The Summer Vacation
Chapter 33
Written by rachel76m
Edited by Don Kaufman

We wake up in the morning when the morning light show shines into our room. We see the color light display on the walls. When it disappears the morning sunlight comes in shining brightly. We wake up and get ready for the day like we have done before.

“We know we’ll get rain tomorrow, my friends. We should save our bath for tomorrow.”

“We will definitely need it, Sir Halgren. We will need to get the horses dry before we see to ourselves.”

“Yes, then put the water proof blanket on them to help keep them warm.”

“Do you know if we’ll see more shelters for the horses at the other fiefdoms, Sir Halgren?”

“If I remember right, they all have them, Richard. It is for the other knights who bring their horses in for practice and keeping fit.”

“That’s good. Is everyone ready?”

“We are, Sir Halgren.”

I put my satchel on, then Amber and Cobalt fly over and sit on my shoulders.

We leave the room and walk down to the dining room. We sit in the same chairs as last night. Amber and Cobalt have their own place on the table near me. After the giving of thanks, servers come in a deliver the plates to us.

We see a different set of vegetables, fruits and mushrooms this time. The fish is served up several different ways. I’m guessing tonight’s meal will be in collaboration with Chef Beharn to feed everyone in the main hall.

Once the meal is over with, Sir Halgren and I walk over to the practice fields. Amber and Cobalt sit on my shoulders after I put my satchel on. It doesn’t take long to find a gathering in the practice fields. There are about seven hundred knights and dwarf warriors there waiting for us. They are sitting on the grass and trying to be comfortable.

Sir Brandson sees us walking towards them. The knights and warriors all stand up and give me a quick bow. I bow back to them.

Sir Brandson begins to speak to them, “I was informed yesterday the horses have been nervous since the fear attack.”

“I thought they have calmed down by now, Sir Brandson.”

“No they haven’t, corporal. Richard had a talk with the horses, he discovered they are sensing fear from the stable hands and from you as well.”

“What? That can’t be sir. We are in total control.”

The knights all look to each other, they nod their heads up and down. However, the dwarf warriors are sensing some pride. They draw back and don’t acknowledge the question.

“Very well, we’ll see if you are holding yourselves together. We are going to replay the fight on the Nefelim star ship.”

Sir Brandson look to his captain and nods his head up and down. The captain recites the spell to replay the fight. He enlarges the image and displays it above his head. When the General initiates the fear attack, all of a sudden about two thirds of the knights are on the ground squirming and screaming in pain as they put their hands to their ears. The dwarf warriors and the other knights who are not affected help them down easy as fast as possible.

When the scene is over, the captain turns it off. The rest of us help them sit up on the grass. They are breathing hard and their forehead is sweating profusely on some of them.

“I don’t believe it. I . . .I thought I conquered it. What happened, Sir Brandson?”

We hear the same comments from everyone else.

“The reason is this, you have been denying that it happened. Also, you have just discovered you have not dealt with it at all. We are going to talk it out and discuss it. After that, then we’ll give you some tips on how to handle it better. You will not be on your horses until you get this resolved.”

The affected knights all nod their heads up and down in agreement slowly.

“Okay, let’s discuss it and how it affected each of us. What do you hear in your minds?”

Then one by one we hear their responses. They do remember the pain very much.

“What are we to do? I still hear it in my mind sometimes.”

“I feel bad for the horses now. I now see that I have not taken care of myself properly.”

“I couldn’t believe that it has affected me. I remember Richard’s words that we must stand firm and believe in ourselves. I thought I had it understood. Apparently I haven’t yet, sir.”

“That’s good, men. You are beginning to understand the situation now. Richard what must our men must do to help themselves?”

“You must recognize that it did happen. Don’t deny it. The ones who were on the surface all experienced the pain. Even your own Castle Lord, Lady and their children. You must think of positive thoughts and memories to help that.”

“What are some of them, Richard?”

“It can come from several sources. Remember a song you liked a lot. If you know how to play a musical instrument, play a joyful song that will bring a smile to your face. Like the song I played last night on the toryli.”

“I really liked that song, Richard. That was good song.”

“Remember the good times while you were growing up back at home. It could be a home cooked meal made by your mother.”

“Or those grilled meals our chef made in our dining room here.”

“That’s right. Perhaps it’s a story that you like to read or see replayed on a crystal. It must have a positive result that will build you up.”

We can see their heads nodding up and down in agreement.

“If you get a relapse, seek out friends who are stronger and talk it out. That is most important.”

“That’s right, men. My door is open. I’ll be glad to listen to you.”

“So what can we do reduce the pain in our heads now?”

“I’ll teach you a tactic that will help. I have done it myself sometimes. Everybody close your eyes now.”

Everyone closes their eyes.

“Now remember the pain from the fight on the Nefelim star ship.”

We see the changes in their faces as they remember it.

“Now it is your choice. In your minds you can do it with your mind or use your hands. Reach with your hand and push a button on the wall in your brain. Once you press it, the volume of the pain is turned off. If that doesn’t work, put out your hands and recite a mental spell to reduce the volume of the pain.”

We see everyone try it. We see their efforts as they try it. Soon we see smiles on their faces.

“It is working, Richard. I don’t hear it.”

Everyone else exclaims the same result that it is working.

“That’s good, men. Remember what we discussed here, men. Soon, as each day passes on, it will be less and less.”

“It is still there. But it does not rule your memories or your emotions.”

“Let’s sing an uplifting song, men.”

“Yes sir!”

They soon sing a victory song that is similar to the one I heard with Sir Trenton’s men. You can see them smile widely and enjoying the victory. They see Amber and Cobalt fly around and dance in the air. They laugh when they fly in front of them. When they end the song they shout out loud and cheer for themselves.

When they quiet down, Sir Brandson speaks again. “The one thing to remember now when you approach your horse, you must do it with a calm and quiet voice. Do not speak in anger or they will get upset with you.”

“Yes, Sir Brandson.”

“Now we have a lot of things to do get ready today. We must get the main hall and our dining hall here ready this afternoon for the evening repast. There will be a lot of people here. We expect a full castle there on the main floor. The towns and village representatives with some people will be there. Thryson Castle who arrived yesterday will be there. The main hall is going to be set up for fifteen hundred people. It will be crowded and boisterous at times. We will first have some special ceremonies at the third mark, in the courtyard. We will need to set up the stage there so the people can see what is going on. After that we move inside into the main hall. Chef Beharn and our Chef with their crews will be working hard in preparing the evening repast for all of us.”

“Yes, Sir Brandson!”

“I want you on your best behavior at all times. These meetings we have been having is to help us rebuild our fiefdom. There will be some improvements for everyone here. Some will come sooner than others. During the days ahead, if we get asked to help the villages and towns with our man power, we will do it with gladness in our hearts.”

“Yes, Sir Brandson!”

“That is good, men. The captains of your brigades have their orders on which task they will be doing. So, get in order by brigades by your pennant here.”

Everyone moves around and lines up in order by their brigade’s pennant in front of them. Once they get in order, the captains then takes them to their designated task to be done today. I walk up to Sir Brandson and his Lieutenant Commander.

“Thank you, Richard, in solving our hidden problem. Apparently our horses knew something was wrong. You helped give them a voice to be heard.”

“Your welcome, Sir Brandson. The centaurs can do the same thing when I’m not here.”

“That’s true, Richard. I do have some men that are musically inclined. I’ll ask them to step up and play their instruments or sing a solo to help with our morale.”

“Yes, that is important, Sir Brandson. We have that too on our military bases in the country where I live. They will get together and do benefit concerts for special occasions in various places where they are located. It shows the people they have talents that everyone can appreciate. It is not judged as a contest.”

“Thank you for that idea, Richard. I’ll look into it for our mid-summer and regional festivals that we have coming up.”

“You’re welcome, Sir Brandson.”

“We have about a mark to go until the noon repast, Richard. Our men will be working in earnest after the noon repast in getting the place ready.”

“We’ll see Sir Trenton and see if there is anything planned from him. See you later today, Sir Brandson.”

“See you later, Richard and Sir Halgren.”

We nod our heads together at the same time. Then we go our way. Amber and Cobalt fly to my shoulder and rest there. We seek out Sir Trenton and see if he has anything for us to do today. We eventually find him at our campsite. He sees us approach him.

We nod our heads together at the same time.

“I can tell from here, that you helped them out, Richard. I heard a lot of them were in denial about the pain from the fear attack.”

“Yes Sir Trenton. The horses were sensing it first from everyone around them. If the people didn’t admit to it, a serious problem would have arisen a week or two from now.”

“Yes it would, Richard. We’ll have to pay attention to it when we visit the other fiefdoms. See to your horses, Richard and Sir Halgren. They are out of food, grain and water for their mid-day meal. Exercise them first before they eat. Let them run in the field here for a half-mark while you get their stalls ready.”

“Where do they keep the food for the horses, Sir Trenton?”

“There is a storage building near the stalls.” He points to it for us to know which one it is.

“Thank you, Sir Trenton.”

We walk over to our horses and greet them.

“Well Swiftwind, you have a chance to run in the fields here to get some exercise. While you do that, we’ll get your stall here cleaned up and restocked with food and water for you.”

Thank you, Richard. That is greatly appreciated.

Come when we call your names. You will have about a half-mark to do some running and grazing on some grass.

Thank you very much, Richard.

Sir Halgren and I lead our horses to the training fields. We see some other horses out there doing the same thing. Then Swiftwind and Sir Halgren’s horse, Thunder, sprint out to the field to join the others.

While Sir Halgren and I search for buckets and shovels to clean up the stalls first, Amber and Cobalt take some branches to sweep out the loose leaves in the stalls. We take the buckets to a location where some stable hands are taking care of the full buckets. Most of it is being sent to the fire mountains to the North. We grab several empty buckets and fill them with water. We each take a brush and wash down the area several times. We recite the refill spell to put more water into the buckets. It takes about a quarter-mark to clean it up until it no longer smells. Once we get done with that, we refill the water troughs in the stalls with fresh water. We then go to the storage building and retrieve the food for the horses. It takes two trips for us to deliver the hard roots and fruits and place them on the shelves. We take a bag of sweet grain and pour it into the other troughs in the stalls. What is left over in the bag is returned to the storage shelter. Amber and Cobalt fly around and position the hard roots and fruits on the shelves to make it easy for them to reach with their mouths.

We then start hearing the other knights yelling and whistling for their horses to come in. I do it with my mind.

It is time, Swiftwind and Thunder! We have your noon repast ready!

We’re coming, Richard!

The horses come running toward us. They come to a stop to catch their breath as they walk up to us. Sir Halgren and I lead them to the stalls.

Thank you Richard for taking care of us.

Yes, thank you Omega and Halgren for cleaning up after us.

I look to Sir Halgren. “They are thanking us for taking good care of them, Sir Halgren.”

“Well, you are welcome, Thunder and Swiftwind. Now you take it easy after that romp in the field. We’ll come back later and make sure everything is okay before we sleep tonight.”

Thunder and Swiftwind nod their heads up and down in agreement and give a whinny as they settle down.

“We need to get cleaned up before we go inside, Richard. There is a wash area near our field kitchen. We can wash ourselves and get real clean.”

“That sounds good to me.”

“We’ll be in the forest quickly to do our own clean up, Richard. We will smell like flowers again.”

“Okay, Amber and Cobalt.”

Amber and Cobalt fly off into the forest quickly to the south to find the stream that runs nearby. They take several flower petals and wash themselves down with them in a calm place near the edge of the water. Once they get done, they fly quickly back to me to dry themselves off.

I follow Sir Halgren to the wash area. I see several other knights doing the same thing. They are being assisted by the squires there. They are giving us bars of soap and a cloth. We dip the cloth into a large tub. We rub the soap into the cloth. We proceed to wash ourselves down real good, including the armor breast plates that we have on. Once that is done, we walk over to the side where two other squires are handing us towels to dry ourselves off. Then they recite a spell to evaporate the rest of the water off our armor and clothes underneath the armor.

“Thank you very much, squires.”

“You’re welcome, Richard.”

As we leave, I see Amber and Cobalt flying to me. They land on my shoulder to catch their breath.

“Yes, you do smell like flowers now and not like the horses.”

They giggle and chuckle at the remark. “Thank you, Richard.”

We walk into the castle and into the dining room. We see the same group of people that have gathered here this morning. We have the usual fare that we have been having here. When we get done, Lord Granthnel stands up to make an announcement.

“My friends, this afternoon will be a grand celebration beginning at the third mark. In the courtyard will have a ceremony placing ribbons on various people who stayed behind in their villages and towns. They helped where they could in helping others who were in distress. There will also be some promotions for my knights to the rank of corporal and sergeant as well.”

Everyone claps their hands.

“There are no meetings this afternoon. The time is yours to spend in the town nearby if you like. I know Sir Trenton will double check his supplies and get ready for the next visit to Lord Eralian’s fiefdom tomorrow. This evening’s meal will be the grill style that Richard introduced to us last year. So, enjoy the festivities and the celebration.”

We clap our hands while we stand up and exit the dining room. Some of the royalty get ready to visit the town and see what is available that will be needed for the days ahead. When I enter the courtyard, I see Thomas walking near us.

“You need to get some extra thread, Thomas?”

“Not only that, Richard, I need to purchase some cloth and leather for the knights. Some were not careful in cleaning out the stalls. They were admonished by their sergeants for being careless there.”

“This is supposed to be a time of relaxation, Thomas.” I smile at him.

“Tell that to the tailor. I just might let them sew their own garments the next time.”

“Why don’t you let them? It will teach them a lesson to be more careful.”

“You do have a point there.” He smiles. “Thank you for the idea, Richard. That will definitely get their attention. We still have seven more fiefdoms to visit.”

Thomas continues on his way to find the shops he needs for his supplies. Sir Halgren and I walk to the town as well. Amber and Cobalt fly around and greet other fairies who are flying in the air as well. They exchange the latest news in the area. We visit some shops to see what is available. I have to be careful how much I spend, King Tierion only gave me so much in the coin purse he gave me the last time I was here. Besides that, I need to save the money for the festivals.

As we walk around, I receive a lot of ‘thank yous’ from the people in helping to save Twainor from the Nefelim destruction plans. I nod my head and say ‘you’re welcome’ in return gesture. Even Sir Halgren receives some praise as well for being with me on the star ship.

After some time in walking the streets of the town, we hear the call from Castle it is time for the ceremonies and the evening repast. Everyone who could and is invited to the repast starts walking to the courtyard in the castle. Sir Halgren and I make our way to the front and stand near the royalty with them. Then Amber and Cobalt fly in and land on my shoulders to rest again.

Cobalt whispers into my ear. “Richard, can you get our food bag out. We did a lot of flying today.”

“Okay, Cobalt.”

I open my satchel and take out their food bag. I open it and pour some into my hand. I bring it up to them so they can take what they want. They each grab two nuts and a fruit to munch on. I put the rest into the bag, close it and put it in my satchel.

“Thank you, Richard.”

“You’re welcome, Amber and Cobalt.”

After everyone has settled in by gathering around the raised platform, Castle Lord Granthnel and his wife walk up to the platform. The crowd immediately gets quiet to hear them speak.

“Thank you for all coming to this celebration of victory. We wish to award some ribbons to people who stayed behind helping others who were in distress during the fear attack. They have shown great strength of will during that time of trouble.” Lord Granthnel looks to his left and right. Then a dozen people move into position before the platform. Also two centaurs stand there as well with three fairies. To his right comes up a page with a board in his hands. On the board are a group of ribbons with the color design of the fiefdom’s three colors. There is a small silver coin underneath it. It is stamped with the date of the fear attack. There are three small ones for the fairies.

One by one the people come forward up to the stage. Their names are given and which town or village they come from. The people hold the applause until everyone is awarded for their bravery. When the last fairy receives the ribbon, everyone erupts into a loud cheer and ovation. The honored ones then bow their heads to everyone else before them. Then they step down from the stage.

“Now we have some promotions to give for some of your knights who showed great will of mind and fortitude during this time of trouble.”

Then three knights step forward. One by one they step onto stage to receive their commendation. Two are promoted to corporal, one is promoted to sergeant. Everyone cheers and give thanks for their help in keeping the fiefdom safe and secure.

Everyone quiets down to hear Lord Granthnel speak again when he raises his hands, “We wish you a grand time in the main hall. We have arranged the tables to seat fifteen hundred in the main hall. Half of your knights will be able to sit with their families who came today in the main hall. The other half of our knights, their families and town folk will have their meals in the knights’ dining hall here. That is the overflow area for this gathering. We will have contact crystals set up so you can see and hear the speeches in the main hall here. When we are done with the meal, we will gather here in the courtyard and the training fields to witness the sunset display from the Maker.”

Everyone begins to file into the main hall and the knights’ dining hall on the back side of the castle. The chefs, cooks and servers have been busy since the end of the noon repast getting ready. The Castle’s Chef is overseeing the main hall while Chef Beharn oversees the cooking in the knights’ dining hall. It takes about a quarter-mark to get everyone seated. Once the thanks is given, the meal is served at a quarter after the third mark. Sir Halgren and I are sitting in the main hall where most of our group is sitting. On the tables on several pitchers of cold water and fruit juice. The ale and wine are served by request to those who want it.

The first dish is a salad of greens, cold vegetables and a slice of fruit. We can all smell the hint of the grilled spices on the dish. We enjoy it very much. It takes about less than a half-mark to eat the first dish. Once we get done with it, the servers come in quickly to take our empty plates.

Then Lord Granthnel and his wife stand up to give a speech. This gives the kitchen time to get ready for the main dish to be served. Everyone gets quiet to hear him.

“I wish to give thanks especially for Richard, our Outside Helper and his escort Sir Halgren.”

Everyone erupts into cheers and accolades. Sir Halgren follows me as I approach the front platform. We both do a formal bow before him and rise up. They both nod their heads up and down. We both turn around and stand side by side with them as we face the crowd. The cheering continues until Lord Granthnel raises his hands.

“Thank you, Richard for being here and delivering us from the potential tragedy that could have happen. You have helped us to see Twainor in a better light and how we fit in the Maker’s grand scheme. We have learned from our Outside Helpers how to keep Twainor to be a beautiful garden and gem in the heavens.”

“We don’t want to bear you down with ribbons and medals from everyone here on Twainor, so accept this gift from us as a ‘Thank you’ from our hearts.”

Then Lord Granthnel hands Sir Halgren and I a small bag of coins from him. We nod our head in thanks. Everyone erupts with cheers and accolades again. Lord Granthnel motions for Sir Halgren and I to speak to the crowd. Everyone gets quiet to hear us.

“Thank you, my friends. It has been an honor to serve you as your Outside Helper. I will be here for your mid-summer and regional festivals at least. So, I will enjoy this time of being with you and remember the good times I had here. I don’t know when I’ll come again, but who knows what will happen in the future. Thank you again, Twainor.” I step back in line.

Everyone claps and cheer again. Then Sir Halgren steps forward. Everyone gets quiet to hear him speak. “It has been my honor as well to serve as Richard’s Escort and Honor Guard. I have learned a lot from him during my time with him. I amazed at how he does it and how much information he knows. And yet, he hasn’t had to use all of his knowledge until the scout ship came to us and we came on board the star ship. We must take his inspiration and continue what he started here. We will learn all we can about Twainor and how we can effectively to protect it ourselves and make life better for all. Thank you, King Tierion in choosing me to be Richard’s Escort. It has been my honor to serve you in this way.” Sir Halgren steps back in line.

Everyone stands and cheers with great accolades in the two halls. Sir Halgren and I bow again. Then we sit back down in our seats where we are eating. Then Lord Granthnel looks to his right and nods his head at a server. The server returns to the kitchens and gives word to serve the main dish.

They come out and serve grilled bird, vegetables, mushrooms and a slice of grilled fruit. There is also a serving of a dipping sauce as well. I give a taste to find out what it is like. The servers refill the cups of wine and ale for those who want more.

“This is good, Sir Halgren. It is different then the one I gave Chef Beharn. They must have tried their own spice grouping here.”

“Yes, it is very good, Richard.”

We all enjoy eating the meal very much. Everyone raves about it as they eat the meal. I can see everyone is happy and have smiles on their faces. It takes about a third of a mark to eat the main dish. Once we are done, the servers come in and take our plates away.

They come out with the desert. This time it is different than I haven’t seen yet. It is a cobbler style fruit dish and a whole fruit on the side. Sticking in the whole fruit is a toasted spice stick. The cobbler is warmer than the whole fruit. We enjoy the desert very much, it takes another one-third mark to finish the desert.

Then Lord Granthnel stands back up. “Come let us go out to the courtyard and the training field to enjoy the Creation of the Maker.”

We all get up and file out of the halls. As we file out, I get approached by some one.

“Richard, I’m a musician here. I’ve heard your songs. We are ready to join your style. Come with us, we’ll do a song together on the stage in the courtyard.”

“That sounds good. I’ll join you.”

Amber and Cobalt smile that they get to hear Richard play one of his songs with other people. I walk to the stage and step up to it. I sit on a chair along with some others. I am handed a toryli. I start to play a song that is joyful and brings a smile to the face. The other musicians join in once they hear it. Joining us is another toryli player, a drummer with two drums, a female tambourine player and two flute players. There is a female violin player as well. This violin is shaped differently than the one I know from Earth. We start to hum a melody along with the song. Then we hear one of the fairies in the air telling us it is here. “Here it comes!”

Then all of a sudden the colorful light show is everywhere. We see the sounds become visible as we play the instruments and singing it. Amber, Cobalt and I begin to glow a golden color. The others in the crowd and musicians take notice of it quickly and get quiet as I continue to play the song. The horses are still neighing and whinny along with the song.

“Keep playing, it is because I’m the Omega Unicorn now.”

“Okay, Richard.”

We continue to play and dance to the song two times through until the colorful light display moves toward the mountains. Our golden glows disappear when it moves on. We stop playing and look to the mountains and see the ridge flare up like a crown. We look up in the sky and see the heavens come in its full splendor. The stars, the Twin Moons and the nebulae shining brightly before us.

We all clap and cheer when we see it. Then I see them focusing their applause at me on the stage. I raise my hands to them to quiet down. Amber and Cobalt fly over to me and sit on my shoulders.

“This will only happen during the sunrises and sunsets here on Twainor. When we go home, this will not happen. We will take these memories and remember them always.”

Everyone claps and cheer again. I put the toryli on the chair. I step down from the stage. I get greeted and well wished by many people. Slowly the crowds return to their homes and inns where they are staying. Sir Halgren and I walk to our tent area and where our horses are kept.

“How are you doing, Swiftwind and Thunder?”

We are doing fine, Richard. That was a great song to hear.

Yes it was Omega. I really liked it.

How are you doing for the night? Do you need a blanket tonight?

No, it will be a warm night. Tomorrow night will be cooler after the rains have passed, we’ll need it then.

Okay. Are you okay for food and water?

We know it will rain tomorrow, put some food and water here for tomorrow morning Richard.

We’ll eat and drink it before we get mounted.

Okay.

I look to Sir Halgren. “ They will be warm tonight, but after the rains tomorrow it will be cooler tomorrow night.”

“They will need a blanket then after we dry them off and brush them down. How about food?”

“They want it on the shelves here tonight. They will eat and drink it first thing in the morning before they get mounted.”

“That is good advice and saves time. Let’s do that Richard.” Sir Halgren looks at the two horses. “Swiftwind and Thunder, it depends on tomorrow morning when the rain starts. We might get a late start until the storms have passed and it is safe for us to transport in the Ethereal Space.”

They nod their heads up and down in agreement.

We go over to the storage shelter to retrieve the food. Some of the squires are surprised that we are doing it this early. We explained to them what will happen tomorrow morning. They agree it is good advice. They do the same thing with the other horses in putting food out for them in the morning. The squires explain to them what is going on. The horses give a slight whinny and nodding of the head up and down when they are told what will happen tomorrow morning before it rains.

Sir Halgren and I walk back to the Castle to get our sleep. Amber and Cobalt are sitting on my shoulder. I feel from them they are very tired now. “Do we fly in the Ethereal Space while it is raining Sir Halgren?”

“We usually don’t. The lightning can disturb the air and cause us pain still. Then we’ll appear and fall to the ground. This was discovered a long time ago. Only in emergencies will it be attempted. We might get a late start until the storms have passed. I don’t know how long this storm front will be here as it passes through.”

“Yes, that is a problem. We’ll need fresh reports tomorrow morning from the Mystic Order before we leave.”

“Yes we will, Richard.”

We enter the castle and walk up the stairs to the third floor. The knight on duty removes the sealing spell on the door. Sir Halgren opens the door and we walk inside and closes the door once we are in.

Amber and Cobalt glide over to the dresser and get their covers and pillows. They take it over the pillow and fall asleep quickly there.

I whisper to Sir Halgren. “Amber and Cobalt are asleep already.”

He whispers back, “Okay, we’ll be quiet.”

We quietly get undressed and change for bed. I put Amber and Cobalt’s food bag on the dresser. We get under the covers as Sir Halgren turns off the light crystals. We have a good night of dreams while we sleep again. For me they are memories of home and staying at the family cabin when it rains.

We wake up in the morning refreshed and ready for the day. Amber and Cobalt fly over to their food bag and open it. I see them eat several nuts and fruits while we get ready. There is a knock on the door.

“Come in, we are decent.”

The door opens, a knight gives us the weather report.

“It will be a late start for everyone. The storms won’t pass through until fourth mark.”

“When will it arrive?”

“It will arrive at the second mark. We expect the stream south of here to crest. It usually does with the storms here. Sometimes the bridge gets washed out when it gets higher. We’ll have to watch that.”

“We’ll have to watch our tents, horses and supplies in the field. Are they safe?”

“They usually are. As long as the horses stay under the shelter they will be fine. The ground all slopes away from the training field to the trees. I have never have seen it flooded there.”

“Okay, what about the morning repast for our men, Sir Halgren?”

“They will eat in our dining hall. Your chef has packed up his portable kitchen last night and secured his dry and frozen goods already. So has your healers’ cart and the tailor as well.”

“That’s good to hear. Now it is just a matter of our tents and seeing how they fare in the storm and wind.”

We walk down the stairs and across the main hall to the dining room. We see everyone there as usual. Just when I’m about to say something I put my hands to the side of my face. My face changes before them as I squirm in pain.

“Ahh.. . . My . . . . my head is on fire!”

“What’s happening Richard?” Shouts some people.

“It’s the horses. They are not safe!”

“Whose horses, Richard?”

“Ours, Sir Trenton. There is a big wall of rain, wind and lightning coming our way!” Sweat appears on my forehead. “We have minutes to get everyone to safety! The horses are screaming in my head! Ohh . . . ”

I pass out and crumple to the floor. Some catch me in time and ease me down to the floor. Amber and Cobalt tend to me along with some others. Sir Trenton. Sir Brandson, Sir Halgren and some other men immediately leave the dining room and exit the castle. They see a dark gray wall of rain coming from the mountains. They hear a bell sounding out in the town nearby.

“We must hurry, Sir Trenton!”

They run to the training fields to warn everyone. They see some of the knights trying to keep the horses calm under the shelters.

“It’s not going to work this time, men! We need to get them in the stables now!”

“Strike those tents and cots and throw everything onto the carts! Move those carts out of here and next to the buildings. Tie them down!”

“Yes, Sir Trenton!” They yell together.

The men scramble as instructed. They throw everything onto the carts including the saddles and bridles. It takes about a quarter-mark to accomplish it all with all of the knights and dwarf warriors available. As soon as the field is cleared, two lightning bolts hit the ground where their campsite was. They hear loud sounds of crackling thunder and lightning two times in a row quickly. The ground vibrates beneath their feet. The sound rings in their ears. Two huge burnt areas appear there. The rain puts out the fire quickly. A third crackling lightning bolt hit the stalls. It bursts into flames as well. When the fire is put out by the rain, five stalls are burnt to cinders now.

The rain and wind come in howling through the area. The people look out the windows as they see leaves and tree branches fly through the air. Then a tornado comes into view. It lands in the training fields and moves across it quickly before it goes back up into the sky. The rain just keeps pummeling horizontally. They also see hail mixed in the rain. The air turns cold quickly. They see a blanket of pea size hail stones all over the ground at least two inches thick through out the town and the castle area. Leaves are stripped from the trees by the hail storm.

Sir Trenton and Sir Brandson look out from the stables and see nature at its worst.

“That was close, Sir Trenton.”

“Yes it was, Sir Brandson.”

Then Sir Halgren gets a nudge in his back from Thunder. Sir Halgren turns around to look at him. He gets a thought in his mind from Thunder, “Omega?”

“Richard heard all of your screams. He warned us in time. He will be all right once he has recovered.”

Swiftwind, Thunder and the other horses calm down and breathe easier now when they hear the good news.

~~~000~~~

I look around me as I walk through the flower garden. My head feels very light. I turn my head when I see a familiar shape approaching me with four fairies.

“Hello, Richard.”

“Hello, Caliber and fairies of Caliber.”

“You passed out when all of the horses screamed in your head at once.”

“I thought that is what had happened. Is everyone okay?”

“They are Richard. Everyone is safe.”

“That’s good.”

“I’m sure that was a new experience for you.”

“It most certainly was. I was just getting used to talking to the horses, two at a time.”

“It takes practice to sort it out. It will be easier each time it happens. Once that is figured out, you will be able sense the change in the air and ground when trouble happens.”

“I hope so, Caliber.”

“It is time for you to go back. You will have a headache when you wake up. You won’t be leaving for the next fiefdom until the fourth mark.”

“I understand, Caliber. Thank you for your words of advice. I will remember this one for awhile.”

“You will Richard. Take care until we meet again.”

“Take care, Caliber and your fairies.” I slip down through the ground and fly back to Twainor.

~~~000~~~

I see my body lying on a table in the main hall. There is a pillow under my head. I see Amber, Cobalt and some women tending to me. Some of them are standing nearby whispering to each other.

My eye lids flutter.

“He’s coming to.”

“Oh . . . my head.”

“Shh... take it easy, Richard. Just lie there, don’t try to get up yet.”

“Okay, Amber.” I breathe in and out slowly to regain my composure and ease the pressure in my brain. I see King Tierion and Queen Shiranna appear above my face. Queen Shiranna holds my hand as she smiles.

“How are you feeling, Richard?”

“I have a headache. I’m sure it will pass in time, my queen.”

“That’s good, Richard. You were out a full mark. You can eat later.”

“It is still raining hard. You warned us in time. Everyone is safe. There are about ten knights and warriors who got knocked down by the lightning. They will be okay.”

“That is good news to hear, my King. Hopefully I will get used to this before I go home.”

“I hope so, Richard. Just lie there and catch your breath to ease your mind. We’ll talk some more later.”

“Yes, my King.”

I lay on the table another mark. I breathe slowly to ease the pressure and get oxygen to the brain. The rain is now coming down at an angle by the third mark. I get up from the table slowly with some help.

“The pain has eased my friends. Let’s try a few steps.” Some hands help me keep my balance as I try to walk around. I lose my balance after the third step. I am eased down onto a bench and sit before the table. I see my morning repast is brought out to me by one of the servers.

“Thank you very much. Hopefully the food will help me regain my strength. I would like to have a mug of fruit juice to drink please.”

“Yes Richard. I’ll get it for you.”

I eat my morning repast slowly while some of us talk together.

“I was just getting used to talking to the horses two at a time, King Tierion and Lord Granthnel. I never expected this in my life.”

“I’m sure you didn’t, Richard.”

“No sir. When I collapsed to the floor, I found myself in the heavens. I have been there before.”

“What or whom did you see Richard?”

“It is a huge field of flowers spreading like a mad carpet through the rolling hills. There are some trails and benches along the way. It soon became my quiet place. I have met some people there before.”

“Whom have you met, Richard?”

“I have met my mother and King David from Earth. He was the one who slew the giant Goliath.”

“I remember that story Richard. I played the part of your father in that dream.” He smiles at me.

I smile at King Tierion. “The other one I met is Caliber. He was the last unicorn on Earth before he was killed for his horn. That was about 1,700 years before my time.”

“I’m sure they all have given you advice.”

“They have my Queen. I will remember this incident for awhile. Caliber said it will be like this until I get it under control. When I do get it under control, I will then be able to sense danger approaching like your horses just did my King.”

“Well, we’ll just pay some more attention to you so you won’t get yourself hurt.”

“Thank you, my King.”

I continue to eat my morning repast until I get done with it. I am then helped up again. I soon find myself able to walk about the main hall with ease.

By the half-mark, the rain is easing and is more vertical. By the fourth mark the rain is very light. The knights and dwarf warriors are walking through the courtyard and training field cleaning up the fallen debris. Some of the knights are inspecting the town and see what more repairs are needed. The rain finally ends at a quarter-mark after the fourth mark.

I do a quick scan of the burnt areas in the training field as we get ready for the next trip. I poke the ground with a shovel. I have several people following me.

“What are you looking for, Richard?”

“I’m looking for something the lightning created here Sir Halgren, Sir Trenton and Sir Brandson. It will give you an idea how hot that lightning is.” I poke some more until I get a ‘clang’ an inch under the ground in the center of the burnt spot. I scrape away the dirt until I see the dirt reflecting the sun light back to me.

“What is that, Richard?”

“That is dirt and sand fused by the lightning. It is fused into glass.”

“That’s incredible.”

“I don’t now how big it is. Hopefully it is not too big. You can clean it up and display it for the people here and for your men as a show and tell about the dangers of lightning. There is no value to it as in gold and silver. It is not a diamond. We have it as well on Earth back where I come from. Fill in the hole once it is retrieved. Sometimes there will be lightning hits and no fused glass piece in the ground.”

“Yes we can, Richard. Thank you very much.”

“You’re welcome, Sir Brandson.”

I get a big smile from Sir Trenton and Sir Halgren. I smile back to them.

I then hand the shovel to one of the knights under Lord Granthnel. He begins to carefully dig around the fused glass piece. It turns out to be about two feet in diameter all around. It is shaped as a short barrel.

All of the carts, carriages and horses are brought out to be arranged for the next leg of the trip.

“We are going straight to Lord Eralian’s Castle from here and land outside the front gates. He knows what has happened here. He will have the noon repast ready when we get there. If we had traveled by land, it would be sunset by the time we get there.”

The wizards and sorceresses all start to recite the transport spell to get everyone there. When it came to our turn, we see the people waving at us and cheering. We wave back to them. We then disappear in a blink of an eye or a flash of light. We see the damage done by the storm as we get higher in the sky. I see some trees still down in the streets and some crashed into the buildings. It will take time for them to rebuild again. It is strange seeing trees stripped of their leaves. I have seen it before on Earth a few times. It is like an eerie winter scene that is very quiet. You don’t hear the birds singing and chirping in the air.

“I hope the fairies and centaurs are okay, Amber and Cobalt.”

“They’re okay, Richard. They hid in some well built farm buildings until the storm passed.”

“That’s good to hear.”

We look down and see our landing area in front of Lord Eralian’s Castle. We see people have gathered around cheering us when we appear.