Spring Break
Chapter 16
By Rachel76m
Edited by Don Kaufman

I wake up in bed, looking at the ceiling. The dreams last night were great. It will be good to see them again. I look over to the window and see the morning light on the horizon. I get up and walk over to the window and open it. I breathe in the fresh air and breathe it out.

“Yes, it is a brand new day. Well, let’s get busy and get ready for it.”

I take off the night shirt and fold it up and place it in the drawer. I take out my ranger clothes and place them on the bed. I pour some water into the basin to freshen myself up. After the light scrub down, I look in the mirror and see my face.

Well, the hair needs a wash that is for sure. It is getting a bit wild there. I could use a shave. They probably have that available at one of the public bath houses in the nearest town. I put a mint leaf into my mouth and begin chewing on it. I go to the receptacle room and take care of my private needs.

When I get done there, I walk back out to get myself dressed. I pull the pants up and tie them tight. I put on the breast and back plate and fasten it to secure it. I put the shirt on and straighten it out. Just as I was ready to tie the belt on; Sir Halgren comes into the room.

“Good morning, Richard. I see that you are almost ready.”

“I am, Sir Halgren. Fortunately I got to bed last night at a decent time. The body woke itself up not too long ago.” I finish tying the belt on. I sit down in the chair and put the boots on. "I think I am going need a visit to the local public baths today, especially after we visit the Maranelle Islands and King Thranton's Under Kingdom today. I have a feeling it is going to be a bit of a workout and a long day."

"I think you’re right, Richard. We'll make sure we save enough time for that before the noon repast or the evening repast."

“That’s good. I’m just about ready. I’ll be back shortly.”

Sir Halgren walks back into his room. I tuck in the pant leggings and finish tying up the boots. I stand up and walk to the receptacle room and toss the spent mint leaf into it. I walk back and pick up the jacket and put it on. Then I tie that off with the belt around the jacket. I take the comb on the dresser and comb my hair to make it look presentable. I put the comb into the pants pocket. I also put on my watch for a conversation later today.

‘I’m ready, Sir Halgren.”

“So am I. See you out front.”

“All right.”

I walk out of the room and meet the morning guard and Sir Halgren.

“Good morning, Richard. Sleep better this time?”

“I did, knight; no bad dreams. I slept real well.”

“That’s good to hear. Good luck in helping out the Maranelle Islands.”

“Thank you for the encouragement, guard. Have a good day.”

“Thank you. You both a have a good day as well.”

The doors glow green, thus sealing the doors.

Sir Halgren leads me down to the floor for our breakfast. We see the other Outside Helpers walking down the hallway towards the room.

“Are you ready for another challenge today, Tek?”

“I’m ready for it. Have you given any thought as to how to cool off the sea dragons to keep their skin moist?”

“I have some ideas floating in the brain. I will be visiting the dwarves in Thryson Kingdom for a tour this afternoon. Ariella and Evrat will be joining me there.”

“Good. Well, let’s get something to eat. It is going to be a long morning to solve the Maranelle Islands problem.”

“Yes, I’m sure it will be.”

We all walk in and take our seats that we had yesterday.

We do some more small talk until King Dryden stands up to get our attention. We all quiet down to hear what he has to say.

“Good morning, Twainor.”

“Good morning, King Dryden.” We all respond at once.

“Today will be busy day for all of us. This morning will be solving the Maranelle Islands situation. After some consultation with your Kings and Queens it has been agreed that the Outside Helpers in their region get together and help out their respective kingdoms and regions for the afternoon. Now the schedule is a bit of a mix up with the Western Kingdoms because of the four mark difference."

"First, while the Kings and Queens are meeting, you will all go to the south to Evenshard Kingdom for two or three marks. Then, leave there about the second mark before mid-day and fly to the Maranelle Islands. It will be almost first mark in the morning there when you arrive. They can provide a second morning repast if you need it. Have your noon repast there as well. Then at 4th Mark in the morning there is the Regional Meeting with Thryson, Ringol and Eirecann. The other three southern kingdoms will have theirs in that time zone as well in Nevidre. Both regions will have three marks there. The other six Outside Helpers can assist there if called upon, which I suggest you do.”

“Then when you leave there at the third mark, try to fly back here for the evening repast. If you are late try to be here by the setting of the sun. I know it will be a long day for everyone.”

There is a clapping of hands from everyone.

“If you need any advice from another Outside Helper outside your region, you can go ahead contact their escort to get a hold of them. For those who are here, we will have the noon repast today in the Grand Dining Room like yesterday. The evening repast will be yours to enjoy in your own pavilions again. Then tomorrow morning will be the meeting with the sea dragons.”

“Now it seems like we are leaving out the Regional meeting here for Angathorn, Correlle, and Svedean. We’ll have ours after the meeting with the sea dragons’ tomorrow morning. If all goes well, that will be the last major event and we break camp.”

There is another round of applause from everyone.

“Then the Outside Helpers will spend their last night in their own respective kingdom. In the morning they will be sent home.”

Then there is a loud cheer from everyone, especially the Outside Helpers.

King Dryden smiles and raises his hand to quiet us down, “Wizard Eldwin, please give the Thanks to the Maker.”

“Yes, King Dryden. Maker, we just want to give thanks this day that Twainor still has your blessing and that we can still do the magic. We give thanks for this food to give us the strength we need today to ensure Twainor will be prosperous for all time.”

Then everybody says, “Thank you, Maker.”

We immediately serve ourselves with the food in front of us. This time we see a different set of vegetables and fruits on the table for us.

“Apparently they want us to eat something new and different this morning, Tek.”

“I agree Richard; either way it is very good food.”

We all enjoy the morning repast. This time we didn’t speak much while we ate. I guess the thoughts of the morning are on everybody’s mind. We finish off the morning repast with the fruits in front of us. At least this part has not changed. We hear people laughing and giggling while they try to eat the fruit.

Once we are done, we look up towards King Dryden. Once he sees everyone is done, he stands to address us.

“We will now go into the Grand Hall and have the morning meeting. The Outside Helpers and their escorts will be sitting with their own kingdoms this time. Thank you for the morning attendance, Twainor. There will be one morning repast here tomorrow morning if all goes well.”

We all get up and walk out the double doors and walk down the hallways and stairs to the front foyer area of the Grand Hall. We see the other kingdoms walking in as well. We join them in line and enter into the Grand Hall. We find our seats according to kingdom.

We greet the others near us as we sit down. I wave to the others behind us. Some of them smile and wave back and greet us with a ‘Good morning, Richard and Sir Halgren.”

“Good morning , Thryson Kingdom.”

Sir Halgren and I sit on the row with Renard and Trianna behind King Tierion, Queen Shiranna and Sir Trenton. Our First Ones are to the right of us in their section, sitting all together.

“Good morning, Richard and Sir Halgren. Are you ready to lend a voice to the meeting?”

“Good morning, Durlond. Yes, I am. It will be interesting to see how the suggestions come out and see them get debated.”

“Yes, it will be, Richard. If any of the dwarves were to get this sickness, we would be very uncomfortable living on an island with no mountain. The only hope would be one of the islands with one.”

“The other problem is that mountain could be an active fire mountain. Then there is no refuge if it blows its top.”

“I agree with that Richard. Look King Dryden is about to start the proceedings.”

We all look towards the stage as King Dryden walks up to it.

“Good morning, Twainor.”

“Good morning, King Dryden.”

“This morning we are going to discuss what we can do to help King Hilmar’s kingdom. We know a lot will be considered. We don’t need anything really repeated, just the new ideas that have not been mentioned yet. This meeting will be recorded for future reference. Then the Kings and Queens will meet for about one mark and come to agreement on the suggestions. We will give our decision at the end of the noon repast. During our deliberations, the Outside Helpers will go to several Regional Meetings. When they are in the Maranelle Islands with some of the leadership and dignitaries; they will provide suggestions on how to deal with problems that are found there.”

“It has come to my attention and the other Kings have agreed. Because of the four mark time difference between the East and West Regions, Evenshard Kingdom will have their first meeting at second mark there. The Outside Helpers will be there for three marks. When they are done there, they will fly to Maranelle Islands to arrive at second mark there and have their Regional Meeting and the morning repast.”

“Then, at fourth mark, there will be the Regional Meeting there for Thryson, Ringol, Eirecann and the Under Kingdom there. While you are there; use the other Outside Helpers that are available for assistance. When you are done there, fly back here for the evening repast if you can or at least the setting of the sun. Have it recorded for all of Twainor. The information will help us all.”

"I know it will be long day for all. You can use the public baths at anytime or anywhere you're at if needed. The evening repast will be held here in your own pavilions."

“Then, tomorrow morning will be the same for the morning repast. But this time we will meet in the arena near our port. We’ll be meeting with the sea dragons and start to come to an agreement on fishing the seas. The Regional Meeting for here will follow the sea dragons.”

“If all goes well, we’ll have our last noon repast here in the Grand Dining Room. Then we’ll begin to break camp and go home. The Outside Helpers will go back to their respective kingdoms for one more night. In the morning they will be sent home.”

Everyone claps and cheers. King Dryden smiles and raises his hand to quiet the crowd.

“Now for the first order of business for Maranelle Islands Kingdom, King Hilmar, Queen Mirielle and Grand Master Wizard Eldwin please come forward.”

All three stand up and walk forward and step up to the stage and face the crowd. “King Hilmar, you may begin.”

“Thank you, Grand King Dryden. Because of the events that have taken place, we no longer have a Master Wizard for the Maranelle Islands Kingdom. We had a meeting last night in our pavilion. The wizards and sorceresses have voted in our kingdom and submitted their nomination for induction to Master Wizard. Corrbas, will you please come forward?”

Corrbas walks up to the stage. All twelve kingdoms cheer and clap as he steps forward. Corrbas stands on the main floor before the steps of the stage.

Then Master Wizard Eldwin speaks, “Now will the Master Wizards and Sorceresses please come forward and form a circle around Corrbas.”

Corrbas steps back to make room. Ten Wizards and twelve sorceresses walk forward and form a ring around Corrbas. Master Wizard Eldwin steps down to join the circle.

“Corrbas, you have shown courage and conviction in your responsibility to be a wizard. Your kingdom has voted and given you acceptance to be their Master Wizard. Master Wizards and Master Sorceresses of the Mystic Order of Twainor, do you agree to accept Corrbas to be counted among you?”

Everyone responds, “Yes, Grand Master Wizard Eldwin. We accept Corrbas to be counted among us.”

We all smile, including Corrbas that they have unanimously voted to accept him.

“Everyone here in the Grand Hall raise your hands towards Corrbas for the bestowment.”

We all raise our hands to the front of the stage. The wizards and sorceresses in the circle raise their hands towards him as well. “Say the words aloud everyone!”

Why not, I agree with them most heartedly. I then utter the words right along with them.

“Corrbas, receive the Gift of Twainor!”

Then all of a sudden the Grand Hall begins to become colorful like the sun settings. I see streams of colorful light coming from all of the hands in the room. This includes the First Ones as well, even from the Outside Helpers and me.

I stand there with my mouth open as I see the lights come forth from my hand. This is incredible. I did not think it was possible. What is going on here? There is no magic on Earth.

All of the streams of light begin shooting forth to Corrbas, he becomes engulfed in the light as it envelopes him. But the light is bearable, I still see him though his body is glowing in multiple colors.

Then the light streams from our hands begin to fade. I look at my hands when they stop coming forth. I look at them in bewilderment. “King Tierion, the light streams came from my hand as well. What is going on? There is no magic on Earth.”

Everyone around me begin to look as well. “Yes, we saw it also Richard. We're perplexed as well. Perhaps the Mystic Order can give an explanation.”

Then we hear Grand Master Eldwin speak again. “Welcome, Corrbas, you are now Master Wizard of Maranelle Islands. Lead your kingdom in Truth and Light so they won’t stumble in the darkness. Lend a helping hand for anyone who is hurt and needs healing.”

Corrbas then responds, “I accept my charge, Grand Master Wizard Eldwin. I will lead Maranelle Islands in Truth and Light so they won’t stumble in the darkness. I will lend a helping hand to anyone who is hurt and needs healing.”

Then everybody begins to clap and cheer for Corrbas.

Then King Tierion steps forward a few steps, “Grand King Dryden, I have a question.”

“Yes, King Tierion.”

“While we were bestowing Corrbas the Gift, Richard’s hand begin to emit the lights from his hand as well. Did any of the other Outside Helpers do the same?”

Everyone asks them. The other Kings confirm it as well.

“Yes, King Dryden. Their hands brought forth the lights. What does this mean? Their worlds are not magical.”

Then Master Eldwin speaks up. “We will need to investigate this. This is the first time that it has happen. Maybe there is hope for Maranelle Islands and Twainor after all. We will need to monitor the island where we send the people who are infected. We don’t know how long the effect will be. But it could take a thousand years before they can do magic again. But then our future generations will have to deal with new illnesses that we are not prepared for now; let alone the delay in doing magic again.”

“Thank you, Grand Master Wizard Eldwin, for that quick evaluation.” King Dryden looks at everyone. “With that information I think we can come up with a solution for Maranelle Islands Kingdom and for the rest of Twainor. Let us give thanks to the Maker that all is not lost for the Gift from the Maker.”

Everyone begins to give thanks to Maker for mercy.

“Thank you, Maker.”

“Thank you for your mercy.”

“Thank you for the Twin Moons.”

On and on it went. The people clap and continue praising the Maker for several moments.

Then Grand King Dryden raises his hand to quiet the people. “Thank you, Twainor. Let us take our seats so we can begin the proceedings.”

Everyone sits down in their chairs. The Mystic Order members walk back to their respective kingdoms.

“King Tierion and Renard, it might be worth the effort to try. I remember coming here on my first day. Renard told me the white light that engulfed and brought me here cleansed my body of any illness or disease so that your world will not be infected or bring it to my world when I go back.”

“You’re right, Richard; it might be worth the effort to try. If it doesn’t happen then it could be several generations before we can cleanse them of the infections. I’ll bring it up later. The idea of a separate island for them is the best choice right now.”

We all focus our attention now to Grand King Dryden as he continues speaking to us.

“I am sure we all have some ideas now. We’ll take it one kingdom at a time. You’re given the chance to offer up to two suggestions at least for now. After going around through all twelve kingdoms at least once, then the floor will be open for random suggestions. Their king will rise for everyone here to take notice of. Does everyone agree to that?”

Everyone responds, “Yes, Grand King Dryden.”

“All right, let’s begin on my left and we’ll start with Angathorn Kingdom. Queen Lorinor you may speak for the Kingdom.”

“Thank you, my King. Obviously the people need to be on a separate island to live. So we thought what this island should provide for them. It should have a source of fresh water and be able to grow crops.” Queen Lorinor then sits down.

“Correlle Kingdom you are next.”

King Keltan stands up. “The island should have a reasonable set of docks for boats. This is for us to use to bring supplies and food to them and letters from friends and family.” Then King Keltan sits down.

“Thank you, King Keltan. Svedean Kingdom you're next.

King Deverell stands to give their suggestions. “Thank you, not only be able to raise crops for themselves, but they should be able to create some goods so that we can trade with them or purchase the items. They should be treated as Twainor citizens always.” King Deverell sits down.

"Thank you, King Deverell. Now we go onto the next region. You’re next, Evenshard Kingdom.”

King Beltrane stands to give their suggestions. “The island should have some buildings on it already, even housing. This way they are not exposed to the dangers on Twainor right away from the storms that we have.” Then King Beltrane sits down.

“Tryllion Kingdom, you are next.”

King Quentin stands to speak, “We must send our healers to them or train a few of them to be healers with the herbs. We can send our wizards or sorceresses from time to time to ensure their health and well being.” King Quentin sits down.

“Yes that is a most noble idea, King Quentin. Thank you. Antarte Kingdom you are next.”

King Nazar stands to speak, "If the island has a mountain, it should not be an active fire mountain." The King Nazar sits down.

"That is good, Twainor. The next region is up to speak. You're next Nevidre Kingdom."

King Sherwyn stands up to speak, “What about the stench we smelled from the wizards, sorceresses and fairies who came back from the finding the twenty families yesterday? They will probably do the same thing there." King Sherwyn sits down.

"That is a good question for now. Perhaps we will get an answer after the Outside Helpers come back from their investigation later this morning. I know we send some of our waste to the Fire Mountains. It will have to be a different solution for them. Laurentil Islands do you have any questions or suggestions?"

King Gregor stands, "One issue is that since they cannot do magic. They will have to do lot of things with their own hands. They will need to be taught how to do those basic things that we have taken for granted all our lives. For example, sewing to mend clothes, they will have to use the flame and candle to light their homes and a fire in the hearth to stay warm." King Gregor sits down when he is done.

"That is very good, King Gregor. It will be a good reminder for all of us to remember how it was before we learned magic thousands of years ago. Maranelle Islands you're next."

King Hilmar stands, "I just want to thank everybody for their suggestions. Already from this list of suggestions there are some islands that can accommodate them comfortably. The suggestion I have will be for the children when they get older. If they become angry for some reason and create a crime. There will have to be some strong leadership to enact some laws to keep the peace and everybody safe." King Hilmar sits down.

I see Belisar smile proudly after that announcement. He must have suggested that one.

"That is very true, King Hilmar. The children are very important. We will have to monitor them and make sure they are taking the advice of the healers to remain calm. This includes taking herbs to help them to do that. Now we are onto the last region, Eirecann Kingdom you're next."

King Loran stands, "Thank you, King Dryden. This idea came from Dolkas our Dwarf Ambassador. If there is a mountain on the island, it should provide some metal to create tools and other implements that they might need. It might even have gold, silver or gems. It will definitely provide them another source of income." King Loran sits down and smiles.

"Thank you King Loran. That is a very good idea. Ringol Kingdom you're next."

King Jeriel stands, "Thank you King Dryden. There should be someone there who can use a contact sphere for emergency purposes. If we can find a way to help them achieve some level of magic capability, they have hope as well and will not be discouraged in life. This is especially true if someone is seriously injured." King Jeriel sits down.

"Thank you, King Jeriel. Yes, it would be great if they have some sort of magic capability. We saw the lights emanate from our Outside Helpers a little while ago. Well that leaves Thryson Kingdom. I have a feeling you're about to introduce some ideas that will really get us thinking."

King Tierion stands, "I do, King Dryden. This is from Richard and he is right about this. The island that is chosen for them should be remote enough so that they cannot swim and intermingle with the rest of their kingdom or Twainor. They cannot have any boats at all, or someone will use it during the night and come on shore and do the same thing. If someone were to come to another village during the night, they will spread the sickness among us without our knowledge."
"We discussed several different ideas on this. We must send our fishing boats to them if they cannot get enough fish by casting nets from shore or a stream on the island. We must think of every possible path if someone wants to escape from the island to be with a loved one. Then that loved one will have to decide to live there to be with them or not. It cannot be the other way around." King Tierion then sits down.

Soon there is a murmuring of agreements and more questions are heard from everybody. King Dryden raises his hand to quiet them down.

"Yes, that is a most serious suggestion King Tierion. We can provide the mercy all we want. All it takes is someone who wants to be back among us without our knowledge. Then in time, the sickness will spread again faster than we realize. It may be another five thousand years before we can do magic again."

"You're right, King Tierion and Richard. We must be jealous to keep the Gift of Twainor and not lose sight of it. We have been fortunate at this time to stop it from spreading the sickness any further."

"All right, Twainor, are there any other suggestions that have not been mentioned?" King Dryden sees no movement by the kingdoms. "I think we have discussed enough for now. While the Kings and Queens are deciding what to do with the ones who are sick. The Outside Helpers can go to the Maranelle Islands to figure how to deal with the problems there. Obviously the leadership of Maranelle Islands will need to go with them. They will need to record their ideas for future reference. You know the schedule, be back here before the evening repast."

King Beltrane stands.

"Yes, King Beltrane. Is there something you wish to add?"

"I do, King Dryden. There are some others in our kingdom who wish to go along with them and see for themselves how this is going to be accomplished. It might be faster to get these ideas to the other kingdoms later." King Beltrane sits down.

"Yes, that is a good idea. I know it will make for a bigger crowd having more people walking around. But we need to let our Outside Helpers have room to show us how to do some of these tasks. We need to let them be the teachers for us in this situation. Does everyone agree to that?"

Then everyone responds in the Grand Hall, "Yes, King Dryden."

"Very well, choose the people who will go with them. You can gather out in the court yard here to get yourselves arrange for the trip. Port Governor Rotai; don't forget you're here with us while we're deciding what to do. We will need your input on which island fits the conditions you just heard. We will be in Royal Council Hall where we have our meetings."

"Yes, King Dryden. I will be here with King Hilmar and Queen Mirielle."

"The rest of you, who are not going to the Maranelle Islands and the other eastern and western kingdoms, can go back to your pavilions. You can get ready for what you need to do this afternoon after we have our noon repast."

The Chamberlain comes up to the stage and faces everybody in the Grand Hall. He taps his staff on the stage very loud. "That concludes the discussion for the Maranelle Islands. See you in Grand Dining Room for the noon repast." The Chamberlain taps his staff two more times.

Then everyone gets up and starts to walk out of the Grand Hall. The ones who are flying to the other kingdoms walk out to the courtyard near the Great Sundial.

The Kings and Queens with Rotai walk turn right in the foyer area and walk towards a hallway. They turn right again and walk down a long hallway that is lit with the crystal lights. They walk past several doors until they see two guards standing in front of two doors. They open the doors for them and step aside for them to enter the room.

King Dryden waits by the doors while they all walk in. Once they are inside, King Dryden speaks to the guards. "We're not to be disturbed. If someone out here needs our attention for an emergency, use your crystal sphere to contact me. We will probably be in here from one to two marks on the sundial."

"Yes, my Lord. We will make sure no one interrupts the meeting. Good luck my Lord with the decisions that have to be made."

"Thank you Sir Braegin." King Dryden walks inside the room. The guards close the doors and set the sealing spell on the doors. The two guards stand at ease in front of the doors.

The Royal Council Room is set up in similar style in each of the kingdom's own council room. There are twelve banners in the room hanging on the walls. There are twelve tables in a circle; in the center of the circle is a single table. On the single table are twelve small pedestals with an individual small banner hanging from the top. Each cup has a contact crystal from each kingdom. There are additional chairs and tables lined up along the walls.

Port Governor Rotai walks to the wall and retrieves a chair and brings it to the table representing his kingdom. King Hilmar and Queen Mirielle readjust their chairs to make room for him.

Once everyone sits down, King Dryden stands to address the assembled group of royalty. "I think before we get started, let's give Thanks and Praise to the Maker that we still have opportunity to keep the Gift of Twainor."

Everybody in the room stands and starts to clap and cheer to the Maker.

"Thank you, Maker."

"Thank you for sending the Outside Helpers."

"Thank you that we were able to stop Ruald's evil plot."

"Thank you for sending the Emissaries."

"Thank you that we finally know the truth of the First War."

"Thank you that we know where the First Ones come from."

King Dryden let this go on for a moment or two. Once he felt it went on long enough, he raised his hands to quiet them down. They all sit down when they finished.

"That’s very good my friends. We heard a lot of good suggestions in the Grand Hall. All of them are very good. It is just a matter if there is an island that fits this situation. King Hilmar, is there such an island for them?"

"There are two or three that fit. But, when we heard King Tierion's suggestion, there is only one that is remote enough to discourage them from swimming to the other islands. Rotai, I think you know which one it is."

"Yes, I do, King Hilmar. It is the most western island in our kingdom. To the west of this island is Rock Island. On Rock Island is a crystal light tower to signal the entrance to our kingdom. The next island is the one that will do. It has most of what we can provide for them. The island's name is Emerald Isle. It is one of three in the group. The other two isles are too small to be inhabitable by people. It used by the wildlife and preserved as sanctuaries for them."

"You said 'most' Rotai. What's missing on this island?"

"There is an existing settlement already there King Dryden. However, more homes will need to be built. There are several buildings for community gathering and storage. Fishing is the primary source of income. It will need some more fruit trees for the increase in population."

"That sounds good so far, Rotai. Has the island fared well against the sea storms? Is there a high hill or mountain there?"

"Emerald Isle has a series of very high hills, almost mountainous, forming an arc. On the leeward side is a natural bay and docks."

"So the islanders collect the fresh water off them in the streams?"

"That is right, King Quentin."

"King Hilmar, will the existing people there need to leave? I would think they would if they don't want to lose the Gift. How many live there now?"

"There are about ten families there now. The last count was the mid-summer festival."

"Can they move to another island?"

"We'll have to discuss it with them. We need to know if they have seen any of the events lately."

"That's true. Can we contact the leader on the island to know right now?"

"It is not dawn yet for them. Perhaps we can do a quick visit to the Castle Lord who oversees the island welfare. If I remember right is Lord Ventaro."

"Yes that can work, King Hilmar. Rotai, what else can the island provide besides fishing?"

"Well, I was hoping that we can get the Outside Helper from your kingdom King Dryden. His specialty is in mining. There are a number of caves up there."

"Yes, you're right. Plus we will ask some dwarves who are on Maranelle Island to assist."

"If my memory serves me right, King Dryden; those caves are used as emergency shelters when a bad storm comes."

"That is an excellent idea Rotai. That will definitely need to be done."

"King Dryden, perhaps we can send healers to them on rotation or train some of them to be healers."

"Thank you for reminding me that Queen Florianne. King Tierion, you wish to add what their mental condition is?"

"Yes, King Dryden. There was one thing I remember what Richard said the other morning. Their minds are scarred, it cannot be erased. Their minds will not think clearly at times. They will probably need new herb combinations to keep their sanity. Besides eating right, they must learn how to focus to hear the Maker's voice in the Ethereal Space again."

"That is a tall order, King Tierion."

"It is, Queen Lorinor. There was something else that Richard mentioned about this situation."

"What is it, King Tierion?"

"When our Outside Helpers arrived here they were enveloped in a white light. Not only to bring them here, but to cleanse them of any possible sickness before they came here or when they return home."

"I know what you're talking about. We just witnessed the light streams coming from their hands when the Gift was bestowed on Corrbas. The question is will it work for them?"

"It is worth a try, it might take several attempts to do it."

"Yes, we must try. It might depend how long they have eaten wild animal meat."

"That very well can be true King Loran. If they can recover some magic ability; it will go along way for their mental well being."

"All right, does everyone agree we try that before we send them to the island?"

"Yes," everyone responds at once.

"That’s very good, my friends. I think we're seeing the light at the end of this dark tunnel for them. Are there any other suggestions or ideas about this situation?"

“I do, King Dryden. It is about tomorrow morning when we meet with the sea dragons. This is going to be new for everyone.”

“I agree, King Nazar. It will be new for everyone. So, let’s discuss some issues and possibilities what will happen afterwards.”

“One of the issues will be planning. We might find ourselves with a surplus of fish coming into the markets. That can cause prices to go down. The fish that is not sold could spoil before it is eaten.”

“Yes, we discussed the same thing last night, King Jeriel. We are going to need good record keeping so that we know how much we consume each moon period. This includes from the dwarf kingdoms.”

“Yes, King Tierion. We might have to build new storage buildings; perhaps in key locations within each kingdom.”

“Right now what is the average storage time of food, including crops?”

“We have about 3 moons worth in our kingdom.”

“We should have emergency caches in each kingdom for the dry goods up to a year. Then have it on rotation.”

“Yes that can work, King Gregor. What about our meats? How long can we keep them frozen?”

“We can do trial periods to see how long they stay fresh.”

“I would do that Royalty. I've seen frozen fish spoil after one year when thawed.”

“That seems to suggest less than a year for the meats. Either way we need to know.”

“Our Land and Port Governors will need time to work this out. It may take several moon periods before some semblance of routine is established.”

“Yes, it will be trial and error. Kings and Queens, you have the next task that needs to be done in your kingdoms. The negotiations tomorrow morning will be just a start.”

“Perhaps it might be best to do it by kingdom. Each kingdom has different needs.”

“Perhaps, they should have representation within each kingdom council.”

“But sea dragons must be in the water. Are there any flying sea dragons?”

“We’ll have to ask Eingana on that one.”

“If there are flying sea dragons, how are we going to keep their skin moist when on land?”

“Didn’t you hear what the Earth wizard said the other day? He challenged the Outside Helpers to find a way to keep them cool in the summer.”

“I remember that, King Tierion. Yes, it will be interesting to see what they come up with.”

Everyone laughs together on remembering that last conversation with the Earth Wizard.

“If there are flying sea dragons, they can be on rotation with the other dragons as well.”

“Either way it will be an interesting adventure for all of Twainor.”

“I agree, Queen Mirielle.”

“Is there anything else that needs to be discussed at this time?”

Everyone thinks and ponders on what is needed at the moment.

“I have a couple of questions. When we have these Regional Meetings, we should be discussing our current state affairs at least.”

“I agree, King Quentin. That is very important. It concerns everyone involved in each region. If we're going to have regional fall festivals, we'll have to be in agreement on which arenas and ports will be used.”

“Perhaps a change in arenas and ports in each host kingdom. That way the conditions are different each year.”

Most smile to that suggestion from King Hilmar.

“I like that a lot, King Hilmar. That way the people are not complacent and prepare in advance for the sea races. The navies and the sea captains need to prepare for different conditions. They have to be when unexpected storms appear and maneuvering through islands and other obstacles.”

“I'll agree with you on that, King Gregor. That is very important. For some races, it will be a combination of land and sea. That will be a good test of using the row boats as a team to achieve a goal as well.”

“That is a very good suggestion King Loran. It will let the captain know what the fitness level is of each mate on board.”

“So the first question is this. How many arenas are in each kingdom that can accommodate the events, including ports?”

“We have three arenas in Thryson Kingdom. The northern and southern arenas can hold twenty thousand, the central arena can hold forty thousand. Our main port is the location for our own sea gala festival. But there are ports to the north and south can do as well. But their docks will need to be expanded. There are natural hills near each one that can be used for sitting on the grass.”

“I remember those, Tierion; each one has their own beauty. Each of those ports has three inns at least.”

“That's very good King Tierion. Do the other kingdoms have similar arrangements?”

“Since we are smaller in Eirecann Kingdom. We have two arenas and four ports to use.”

“Our arenas in Ringol Kingdom are similar to Thryson Kingdom. However, one of our arenas is near the mountains. We get great participation from King Thranton's Under Kingdom in commerce and trade as well. It is near one of his main cave entrances. There is a good size town and castle there. In fact it has a lot of history, it was the second castle built in Ringol Kingdom.”

“Because of our extra large bay that is ringed in by the two arms; the waters there are very calm at times. But it can whip to a frenzy when a fierce storm comes in from the west. We do have several other ports that we use for our sea gala festivals.”

“That's good. What about Laurentil Islands and Maranelle Islands? I'm sure there are plenty of good courses to chose from within your chain of islands.”

“We do, King Dryden. There are all sorts of conditions that tests our navies and sea captains.”

The Royalty continues to talk about what is needed in the other regions. When done, King Dryden stands up and walks to the double doors. He knocks on the door a few times.

“We are done guards; it is time for us to leave.”

“Yes, my King. Stand back while we open the doors.”

The knight recites the spell to remove the sealing spell. The two knights then open the doors for the Royalty. They are escorted back to the courtyard they walk around and enjoy the beauty of the gardens in the courtyard.