The Summer Vacation
Chapter 10
Written by rachel76m
Edited by Don Kaufman

We see the dragons flying and the other First Ones streaming toward the arena. We also see some Kings and Queens from the other kingdoms as well. We make our descent and land outside the arena where the other Kings and Queens have gathered.

“You made it in time, my royal friends.”

“Yes we did King Dryden, and so did you.”

“Where did you come from, King Dryden?”

“We just did a short visit to Angathorn training fields. Sir Braxton requested a morale speech from Richard and me after we looked it over.”

“A morale speech? You should come to our fields as well, Richard.”

“Hmm . . . that may require some very fast flying to get around. I don't remember having a twin brother.” I smile at them.

They all laugh together.

“Hah, hah, hah . . . That's good, Richard. Perhaps you can do it when the 1,200 are gathered at the sea port.”

“That sounds fine, King Beltrane. I'll be glad to do it then.”

“That’s very good, Richard. Now let's give the news and information to the First Ones of what could happen in our skies here.”

We all turn around and walk together into the Sea Arena.

The Sea Arena is built into a natural half bowl of a hill side that over looks the sea. There are several tunnels that lead to the mid-level seating areas. It too is arranged like the seating in the Grand Hall in the Grand Castle. Most are walking around the perimeter when we get into the open. We hear a lot of cheering and roaring by the dragons when they see us.

I see about a five hundred sea dragons swimming in front of us. I also see about two hundred land dragons. They're all mixed sizes, shapes and colors. Then I see a white dragon flying in. The other dragons make room for him. They see that his skin is emitting little lightning flashes from it.

“Isn't that Ryujin, King Dryden?”

“It is, Richard. He has become a very powerful dragon like his brother Marcon.”

“He will be a unique weapon if the fight is brought here.”

“Yes he will be, Richard.”

I look around and see all four of the Dwarves’ Under Kingdoms are represented here with their banners. I see all of the unicorns with their own group of fairies hovering around them. I see in another area of the arena a lot centaurs as well.

“Follow me, Richard, to the Royal Section. You'll meet the leaders of the dwarf under kingdoms.”

The Royal Section is a separate set of seating and tables in the center front of the arena. It is used by the Royalty for judging of the events at the Festival.

When we get there, I see the four dwarf Kings and Queens with their Chief Warriors. I also see the rest of the Kings and Queens there as well. Then the twelve unicorns walk near us with their fairies. Then several dwarf dragons fly in closer including some flying dwarf sea dragons. The centaurs come near when they see others gather together at the Royalty section.

“Welcome, First Ones. We have not met like this in a long time.”

“We certainly have not, King Dryden.”

“Are you ready, Richard, to explain what is needed?”

“I think so, King Tierion. If I stutter, I'll look to Thaygard, Eldwin, Renard and Trianna for help.”

“Excellent, Richard, just keep calm and you'll do fine.”

The others laugh at my predicament to come.

“We've also brought some captains and sergeants with us who have read the historical records very thoroughly.”

“Thank you, King Quentin. That will help out greatly.”

“You're welcome.”

“Please walk to your sections please. It is time to begin the meeting.”

All of the Kings and Queens walk to the section the same way in the Grand Castle. The dwarves, centaurs, unicorns, fairies, and some dwarf land dragons go to their respective section as well. The rest of the land dragons stay on the right and left-hand sides of the arena. The dwarf sea dragons fly back to the other sea dragons and join them in the water.

King Dryden walks up to the center stage. The sea dragons try to come closer. He shouts out loud, “Welcome, First Ones, to the Grand Gala Sea Arena!”

Everyone starts to roar, cheer, clapping hands, neighing and yelling. King Dryden let them make the applause for awhile. He then raises his hands to quiet them down, which they do eventually.

“We have a lot to do and explaining so that everyone has a part in defending Twainor. The first thing we'll do is begin with the scout ship.”

“As you know by now, we sent the call out to our Outside Helpers once we sensed the presence of it near the Twin Moons. Within two days only one showed up. We were disappointed the others did not show up. But Richard did remind us that we should be thankful at least one showed up.”

“We then asked him what his specialty is. He told us that it is computers and security. We then did realize that the Maker did send the right one. On his way here, Richard saw a large star ship on the edge of our star system. It is still there at this time.”

Everyone starts to cheer and roar. King Dryden raises his hands to quiet them down. “While Richard adjusts to our world, Richard immediately started to give us ideas to work with. He suggested for us to find a way to remove the crew members safely and to split them up. Which we did. The other is that he gave our forces ideas to start training with. Richard, Renard and Trianna flew to King Keltan's kingdom early yesterday morning. They met wizard Thaygard there. Then they flew to the cave where the scout ship appeared.”

“Once they entered in the scout ship, Richard easily retrieved the information from their computer machinery. He found the historical records depicting the travels of the star ship.”

“A long time ago a star system was dying. The original crew members built the star ship to find a new world. At one of the star systems they encountered a disease that decimated their numbers. It was reduced from two thousand or so to just ten people. One of them is their leader. However, he became infected as well. From what we know, he grew very big and became known as the Supreme. However, the other nine could not operate the star ship efficiently. Hence, they sought our worlds to capture people to repopulate their crew. They would be used as well to rebuild their depleted supplies on the star ship.”

“However, the new crew members did not cooperate with them. Then the original nine developed mind control devices to get them to think otherwise.”

“Richard continued his work on the scout ship. Richard, please continue with the story.”

I get up and walk forward and step up to the center stage next to King Dryden on his right-hand side. I speak out loud as I look around. “I then proceeded to find a hole in their machine magic, which I did eventually find. I then remembered how important the Ethereal Space is here for you to do your magic. I analyzed it and created a program so that it can be generated within the star ship. I also found the commands so that the barrier shields can be turned off. I also created a new set of passwords for the forces to use on the star ship. This will allow the Twainor forces to board the star ship and bring the fight to them.”

Everyone one starts to cheer and roar again. I raise my hands to quiet them down, which they do. “After examining and reading the historical record some more, we found some more disturbing news. Their weapons can fire beams of intense light. The weapons can cut through you like a hot knife or sword. It is very painful. Fortunately I was able to tell the Commanders that these light weapons do have a weakness. Light can be reflected. Therefore, the knights will have their armor polished brightly like a mirror.”

“When I was meeting with the Kings and Queens earlier today, one of the Legion Commanders told me that they found something in the records.” I turn and look at King Quentin and nod my head up and down. He nods his head in acknowledgment. Then one of the captains steps forward and stands next to me.

“We found a phrase that they use air fighters to help subdue a world. We didn't know what it meant, so we asked Richard.”

“I immediately knew what it is. These air fighters are small flying machines. They can be any size, anywhere from a dwarf dragon to a big one like Marcon. They can fly very fast in a straight or curved path. They can shoot these light weapons, missiles with heat seekers or shoot pieces of metal. They are designed to eliminate any resistance that a world would use to defend themselves.”

Then everyone yells and roars. “What can we do for protection?”

King Dryden and I raise our hands to quiet them down.

“The solution is the wizard. They can ride your backs and use the transport spell. You will be able to disappear and fly faster. They you can destroy these air fighters, however you wish.”

Then everyone shouts in approval.

“Thank you, Maker!”

“Praise the Twin Moons!”

“We also found out these air fighters have no one on board flying them. They are operated by computers and their type of machine magic.”

“Yeah!”

“All right!”

“Thank you, Maker!”

“Now we come to the next problem. When Richard revealed himself to the second crew member, that crew member noticed Richard is wearing the twelfth medallion.”

“What!?” They all yell out loud.

“Yes, the star ship has our Outside Helpers as crew members. So, we must rescue the crew and bring justice to their leaders. Because they have committed the biggest crime of all.”

“After they have taken some people from a world, they proceed to strip the wealth and resources of that star system. They have killed millions and billions of people while searching a cure for their leader and a new home.”

“No! We'll fight for Twainor!”

“We'll win!”

“Do you remember the story of the Emissaries and how their small craft crash landed on Twainor? Our Ethereal Space damaged it. If we can turn off the barrier shield on the star ship, we can do the same to the air fighters.”

“Praise the Maker!”

“Thank you, Richard!”

“Thank the Maker for our Ethereal Space!”

“This is where we must be wary. These air fighters can still cause damage. If any escape your chase, they can still crash on the surface. When they crash, there will be an explosion with fire. They can crash into the castles, buildings and into the forest. If you see one of these air fighters on a crash course with no control, you can nudge them off course to avoid the target.”

“Let the wizards and sorceresses use the barrier shields to avoid injury. Seek shelter underground if necessary. Remember First Ones, Twainor's forces will be on the star ship to disarm it quickly before it has a chance to do serious damage to Twainor.”

“We know the forest animals will sense the danger. Just don't get hurt in the process if you want to help. If Twainor is saved, we can always rebuild and keep our lives for the next generation.”

“If there is a fire in the forest. Let us know where it is. We'll all work together to put the fire out.”

“Are there any questions or comments?”

All four Dwarf Kings stand up.

“You may come forward Kings.”

All four Dwarf Kings walk up to the center stage to stand with us. The captain goes back to his seat.

“It is time to put our differences aside. We all have learned a lot from our Outside Helpers. Richard has provided us an opportunity to bring victory.”

“Yes, King Thranton. That is right. We'll open our Under Kingdoms for any who need refuge, Kings and Queens of the Upper Kingdoms.”

“Yes, we know your food storage buildings are filled with the blessing of the Maker. We will survive this threat to us.”

“If any become injured, we'll provide aid. That includes you too, dragons. We can help by removing any metal object, close the wound and skin.”

Marcon speaks up, “Thank you Dwarf Kings for the help. That is greatly appreciated.”

“What about me? What can I do to help my brothers fight?”

King Dryden looks at me, “Richard, do you have any ideas for Ryujin?”

“I do, King Dryden.” I walk towards to Ryujin. “You are very unique, Ryujin. For a wizard to ride your back he needs to have a special crafted saddle. This is for his protection against your lightning. The material needs to be a pliable insulation material that does not conduct electricity. It also needs heat protection as well.”

“Richard, I know what material you're talking about. It is what we discovered when you were here last time.”

“Yes, that is right, King Thranton. Can your builders make a saddle for a wizard?”

“I'm sure they can in one or two days.”

“That's a start. While they are making the saddle Ryujin, you need to start practicing how to shoot an electric bolt from your claws or tail. You need to learn to control and aim it where you want it to go. Crushing or using your fire breath is your first choice. Use the lightning bolts in situations as a surprise on the air fighters.”

“I understand, Richard. I have set fire to trees with my lightning by accident.”

“Have your brethren toss or drop rocks and boulders and see if you can hit a moving object.”

Then the dragons of the Rainbow Falls roar out loud in approval. “Yes, we can do that easily!”

“What about the sea dragons? What can we do to help?”

“We thought about that too, Chelen. I have seen recordings of air fighters on my world in past wars. Sometimes there are fighters flying over water to attack ports and to destroy sea going sailing ships. Tarsi and the others who can fly, you can bait them by having these air fighters chase you to get lower to the sea surface.”

“Yes, then the sea dragons can come up and provide our own attacks to bring them down!”

Then the sea dragons roar with approval when they hear that.

“That is all we have at this point. If we get any new information, we'll let you know as soon as possible.”

“Thank you, Kings and Queens. Thank you, Richard.”

“We'll have wizards available for you in your respective kingdoms in the morning.”

“Thank you, King Dryden.”

“Take care First Ones of Twainor. We all have a part in bringing victory to Twainor!”

Then everyone begins to roar, yell, clap their hands, stomp their hoofs and feet. The dragons shoot flames into the air. The sea dragons shoot large streams of water into high arcs in the air. The sea dragons also jump higher into the air to get as high as they can.

“King Dryden, I have a feeling the Supreme is going to be surprised how Twainor defends itself.” I smile at him.

“Yes, Richard, he will definitely be surprised.”

The Kings and Queens of the Upper and Under Kingdoms come walking up to the center stage. King Dryden sees them come near.

“It is time to return to our respective kingdoms.”

“Where are the two other crew members, King Dryden?”

“They're in Evenshard and Antarte, Richard.”

“That would be Tark and Mal-tor, Richard.”

“I was just wondering where I should spend the night, King Tierion.”

“We'll take care of your Outside Helper, Renard and Trianna.”

“I know you will, King Beltrane. We look forward to the information from the last two crew members.”

“Then I will see you tomorrow my friends, Kings and Queens.”

“See you tomorrow, Richard. Have a good night's sleep.”

“Thank you, my Queen.” I turn to the unicorns, “see you tomorrow. It is good to see you again.”

“Yes it is good to see you again.”

Then all twelve unicorns walk up to me one by one. I hug each one in turn. The fairies fly around us singing and giving thanks for the special bond we share. When we get done, I give some hugs to the Dwarf Kings and Queens. After that, some of the centaurs put their hand on my shoulder with a smile. When I get done with them, I turn to the land and sea dragons and smile.

“Thank you, Richard, for giving us hope.”

“We thank the Maker that you're here with us.”

“You're welcome, dragons. Give my best to Eingana.”

“We will, Richard. See you tomorrow.”

“We will all need a good night's rest and sleep for tomorrow.”

“That we will.”

The sea dragons turn around and dive into the water. We see them swim away.

“It is time for the evening repast. See you all tomorrow, First Ones.”

“See you tomorrow, King Dryden.”

Avel speaks up now. “The unicorns, the fairies and the land dragons are staying here for the night Lord Dryden.”

“So are we. We'll be in the Under Kingdom here for the night. There is no need to rush back and forth between Kingdoms at this time.”

“I understand, King Thranton. Lord Beltrane has Richard this evening. He will be near the other crew members tomorrow morning.”

“I understand. I heard you were beginning a three-moon vacation before you answered the call, Richard?”

“That's right, King Thranton.”

“Well don't forget us when it's over.”

“I won't, King Thranton. If all goes well, I will probably be visiting everyone before I go back.”

“I'm sure you're right. You'll definitely need a good night's sleep between kingdoms.” He smiles at me.

Then everyone laughs at that joke.

“Anyone who is leaving, please connect with a sorceress or a wizard.”

“Yes, King Dryden.”

We all connect hand to shoulder. Once we're connected, they recite the transport spell. We all disappear in a blink of an eye. Eldwin, Renard, Trianna, Thaygard and I fly South to Evenshard. We see the other Kings and Queens fly back to their own respective kingdoms.

We fly over the ocean to the southern hemisphere. Soon we see a lush green continent on the horizon. I see a beautiful landscape of flat lands and rolling hills. In the distance I see the mountain range that divides Antarte and Evenshard Kingdoms. I see many towns, villages and castles. Some of the castles are trimmed in white stone. Then we see King Beltrane's castle appearing as a white diamond in a sea of green.

The outer stone of the castle walls and turrets comes from the quarry in the mountains to the East. The stone glitters in the night from the moon light, hence the name of the kingdom, Evenshard.

We make our descent and land in the courtyard with the large sundial on display there. King Beltrane and Queen Darissa appear as well. “Welcome to Evenshard, my friends and honored guests.”

“Thank you for your hospitality, King Beltrane. How much time do we have until the setting of the sun?”

“We only have time for the evening repast. Come let's go inside.”

We turn around and see four knights walking toward us. The fifth man between them steps forward.

“Welcome back, my King and Queen. Welcome honored guests.”

“Yes it is good to be back home. Is the evening repast ready?”

“Yes it is, my Lord. Please follow us.”

We follow them in the courtyard up to the main entrance. Two knights by the main entrance open two large stone doors. I see a beautiful pattern of silver flecks, purple gems and the white Evenshard stone in it. It must have been carved and set by the dwarves in the region.

We walk inside and see a beautiful foyer area. Straight ahead are the two large wooden doors. It too is decorated with pieces of silver, Evenshard and purple gems in a delicate pattern.

We turn right in the foyer area and walk down the hallway. The two knights in front of us open another pair of large wooden doors on the left-hand side. We walk in and see the dining area already arranged for the evening repast.

In the room we see other people standing and talking together. They get quiet when we enter in.

“Welcome back, my King and Queen.”

“Yes it’s good to be back. We have some honored guests with us this evening.” King Beltrane turns to us and introduces us. “This is Wizards Eldwin, Thaygard and Renard and Sorceress Trianna whom you already know.”

Then King Beltrane stands next to me. “This is Richard Moore, the Outside Helper from Thryson Kingdom.”

Everyone in the room then claps their hands and cheers.

I raise my hands quickly. They quiet down.

“Thank you, my friends. Let us enjoy and give thanks for this evening repast while we still have time. I would like to keep seeing these great sun settings every day.”

They all laugh together.

“Well said, Richard. Master Wizard Braylin, please give this evening Thanks to the Maker.”

He smiles, “Yes, my Lord.”

We all walk around to take our seats. Grand Master Eldwin sits at the other end of the table. The rest of us take our seats where we wish. I end up sitting on the same side with Thaygard, Renard and Trianna and Wizard Braylin. On the other side is Queen Darissa, Legion Commander Dolen, Army Commander Torreno, Navy Commander Larkin and Master Sorceress Dreama.

Wizard Braylin stays standing up and begins to give thanks. “Maker we give thanks that we have a chance to defend your creation. Give us the wisdom, the courage, the perseverance to bring victory for all of Twainor. Thank you providing the bounty of the land for our strength.”

Then everyone responds, “Thank you, Maker.”

The servers come in and serve the first course. A salad is brought in with different vegetables than I have seen so far. They are served cold. The spice on the dish is sweet tasting with a slight tang.

The conversations come in from everyone.

“So, my commanders, how is it going on the training grounds?”

“Everything is progressing well. We'll have our one hundred chosen by tomorrow evening with ten wizards. Then the next day will begin training on the sailing vessels. Hopefully, we can get two full days on the ships before the star ship shows up.”

“I agree, Sir Dolen. After the last crew member is interviewed, we must send the distress signal to the star ship.”

“Yes, we hope they will take the bait and come here directly.”

“Has anyone asked Brin for a layout of the star ship?”

“We did, Richard. He was able to sketch many levels with some good detail. Copies were made quickly and given to the other Kingdoms. They all agreed to get them laid out today to start increasing the endurance of the squads.”

“That's good.”

“The only level we don't have is the location of the Supreme.”

“That will come in time. Getting command of the key areas will be important to limit their choices, especially the weapons.”

We pause as the servers come in and take our salad plates. The next time the come out, they bring the main dish. It is a fowl dish. I immediately get a whiff of a very spicy aroma from it. I take a small piece to check how spicy it is. Hmm . . . not too bad. It is a bit different. It brings the heat to the backside of the tongue. I take a bite of a vegetable serving. Ah . . . This has a cool taste to calm the heat, excellent. I take a drink of water to clear my throat.

“Sir Dolen, I'm just curious. What did you do to get the legion back in shape after my demonstration match?” I give a mischievous smile as I look at him.

They all laugh together.

“You should have seen their faces Richard when we came up with some new techniques.”

“They were not happy at all. We had to break down their pride and over confidence. Your match proved you don't need magic and weapons to defeat somebody. That hand slap game and technique you showed Sir Trenton, was a nice introduction to develop the improved eye-hand coordination in quickness. Some of our best soldiers were surprised how slow they reacted. ”

“Yes, Sir Torreno, they fought fairies and dwarf warriors without weapons for at least one moon period. By then they conceded their pride. We then started to rebuild them back up with very good results.”

“Before the Outside Helpers came, we had become very concerned with this attitude that was building up. This attitude is not only in Evenshard, but also in some of the other Kingdoms. The Royalty and the Commanders all saw it at the Mid-Summer and Grand Gala Events.”

“Yes my King. Your match, Richard, opened them up and revealed a serious infection as it was. Once the Commanders saw that recording, they finally have the lessons needed to get their Legion’s attention.”

“You're welcome. Just to let you know there is another direction the problem could go. That is stress that causes harm to your fellow soldiers. We even have that problem. We're constantly evaluating the soldiers to make sure they are of sound mind.”

“Yes, we have that problem as well. Your match revealed that anger as well. It did get their attention about trying to stay calm in the heat of battle. We have seen them develop the 'fury' during certain situations.”

“I have seen that as well in the fighting ring. It is useful, but it can lead to exhaustion and collapse at an inconvenient time or moment.”

The servers come in and remove our plates after we have eaten. I take another sip of water to cool off my spicy tongue. The servers then bring out several fruit bowls. All of the fruits are cut in large pieces. The servers also put another empty bowl at each of our place setting in front of us and a small damp towel for later.

We take our forks and start poking them and bring them to our empty bowls. We take several different kinds of fruit and put into our bowls. I see pieces with the seeds removed already. It is up to us to remove the fruit from the rinds.

We enjoy the challenge of removing the fruit from the coverings. We laugh and giggle while we eat it. We occasionally have to wipe our chins from the sweet juicy nectar dripping down from the mouths.

After we get done, the servers come and take our bowls and utensils. We continue to clean ourselves up some more with the damp towel.

The Master Chef comes with comes in with the kitchen staff and stand in a line nearby. King Beltrane notices them. “Thank you, Master Chef for this wonderful meal.”

We all clap our hands and cheer for serving a delicious meal.

“Thank you, Master Chef!”

“The meal satisfied my taste buds.”

The Master Chef and the kitchen staff bow their heads and raise them.

“Thank you, my King and Queen and honored guests. It was a pleasure to serve you all at this time. We hope and pray for victory so that we can serve you again.

We clap and cheer again.

“Until then, good night and see you here for the morning repast everyone.”

“Until then Master Chef, good night.”

“Come my friends. Let us go outside and witness the sun setting and the Maker's Creation.”

We all get up and walk outside to the courtyard by the sundial. The kitchen staff stays and begins to clean up the tables and the kitchen.

“Will this be your first setting here Richard?”

“It is, King Beltrane. The last time I was here, we had to leave early to arrive in the Maranelle Islands Kingdom by the Second Mark in the morning there.”

“Now I remember that day. You'll enjoy seeing it here. Look everyone. Here it comes from the East.”

We look East wards. Soon we see the wall of colorful lights coming our way. Then it envelopes all around us.

I get a big surprise to see how the lights interact with the castle walls. It begins to pulse in colorful lights as well. When a blue filament touches the Evenshard stone, it glows a blue as well. When each color of the rainbow touches the castle, it takes on that color. It appears as a multicolored polka-dotted pattern on the Evenshard stone. We see ourselves interact with colors like I have seen before. After a few moments, the colorful walls of lights leave. But the castle continues to pulse with the colors that the filaments last touch as the walls glow in the dark. This continues for about quarter-mark before it completely fades. Then it glitters like a white diamond like before.

“That's an incredible display King Beltrane. Apparently you discovered this stone property a long time ago.”

“Yes we did, Richard.”

Then the stars, the nebulae and the Twin Moons appear in the night sky.

We all clap our hands and give thanks to the Maker for a beautiful display.

“We discovered the stone in the mountains East of here. It took two years for the dwarves and men to cut the stones and bring them here on this hill rise. There is a deep wide river that flows around this rocky hill. It provides a natural moat. The back side is a heavily fortified wall with gates and turrets.”

“There are no bridges to cross the river. You use ferries or the gate entrance in the back to get into the castle grounds.”

“What about catapult boulders? They can damage the castle from the other side of the river.”

“Sir Dolen, will you please be so kind to demonstrate another property of the Evenshard stone?”

“Yes my Lord.” He walks over to the front entrance and stands near a crystal torch mounted there. He recites the spell to light up the crystals. The crystal torch glows brightly. Soon, the rest of that part of the castle wall begins to glow as well. “Now watch what happens when I throw a stone at the wall.”

He picks ups a stone on the ground and throws it at the wall. The stone never touches the wall. It bounces off an invisible force field and lands on the ground and rolls to stop.

“That's incredible, King Beltrane. The stone generates a natural force field when a strong light source activates it. I'll have to give many thanks to the Maker for that idea.”

“That's right, Richard. We tried everything against the wall. It even bounced off the catapult boulders in day light.”

“This is too much. Do all of the Kingdoms have this capability, King Beltrane?”

“Only the kingdoms in this region have the Evenshard stone. There is not enough of it for everyone, unless a new vein is discovered in the mountains.”

“I see, so you have a rare deposit here. The other kingdoms will have to use embankments, walls, barrier shields and sealing spells for their protection.”

“That's right, Richard. We did try using the lens to focus the sun’s rays onto it. It did not block it. That means the light weapons on the air fighters can do damage. But it should block their other weapons.”

“Well at least that's something for a start. The dragons will have to be very aware where these air fighters are flying. The wizards can provide another pair of eyes for them.”

“Yes, we must be very alert and watching the skies. We greatly appreciate what you have done so far.”

“You're welcome, King Beltrane Well, I think it is time for some sleep. It is going to be another long and interesting day tomorrow.”

“Yes it will be, Richard. Come, my honored guests, my chamberlain will escort to your rooms for this evening.”

We all walk back inside the castle. There we see the chamberlain waiting for us with a pair of knights for the escort.

“Chamberlain, please show the way for honored guests where they will be sleeping tonight.”

“Yes, my Lord. Please follow me.”

We follow the chamberlain inside the foyer area. We turn right in the foyer and walk to the end of the hallway. We turn left and see a set of stairs and ramps to the second and third floors. When we arrive at the third floor, we turn left again and walk down a long hallway. We see several doors on the left and right-hand sides.

“These rooms are used by our guests. This is where you'll be staying this evening. Richard, yours is in the first one to the right. Wizard Renard, yours is the next one to him on the right. There is a common door between the two.”

“Trianna, yours is on the left-hand side here. Wizard Thaygard yours is the next one to Renard. Wizard Eldwin, yours is the next one on the left, next to Trianna. There is no common door between them. All rooms have windows in this part of the castle wing.

“Thank you, chamberlain.” We all respond as one.

“You're welcome. There will be guards on watch at the top of the next mark.”

“Good night, everyone. See you in the morning in the dining room. The morning repast is at the First Mark.”

“We'll be there. Good night chamberlain.”

We walk into our rooms and close the doors. I walk inside and take a look around. I see a beautiful decorated room. Then the common door opens.

“Hello, Richard.”

“Hello, Renard. This is a very nice room.”

“Yes it is, Richard. I'll be sure to wake you in time to get ready.”

“Thanks. Well let's get ready for bed. As long as I get about seven marks of sleep, I'll wake up very rested.”

“That sounds good to me. Good night, Richard.”

“Good night Renard.”

Renard leaves the door open and returns to his room.

I take off my satchel and put it on one of the chairs. I take off my jacket and fold it up really nice and smooth. I take off the shirt and do the same thing. I sit on the chair and take off my boots. I set those aside near the wooden dresser. I take off the pants and fold those up as well.

I walk over to the dresser and open them to see what is available. The second drawer is empty. So, I put the folded clothes in that drawer. I undo the latches on the breast and back plate. I take them off and lay them on the bed. I untie the knots on the padding from the plates. I set the metal plates near the other side of the dresser. I fold up the padding and put them in the empty bottom drawer. I open the top drawer again and take out the largest night shirt and under shorts there that will fit me. I place them on the bed. I take off my shorts, under shorts and T-shirt. I fold them up and place them in the second drawer. When I open the second drawer again, I see a cleaning spell has already been set for it. There was a dirt stain on the ranger shirt that is now gone.

I look in the mirror and smile at the face I see there. I comb my hair to straighten it out. I pour some water into the bowl. I proceed to wash my face and hands to freshen up. I use the damp cloth and rub down my body, even the feet as well. Once that is done, I drape the cloth on the edge of the bowl.

I walk over to the curtains and open them up. I see the light of the Twin Moons breaking through some clouds. I turn around and walk over to the bed and turn down the bed covers. I then look at the crystal lights and raise my right hand toward them one at a time. I recite the spell and turn them off.

I get under the bed covers and put my head on the large pillow.

“Good night, Renard.”

“Good night, Richard.”