By Sharp.
Chapter 20 Wednesday 17th July 2008.
While Kiko and her sisters had integrated quite well with Gaby & friends the Mikado was thinking about transporting the others from Japan. The minister of Culture came up with an idea. “My Lord may I make a suggestion. Our spies inform me the Russians gave the Empress a present of a new harbour that can now take the largest of ships. I discovered that that a certain Arab country was going to buy the cruise ship Queen Elizabeth 2 and use her as a hotel. I have negotiated a deal in which we purchase the ship and use it as a floating palace to transport the Princesses and also when we get there it can be their home.”
Su Yum received the telephone call from her father. “Yes papa we are being well looked after by the Empress.”
“Su Yum I and the remainder of the Empresses brides will be sailing from our home. We set sail in one hour. I will telephone when we get nearer to Scarborough.”
Su Yum sent Kiko to inform Gabriel that the Mikado has set sail with the remainder of the Royal brides.
Maddy Bell who was with Gabriel at the time burst out laughing. “I told you it could happen. Doing this must have seriously depleted Japan of their Royal family. Yet the Mikado must honour the contract made by his ancestors. Rather than flying the ladies in he is bringing them in style. They are being brought in what has become a floating palace. They will be in no rush to get here. The Mikado will wish to see that his instructions have been carried out to the letter.
In Japan a second cruise ship had been requisitioned to bring the families of those conscripted as brides. This was not quite as luxurious as the Queen Elizabeth. The two great liners left Tokyo to much fanfare. On each liner there was a helicopter belonging to the Japanese defence corps. While at sea men were busily repainting the helicopters. They were putting a White Rose surrounded by a dragon on the helicopters. The Mikado was pleased with the work. Like most of the others on board the liner he was a little unsure of what to expect once he reached the Haunted Isles. He had requested his priests read up the correct etiquette for addressing a dragon Queen. He had no intention of addressing Queen Gabriel the wrong way and undoing all the hard work he had done.
In Communist China for some time they had been relaxing their iron grip of the population and allowing some limited enterprise. They were also busy trying to get ready for the Olympic Games a Chinese agent had managed to get onboard one of the two great liners. He reported to his masters, “The liners are full of Japanese Princesses and their families as if they were being married together. As yet I do not know our destination. Everybody has been ordered to speak English. I can also see men painting a white Rose surrounded by a dragon on to the helicopters.”
In China a special session of the parliament took place the Premier wanted to know whom the Japanese Princesses were being married to and why so many. He also wanted to know which country used a White Rose surrounded by a dragon.
One delegate pressed his button and spoke. “The White Rose is the Kingdom of Northumbria. Recently the English for some reason decided to split the country in half. Queen Elizabeth still rules the southern section. My local lama informs me the dragon denotes Northumbria is a Dragon kingdom. I did some digging and discovered. Hundreds of years ago the Japanese Mikado accepted help from the Dragon people. Part of the contract was when called upon they were to supply 1000 Royal Princesses for the Dragon Lords.”
Another delegate pressed her buzzer. “I came to the same conclusion and looked at our past history. We like other eastern nations accepted help from the dragon people. It would appear the former Emperors of China made a similar deal for aid with the Lord Draco of the dragon peoples. If we like Japan are called upon to honour our deal I do not know how we will do it.”
Another delegate spoke, “Well at least we have been given breathing space. Currently we have not been called upon to fulfil the wishes of our ancestors. However we must be prepared. All those in China with the slightest bit of Royal blood should be rounded up and taken to a camp where they are all taught English.”
Chinese genealogists scoured the records and sent military groups to collect the people they pinpointed. Soon the military base they were to be housed at was filling up. Men women & children were all brought in. When the Genealogists assured the Premier there was no more to collect the Premier visited the camp they had all been finally taken too.
“You have not been rounded up because you have done anything wrong. China might need your help. All of you have some imperial blood in your veins. Recently we in China discovered that the people of Japan have been called upon to supply 1000 princesses as agreed with the dragon lords many moons ago. China at that time had an Emperor and made a similar deal to that of the Japanese. Today if we are called upon to pay what we promised we find we are in the position of not having enough princesses of royal blood to pay what we promised. As we have no longer have a Royal family you are the nearest we have to an Imperial family. Even with all of you though we have not enough and so to bring the total up every delegate will have to send their only child to be with you as the payment. Whilst you are here at this camp you will all be well cared for and taught what you need to know in preparation for the call from the dragon people.”
China being such vast country news leaked out to the surrounding countries of the rounding up of those with any Royal connection. In India the news brought a smile to the spiritual head of the Tibetan people. He decided to telephone the Chinese Premier. After the exile of the Tibetan leader the Premier was surprised that he had even contacted him.
“I think the people of China might need my help. Would you like me to go and re negotiate the deal and explain China now has no Royal Family?
“No China made deal years ago and we must be prepared to fulfil our obligations to the agreement. However this discussion has repercussions far beyond China. By now other countries will all know the Dragon people have returned? They like us will have to find away to fill their quotas if they also made similar agreements.”
Brightflame & Draconaris went & collected Kiko & Su Yum. “We are taking you to the BBC radio Studio in Scarborough the two of you are needed to speak to the people of the East. The transmission is going out world wide.”
The journey to the studio took only a short time along Castle Road. There the princesses read from prepared scripts. Sue Yum was the first to read the scripts in several languages and then Kiko took over.
“My father the Mikado a short while ago made a discovery. He being an honourable man decided to honour the words of our ancestors. The contract stated the Mikado must supply a minimum of 1000 princesses in good order to the Dragon lords of the Haunted Isles... Father has set sail from our homeland of Japan with the last of the Princesses to keep the promise of our ancestors. I am informing you all around the globe, as other countries may also find they have similar problems too what we had in fulfilling the contract. Currently my sister and I are in the company of the Eternal Lords of the Heavens. Before long they will be calling on other nation states to honour the words of their ancestors like my father has done. To those of you who live in India Kali is also here, and is to take a companion this very day. Whatever your faith or religion you can be sure that we have at least one of your gods here. For those countries that need help in filling their quotas the Japanese Embassy has been instructed to help you fill your quotas.”
In Beijing the Premier had seen the broadcast. He looked at the list in front of him. Even if they sent every female with the slightest bit of Royal blood the Chinese policy of only one child per family meant there was more boys than females. He telephoned the Japanese Embassy. A short while later the Ambassador turned up at the camp with a doctor.
Doctor. “Please split your people into two groups Male & Female. We will start with the youngest. And then work our way to the elder ones. First though I must speak with both groups.”
“I am doctor Sung San I have come here at the behest of your leaders. As you may have gathered virtually all of you are distant relatives of the last Emperor of China. In the days of the Emperor a deal was made with the eternal lords of the skis. The Emperor would provide them with a certain number of females as companions. In Japan one of the Mikado’s daughters noticed the ratio in certain areas of the world of certain areas of the world had gone up to 1000 males for every 300 females. She resolved to try and alter this difference. In Japan we did many trials on criminals and they are now respected members of our society. The Mikado when we could not find enough Princesses used the same technology to transform our Princes into Princesses. I have brought a team of doctors with me. The procedure is almost painless. We do though need to remove your testis before the transformation can take place.”
Kim Sang one of the Chinese women, “For most of us since being here we have been better fed than we were at home. Our ancestors made the deal & I for one feel we should abide by it. I would rather my son was not converted to a female. I though am under no illusion as to his fate should he or any of the other males refuse. I would rather have a live daughter than a dead son. I notice the deputies all have sent their children and presumably they already know their fate. They might not be of Royal blood like us, but their families do create the laws we live under.”
The Chinese Premier, “There is no need to worry about those that refuse the transformation. They though will not be allowed to remain with their families at this camp. They may have to answer to the local authorities for failing to support the Chinese people. They may find life is unpleasant. However their lives will not be forfeit.”
The pre teenage boys were the first to be treated. Once their testis had been removed and they put the special panties on they transformed almost instantly. Some of the boys who were closer to their teens also developed instant breasts.
The Premier, “If I had not seen it then I would not have believed it. I think we might be able to come to some sort of deal with the Mikado over using this technology to correct the male female balance.”
The doctor and team moved on to the next batch which was the teenage boys. They all got the panty & breasts. It was the same with the 20-30 age groups. He then looked at the 40+ group “Are you sure about these they are rather old for the transformation?”
“Doctor they must all be done if only to fill the quota. We have no more people we can class as Royalty. That is why our sons and daughters are filling the remaining places.”
“If you are considering this treatment for your population I would recommend that you limit it to males under 40. Also you have a higher proportion of transformations in areas that have a high male population. As I noticed one province has a ratio of 3 females to 7 males. To bring that province back to a 50/50 ratio you would need to find 200 males from every 1000 males to be transformed.”
Armed with the information Su Yum had sent her father, the transformations instead of taking many days were over in a few hours. The Chinese insisted on giving all the new females a full medical. Then they set about issuing new document to show all the females as female”
“Doctor please give our thanks to the Mikado for the help he has supplied. Now it is up too us to train the ladies in everything they need to know. I will discuss with parliament the topic of transforming some in the area we discussed.”
By now Thailand, Burma, Korea, Cambodia &Vietnam all were looking to see if they had contracts with the Lords of the Heavens.
Gaby & Friends at Fountains Abbey
Meanwhile Gaby & companions had once again flown to Harrogate. They spent the morning there and then they flew on to Studley Royal and Fountains Abbey. A fleet of helicopters landing in the grounds of Studley Royal caused some excitement among the visitors and staff within the estate.
Dave Bond was in his element looking round the ruins of the former Abbey. While there he saw a team of archaeologists working and went over to talk to them. Dave could see the van that was with the group had York University Archaeology unit. “Hello, have you found anything interesting yet? I am Dave Bond & have an interest in medieval archaeology.”
“Dr Andrew Payne, I have the Archaeology seat at York University. The National Trust called us in when the ground around here collapsed. For most of my students this is their first dig and they are enjoying themselves. Would you like to see some of our finds?”
“Yes please. Do I call you Doctor, Andi or Andrew?”
“Most of my students call me Andi.” Dave Bond put on some latex gloves and examined some of the finds.
“I make this a coin from the Rhineland made around 700 AD. This is a denari from the time of Hadrian. You appear to have quite a selection of copper and silver coins. These are lead ingots or pigs that would have been mined locally. They even are stamped Brig.”
Dr Payne smiled, “You know your coins. What do you make of these? We found some intact and others broken.”
Dave. “Amphora from the mediteranian area. They could have been used for wine or for the transportation of other goods.”
“Well Mr Bond we have discovered the original entrance to the cave system. We know when it was sealed off and by whom.”
Dave “I take it you have discovered certain items that Henry’s men failed to discover.”
“How good is your Latin Mr Bond?”
Doctor Payne passed a carved piece of wood to Dave. “We the brothers of Fountains can no longer protect the crown and regalia belonging to the kingdom of Northumbria. We hide it along with our treasure and library from the commissioners of Henry. We have placed wooden crosses in our abbey so we may continue to pray there. If we survive then we will recover the regalia and statues we have hidden here. If we do not then Henry’s men will never find our most sacred treasures.”
“Obviously they did not survive or this would have been recovered long ago. What is obvious it has been used by many generations to store goods? Mr Bond if you looked down the main drive of Studley Royal you could see the outline of Ripon Cathedral. Many treasures thought to have been lost in the reformation have been uncovered here. Some of those treasures belong in the cathedral.”
Kat. “Mr Bond will we be visiting that Cathedral as well as this ruined Abbey?”
“Kat the coaches will be coming to ferry us to Ripon. You will get chance to sing in both places. We all know of your PROMISE. At 14.00 we sing here in the Abbey and then the coaches take us to Ripon Cathedral. After you all have had a look round Ripon we will return here and board the Helicopter for home. You all might like to have a look round the park. Gabriel as you have been here before, I recommend you take your companions down the valley of the seven bridges and look for the deer.”
Su Yum, “There is deer in here?”
“Yes there is Red, Roe & Sika deer in the park. Many great parks have deer over here.”
“In Japan most people will only see deer in Zoo.”
They called at the café by the lake and got some stale bread to feed the ducks & geese that used the lake. After feeding the birds they followed Gaby down the Valley. Gaby felt free down in the valley. She knew her companions were there, but the quiet of the valley seamed to relax her. Gaby took out a pair of binoculars. She scanned the valley. “Look over there is a herd of Sika deer.”
Kiko, “Is it possible to get closer to them?” As they got closer they saw a doe trying to get a calf to move.
Su Yum, “Little mother we do not intend to harm your baby. Your baby needs our help. Her hoofs are tangled in some plastic. While I talk to you my sisters will free her and then you both can rejoin the herd.”
Gaby spoke to the faun. “I did not expect to be giving first aid to a deer today. I always carry a first aid kit. The plastic has cut into your leg. I will put this antiseptic on the wound the plastic has caused. Then I will bandage your leg. When I get back I will inform the wardens and they can come and collect you so you get proper treatment.”
Jools, “Gaby there is a massive stag coming our way.”
“Sister Stay calm he only comes to check on the doe and faun. He will not attack us when he sees we intend the calf no harm.”
As Gabriel was speaking the deer transformed to a man with antlers on.
Su Yum, “Greetings Lord of the fields & forests. We are not harming the doe and calf. My mistress was freeing the calf from this piece of plastic.”
“Thank you. The doe knows full well who talks to her and who helps her child. I am Herne some call me the Deer Lord others have different names for me. Like your mistress I have many names. Some know her as Gabriel queen of Northumbria. Others may call her Sister, Cousin or Daughter. Come let me show you my realm. Like my brother’s realms you are perfectly safe here.”
Gaby released the faun and it got up and walked to the doe. The two of them went to join the herd a short distance away. “So Herne if all is safe in your realm why did the calf get entangled in the plastic?”
“The realm of man & the realm of Herne have many doorways the calf ventured too close because she was young and inquisitive. She is perfectly safe now & the bandage will have already been removed. She will always though have the white socks to remind her of this day.”
Gaby. “That is strange I do not remember this big house being down here the last time I came here?”
“You will not as it is only if I or one of my people opens the portals to this world that you will see it. This is one of my homes. My people now await you and your court.”
As they entered the room a child came bounding over to Gaby. “Thank you mistress for what you did for me. Here I can speak to you. Lord Herne has named me white socks. For what seemed hours Gaby and friends talked and played with Herne’s people.
Kat looked at her watch. “That is strange I wound this up this morning & it has not moved a second. I was thinking we should be getting back. We do not want to miss the ride to Ripon Cathedral.”
Herne. “Sorry I should have explained. No time will have gone by while you are here. It dos not matter how long you stay as no time goes by. Or at least in earth time only a few milliseconds will have elapsed.”
Gaby pinched herself. “I felt that so I must not be dreaming this.”
Maddy Bell, “If you are dreaming Gaby then you are sharing it with me and several others. Andi the Archaeologist who talked to your father chatted as if they had known each other for ages rather than only just having met.
One of the new Fae companions spoke. “Gabriel the same happens in the realms of my father and Uncle Neptune. My smaller sisters ask if we can have a rest day tomorrow and go on the beach. They also ask that the daughters of Neptune go to look after them.”
Nena looked at the itinerary in her hand. “We have a rest day tomorrow so we can accommodate the Tinys wishes. Now all the tinys have to decide is which part of the beach they want to go on?”
Wee Wee. “In that case we will go to the central beach as there is everything we might need in that area.”
White socks. “Lord Herne will we be allowed to join them at the beach?”
“Only those of you who have not yet received your antlers will be allowed to go and play with your cousins. The rest of us will be close by although the humans will not see us. Now I think it is time White socks and her sisters take you on a tour of Studley Royal Park. They have much in the way of introductions to do.”
With that Gabriel & friends left the realm of Herne and continued down the valley of the seven bridges. A small group of deer followed them. As they rounded a corner they could all see a herd of Red deer being watched over by a Royal stag. The small herd dashed over to the red deer. Gabriel & the others got a shock when the great stag spoke to them and they could understand it.
“Greetings mistress and friends the daughters of the Lord of the Forest announced your presence to us. I in turn will call the other inhabitants of our world to come and greet you. It is not often we get a great queen just strolling in our park.”
The great stag let out what appeared to be a great noise three times. Shortly after this other animals started to appear. From the small field mouse to the great stags they all appeared. Then Gabriel noticed the Archaeologist her father had been speaking to earlier.
Andi Payne the Archaeologist. “So the legend is true, that the King of the forest will summon all his subjects to greet the true queen of Northumbria? When you stopped by earlier I thought there was something different about you. Now I can see what it is. I have also noticed my cousin Samantha is with you. I failed to notice that the first time we met.”
A very timid goat like creature appeared. Andi rubbed his eyes. Gabriel, “Pan do not be scared, my Royal stag has called for all the creatures of the fields and forests here to greet me.”
“I see my brother’s children already protect you from harm. You sir are here for a reason. No normal human would hear that summands of the great stag. You though did.”
More deer arrived and with them a host of other creatures. Then Lord Herne arrived. “Ha Gabriel I see you have summoned the parliament of the park. Sir is time you were relieved of those items you carry on your person. They have to be returned to their owner.”
The great stag lay down and Gabriel sat down on his back. The archaeologist placed the orb in one hand and in the other placed the sceptre. He then placed the crown he had discovered on Gabriel’s head. “The world of man may have their own ceremony for you. Today the creatures of the Fields and Forests greet you. For some it will be their one and only chance to meet you. For others they are bound to you. For me it is a great day not only do I meet Queen Gabriel of Northumbria? I also get to meet two personages who where only thought to exist in ancient times. I take it then if you two exist then others from the ancient times might also.”
As Andi placed the ancient crown on Gabriel’s head even he felt the surge of power it seamed to hold his hands to the crown. As he looked up he was surrounded by hundreds of people.
Draconaris. “Well Doctor Payne you did that correctly. I take it you felt the power surge as it raced to our Gabriel?”
“I could not take my hands off the crown. They were stuck to it like glue. At the same time I felt as if my mind was going strange. I could hear voices telling others to hurry up or they would miss the coronation. I could not let go until the voice said. Good they are all here now Andi you have done your job well. Your forefathers are pleased that one of their blood has crowned the queen.”
Gabriel. “Dr Payne you have just presented me with the ancient regalia of my people. You as a Doctor of Archaeology and Anthropology have studied the gods of old. You recognise Lord Herne and Lord Pan. I will introduce others you may have read about. Lords Draconaris & Brightflame.”
Andi. “Ha yes the eternal lords of Life & light. Brightflame I presume the Romans called you Apollo. Pleased to meet you gentlemen.”
Angharad was watching the young Doctors reactions. He approached her. “I do not need an introduction with you as you always seam to turn up at my excavations. I would not know your name now. If it were not for my foreman calling in a priest of Ra to ensure we had no trouble opening the tomb. When he saw you and two other ladies watching the excavations he said, “I cannot protect the site anymore than it is already. The goddess Isis has taken an interest in you sir.”
“All I could see was the tourists from England. The priest did help us with the inscriptions though. They were rather unusual in that the tombs were made for two ladies from the Haunted Isles. We never found any coffin in either tomb. We did find all sorts of artefacts although some went missing before they were catalogued and taken to the department of Antiquities in Cairo. When translated the hieroglyphs told the story of Merlin and how he took Morgana Le Fay & Nimru as apprentices. To read the stories of Arthurian legend was amassing. The discoveries were never made public. Like the Rosetta stone we also found the same stories in ancient Greek & Latin. DNA & Carbon dating was done on the artefacts discovered in the caves. We even managed to get dendro dating from some of the wooden items discovered in the caves. This also came in at around the late Roman. The Hieroglyphs tell how the Romans were recalled to their country. The inscription also informs us how the children of Brigid rallied to the dragon standard of Arthur the Pendragon. There are two ways to interpret that. One the goddess Brigid literally sent her children to help Arthur or more likely the children of Briget could be attributed to the Brigantines of Northumbria. The largest and strongest of all the Celtic tribes. The last bit of the inscription I could not understand. Only those with Isis blessing may restore the dragon heart. That though will not be found here. It lies within the cave of the lost legion and is guarded by them. Among the stories was how Merlin the once great magician and friend of Arthur lost his mind and had to be captured and held captive on the orders of Brigid.”
Isis. “Well Andi you are quite correct the tombs were created around the time of the Roman exit from Britain. They were not created as tombs though but as a sanctuary for Morgana & Nimru. They had helped confine Merlin to an island in the ancient grove. There he would live but be unable to escape. Neither of the girls knew where the dragon heart was placed. Only I knew that. It was done so that if Merlin ever escaped he could not use it ever again.”
Briget. “Merlin for a long time held favour with the mother goddess. After a while he started to abuse his power and the mother goddess sent her daughters Morgana & Nimru to try and put Merlin back on the true path. Alas he would not listen to reason and so he is confined to Merlin’s wood. There he will be reborn when the time is right. You Andi have the blessing of my daughters and my sister Isis. They were intrigued by you. You were quite correct some items did go missing from the valley of the Queens. It was not the diggers as you thought who removed them. Morgana & Nimru summoned those items. For they could not permit the items to fall into the hands of men again. My sister Isis at my request managed to make those who were responsible for announcing the discovery delay it for a while. It is too late now for any of Merlin’s followers’, and the discovery of the caves will be announced along with a full transcription of the Hieroglyphs. For a while the world of Archaeology is going to be visiting Egypt to verify the writings.”
Andi looked around. For the first time he realised most of those who surrounded him were ancient gods or the children of them. Then he saw his sister Samantha. “They got you as well as me Samantha?”
“Andi, Karen & I have been friends with Isis for a long time. Only we did not realise who she was until recently. We came to support another friend called Maddy Bell. Now we all help Maddy write the story of Gaby & her family.”
“I would very much like to read that when it is done and compare it to the legends of old.”
The visit to Ripon Cathedral & Rombald’s request.
“My dear cousin you will be reading the stories long before they are published for the general public to read. Unfortunately we already have run out of time here and we did not get to the Abbey of Fountains as planned. Now you must join us on our visit to Wilfred’s cathedral of Ripon. Do not worry over your dig site as Pan and his people will guard it. It is a long time since I spent so much time with you. Do you get to see much of our sister these days?”
A look of abject fear flashed across the face of Doctor Andi. The next thing he felt was a sense of calm as Nena & Gaby both took his hand. It was as if he was floating to a white light. Then he heard a voice in his head. “Andi you have nothing to fear. The mistress knows all about you. She knew every thing there was to know about you when you placed the ancient crown of Northumbria on her head.”
“Thank you for holding my hands. Is what the voice says in my head true that you have read me? I thought I was good at covering up my weekend interests.”
Nena. “The voices tell you the truth. You did not do a good job of removing the makeup. You shall accompany your sister and friends as one of my senior bridesmaids on Yorkshire day. I believe you also know it as Lughnasadh. Today is not a good day for you to continue digging. I am surprised you even attempted considering your interest in Wicca.”
“I was brought up a Christian. However as a doctor of Archaeology I needed to know about other religions and so I studied them. I might not have recognised the three ladies in the valley of the Queens. I did though say a prayer to those gods I thought might be watching over the valley and ask for their protection for the site and my staff.”
Nimru and Morgana came and took his hands. “Your majesty he is ours to deal with. We many times heard his plea to Mother to make him her daughter. So we her daughters now take him and for all eternity to be our companion, Friend and sister.”
Brightflame. “Andi you may have worked out we have a shortage of males in our group. In future you may consort with any female here, your sistercousin Samantha chose to ally herself with my sister Isis. You on the other hand put you request into my sister Brigid. As my nieces have stated they have taken you as their sister. They like you though are new to the world of Gaby & Nena. There are a few restrictions or rules you must adhere too. You are not to go with a human male as that will have fatal consequences for him for you no longer are human. All you had before your elevation is still yours. You will still look human and most people will only see a female. You though handled items only my sisters or daughters were supposed to handle.”
Andi thought for a minute. “Was it the regalia of Northumbria or the items that went missing from Egypt?”
Nimru, “We removed those other items so no man may ever touch them. You also found and touched the ancient regalia of Northumbria. We will take good care of you and help in the recovery of the legion of the lost. The dragon Heart has already united with the dragon breath. So that poses no threat to anybody now. The divine child has returned to our homeland of the Haunted Isles.”
A fleet of coaches drew up and the group including Andi boarded them. Nena picked up the microphone. “Welcome to our additional guest Andi the doctor of Archaeology from York University, who has decided to join with us on our visit to the cathedral, and take a break from his digging at Studley Royal. It is a relatively short trip into Ripon from here. The coaches are dropping us in the town square. The daughters of Light & Life have reminded me tomorrow is a rest day, and they have instructed Andi’s colleagues and students to not return until Monday as they will not be required until then. Andi I know you may feel as if we are pushing you about. Your sister Samantha & her friend Karen only recently discovered they were friends with Isis. I will guarantee on Monday you will have sufficient staff too complete your job at Studley. We have ordered bio suites for you and all your staff for that day.”
Andi. “I presume some of you here present already know what will be discovered on Monday? Do I take it that a legion that marched out of Ebor and was never seen again lies buried in the cave system?”
Isis/Angharad. “We watched you in the Valley of the Queens. Initially you thought you were excavating the tombs of two queens of Egypt. Instead you found you had discovered and read inscriptions to Arthurian Britain. You even picked up Arthur’s sword and read the inscription upon it. Shall I remind you what was on the reverse?”
Andi. “On the front was, this is Excalibur sword of Arthur son of Uther Pendragon king of the North lands. On the back of Excalibur was wrote now once more in the keeping of the daughters of Brigid for all eternity. It vanished in the night & I thought one of the workmen had stolen it. I presume one of you ladies spirited it away?”
Morgana. “If we had not wanted you to touch it then you would not have even seen it. I think it might be better if we change your name to Andrea. Your request to mother was granted that day when you picked up Excalibur. All you need to do as a daughter of Brigid is to say Excalibur come to me.”
Andi/Andrea. “Excalibur come to me.” Andrea found the sword in her hand once again. “Queen Gabriel earlier today I placed the ancient crown on your head. And the orb and sceptre in your hands. This was once given to Arthur and returned to the lady of the lake upon his death. I find I have become a daughter of Brigid. It is my choice as her daughter to hand Excalibur to you as queen of Northumbria.”
As Gaby took hold of the sword it started to shrink until it looked more like a broach. Gabriel pinned the broach on her dress. “Thank you Andrea for the dragon heart. It is safe with me now. On Monday some of my companions will help you excavate what remains in the cave system. After that Rombald here would like to commission you for three big jobs. Rombald you may speak.”
Rombald. “I am Lord Rombald of Craven as the mistress introduced me. I do no speak as eloquently as my brothers. I understand you dig up old artefacts. I thought you might like to look for my three daughters. Inga, Penny & Werna.”
Andrea.”Lord Rombald I have heard of you although I understood from the legends that you were considerably taller than you appear.”
“Gabriel shrunk me down to my current size. As you have heard of me do you also know where my daughters lie sleeping?”
“I take it the earthquake and destruction at RAF Menwith Hill was you awaking.”
“Sorry I know nothing about any destruction. I did have a 2000 year sleep on the Craven hills. When I awoke my brothers had been most considerate and built me a golf course and some fans to cool me down. I had the time of my life hitting those golf balls with my club.”
“Sir I was brought up on tales of Rombald and Rumbletum and how the brothers roamed the hills of Craven & the Pennines. In one story I was told three daughters of the Giant lord all changed their size so they looked human and all ended up in the bed of Venutias after Queen Cartumandia had run off to Ebor with a Roman. In another story they are said to guard the palace of Venutias. As for Rumbletum he is said to lie sleeping in the peak District. Lord Rombald most of the stories I have been told were centred on the ancient palace of Venutias. That is now a ruin I could take you there after the service at the cathedral if Queen Gabriel allows it?”
Gabriel started getting hundreds of messages in her head to say yes. “Andrea it appears that the tinys and their cousins of Fay all wish to see the old palace and help track down their missing cousins. So instead of going into Fountains Abbey as was planned we all fly in the helicopters to Mount Ingleborough.”
Rombald started to laugh. “So one of my daughters has a mountain named after her. She will not be far away. These little ones will soon detect her if she is there. Once we are at the mountain I may need you to restore me to full height so I can stomp on the ground. That usually wakes them up.”
Ripon Cathedral.
Ripon has a one way system for local traffic while the remainder of the traffic bypasses the city. The coaches pulled up on to the concourse in front of the cathedral and then their passengers disembarked. At the great studded oak door the Bishop of Ripon & Leeds was waiting along with the cathedral staff and choir to greet them. He wore the purple cassock of a bishop. Upon his head he had a white & gold mitre. Upon his shoulders there was a cloak that had mystic symbols embroidered on to it in gold and silver thread.
Andrea smiled as read the symbols. The Bishop of Ripon & Leeds greeted the group and then bowed to Gabriel. “I see your majesty now wears the regalia of a monarch of Northumbria, the Brothers of Fountains hid that from the commissioners of Henry during the reformation. Welcome your majesty to the church of Ripon & guardian of the ancient crown of Brigantia. I noticed your esteemed colleague smile when she saw my cloak. Most people would not understand the symbols embroidered in gold & silver thread upon it, but your friend and colleague did. I understand from my brother bishops there is one in your midst that wishes to sing in my church. I further understand you have brought your own choir to our cathedral of Ripon.”
Maria. “My Lord Bishop our junior choir is called the Angels and the senior the Royals. The Bishop of Durham charged us with looking after and carrying Cuthbert’s cross to all the great churches we visit while over here. It will not take the girls long to put on their cassocks and then we will process into your church. The tour of the great churches of Northumbria was at my request. While one of the younger girls made a pact that she would sing in each house of god we visited. As you can see we also have brought our own clerical team although there is more arriving than we expected.”
Andrea looked across she realised they all wore similar cloaks to the Bishop of Ripon. Without thinking she said, “They all wear the insignia of the brotherhood of Venutias. They were charged with looking after the regalia of Brigantia until the king or queen returned.”
Gabriel tried to do a curtsey when she saw the Archbishop.
Ebor. “Your majesty we came when we were informed you now wore the regalia of Northumbria. Your roving Bishop has already informed us we are also required to travel by helicopter to the former home of our brother Venutias.”
A black Rolls Royce drew up and out got The Archbishop of Liverpool. “Brothers in Christ we were having an informal discussion about further mergers between our churches when Skipton got the message that Queen Gabriel was here. I hope you do not mind but we brought the representative of the Free Churches the Rev John Bennett. We also brought from Leeds the representative of the Hebrews the Rabbi Samuel Solomon.”
The Rabbi looked at Gabriel and the ladies. “The design on all your cloaks appears to be Egyptian if I read them correctly then while you are all bishops of the North. Each one of you belongs to a secret brotherhood that only accepts new members upon the death of a brother. Ah Doctor Payne like me you must have read the cloaks for you to be here.”
Dr Payne. “We finally meet Dr Solomon. I understand you hold the seat of Hebrew and Egyptian studies at Leeds University. We have a common interest in Egyptian archaeology. However now I am involved in the archaeology of Brigantia.”
The Rabbi looked around at the assembled group. The Rabbi bows to Isis. “My lady you are far from your homeland. That may be the chair I have however I much prefer ancient Celtic folklore and underwater archaeology. Your majesty the crown you wear is inscribed with ancient Celtic designs and runes of the dragon people.”
Isis. “No Rabbi Solomon this is my homeland. Egypt was just a place I stopped at for a while with my nieces. Today we finally got to meet Dr Payne in the flesh. For a while we have watched her progress from afar. I am here today with my brother’s sisters and nieces as my Niece many times removed requested my presence and that of all my family.”
Rabbi. “That means the daughters of light & life are here. May I ask have Gog, Magog & other giants of the religious texts also been summands?”
Rombald. ”Most of them still lie sleeping however after this service we go to collect my three daughters. For they are not far from here.”
“Oh then the legends of Rumbletum sleeping on Saddleworth moor may also be true.”
Rombald slapped the Rabbi on his back. “I knew my twin would not be far away. I take it you know the area where he supposedly sleeps? As for Goliath he always supported the wrong side. The others will eventually turn up once they are awakened.”
As he was talking some other females turned up. Isis “Minerva, Diana & Vesta these two are archaeologists who both studied ancient folklore. After this service they are taking us to collect Rumbletum and my Three Daughters Inga, Penny & Werna.”
Nena, “Welcome goddesses to our group. Introductions can wait a little while longer as we need to enter the Cathedral so the service can begin.”
As the service took place additional helicopters landed with some of those who had previously decided not to come. Neptune looked at the lake & said, “Brother I am just going to refresh myself in yonder lake.”
Oberon burst out laughing when a lady with fiery red hair came out of the café and shouted at Neptune. “Are you ok dear did you fall into the lake while feeding the birds?”
“No I am ok thank you for your concern.” The lady hands Neptune a towel so he may dry himself. “Thank you my clothing will be dry again in no time at all.”
“Are these your grand daughters? I see they all have hair like mine.”
Wee-Wee was with this group. “We saw you fall in are you ok? Thank you for bringing the towel for the old man. I will have to have a word with Gabriel about the old man. He needs a bunch of tinys to ensure he does nothing silly.”
“Well young lady you call yourself a tiny. The others of your group did not spot me earlier. Then they were taken on with Herne and White socks. As for you there are only three that might be your father. Draconaris, Brightflame or Oberon. Neptune here produces mermaids.”
Neptune looked up at the sound of his name. Wee-Wee. “You are sort of correct. I suppose I should call Draconaris Grandpa. Some of the others call him daddy & some call Brightflame & Oberon daddy. We are all tiny sisters though. We are supposed to be meeting up with Gabriel and friends as we are required to collect the three daughters of Lord Rombald. Wee-Wee need mummy Connie Wee-Wee hungry.” Wee-Wee appeared to pass out.
Oberon “Aurora you had better feed her as you have countless others before. You will not be the first of our people she has decided make a convenient feeding point. Wee-Wee here told her cousin Constance she could have the day off and go with Gaby and the others as she wanted to play with her cousins. Well they have played together and I even persuaded her to have an ice-cream or two.”
The other tinys crowded round Aurora. One of the Fae, “Mummy as you are feeding baby Wee-Wee does this mean she is our sister now? She knew you would be here as she informed us she would be getting all she needed from a lady with red hair. We did not realise she meant you.”
“Oberon & children I left because I felt my powers fading. I got here and met up with Pan & Herne. To the many visitors here I am just the manager of the café. Neptune may I ask where are your children as you seam to be surrounded by the majority of mine?”
“My daughters are or at least some of them are here. They have discovered that they can shape change so they look like their fae cousins. I believe Wee-Wee here was responsible. She and the other two tiny tinys appear to know all that is going on. Poor Oberon has been desperate to get some milk of some sort into her as one of your daughters let slip Wee-Wee can make anybody produce milk if she needs it.”
“Oberon it appears I have finished my travels. This one obviously knew I would be here and has been teasing you. As for me the action of her suckling on me appears to be causing my power to return. It feels so different though.” As she was talking the ground shook.
On Saddleworth Giant Rumbletum and his family had awoke. The awakening had sent shockwaves that registered on earthquake monitor. The sensitive equipment recorded it as even larger than the recent Craven Quake. Rumbletum sniffed the air. “Dear can you now reduce yourself and the children in stature & I will carry you all. I know where we need to go. My brother Rombald is already their and he wants to collect his family.”
Rumbletum took giant strides keeping to the moor land as much as possible. Every so often he stopped and sniffed the air. Then he smiled. “Apparently my dear Herne, Neptune and Oberon are close by. I think we should visit them. Oh they also have Aurora with them I wonder if she can shrink me a little so I look normal.”
“Greetings brothers. I brought my family for a visit. I was wondering if Queen Aurora could shrink me a little so I look normal?”
“Sorry Rumbletum that was always outside my scope. I would need to have access to powers in far greater excess than I ever have had.”
“Thank you Aurora. I am getting a message in my head Aurora might not be able to shrink you. I can as I am one of the three. We do the mistresses bidding and she agrees you should be reduced down to normal size as quickly as possible. So please place your family on the ground and we will begin.”
Rumbletum obliged the voice in his head and then sat down. Aurora also found she was getting voices in her head that she had to obey. A flash of blue seamed to leave Aurora and hit Rumbletum.”
“Aurora I thought you said you could not shrink me.”
Oberon started to laugh. “You both have felt the Power of Gabriel. The child you are feeding is the switch and she allowed the power to pass through you to Rumbletum.”
Herne appeared. “I see you two have felt the power of our queen. You Rumbletum got hit by a power far stronger than Rombald did. The Queen now wears Excalibur as a broach. You Aurora should have realised when the power started to flow back in to you. This little one can read your mind from afar. You my brother were in no danger of developing breasts. Although this one can do that if needed.”
Aurora could feel Wee-Wee giggling away.
Wee-Wee. “Thank you Queen Aurora for that meal. If you do not mind I would prefer it if you carried me as if I was your baby. I tend to get tired very quickly if I have to run or walk. Oberon your fear was groundless as I already knew where my meal was coming from. As you suggested it perhaps I should consider your request for another time.”
Rumbletum. “Well Wee-Wee I certainly felt that power. If Queen Aurora does not want to carry you then I my wife & daughters most certainly will.”
Wee-Wee. “Today Aurora gets to carry me and feed me for the remainder of the day. After that we will see who is next. Perhaps it might be Oberon who has to care for me for the day.”
Rumbletum. “I see my brother is not enamoured at that prospect. I think though there are enough females without going down that road.
Back at the cathedral of Ripon.
Gaby & Nena were carrying Tiny & Baby they were giving them a report on what was happening in Studley Royal Park. “Nena is this a dream or is it for real. I still can not believe all this has happened to us. I thought I was just a boy who allowed himself to be dressed like a girl. I then discover I have inherited the land property and titles of certain royal families. To cap it all I am also a magical being who rules other magical beings. To Kiko and sisters I am her friend and the Golden Dragon to whom all the yellow people bow down to. All I wanted to do was race in the Olympics like Mum & Nichol Cook. Perhaps at the London 2012 Olympics I can manage it. Nena as all the entrants for this Olympics are entered under the British flag will I be able to award my own decorations or medals to those from my Kingdom who do well.”
Nena. “You do realise that could run to many awards as there now is more countries that Northumbria that you are Queen of.”
“Oh I was thinking that Kelly Homes got made a Dame by Granny Elizabeth after winning two gold’s. Perhaps I could do similar. When practising for the triathlon in cycling I meet Becky a time or two. She swims like a fish & Uncle Neptune would have no hesitation in calling her a princess of the pools.” Gaby forgot that Wee-Wee could broadcast all she said.
The actual service went quite quickly and Kat sang in the cathedral as she wanted to do. Then they came out to join the coaches and the five minute journey back to Studley Royal.
Neptune. “So Gabriel knows a girl that swims like a fish. If she is as good as Gabriel thinks then I will have to check her out.”
Rumbletum. “Well brother she could be the result of one of your numerous affairs. Or she might even be a child of the Sea Witch. In Which case she would not change like your daughters. I may have been resting on the moor until I heard the call. I still could hear all that was going on. I heard about a child although I was confused about the name. Some times it was Drew and sometimes it was Gaby. The birds of the air told me the news. After a while I realised Drew-Gaby was the same person. While I could not go my wife and daughters did go and watch the young person cycle. They where excited when they got back. Papa that rider is our queen she will summand’s us soon. She might not know it but all of our people will flock to her. We could see she is already surrounded by immature Fae.”
Rumbletum's wife. “My daughters and I decided to investigate the small group. We discovered Drew-Gaby was to join the Appolonaris team for a bonding exercise in Scarborough. We even discovered the contract for the job had gone to a firm called Global. Rumbletum had us check that company out. We discovered the firm was in financial difficulties after one of the partners had emptied the companies account and left his colleague to sort out the mess. We also spotted two of the couriers where our people. We could do nothing to stop the company going into liquidation. However the girls did manage to recover the stolen funds. I did not ask how they did it. We bought up the remains of Global and renamed it Empress Travel. Then we waited for the call we knew would come. Rumbletum knew his twin had awaked as they seam to have a mind link. He was laughing away. God only knows what Rombald is actually doing but he thinks he is playing golf. Everybody would know when Rumbletum stood up as the ground trembled. It did not take him many strides to get here.”
The coaches arrived. Gaby got out of her coach. Rumbletum came across. “I am the head of the Rumbletum family and I understand my twin Rombald needs help locating his daughters. So we came to help.” Rumbletum looked around he spotted Bill who was driving one of the coaches that day. “You sir can have your company back although we have renamed it Empress Travel. You also have some new partners who will not steal from you. In fact the new company is currently doing rather well.”
Bill had tears in his eyes as he looked at the documents. “The bailiffs took everything to sell including my home. I did not know if there was anything left or not as I left everything in the hands of my solicitors.”
Rumbletum. “Unfortunately my agents were unable to stop the sale of your assets. However they did manage to recover most of your assets that were stolen from you. They have appointed a manager to run the company as you seamed to be enjoying yourself with Godfrid transporting the Appolonaris team & bikes about.”
Gaby. “Bill speaking for the juniors we would prefer it if you stayed at the position you already hold. Godfrid needs the help getting the bikes ready.
Bill. “I am going to have to think this over and I will have to meet with my new partners and investors.” Bill looked at the documents again and scratched his head. “According to this all my money has gone into a company called the Wittlesbach trust. There is no mention of Global or Empress Travel.”
Lisa one of Rumbletum’s daughters. “Once we had recovered your money we asked Lord Draconaris what to do with it and he instructed us to put it in the family trust. He then got the Trust to buy up all your company assets. As for what was left from the sale of your house and furniture that has gone into the trust. Mother took over the running of the office and since it reopened the company has been doing rather well.”
Bill. “I appear to be having a first board meeting with all or most of the members of Empress Travel. Am I to understand the board of directors would prefer it if I stayed in my current position of Transport and Logistics?”
Draconaris. “Bill we all have seen how well you get on with Godfrid. You could retire now on the proceeds we have recovered. We though would prefer it if you stayed at your current position. My sister in law found your old office a little on the small size so she moved the office to new accommodation at Leeds-Bradford Airport. As you already have surmised Gaby is the nominal head of the Wittlesbach trust. However we all have a say. Now you Dr Solomon will be coming with us to help locate the three Daughters of Rombald. Dr Payne you also are expected to come.”
The fleet of helicopters took off and they soon found themselves flying over Skipton as they headed for Ingleborough. One by one the helicopters landed and then took off again. Rombald looked at the ruins that had once been Venutias palace. “This needs repairing. There is a lot of wok to do here.”
Helga a daughter of Rumbletum. “Uncle Rombald our fae cousins can help restore it while we search for the girls.”
Rombald.“Mistress Gabriel if I walk across to yonder stone out crop can you return me to full size for only a short while as I want to thump those rocks?”
Gaby did as asked and Rombald thumped and stamped on the rocks. Nena shouted “Stop there is a cave entrance here.” With that Rombald was immediately shrunk down in size again.
All the tinys vanished into the cave a short while later they could be seen dragging a still sleeping giantess out of the cave. Rombald watched amused as they carefully positioned her at the top of as grassy bank and then pushed her off.
Helga. “I am so glad our tiny cousins did not get chance to wake me. The way she is going she will soon be in that Tarn.” Rombald’s thumping of the ground would be clearly felt over 200 miles away in London. It was also a signal to those Fae who had not previously responded to set of and follow the vibrations.
As the giantess rolled down the hill side the momentum increased. She shot into the tarn and then there was an earth shattering roar and a stamping of feet. Two heads popped out of another cave. “Inga do you have to make so much racket you disturbed our sleep with all that noise I suppose we had better come and have a wash in there. Give us a hand to get out of here. This seams to have got deeper since we went to sleep. Inga helped haul her sisters out of Gaping ghyll pothole system and then they all had a swim in the Tarn. Then they noticed somebody on the banks of the tarn. They realised it was a girl and reduced their height. Then they swam to the shore.
“Oh it is you Cousin Helga. We thought you had gone south.”
“I did, but I was recalled to deal with you three. Your father was not pleased when you failed to awake for him. So Inga he sent in your little cousins to awake you. We thought it was funny as you thundered down the hillside and went into the lake. You threw quite a paddy and managed to wake your sisters.”
Penny. “Helga may I ask how big are our little giant cousins?”
“We are this big cousins. We brought you some towels and dry clothing.” There were three lines of tinys behind Baby, Tiny & Wee-Wee.
Inga burst out laughing. “How could any so small as you get me to that tarn?”
Baby. “Like this cousin.” With that the tinys seized hold of Inga and sent her rolling down the hill again to the tarn.
Penny & Werna laughed. “Inga they have shown they are the smallest giants we have ever seen.”
Dr Solomon. “Dr Payne you do realise what all your friends are. I think I also am going to be tied to this group for a long time as I have just realised I might have been consorting with a daughter of Rombald. I took her out twice.”
Rombald. “Well at least you will stay a man if you have been consorting with any of them.”
“Papa you are here and look who he has brought for us to play with us girls. As you have met him already papa can we now keep him? Actually Inga was still sleeping when we both went out with him. As you can see we both have put on a little weight.”
Gabriel. “Doctor Solomon from the look on your face you realise these two are carrying your children. It was not my intention to bring you into the family. However it appears certain giantesses have decided to share you. I am sure they would throw a wobbly if I did not allow them to look after you. I have to ask you to only kiss the daughters of giants in future. All the other girls are out of bounds unless you wish to become one with them.”
Poor Doctor Solomon looked at the two girls & could not tell them apart. Penny spoke. “You look a little shocked. Then it is not every day a doctor such as you gets a daughter of a Titan like us pregnant. We can live for centuries until we find the correct man to mate with. Now you have got two of us pregnant the others will also want to mate with you.”
Up on a plateau on Ben Nevis the vibrations of Rombald’s thumping the ground awoke Greta from her slumber. She sniffed the air and started running. The running also showed up on the systemic graphs. It appeared as a minor tremor that was heading for Yorkshire. Doctor Solomon could feel the tremors as they got closer. Before long stood in front of the group was a female that must have been 15 metres tall. She dived into the tarn and steam could be seen rising from it. As she got out she shrunk herself to more human proportions. One of the tinys handed her a towel and some dry clothing.
Greta. “Thank you little one is my mate over there?”
“I am not sure as we have had quite an influx of Giants including Lord Rombald & his pregnant daughters.”
“In that case the answer is yes. Come I will carry you back as my long legs will do the journey far quicker than yours.” As she walked to the group Greta appeared to be sniffing the air. “There you are little one you can go to your mummy now.” Greta placed the tiny on the ground. She then sniffed the air again and then grabbed hold of Doctor Solomon and bounded off with him.”
Inga. “Apparently our older sister could not wait any longer and has chosen the same man as my sister. Gaby we female giants can go for centuries with out finding the right man. Three of our number has decided Doctor Solomon is the right one. He will sleep with Greta for the next month and then it will be my turn. No doubt after that my cousins will all want him in their bed for a month. Then we start all over again with Penny.”
Rumbletum. “Queen Gabriel my Niece took herself to the remotest part of Scotland as she was frustrated at not finding the correct man. My daughters dealt with the frustration differently & occasionally went to the world of man looking for a mate. Presumably my nieces have done the same thing and found Doctor Solomon. By the time they return my brother will have another pregnant daughter.”
A short time later Greta returned with Doctor Solomon holding his hand. “Sorry about that I just could not wait a moment longer. I am Greta the eldest of Rombald’s daughters.”
Gaby. “I take it that when even normal size you all are immensely strong. The way you picked Doctor Solomon proved that to us”.
“I suppose I should apologise to Doctor Solomon. I did not even give the girls chance to introduce me to him.”
Dr Solomon. “Greta you are no different to your sisters. At the time I thought there was only one of them. Now I know differently. I had intended to ask Penny to be my wife. She told me she had to go and visit her father. Until recently I did not realise there was two whom I had got both pregnant. Now I find I am to be a stud for female Titans.”
Inga. “Unlike most humans we have to practise polygamy due to the limited amount of males available to us. I will be your next partner although that will not be for a month.”
Greta. “Sorry sister did I jump the queue? The last time I left the land of the skirted men there was a great wailing and gnashing of teeth. What I discovered shocked me. Apparently it was all due to a civil war in some place called America. Great swathes of both Yorkshire & Lancashire where affected. Many thousands of people were literally starving to death because of the war. Because no cotton was being sent across here there was no work for the mill workers, and no work meant no food on the table. Some workers managed to get similar work in the Silk of Woollen mills of Yorkshire the majority though where starving. The mill workers for all their trials and tribulations had their colours tied to the Union side. They saw the slaves as oppressed fellow workers. The government in London though was intent on helping the Confederate states. Some of the local land lords did what they could for their starving people. Others called the army out on them when they marched for work. I did what I could to help. I found a family in a place called Trawden. The woman’s husband was shot by the army in Colne. I managed to feed her babies throughout all of that war. I stayed with her and because of me the Towns of Trawden & Cottontree did not go hungry. I supplied both places with rabbits and other foods I managed to catch. Once the war ended I returned to my beloved mountains. There I rested until called again. Aunt Brigid I have just realised you are here. What must you think about me mouthing off?”
Brigid. “Relax Greta; you did your bit to help the starving children. Some still did starve to death, but others were saved by your sisters and cousins. Even a goddess such as you cannot hope to save everybody. Over 140 years have elapsed since that war (1861-1865) you did your bit. None of those you saved will be here now although some of their kin might be. They might even have abnormal strength for a human if you suckled any of the children. You did miss two world wars and a few smaller battles. Queen Gabriel of Northumbria has decided she needs an Archaeological team and your partner along with Doctor Andréa Payne of York will be in that team. Your sisters and cousins along with the students from their respective universities will be the main body of workers.”
Rombald. “I managed to sleep through it all. As we are here it is time we did some work. A tiny friend here informs me none of the Titans will be doing any hard work until Monday as they have requested our presence on the beach at Scarborough. However I cannot leave here before we restore Venutias Palace.”
Queen Aurora clapped her hands and the palace was once again as majestic as ever. For a moment even she looked stunned.
Oberon, “My dear you have just used a little bit of the power of Gabriel to restore this Palace. Gabriel can work through all of us. Our children & Nieces already know that.”
Gabriel. “Doctor Solomon & the Bishops I brought you all here so you could see the restoration of Venutias Palace here on Ingleborough. You Dr Solomon referred to the Divine Child. I have a strange feeling that I might just be that person. Bishops you all bear the signs of warriors of Venutias & are guardians of his crown. Dr Solomon will not be returning to his home he will be accompanying us on our travels. Our Helicopter will stop at Ripon so you Gentlemen may return home. We will be returning to Fountains again a week on Friday. Archbishops could you please arrange for all the bishops, Deans, Canons and Archdeacons of the North to attend along with all their choirs.”
With that the Helicopters departed from Mount Ingleborough.
Meanwhile the two great liners had stopped in Thailand. The Mikado had decided to visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok and the temples of Wat Phra Kaeo and Wat Pho. The stopping of the liners caused much excitement as they pulled up at the dockside. The Thai authorities when they realised they where having a state visit from the Mikado pulled out all the stoppers and laid on a lavish Banquet for the Mikado and all his guests. Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej greeted his fellow monarch. The Mikado explained all that had transpired. The King called his advisors. They admitted they knew about what was happening. The king went to the great Buddha and opened a secret door. He then took out a scroll and asked the official to read it. The official started to read it he paused and then continued. The Mikado remained quiet throughout the reading.
The Mikado. “My Brother Monarch I had to honor the word of my ancestors just as you will have to. Even China is having great difficulty in finding the princesses required to fulfill the contract.”
King Bhumibol Adulyadej clapped his hands. Many girls from their teens upwards appeared in national costume. “As you can see the girls are no problem, the problem is transporting so many at once and providing suitable dowry for them all. For some time my nation has been relying on tourists for their income. The Tsunami destroyed what tourist trade we have. Some still come for surgery or to see the Kathoey dancers. Since the great flood though we have not had as many tourists from the rich western nations.
Mikado. “My daughter developed items that will make most of the surgery unnecessary. I call them the magic pants. If you can find some men who wish to be females I will demonstrate with the aid of my doctor.” The king watched as the doctor removed the testis and then put the pants on. The king was amassed at the instantaneous transformation of the men. “As I said previously it only requires minor surgery for them to become complete women.”
The King. “I think we have just found where the dowry will come from. If I can arrange for a regular supply from you I think we can go into Business both with the Kathoey and the westerners who come for a change.”
The Thai Prime Minister. “We have already started advertising on the web offering a month’s holiday here and a change at the same time for a special rate. The hospitals have been told to accept all that ask. They are being told to accept anybody who has been on hormones for at least a month. We also managed to do a deal with Easy Jet & Jet 2 for all inclusive flight and hotel deals.”
The Mikado would make several more stops before he reached England.
