Spring Break
Chapter 12
By Rachel76m
Edited by Don Kaufman

"Welcome, Twainor, to the Grand Hall. Has everyone been able to get some ideas on how to contact the sea dragons and what to do with Ruald?"

King Quentin stands, "I think we all have, King Dryden. The problem is that our Outside Helpers do not come from a water world like Richard's." Then King Quentin sits back down.

I lean forward to whisper behind King Tierion's head. "It looks like it will be us."

He nods his head. King Tierion stands and walks to the front and steps up to the stage to stand by King Dryden.

"We have discussed it in length and try to figure out how to contact the sea dragons. Richard came up with a very good idea how to do this. Richard, if you would please come forward."

"Yes, my Lord." Sir Halgren and I both stand up and walk up to the stage. I bow my head to both Kings. They nod their heads as well. I turn to face the audience.

"While we were walking back to the pavilions earlier I noticed the dragons out in the field playing around. Their roars can be heard for a very long distance."

I see a lot of agreements from everyone.

"Well, that reminded me of certain sea creatures on my world who can make noises underwater."

This time we hear some mumbling questions going through the audience.

I raise my hand to quiet them down. "I know; Thryson Kingdom had the same questions as well. There are two sea mammals that use sound very well underwater. There is mammal called a dolphin or porpoise, very sleek and beautiful. It makes clicking noises to communicate. The other is the humpback whale. It uses it throat and lungs to bellow out a reverberating sound that sounds like a song. Only they know what it means."

"Thank you, Richard."

"You're welcome, King Tierion."

"So if the dragons here were to put their heads into the water and roar, we're sure that will get the attention of the sea dragons."

Everyone smiles and nod their heads in agreement.

"But where will we do this, King Tierion?"

"Where it started, on the islands out West. We'll bring Ruald with us and leave him there in exile."

"I see, that is a very good idea, Tierion." King Dryden addresses the audience. "Who and how many should be there to meet these sea dragons?"

King Beltrane stands. "I think we should bring all the First Ones who are here, plus the Kings, Queens, the Outside Helpers and their escorts, with the commanders, port governor and one sea captain. I think two wizards and two sorceresses from each kingdom for transport should be enough."

King Jeriel stands, "Some of my Castle Lords requested to come as well, with their wives."

"Does everyone agree to that, Twainor?"

Then all Kings and Queens stand together, they look at each other and nod their heads in agreement, "We agree, King Dryden." They all answer at the same time, and then they all sit back down; except for the ones on the stage.

"Thank you, Twainor. Guards, go and retrieve Ruald and bring him here for judgment."

"Yes, my Lord." They stand at attention momentarily, then turn left and walk towards the main doors and exit the Grand Hall.

"While they are doing that, has any discussion been started on what to do with the people of Maranelle Islands?"

King Tierion speaks up, "I know we have. We came up with a lot of questions and suggestions. It might be best to save it for tomorrow morning at the 2nd Mark."

King Dryden nods his head in agreement. He looks at the other Kings and Queens. "Do you have anything to add, Kings and Queens?"

King Nazar of Antarte Kingdom stands, "We have, King Dryden, I agree with King Tierion. It will give us more time to begin a brand new day on the matter. We don't know how long it will take to resolve the sea dragon issue once we are out there."

King Loran of Eirecann Kingdom stands, "I would think what little time is spent out there today is just enough to introduce ourselves properly. It will probably take several moons to seriously discuss the issues and problems before we come to an agreement."

"Hmm... you do have a point there, King Loran. Does everyone agree to that, Kings and Queens?"

They all stand back up to confirm it. "We agree, King Dryden."

"Very well Twainor. Today will be spent in contacting the sea dragons for a mark or two. Once done there, we'll come back here before the Setting. Then, tomorrow morning we'll meet here at the 2nd Mark to discuss the problems on the Maranelle Islands. Outside Helpers, that will be your time to go there to see what can be done. You will have your escorts with you and the leadership of Maranelle Islands. King Hilmar, Queen Mirielle and Port Governor Rotai will be here for the discussions."

They all nod their heads in agreement. The center doors to the Grand Hall open up. The two guards escort Ruald to the center front. He shows no energy at all, he looks very tired and pale.

"Kings and Queens, please come up here on the stand to pass judgment. Avel, please come up as well and stand next to Richard on the main floor."

Sir Halgren and I step down to the main floor so that Avel can stand next to us. The three fairies fly along with Avel. They come to rest on his head and mane. Two additional guards come up and stand next to us. The rest of the Kings and Queens come up and line up on the stage and face Ruald.

"Look at us, Ruald."

Ruald looks up and sees the Kings and Queens of Twainor. "You will be coming with us to the islands out West where you will be in exile until the day you die.

"No, not there, have mercy."

"You should have thought of that before you committed your acts of bloodshed back then. We want to give you some additional punishment. But we are not sure it can be done."

Smoke begins to appear in the Grand Hall when King Dryden ends his last statement. It swirls together and forms a tight ball in an empty spot on the main floor.

Some guards come walking forward and approach the swirling smoke cloud. People begin to mumble and become very concerned as they try to figure out what is going on.

"Master Eldwin, is this your doing?"

"It is not me, my Lord. It is someone else stronger than me."

Then the swirling smoke stops. Then we hear a 'poof' and see a small explosion of smoke. The smoke clears and everyone sees a man robed in sparkling blue cloth, edge with silver and small stars on the robe. He is wearing a pointed hat of the same design. His hair is a bit gray and long to the shoulder.

The guards approach. The man waves his hand and the guards come to a stop and stand attention.

"That's better. I'm sorry for the intrusion and smoke effects." He smiles. "In fact I'm here for the very reason that you need me. Plus, I need to meet some old and new friends."

"Who are you?"

"My name, King Dryden is not important. But I can you tell this, I am the last true Wizard on Earth. I run a small business there call Spells 'R Us, so I can keep an eye on events there and other places in this part of the galaxy."

Then Avel and the five other unicorns neigh excitedly. "It's you!" Then five unicorns walk up and stand next to Avel and wait patiently. Their fairies hover near them with excitement on their faces and smile widely.

I see the reaction of the unicorns and the fairies. Then it dawns on me what his business is and who he is, "I know who you are, wizard! I've read some of your stories on the internet."

The Earth wizard smiles.

I turn to King Dryden. "King Dryden, have no fear. Be glad to call him friend. I think this is the magician who helped saved some of the First Ones on Earth before the Maker brought some of them here."

Then the people of Twainor gasp with astonishment and begin to whisper to themselves. The First Ones then begin to talk excitedly to each other.

King Dryden tries to calm everyone down. "Please, please, Twainor. Calm down." He looks at the wizard. "Welcome to Twainor, Wizard of Earth. You're just in time to help us with a request."

"Thank you, King Dryden. I know what you want done concerning this former wizard. I agree; he needs to be punished for what he has done."

Ruald shrinks back in fear as the wizard walks near him. He approaches the unicorns, the fairies and me.

"Hello Avel, Makaela, Einhorn, Athena, Silverwind and Star Dancer. I see that you have done well here."

The unicorns step forward and brush against the wizard like they did with me earlier this morning. The Wizard caresses them and hugs their necks as well. They greet each other like the old friends they are. They have not seen each other for over four thousand years on Earth.

Once they get done, the Wizard turns to me. "It is an honor to meet you, Richard Moore. You have done well with the gifts that have been given to you by the Maker."

"Thank you, Wizard. It is an honor to meet you." I bow my head to him and he bows his head to me.

"Indeed, it's an honor to meet you Richard. I was hoping the Maker would choose the right one to be the Outside Helper from Earth. You belong to both worlds now. You still have a lot to do in the future to help Twainor and Earth. Just keep up with your studies."

"Thank you, Wizard."

"You're welcome, Richard."

We both smile at each other.

The rest of Twainor smiles as well when they hear that.

He turns and faces Ruald with a stern face. "As for you, you deserve to know what Avel and the other unicorns experienced and what Richard sees and reads everyday around them. You will get the horrors and nightmares of six thousand years. You have ten years left until your body is spent. Even though you want to commit suicide to end your life quickly, you will not. You will endure the pain and anguish until your last breath. You had your choice to eat the sea dragon meat or not. If you had not, then you would not be here in this situation. You could have contacted someone for help, but you didn't."

"You have caused the death of thousands here on Twainor because of your lies in your quest for greed and power. You will not have the time to develop the mental tools that Avel, Makaela, the other unicorns and Richard know so well to keep their spirits calm. Peace will flee from your mind. Your sleep will barely give you the rest you need. The island you will be sent to will provide enough food and water for you to live out the rest of your days."

"No, don't do it Wizard. I'll reform." The guards restrain him while he struggles.

"That's an outright lie, Ruald. I don't believe you. Avel, Makaela and Richard please come here." The three of us walk up and stand next to the wizard. He places his left hand on Avel's head and his right hand on Ruald's head. He recites a short spell.

"Noooo....,” Then the face of Ruald changes from being afraid to having a wild look. He looks around, eyes darting.

Then Makaela walks up and stands next to the Wizard. He places his left hand on Makaela's head. He recites another short spell.

"Noooo…the pain! Ahhh... help me...somebody!"

Makaela gives a slight smile. They both walk back to the other unicorns.

The Wizard then places his left hand on my head and keeps his right hand on Ruald's head. He recites a short spell.

I feel nothing has changed, except a relief that something has been shared. He now knows that he has done wrong. I walk back and stand near Sir Halgren.

Ruald falls to the ground in pain and put his hands to his ears, "Arrrgggghhh.... No!! The screams of the dying all around me, that explosion...Nooo!!!"

"Go Ruald, to the island where the bones of the sea dragons and wrecked fishing fleet will stare at you. In your mind you will have nightmares about the choices you have made."

"Nooo... not there..."

With a snap of a finger from the Wizard, Ruald disappears from sight. "Don't worry; we won't get any interference from him while we're there."

There is a hush through the audience about what they had just witnessed.

The Wizard takes a deep breath. "Now, that is done. We can focus on the current situation. I need to be there when you make contact with the sea dragons. There is one left in the deep oceans that the Maker brought here. She needs to see me so that she can finally be at peace and know that all is well here on Twainor."

"She and her sea clan have done well in caring for the seas here. I leave it in your hands to come to terms with the sea dragons. I know you will do well, it will be similar to the way you made peace with the land dragons here."

"Thank you, Wizard, for your help. We have decided who will be there for this historic occasion." King Dryden looks around in the Grand Hall. "Please come forward all who are going to the islands out West,; wizards and sorceresses who will be providing transport please come forward as well."

Then the ones who agreed to represent the twelve kingdoms of Twainor walk forward to the main floor. Everyone begins to pair up with a wizard and sorceress.

The Wizard from Earth surprises us by joining as well. "I hope you don't mind, King Dryden. It is not too often that I get to experience this and receive some energy from a world with an Ethereal Space."

"We have no problem with that, Wizard. It is an honor to do this for you. Wizards and sorceress; you may go ahead and transport us to the islands out West. But first we need to stop by the Maranelle Islands and pick up the First Ones that are in hiding there."

The wizards and sorceresses recite the transport spell and we all disappear in a flash of light. The other eleven dragons in the field come also with their wizard escort. We start flying towards the mountains of Maranelle Islands to pick up the First Ones there who are in hiding and give them the latest news.

Flying to the Southwest, we fly over the Correllianne Mountains. The Correlle Kingdom sure does look beautiful from up here. Soon we fly over the ocean that separates the four regions.

After awhile we see the southern hemisphere continent for Nevidre Kingdom. Staying on the northern side of continent we see a large group of islands with mountains and Fire Mountains. In the midst of this group of islands is a rather large island with some mountains. On one of the foothills from a spur of the mountains we see the main castle for Maranelle Islands Kingdom.

We start our descent and head to the tallest mountain. We see a high elevation glade in front of a cave. The glade has enough room for all of us. As we approach some of the First Ones come out of the cave to greet us.

In a flash of light we appear before them. King Hilmar, Queen Mirielle, Corrbas, Sir Peridan, Belisar and others from Maranelle Islands who were at the Grand Hall walk forward first to the cave.

We all give a cheer while they greet each other during the reunion. Once the greetings, the hugs and tears have been shed, the questions start coming forth from the First Ones who were hiding in the caves.

"Is it safe to come out?"

"What happened this morning?"

"Why is everyone here?"

"Are these the Outside Helpers?"

"Where's Ruald?"

"Have the others who are sick been found?"

"There are dead bodies of wild animals everywhere."

"What are we to do?"

"Have the sea dragons been found?"

"It's good to see you!"

"We saw the events unfold on the crystal spheres. Is it true what happened?"

On and on it went. Soon King Hilmar and King Dryden speak up to answer their questions.

The rest of us smiled. Some of us wanted to speak up, but we knew the Kings and Queens will answer for us.

"Friends, friends... please, please ... we'll answer your questions."

They all quiet down to listen.

"First of all I want to give thanks to the Maker for Corrbas for his perseverance in finding the truth and for keeping you safe. In fact all of Twainor is glad that Corrbas did this."

Then everybody cheers and claps their hands.

"Yes Ruald has been found and his punishment is what we have hoped for. The others who are sick have been found as well and are asleep in the holding cells in Castle Maranelle and the Grand Castle in Angathorn."

"I wish we can give some more details, but we'll let the other First Ones tell you what happened. I think that will be easier. But first things first, we need to fly out to the islands out West where this all started."

"That's right, King Dryden. We need all twelve kingdoms represented when we contact the sea dragons."

Everyone cheers, claps and roars with approval.

"All right, First Ones of Maranelle Islands, you can see which ones are going among us. Select for yourselves who will represent you. Some of your wizards and sorceresses are here to assist you. We need to stop by where the Castle Lords and Ladies are staying. We need to pick some of them up who are not sick."

"Don't worry about the stink and dead bodies of wild animals. That will be taken care of soon."

We all get ourselves lined up again and proceed to fly over to a castle where they are staying. It's on another large island with a port, a town and several villages. Corrbas told us there are several Castle Lords and Ladies who have not eaten any wild animals. When we land in front of the gates of one of the castles, the guards posted react with amazement. Soon they contact their Lords to tell them all is well.

"Allow them to enter in, guards. We'll meet them in the court yard."

"Yes, my lord."

"Go ahead, King Hilmar and King Dryden; Lord Archan will greet everybody in the court yard."

"Thank you for being wise and diligent in your duties, knight."

"Thank you and you’re welcome, King Hilmar."

We all walk forward and some fly into the court yard to greet Lord Archan. Also coming out to greet us are the other Lords and Ladies who decided to stay together for protection.

"King Hilmar, Queen Mirielle, Kings and Queens of Twainor it is an honor to greet everyone. I see our First Ones are here. Is this good news you're bringing to us?"

"It is, Lord Archan. The reign of Ruald's terror is finally at an end. Come with us, we are flying to the islands out West to make contact with the sea dragons for the first time."

"We'll explain it all."

"You don't have to tell us. We saw the relay of the events this morning on the crystal spheres. I'm glad that Ruald is caught. But we are also saddened to hear how many others he caused to be sick as well."

We get ourselves lined up again. Some additional wizards and sorceresses from Maranelle Islands come out as well to assist with the transport to bring those who wanted to come as well. This included the Lieutenant commanders as well.

Once all together again, the wizards and sorceresses transport us to the islands out West to make contact with the sea dragons.