add to Avel and Richard's stories."

"Thanks, Sir Halgren. It's going to be an interesting day after all. Be safe."

"Yes, it will be. Be safe."

The image disappears.

Sir Halgren turns back to us. "They've been told. Now we need to tell the Outside Helpers what is going on."

Belisar and I nod to Sir Halgren. We walk into the center of the room.

I decide to speak first. "I have some very important news to give today. There is going to be some unusual excitement today after the ceremonies."

"What kind of excitement Richard?"

"The kind that could change the direction of this planet that the people here would not like."

Sir Halgren speaks, "I need to give you some quick stories about our recent history of Twainor."

"And I need to add how the First Ones here are connected to my world."

It took some time to explain it to them. The eleven other escorts were amazed to find out where they came from. Everyone was saddened though on what happened on my world and why the First Ones left.

Then we tried to explain the problem for today, they really became unsettled. But they finally realized the tenuous balance of the confrontation that will happen. I also told them of my extra protection underneath my shirt.

"What can we do?"

"When you see the commotion come about. The Kings and Queens and the First Ones will be gathering on the main stage. That is the time to join them. We are hoping that the rest of Twainor will see the truth of the matter of the sea dragons."

"But you still need to deal with this wizard and his followers. What is going to happen there?"

"This is where I hope he will come forth and look straight in Avel's face and mine and see if he still wants it. If he does, then Corrbas will come up and give witness, then Avel and I will tell our stories if we have to."

"More than likely that will not stop him."

"No, but it will galvanize Twainor what to do. King Dryden will then banish them to those islands out West and never allow them to leave. Their magic will be removed. If they try to build a boat, the sea dragons have permission to sink them."

"Well then, let us hope it all goes well today."

Great; everybody agrees to the plan; even the escorts as well. Yes, the Outside Helpers are together.

"Is it possible our talents and specialties are needed here on this non-tech world?"

Sir Halgren smiles, "I can tell from my experience with Richard, you might just be surprised. Even though his specialty is with computers and security, it's his other knowledge that has helped out greatly. Don't forget that. We might get an invader from another world who wants to conquer us. Do you think we know how to defend ourselves against this might?"

"That's true, Sir Halgren, but it would be the weapons and machinery that the enemy has. That's where we can be useful."

"Yes, that is right Evrat. We can provide ideas to help them understand their world and the creation around them. To give them ideas how to turn those weapons against the enemy."

"That's right,Tek. Twainor knows the frequency of their crystals is the key to communicate to others outside their world."

"We have the magic, we just need to learn more about our world to make it better and to defend Twainor better," replies Sir Chayton.

Then they hear the loudest noise they ever heard. They hear dragons roaring at the top of their lungs.

"What is going on?"

The four female Outside Helpers scream and put their hands to their ears. We all did as well.

"It is the dragons. They're mad. They know a dragon is hurt somewhere," yells Sir Peridan!

"I hope they calm down soon. These walls are shaking!"

Belisar looks very frightened now. We come up to him.

"Look at the picture, Belisar. Imagine you're outside in the fresh air."

"I'm trying Richard. It is the fear of these walls crumbling down around me."

"Just think good thoughts only. Remember the fresh smell in the forest."

"I know, they can bring down the dome quickly!"

Then we hear the rage subside and begin to get quiet.

"That was too close."

We all begin to calm down. We sit in the seats. The knights all pass around cups of water to calm our nerves.

"Thank you for the words, Richard."

"You're welcome, Belisar."

"Did you ever feel trapped like that?"

"Once or twice, one time I was with a tour group to visit some caves that are open to the public. Just as long we stayed on the path everything was fine. The only hard part was we had to squeeze between two walls to get to the other side. I just had to remember to breathe with short breaths and keep the air coming into the lungs. We were told that it opened into a large cave. I had to trust that our guide was right."

"Thanks, Richard, for the idea."

"You're welcome."

The door opens the guard steps in to see how we are doing.

"Is everyone all right?"

"We are, just scared for the moment. Give us a few moments we'll be fine."

"Just take deep breaths and slow the heart down Helpers. We don't need you fainting out there."

"Thank you for thinking about our well being and health knight."

"I let you know when it is time." The guard closes the door.

We all begin to talk of the things we saw during the last few days.

"Richard, my specialty is in surgery. What can I do here? They have magic, they can do anything."

"I don't think so Ariella. Your escorts here can attest to the fact that injuries can be very life threatening during war or an accident."

"That's right, Richard. These injuries are inside. We really have no knowledge of how to deal with the blood loss and torn body parts. Our healers, wizards and sorceresses do the best they can."

"You can provide the insight and have it recorded on the crystal spheres for future reference."

"But usually we have special electrical devices that allow us to see inside the body before we operate. We don't like go in blind."

"That's true on my world too Ariella. Hmm... I have an idea Ariella. Sir Halgren, can your wizards and sorceresses use the crystal spheres to record the body with a narrow area to slice the image?"

"It is possible. We would need to ask them if it can be done. I do see what you mean about knowing before opening up the wound."

"Thank you, Richard and Sir Halgren, for that idea. I will need to ask the others in Ringol Kingdom."

We finally learn that we can trust each other. Our bond of friendship will last a very long time.

The door opens a second time, the guard comes in again. "Be ready, it's almost time." He steps back out and closes the door.

"Quick all hands together on this table."

All twenty-four put their hands down and look at each other and smile.

"We are the Outside Helpers of Twainor. We are united."

"We are the escorts of Twainor. We are united."

"Be wary and observant, look around and see. We have help with at least two of the Kingdoms."

"Let us hope the other ten kingdoms see the light quickly."

"Those who are in darkness will disappear in darkness so that the light can shine."

"For Twainor!"

"For the Twin Moons!"

"For the Maker!"

We all line up in pairs, Outsider on the right, escort on the left. We are in the order of the kingdoms in the Grand Hall. We line up in a column looking forward and put on our best faces. Sir Halgren and I are last taking up the rear. Tek and his escort lead our group out. Then I realized Sir Halgren and I will be on the left hand side as Renard is in the Grand Hall. The doors open, we hear a huge roar of applause and cheers. The guard leads us out into the Grand Hall.