Drew and the Tripeak challenge.
By Sharp

A Gabyverse Fan-Fiction.
Chapter 1 The Charity Race.

Alice, "Have you seen the news? "They have just announced on the television that Lance Armstrong & Jenny Bond will both be entering the race as invited guests & be sponsored in aid of a Cancer Charity. In addition the Junior British champion will be racing with team Bond comprising of her family and friends.”

Baby, "Mum that will be one special day I want to see."

Alexis. "Well ladies I also know there are others who wish to watch the race so we have some planning to do now. Those who had not previously received their parts soon got them."

Galadrial. "I presume you need authentic costumes so we best call for the Royal Dresser."

"Mistress I already have everything prepared & I am enjoying being back at my old job. With your permission I would also like to be at the castle to watch the re-enactment and the cycle race come in. I know this presumptuous but would you object if I was Lady Anne's cousin Mary Queen of Scots."

Galadrial burst out laughing, "You are correct she did visit the castle & also Middleham. We have nobody filling that part so if you really want it then it is yours."

Alexis. "I decided to investigate further. Jenny Bond apparently is the world champion but she has decided to retire at the height of her career following treatment for cancer. The chemotherapy has left her in a weakened state and that is why she is riding as a guest rider rather than as team captain. This will be her last official race. She had decided to devote her time to training team Bond apparently there are several up and coming youngsters in the team.”

Jade. "I even found photos of Gaby captaining the Sherwood Foresters in America and also racing in cycle races in America. He always gave his name as D Bond, but as you can see from the newspapers over there he became quite a hot property."

"I noticed the bike he and Maddy both used was hand built by Biggs and contacted the maker. Since Gaby has been ridding her bike in America her business has really taken off. She has had to employ extra staff to build the customised bikes. When I mentioned Andrew & Gaby it was obvious to me she knew of the dual personality. I hope nobody minds but I have asked her to come and stay with us at the Castle before and after the race."

Helen. "Normally I am too busy to watch races, but you have my interest. You say he and his half cousin look like each other. Jade shows Helen the photos.”

Leslie. "They got my help when they found Drew or Gaby keeps been admitted to hospital with problems."

Helen. "Did it happen in America?"

Leslie. "It has happened on a couple of occasions about a month apart. The records over there were inconclusive. One of the doctors had put if this child was a girl & not a boy I would have thought she was having her periods."

Helen."Leslie how did you get all this information?”

“Sorry sister I contacted all the hospitals involved and said Doctor Helen Fullolove the eminent Geneticist was treating Gaby Bond/Drew Bond and could they send me all the documentation they had. Jade as she is nearer their ages found out Maddy will be due to start her period the day of the race.”

"We worked back and what did we find every time Gaby was admitted to hospital Maddy was starting. With this in mind I think there will be problems with Gaby shortly after the race finishes."

Helen read through all the details. "Sister you appear to be correct. The doctor in America was close to the mark."

Leslie. "I have anticipated your next move and had a word with your secretary and cancelled everything for the day of the race."

Helen spoke into the telephone. "The Mobile unit did it arrive?"

"Yes Madam everything is here."
"Good because I want all my team here prepared for emergency surgery on the day of the bike race."

Helen/ "Also I understand Hallam Royal in Sheffield has been treating Jenny Bond. Can you arrange for her to see me as soon as possible?"

A short while later the telephone rang and a voice said, "I got a message that I had to ring this number to make an appointment to see a Dr Fullolove."

"Ah Jenny Bond I presume. This is my private number. Yes I would like to meet up with you and all your family including your Niece & her parents."

Jenny, "Actually we are all together today as we have decided to treat the children & are having a family weekend out. Maddy has heard from some of her friends that this place called Hidden Corner is brilliant so we are all heading there in two mini coaches."

"Really. I am there now with my daughters so perhaps I will get to meet you sooner than anticipated."

Drew. "Mum who was that you rang?"

"It was my new doctor I have been transferred to. Apparently she wants to meet all the family."

Jules. "She probably wants to test all us females to see if we have a tendency towards cancer."

Drews father who was sat in the back reading a paper. "Jenny did you say Dr Fullolove?"

"Yes why is there a problem?" He started laughing, "By any chance did she say she was at Hidden Corner?"

Drew & Jules both looked at the paper and also burst out laughing. "Mum there is a picture of Dr Fullolove here & it says she is due to go to the palace to receive an award for her work in genetics."

Carol who was driving the minibus at the time pulled into a car park. "I am stopping so we can all read about her." They pulled into the car park of a Little Chef and decided to have a drink and toilet stop. They crowded round the paper to read it.

Drew went Quiet. "Mum do you think she could help me with my problems?"

Jenny thought for a moment. "Drew if she is half as good as it appears here she has probably already got the full load down on the both of us."

Drew’s father read the piece so the others did not miss out. Drews Grandmother said, “It says here she is the grand daughter of Lord Percy of Northumbria & is due to be awarded several awards for her genetic work.”

Jules, "So Mum your doctor is Lady Helen."

"Actually Jules we should be close to her home so she probably goes to Hidden Corner quite often."

All too soon they pulled up outside Hidden Corner and paid to go in as they went in Drew’s father said, "Does a Lady Helen live near here?"

Alice who was on the door pretended to play numb & said, "I do not think I know her but if it comes to mind I will tell her you have asked."

Once inside the group split up but arranged to meet by the giant’s castle for lunch. Drew went off with Maddy they soon found two little girls who were apparently lost.

Astrid started crying and so did Samantha her sister. Drew saw them first. "Maddy we have to try and help them they look like they are only four or five."

Maddy & Drew cuddled a child each. Eventually Samantha said, "Mummy has got lost & we need to look for her so she is not lost any more."

Maddy. "We will help you look for your mummy as she can not be far away."

As they went on the passage the girls cuddled Drew and Maddy. "Your mums screamed when they got here."

Astrid. "That would have been the hobbits playing tricks on people. Watch that girl who is following those women." The next second there was a scream and she ran to catch up with the others.

Drew. “Just what is going on here?"

Samantha. "Come we will introduce you to the Hobbits." It was Saskia & Zena who were on the jet control

Astrid. "I have brought my friends to meet you hobbits."

Drew. "Our little friends told us their mother was lost. I think for some reason they wanted to keep us separate from my parents. Not that I am objecting."

Saskia. "Drew is a strange name for a girl."

Maddy. "She is also called Gaby which is short for Gabriel. In that case we will call you Gaby like your twin sister." Drew decided not to argue.

Saskia. "As you are Miss Astrid’s friends we will show the secret areas here. First is Bilbo's house and then we will go to the secret levels.”

Drew looked at Astrid." Are you a hobbit princess or some thing?"

Astrid. "No I am not a hobbit princess, but they are my friends and companions."

As they entered the house Drew said, "Maddy I have just remembered do not eat or drink while we are underground for if we do then we will for ever live with the little people."

Saskia. "Fear not no harm will come to either of you while you are here. All who enter here have entered an enchanted land were nothing is as it seams. It is a child friendly area where those of us who wish to meet and play with children can. As to your safety our queen would never forgive us if something happened to you. Gaby Bond British Junior cycle Champion. There are those in our number who follow your progress with interest Drew. I understand you had an interesting time in America."

Drew looked at Maddy. "Not me I have not said a word about what happened over in America."
Jade found the group in the temple complex. "Hi I am Jade & no I am not a hobbit? My sisters’ bid you welcome to our realm.” Jade noticed Drew cross himself. "Did my little sister not say you are perfectly safe here Drew, and there is no need to cross ones self for protection. Like wise Maddy there is no need to rub the rabbit’s foot you always carry."

Drew looked at Jade & then at their two little friends. "Maddy I think we have been had. These two look just like younger versions of Jade."

As she spoke another two appeared. "Mum was wondering were you had got to. You know she is expecting guests later today."

Astrid. "Tell mum we have been entertaining her guests most of the day."

Drew. "I am Drew sometimes known as Gaby by my friends & this is my Cousin Maddy."

Astral. "Well I am Astral & these two are my cousins Astrid & Samantha & they are our sisters. Jade here is sort of our big sister.”

Drew. "To both of us it is obvious you are all closely related or you would not look like each other."

As she spoke Jade's mobile started to ring. Jade answered it. "Gaby apparently your mums have already met up with ours, and we are all now summoned to the great hall."

Astrid. "Please will you carry us as we are getting tired?"

Maddy. "I think we can give you a piggy back each." With the little ones one their backs they followed the others and eventually came to a very large room.

Drew. "Can somebody please remove Astrid I think she may be asleep."

Alexis came and lifted her off and then Samantha. Then she said, "Have my daughters looked after you well Gabriel?"

Gaby looked stunned and then turned and curtsied.

Maddy. “What are you doing Drew?"

Drew. "Maddy I am not entirely dense although some people think I go around with my head in clouds. Astrid here said, No I am not a Hobbit Princess. She did not say no I am not a Princess."

"She did say her mother would not allow us to be hurt while we were here. Maddy our sleeping little friends are indeed princesses. They are though rather special princesses. Maddy their mother goes by many names, but you may recognise Arwen or Galadrial or Titania."

Maddy. "Drew you have finally gone potty all those names are some of the names of the Elven Queen or Fairy Queen."

Drew was still holding the hand of Saskia and said, "Our little friends called Saskia here a hobbit. I have another name for her. Look at her height & then look at her ears. What I have here cousin Maddy is a real live leprechaun. Normally you only find one but here there are many. I remember enough to know from my book that for so many leprechauns to be here Saskia here must be a Royal Leprechaun. If she is a Royal Leprechaun then there must be a queen or queens around. Saskia when we first met her referred to little Astrid as mistress. If Astrid is an Elven Princess it is logical that her mum is a queen so hence me doing a curtsy. According to legend if you are lucky to catch a leprechaun they have to hand over all their collection of gold." Saskia started to shake.

"Do not worry my little friend while your gold could come in handy for me. I do not want to deprive you of your luck & certainly will not take it off my friends. Saskia What I would like though is for my mum to be cured so there is no threat of the cancer ever coming back."

Alexis. "Gaby What about your self is there nothing you would wish for?”

"Your majesty there is many things I could wish for I could have wished for money, but would it bring me happiness. I doubt it very much. I could wish that it was possible to cure all illness. I like reading although most of the stuff I read is technical journals. I have a thirst for knowledge. There are many things I want. I would like Maddy as my partner in life. I would like to race a fit and healthy mum and beat her."

Helen came into the room with Drews remaining family. She said, "Hello Andrew I need to have a little chat with you. I have been rather busy with the rest of your family. They have all been giving me blood samples."
Maddy. "Drew hates injections of any sort. But if it will help you can have some of mine." Drew closed his eyes & then felt somebody scrambles on to his knees & put their arms round him he opened his eyes and Astrid started kissing him. Drew never noticed the needle go in as he was too taken aback with Astrid.

Maddy."I will have to remember that the next time he needs an injection."

Carol. "Maddy it looks like you have competition for Drew now."

Maddy picked up Astrid. "Astrid here is no competition to me, but she is a friend and she was distracting Drew in the only way she knew. It worked he was distracted so much he did not notice the blood being extracted."

Helen."Actually I need to do a full medical on you both. I have already done the rest of your family while you played with Astrid."

Maddy. "So is there just us two to do?"

Helen. "Saskia can you look after Astrid for a while as I need to be with these two Gaby & Maddy. Gaby and Maddy followed Helen in to an adjacent room. "Please can you both strip down to your underwear. It is ok Drew I know all about your growth spurt. I though need to carry a full inspection out on you both."

Maddy. "I will go first if only to show that there is nothing to fear."

“Please lay on the table Maddy.” As she lay on the table it started to move. Eventually Helen said “Just one more thing, and then you can get dressed.”

Maddy had to put her feet into what looked like slings and then they where lifted up. Maddy. "This is one bit I hate I think it looks like a medieval device."

Helen. "Right finished with you Maddy, but can you stay here please while you get dressed. Your turn now Andrew”

Maddy "He is slightly bigger than me on the top."

Helen took the tape measure and double checked yes you are correct Maddy Drew is a C cup."
"Drew did the hospital show you how to check yourself for lumps in the breast?"

Drew shook his head. "My time in hospital was a blur to me."

Maddy. "I do not even know how to check & aunt being as she is it would be a good idea if we know."

Drew. "Dr Helen I am a boy and boys do not get breast cancer."

Helen. "Actually they can & you are more at risk if you are a boy who develops breasts & mother that has had it."

"So my sister Jules is also at risk?"

“Drew it depends on what my team find when they check your blood. It could be genetic & there again it may not."

Drew went through the scanner & Helen said, "This is interesting. Right Drew can you do the same as Maddy did and put your feet in those slings & I will do the rest.”

Helen placed her hands on Drew’s abdomen and gently pressed. Drew said, "Some times it gets very painful their & some times on the other side.”

Helen made notes of what Drew told her." I need to check your prostate & this will be uncomfortable. Maddy do you mind kissing Drew for awhile?"

Maddy did not object. Helen appeared to be fiddling about with his lower end. Helen pressed a button and spoke. "Leslie can you come in here and help me please I have a slight problem with Drew.”

Drew’s mother came in with Carol. "Can we help?”

Helen. "Drew, this may be cold."

Jenny laughed. "He is too preoccupied with Maddy to take any notice of what is happening to him."

Helen removed several large clots of blood and then said, "He is all cleaned up now." As Drew got off the table he noticed for the first time his mum & Carol.

Carol. “We have been here all the time but you two were preoccupied with kissing each other."

Drew. "Mum was there a problem?"

Jenny. "Not really you body is just adjusting itself like it does for us all."

Helen. "Drew you know you were diagnosed as inter sex before at one of the hospitals. You and your parents decided to wait and see which way your body went. Well your body has taken another step towards being female. You still have your penis, and your testicles are about the size of a pea. I doubt that they will ever work & in all probability will shrink or vanish without surgery. What happened in America is you have had a period like most girls have unfortunately you where not prepared for it. If my estimate is correct then you should be due one on the day of the Milk Race.”

Maddy. "Mine is due then."

Helen."There may still be some discharge for a day or two so I would recommend wearing a pad."

Jenny. "It looks more like Gaby is taking over and Drew is going to be consigned to the History books."

Drew thought for a moment. "Dr is this going to affect me with my ability to race?"

Helen. "Now your Vagina is fully opened I expect your other items to shrink as you body reabsorbs them. As for your cycling there should be no problem as you are already known as Gaby Bond the daughter of Jenny Bond. What I will do though is give your mother a note for the birth death and marriage office in Southport which will get your birth certificate altered to female."

Drew looked shocked. "But Maddy & I intended to get married when we were old enough."

Leslie returned. "Helen the office informed me two of the blood types are as interesting as Alex."

Helen. "Are you sure & it is both, and not one. I need to speak with all your family in the main hall. As you all know you have had blood tests done. Mr Bond & Mr Peters your tests would indicate you both are very closely related although you tell us you are not. Now to all the females except Maddy & Gaby. You all carry the gene that is predisposed to cancer."

Jules looked shocked. "So I could get it like mum."

"There is some good news though. Maddy & Gaby do not carry the gene & in fact their blood will hunt down & kill any infected cells. With this in mind I have to ask these two if they will donate some more blood to totally eradicate cancer cells in the remaining affected family members."

Drew started crying. "Jules I do not want to lose you. I hate injections but if it will help cure the others you can have some of my blood."

"Same here", said Maddy.

Samantha had thrown herself at Gaby. "Astrid got to do it the last time so this time it is me." While Gaby was distracted Helen took all she needed. A courier came and collected the blood and he drove it down to Leeds.

Helen. "It will be a week or so before it can be used. Now Jenny do you want to make the other announcement too your family?"

Drew. "No I will if Maddy will stay by my side. As you all know for sometime now I have kept collapsing and ending up in hospital. Some of you may also have noticed I have been developing breasts."

Maddy. "Yes I want some the same size."

“What you all may not know was I was diagnosed with an intersex condition. While Dr Helen was checking me over I apparently had a period. Dr Helen has talked this over with me & mum & Maddy. I have decided from today to become Gaby full-time. I still love Maddy like mad so there will be no change there. With the discovery that I was having periods like most girls it came as a shock to me. With the help of most of my friends though I have for some time been a part time girl. Now I have had to decide to abandon Drew who I have known all my life, and instead become Gaby full-time. I do not know how school will go. I pray that all my friends will still be my friends following my decision. I am thinking of the American Dan who was very upset when he found Rhod became Mafwney at the weekend. If Doctor Helen is correct then Maddy and I can cure the infected females in the family of the cancer. So perhaps one day I will still get to race my mum in a ladies race yet.”

“As you know mum has decided to retire from the racing scene at the height of her career. The milk race was to have been her final appearance. Along with Maddy I have formed team Bond-Peters. Mum has decided to become coach and manager for team Bond. While we will not be using Carbon fibre bikes like mums team. While in America Maddy & I had bikes built for us by Biggs. Mum after inspecting the bikes over decided that our other team members Cat & Mafwney could benefit from the same bikes so dad contacted Biggs in America to see about a couple of bikes for the other members.”

"Mum checked with the cycling association regarding our status as amateur riders. We can have sponsorship so long as we do not accept payment in cash. We can have the bikes and any backup provided by the companies sponsoring us. Back up includes transport & Hotel accommodation for us. The only thing none of us will get is a wage. When I went to Germany I modelled some skins. Well the same company has approached mum about being the provider of the sports wear for all of us girls. Mum explained to the company payment would infringe on our amateur status. The legal eagles came back with a trust fund for us each which none of us can access until we are 21. Mum double checked and discovered we can not access the fund but if need be certain adults can to cover our transport costs."

"Biggs bikes in America was a small operation building hand crafted bikes for enthusiasts. Following Maddy & I riding their bikes in the United States, their orders have taken off. They have had to take on additional specialist staff to fulfil the orders they received. Dad contacted Biggs and spoke to the boss. She is bringing us all a new bike each in team Bond pink. In addition to that Team GB has been to see mum. Apparently team GB has been watching me and my friends for some time. They are willing to put all their facilities at our disposal, but it will mean an upheaval for all four families as we will have to move nearer the facilities."

Drew paused for a moment and Samantha nudged him. "My little friend here is also reminding me I have something else to tell you all. As you all know Maddy and I look alike in fact we could be twins. Mum & her cousin Carol went in to the hospital at the same time. They both had twins and through a mix up at the hospital each end up with one of the others twins. Nobody noticed that each mother had a wrong twin. As luck would have it only one set of twins survived. When Helen did the blood test it confirmed what Maddy & I had been suspected for some time that Maddy & I are identical twin sisters. We have decided that rather than one set of our parents missing out we should both have two mums & dads so from today we are both Bond-Peters.”

"The suggestion that we train with team GB has caused our parents to think and act. They decided that a joint home would be better for us all. Mum though said, there are another two team members to consider. So with that in mind our parents decided to invite Rhod’s mum Silve & Cats mum & Grandma & also Ally's parents. All our parents decided that they would sell up and buy a new home nearer to the National cycling centre. Or at least away from our old home. It also has caused our parents to think about our education."

“With all our parents combining their housing funds they have managed to obtain a big house called Merlingwood which has considerable grounds. It is close to the motorway and so will not take us long to get to the National cycling centre in Manchester. The other three do as yet not know we are all moving into a big house together. Rhod knows his mum has been looking for a new shop for her business & that she has found one & that they will be moving away. He wants to take this opportunity to become Mfwany full-time. Ally & Cat though have no inclination that we are all moving in together."

“Now I get to the reason why we came today. Several weeks ago I received a rather strange letter. The letter said, Dear Drew-Gaby I have been a fan of yours for some time. I & my family are in a position to sponsor your team. If you would like to clarify this letter please ring the above number. Well I showed mum the letter and at first we thought it was a hoax, but she decided to ring the number and ask for the person concerned. Well as you all can see we followed the instructions and brought all the family. I though still have not met the person responsible for the letter. I have been playing with Saskia and enjoying myself. There has been no mention of Baby or the letter."

Alexis. "Gaby it was astute of you to recognise my daughter Astrid as an Elven princess however I am not Arwen, Titania or Galadrial although my great grand mother Galadrial is in this room with us. Also Baby the writer of the letter is here. Gaby for some time now Baby has had a fixation about you. Baby had intended sponsoring you herself. And she was greatly disappointed when she learned that Biggs were to sponsor you for the bikes & a German company for the skins. To please Baby I had my legal teams look at your contracts to see if there was any way your team could legally be helped without infringing on your rights. Areas they suggested were Transport, Accommodation & Catering. Also they pointed out up to now you have had your own cheer leading team. Apparently we can sponsor the cheerleaders for all they need. With the exception of Ally it is not possible to bring your cheerleading team further north. Baby decided though that we could provide the uniforms for the entire Gaby cheerleading team & ensure they got to the venues where you would be racing at."

"Apparently your former headmaster was quite willing to continue to provide the team with practise facilities. The games mistress will drive the cheer leaders in the mini coach we provided to all the venues.” Gaby looked at Maddy. "It looks like we will still be seeing most of the gang."

Gaby. "Why was Ally different?"

Alexis. "Actually in a way what happened was convenient. Alleys parents found they were being relocated as their work was moved further north." It was also brought to my notice that Mfwany may under perform if Ally was not close by. Ally herself was depressed with the forth coming move. When her parents learned that you & Maddy & Rhod & Cat were all intending to move in together they said to your parents. Would you mind an additional family in the commune? Your parents said yes, and then added. Each family has contributed a similar amount to the purchase of the house. We are also setting up an account that we all have to pay into to cover joint expenses like Rates, Gas, and Electric Water & House & Garden maintenance."

Gaby. "Hold on a minute. You are saying that five of our families are moving in to a very big house. If that is the case why are the other there families not here today?"

Alexis smiled. "They will be later after they have supervised the removal of all their belongings to their new home."

Gaby thought for a moment. "If that is the case then Maddy & I should have been helping them rather than being up here."

Alexis. "Gaby your parents knew full well you would want to help. So it was decided that as soon as you were away a team would go in and remove all your belongings."

Gaby. "But that will take ages to do."

Linda & Linze appeared. "Alexis we managed both houses in record time. And we went to help Cat & family with their removals. We did have to dispose of some of Drews clothing, but we have replaced it with suitable alternatives.”

Linze looked at Gaby. "You must be the young champion we have been hearing so much about. Normally we do not get to spend as much time with the others as we would like. We sort of do all the odd jobs that need doing." This brought some giggles from other quarters.

Linze. "Apparently because our new venture is not completed we are currently unemployed. With this in mind Baby suggested we might be your official drivers for a while."

Maddy said quietly, "Drivers/bodyguards more like."

Gaby looked at her mother, “I presume mum this is above board & I am allowed drivers? Gaby, Linda & Linze will be there for you if I can not be. Yes their job is a legitimate expense Gaby & will not infringe on your status."

As Gaby spoke a procession of leprechauns came in and their leader spoke with Alexis, “Your majesty we did as commanded and everything is in place each family has selected their bedrooms. We also took the opportunity to install an up to date computer room with a high speed internet connection. Your other guests are waiting in the anti room."

Alexis clapped her hands, "Saskia can you show our other guests in?" Gaby & Maddy ran to greet their friends and kissed them.

Cat."You will never guess what happened to us. All these little men appeared and emptied the house for us & then they put everything in the new house."

Ally." We got the same treatment & so did Rhod. When we got there your furniture & belongings had already been put in the new house."

Silve came forward and curtsied. "Your highness thank you for sending your people to help us move home. I myself may be one of your subjects, but I was never sure. My grand mother used to tell me stories of the Elven Queen & how when the time was ripe would she once again walk upon the face of the earth."

Alexis, "Silve what was your grand mothers' name?"

"Madam my granny was called Lepidoptra & my mother Butterfly."

Alexis. "Grand mother do you recall those names?"

Galadrial stepped forward and Silve said, "My lady this is yours I believe."

Galadrial looked at the bracelet passed to her. "No Silve that is for your daughter to wear now." Silve felt herself shimmer.

"What is happening to me?

Alexis, "Silve like Gaby you recognised me without promoting. For you and your daughter your heritage has finally caught up with you. If I my self can not deny my heritage then you Silve will not be able to do either."

Silve. "My granny so wished to be here when the queen was restored."

Alexis. "Lepidoptra & Butterfly I Alexis command your presence now this instant." As she spoke there was a flash & two females appeared.

They at first did not realise where thy were and were saying to each other. "We must give it another try & get back to Silve.”

Alexis. "Greetings ladies welcome to my abode."

The two of them looked at each other and Lepidoptra said, "Sorry Madame our transport spell must have misfired. We were trying to get to my daughter and grand daughter for they will need our help."

Alexis. "In that case you are at the correct place."

Lepidoptra. "Just a moment please while I put my distance glasses on."

She looked around. "By the daughters of Galadrial I now know were we are Butterfly. My queen Galadrial must have summands us here although there are many I do not know.” Lepidoptra looked around again. "No I am mistaken my friend did not summon us, but the queen did. I clearly see which rank each is now. Royal leprechauns & that many of them. Mer cousins & Fay sisters. My greatest wish was to live long enough to see this day the restoration of our Queen & I have been granted it."

"As I speak I feel my powers returning to me and as they do I recognise more of you. From your auras I recognise your rank and station. Your Majesty I was very remiss in not recognising you immediately. I see you have already claimed my grand daughter Silve and her daughter Mafwney. I am Lepidoptra and vow in front of my family that I will support you, and your children like I did with my sister Galadrial before you. Now your majesty I claim my right to present to you all my family members so that all present know she is of Lepidoptra blood."

Galadrial. "Old friend and sister of mine you also failed to spot me. Your claim to present your family formally is legitimate and so will be allowed. You though are not dressed correctly according to your status."

Alexis. "Can the Royal Dresser please ensure Lepidoptra & family are correctly attired before they are presented."

"Yes your majesty."

"Lepidoptra will you and Butterfly follow me. Princess Lepidoptra my Queen and yours commanded me to attire you correctly. I do not intend to loose my job again because a Fay Princess can not follow orders."

Mfwany. "Why am I in white and the others in Purple and gold."

Lepidoptra. "Actually you need some gold enhancements on that dress otherwise it is correct for you."

“Lepidoptra are they all to bear your insignia?"

"They are all my family so yes."

"Then Mafwney you and the rest shall bear the mark of Princess Lepidoptra. Now I can summands the queen’s champions so they may escort you to the presence of the queen.”

Lepidoptra when she saw the girls said, "Giants the queen has five champions."

One of the giants spoke. "Lepidoptra my family like yours have been restored by her majesty. Our Queen and friend commands us escort you to her presence."

Lepidoptra. "Daughter it would not be wise to keep our Queen waiting long."

As they neared the throne Galadrial came down to greet them. "Sister you were correct the senior family member should present you all to the new queen. However that task falls on me not you but me. I think protocol will allow us both to jointly present your family to Queen Alexis. First I must start with you though my sister Lepidoptra."

Galadrial curtsied. "High Queen I have great pleasure in presenting my sister Lepidoptra to you."

Alexis. "Lepidoptra I will call you aunt and all the rest cousins. As grand mothers sister you will be held in high esteem by all here. We all work and play together regardless of age or seniority. Tell me how do you feel at this moment?"

"Your majesty for a long time I was unable to draw my powers but recently they have been returning. At the moment I feel as if I am going to explode."

"Perhaps aunt you should demonstrate your powers for us."

"Your majesty it is forbidden that we do magic in front of your royal personage."

Alexis." But you also have to obey me, and so if I order you to then you must do as I say."

Lepidoptra looked at Galadrial for guidance and then said,
"Your highness the ban does not extend to sisters or nieces so if my niece made the request then I would be allowed to show her."

Alexis smiled. "So that is how you and Galadrial got round the ban. Would it not be simpler for the Queen to revoke the order if she saw fit? Now perhaps you can demonstrate your power by being correctly attired." Lepidoptra looked puzzled. "My Queen I am correctly attired as befits my station."

Alexis. "Why then do you still wear the tiara of a princess?"

"Because that is what I always wore at these occasions. I am sister of Galadrial and so a Royal Princess."

Galadrial. "Queen Alexis because of the circumstances my sister she never did receive her new Tiara so she wears what she has a right to."

Alexis "In that case Lepidoptra please place your crown on your daughters head. Butterfly for a short time you will get to wear the crown of a princess and then likewise you must pass it on to your daughter." Lepidoptra knelt before Alexis and the new tiara was placed upon her head."

Lepidoptra. "My sister presented me, but I will present my daughter Butterfly." Butterfly passed the tiara to Silve then she also received her new tiara from Alexis.

Galadrial "Silve it is now your turn." Silve turned to Mfwany and said, "This has just passed three generations and is yours until you pass it to your daughter." Silve then knelt before Alexis and also received her new Tiara. Finally it was Mfawny's turn.

But Alexis said; "Not yet Mfwany I wish to see all the members of Gaby's team Bond together."

Alexis looked at the group. “Team Coach Jenny Bond, Stylist Silve Morgan, Carol Peters Assistant Manager. Team Captain Gaby Peters-Bond, Vice captain Maddy Peters-Bond. Team members Katrina, Mfwany, Ally and Jules Peters-Bond. Sorry I forgot the two official drivers Linda & Linze & not forgetting my daughters Astrid, Samantha, Astral & Astrol with the security team. Starlight have we enough tiaras?"

“Yes Madame they are all ready for the princesses. This is one part of my job I enjoy."

Alex started with the two giant’s daughters. "Arise Princess of giants." There was clapping from the back of the hall. “My daughters now it is your time. While baby stays with me you four wish to accompany the team on their travels. If you go then the two giant princesses also go.”
“I already have noticed that you all get on very well. My daughters you have not as yet received your tiaras. Come and receive them. Now Mafwney this was your mothers and now is yours until you pass it to your daughter."

"Ally next please,” Ally brought out a tiara. "Your majesty with your permission may I use this."

Galadrial smiled. "So Ally you already know what this is then?"

"Queen Galadrial like Mafwney I am descended from one of your sisters and this was given to me along with a full list of my heritage. Long ago I realised Rhod was like me and descended from the Fay Queen. It took me a lot longer to realise that our entire small group where Fay. We all had been drawn to each other and worked best when together. We even have our own leader in Queen Gaby. When we are all together things seam to happen around Gaby. I watched Drew and the others I soon realised they was totally oblivious to what they where. I knew that the day would come when we would all find out exactly what we where. I knew that day had arrived when Linda & Linze arrived with an army of leprechauns to move us. I realised then that very soon we would all be meeting our Queen. Yes your majesty I knew we all where Fay, but none including me know how to access our power. If I had told the others they would have all thought I was crackers. Now at least I know I was not wrong. Gaby is my friend and like Jules her sister she had no idea that because of her Fay heritage she would one day become like her sister Jules."

Drew. "We turned up today because we received an offer of sponsorship for the team. I told mum who thought it was a good idea if we all came today."

Alexis placed the crown on Ally’s head. "A Fay princess you certainly are Ally this tiara alone tells me that. You have been well educated in your heritage. I know your mother never saw the crown or knew her heritage. So you must have received it from another source.”

“Your majesty I know full well who this crown came from."

Galadrial. "Please may I have it a moment?"

Galadrial examined the tiara. "Ally please inform me what you know of this tiara."
Ally looked at the Queen and then at Galadrial and curtsied again. "The tiara was given to me some time ago, and I promised I would never divulge who gave it to me. I was told that the tiara once belonged to the Great Galadrial herself. The royal jewellers managed to misplace it & instead of admitting what they had done they replaced it with a new one. Princess Galadrial never realised her tiara had been replaced, but her mother did & summands the Goldsmith responsible. He admitted he had misplaced the tiara and that he had replaced it with one of equal value."

The Queen."Look on top of the cupboard and bring me the contents of the box." The royal guard found the tiara where the queen had said it would be. The Queen turned to the Goldsmith. "My youngest daughter will be thrilled to receive this gift from you. You may go and do not be so careless in future." The Queen though did not give it to her youngest as she was heard to say, I think that tiara Galadrial has is old fashioned. I have asked granny to get me one more modern. The queen never got chance to change the original for the replica. All too soon Galadrial was taking over and should have passed her tiara on. There was trouble and all the enthronement’s got cancelled. Somehow the old Queen and her maid vanished in the trouble that followed." The old Queen though watched with interest the birth of her youngest daughter's Grand-Daughter. My mother never realised or suspected that my baby sitter was her own grand mother. Mum was never taught about her heritage as her mum thought it was for the best."

Galadrial. "Ally please kneel. It was my mother wish you wore this Tiara then so it shall be. Princess Ally this was once mine and should have gone to my younger sister, as the former owner of the tiara it gives me great pleasure to place it on your head although I believe mother has already done the job."

Ally. "Thank you Queen Galadrial. I must though ask Queen Alexis if she will repeat the procedure."

Alex. "If you want me to then I will also repeat what has been done."

After Alexis had repeated the procedure. Alley searched in her handbag and said, “Three Queens have now presented me. I was given the title of Guard of the Imperial Jewels by Queen Titania."

Galadrial smiled. “Ally did my mother give you something for either Alex or myself?"

Ally. "Great Grandma never really retired. She vowed never to interfere with any of her daughters & their families. When she saw mum was advertising for a baby sitter she went with her maid and applied for the job. Grandma was present and did not recognise either of them. It was grandma's recommendation that finally persuaded mum to have Titania & friend as my baby sitters.”

“I received coaching that mum never dreamed about. Titania & the other as I later learned was Tatiana both took good care of me. Once or twice I noticed Granny had a smirk on her face & since I have wondered if Granny knew all along it was her mum & aunt who looked after me.”

Alley was still rummaging in the bag and Alex said, “Ally three queens have placed the tiara on your head. Great Grandma Titania must have had her reasons for choosing you. Let all know you alone shall be responsible for the crown Jewels. Only those who wear or have worn Galadrial tiara can do that job. Now tell me where the twins may be found?"

"I do not know because they also moved when we moved & I do not have their new address. I doubt though that they will be far away."

Galadrial. "You moved to Merlingwood is that correct?

Ally replied "YES"

Galadrial. "Sisters come forward and join force with me & we will summands our mother in the way she taught us."

Ally’s grandmother said, "For weeks now I have been feeling my powers returning to me. If I can feel them so can you my sisters." They all linked hands but failed to summands Titania.

Alexis. "Stop for a moment the circle is far too small. Will the two Princess Giants take my youngest two to the centre and support them. Linda & Linze can you manage the two remaining princesses? Gaby & team next except Ally will you all join hands please now the remaining adults on the outer edge. Ally you take hold of Galadrial hand and your granny's & I will do the same on the other side. Now all join hands so everybody’s' hands is touching at least one person. "

Alexis. "Titania you ignored your daughters the first time. This time I Queen Alexis summands you with the help of all the family."

Ally. "You Titania bound me to Galadrial & Alexis. At the moment we are as one. We are all bound together youngest to oldest. One united family."

Alexis. "Titania you may ignore your daughters, but you certainly will not ignore me. I Queen Alexis, Queen of all the Fay command your appearance this instant.”

Titania spoke, “Well I better show myself then. I also have brought the Sea witch with me. As for you Alexis you are no Queen when other great Queens kneel before you.” After this Gaby and the others went to practice on their bikes.”

The Sea witch, "Empress Alexis it looks like I will also have a permanent home here as I have noticed my daughters are present. Can somebody explain what a Gaby is though? I overheard some of the younger ones talking and you would have thought it was the best thing since sliced bread."

"Aunt I will not only tell you but show you as well. Come with me as she has just gone to practising with the team."

Jenny was putting the team through their paces. At first she did not notice Alexis approach. "Oh Hello Alexis they have all reduced their timing considerably.”

"So Jenny the Bond is what they are all talking about. Jenny looked. "No I am only the trainer what are you doing here?"

Alexis. "I take it you two apparently know each other."

Jenny. “Alexis many times we have gone head to head over the same man. We both had to outdo each other. Well Jenny I can tell you I am back with Neptune himself. Only as no2 wife though. At least you did not compete with me there. What is the world’s ladies champion doing here?"

Alexis. "She is training the future world champions."

"Yes Jenny I kept a check on you I was interested to see how you turned out. I had an unfair advantage on you that I never let on about. You always though I was similar age to you when in reality I am considerably older. I genuinely wish your team luck."
Jenny. As you are here you might as well meet the team and their protectors."

The sea witches started to sneeze. Jenny” Have you got that hay fever again? This is the Team Bond captained by my Daughter Gabriel. Twins you got twins & all mine where singles. This is Maddy who is vice captain. Mafwney, Katrina & Ally & then Linda & Linze I believe you know their mother and father. Finally we have two of our taller members here today."

"Yes I have already guessed who their father is."

A little voice said, "Empress please do not forget we are here also."

Alexis "That is the voice of the team Bond protective Flight. Come out girls your Aunt wants to see you all."

"Finally the main sponsor of Team Bond & their number one fan Baby."

Baby. "I know what your Allergy is. Helen could soon cure it and then you will be able to move around freely."

"Sorry Alexis I have always had an allergy to Hobbits & leprechauns they make me sneeze like mad, and my eyes start streaming."

Alexis. "I think it is time we got you a cure. As for your competitive edge do you think you could beat Jenny at cycling? Jenny are you up for a race?"

Jenny looked across at the Sea Witch, "We always did make a good team at college perhaps we should see just how good you still are."

Gaby. "Mum if you intend racing then we are going round as well."

Baby. "Excellent Present & future champions all competing together."

Jenny said, "10 Laps will that do?" This time they all started together Jenny let the Sea witch takes the lead and then took it off her and then the Sea witch took the position back.

Mean while Gaby was planning her move. "Ok team time we went into full gear they are tiring out each other." As the junior team sailed past the two of them Ally shouted goodbye oldies see you at the finish. The two of them finished jointly & the two of them where arm in arm and laughing.

The sea witch said, "So Fae Princess I am an oldie am I."

Neptune turned up and said, "Neither of you did badly as you both equally shared the lead. Jenny is still recovering from major treatment and you where out of practise."

Jenny. "Old friend I think you would benefit from training with us. I had intended to retire due to my health. That has been sorted out for me and soon I will once again be back to full strength. "

"Jenny I do not mind training with you and the juniors. I am back with my first love." Linda & Linze looked at each other. "Yes girls I am your no 2 mum. This is of more interest to me than being in the nursery. Your father has decided to spend the majority of his time in their. Jenny could you do with an assistant coach to help train out team."

"The others have not said who their mothers and grandmothers are but I do not need telling. For all around me I see either my brothers or sisters when they where younger. Am I to presume this team has Titan, Dragon, and Mer all working together to ensure the safety of the team?"

Snow. "They are doing a good job."

"Father I did not realise you where an enthusiast."

"Gaby here is the Junior British Champion and while in America she put her transatlantic cousins to shame and beat the USA first junior team. I know Gaby preferred not to mention what happened over there. Apparently she got a mention in a local rag that was picked up by the Nationals. What should have been a quiet break for Gaby turned out to be anything but? What did the British Ambassador want with You Gabriel?"

“Apparently the race had been televised and because there was a lot of children from very important families taking place Buck house was watching the race."

"Once I start a race that is it and all I focus on. I knew I had to beat the opposition. I had been practising with one of the local cycle clubs and some of their members entered with me, but they mainly dropped out. I saw a gap and took it. The rest everybody knows."
"Not Quite Gabriel. Do I have to tell everybody the remainder?"

"Ok well apparently members of British Embassy came looking for me to ask if I would meet up with the daughter of the Ambassador. After thinking it over I asked If I could also bring my school friends who where on exchange with me. This was agreed to. When we got there we where all greeted like heroes. The Ambassador said, "I have a request to make. Gabriel I contacted your parents about this as they also need to give their permission. Each year all the Embassies hold a cycle race for teenagers. My wife has the job of selecting the children from any British nationals residing in America."

Most other embassies always manage to transfer the parents and children of promising candidates."

"So you want me to ride."

"Not exactly I would like you, Maddy, Jules, and Cat & Mfwany to all ride. My two daughters will take the last two places. As for bikes I have arranged for them to be Carbon fibre and red white and blue. My daughter assures me they are the most modern and lightest of all bikes. Whilst you are all here we need to see that the bikes are all ok for you and that your team colours."

Gaby looked at the Bikes and skins, "These are team GB colours."

"Correct Gaby."

"John what are you doing here?"

"Ensuring you have all the back up you need like all the other national teams have."

"I take it then this is a serious event and that we are expected to represent our country."

John. "You could say no and nobody would think any thing about it we would have to look else where. To be realistic though you are the best chance we will ever have of winning and you will have beaten the best in the world if you accept."

"When is the race?"

"Two weeks time Gabriel."

"I know the weakness of all the others, but for your daughters. We will all need to practise like mad if we are to stand any chance of winning the event.”

"Gaby for the next two week you and your team members will be staying here in the west wing. I have made arrangements for the team of cheer leaders all to get red white and blue uniforms. The Games mistress apparently had to ask for volunteers to make the numbers up." Your two American friends where the first to volunteer they wanted. To dance with the others. I have to tell you though the German team have a strong contender with Katrina."

Jules, "Well regardless it would still be team GB if it was team Gaby Bond or team Great Britain."

Gaby who had only been half listening said, "Oh I can beat Katrina. Her mum races in the same team as my mum & we are the best of friends."

"I can take it that you will represent team GB then. We had to make special arrangements as team GB have appointed a new coach for the junior team."

The team coach entered wearing team GB colours. "Mum we did not expect to see you here."

"The embassy has made special arrangements for me to continue with treatment while I am here. Just because three of you are family members does not mean you will get off lightly. What I want you all to do is work as a team and try and bring that cup back to GB."

For the next two weeks the team did nothing but train, train, train. Gaby said, "The ambassadors daughters are quite good & they sure know their bikes."

Jenny "Apparently if you win the team gets to keep the bikes."

"What about the skins?"

"All the rest is yours to keep regardless of the outcome."

Gaby's mind started doing overtime and she said, "How do we get these home when we win the race. Sorry mum I was thinking aloud."

"I think we can make special arrangements for these bikes and the others you have already gained while over here."

The big day arrived and television companies where beaming the race around the world. The BBC reporter was saying. "For the first time in ten years we stand a very good chance of winning this race." "Team GB is fielding three daughters of the legendary world Champion Jenny Bond. At least one of the daughters has already taken the British title and won the North American title and is the favourite to win this race." Jules was not quite as fast as the others but still she managed to stay with the group when they made their break."

The only one who managed to follow them through was Kattrina. "Hi Gaby I am going to make you work for your win today it looks like it is now just me and you left." They both pedalled hard and Kattrina said, "Go for it my friend I am all washed out." The place was in uproar as Gaby came over the finish line.

Gaby’s cheer leader had been saying go Gaby go."

The announcer got muddled up, "First place goes to team Gaby Bond. Sorry I should have said Gaby Bond of team GB." The cheerleaders picked up on his mistake and started shouting Come on Team Gaby Bond we want second & third as well." Maddy was next over the line followed By Kattrina. The rest of the team took all the places to eight, which was Jules.

Jules, "Mum I did better than I ever expected coming in eighth."

Gaby. "I am going to have to watch both you and Maddy."

The US president George Bush made the presentations. "Well done young lady. I can see you are taking after your famous mother Jenny Bond & apparently your friends have all been entertaining us while you raced. This race started out as an Embassy competition but over the years each Embassy has arranged foe the best young Cyclist in their country to be here this week all apart from the UK. You caused quite a stir when you took the American championship."

"When it was discovered you where British & on an exchange visit. This opened it up to the Ambassador to ask you to represent your country. As this year we have the top cyclists from all the countries here I have no hesitation in making you the first under 21 world champion."

Gaby introduced all the members of team Bond to the president and then said, "Kattrina represented her country Germany today but normally when we ride we ride as a team."

"So Katrina you also are part of Team Bond & today you became the third best in the world."

Gaby. "I suppose we will have to arrange for an exchange visit next year for me to try and retain my title. I suppose I am a bit like mum with cycling."

The British ambassador Sir Mark Spencer. "Gaby how would you feel about coming back for a month next year and entering several competitions?"

"I will have to check with my mum who arranges all my bookings but sure I would like to. Kattrina as a German national you can not be in the British team, but you can be my guest and enter all the races, but one as team Gaby Bond."

The German ambassador came over, "Mr President we take it as an honour you ask our Kattrina. It is no shame on us when she is beaten by Jenny Bonds Daughters as many of us wished she was in our national side. Our Kattrina tells me she has raced Gaby in Bavaria & Gaby won. I knew nothing of this so I have an invitation. The invitation is for all the Team Bond and that includes our Katrina & all their dancers to stay at the King Ludwig hotel and participate in the week long cycle events."

Gaby Looked at the German Ambassador and said, "May I ask who is sponsoring the event?"

"The event is sponsored by the Bavarian people. "The bikes for all competitors will be provided by our Major cycle manufacturer Apollonaris. So will team Gaby Bond all accept my invitation?"

Jules looked, “Actually I wanted to take part but during that week I am supposed to be participating in the Badminton finals in Munich”

"Good, Good. This is better than I expected. Claus my son is taking part in that event so you can go with him."

Jules looked at the others, "If the timings do not clash I will still ride with the team even if I come last."

Gaby & Maddy. "We can bring the cheer leaders to support you."

Snow turned to Jenny and said, "Now you are fully recovered what do you intend to do?"

Jenny, "To be honest I would like to defend my title. I also have promised Gaby I would be their coach."

John. "As for coaching team GB they would rather have you as Captain. Especially as we have some up and coming stars in the junior team."

Snow turned to Carol, "It looks like you will continue to be mother at home to all three girls. As then Jenny can continue with her career. Now you my daughter what to do with you. Take Jenny’s & Carol’s hands." "For as long as I can remember you and Jenny had tried to out do each other. I want you to take over the running of the junior team and give them all the encouragement you can."

"With this in mind I think you three should all look like each other. If anybody takes picture now it will always be of mother and daughters."

Gaby looked. "I can still tell who is who. They all have different bracelets."

Jenny. "A while back somebody said, "We all should do what we do best. My best is my cycling, Carols is being a mother. Agatha always was good at arranging things. This though does not mean I will delegate my responsibility as a mother only sharing it a little with others who I know can do a good job."

"Gaby, Maddy & Jules I will be actually seeing more of you all. As John told you, you are all now part of team GB in this case Great Britain & United Kingdom. Gaby while you may be captain of the junior team I am responsible for all teams. So we will all be entering those events suitable. The Apollonaris team have approached me about signing up you and Maddy. I said you are both too young to go professional yet. I also informed them you already have a good sponsorship deal with Briggs & a certain sports wear manufacturer."

Shortly after this Briggs got a visitor. Apollo wanted to buy Briggs out." "At first your friend refused and Apollo came back with a larger offer." "Eventually the MD of Apollo arrived at the shop." "He told your friend he wanted to ensure he had Gaby and Maddy on his bikes." "He promised that Briggs bikes would continue to be hand crafted for the next ten years." "The amount he offered your friend was a sum she could not refuse." "She decided she would come over here and ensure the bikes you rode always where up to scratch." "So I take it that we have some of the last Personal hand crafted Briggs bikes."

"Yes but you have me to maintain them along with your new lightweight carbon fibre bikes." "Apollo said nothing about you not riding them." "They only want to ensure you are ridding their bikes in all the races you do." "What you ride at other times is up to you." Gaby said, "Dianne I do rather a lot of mountain bike racing and Apollo Racing bikes would not be suitable." "Your mother has already discussed this with Apollo and they will supply the team with lightweight mountain bikes as well as the racing bikes."

"What they can not produce is a Tandem and I am allowed to build it and then send it to them to put on the team colours." "Likewise any special machines or adaptations will be made by me but painted by Apollo." Jenny said, "Gaby they have gone to considerable expense to ensure you ride their bikes." They know that you all are still amateurs but want to ensure you have a good start." For a moment Gaby and the others all appeared to be staring into space. Jenny said, "Are you ok Gaby," "Yes I was just having some silly thoughts," For a moment I thought I was a boy and Aunt Agatha was a witch." "It was totally ridiculous."

Alexis looked at Snow and said, "Just what is going on?" Snow said, "oh nothing Major just a slight shift in reality for the team for a little while.” "Agatha you may be my daughter but you always where more like a sister to Jenny so that is what you have become while Carol still stays as she was." "Agatha after this conversation you will forget who you where and what you did and concentrate on bringing the team up to scratch." "For the moment you will forget about your Liaison with Triton and will set about the task with gusto. Likewise Jenny & Carol you both shall forget what has gone before. Carol all three girls will still refer to you as mum and also Jenny."

"Girls I have some great news for you? My twin Agatha has agreed to manage you all and sort out the bookings and which races to enter. The first major event will be in Bavaria & we have been invited to enter by the Bavarian Prime minister. Jules I realised it may clash with your Badminton competition so arrangements have been put in place to ensure they do not clash.”

“Great Mum perhaps I will get to play with Clause again. He is so dreamy.”

“Jules you will have plenty of time for boys later. Yes you have been teamed up with Clause in the mixed doubles. Apparently he asked for you. Your liaison with Clause is causing quite a stir in Bavaria."

"Why should people be bothered as to why I am a friend with Clause?”

Alexis replied, "It is not because you are Jennies daughter but rather who Clause is the son of. Although Bavaria is part of Germany they still call themselves the Kingdom of Bavaria."

"Oh I get it like England, Scotland, Wales & Ireland."

"In many peoples eyes Clause is the crown prince of Bavaria. If he chooses you as his wife as is expected the Bavarian people would be happy he choose a sporting princess. You after all are the Daughter of the word champion & Sister to the junior world champion. They admire you for entering with the family team. The Bavarian people already consider they got Third and Eighth in the embassy race.”

Jules eyes opened wide. "But Clause is the son of the German Ambassador to America."

Agatha. "I was not there in America with you, but I happen to know King Sigfried of Bavaria & he does have a son called Clause who is tennis & Badminton mad. He has also asked his father who is mad on cycling if he can propose to the love of his life. Jules face went red.”

"Aunt Agatha you are teasing me."

Gaby. "If she is not then I will have a queen for a sister eventually & you will have to learn to speak German."

Jules. "Well just in case he does want to propose to me I will tell him I do not want to get married until I am 21. But we can become engaged if that is what he wishes."

"Gabriel Bond do you know who owns the company that sponsors your mother."

"Yes the team is Apollonaris."

"No Gaby that is the company and it is entirely owned by Sigfried of Bavaria. When he saw the television link of your race against some of the top riders he was impressed. He went to America & introduced himself as the Ambassador. That was who you met and you agreed to go and stay with. He has also a rather athletic sister and niece who you have already met. Kattrina or Kat as you call her. He was very pleased you wanted Kat in team Gaby Bond."

Gaby. "Now I understand why we have to have so much security. It is because of my sister & Princess Kat."

Kat was laughing away. "I watched your race with uncle Sigfried he was very impressed with you and when I mentioned you had already ridden with the Appolonaris team members including mum his ears picked up. While this had been the first year Uncle had sponsored a ladies team he had never thought about a junior team. He decided you just where too good not to sponsor."

Gaby. "I was scared but then I saw a lad who was bragging that he would win easy so I just had to prove him wrong. I was a little bit short on my normal Cheerleading team, but some of the Americans made up for that. The games mistress got quite a shock when they all went into their go Gaby Go routine.”

It was now several days since Gabby & Families visit. Also since the appearance of Lord Snow and his Brother things where slightly different. The centre was once again open to the paying public and since the Water Park had opened the numbers had considerably increased. Alexis had decided that as an estate owner she should re-open the village store.

"Alexis we could run that if you wished?"

"No I gave you both jobs here and it is perhaps better for a villager to do it." The door bell rang and a young woman and child were shown in. "Hello I noticed the village store was re-opening and I wondered if you needed a Manager or staff for it."

Chris looked at her. "You look more suited to office work."

"Actually I worked for a firm of Lawyers in London. I am divorced and have a child." "My sister who lives in the village is also a one parent family after the death of her husband by a drunk driver. Leila suggested I move in with her and we help each other. It looks like I will soon be also looking after my niece as my Sister has cancer and short of a miracle she has not much longer.”

Chris “For this moment you have the job if you want it and if you need time off just let me know. Now did you say there were two little girls? Here are passes for you and your sister. Bring the children as soon as you can."

"Thank you Boss sorry, but I did not catch your name earlier."

"I am Chris and am the partner of the boss." The woman left and soon arrived home.

"Leila I got a Job as shop Manageress in the village store. So I am only next door if you need help.” The two girls came home from the village school together.

"Mummy I have had a nice day at school and made lots of friends." Some of my friends live in the big house and we are all invited to tea."

Leila "We have never got an invite up there to the manor before.”

“Mummy my new friends said, "You now worked for their mummy & so all of us have to go for tea after school."

SHARPHAWLAD

Drew and the Tri-peak Challenge
by Sharp

A Gabyverse Fan-Fiction.
Chapter 2, Gaby's New Accommodation and Friends.

Gaby had by now being living in her new accommodation at Thornton in Craven for several months now. She and her friends had settled down quite well in their new schools, and surroundings. Gaby along with the other older girls had transferred to Holy family Catholic School in Keighley while the younger ones like Lucy had been moved to Saint Stephens Primary School in Skipton. Gaby was surprised to find a few Asian children at the Catholic school she now attended, as she had never had any at her previous school. All the various races and religions got on very well together. One girl of Asian origin in particular called Nyola made friends with Gaby the very first day. One day Nyola asked Gaby if she would like to stay over at her house. Gaby said, "I will have to ask my parents, and if they agree then I would like that very much."

The next day Gaby found Nyola during the morning break period and said, "Yes Nyola I am allowed to come and spend some time with you."

Nyola was pleased that her friend had been allowed to stay the night, as this was the first time any other girl outside the family had been allowed to stay at her home. During the lunchtime break Nyola telephoned her mother to let her know she would be bringing a friend home?

Nyola, “Gaby Mum is a Hindu while dad is a Muslim. I am allowed to follow whichever faith I wish, hence the school I am now attending. For mother today is a holyday and we will be going to an important shrine with her after school, is that ok with you? I might have to dress up for the pageant, and you must have a veil to show respect to our gods."

"Well to be perfectly honest with you Nyola I have never been to a Hindu temple before so it will be a new experience for me. I already expected that I might have to wear a veil, and so I have brought my own veil."

After school Nyola's mother was waiting for them with the car. She held her hand out to greet Gaby. "Hi I am Gabriel or Gaby for short. I understand we are going to a temple. I told Nyola the prospect of this visit to the temple has me excited, as I have never been inside a Hindu temple before. I understand you have many gods your people worship. Do you also have a family god?"

"Gaby the Temple we are going to is dedicated to Lord Vishnu although there are statues of most of our other gods present there. We look on Lord Vishnu as the father of the gods. Nyola and I also have our own family shrine and there we pray to the Mother Goddess. She sees all." The mother looked at Gaby and then said, "Before we go I must make a telephone call." The call was in Hindi and so Gaby did not understand it."

The Pixie in Gaby's pocket said, “She is telephoning the Brahmin and is saying you are wrong about the Mother Goddess Brahmin. The goddess already walks the earth. She currently is by my side, and she is coming to visit the temple with me and my daughter Nyola this very evening."

“Ah well girls that is all sorted. I just had to make sure with the Brahmin it was ok for Gaby to visit the temple as it is a very special day for us, and it is OK for you to visit the temple. Although the Brahmin wishes to meet Gaby in person before we actually enter the building.”

Gaby, "Mum said I had to have a veil when we visited the temple so she has given me this one to wear."

"Ok Gaby I was going to loan you one but if you already have one it will suffice." Outside the temple Gaby pulled the veil out of her hand luggage, and put it on.

Nyola gasped and said, "Oh Gaby! You have a golden veil. It is not permitted for us to wear that colour?"

The Brahmin saw Gaby, "Would you mind coming with me and taking part as we need a girl to represent the Mother goddess and all she stands for. You are already wearing the golden veil of the mother goddess so please will you participate?"

Gaby smiled, "Ok I will if my friend Nyola can join me?”

Nyola's mother spoke in rather a shaky voice; “Holy Mother Nyola knew not when she befriended you, who or what you are. When I initially saw you I knew with out telling. The Golden veil you produced can only ever be worn by the Holy mother as it is forbidden for any others to wear it on pain of death."

The Brahmin, “Nyola your friend asked if you can accompany her. Is it your wish to do so?"

"Holy Father, Gaby is my friend and I brought her here as my friend. I did not expect Gaby to take part in our pageant. Neither did I realise she had a golden veil. I have to stay with my friend regardless of what role I was previously supposed to play. Now I must do as she ordains as the Holy mother. Gaby would not know the significance of the gold veil to us or that it means certain death if one of us was to wear it."

Gaby, "Well nobody had better be considering implementing that with me as Justine would take exception to that. Sorry Brahmin did I fail to say all my friends are under the protection of Justine, or as you Hindus call her Kali. I see you have enough statues of her so you know who I mean."

Nyola looked at the statues and gulped. “Gaby I worship the mother goddess and not Kali she is the destroyer. How can she protect you?"

Gaby, "Nyola your people for years have worshiped many gods, but even your people have one major god or goddess. Not long ago, Britain, China & India all provided aid in Nepal at the behest of the Golden Empress. The Golden Empress does not appear often, but when she does her followers all will know her. Kali is only one of many who serve the Golden Empress."

The Brahmin held up his hands, “Young lady you most are welcome in this temple. I wish to know no more as you have already stated things you should have no knowledge of."

Gaby reached inside her dress and brought out two statues and then said, "Multiply and show the Brahmin your true selves."

Nyola's mother now terrified prostrated her self before Gaby and said, "Mistress I apologise if we upset you there is no need to release them. My daughter if it is your wish will be your friend.”

Gaby spoke again, "Brahmin these are Petal and Sepal the smallest sisters of the Golden Empress and smallest daughters of Lord Draco or Vishnu as you call him. Like Kali they are here as my friends and companions. Now watch the tallest statue of Kali."

As they watched Justine materialised. Justine walked over to Gaby and hugged her. Kali spoke, "Brahmin have no fear. Gaby as you will have surmised by now is never truly alone. I or my imps along with the Pixie army are always there and if needed the leprechaun army along with other Fay can soon be called upon. As Justine spoke row upon row of little tiny golden figures lined up by Petal & Sepal. These are just a small proportion of those who guard Gabriel."

Gaby thought for a moment and said, "Justine today our friends here are honouring their gods it is only fair the gods honour them with their presence. With that out of each of the statues a being appeared. Then there was a flash and Alexis along with her golden companions stood in all their glory."

Alexis spoke loudly and clearly and said, "Brahmin place Nyola in the Bronze dress and veil so all may know she is a friend of the Empress and do her no harm ever."

Nyola's Mother spoke,” But that is the costume we use for the Eternal mother as we are not allowed to use the gold one."

Alexis did not argue but just pointed her hand at Gaby and then Nyola. "Perhaps I should also dress you the same and then you can lead the Imperial family into the temple."

This time it was Gaby who pointed her hand at the mother. The Brahmin spoke; “The ancient legend is true then the Golden Empress has many faces but only one mind. Nyola you have been selected and elevated above all Hindus. You unwittingly have befriended one of the forms of the Empress. From now to the end of your days you will always play the part of a Bronze Queen as that part was chosen for you by the golden one herself.”

No sooner had the Brahmin finished speaking than Ally appeared and further shocked the Brahmin. Who said, "The Silver queen”?

Ally spoke to Nyola and her mother. "I am afraid there has been an accident of some sort at your home as there was an explosion, and your house along with several others in the row has been engulfed in fire."

Nyola's mother, "There is nothing we can do so we might as well continue with this pageant."

The Brahmin led the procession out followed by Nyola and her mother. The Hindus all knelt to the ground as Nyola got near. One little girl was heard to say, “That is my cousin Nyola, One day I will join her when I am old enough to be a bronze Princess.”

Ally heard the child and stopped by her and spoke, "Go and take Nyola's hand she needs a flower girl.” As she went up to Nyola her Sari changed to Bronze. The little girl also found she was holding a posy of flowers.

More of the congregation gasped when they saw Kali and the other gods following behind. Eventually the procession stopped at the shrine of Vishnu. Alexis spoke, "You all came here today to see a pageant and pray to Lord Vishnu. It is time I summands him from his slumber to greet you. Astrid and Cleo will you take a hand each of the flower girl please. Now you young lady shall have the pleasure of calling Lord Vishnu forth."

"Lord of the Heavens, I have been asked by the Golden Empress to call you." The statue appeared to tremble and shake and there were gasps of astonishment as Draco appeared. The little girl threw herself into his arms and said. “They told me to do that pointing to Cleo and Astrid."

Draco looked around and then said, "It is a long time since any of the Hindi managed to contact me. Now I find the youngest can."

Some of the Hindi said, "Look Lord Vishnu has claimed the small Bronze girl."

Draco walked over to the mother and gave her a kiss. He then did the same with Nyola and her mother.

Nyola spoke sir, "Are you not going to kiss my friend Gaby, or are you scared because she has the protection of Kali."

Draco burst out laughing and so did Kali. Kali spoke, "Lord Vishnu is not afraid of me. He is more likely to be afraid of those two who hold your little cousin's hands. The smaller they are, the more trouble they are likely to cause him."

Draco gave Gaby a kiss and then said, "Sorry Brahmin I cannot stop and neither can my sisters. Something has come to my notice that requires my immediate attention and the enactment of dragon law. Alexis take all these bronze companions home with you and there they will be safe from what is soon to follow."

One Hindu arrived late and said, “Sorry I am late for the festival, but the whole of Barker end road in Bradford has gone up in flames, and the police have cordoned it off. Only emergency transport is allowed in that area. I heard, and saw what appeared to be many explosions. With this the people all went outside and they could see the flames shooting high into the night sky. They also could here the insistent wail of the fire engines and police cars.

As they where watching a very badly burned man staggered to the temple. Nyola and her mother burst into tears when they saw the man. The Brahmin took him into a side room and there started to clean his wounds. The man burst into tears and told the Brahmin what had happened. “My brother telephoned me and asked if he could store some documents at my house. I said yes and he called round to work for the key. I did not realise he had joined the Brothers of Islam, or that they where planning terrorist attacks against targets in Leeds and Bradford. He and his entire cell died in the explosion. I was just going to see if my brother had safely deposited the documents when the explosion happened. I just opened the door and switched on the light and "Boom I got blown right out of the doorway.”

"He died in my arms and asked I forgive him and would I look after his family. From what I can gather he did not realise the explosive substance they where using was as unstable as it was. A simple light switch can ignite it." The Brahmin recorded all this conversation.

"The brothers of Islam had received instructions from Iraq to target various sites around Yorkshire. Some of the proposed explosions would have been in heavily populated areas like Leeds as they have quite a large ethnic Jewish population. Others explosions where planned at infrastructure like Transmitters and official buildings. They had considered Leeds- Bradford Airport but found the security there was far too strict for them to do any worthwhile damage. "

The Brahmin switched on the television and relayed the report of the explosion directly to his awaiting congregation. The reporter was saying Mystery surrounds the recent fire and Explosions in Barker End Road that have completely destroyed a row of terraced houses. As we speak their seams to have been similar types of incidents on Little Horton road, Great Horton road and just off Maningham Lane at a Mosque. Because of the number of incidents fire and rescue teams from neighbouring towns have been called in to help with the fires. All the fires appear to be in the Asian areas of Bradford."

Nyola's father said before he passed out, "My brother told me before he died the pop concert at Skipton castle was to be a target due to the amount of non Muslims attending. Please get a warning out so no lives are lost."

Nyola, "Gaby do not some of your friends live at that Castle."

Gaby, "Why do you think Kali left here in a hurry with Lord Vishnu. Did you not here him utter the words Dragon law. The attempt failed as will all others if they involve any of my companions or family. Dragon law though take precedence over human law."

The Brahmin spoke, “The last time the Islamic terrorists attempted anything in Britain resulted in the deportation of many innocent people and the mass execution of terrorists across the globe. Obviously some escaped the purges and are now attempting again to kill and murder others regardless of cost to themselves.”

Gaby spoke, “The terrorists will soon learn what it is to incur the wrath of Kali or Vishnu means. They will now hunt them all down and destroy the place they are found in. Kali will not return until she is satisfied that they have all been destroyed. This time there will be no mass deportations like before. However you will find Homes, Works & Mosques all bursting into flames across the country, and being totally destroyed. Every weapons store, Armaments Dump or terrorist meeting place will go up in flames this very night. Be assured though no innocent will perish. Your father is witness to that. Kali has already examined him, and his heart was found to be true. Had it been false then like your uncle then he also would also be no more."

Nyola, "But Dad staggered in here before he told us what had transpired, and then he collapsed. So he cannot have been examined by Kali."

Nyola's Mother, "Nyola all four of us have been true to the Earth Mother and even your father said a prayer or two when he thought nobody was looking. Your father has many other issues to contend with. For some time he suspected you uncle had got in with a bad crowd and was trying to get him back on the correct path. Even your aunt and cousin knew nothing of what your uncle and the others were planning. If what Gaby said is true, and for a moment I do not doubt it. Then your father will be marked as all who fall into the clutches of Kali are marked."

The Brahmin returned with a bowl of water and soap. He also had some scissors to cut away the charred clothing. Little by little they removed the charred remnants of his clothing.

Nyola, "Oh dad he appears to have damaged his finger."

The Brahmin said, "May I see." "Nyola that is no damage that is the mark of Kali. As we all can now plainly see your father appears to be both male and female."

Nyola's mother spoke, "Nyola the changes where happening to your father long before the fire. It was one of the things that your father had to decide himself what to do. For your father his decision would have considerable consequences for him and all of us. He knew the Muslim community would shun him if they realised what was happening to him. Yet the opposite would have been true with the Hindi Community."

The father awoke and said, "Please no all will see my shame and know what I have become."

The Brahmin spoke, "Sir I know you are a muslin and true to your faith, but should you have been of our faith then regardless of what has since happened you would have been revered by all Hindus. Is it true you also said prayers to the eternal mother?"

Gaby pointed her hand at him and said, "Be dressed correctly. Kali has taken you as her child and now you are dressed as such. I would not worry too much about what your family thinks as those close to you have seen you as you really are."

"Uncle we have to go and live with the Golden one, and you will also have to come with us. I am not sad about my dad being dead. He was going to do a great wrong to a great many people, and he would have gone to the place for bad people. Now instead of that he will be reborn again as he repented at the last minute in your arms. Perhaps one day I will get chance to play with him as I did before. I suppose you will have to be renamed by us, or at least if Kali has marked you like Gaby suggested then perhaps she should name you."

"Brahmin it is true I said prayers I was taught as a child. I did not realise my family knew what I was doing. As for my brother I half suspected what he was up to and I was hoping to persuade him to change his mind. That is what I was going to do when the explosion happened. I made my late brother a promise and that I will abide by. I was scared to admit the changes I have been under going recently. It appears my brother will not be the only one to be reborn. It is true Kali picked me up and carried me here, as would any mother whose child was worn out. I met Kali a long time ago but did not realise who she was. As a child I played with her often, and she promised me she would always be there for me if I were in trouble. Kali herself taught me those prayers I was heard uttering. Since we last met I have always said the prayers I was taught every evening."

Gaby, "There is something you are not telling the Brahmin. Did you not ask Kali to be your partner, and she said it was impossible but she would always be there for you if you needed help?"

"I did not realise at the time I had proposed to the Goddess Kali. She was a friend who I enjoyed the company of and even if I had known who she was then I would have still asked her to be my partner. Now I see why it was impossible. To Kali I was always her child even when we played together. I was to dim to realise that. Kali even had her own name for me, which I suppose I had better adopt considering how I now look. Kali as some call her, called me Anne St John of Pembroke. I used to ask why she insisted on calling me Anne. I was answered with you remind me of two dear friends so I give you parts of their names."

"Far later when at college I was to do some research, and discovered my friend had named me after two great ladies. Lady Anne St John who married Earl Clifford and Lady Anne Clifford who to all intents and purposes would not bow to Lord Cornwall and he even recognised her as Queen of the Northern shires. Even to this day in Skipton or Appleby you are likely to be asked are you a Royalist or a Parliamentarian. Woe betides you if you gave the wrong answer. You will most likely be driven out of those towns. It may be many years since her death but to hear those northern people talk you would think it was only yesterday."

The town's people are likely to treat all foreigners with suspicion. The same happened to me. I visited the church and at first the locals where slow to greet me. I asked about Lady Anne and then I was treated like a long lost friend. When I asked about Anne St John I was taken to the tomb and proudly shown it. The chap who showed me the tomb said, “Aye lad she is no but resting a while till the mistress calls her from her slumber." I told the man I was hoping to also visit Appleby Church and Castle. "I well lad tell Lady Anne her loyal White coats await her return." It was some time later I discovered a White coat was soldier of Lord Clifford's army.”

“I did indeed visit Appleby church. It is not as impressive as Skipton but the tombs of Lady Anne and Lady Margaret are. Well I paid my respects and gave the message I was told to give. I could have sworn I heard a "Thank you; I will soon once again be at the head of my loyal White coats. Justice named you well and you have stirred us in preparation for our Lady's coming. After this I met and married my wife in a Hindu ceremony and then a Muslim one to please both families.”

“A good few years later I revisited Skipton with Nyola and my wife. There was some sort of pageant on in the High street. Most of the towns people where dressed in medieval costumes. So we decided to do likewise and, my wife noticed a costume shop. We into the costume hire shop to get an outfit each. All we could get was clothing of an Indian Princess. So all three of us dressed alike. Upon exiting the shop we got called over to the podium by the same man I had talked to many years before. "I see this time you come to us dressed as befits your station. Whom do I inform my lady you are this time?”

My wife replied, "Tell your mistress that the Rani St John is here with her family and seeks an audience with her."

The town crier was wearing britches and a cloak and a tricorn hat and had a bell in his hand. He rang his bell and said, "My Lords, Ladies and people of Skipton today we have a visiting Queen. She has come with her family from far in the East to take part today in our gala. Will you now give her a real Skipton welcome as befits a Queen from the Orient?"

With that we received three cheers. What I was surprised at was how serious they took their parts. The poor men who where dressed as Roundheads got boos and even some rotten food thrown at them. I was glad we had not chosen those costumes. Together we all watched the days proceedings and then we where invited back to the castle for tea. Back at the castle I was asked our true names. One thing is certain; of the women I saw there that day none of them was Gaby. They all knew though I had at one time spoken with Lady Anne and Lady Margaret."

Later at the castle we where informed that the Roundheads had been provided by an historical enactment society. It was found impossible to get any of the locals to play the part of Cromwellian parliamentarian Roundheads as they are all intensely Royalists hereabouts the only parliamentarians part they could get anybody local to play was Generals Lambert and Fairfax. Sorry I am blathering on about something that has no interest to you Brahmin.”

"I got talking to the town crier and he told me his name was Mr Hermes. Recently I have kept bumping into him. In fact he called in at my work place with an order for us a few days ago, and I had quite a chat with him. The strange thing is although we talked for at least an hour I cannot remember what either of us said. My mind has been playing strange tricks on me recently."

Nyola shook her head as did her younger cousin and the Brahmin was trying hard not to laugh. "You say this town crier was called Mr Hermes sir?"

"Yes Brahmin what is so funny about that name?"

Nyola spoke, "Father not only have you proposed to Kali and been turned down, But you have also been chatting away to Hermes the messenger of the gods. Even I know who Hermes or Mercury is. Now do you see why we find it funny?" To us it looks like Hermes was also keeping an eye on you as well as Kali." Why was he keeping check on you though? Was Hermes doing it on the orders of Kali, or somebody else far more important?"

For a while there was quiet and then Gaby said, "And I thought I was in for a quiet time getting away from the family. What do I find? Imps of all sizes keeping check on Nyola and family. Yes Imps you might as well show yourselves and answer some questions as you know jolly well who I am."

A few seconds late a considerable amount of imps emerged from their hiding place. They all looked like very small scared children. Petal spoke, "Justice Babies all need nice clean clothes and a jolly good wash. Petal and Sepal see to babies now, and then they will answer questions for Petal once they are clean. Dirty imps are only very dirty pixies babies who need good scrubbing to get them clean."

Gaby said, "Petal I suppose these are earth Pixies?"

One of the braver one spoke, "Please do not let Petal and Sepal near us they will scrub us till we bleed. We have the greatest respect for both of them, but are terrified, as we have heard how strict they are on cleanliness. Yes mistress we are earth pixies we love nothing better than burrowing into the earth, or doing the bidding of Justine. If we wear clothing it gets tatty and smelly so we do not bother normally. If though we have to live with Petal and Sepal then we will have to dress similar to them. If you do not mind though a quick wave of your hand and we can be clean again and in a new tunic similar to that of our fire cousins. If Nyola and family are to return with the Golden Empress so shall we, and as such we will need clothing of some sort."

Gaby scooped up the one who had been speaking and wrapped Nyola's veil around the Imp. "That look far better you look quite pretty like a baby who needs a good feed. For now you all can wear bronze but that may change after you all have been fed."

“Mistress we watch and listen and report all we hear to Justine. We could not find Justine and so we told Lord Draco instead, and he was not amused when we told him about the bad men planning to hurt many people. Imps from all over brought him news of them. Lord Draco scared us when he let out a giant roar and all Killer matrons came to him. Even the very old Endora and Andorra came. Endora said, Alexis will not like it but as a golden queen I invoke dragon law."

Justine, "Gaby have you worked out yet that these imps are also rather dirty Fire pixies. They like nothing better than playing in ashes while they are still warm. They also can trigger explosions, as they tend to get rather hot. Draco has summoned the killer matrons and they are already hunting their prey. One of these imps though triggered the initial explosion. It would not harm them but it sure would scare them."

Petal, "If they are fire pixies then they immediately come under Petal & Sepal's jurisdiction. Mistress Gaby why were they watching your friend when all fire pixies should be guarding you?"

Justine, "Ah I had them keep watch on the family and report to me. When I discovered them, I found them playing in the ashes of a recent fire, I at first thought they where imps and then I realised they were fire pixies. As there was no apparent parent nearby I decided to take them under my wing as in all probability I am their aunt."

Petal, "In all probability they will be either mine or Sepals children. We both had that many children we lost count."

Gaby decided to ask the fire pixies about their parents. One little one replied, "We do not know our dads name. Mum had lots and lots of us. We liked playing in the ashes and always got into trouble for being dirty. Mum would call us her dirty little imps so when the lady Justine called us imps we responded, but now we would like to go home to our mum. Fire pixies watch when house went boom, but we did not trigger it. We ran and told Lord Draco and he was very angry, and we had to run again. It is not good to be around Lord Draco when he is angry."

“Later we had to repeat everything to the Lady Endora and she was equally as cross as Lord Draco and she also called for all the killer matrons. Even the quite placid Andorra was cross about the news we had brought, and she also invoked Dragon law. We all shot back to Justice. Somebody is in for a very hot time. Lord Draco is bad enough but the Killer matrons you just keep out of their way, and pray it is not you they are mad at."

"Lady Gaby can you protect us from the wrath of Lord Draco and the matrons?"

Sepal, "Yes she can, but she can not protect you from an irate Sepal and Petal. Playing in ashes indeed! You where supposed to have being doing other duties. Like looking after your younger sisters & cousins."

Justice, "Oh she was doing that as ordered, but in the ashes. I take it you two are laying claim to all of these."

One of the other pixies spoke up. "I am the odd one out. I came across them when fleeing from a fire. I was astonished when they played in the flames and ashes and did not get burnt. They looked after me and we all stayed together helping each other as best we could. I even learnt how to walk through flames like they did, and I taught them how to get nectar from the flowers and honey from the bees without getting stung. Now they all accept me as one of their sisters. It was I who had the task of informing Lord Draco about the explosion as the others where still shaking. I was terrified and yet I remembered how one of our number had once aided the same dragon Lord so I gave him the news."

"He said are you not afraid of me like your friends?"

"Sir to be honest I am terrified but if Petal can stand your flame so can I. He laughed and deliberately cut himself, and asked me to seal it with pixie dust and I did that. Now young pixie you have followed in the footsteps of my Petal and I am instructing you to take care of those scared babies of fire. With that he left laughing. I could have sworn I heard him say the smaller they are the more trouble they cause me."

Gaby, "I presume you got dragon blood on you?"

"Lady Gaby it got everywhere and was still stuck to me when you all arrived here. I rolled in the ashes to dry it up but it is still stuck to me in places."

Petal and Sepal giggled, "Lord Draco has honoured you and made you his daughter like he did with us. Now you must complete your transformation to a fire pixie and be a fire pixie like us. Besides that the Lady Gaby needs your personal help."

Gaby looked at the other two and said, "You're both sure about this, as there is no going back for her once it is done?"

"Lady Gaby, Lord Draco said I had to look after the babies and so that is what I will continue to do until the end of my days.”

"Please show Pollen what she must do to become full sister to Petal and Sepal? Oh! Is that all I can do that easy. Pollen teaches babies how to get meal from cows and sheep in fields. Little ones all call Pollen, Polly that I like better. Oh Pollen feels strange. Many voices all talking to Polly. That is better big boss tells them all to shut up and behave."

Pollen then got a voice in her head that spoke with authority. "Welcome Polly, like your two sisters you have just become a daughter of Draco, and sister to the Empress. As I talk to you my blood is coursing through your veins. For long enough you have cared for my children and now they must come home with you. Your job is still to look after those of my blood and also those Lord Draco and Lady Justine have an interest in."

Polly's mouth was opening and shutting like a goldfish. "Somebody was speaking in my head. The big boss ordered them all to stop speaking and then the Empress spoke to me, Little Pollen! Can you imagine that Polly had the Empress speaking to her?”

Petal, "Yes we know she spoke to you as she speaks to us. For you are now one with her just as we are. You may not realise it but all round know you are one with the Empress as you now glow golden as we do."

"But Pollen is an Air Pixie. I only learned to fire walk from the children."

Nyola said, "Do you mind if I speak? "Polly to me you look like an exact replica of the two small goddesses called Petal and Sepal. Hindi legends tell of the three small sisters of a great god. They lead the legions of gods in protection of the greatest god of all. My friend Gaby is one of the faces of the great god. You where covered in the blood of Vishnu and so are born like the great goddess of his blood. You also drank her life force and also became her daughters. The statement lord Vishnu made to you to look after the children can be interpreted several ways."

"I know full well what Lord Draco meant. For long enough now we have watched and reported on you and your family. Now you know we exist and so my job will be far harder."

Petal, "No it will be far easier. Nyola is a friend of our mistress and she also is our sister's charge. We all take turns and Mistress Justine will tell us in her own time why she is interested in Nyola's Family."

2 The following morning.

Gaby knocked on the door and entered. "Hi Nyola I have to ask you and your family if you would like to go shopping for new clothing. We have brought you all some items but thought you would like the chance to do some serious shopping."

Nyola's aunt spoke, “Gaby we would love to, but everything we owned went up in the fire."

Gaby said, "Yes I know that and that is why Justine wants to take you all shopping to Hull and also visit the Deep at the same time."

Nyola's mother spoke, “Gaby we would love to go. That is somewhere I have wished to visit for quite a while and have never got round to it."

A short time late a coach left the castle with the group on a shopping spree. They headed out of town on the a629/a650 and headed for Bradford there they took the ring road and joined the M606 to get to the M62 motorway. Soon they saw the great power stations of Drax and Eggeborough they closed the ventilation system as it brought in sulphur fumes of the PowerStation's. They saw the out line of Selby Abbey and then Nyola said, "I can see the bridge do we go over it? The coach driver pulled into a car park and they got out and took some photos of the bridge.

Justine, "No we do not go over it but on the way home perhaps we could divert that way although it will mean we have a longer journey."

In Hull their first point of call was the Ferrands Way shopping centre. Nyola went into one shop with Gaby and looked around. An assistant came and asked if they needed help. Gaby paid for several items in the store. Then they left. Nyola spoke did you notice that assistant it was a man trying to look like a woman."

Gaby, "Nyola perhaps she is like your father and cannot help what is happening to her. I should think she is having quite a hard time."

"Sorry Gaby I had not thought like that.”

Unnoticed by Nyola Gaby had placed what looked like a small Gold statue on the counter. The assistant noticed it shortly after the group had left. She read the note attached to the doll. She noticed a telephone number and rang that number. A woman answered the telephone. "I have found this golden doll in my shop with this number so I rang it."

"That sounds like my daughter has left it again. I presume she has been trying clothing on, as it is usually clothes shops she leaves it at. If Possible could you meet us at the Deep before 18.00 as our coach is due to collect us from there at 18.00?"

"Yes I can manage that."

Meanwhile Gaby and the gang had all gone into the Deep. They took the lift to the very top floor that had a cafe and restaurant on it. In the Restaurant there was a wonderful view of the Humber and the port of Kingston upon Hull. The girls' all had a snack and drink in the cafe before exploring the Deep. They looked at the massive glass tanks holding the fish. Eventually they came to an open tank where the rays where coming to the surface to be petted.

Nyola, "Gaby they are just like babies and want stroking. One of the assistants saw Nyola was interested and came across.

"Would you like to swim with them?"

"I would if I could but I have nothing with me so that is impossible."

"Nothing is impossible here. I will see if we have a wet suite to fit you and then I will go in with you personally."

Nyola looked at her mother who said, "You should be safe with a wetsuit on Nyola."

With that she did not need asking again. Once she was in the water the rays acted differently and swam to Nyola but as soon as the assistant got in they swam to her and then back to Nyola.

Gaby, “Those fish have told me what Nyola has not. I bet if she was not wearing a wetsuit she would develop a tail herself."

Nyola's mother said, “Please Gaby not so loud, it would not do for others to realise the daughters of the waters exist. I do not know how or why Nyola has developed like she has & I have tried my best to ensure she did not do sports at school."

Gaby called the assistant over, “Ariel take your swimming partner to see your father and then return here."

With that Ariel took Nyola's hand and led her through the tubes. Eventually they surfaced an appeared to be in a great hall. Ariel blew a conch shell and two great doors opened.

"Ariel my daughter what are you doing here and who is this."

"Hello sir I am Nyola and I am friends with Gaby. I am not sure how we got here Ariel brought me after my friend Gaby said to Ariel she had to bring me to meet you. I have met the Lord of the Sky's are you his brother? I have been under the protection of Justine and Hermes for some time. Now the Golden one gives orders concerning my well-being."

Neptune grinned, “Come here and kneel before me. Yes Draco is my brother. Now let me check something. Well Nyola I would like you to bring both of your parents to me as at least one of them is a child of mine. Now take this bracelet off me and put it on. It will show the others you also have my protection. Now you had better return to Golden Queen Gabriel for she will be cross if she is kept waiting."

"Ariel you work in an aquarium and yet you are a daughter of the water. Can you tell me how the Lord of the Waters knew what I am when I am dressed like this?"

"That is easy Nyola. I knew before I even offered you the wetsuit. It would not have done for you to enter the water otherwise. The tell tail signs for the likes of you and me are the gills behind your ears, and they allow you to breath under the water. In future your sports lessons will be with me, but at school you will have to do extra subjects instead of the P.E you should be doing. Now though we will have to return to the others as it will no do to keep Gaby waiting."

Gaby, “Well Nyola did you enjoy that swim with Ariel?"

"The rays where very friendly Gaby they all came and greeted me as if we where long lost friends."

"Nyola they only greeted you as they would any princess of the waters. Watch Lorelie when she gets in. If you have not already guessed it all the staff here and at several Sea Life centres around the country are all Mermaids." As Gaby spoke the fish all swam around Lorelie.

Lorelie got out of the water and said, "Come through this door and you will see something else." As they did Nyola noticed a massive tank with sharks in it. Yes Nyola they are Great whites and Tiger sharks some of the most dangerous fishes in the sea. Now watch as Gaby places her hand in the water." The sharks all fled to the opposite side of the tank.

"They're terrified of Gaby's hand."

"Yes Nyola, Only the tank walls are stopping them from being further away. They all know what Gaby is and what the penalty Neptune would impose if they tried to harm her."

Samantha decided to close her shop early and return the child's doll. She got out her bike and wheeled it out of the Ferrands Centre. She was just mounting it when a group of teenagers accosted her and started calling her names and throwing things at her. They left her when somebody chased them away. She broke down in tears. "Nothing ever goes right for me. I was born a girl in a boy's body. Now they have damaged my only means of getting this to the Deep" Samantha looked up and saw a strange woman smiling at her.

"Care to tell me all your woes dear?"

The woman cuddled Samantha who decided to tell this stranger everything. The woman looked at the bike. "That is not going to get you far as those boys have damaged the front wheel of your bike."

Samantha. “In that case I had better start running as I have to deliver a parcel before 18.00 to the Deep."

"No need Samantha for that. I am Justine and that is where I am also heading. So would you like a lift with me, and then you can deliver the parcel with out further delay."

In the relatively short journey to the Deep Samantha told Justine all about herself, and her hopes and aspirations. "I was married and loved my partner dearly; she though could not cope when I started changing. We are still friends and see each other often. I was planning on visiting friends in London who have similar problems to me."

By the time they had arrived at the deep. Samantha felt considerably better. She leaned forward and kissed Justine and said, "Thank you for that and the lift. I must leave you now to deliver this to a young customer who will be pleased to get it back."

Samantha saw a coach and walked across to it. The coach driver said, "About time you are the last one now take your seat and we can be off."

"Sorry driver you are mistaken I have only brought this for Miss Gabriel Bond. She left it in my shop and I am returning it."

As she spoke Polly touched her. "Sleep friend you have returned me to my family and now it is you turn to receive help."

Samantha had the strangest dreams while she slept. The coach was just pulling in to Peg's pantry for a rest stop when Samantha awoke. Samantha was a little disorientated and Justine spoke. "You told me you wanted to go and see a bike race well we thought you might like to come with us to one as your reward for returning Polly. Gaby and some of the others are racing tomorrow, and they decided as you returned Polly they would let you accompany them to the race."

Samantha blinked her eyes. "Gaby as in Bond champion daughter of Jennie?"

Gaby. "That's me; you failed to recognise me when I was in your shop. Thanks for returning Polly. Now you must be hungry. I know we are. Your bike is a bit of a mess but we can rectify that for you once the mechanic gets his hands on it. I understand from Justine you told her everything that has happened to you."

Samantha pinched herself to see if she was dreaming. "You're all real & I am not dreaming. Did I honestly tell Justine everything?"

"Samantha I doubt not that you told Justine everything. You must have been shattered as you fell asleep as soon as you stepped on the coach and we had no alternative but to bring you with us. We could hardly leave you asleep outside the Deep with a damaged bike could we?"

Samantha started to smile and then spoke. "Has somebody a telephone I could borrow? I need to telephone two friends in London, and let them know I as safe as we normally telephone each other to keep check on each other."

Gaby passed a mobile over and Samantha dialled a London number. "Hi its Sam here something has occurred and I will be later getting to London now. I do not know when I will be there."

"Hi Sam are you sure you are ok?"

"For first time in my life I feel alive. I got attacked outside my place of work, and then lady who chased my attackers off found me. The attackers have damaged my bike, but team Bond is repairing it for me. I am going to the bike race at Nottingham with the team as their guest. Currently I am with most of team members of team Bond on their own coach. I am borrowing their telephone as mine is not working due to getting damaged in the attack."

"Sam in that case we will drop what we are doing, and drive up to Nottingham to be with you. So we will see you later. Will you ask your new friends if they mind doing a few autographs for some oldies like us?"

Gaby, "Tell them to come to the Gaby Bond refreshment stand as I would like to meet your friends Samantha."

Samantha sat down at a table with Gaby, Nyola & Justine. Justine spoke, "Relax Samantha you are among friends we will not harm you."

Samantha felt something digging into her and reached inside her bra. She brought out the doll and said, "I could have sworn I had already handed this over but as I seam to be mistaken you better have it now."

Gaby and the others started to laugh and then Gaby said, “Sorry about that Samantha. You did hand it back to me, but she has a mind of her own and has apparently decided she prefers you to me."

"How can a doll have a mind of its own? Somebody must have decided to play a trick on me while I was asleep."

Justine, “Samantha we had intended referring you and your two friends to a friend of ours Lady Helen Middleham who specialises in your problem. Am I to take it you are lactating?"

Samantha looked uncomfortable as she answered. "Yes but how did you know as I never told anybody."

Gaby started to laugh again and said, "This is how she knew. Her face is still covered in milk. This is not a doll as you thought. She is a pixie and loves a free meal or two if she can get them."

Samantha, "Well if that is true she can have a meal when ever she feel the need as I am constantly producing milk and normally I have to use a pump to relieve the pressure. Nothing seams to dry me up. You know I never took hormones to get as I am now. At school I would have much preferred to play with the girls, but I had a boy's body. Eventually I got married, and for a time we where happy. Then I noticed round my nipples was getting darker and my breasts grew. I went to doctors and they diagnosed Gynaecomastica or Male breasts. Since that date my body has slowly been altering. My hips have broadened and I lost all my body hair. My hands and face are about the only masculine thing left about me along with what is between my legs and that appears to be shrinking."

"One thing I did notice was what Nyola said about me to Gaby and the response from Gaby. I take it that your father has a similar complaint to me Nyola?

“Samantha I apologise you where not meant to hear what I said. Can you forgive this Mermaid?”

"Nyola if you where one of those blessed creatures I would be asking you to fix this fairies long established problem. That though is something you cannot do."

Nyola thought for a moment, "I will ask the Golden Queen if she will grant your heart desires."

Nyola approached Gaby, "Great gracious Golden Queen will you grant this daughter of the waters a boon? Recently I discovered a rather distressed fairy that had lost her luck. If it is in your power please allow my friend her heart desire."

Gaby, “Nyola your request is rather muddled. Luck refers to Leprechauns yet you called your friend a fairy.”

Samantha. "Gabriel I am playing Nyola's game. I though could never be a leprechaun. True my maternal father was Irish and I never met him. Apparently there was some problem as mother never took me to see him. My Father's family are Yorkshire men through and through. My Paternal Grandmother could recite the generations back to Venutias king of Brigantia. I am not sure who he was but Gran said he fought the Romans."

Justine, “Samantha, Gabriel has no idea who they are. but I do. Oberon is one of my brothers so you may call me Aunt. I cannot allow you to return to your flat. No niece of mine is going to be allowed to transform alone. As for Venutias he has already been restored to his seat. Gabriel will you allow me to speak directly with Alexis and ask what should be done with Samantha?”

Gaby found a strange voice coming out of her mouth. "Justice take good care of Samantha and I will see her when you all return home. Nyola I see you have already met Uncle Neptune and he has laid claim to you. Gaby claimed you first though. Pollen you and the children of fire have a task to perform with Samantha once she is asleep. Samantha your changes are nearly finished although soon you will feel great pain and then your problem will be over."

With that Gaby returned to her normal voice, "Alexis is gone."

Samantha stood there with her mouth open wide. "You where not kidding about the doll being a pixie and Nyola being a Mermaid were you?"

Gaby laughed. "No they were being honest with you, as was Justine. Although you thought it a game, Nyola was also calling me by one of my titles. Please though just call me Gaby like the others. Now if you have both Oberon & Venutias in your blood you certainly are no leprechaun. You may be as Nyola described you though."

Samantha, "Well I can not disagree with her description of me. I am certainly one of the biggest fairies you ever seen. Before you disagree it is a name given to the likes of me by people who do not understand us."

As Samantha was speaking she clutched her tummy, "Oh God that hurts." With that she fainted. Samantha awoke sometime later she looked around and realised she was on a bed on the coach.

Justine was sat next to her. "The others wanted to be with you but they all need their sleep before the race. I though do not. Now young lady are you going to give your aunt a cuddle.”

A little voice piped up. “We are also here to look after you. It took all of us to empty you of milk, and it should be sometime now before you require our services again. Imagine you having those two as grandpa's one is bad enough but both of them. No wonder your mum did want to take you home. I have been trying to work out which Fay was your mother and grandmother. Makes no difference though Alexis now knows of you and she will be summoning both Oberon and Venutias when we return home. Both will be there with their families.”

Samantha, "Can I borrow a mirror as my face must be a mess and I wish to make myself presentable." Samantha at first did not recognise the face looking back at her she closed one of her eyes and one closed in the mirror.

Justine, “You are now as you where meant to be and you certainly are as previously described. Come stand-up now lets see if you can fly. That tearing sound is your clothing as your wings break through. We all have slits built into the back of our clothing. I as your aunt claim the right to take you on a short flight. That is better. By now they all will know you have finally matured."

"How did we get through the roof? I suppose I should ask where the wings come from? Do they just fold away again? Gaby has she wings like me?”

"Gaby is a special case. She is one with the Empress. But yes she does have wings similar to us. Even if you where naked nobody would see your wings. You might appear to have two spots on your back but nobody would take any notice of them. With our wings out we can pass through most materials. As your aunt it falls on me to teach you all you need to know. If Titania or Tatiana was here they would have also claimed that job."

"Justine you looked after me like a mother would. First when I was assaulted and my bike damaged. And then when I got that terrible pain. I awoke to find you watching over me. Rather than Aunt may I call you Grandmother?”

“Please Samantha just call me Justine. I have reasons for doing that.”

"Aunt my sight appears to also have changed I can see down there and those boys appear to be up to no good. I am going to go and stop them."

Justine grinned, "Ok I will observe while you stop them."

"Hey you lot leave that child alone or you will have me to contend with." The boys where taken by surprise and let go of the child who ran to Samantha. Samantha picked up the child and said, "You had better come with me."

Justine when she saw the child smiled, "Samantha you are being tested this is no child. I take it your mistress is close by Baby for you would not be here alone. If not your mistress then one of the Dragon Queens is close by, are they following us."

Baby, “All the Lords are excited a child of Leofrith has appeared. You have much to learn but they all agree you could not have a better teacher than Justice. Justine Oberon sends his greetings to his sister and bids you place this tiara on Samantha as your right as a queen of the Fay demands. Oberon he will meet you at the race as he has personally gone to collect Leofrith. Fear not Polly the two Lords have long since buried their differences, and are now they are the greatest of friends. Leofrith was pleased to learn you now are with Samantha and bid you attend her as you would herself. She also says congratulations youngest of Draco's children."

Polly spoke, "Baby I need no introduction to you. Your fame is well known among the entire Fay. Although I am surprised you where the choice."

By now Gaby had awaked and saw Baby and gave her a hug. Samantha said, "I take it you know this little one.

Gaby, "Seeing as she is my main supporter I certainly do. If it were not for Baby and the others we would not have the facilities we do at home. I see you have gained your wings Samantha. Your clothes are shredded so that tells me you have flown. Also Baby could only be here if somebody had brought her."

"I was on a training flight with Justine and saw some boys apparently attacking Baby. They fled when I appeared and Baby ran to me. I have just thought about something my pet cat needs feeding."

Baby spoke, "You do not think we would have overlooked her do you? In fact your flat should be empty by now if the others have done their job correctly. I though would have thought Justine would have told you that you will not be returning there. As for the boys who where attacking me, they where the Animorph daughters of the Empress. As for your cat Samantha, currently she is doing my job, and sitting on the Empresses knee guarding her.

"Now is Ally also here?"

"Yes Baby I am what can I do for you."

"Instructions from Big Boss. As you are only True Fay here you are to look after Samantha. Justine can teach you both for the time being. Now for Polly it is at the request of Oberon himself that you Polly stay with Samantha and act as her mentor. Justine you get to have little old me for a while and it is the Empress Alexis command that you treat me as your baby. Now though I am very hungry and tired. It was fun being chased by the pack but I soon get tired out."

"So the Empress thinks I am suitable for her baby. Well I better prove that I cannot feed you. Samantha here could though." A short time later Justine realised she was feeding baby as instructed.

One of the young mischievous Pixies said, "Oh is this a new feeding station. I missed out last time."

Justine looked hard at the pixie and said, “Seriously did you miss out."

"No but I am hungry, I am always hungry. I would not dare ask you otherwise for you already know I speak the truth."

"So you are scared of me and it required you to be quite brave, is that it?"

One of the others said, "More like wrong in the head. I would not have had the bottle to ask Justice unless I had drunk a bottle full of mead. Then I would not be hungry would I?" This brought about laughter from some of the other Pixies.

Polly was not amused. "You all should be ashamed of yourselves. "Neither Petal nor myself worried about getting flambéed when we sealed Lord Draco's cut. Likewise your sister is brave enough to put a request to Justice. True she knows she also has the protection of Draco but he is not here is he."

Justice, “Yes I know you spoke the truth and it took nerve to ask me. As Baby has apparently managed to trigger me into producing milk again you may feed from me for as long as you need to. It is a long time since any child fed from me and I thought I could no longer produce milk. It appears I am wrong. I though require some commitment from you while I am able you will only attend to me. If I am unable to then you may look elsewhere. I though have a feeling you may have a long job ahead of you."

"First may I answer my sisters and cousins? I am no head case. I am always hungry and I hope Justice can fill the void in my Tummy. With the permission of my mothers all of them I accept. I should warn you though Justice I have the blood of Draco in my veins."

Justice was trying not to laugh, “Yes I know and I believe somebody is promoting you to say things."

"Nobody prompts me. Thoughts just come into my head. I think perhaps that I will not have empty tummy if Justice can fill me. I know it can make me go zip but that will soon stop once I get attuned to you. Little sisters I have not met fed from Empress and they went Zip, Zip, Zip all over the place. I know better. Empress Alexis's thinks it is good idea I become your baby she tells me so. "Ops I was not meant to say that. Pippa told not to let on Big Boss and Empress Alexis talk to Pippa."

Justice, "So you are obeying orders off the Empress. I better follow those same orders then and I will not let on you told me who instructed you to say what you did."

Gaby was laughing away. "Pippa you have already forgot I, Sepal, Petal & Polly already have a direct link with the Empress. The Big boss is laughing away as she knew you could not avoid telling Justice the truth.”

"Pippa forget when Justice stares hard all must tell truth to her. Pippa try and do as big boss instructed but Pippa fail. Pippa is very hungry; Pippa could feed from dragon and still be hungry. Pippa also very scared now Justice zaps her."

Justine picks Pippa up and said, “You had better feed as Baby is already asleep. So Alexis has decided I need a pixie as a baby. Well she slipped up as I recognised the halo of the so called attackers that is why I did not give chase as I realised it was a set up."

Gaby, "You have forgotten one thing Alexis was already with Samantha as she carried her in the form of Polly. Polly already emits the golden glow of the Empress as I do. That attack was not planned nor where they doing it on Alexis's orders. You saw the glow from Polly. As for the attackers they are terrified as they where taught a lesson by a group of fire imps.

Pippa spoke, "We could not allow them to get away with doing what they did to Poly's friend Samantha. We may be small but we are loyal to our friends and family. So the attackers found rotten fruit flung at them all the way to their homes. They all got in trouble with their parents for being so dirty once they got home. Empress told us to stop retaliating and return to base, so we did.”

Justice started to laugh. "Yes you certainly are of Draco's blood. You turn out to have quite a bit of fire in you."

Pippa. "Err Justine it turns out you can fill me. I feel as if I will explode so can you hold me tight until the feeling goes away."

Samantha looked at Polly and said, "I am being manipulated you all knew I was Fay when I did not."

Gaby, "When we visited the shop we did not know you existed. We though did know of the existence of Leofrith, as she was one of those who suffered because of Endora's command. For a while now Alexis has been searching for Leofrith. We kept coming up blank but then a few weeks ago there was a disturbance in Hull and we realised it must be Leofrith. She vanished again off our screens so we decided to investigate and discovered you.”

"Sorry I cannot help as I have no idea where either mother or Grandmother are."

Gaby, “Actually you caused the disturbance when you started to read certain books."

"Oh I remember now it was called a beginners guide to magic. It fell off the shelf in the library and I picked it up and read the pages. It appeared to be Latin or some other language I could not understand. I did though say the words in front of me. In fact I thought I saw my Cat in the library a short while before the book fell in front of me. My head started to spin and then I could read the words clearly and read this is the training book of Leofrith, and now it is yours Samantha until you pass it on to your daughter. Well this last bit had me in hysterics, as there is no way I could ever have a child. My equipment has never properly functioned like it should."

Justine, "I was correct then on taking you on a training flight. As Leofrith is one of my exiled daughters. There was nothing I could do to change the edict that went out that exiled Leofrith and the others. Endora had spoken. Now as your grandmother I ask you where Leofrith is."

"Honestly I do not know but I always felt she was close yet I could never locate her she just vanished. My sisters and I decided to sell the house and move most of the contents to our homes. We put the money from the sale into an account for mum."

"Sorry I forgot to say the telephone call was to my two older twin sisters who are just like me." As Samantha was speaking the telephone rang.

"Hello please may I speak with Sammie?

Gaby, "Samantha it is for you."

"Hi I was just telling my new friends about you both. I think they may also want you two to drop what you are doing and come and live with Grandma Justine. Yes that is correct I am with her on this coach. You would not believe what has happened to me in the last 24 hours."

“Sammie you are correct about one thing. There was a knock at the door as we where getting ready to come to you and this child was on the step and said you two are Samantha's sisters? I was taken aback but answered yes at that she clapped her hands and hundreds of little people all clad in green appeared and started to carry everything out of the house. The child said I better check they have everything. Good now the Queen wishes to examine you two. Well at first we though she meant Queen Elizabeth and then when we walked through the door we appeared to be somewhere totally different. Sammie we have just had a Leprechaun army move all our belongings.”

Samantha, "So you both have met Alexis in person?"

"Not exactly we have been greeted by two girls one of whom was titled Queen Astrid defeater of the black flight, and the second one is called Cleo daughter of the Lion Queen. The way they acted was as if they where giving the instructions to the leprechauns.

"Gaby could here all this as the telephone was on loud speaker. Greeting sisters of Samantha this is Gaby Bond speaking. Are Astrid and Cleo here if they are please call them over?"

"Ok Gaby we are here what do you want?"

"Well you can start by ensuring those two are at the race. They should have been meeting their grandma and sister who are with me."

"Ok mum already has Leofrith and from what she has learned from her has sent several hunting parties out. She has also summoned Oberon and all his kin so you will have a lot of family watching you in the three county races in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and finishing at Meadow hall in Yorkshire. In addition Venutias has stated he wishes to come and watch you race and could he bring a couple of friends.

Samantha whispered, “Gaby my Venutias must be at least 2000 years old so it cannot be the same one grandma can recite the family back to."

"Ha at one time I thought the same but I soon discovered some of those around us are thousands of years old. I am not though and neither is the Empress nor her daughters. Oberon & Neptune are certainly very old. So presumably Justine is of a similar age.”

Samantha looked at Justine and started to laugh. "Gaby that is a good one, I accept Justine could be my grandmother I am 20 and mum was 16 when she had me and 15 when she had the twins so mum is only 36 now. Grandma could be between 50 & 60 but certainly not any older, in fact if I had not worked this out I would have said she was nearer 40."

Justice smiled, "Thank you Samantha for saying I look 40. I though am considerably older than that. Your mother Leofrith was in human term's 1000 years old when she was exiled. We tend to look considerably younger than we actually are. Nyola you met Ariel and Lorelie they are my nieces and have lived for over a 1000 years also. They are now companions of the Golden Empress. For centuries they searched for a man they could live with. Well they discovered the Empress and are tied to her, as are all daughters of Neptune.”

Nyola let out a gasp; "He told me I was a daughter of Neptune. Does that mean I also will become a companion of the Empress?

Gaby started to laugh, "Nyola Neptune he was correct and you are already tied to the Empress as are Ariel and Lorelie. You are tied to me. Did you not hear the Brahmin call me one of the faces of the Empress? My friend Ally here is the Silver Lady but she also is my long time friend as are the others who surround me. You found me and asked me to stay at your house because you also became my friend. To Alexis it is as if these friends of mine are already her companions. Samantha I do not know if you realise it but since Justine has been feeding Baby and Pippa she is getting younger. Soon she will look like she is our older sister and Granny will not be appropriate. Justine's role with us is as senior Fay and to ensure we are all safe."

As Gaby was speaking there was an "Oh good we have finally arrived and we can get set up and have breakfast."

They spotted a big tent and Justine said, "I recognise those colours on the flags as my brothers but mine is missing."

Gaby. "No Justice you are with a golden party and as such the golden banner takes precedence.

Justine looked at the smaller banners and noticed several others. "Oh mine is there along with others. Samantha it appears my older sisters are here. It is a long time since I saw that banner. "Oh" not only the standards of my sisters and Nieces but Leofrith's also flutter in the wind alongside Endora's."

Nyola, "Look there is one with a deer on and then some with Wolves, Lions, Leopards."

"The deer can only mean Herne has turned up. Most of those plain colours are either my sisters or cousins or aunts."

"Why are there two black flags Justice?"

Justice looked and started to laugh. "Look again girls and tell me what you see."

"Oh they are not the same one has golden crowns all over it and the other has another colour and a crown in the corner."

"It appears that Astrid has decided to let everybody know she is in residence. The other shows that my former Brother is now under the care of one of the queens. He still retains the right to a flag although it has been altered. I see Draco must have just arrived just before us look the dragon standard is going up." Justine started to laugh, "He is ensuring we all know who his daughters are."

There was a little Yippee, "Look three flags with a dragon and pixie on, that is us. Gaby your flag is now going up it is a gold flag with a pink bike and the initials GB."

Gaby looked at the banners and a few seconds later they nearly all had a slight change. A single golden crown appeared in the centre of the majority of the flags. The rest of the groups turned round when they heard a voice say, "You did right young UN but that will get the old windbag blowing."

Justine. "Greetings and salutations brother of mine as you can see these days I seam to have gathered an assortment of individuals."

Neptune Bowed. "Greetings sister queen of mine. Now I know I have met some of these before but would you care to introduce them to me again?"

Gaby, "Old man I doubt that Justice has learned all our names yet but I will introduce my friends. This is Samantha one of three daughters of Leofrith.”

"Ah so she is your grand daughter Justice is she like her mother an Animorph? Makes no difference anyway you are my niece so entitled to this bracelet as are your sisters. Now you young lady I met a short time ago. You are Nyola correct. Well I have much to discuss with your parents. Now you young lady your Halo alone tells me you are a Queen, the Silver queen to be exact. It is a long time since that position was filled. You also are entitled to wear a bracelet of Neptune. One by one Neptune worked his way through the group and then he got to the pixies. Pixies the bane of my brothers life and yet the smallest of his daughters."

Pixie Pippa spoke up, "Sir we maybe small, but are all extremely loyal to Lord Draco and all his kin. I would not have gained this position as assistant to Queen Justice otherwise."

"Ah Pixie Pippa the only Pixie so far who has dared to speak up to my sister and me come to think of it. Yes you are equally as brave as Petal, Sepal and Polly. You show the younger generation is also full of fire. I have tended to overlook you all and I apologise will you give the Old man a cuddle."

Pippa looked at Justice who nodded. Pippa not mind giving you a cuddle, but prefer to call you Uncle as Old man seams so rude."

Justine. "Actually Pippa it is his title."

"Oh Pippa did not know sorry Uncle. Mum will not be pleased with me if I do not give you correct title Uncle Old man." This brought about a chuckle from the others.

Neptune picked Pippa up and cuddled her. "Yes I see why they are all enchanted with you. My brother is lucky to have you all. And you to be personal assistant to my sister that must be a hard job?"

"Empress Alexis speak to Pippa and tell her to look after Aunt Justine. So Pippa do as Empress Wish, and Pippa is very happy she looks after Justine. Now Justine she is younger again. Soon she will look like teenager again. Pippa has very important job to make Justine younger. Then she not as scary to little pixies. Justine has joined Gaby's crew like Samantha and Nyola."

"We all better get inside the tent as all of the others appeared to have arrived now. Pippa you better go back to Justine as I cannot provide what you need."

Justine took Pippa off Neptune, "I wondered who had put a charm on me to make me younger. Do I stay young so long as I have you Pippa?

"Justine always young now. Pippa get what she needs and so long as Justine continues to feed Pippa we both very happy."

Samantha caught on and said, "Oh does that mean you are Justine's permanent baby?"

Pippa replied, "You have got Polly to keep you young. Polly always with you. Polly likes you very much, just like I like Justine. If Polly, she needs help like before, then all pixies will help Polly. There will be no trouble though as Polly can manage you easy now."

Pippa looked at Neptune, "Pixies could make you young again, But not good idea as we could not call you Old Man, could we?"

While they where talking Gaby burst out laughing and said, "Sorry I was not laughing at you Pippa. I was thinking about The Walther family in America and the trouble both girls could have been landed with. I wonder what Mrs Walther would say if she discovered she had been playing host to a legendary being. At least now everything matches and I can ride as a female."

Pippa, "I can send somebody to check up on the family if you wish?" Gaby nodded her head.

Neptune looked at Gaby and said, "Well I am claiming the right to escort you into the tent Gabriel. The others have waited long enough for us all, and I think everybody has said what they have to. So without further delay we had better enter."

Samantha was holding on to Justine. The pushed back the flaps and entered the tent at this those seated all stood up and cheered. Gabriel saw Alexis was also stood along with the other Golden Queens.

Alexis. "Welcome Justine and Samantha to this little party for Gabriel. My spies keep me totally up dated on the two of you. Will you two stay where you are, and will somebody bring the other family members here as well? That is better. Samantha in the days to come we need to find out if you and your sisters are pure Fay or if you are more like your mother and Grandmother. If so then you are an Animorph like my daughters."

"Leofrith the previous edict that exiled you and others has been rescinded your previous rank and position is fully restored."

"It may be but during my exile I got married and had three daughters. I did not know the person I married was descended from Venutias until I heard his mother one-day recites the generations back to Venutias. Until I heard that I had hoped that there was a way back for me, but I knew there was bad blood between Venutias and Oberon. I soon realised my three sons had inherited certain abilities from me. The two older ones went to London. There they where watched by my partner. I decided Samantha needed some company and so a black cat adopted her. It made life easier for me to discover just what abilities she had got from me. Imagine my surprise when a fire pixie turned up. Samantha may not have realised I never left her, But the pixie did. Empress may I introduce my youngest daughter Samantha Ice as is my right. I know she has been marked already after being introduced by her grandmother. Now these two are my older children Catalina Helena and Amanda Boudica.

Oberon came across and kissed all three girls and then Leofrith. "So Leofrith these are descendants of mine and Venutias. It is a good job we both came to an amicable understanding some time ago. Venutias I know you do not socialise often but come and greet your girls. They are all now subject to Alexis law as we are."

Leofrith gasped as Venutias appeared and bowed. "Greetings Leofrith, I am pleased to see you have named one of your daughters Amanda and another Helena. It was your choice to name your daughters after Brigantine and Iceni Queens. Well you are just short of one person then we can begin.

Amanda spoke, "Why is our landlady here?"

Leofrith embraced her and said, "Today is the day of reckoning for us both."

Oberon and Venutias spoke with one voice. "Some time ago Neptune and we decided all our daughters must all be married off. It is not possible for them to take mortal men as partners, and all children they have will eventually become daughters.

Leofrith spoke, "I am already legally married although my partner started to change some time ago, and I thought it was my fault the changes happened. Empress Alexis I do not know what these two reprobates have planned for either of us, but I would like to request we are not split up. To be honest I am also a little out of touch with some of my skills with being deprived of them for some time. Did you say your daughters where also Animorph like me? That is one skill I have retained and perhaps I could advise them."

A lion cub followed by two Cheater cubs walked over to Leofrith and first walked round her. Then the Lion cub launched herself into Leofrith arm. A stunned Leofrith looked at the young girl who appeared in her arms. Who then said, “You even smell like a lioness just like mum and aunt." The last time I got so confused was when Gaby's mum appeared in Tunisia. These are two of my sisters who are helping me carry the inspection out."

Another group of girl's came across and one spoke, "Leofrith they want to give a demonstration of their skills. Now they will prove without doubt they are daughters of the Empress as will we." With that a small group of golden dragons appeared.

"Oh, Oh, There are lots of little dragons. That is one skill I did not manage."

Oberon had tears in his eyes with laughing, “Leofrith look again and tell me what you see?"

Astrid changed back, "Leofrith it is easy just give me your hand."

"I asked the Empress for permission to look after you all but it appears you are going to teach me. If I am still allowed to stay with you. Oh, Oh, Oh, I am stupid I have just realised. No wonder Oberon was laughing. Empress Alexis I apologise I did not realise you where testing me."

Alexis snapped her fingers and a horde of little girls appeared all around Alexis. "Sorry your majesty I did not realise."

Astrid, “Well do you still want to be our chaperone now you have seen us?

Venutias, "Leofrith the decision has already been made for you. You maybe a daughter of Justice but you still have to obey the golden one or several golden ones as I can obviously see in front of me. Both Oberon and I have to abide by their rule and it needed them to knock some sense into our heads. I can assure you that what ever you may have heard is done. I came today because I was told several relations of mine where due to be presented, and also I got informed there was to be a bike race. It is a long time since I watched a chariot race and hope this is as exciting. Regardless I am here to support team GB. I do ask a favour though. Will the team captain please carry my banner and unfurl it if they win. It is a long-time since this hill reverberated to the battles with the Romans. It is equally as long since the standard of Venutias was carried into battle."

Gaby stepped forward. "Alexis agrees with me Venutias for years you carried the dragon standard of Brigantia into battle. Well not only me will carry the ancient standard into battle but every team member. We have incorporated it into all our clothing. It could not be more appropriate as your standard was a gold dragon. If we win then we will do a lap of honour carrying your ancient standard."

Alexis, "Venutias your loyalty was never in question and so you do not feel on your own I also have brought some other friends of yours here." Venutias looked at the men coming arm in arm and smiled.

Hadrian spoke, "Venutias like you we have come to support Gabriel. I thought you might like your dragon companions so with my friend here I took the liberty of bringing them along with us. Personally I hope this is not the last time we are invited to watch this race. Like you I understand it is a sport of skill and tactics not very different from our chariot races of old."

The men all marched up to Alexis. "Mistress it is forbidden for us to carry arms in your presence so with your permission may we place them in this corner and we will collect them when we return home."

The tent was full of merriment all too soon Gaby and her companions had to leave as the race was due to commence. The commentator was heard to say "I understand team GB have made a slight change to their team colours and have incorporated a golden dragon. Apparently it is the symbol of Ancient Brigantia the Celtic kingdom that gave Britain its name. Well following her wins in America Gaby and team Bond are currently the favourites to win although they are against strong opposition. However Gaby is on home ground and she knows the course like the back of her hand. It appears her cheerleading team is here. This is the first time I have seen the Sherwood Foresters in action. I also understand there is in our midst a Celtic Dragon team of all adult males singers who have come to support Gaby and the team. From here they sound quite vocal."

Venutias looked round for the speaker and Oberon explained the speaker was some distance away. "Well regardless of if he is or he is not close by we shall give him our rendition of Land of our fathers." Oberon Neptune and Hadrian joined hands and sang with the Celtic Dragons.

The announcer looked on in amazement, "Well that is the dragon singers and we all know the Tune of Land of our fathers but they are singing some verses I have never heard before."

His assistant looked at the men and gulped, “Err boss that song they are singing they will not stop until the race is won. Listen to the words they are singing. They are summoning all true Celts to come and support the Celtic queen whom races. They are summing the Druids to return to Brigantia and that Lord Venutias has returned to his homeland of Brigantia. The Celtic Queen can only be Gaby Bond. I did some double checking and she had Welsh grandparents and so could be called Celtic."

"As we speak more people are arriving and they all appear to be putting on armbands with a white rose and Golden dragon. I am sending my assistant to investigate what is going on. By now though the sound must have reached the ears of Gaby Bond and her team mates who are 10 miles away."

Sure enough Gaby and the team did hear the noise. Gaby, "No wonder the Romans had problems, their sounds as if there are thousands cheering us on."

A German competitor heard to noise and said, "Das ist der Kaiser." "Ich commen mein Kaiser."

A French competitor said, "They are all calling for the Celtic Queen. I am a French Celt and like our Welsh, Scottish & Irish cousins I have to ensure she wins. They are summoning all true Celts."

The German, "Nein my Friend das is the song of the Valkerie they sing. The Valkerie sung that when they liked a hero or thought he deserved a place in Valhalla. They call for all the dragon people of Odin. They sing the Golden Dragon commands all the Dragon peoples to support the Tsarina who races."

The two looked at each other. "My friend there is only one team that rides under the banner of golden dragon. Yes we are both correct they sing for Gaby and if singing can win a race then they will win it for her."

Meanwhile the assistant had come down to the stand where the men where singing. As she watched more people arrived. She looked around and a little girl said, "You look lost."

"I work for the television and came down to find out what is going on. The song draws me closer and closer. I feel compelled to go across to that group of ladies. I though will help you find your parents. Come I will lift you on to my shoulders and then you can see if you can see them."

Astrid said, “Yes I can see clearly now. Do you know the song they sing?"

"My little friend I know full well what they sing. Others may not know the song but they will still be drawn by it. I though have heard it a long time ago. I never thought I would hear it again. Now where is your mother? Then I can do as the song instructs me."

"Astrid you have done your job well. You may get down and thank the lady for bringing you back to me. Now you young lady who pretends to be a reporter you already know the song."

"Tis the song of the Valkerie. It was the battle cry of the warrior maidens of Woden. I am no lady though, as you know full well. I thought I lifted a child up on my shoulder but even I could feel the power exuded by the child. I never made the grade as I was never good enough to be a Valkerie and ride a hell hound."

The next second two hellhounds came bounding and Astrid got on the larger and then said, "Take the puppy and then we will go and see where the riders have got to." The reporter mounted the puppy and the next second the two of them where off.

Venutias smiled, "See my friends even the Valkerie come to support Gaby. Look they ride to be with her.”

The German rider was the first to spot the two. "Hellhounds with Valkerie. This race is different to be sure. Now I know I was right." The two riders soon passed them.

Astrid, “Well how do you like being a Valkerie? You must be one as you are riding a hellhound."

"That cannot be I failed long ago and was banished as failure was not accepted."

"Well you are currently riding a queen's mount. One of those riders we passed recognised you and said, See Hellcat rides this day. Now that is settled perhaps I should call my sisters to accompany us for mother is far too busy. With that Astrid let out a high pitch scream and the next second the reporter found other young girls riding alongside her."

Cleo, “The Hellhounds would not take you until you where ready. Now you ride with the Empresses sisters and daughters very few get to do that. Now we had better get back after you have raced Gaby for a short distance."

"I lifted a daughter of the dragon Queen on to my shoulder no wonder I could feel your power. I am Rania an eternally young daughter of Lord Draco. Now whom did I lift?

Astrid. "I am Astrid daughter of Alexis."

"No that was no mere princess I felt the power of. You checked me out and worked out I was a daughter of Draco within seconds. No princess so young can do that unless you are not a princess, but like me eternally young. "

"My age is correct. I am no Princess and out rank you sister. Sometimes I think some of you go round blind. Did you not see my Aura or that of my sisters? You are riding with a flight of Golden Queens, and although I am one of the younger ones I am still their leader."

"Ah Auras. It is correct I cannot see them, But then most of our kind can not see them until they are of age. I have been stuck as a teenager for many years. I did feel your power and it reminded me of my yellow sister."

Cleo. "Well Rania the flight has accepted you. I should tell you Astrid disabled that microphone you have on you. It would not have done to broadcast you where born of Draco. Now to a more serious issue what are we to do with you? You are too young to join the queens. You could join Gaby but cycling is not your thing. Of course you could join us."

"Cleo the decision has already been made for me. When I found my self on the back of a hellhound I knew my fate had found me. The lady I was drawn to I presumes is your mother and must be my sister. Now may we return so I can greet her? First though may I have a kiss off all my Nieces or Sisters?"

Rania spotted some she knew. "So my older and wiser sisters ride the Hellhounds. I am pleased to see you all again. I fled when the dog would not accept me."

“When I heard the singing I knew I was been called. Not only me but also those who like me have not headed the previous calls. I gleamed enough from Astrid to realise I must have missed many calls before I heard this. The song of the Valkerie or Battle cry of the Dragon peoples returned me to you. They are still calling.”

Red smiled. "So sister you have eventually got your wish to ride with the Valkerie. Do you wish to continue to ride with them?"

"My Red sister you forget. Once you take a hellhound out you are eternally bound as a Valkerie. Our father at least will be pleased I have finally ridden with the Valkerie. Now though I must not delay I have to return to my job and report on this race. I also have to get an interview with the winner."

The Red Queen shook her head. "Rania if you had grown up. Which alas you have not, you would have been the Cream Queen. No I am sorry but I must insist you do not return to your job as a personal assistant. You now have a new job that you are more suited to your skills as a daughter of Draco. Just because you thought you where all alone does not equate to the fact you where ever alone."

Rania looked round and saw Yellow, "Hi Rania are you joining with your fire sisters? I see you have almost got your wish to ride with Odin's' Valkerie."

"Yellow I have ridden with them and now am one with them?"

"No Rania you have not, you have just ridden with the Golden Valkerie. They have accepted you as a sister and now you are a Golden Valkerie. Red is quite correct you have been watched and Justice got regular reports on you. Now though baby sister allow me to attire you correctly as one of your station."

Rania looked at the clothing she found herself in and said, "Red you have made a mistake even I know this it the wedding attire of a Valkerie. Look you have even dressed the little ones similar to me. Sorry girls my big sister has bobbed."

Astrid. "Well Rania do you take all us little ones to be your companions and friends?"

"Astrid and Cleo of course I do. How could I do any different once I had ridden with you?"

Astrid. "Will my older fire sisters present Rania? I must take my place alongside Alexis." With that Astrid and the little ones vanished. Rania was left with Red and Yellow.

"Well my sister's father will go ape when he sees me in this attire. For a start he has not given his permission, and I have no idea whom I am getting married to. Is this an elaborate charade for my benefit? The song is calling me again. Sorry sisters I have to go and so cannot stop to play your game." Rania appeared to be in an almost trance like state as Red and Yellow guided her to Alexis. She stopped by Venutias and the men and handed each of them a gold coin. "This coin is to remind you that you sang for Rania a Valkerie queen at her betrothal." After that Rania's mind went blank.

Rania knelt down in front of Alexis and said, "I Rania promise as a Valkerie. No, no, no, I can not do it. I promised the little ones already I would be their friend and companion for ever." I am sorry I can not marry an unknown male when the children need me more?

Alexis. "Rania would it make it any easier if I asked you to be a companion of mine?"

Rania nodded her head. Then it was obvious to Alexis she had spotted Draco. She started to shake and tremble.

Alexis, "What ever is the matter Rania one second you where happy and now I see fear in your eyes?"

Draco was angry before when as a child I put on a dress similar to this to play with my sisters. Father was not amused and told me it was reserved for special occasions only like a Valkerie wedding. My red sister put me in this & now I will feel the wrath of Draco."

Alexis, "Red was correct to put you in it then as this is a special day. It is the first time Gaby has cycled at home with our full support. It is the day you carried a child who you thought had lost her mother."

Draco came across and spoke. "Well Rania I see you finally managed to ride a Hellhound so congratulations on that. I understand you also went to the aid of Astrid. You where always drawn to children. Now what did I tell you about wearing that dress?

"Dad before you say anymore while one of my sisters did put me in this. I am responsible as I could have changed it and I did not. You did not say it only had to be used for a Valkerie wedding. Today is a special occasion as I am reunited with my sisters and I rode the Hellhounds."

Draco said no more but took her hand and then turned to Alexis. "Can you call the dog please? A dog came bounding up to Rania and licked her. So it is true you are bonded with a Hellhound. Ah the warier queens I wondered how long before you sided with Rania. You do realise she although the eldest of my daughters is also the baby of the family. She will never get any older than she is now."

Astrid. "I knew full well who Rania was when I took her for a ride. And she has her own mount as have all her sisters who rode with us. Rania handed the coins to the singers of the Valkerie song. She already has said her vows with us and all that remains is for you to formally pass her over."

Draco. "Alexis I heard you ask Rania if she would like to be your companion. I must be a little deaf, as I did not hear the response. As you already know I have given my permission so that cannot be the problem."

Rania kissed Draco. "Then father you must do it correct and place my hand in Alexis. Do not think for a moment that this resolves you of your responsibilities. Red sister you are quite correct I have my companions to think about. One day perhaps I will be playing with their children, but for now we will all have fun."

To Be Continued

Sharphawlad 21.09.08  © 2008

Drew and the Tri-peak Challenge
By Sharp.

A Gabyverse Fan-Fiction
Chapter 3 DREW —NYOLA & SAMANTHA

Nyola came up to Draco but kept her eyes facing to the ground. "Please Lord Vishnu I was told I had to introduce myself to you. I was with Lady Gaby when we found Samantha. I do not know what this person has done wrong. I do know she has the friendship of the little ones called Astrid and Cleo, and while you may not be scared of my protector Justice. You stated yourself the little ones caused you the most trouble."

Draco, "Yes Nyola and I was correct. My Cream daughter consistently ignores me she may be my eldest child but she is still the baby of the family as she will never ever grow up, and like those other terrible two Astrid & Cleo gives me a big headache. What would you do with her?"

"Sir I have the friendship and companionship of Lady Gaby. You yourself heard the vows your daughter made. She has already joined an exclusive club called The Golden Valkerie. Your daughter took it upon herself to take the blame for wearing that dress, when I know who instructed the Red queen to place her in it. It though is not my place to tell you who the instruction came from."

Draco, "Nyola I see even you are getting braver. I think a bit of fire must be also in you. I know my brother has accepted you, but most of my water nieces are not as bold and outspoken as you are." Draco glared at Nyola.

The pixie inside her bra said. "Do not let him get away with that Nyola. Pull yourself to your full height and lift your head up and glare back." Nyola did as instructed.

Draco burst out laughing. "Yes Nyola I can see you have your own personal fire. Come out Sepal. I take it that either Alexis or Astrid ordered the Red Queen to place Cream in that dress."

"You know full well I could never tell on any of my sisters regardless of which they are. I will say though Alexis thought it was not the done thing for a Daughter of Draco to be a personal assistant to a TV broadcaster. Also she thought it was time you implemented your vow concerning Cream. Admittedly it needed the song of the Valkerie to draw her home. But return she did without kicking and screaming like you forecast. Now her sisters large and small insist you place her hand in that of Alexis so they may be one as they should be."

Draco looked around and said, "Sorry Baby I have to do this. For long enough I have given you free reign now though you must learn some of the responsibilities of a daughter of Draco. I fear in future that I am in for a bigger headache as you apparently have teamed up with Astrid and Cleo. One thing is for sure that you could not be in safer hands than those two dragons. Now I have done my duty I for one would like to get back to watching the remainder of the race with out interruption." As he spoke the sound of the singers started to get faster.

Alexis, “I think we had better get to the finishing point."

Gaby was in third place when she heard the sound change. She signalled to the team and they made a break and where followed by the Frenchman and the German.

Kattrina, "Gaby two of the others have come with us."

Just before the finishing line the German burst a tire so he jumped off his bike and lifted it up and started running for all he was worth. He came in sixth place behind the Frenchman. Gaby and Kattrina battled it out for first place in the race, and it was down to a photo finish. Eventually Gaby was declared the winner. The German came up and gave Gaby a hug, "Congratulations Tsarina who rides."

For a second or two Gaby was speechless. "Sorry mistress we both recognise the song at first I thought it was calling for the Kaiser and then I realised when my friend said they are calling all true Celts to support the queen. Hence me calling you Tsarina Gaby. I am please to have come in sixth place to a queen, and ask a boon may my French colleague and I have the Privilege of riding round with you on a lap of honour?

Gaby, "Yes you may but not on your bikes. We have a special one for the winners.” The two men looked at the bike that appeared to be two welded together and had a third seat raised high above the front two. Already Gaby's standard fluttered in the wind. “My team will not mind you two pedalling this, as it is quite hard work. After we have done a lap of honour you must join us in our celebrations."

The two men did not see Polly slip into one of the saddlebags behind them. The Frenchman spoke. "Did you not see that flag? Do you realise the significance of it?"

"I do and any with Celtic in their blood will also."

The German, “I had to look twice as I did not believe it. Yes my friend I know better than most what that flag is. The White Rose is the kingdom of York. The Golden dragon has significance though when combined with the Dragon singers. The Dragon singers always accompanied the ancient Kings of Brigantia in to Battle. Today they sang their ancient song when Gaby raced. The dragon singers are supporting their queen who battles. When I came here today I came to race. It is the first time I have raced in Britain and the first time I have come across Gaby, but I know of her mother who is the ladies World Champion."

"My forefathers have for generations waited for this day. I am lucky to be the one of our family to be selected to transport Gaby. No Grand Maestro before me has ever done that before."

"Ah my brother I take it you are Grand Master of the brotherhood of Odin. I am your French counterpart and am the Grand Master of the brotherhood of Herne. We are mainly foresters and hunters. But I also like to cycle. It is perhaps a good job Gaby cannot hear us talk. Neither of us is supposed to tell others what society we belong to. I though recognised you immediately as a fellow brother." The pixie in the saddlebag giggled as she broadcast their chatting.

Alexis called Herne and Odin over. "It appears we have two visiting grand masters and you two are the principal members of their clubs. They are currently taking Gaby on a lap around the arena.”

Herne started to laugh. "Is that what they are calling themselves these days? I wonder if there is any druid left in either one of them."

Odin, "We will dine with them and when they are relaxed see how much they will reveal. Although they both are saying stuff to each other that is not for mortal ears."

Alexis, "Gentlemen that is my little sister Petal who is the spy on the bike."

Just after Alexis finished speaking another broadcast came through. "Hi it is Louie here I am on a Bike with Grand Odin." At this news the recipient got excited. "Hold on I have not finished we both are taking the winner of the race round on a lap of honour along with her standard a golden dragon above a white rose. Not only that, But she also has Dragon singers. Yes they look like the real thing, or at least are dressed as such. No their weapons are missing as they should be when singing for a queen. No she has no idea that either of us are from the international brotherhood. No she can not hear me. Look I will pass you over to Grand Odin and you may speak directly."

"Ya Grand Odin is correct. No it was purely accidental we met. The song they sing is the song of the Valkerie, which starts out the same as Land of my fathers. I will tell you now do not do any thing stupid or I personally will hunt you down. Better me than Odin himself or the Valkaries'. Your master forgot to tell you we also saw the Valkaries' escort the golden dragon. I would rather face Justice ten times than face the Valkaries'. They have changed and are far more dangerous than when Lord Odin controlled them. Hello, Hello are you still there? I tried to warn you it was not a good idea to call yourself the brotherhood of Herne. It is pure folly and certainly not a good idea to call yourself that, and then hunt his deer. At least we have the blessing of Odin. I am the last of my line to carry Odin's Staff. I hope I live long enough to return the staff."

As he spoke the telephone rang. "Grand Odin you where correct. Herne is not too pleased and is taking us all to trial. He even brought Armies of small warriors I have never seen the like of before. Please ask our master to summands the help of our mistress Cartumandia." With that the line went dead.

"Apparently my friend all your colleagues have been rounded up by Herne and his hordes."

"But how did they know where to go?"

"The last words your colleague said were for you to summons Queen Cartumandia to help them. As for how did they know? That is far easier." He reaches over and opens the saddlebag. "This my friend is how they know. They know exactly who we are and what was said. Well I suppose we had better take the statuette with us when we accompany Gaby to the party. With that Grand Odin undid his shirt and placed the pixie in an inside pocket. I will find out later who placed you in the saddle bag."

They came to a stop and realised the Dragon singers had a chair upon a platform. Venutias spoke, "They have to carry the victor into the tent. As for you Grand Odin I request the return of my staff. As we speak your brothers also are being collected. Also there are another two items that need returning to Odin himself."

A little head peeped out, "Hi Venutias I am quite warm and safe here and I can feed so I will stay until the end of the celebrations. He is quite a sweetie and is very loyal to both you and Odin. He has the ancient power of the Druids but has never used it, as he does not know how. In a second or two he will get his first lesson and then he will be able to return the staff."

Grand Odin looked down at his hands as they where getting thinner and his hair was getting longer. He looked down as two mountains emerged from his chest. His tummy got slimmer and there was a crack as his hips widened.

Grand Odin looked at himself and said, “So the vows I said where true, only a female can hold the post of Grand Odin. Well this is a change. I would return the staff, but after the death of a previous grand Master none of us knew where to find it. On his death bed all he would say was it will be there when you need it."

The pixie appeared and said, "Hi again I could not help hearing what was said and there is this in the pocket. Is that what you have misplaced?"

The Grand Odin pulls out a broach shaped like a penis. "Sorry little one I forgot that was in there it is rather rude so I tend not to wear it. It was given to me when I was but a child and I take it everywhere. As for the Staff of Odin the last Gran Master died a hero's death. He would not tell the remaining brothers where it was or where the staff was hidden. The SS tried everything. When he died on them they did not know what to do and so one of the brighter ones. Found a very old cane and sent it to Berlin. Saying the Grand master was dead but they had the staff of Odin and where forwarding it to Berlin. The remaining brothers all knew that was not true but kept quiet. Eventually when everything had quietened down I was elected Grand Master of the lodge as my father before me had been. They did that although I was still in my minority, I knew I had been entrusted with a great secret but I have no idea how to find it."

Draco said, "Please may I examine the broach?" It is handed to him and he smiles and walks across to Alexis and fastens it on her gown."

Alexis spoke, "The daughters of Venutias have protected their secret well. Now though it is returned to me. I wear the staff of Odin with pride. Venutias, Cartumandia remains with me but I think you and your companions need female companionship. So with this in mind would the sisters of Venutias and Cartumandia look after the Dragon singers?"

The two former grand masters spoke as one, “It is agreeable now the charm is lifted that our companions if they desire make a match with the Dragon singers. We though can not."

Alexis spoke, "Neither of you need say any more. Odin and Perfecta take your daughter's home, but ensure they come to cycle practise. First though I have a present for you both." Astrid and Cleo appeared

Astrid spoke, "No going back for either of you two, it is the Hellhounds for you both."

"No, No, No that is not what we where promised. We want Gaby. We want Gaby."

"Okay you two I did promise I would ride with you. Just one circuit though. Astrid will you summoned the rest of our sisters to accompany us?"

Perfecta spoke, "It is such a long time since Odin rode with such a Horde. Do you mind if we also accompany you."

Gaby said, “Draco and the Matrons can all come if they wish. Nobody is to be left out. The ride will show we are united as a family. True we are rather a strange one but we are all family. The last time I went on a flight I had an adventure so who knows what will happen this time. With that they all took off even the Dragon singers found they where being carried by their female counterparts.

Soon they where flying over the Alps. They where close to the village of Samnaun in Switzerland. It was very close to the Austrian Boarder. Odin's twin daughters said, "Gaby did you see that? They realised a girl was being chased by men with a pack of hounds. She dived into the water and swam across a river. She got out and started to run again. One of the men took a shot at her and missed.

They heard the men say, "She is heading for the caves of atonement if she makes it there we will never find her."

"Gaby I know the caves so can we help her?"

Odin spoke, "Daughters we are all close by to help. But this is a good chance to test your skills. I suggest you each take a Pixie".

Sepal called for Rose and Iris to assist the daughters of Odin. "Petal and I also will go with Gaby." The small group soon found themselves in the entrance of the caves of atonement.

"It looks like somebody is living here Gaby."

"Look out somebody is coming." With that the three became invisible.

The girl grabbed something from the small bundle and said, "Mother protect me." A doorway opened in the rock. Gaby and the other followed her through. Petal stayed behind and hid in a small cleft.

The men arrived. They looked for her footprints but there was no trace. "She has been here. See she had had a fire here before. I suppose we could send the dogs in. Although the last time I tried that they ran out terrified as if the hounds of hell where after them."

Petal chuckled, "This time the hounds of hell will be after them and you. I am summonsing them to chase you away."

With in seconds of releasing the dogs they where back and running for there lives the men ran after the dogs. I told you they are terrified of those caves."

Odin, “Draco your little daughter has summoned the hounds perhaps we should follow them and see what transpires."

The Girl spoke again, "Thank you for your help. The dogs would have run away as before, but it gets harder each time they try and capture me. Now would you care to show yourselves and I better let the one in who got left outside. Oh Pixies it is a long time since I saw one of your kind. Sorry Golden Fire pixies and you are the first I have met. Gaby realised the girl was scanning them all in turn. Two daughters of Lord Odin no wonder the dogs fled. It would not be imaginary Hellhounds chasing them this time, but the real thing, and I bet the men lost a few pounds as well after that shock."

Back in Samnaun the three men had all headed to the toilet and with in seconds had made a terrible stench. The wives of the three said, “Just what have you been up to now? You would not have been trying to make sport with the mountain woman would you? You know what we told you we would do if we ever caught you making sport with her. Ignore her and do not go near her again. Yes we all know you have chased her, and lucky for you that none of you caught her. She must have given you a real scare this time. Well at least you will be slimmer and fitter."

Back at the cave the woman looked puzzled, and looked at the pixies again. Sorry I missed something, “Pixies born of Lord Draco's blood. No wonder you are fire pixies how is Uncle Draco? You though puzzle me I can not scan you there is a block preventing me. What can not escape me is how my cousins all react around you. Pixie and Valkerie quite a protective combination if I may say so. So even little Petal has more fire power than I can conjure up. Then you must be important indeed. I see you also have met mother is she still called Justice or something different? If you have not guessed already that I am Storm her eldest daughter. Now please whom am I conversing with?"

Petal spoke, "You where correct I am Petal and this is Sepal my sister. These are two of our daughters Rose and Iris. Your mother these days has a pixie of her own, our sister Polly. Normally she attends to the Golden Empress or one of her faces. I believe she is currently on a hunting expedition in the Alps."

Storm burst out laughing. "Mother and my Uncles are chasing the men away. It is time I returned home although I am unsure of mother's reaction to me. We always where either the best of friends or very volatile."

Gaby, "You are bleeding did they hit you with the bullet?

"No my friend, I fell and grazed myself. They are like children who have to better each other. The women of the village leave me food, as they believe I bring them good luck. The males from time to time try to capture me. Some chance of that although I am getting fed up of this and have been considering moving on. For some time now I feel as if my energy is draining from me and I am making mistakes. Why with even the Pixies I should have been able to read them at once and I made several mistakes.”

"Gaby holds her hand out and says Storm I am Gaby now sleep my friend."

At this Petal speaks, “You all better come out. Storm is sleeping and I can smell you all." At this lots of little Pixies emerged.

Gaby, "She has quite a collection of you here."

“Please mistress can you scare the hounds away while we feed, as we are all rather hungry. The mistress could not get enough food for us all and she has been doing without and that is why she is making many mistakes."

Gaby, "The daughters of Odin will see you come to no harm while you clean yourselves and feed. Then can you bring me all the honey or nectar you can find. Tell the bees the queen has need of it, and she will return it to them as soon as she is able. If they will allow you Royal jelly that would be a bonus. I need all the energy I can possibly get. I now need to help Storm as she has just about used up her entire life force."

"Mistress we will all be back soon with help and food."

Gaby looked round the cave, "Petal this will do can you singe either end. I will have to lie down at the side of Storm, and one end will have to go in my arm, and the other in Storm's arm. Petal and Sepal can you hold the connection in place. Justice helped me when I needed it and so did Alexis. Now it is my turn to help. I hope my blood is compatible with hers if not I might kill us both."

Soon the pixies returned carrying food for Gaby. Then there was a great bussing sound. One of the pixies said, "The Queen bees all ordered the workers to come and feed you when we told them you had requested help. Every hive in the area is sending help they all know and like Storm. Over the years she has helped them all and now it is their chance to help her by helping you."

In the village of Samnaun the women noticed the massive black cloud that continually kept going in and out of the cave. They went and found their husbands. "Just what did you do to that girl? That black cloud bodes ill for us all if you have harmed her at all. You know the ancient ones will enact retribution on us if she is hurt or has been hurt."

One of the men said, "He fired into the air to scare her but we did not catch nor harm her. The dogs entered the cave but ran away terrified like the demons of Hell where after them."

Back at the cave Gaby found she was being continually being fed by the bees. Soon she noticed colour start to come back into Storm. “Petal you now may summon Alexis and Justice as they will need to be here to see what I have done. Storm when she awakes will find she is slightly different from before. Bees thank you for your help that should give both of us plenty of energy. I could do with your special mixture before a race."

Petal, "They say thank you for saving Storm. They are beholden to you and will ensure you get plenty of the Royal mixture you need."

Justice arrived and looked at Gaby and then Storm. "I had to share my life force with her Justine. She is one with me now. It was the only way I could think to save her quickly. Soon she shall awaken. Petal and Sepal applied pressure where the straw had been connected. The bees have been feeding me so I had enough energy to produce enough life force for the two of us."

Gaby, “Justice before you blow your top. Storm described it as a game that had got out of hand and she does not want any of her kin causing retribution on her behalf."

As Gaby spoke Storm came to and noticed Alexis and Justine. "Mum is that you I have been off it recently and I think I must have collapsed as I remember Golden Pixies and Odin's daughters and a girl. Then all went blank, I do remember a voice assuring me every thing was going to be alright."

The women started climbing the mountain and had almost reached their goal when the black cloud vanished. "Oh no we are too late. The spirit has gone. Regardless we shall go in and prepare her body for the next life. It is right somebody does it for her, and we shall all carry her down to the cemetery." Polly heard them talk and realised they where no threat.

After searching a while they found the door. They entered and saw a body laid upon a stone slab. "On no we are too late. It must have been the spirit leaving we saw." They knelt before the body and spoke. "Mistress we will chastise them when we return for now though we mourn your departing."

They where greatly surprised when a voice said, "Ladies I think you are some what premature. I was only sleeping. I have not departed yet. Although I will soon be gone from this place, and you will not have to fear your men chasing me as they did for sport. I take it they enjoyed my sisters hunting them for a change? Or did they not tell you that? No I believe they would not tell you what occurred. I should think though they should at the very least lose several pounds each with a bout of diarrhoea."

The women burst out laughing. "So that is what caused them all to spend hours at the toilet. Well when we have finished with them they will have lost considerably more. We apologise for their treatment of you. Do you mind if we carry your body back to the village as if you where dead?

Alexis materialised and said, “Yes It may teach them it is not a good idea to pursue any female like they did, and especially when she has Justice as a mother. Had your spouses actually managed to harm Storm then I would have found it hard to prevent the retribution that would have ultimately ensued. As it is Storm asked that the children where not harmed as they where only playing a game that got out of hand. She was in a much weakened state when my sister found her. The cloud you saw from the village of Samnaun was a battle for her life. So ladies you all have had a very close shave indeed.”

Storm recognised the basket, “You where the ones who kept bringing me baskets of food and then it stopped why?"

"Sorry we all went through a bad patch it was not your fault. All the farms close by in Austria and Italy contracted a disease and so the regional government decreed all our stock was to be destroyed to safe guard other areas of the country. Hence no Eggs, Milk or cheese to spare. All we had was the crops we had. The men got angry when you took some of them. They did not realise we had brought you food, and that you also needed substance. My late mother will be angry with us for allowing what we did. We vowed to take care of you and we failed. So now the ancients will be angry with us."

Justine, "I am not called Justice for nothing. I find your hearts are true, as are the words you speak. My daughter was not the only one who relied on the food parcels. She shared all she had with others less fortunate than herself. They in turn ensured your crops prospered. It was not just an old woman's whim when she asked you to care for my daughter. You did well to follow her instructions for so long and she should be proud of you. I think it should be rather a spectacular funeral for my daughter."

"Storm will lie still while you carry her down. There the doctor will pronounce her dead. You will create a massive funeral pyre, and place her body on the top. The rest you will just have to wait and see but I guarantee the men will be terrified for ages to come. All I ask is that you continue to bring a basket with food. If times are hard write a note and explain what is wrong. This way the others who rely on the food can find alternative sources. Now you have seen Storm and her sister we feel you should also see their little sisters."

Petal appeared in front of them and said, "The five of us you see here represent those you have feed. We have taken them to a place of safety where they can all recover. They will be back though to ensure your crops prosper and collect their food basket. Note though they ask you do as Justice Requests, and organise a funeral for Storm will not return. The sisters of Storm might occasionally come to check up on the males in your village of Samnaun. Just because we are small does not mean we can not cause harm. See that dead tree over there; well this is a small demonstration of the power we exhort when we get angry." The tree burst into flames instantly. "Storm could do far worse than that. Now watch again. This time you will see the same tree grow and flower. My friends this is no trick or illusion. The same will happen with Storm."

"You are not just ancients are you?

Alexis, “Very few humans have ever seen any of my people yet they live along side you, but they are not recognised as such. So you are privileged to see any of us. As we speak many more of the ancients are close by awaiting the return of their sister. So please do as requested."

The women knelt to the ground and said, "Earth mother, Flora and Fauna we promise we and our daughters will deliver our dues. For a year a female from our village will live in the cave and we will bring substance for her and those others who need it. After a year a new female from our village will be chosen. There will always be one of us designated to live in the caves of atonement."

Gabriel, "Come here and let me see your hands. Alexis they all are marked as devotees of Mother Earth. Lucy will not mind if I accept those conditions on her behalf. After tomorrow no married male will live permanently in the village. Some may come for holidays. A girl from the village may bring a man into the village and court him, but once they are married the two of them will spend the first night in the caves. Likewise any boys born in the village once they are of marriageable age will spend an evening with their bride. There they will both become pregnant and the village will prosper. Now I would like to make a suggestion?"

"So mistress you as our ladies representative would like us after the funeral to spend an evening in the cave, and all six of us will awake in the morning following, and find we are pregnant with twins. We will become a village of twins. We the daughters of Mother Earth are agreeable to that. Our husbands may need a little persuasion but we are sure if we tell them that it will increase their fertility to spend the night in the cave. They will only be too glad to agree to the conditions. Now though we have tallied to long, and have a funeral to arrange for Storm."

There could be no doubt in the village when they saw the women carrying the remains of Storm what had transpired, and who was responsible.

"We have communed with the gods and they informed us we where to build a massive pyre and place her body in the midst of it so she shall be received by her sisters in the heavens. They further informed us that if it were not done right the ancients would lay blame on the whole village. As it is as punishment they require all married couples from the village to spend one night in the cave of atonement so they may be known and blessed. In addition one maiden shall be selected each year and spend a year in the caves with only food provided by the village as substance.”

The headman of the village spoke, "I may be old and decrepit, but I think these three have negotiated a satisfactory agreement for us. Their husbands though have brought shame and disgrace on to us all. Let them be stripped and fastened to the funeral pyre. There they may contemplate what their fate would have been had not their wives spoke with the gods on their behalf."

"I though will personally insure the arrangements are fully carried out. Now though my sentence will be carried out with these three."

While the three men found themselves naked, and on their knees bound to wooden stakes the villagers continued pilling the wood ever higher. The three terrified men could do little but watch as tree after tree was placed on the pyre. Eventually the head man said, "It is high enough now. Now you three you are to kiss the body and ask for forgiveness. We shall see in the morning if you are forgiven? I shall spend all night on the top of the bier with her. For it is not right she spends it alone. I shall also atone as I should have stopped you three from your sport, and I turned a blind eye."

During the night a thunderstorm the village had never seen the like of before occurred. The three men where terrified. Lightening hit the stakes where they were bound and they became free. They turned to see the flames engulfing the pyre. "The headman he is spending the night on the top." Try as they might, they were not able reach the headman.

They summoned all the villagers but nobody could get anywhere close due to the heat. As the villagers watched the sisters of Storm appeared, and took the two bodies with them. The three men said, "He died because of us we can not bring him back, but we will go to the caves of atonement and do as requested."

The wives smiled and said, “We will spend the night with you as by now you must be frozen." With that they departed for the caves of Atonement."

Storm looked at the old man she carried away from the flames. "He knew what would happen and was prepared to accompany me to the next life. He but sleeps now sisters."

"Mother I do not want his death on my conscience. Can we not return him as was the tree?"

Alexis spoke, "Storm you know that is not possible as they all saw the Valkaries' come and take you both to heaven. He knew full well that this was a possibility. Before he passed out though he said, Mistress of Storms I am pure I have never had a woman in my entire life. I shall accompany you to the after life, and there we will be companions for all eternity. He also kissed you and said, “Ah if I had been younger I would have tried to catch you as my partner. That was not to be.

"My last words where there was to be no recrimination. I owe my life to Gabriel who shared her life force with me. I am a daughter of Justice and as such he shall not perish. He kissed me and so I shall kiss him and breathe the power of the Storm into him."

Storm kissed the old man and said, "I Storm on the behalf of my sisters accept you as my companion for all eternity. You will forever accompany me on my travels. Where together we will right wrongs and aid the oppressed." As she spoke the Old mans body begin to change. Storm was stunned, "Mother what is happening to him?"

Justice, “Storm my daughter you where very ill when you where found. Gaby shared her life force with you and the bees provided her with the substance she needed. You my daughter became one with Gaby and all those of her blood. You have just ensured the old man is your companion and sister for a long time to come. It is time you awoke Gale your sister for you have much to teach her."

The old man awoke and looked down at his clothes. He looked at his hands and then said; "May I have a looking glass so I may see what I look like? With that a mirror was handed to him. "I look like a twin of the one who died." For a moment there was silence and then he spoke.

"I can not go back can I?”

Alexis, "You are now reborn as Gale sister to Storm and eternally bound to her as you are to me. The villagers will erect a memorial to you and the girl who perished. It will become a village of women. As a woman you and Storm may enter the village as often as you wish. You both though will live with your sisters and me in future. As for your skills we can find you something to do. Storm breathed new life into you as it was breathed into her. Storm unwittingly has elevated you far beyond your station. You like her are now one with me Alexis Golden Empress, Eternal queen of the heavens.”

In the morning the villages looked at the ashes and decided to gather them up. We will build a memorial to their headman and the unknown girl. Through the day this time they built another Pyre, but built it of stone. Inside the pyre they placed the ashes and said prayers for the departed. We promise we will always honour this day."

Back at the caves the men had survived the night. They went to attend their toilet the next second there was screaming. The wives rushed to see what was wrong. "All three of us went to the toilet and it just dropped off in our hands."

The wives trying to keep a straight face said, “Perhaps we can glue it back on? The husbands thought this was a good idea but before anything could be done mountains started to appear on the chest of the men. The women laughed, "No wonder you could not give us children you are all women like us."

"No dears we have been cursed because we caused the death of the girl. She is changing us to her likeness."

The wives spoke, "You shall all sleep and forget you where ever men. Like us you will discover the cave causes all who sleep in it to give birth."

Unknown to the women Storm and Gale were watching. Storm said they are all mothers in waiting three should deliver before the night is out. As they watched the Bellies on three of the women seamed to get larger. The three former men awoke to find they had leaking breasts and an extremely swollen tummy.

Their former partners, "You all have not much longer to go and it will be all over for all three of you."

No sooner had the woman spoke than one of the three gave a scream, and this was followed by the sound of babies crying. She was followed in quick succession by the other two. Before long the naked females where breast-feeding the babies. One said, that was the strangest dream I had that I was a man. No man I know though has ever given birth like we have. I can not even remember what the man looked like who got me in this state. Well I have two little daughters now and I certainly will never need a man again. The other women started to laugh can you imagine a man giving birth with that little thing they have got or suckling the twins like us."

Gale, "Storm they do not know what they once where do they. Gale, once they gave birth, and suckled the child they are forever mothers. They will dote on all their children and never think once where the father is. When they are ready again they will return and keep returning. I see them having lots more children yet. As for the former wives they will return with them in nine months time to give birth and once again twins will be born. Storm does that mean in 18 months time they will be returning again?

"Wait and see sister. As for myself I feel strange and need to ask mothers advice."

They could not find Justine but saw Draco and Storm said. "Lord Draco both Gale and I have a strange feeling in the pit of our tummies."

Draco, "It was inevitable you both have a bad case of Alexitis. I have seen many cases of it and unless it is treated could be fatal for you both. The best way to get treatment is to go and tell Alexis immediately."

Justine appeared, "Draco that was terrible telling them Alexitis was fatal."

"Sister you know as well as I do that there is only one treatment for Alexitis. I fear we will have considerable more grand children to attend to. I am not even sure if Petal and Sepal have worked out yet that all their children are Alexi's clones. As will the children of Gale and Storm be. You know our children have not turned out so bad, and they keep finding each other. I suppose I should tell Alexis that the Pixie children can easily track down missing family members. That can wait until the morning."

Rose and Iris overheard all this, "We better tell Petal."

"Petal, Petal, Storm & Gale are very ill they have very bad case of Alexitis. Lord Draco said so." He also said we where all the little blood sisters of Astrid. Yes and he said we can all track the missing Fay easily."

Petal said, "I think you have been ear wigging at conversations. I also have heard of Alexitis before and, it is fatal unless you receive immediate treatment."

"Rose and Iris.”Yes that is what Lord Draco also said, Should we go and find Alexis or Astrid?”

"I think you two should go. And find Astrid, and Cleo, and tell them Gale and Storm have both bad cases of Alexitis. They will give you instructions."

Sepal, "You do realise once they do that all will know of Storm and Gale's condition."

"Yes I know, but it will keep those two occupied for a while. Fancy going to watch Alexis, and those two?”

Astrid sent the two of them to Snow to tell him the news and he sent them to Endora and Andorra. Andorra grinned, “Lord Herne and Neptune should also be informed of what is happening.”

After a while Rose and Iris ran out of people to tell. “I hope we do not get Alexitis, poor Storm and Gale. I hope they get the cure in time."

A leprechaun, “Excuse me did you say Alexitis was the disorder? Have you told the queen bees as they should all be told? Now I will be bidding you good day, and I better go and give those two my congratulations.”

Once again Rose and Iris set off. After a while Rose said, "The Leprechaun made a mistake he said Congratulations rather than condolences.

Astrid was keeping an eye on the two of them, and eventually they got back to Astrid, "Have you told the Empress as you appear to have told everybody else."

“Empress Alexis our friends Storm and Gale have contracted a terrible disorder called Alexitis and unless they get help then it will be fatal for them. Please, please help our friends."

Alexis, “While you two have been running around telling everybody the news I have solved the problem. Both Storm and Gale though are going to need constant pixie attention to ensure they stay well."

“Yes Mistress Alexis we will look after them. That is what we do best. Did Lord Draco tell you the pixies could be used to track missing family members?”

Gaby, "So both Storm and Gale have decided to be mothers. It will be interesting to know how long it is before Rose and Iris realise they have been had. They did bring us an interesting bit of information about the pixie children. I wonder if that was meant for our hearing, and the two of them knew all along Rose and Iris where there."

Eventually Rose and Iris found Storm and Gale. "Are you both feeling better now?”

Gale, "Well to be honest with you we have had the cure, and now we have to see if it works and if not we will have to have the cure again."

“Please Mistress we will help look after you.”

Gale winks at Storm who said, “Well we may very sick, and we might we might swell up a lot and look like we might explode.”

Rose crack out laughing, "I think we might have seen some thing very similar. Are their lots of blood and gore, and aliens growing inside you, and do they burst out with lots of blood and gore everywhere?

Storm, “Well yes that sounds very similar although I doubt it was actually a case of Alexitis."

Iris, "That is not going to happen to you two is it? I was just getting to like being with you both."

Storm, "Iris dear Iris, Rose has already worked out what is wrong. Yes what Rose said was true although I would not have put it exactly like that. I would have said Justine is soon to be a grand mother again."

"Oh, Oh, Oh you're both having babies. We can help with them. Pixies are very good with babies."

"We both know you will make good sisters or aunts to babies."

Gale, "Will I forget what I once was like the others did?

Storm, "Had you been younger I would have let you catch me. You where meant to be with me always. If you had caught me the same would have happened. You will always remember what once was unless you wish me to wipe it from your mind?”

"No thank you I prefer not to have it meddled with. Besides I am quite enjoying walking among the villagers and watching the gradual transformations of the men. There already appears to be quite a few babies in the village. What has puzzled me is how we both became pregnant. I know how humans do it, but how did we do it."

Iris, "If you do not know then Gale will have lots of Alexitis. All pixies know they only have to look at Empress Alexis, and babies pop out."

Gale thought for a moment, "Storm you knew? You knew when we embraced her in the pool."

"I was not sure as with mother it was a dangerous affair. Anybody mating with Mum needed to be a good fighter or like taking a risk, or be wrong in the head."

Gale thought for a moment, "Herne would not take the risk, Neptune is a gentleman, and Draco is a risk taker is he our father like he is the little ones? Are they our little sisters?"

"Gale I never bothered to think it out and yes I think you must be correct. Draco's blood flows in Gaby, and so she could give me a transfusion. Oh I have just realised, Gaby and Alexis are one. We both embraced Alexis in the pool. No wonder Astrid is described as sister and child of Alexis."

Rose, "We are all little Alexis every golden fire pixie."

They both ran off and saw Lord Snow, “We know big secret, we know who father to Justice Children we worked it out."

Endora, "Well tell us how you worked it out."

Iris, “They would have to like fighting. They would have to be very strong or Justice would eat them. They would have to be wrong in the head or like to take risks."

Snow and Endora both burst out laughing. "Justice would never say, and we did not think to think it out logically like you two."

"Yes Rose and Iris I believe your deductions are correct."

Neptune, "Why did you not choose me little ones?"

"Lord Neptune is a gentleman although he likes good fight; He will not fight lady like Draco."

Draco and Justice appeared shortly after this and Snow said, "Ah Draco my boy have you fought your sister lately. I notice you have a few scars that look like your sister has accidentally caught you at some time."

Petal, “Last time he fight sister he come off worst he had to have Petal sew him back together. Lady Justine also vanished, and Petal did not see her for a long time. Draco glared at Petal who said, "I can glare back at you I am not scared of you. I know secrets, but have not told. Petal sent sister to look for Lady Justine because she was worried she also was hurt badly."

Justine, "Petal no."

Snow, "Petal has not told us, but these two have already worked it out, and I presume already broadcast who the father of Justine's children is.

Justine glared across at them but Alexis spoke up. Justine for years they have all speculated whom the father might be. These two have listened to what others have said, and made their own deductions. Not that it matters any more they are all my sisters as you both know full well. So I will not have either of you hurting my little sisters, because they spoke the truth.”

Petal, “Petal would fight Lord Draco, and Justine if either hurts Petals babies. Lord Draco is not only one with fire in belly Petal has plenty of fire in hers."

Draco burst out laughing, “Petal I have no intention of fighting you. I might loose. In fact I think I have already lost the battle with you. Neither Justice nor I will harm your babies. I already know my flames will not stop you once you set out on a task. I know from personal experience once Petal has started a task however dangerous or onerous she has to finish the job, and do a good one at that. No Petal had either of us harmed any of your babies in any way you would have become a very deadly enemy. Just because you are small does not mean you are not able to deliver a fatal blow. Yes Justice and I fight, as we tend to enjoy them. Neptune would fight me as would Odin or Herne. None of the others though would take on Justice. Well honestly who is going to risk having their head bitten off as an after mating ritual.”

Justine, "Petal we all know of your bravery. We also know both Draco and myself would rather face the killer matrons than have to face up to even a tiny golden queen. My glare is about as far as I dare do with you. You are one with Alexis, and there is no way either of us could take on your sister. I for one am enjoying my time here. I am getting younger and I have my personal pixie to keep me eternally young. Two of my daughters are to make Draco and me grand parents again. Neither of us though intends to sit by the fire reading books or Narrating stories of tales long ago for long."

Rose looked at Justine and said, "Will Nana Justine tell us some stories please?"

Justine looked around and realised all the little pixies where all sat cross-legged on the floor in front of her. "Ok I will tell a story as I knew it. One day I was at home with my imps. There was a knock at the door. It was my brother Pan. He had been in the wild wood and saw something. A man in a Range Rover was chasing a child on a bike. He knocked the child, and the bike into the River. The man drove away laughing a most evil laugh. Pan heard him say well princess that is the last they will see of you.

Pan soon found the bike and after a bit of searching found the child. He brought the child to me and then went to find human help. The child he found was very pretty. I realised the child had taken in many poisons that flow in the river. I nipped her finger, and gave her one of my special anti venom shots. Mean while Pan had found help, and the child was taken to hospital in a car."

"Shortly after I gave the anti venom I realised the child was no ordinary child. I sent an imp or two to inform Draco, and I discovered Empress Alexis already knew of the child's existence. When my brother found out the child had been attacked and injured he was furious as only he can be. I believe that the imps all but one ran for shelter. That Pixie was the second to actually stand up to Lord Draco. Even he admired her guts. There and then he made her his daughter with instructions to look after the little ones.”

“With the aid of the Pixie trackers Lord Draco soon was on the tail of the person who had attacked the young girl. Pollen overheard me tell Lord Draco about the girl. That was enough for Pollen. Pollen immediately mobilised the pixie hordes. I tell you now the anger of Draco is nothing compared to the anger of the pixie hordes when riled. Yet they are the most placid and peaceful of our people. Pollen had called up other Fay reserves to be ready if needed. It did not take long to find the person responsible for the attack on the child. They discovered he was not finished. He intended to go after the family of the young girl on a special fun day. He was going dressed up as a bumbling pink blob and intended to shoot them with a shotgun.”

“He did not know though he had a very dangerous adversary in Pollen. As he slept Pollen and the pixies probed his mind and decided to teach him a lesson he would never ever forget. Meanwhile the human doctors where doing all they could for the young child. Eventually she came out of her coma and was allowed home."

"Justice was that girl our Gaby because we had lots of fun hunting him that hurt Gaby? Please just one more story. And then it is bed for us all. Will Nana Justice come, and tuck us all in to bed?”

Alexis, "I think it is perhaps better if Petal, Sepal and Polly do that, but I am sure your Nana can think of another story to keep you happy."

Justice, “Ok then one more and then it is bedtime for you. I am tired as well so it will not be a long one. One day there was this brother and sister who loved each other lots. The Girl was immensely strong, and was sad no men would come near her because she was so strong. One day while fighting her brother she realised the only man she could ever get was her brother she loved fighting with. She resolved to ensure she carried at least one of her brother's children. While fighting him she sprayed him with chemicals that marked him out as her mate. He said, “So you want to take this up a stage do you. Well they fought day and night for a whole month. Their fighting could be heard far away. One pixie came to see what the trouble was and saw the brother and sister fighting. She also realised there was a great love between then, and resolved to tell nobody. Eventually the sister fled the scene of the fight. The pixie approached cautiously and saw the brother had a great gash from the fighting. She packed the wound with pixie dust, and sewed the wound up. She herself had to endure flames from the dragon brother, but eventually she did the job. The Pixie arrived home all dirty and covered in blood. Her sister helped her clean herself. Not before they where both covered in blood, as it took a lot of getting off.”

“Well throughout the land both sisters became famous, although some thought it was just a story. One day a great fire arose in the land and that same Pixie endured the flames to save many of her friends and companions by keeping an escape route open. All the pixies then realised she had spoke the truth previously about finding an injured dragon. Well one day she was to meet up with the brother and sister again. This time though she was not scared of either of them, and told them both so. Now though the lady needs the help of the little pixie. She knows the pixie can help her locate her missing children. So that all you pixie children are all going to need some rest? So that you are to play find Justice's children in the morning?”

With that the pixies said, "Goodnight Nana Justice we will find them for you."

Draco looked at Justice, "They have all turned our rather well. Have you something to tell me. Perhaps you have Dracoitis or even the far more fatal Alexitis. I for a time thought you might even have contracted Gabyitis. Although I have not heard of any with that condition yet. God help me if we ever get a case or two of Astriditis.”

Petal, "You both know full well we only have acute cases of Alexitis as your daughters Storm and Gale know full well. Even Sepal and I have had real bad bouts of Alexitis before now. We have all noticed a change in Justice Lord Draco. At first we thought it was because she has a pixie daughter to look after her. We also noticed the scent of Justice is changing."

"Yes Petal you are correct I could not but notice the aroma myself. It is not aimed at me is it Justice? Have you something to tell me?”

"Lord Draco I have nothing to tell you. I recently took a bath and it changed my aroma that is all."

Draco, "I presume you fell in or some thing, and did Alexis just happen to rescue you from the water? Well she just happened to be swimming with my daughters and there was nothing wrong in that."

Iris, "Yes and Lady Justine go swimming everyday since then with Alexis. I saw Alexis giving Lady Justice swimming lessons each day."

Draco just grinned, "Justice that must be it if you are having swimming lessons daily." I was going to offer to fight you but I better not just in case you have acute Alexitis."

Justice let out a groan; "Ok, Ok I have had swimming lessons with Alexis. Now can I have some privacy?”

Petal, "They mean no harm and are only teasing you Justice. They all know you also got very bad case of Alexitis like your daughters. So Petal tells you no fighting with Lord Draco is that understood? Tomorrow you go for another swimming lesson with Alexis while Petals babies search for Justice Babies. Justice has many babies."

This caused the others to laugh. Draco, "Now or in the future?"

Justine. "Oh, Oh, Oh." She fled to her room. Alexis knocked on the door and entered.

"Alexis I am stupid. I should have realised. Even when Draco said the girls had Alexitis I did not realise, and I should have. Trouble was previously it was Dracoitis I got, and I did not recognise the symptoms as the same. I accidentally fell in while watching my daughters, or at least I am now half suspecting I was initially pushed into the pool. I could never swim and so had to cling hold of you."

Alexis, “I think you where helped into the water. In fact I would say you where actively helped to have that initial swimming lesson from me. Now though I also think it is time you also went flying with me. As for your Aroma I would have thought you would have realised when Cleo said you smelled like her mum. From the day you found Gaby you have been changing. One drop of my blood was enough for you. You already had over 50% of the same genes. Your transformation did not take long at all. Some of your sisters have taken far longer to integrate with me while the pixies where by far the fastest. You over all your sisters had an advantage. You already have mated with my father, and been subject to the changes that wrought. Petal, Sepal & Polly all where covered in his blood and so similar things applied to them.”

“Every part of me calls to the other. You where drawn to me just as all the parts of me are. Storm and Gale where also called. They both though had my life drawn into them.”

"Oh I think I understand. Gaby provided a blood transfusion for Storm who then breathed life into her sister. I checked Gaby out and without realising and contaminated myself."

Alexis, “I very much doubt you are expecting though. You could be, but as you where infused by Gaby it is more likely you have a few years before you get acute Alexitis. You and your daughters are all suffering from a milder form of Alexitis. They need to be with the other faces that are also part of me. By now you will have heard the voices. All parts of me communicate with each other. I know exactly what is going on, and who is doing what. Father is correct the little ones do cause him the most trouble. That is because they know full well they have bigger stronger sisters to back them up."

"Take Astrid, Astrol and Astral. For a long time I did not realise they existed, nor that my cousins had given birth to my children. When they happened to find their way to me things started to happen very rapidly. It also brought about the demise of Alex Middleham, and the birth of Alexis. Initially I had a wife Christine. I also had a cousin Angela who wanted me as a partner. Well I now live with all my cousins and partners. Most of the initial ones already have had children to me. Even Petal and Sepal had my children without realising what they where. They started to panic when I fed them. I got No; no, no it makes Petals babies go Zip. In fact I Justice suppose I should be glad you and Draco where so vigorous in your mating."

Justine started to laugh, "I could just imagine those two playing a game of Zip there goes another baby. I do not understand what you mean about Draco though."

"Well I would not be here and neither would Gaby nor any of the other golden Queens. You injured Draco quite badly. It took all the skill and perseverance of Petal to fix the wound. She used that much Pixie dust to stem the flow of blood it altered Draco's genetic make up forever. After the fight with you all he can now produce is Golden daughters. Not only that but we are an identical clone of each other. It only needs one blood cell from me to alter a person's genetic make up. If they where male then they are in for quite a shock. As for Petal she well deserved the medal she received for her bravery.”

"Sorry Alexis we always got a little rough. I did not realise he was badly injured or I would have sewn it myself. I contaminated myself with Gaby when I gave her the anti venom. It was only one little drop that is all."

"Justice unlike some of the family your blood must have been very similar to mine to start with, and it only needed a small, but very quick change to you for the transformation to be permanent. Gaby was very similar to me when I first heard about her. I took a team to America to give her a transfusion. What puzzled me was why she needed the anti venom from you. Well we eventually found the cause. It appears Gaby had been drugged with a dart gun, and was trying to escape when she went into the river. Meadows thought he had killed her when her body was swept away.”

“Talking of swimming you should by now have all the abilities to swim that the others all have including Gaby. All the parts of me are drawn together like magnets. Astrid and all the little ones can go into a strange town where there is nobody they know. I will guarantee they will find at least one family member. An example is Samantha, she was one that we did not plan on Gaby finding, but once she had then we also found the whereabouts of several other family members."

"Gaby as you will have noticed has cycling on her brain. It is obvious to me she needed support and also somebody to keep an eye on her when she is racing. That is where you come in and the pixies. She needs freedom, but also protection. You have experience, which she lacks. Even Gaby has quickly learned that pixies can be very useful. Most people think though they are Barbie or Sindy type dolls and do not give them a second thought. A prime example was Samantha who thought the pixie was a doll."

"Yes Alexis I myself have learned how useful having a personal Pixie can be. I know I had looked after some of the pixies but I never considered they could give me a personal service. Like they do."

Visit to Venutias.

There was a knock on his door and several of the Dragon Warriors entered, “Sire we have heard that the Dragon Queen intends to take her chariot over and across the three great mountains of Brigantia. This she must not do with out a dragon escort. We realised none of us have ever driven these types of chariots before. So we have been practising. We have been told that the challenge finishes at your ancient capital on Mount Ingleborough. We can not allow the Queen to race with out us being present."

"Ah my fortress and favourite home. I understand it has been fully restored by the golden Queens. I have not visited it yet, so perhaps it is time I also went to watch this challenge." Venutias smiled, “You all have managed to ride these chariots that need no horses?

"Sire we took knocks and got bruises, but we all persevered. We are after all warriors so anything the Queen can do so can we. We fell off, but got back on again. Eventually we succeeded. Even our partners managed it and persuaded us we should enter as team Brigantia. We also wondered if you would like to lead us. We doubt we will keep up with the mistress, but we will enter the race with her as is the right of the Dragon Warriors."

Venutias looked at his two companions.

Hadrian chuckled; “Well I for one would not mind leading the Dragon warriors on the Tri peak tournament. I understand only the strongest and hardiest of the racers ever complete the race. I also know Caractacus our Welsh companion would love to accompany us in the race. It will be the first time I Hadrian have ever set foot on those Mountains. I suggest the team be called the Dragons of Brigantia. I for one do not mind accompanying my friends if they do not object to this old Roman being with you."

The Welsh prince spoke, "Hadrian you once where Emperor and we where enemies. Now we eat, sit and drink at the same temple. You took our Princess Helen as your wife and tried your best to integrate both our peoples. I though like Venutias have now retired and others now have taken our place. I though would like to enter with the Dragons on this, even if it is only a race, and not an actual battle. Our feuding is long since over so brother Hadrian we three former Princes shall united lead the Dragons of Brigantia in support of their queen on to the field of battle."

"Sire I should further inform you. Several other organisations with affiliation to the Golden one are also entering teams. We though are the original Brigantia team. The White coats are to enter the race under the ancient Clifford Standard of the Red Wyvern. The Newly formed Yorkshire Regiment has also entered a team under the standard of the White Rose."

Venutias, “Well all our men will ride as Celtic warriors and all the ladies as Romans. We will show all that for the most part Romans and Celts where great friends for most of the time."

With that the three friends set about practising riding a bike. Hadrian said, "Gaby makes it look so easy. I have more bruises than when I went into battle."

Pippa was watching their antics and reported back to Justice. "So they wish to ride as Celtic warriors & Roman maids. Perhaps the Roman gods should be there to welcome them. I will have a word with Alexis and see what she says."

"Justine, Gaby rides because she loves cycling. I have no objection to you entering if you wish?"

"No Alexis my brother Lord Draco meant to have the rest of us dressed as Roman gods to welcome the competitors to the Palace of Ingleborough. Why even Pan and Herne could put in appearances and nobody would look twice. Nobody would think it odd to have horrible hobbits all running around playing practical jokes on people."

Alexis turned to Baby and said, "Well it is obvious that some want a big party. What do you think the remaining Hobbits would say?"

"Mistress Alexis, You know full well they will be over the moon at a mention of a party. I can commence operation Ingleborough if you wish?"

Justine looked at Alexis, "Please let them do as they wish?"

"Justine you have much yet to learn. I presume then if you are asking that the hobbits will have already started work on the site. They will have already presumed I have given the go ahead."

"Perhaps I should shock them all and say no party."

Baby looked visibly shocked at this suggestion. "Mistress you would have to contend with some very grumpy hobbits, and pixies if it did not get the go ahead now."

"See what I mean even my Baby is eager to have a party on Ingleborough. Well I can not have a grumpy Baby can I. So I give my formal permission to plan a party at Venutias old Palace? I though expect all those participating in the preparation of the party to still perform their normal duties as well as prepare Ingleborough to receive Roman Gods and visiting dignitaries."

Justine looked at Baby, "Just how do you intend to do that as I know the last time I flew over it there was nothing but a pile of rocks?"

"Ah Justine perhaps you should have a word with Mistress Amanda. She saw who restored the palace. It only needs a good clean and decoration to be ready in time. Even the direct link for Neptune has already been prepared. Nobody will notice as Ingleborough is shrouded in mist all of the time."

"Baby perhaps you should go with Justine to oversee the preparation for the party."

Meanwhile back at Merlingwood in Thornton Gaby was practising hard. Mafwney spoke, "Gaby why is this race so important?

"I have done this race once before. This though is the first time I have the full backing of a team. I also heard that another party is planned at the end of the race. I am not supposed to say anything. It is a hobbit secret you know."

Mafwney giggled, "Ah the Hobbits are never very good at secrets. I better tell the others that it is a hobbit secret. I also better get practising, as I have never done this type of race before. I also have a request from the dragon warriors. They wondered if they and their partners could come here to use the facilities as they wish to accompany you at the race."

“Mafwney I think we are in for rather a large entry this year. Lady Anne has put in a similar request to me, as Venutias has to you. Well if they want to enter then so be it but I will be making sure they work hard while they are here training."

Venutias came and greeted Gaby. "Thank you for allowing us to train. It is not unlike going into battle upon our chariots. The warriors could not allow you to race over the three sleeping maidens with out a contingent of Dragon warriors being present as there is great danger."

"Venutias I do know Ingleborough was once your home, and these day has been abandoned. Perhaps after the race is over we could have a party or something and bring the maids back to life?"

Petal was close by and heard all that was said. She shot off and found Saskia and the Leprechauns. "Gaby wants a big party on Ingleborough. So big in fact that it awakes the sleeping maids."

Neptune was watching and said to himself. "I better go and warn Rombald three of his daughters will soon return. Even they can not ignore Fay magic once it is released upon Ingleborough, Whernside and Penyghent."

Rombald was playing with his younger daughters when Petal arrived and then shortly after came Neptune. Both carried the same message. "Lord Rombald, I thought I better warn you that Inga, Wherna & Penny will soon be returning. I heard Gaby order the Hobbits to arrange a great party at the former palace of Lord Venutias. It has to have the theme of Roman gods, and Pan and Herne are also invited. From what I heard all gods large or small will be expected to put in an appearance."

Rombald called his family and said, “We have to go and help with the restoration of the Palace of dragons, and ensure the three sleeping guardians awake in plenty of time.”

One of the girls said, "Father Can Mistress Astrid also come?"

Rombald spoke, "The mistress is a law unto herself. If she or any of her brood wish to accompany us then they will. And you brother must have thought it important to drag yourself away from the Sea."

"Ah brother, The Fay builders are for ever providing new and interesting ways for me to get around. They keep opening up old blocked or closed ways, and also providing new ways to me to visit my family. I though think those three daughters of yours have slept for long enough, and it is high time a little dragon or dragons awoke them all."

"Father in that case we do need Astrid and her sisters. They could easily awake those sleepy heads of Lord Rombald. Why should they sleep while we have to get the place ready for that party? They have already slept through the visit by Empress Alexis to the mountain some time ago. They now have angry siblings to deal with."

Astrid spoke, "I agree with you they shall get quite an awaking.

Rombald's wife laughed and said, "Astrid certainly awoke me so she is up to the job. It only needs us to find where they lie sleeping."

A short time later Rombald along with his brothers and children looked round the site. "Well we at least can help restore those buildings. Astrid can you lift that rock high up and then drop it? Astrid obliged the stone plummeted to the ground and they all felt the ground tremble.

Rombald chuckled, "Ah at least one reacted to that. Astrid noticed a large rock had moved away from a cave entrance and she went to investigate.

Pippa spoke, “Am I allowed to awake her Astrid?" "Pixies can easy awake her." Astrid sat down and watched as pixie after pixie went into the cave and carried the still sleeping giantess out."

Rombald's wife, "Oh no Rombald I have just realised how they intend to awake her."

Rombald was laughing. "She will be cross when she awakes if you do that Pippa."

Pippa said, "Too late Lord Rombald she has started rolling down the hill towards the Tarn."

"Ouch, ouch that is cold. Who threw water at me?" The giantess looked around and saw nobody only herself. "I must have been sleepwalking. Oh well I better go and check up on the palace before I go to sleep again." She rubbed her eyes and notices a considerable amount of activity on the mountain top. I think I better find my sisters, and tell them somebody has moved on to the mountain while we slept."

Inga went marching off across the moor. Soon she arrived at the Great hole known as Gaping Ghyll. "I always hated this place but I know you two will be down here somewhere. Well here goes. I will try shouting first." Inga looked around and said to herself that will do fine to amplify my voice. She picked up a tree stump and soon knocked the centre out. "Sisters awake we have slept too long somebody has invaded the palace we where supposed to protect. Sisters awake it is I Inga."

A few seconds later Penny popped her head out of the great Chasm and said, "Ok Inga cut the noise down. I will go back and find Wherna."

What seamed like an eternity later another head popped out? "Hi Inga, I just been told you have your knickers in a twist over somebody invading the palace. Nobody is going to be fool enough to do that when we are around. They all know we guard it until it is back to its original use as a palace again. Do you mind giving us two a helping hand out of here it appears to have got taller since we fell asleep?"

Inga helped her sisters out and one spotted Petal on Inga's hair. "I like your decoration Inga. Where did you find this? Can you get us one also?"

Penny gently picked up Petal and examined her. "Well well a golden pixie. And who might you be?"

"I am Pixie Petal one of the smallest of Lord Draco's Golden daughters. I have come to collect you sleepy heads. Your father Lord Rombald is not amused you all slept through a visit by the great queen to the palace you where all supposed to be guarding."

Inga, "That explains all the workmen I noticed."

Penny, "Thank you little cousin for bringing us this news."

Petal, "I better be honest with you Inga. Your cousins decided to awake you, and while your parents and siblings watched we carried you out of the cave. Some how after we had placed you on to the ground you started to roll down the mountain and into the tarn.”

Uncle Rombald was laughing away, "That will teach her to fall asleep while on guard duty."

Penny, "You had better show us the tarn as we could also do with freshening up as we are a little bit wiffy from being in the cave for so long."

Inga, "I take it little cousin you can clothe me if I have another wash?"

"My instructions were to find you and then dress you all in preparation for your nuptials. Your father has decided you three should all be married off. Your mother also agrees with Lord Rombald. I for one did not want to make him cross so I did his bidding to awake you.”

"Well little cousin if father thinks he can marry us off on the cheap he has another thing coming. We will do his bidding, but we all want a lavish wedding with plenty of little cousins as bridesmaids. How fares our brothers and sisters golden cousin?

Petal thought for a moment, "I have not actually met them all but I do know your younger sisters are great favourites of Miss Astrid. Lord Rombald and his partners I have met several times. We are preparing the palace for a great party to which you are invited. There is something else I must do before you can all enter."

Petal pointed her hands at the three giants and they shrunk until they where about six feet tall. The three looked at each other and then Inga spoke, “You are but a Pixie only dragons have that sort of power. Even then only the most powerful of dragons can do that to us. Mother certainly could not.”

Rombald, “Yes my daughters you are correct even the real Petal could not manage that. That Pixie although it appears to be Petal, certainly can not be her. There are only two I know who can actually do that. As Mistress Astrid is here with me it can only be The Empress herself."

Alexis materialised in front of them. Sorry ladies I could not resist that after the real Petal caused Inga to go rolling into the tarn. She was in rather a tizzy so I took charge."

All three curtsied, "I am Inga and these are my sisters Penny & Wherna. Empress we apologise for not guarding the palace correctly. You should punish us for that if nothing else."

Astrid grinned and pointed her hand this time. "That is better you shall be the same size as you younger sisters. You can now play with the hobbits." The three groaned and looked at Rombald."

"Father Do we have to play with hobbits?"

Their mother looked at them very crossly. You all had a simple job to do. That was to guard the palace. Instead of guarding it you all fell asleep. You have a choice a good hiding off me or playing with your younger sisters."

Rombald looked at them, "Well the choice is yours."

Father before we make our mind up. We need to know when do you intend to marry us off. As we can not fulfil out duties to our little sisters if we are married off."

Alexis restored them to how she had them before and Rombald said, "Empress Alexis I take it these three will be married this very evening on Mount Ingleborough."

Alexis spoke, "Astrid you may have them to play with after they have said their vows. For now though they will have their wedding as they requested with hundreds of their little cousins as attendants." This brought a big grin across the face of Astrid."

Rombald laughed, "Well I also insist they have their sisters as attendants as well. I am also positive all your smaller cousins will readily agree to be your attendants."

Penny looked surprised at what her father had said and turned to their mother. "Mum dad has agreed to our demands with out arguing and has increased the number of attendants. Somehow I think we have slipped up with our demands. Perhaps we should have demanded a big party with lots of guests.

Their mother spoke, "Well you are going to get that as well. As the hobbits have already seen to that, and sent the invitations out to your guests."

Penny spoke up; "You two are such nitwits. Think for a moment we have been sleeping for at least a thousand years. Only King Venutias knew where we resided. He was human and will be long gone so how did they know how to find us? Also father can never marry us off. Have you forgotten he promised we would one day become attendants to a gold queen? Father would never break his promise. Perhaps we should have asked him who he serves these days."

As she spoke the younger sisters appeared already attired. "Come on you three your spouse awaits you all."

Inga spoke, "Obviously Penny father has forgotten and has made new arrangements for us."

Wherna looked at her two sisters and then at the real Petal. She burst out laughing. "You two do not have a very good memory do you. I for one will be happy to comply with fathers wished, as you should be. Who has just changed our appearance three times recently? Father has not forgotten his commitment to us he intends us to be the partners of Uncle Draco's child, and for us to bear many children."

"I for one have no objection to what is to transpire."

"Look my sisters at the pixie and tell me what you see. Then look around your selves and again tell me what you see."

"Well she looks like a little gold statuette. So she is a golden daughter of Uncle Draco. We are not to be married off to a pixie are we?"

Astrid was nearly bursting her sides laughing. "I will give you two a clue." Astrid transformed herself into a little dragon."

"Oh she is a little dragon."

Wherna shook her head. "Father I can not believe these two can be so dense. They obviously are not ready for the task ahead and would be more suited to the nursery."

"I will take the path chosen for me, and if I am allowed I would not mind getting to know my younger siblings. Sisters father has changed who we are to become united with."

Inga said, "See I was correct."

Penny saw Astrid laughing and looked at Alexis. "Oh, Oh, Oh Inga we have boobed big time, and we did not see it. Please accept my apologies neither of us expected father to do what he is about to do. I my liege also accept my father's wishes. I accept the hand of my liege lord and agree to be her companion for all eternity.

Some time late it started to sink in for Inga. "Astrid can you change to a dragon again please I think I missed something before. You are a little golden dragon and by any chance can Petal do the same? So Uncle Draco produces Golden children & Grandchildren. Then that means Alexis must be a golden Queen."

Astrid, "Very nearly correct Inga, but Alexis is not a queen & neither am I, nor am I a princess."

At this Inga looked puzzled. By now both sisters where laughing and Penny said, "Oh look it is Uncle Herne and Uncle Pan perhaps they can enlighten you Inga."

Pan could see Inga was Puzzled and asked her what was the problem and then said "Well start with the lowest and work your way up."

Inga started to recite the various titles from a Sir or Lady up to King and Queen.

Herne, "Inga why do you want to know as we all have been summoned by Empress Alexis to a party."

"Oh, Oh, Oh, No wonder they are all laughing at me." With that Inga flings herself at Alexis and said, "I am sorry I was not thinking what a Queen of Queens is please forgive me."

Rombald with tears coming out of his eyes said, "Well brothers you with your own eyes witnessed my daughter shamelessly throw herself at Empress Alexis and bind herself."

Pan spoke, "Inga my niece it appears you have contracted the disease called Alexitis which has to work its course. I noticed my sister's children have the same disorder, and she also appears to have it in a mild form."

With this Inga let out a wail and Cleo came to see what the trouble was. Inga told her “I have a bad case of Alexitis, and Uncle Pan says it is contagious as some others already have it.”

Cleo, "Did he tell you the worst cases swell until they are ready to explode?”

“I bet he did not tell you if you are the size I am that you do not get it bad at all. It must be with playing with the hobbits all the time."

"Astrid wanted me to come and play with them and I was being snooty. She was trying to tell me if I did that I would not contract this terrible disease. Perhaps if I am reduced in height to that of my little sisters the symptoms will not be as severe."

Both Penny and Wherna shook their heads. Penny spoke, "Yes Inga we have been told Aunt Justine's daughters Gale and Storm have already contracted the disease. To look at them you would not know, but it is the continual sickness that gives it away and the increase in weight."

Inga let out another wail, "I need to see Grandma Endora she will help me."

Cleo pointed her hand at Inga, "Inga I can not stand that terrible racket you are making. Uncle Rombald you were wrong I also can do this as can any of my sisters." With that Cleo reduced Inga to the size of a baby. Even Rombald's wife had to smile as Cleo handed her Inga and said, "Aunt your baby Inga is crying and needs feeding."

Penny, “Inga has she to go through all her childhood again?"

Instead of feeding Inga Rombald's wife handed Inga back to Alexis, “She is your responsibility now as Rombald was going to give her to you but she jumped the gun."

Penny and Wherna looked in amazement as Alexis started to feed Inga. Alexis, "She will have calmed down shortly." Sure enough Inga stopped the wailing and looked like she was enjoying her feeding.

Penny, "Inga has already become a golden companion her aura has just chanced to the same as the Empress."

Alexis's hands Inga back to Rombald's wife and say, "Well the other two better transform the same way." With that Astrid and Cleo transformed them into babies and passed them to Alexis. Uncle Rombald they will always be your daughters this is just the quickest way to assimilate them as my companions. Soon they shall be returned as your daughters.”

Endora had been watching, "Alexis that is one neat trick I could never do that although I have heard of it been done previously."

"Alexis the Matrons and I all appear to be getting younger. Are you slowly regenerating us also?"

"With one or two exceptions virtually every one of you is regenerating. Some are just taking quite while to change. Your sister Andorra should by now have noticed her eye sight returning and should have slimmed down considerably. In fact as I understand it she is a firm favourite of those helping her get trim."

Endora laughed as Cleo mimicked Andorra, "Those two naughty girls are at it again fighting, fighting, fighting, Endora I am more of a mother to them than you, and so I will have to put a stop to it. Oh dear Girls, Girls stop that fighting at once."

Rombald started to laugh, "Cleo you have her spot on. One day I was having a bout of friendly Wrestling with my wife when I got similar. Andorra thought I was a girl because I had long hair at the time and her eyesight was failing. We just stopped and got quite a lecture on being proper ladies."

"Ah Andorra I was just telling them how you stopped me and my partner from having a wrestling bout."

"Did you tell them how I mistook you for a girl and made the two of you come to me each day for lessons on manners."

Rombald, "For a whole year I ended up having to dress like my sisters and go for lessons with Andorra. My sisters and wife all thought it was hilarious. As I always liked Andorra I will abide with her wishes. Then she surprised me at the end of the year and said, "Well Rombald do not let me catch you fighting again or it will be 100 years in dresses. Did you not think I would not recognise your smell even if I can not see correctly? Now perhaps you will be more of a gentleman like Neptune. One of these days I will catch Draco fighting, but she never did."

"After that I had my hair cut short so there was no mistaking who I was. The only wrestling my wife and I did after that was in the bedroom and you can see the results in front of you."

Andorra started to laugh herself as Cleo said, “Rombald you are a naughty boy I thought I had knocked out all that nonsense from you. As for those other two terrible twins they are at it again and knocking seven bells out of each other. "

"Cleo I think your impression of me is a little off I was never so bossy. As for the twins they where still at recently. I had to go and separate them not long ago."

Gaby, "I heard about that from Astrid and the Yellow queen. They staged it just for you, as they both knew you would come to separate them. I do know they are the best of friends but had to make it look realistic to grab your attention.”

Alexis spoke, "Andorra my grandmothers have the greatest respect for you. We all know why you brought the matrons. I though was calling all my family to return and after your nap on the moon that is what you did. I do know all the young ones love having you around. Even if they try to mimic you."

Astral stood there and did the actions, "Girls, Girls, Girls you will never get to be queens if you act like that. It looks like you have both forgot all I taught you how to be young ladies."

Alexis spoke, "That is enough Andorra what they are all trying to say is they all love having you around. I have noticed things tend to run more smoothly when you are around. Now will you help me with our three new recruits? They need training on being ladies."

Rombald laughed but Andorra looked at him and said, "If you do not behave I will also be giving you additional lessons." Rombald stopped laughing immediately, but did not reckon on the pixies tickling him.

"Rombald I warned you what would happen if you continued laughing."

Alexis came to his defence. "It appears that the smallest of us has decided to make Rombald laugh. It appears they wanted to see him dressed as a girl going through all the lessons with Andorra."

"Rombald I can not back down on what I said, but if you can demonstrate you still remember my lessons you will only have to do a day. In fact I never punished the twins either so they can also prove they remember their lessons with me or I will have them for as long as is needed."

Petal, "If it pleases your majesty the pixie horde would also like to attend as they where responsible for getting Lord Rombald into trouble. I personally think Lord Draco and Lady Justine should also be made to go as I caught them both fighting, and I got covered in Lord Draco's blood as a result of sewing him up."

Andorra curtsied and said, "Obviously I am talking to a Golden pixie queen who ranks the same as I do. Thank you for your suggestion, and yes I agree to your request. Fancy you two fighting in front of a pixie queen. I will have to punish you both if you can not behave yourselves in front of a queen."

Draco looked at Petal, "But Andorra when it happened she was not a Golden queen."

"Draco my boy have you never learned anything. You never ever contradict a Golden Queen, and although she is small she is certainly a Golden queen. Justine I should also be giving you the same sentence, but I understand you are currently not fit enough. However I expect you to also prove to me you can be a lady."

Justine smiled and said, "Yes Endora once my flight is old enough I will return with them and do the penance for my error. May I apologise to my brother? I did not realise at the time I had injured him like I did. Golden Queen Petal I also apologise for fighting in front of you, and I thank you for sewing up my brother and healing him."

"Draco what is this? Did you have a pixie Queen stitch you up?"

"Aunt Andorra it is such a long time ago now. I do not remember all the details."

Andorra looked at Petal, "Can I prevail on you to enlighten us what happened?"

"Well I sent my sister after Justice and did not see her for a long time after that. I saw Lord Draco was bleeding profusely, and would have probably died of his injuries had I not stopped the bleeding. As I have told before I had to pack a considerable amount of pixie dust into the wound to stem the flow of blood. This was all before I could start on the sewing. Dragon hide is very tough to sew, but eventually Petal managed it. I then went home and my sister helped clean me off the dragon blood. I was covered from head to foot in it."

Andorra, "So you two pixies where covered in Draco's blood?"

Polly, "No actually three of us where although I was a little later and Lord Draco deliberately cut himself for me."

"No wonder Alexis took no action against you. However I have wanted an excuse to see just how much of my lessons you remember. So Draco father of Golden queens you shall spend the day with Rombald at my school. If like Rombald you can prove you can be a gentleman then I will release you from further lessons. I think though there are those among us who will try and trip you both up."

Andorra spoke, "Now you three Pixie Queens why are you not normal in size like us? You should be able to alter yourself to any size if you have been covered in Draco's blood."

A few seconds later three Golden haired girls stood in front of Andorra. "Sorry Queen Andorra we did not realise we could do that. We did know our powers had greatly enhanced after out meeting with Lord Draco. We also realised that Astrid and Cleo could change size as can the Empress as she recently proved to Lord Rombald's daughters."

"Ah yes those three where supposed to be my companions, but I understand they are now Alexis. Well I suppose Rombald did keep his promise. They have a Golden Queen of Queens as a companion ."

For most of the Fae they celebrated through the night. There were some exceptions. One was Gaby Bond who went to her bed early as she intended winning the Tri-Peaks race. Little did she realise it would be the hardest race she had ever ridden in.

The following morning Gaby was up early and dressed in team Gaby Bond colours. As she looked around she realised many people had camped out on the hillside. She realised they must have arrived after she went to sleep. She then spotted some faces she knew. Nicola Cook & Victoria Pendleton who where in her mums British Olympic team.

“Hi Gaby, Surprised to see us here. Our team captain suggested we needed the practise. She also suggested Team Appolonaris could do with the exercise as well. Instead you got the entire German & British Olympic teams. I see we have a lot of competition today.”

Tina comes across and hugs Gaby. “Your mama asked if the team would like to come. So I brought a few extra.”

Gaby started to smile when she saw a man in a yellow jersey. “I was informed this was an open race. I also know you have previously won this race before. This time Gabriel I will make you work hard if you are to win it.”

“Lance when I beat you again I expect you to present me with that yellow jersey of yours.”

This got a giggle from the ladies. Jenny appeared all togged up. “Mum you are riding as well.”

“Gaby the doctors have given me the all clear. Tina I presume you are captain of the German team.”

“Yes but Kat is in team GB and she intends to try and beat me. She also suggested that when London has the Olympics in 2012 that they include the Tri-Peaks race as part of the Olympics.”

The organisers decided to start the men off 45 seconds after the women & children. With that Gaby lined up and as soon as the gun went she was off. From the start she decided to stay with. Tina, Victoria & Penny this group of four took it in turn to take the lead.

Victoria. “Your mother said you were good. It is a pity we do not have you in our Olympic Squad for this year. We might have won gold or two.”

“I fully intend to be in the British Olympic squad for 2012. Mum was disappointed when she could not be in the team because of the cancer.”

Jenny managed to join the group bringing with her Kat & Maddy. “Hi ladies I see the boys have not managed to catch up with us yet. I thought Lance and some of the others would have caught up with us by now.”

Tina. “Captain Jenny these mountains are far harder to ride over. In Germany we go round or through them. Normally we do not cycle over them.”

Penny. “If nothing else going over these will get us ready for the Olympics. Perhaps one of us will get a medal.”

Gaby could hear the Dragon singers in the distance. Then she heard the Fae back at the stand. Gaby changed gear and was off like a rocket. The rest of that group set off after her. Gaby could hear the singing and it gave her strength.

The event was being televised for the first time. Charlotte Lemming was the reporter for the BBC News. “Well ladies and gentlemen it appears that Gabriel Bond the Junior World Champion has broken away from the leading pack that includes her mother and other top international riders. As we can see Gabriel is making a dash for the finishing post. She appears to be  ¼ of a mile in the lead. Yes she has just crossed the finishing post. We now have a major battle on our hands for second and third places. Well we have a photo finish for second and third places.”

One of the Judges. “Gabriel Bond first place. In second we have four senior international Ladies who tied three from England and one from Germany. In third place we had another tie. The Bond family have a family member in all three sections.”

The singing at the stands still continued as the men started to pass some of the ladies and children still in the race. The rest of team GB got to the finishing line before the men started to stream in. Gaby was surprised that Hadrian, Caractacus & Venutias led the men on past the finishing post. The dragon singers were still singing. Lance came in with that group. At first he thought he was in the led group until he saw the White Rose being raised at the finishing post and On Ilkley moor ba tat being played by the band.”

Nicole Cook. “Gabriel has your mother informed you that we would like you to train with us at the Velodrome in Manchester?”

Sharphawlad 21.09.08  © 2008