Chapter 1763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOO0BXvppy
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Even as a babe in a crib I was aware... I might not have undestood everything but I was aware.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSSNfDo1lB
What I was the most aware about was the soft sweet smelling creature that held me and comfored be and fed me from the soft containers on her chest. Dangling from her neck was a gold chain with a medalion whose image was that of a gold greeneyed dragon763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsdRU1ZNKm
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Two years later I came to know the soft creature that held and cared for me was my Mother. I still liked to play with the medalion around her neck.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkj5e7jE4P
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She often talked to me about it., “Your name is Rafter De Louis, your Father was the Crown Prince Duvalson of the Kingdom of Dulciana, Remember this medalion identifies you. Your uncle John Mare De Louis had your grandfather and your father killed. His minions are looking for you.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Q4xyxCaoB
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I listened to everything she said and I remembered, “The night your father was killed he hung the medalion around my neck to give to you when you are ready”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3EK2C0UTl
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In my young mind I remembered the soft beds and the tapestries that hung on the walls... but now we hid in a tent and lay upon old blankets and mother cooked over an open fire. She had to fetch and carry water and we only had her old maid servant, I did not understand.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrZ8F5FyN4
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One night my mother rushed into the tent pulled off the medalion and said to maid Ceil, “John Mare is searching every tent...Take Rafe and flee.” She leaned down and placed the Medalion around my neck. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLVhYdyysr
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Maid Ceil grabbed me up and ran out the back flap of the tent. This was the last I ever saw of my Mother.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI19yswFKJE
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Maid or rather, Mama Ceil as I came to call her took me to a Wizard's Keep. No one in their right mind would ever try to search a Wizard's Keep. There we lived a peaceful life till... Mama Ceil caught the ague and died when I was eight.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99J5LvVSv5
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Wizard's Keep763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnLYyVtbNB
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Mama Ceil knocked on the door of the Wizard's Keep. After several knocks the door was opened by an elderly gent wearing an old grey Robe...763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0TnNGlZYL
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“Yes ...may I help you?”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSfx4ZWfrC
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Mama Ceil says, “ My mistress Rebecca said if the time came... I was to come to you...and here we are.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgw6CecjEMb
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“Yes you are … but who are you and time for what?”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqCpBQWfhA
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Mama Ceil stammered and stuttered then her face lit up and she said , Oh, Oh I forgot, Rafe show him the medallion.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq71USaQc3p
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I proudly displayed the medallion that my Mother had given to me.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhOYsUi7x0
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The old man hardly able to speak said, “Put the medallion away oh my goodness inside quickly, quickly”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkTrJ6yu9V
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That is how my new life began, I made friends with some of the children of the village especially the younger weaker ones. I stood up for them against the bigger and older boys even at three I hated bullies. I myself was as large as the bullies and they tried to get me to favor their side. It didn't work, the first time they started picking on a weaker child I jumped in and started swinging. I didn't know at that time but my blows were magically enhanced.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgvKOFTZWm
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My best friend was a kid we called “Sneaker” he could fit in the tiniest places. He was just small. Next was Bean he was a skinny kid and Lump, well he was fat and it wasn't from eating to much. Most street kids rarely had more than a meal a day and often not even that. Lastly was our tomboy Mira a red haired freckled face waif who wasn't afraid of any thing She tried her best to hide the point to her ears.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPyCBWCt5PQ
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Although we were not supposed to tell about it, The thieves guild was three houses down from the Wizards Keep. I guess you can say I was being hid right under John Mare's nose in the capital city, Dulci. They called me Rapper be cause I busted heads of Bullies.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfeNZUkJ3H
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The thieves I guess you could say adopted us... it wasn't long till we were all quite adept at snitching purses as well as other things. Sneaker became a 'caser' He and Bean made a team. Bean would lift Sneaker up to a window, that I had checked for wards, I was able to read magic. I didn't yet know how to bypass the wards as yet but my wizard training would soon teach me that..763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdlVWxUzvq
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Sneaker would case the place while Mira would watch the front and Lump and I would watch the sides. Afterwards Sneaker would give the info to a Housebreaker and after the job was done he would give us a share.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOfv551MOj
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By the time I turned twelve I was learning how to fight hand to hand and with clubs and night sticks. I quickly learned that although the night stick was good … there seemed to be something missing. I bored a hole in the handle and threaded a leather strap through it and then placed the strap around my wrist. With a flick of the wrist I would add eighteen inches to my reach. Thugs were quite surprised when they were expecting the nightstick toward the head but instead it hit in the groin.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtwurxzY68
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Sneaker had remained small, Bean had grown taller, Lump was no longer fat he had turned to muscle.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibcIhzgrIn
Mira was beginning to look like a girl, but you better not get caught starring at her charms. And me I was 5'10'' and about 180# it too was muscle.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbjPSipiph
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Tommy the Rat was a guild master he had asked our group to join up but we said no and that we would help when needed but to us it was just fun.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRd5vTlSN4
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Since The Elder insisted I learn reading and writing as well as the spell books it was decided that my friends be taught as well. We were able to earn extra money as messengers.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eTm5SmEX0
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One day while I was training at the Keep the elder sent me on an errand to the spice shop for cinnamon. It was an excuse to get me clear for awhile and I knew it. I hid out and watched, about an hour later four Horsemen stopped at the keep. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcxSsLMl6Y
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I had Sneaker hide out close so he could listen and report.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2Ea4DxxvF
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“The elder opened the door and ask the Horsemen if he could be of any help.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNb1KzoKWI
The leader of the four asked if there had been a maid die from the Ague recently... The Elder replied that was the truth. He asked if she had a boy with her. Elder said no and that the only boy at the keep was his apprentice. The Horseman demanded to see this apprentice and was told he was away on an errand and was not expected back for hours.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIp7rkN4kt
For some reason this upset the horseman and he drew his sword. “The elder waved his fingers and chanted. The Horseman and his companions repeated after the Elder. The boy is not here and never has been,” they got on their horses and rode away.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrox63hzF4
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Sneaker asked, “Whats going on Rapper?”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4qtOdzCI4
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I smiled and shrugged my shoulders.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPZepx4MhT
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Chapter 2763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTh1r6w1JDz
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As I grew older my second sight or intuition seemed to be stronger. It seemed that I could fathom what people were thinking. Especially if it pertained to me.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFYdGSMx5J
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I liked to eat lunch at the Sleeping Lion. Momma Mavis was the cook, she called us ruffians but our bowls always seemed to be filled higher than the regular customers. Today I was dipping into the lamb stew, it needed a bit of salt. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sTj8DxxNK
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I looked and the salt was at the other end of the table, I put out my hand thinking of my need for salt. I tried to get some ones attention but there was an argument in progress and everything else was being ignored. I was getting exasperated and thinking harder about my need for salt when...Whap! the salt bowl slapped the palm of my hand. My mouth fell open and I looked around but no one seemed to notice. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0pbEY5Nvk
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I was puzzled as well as surprised, I had a class with the Elder Wizard after lunch I would ask him. That decided I went back to eating and joking with Mira and put it right out of my mind.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmx4DXsyokU
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The Elder gave me a spell book and a book with blank pages and had me copy from one to the other. He kept telling me that because of who my parents were I was going to be a Mage. As usual I laughed. Then I reached for the inkwell and it landed in my hand.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5EyAXdZqy
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Elder gasped and pointed at the inkwell, “Did you just call that inkwell with your mind?”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGfb61JATG
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I looked frightened but answered truthfully, “Yes.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IgeSJqmxi
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“What else can you do that you haven't told me.” The Elder was glad that he had released my friends from this part of the class. This needed to be kept quiet for a while.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPzGKeAOij
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So I told him about the voices in my head but they were hard to understand because there were so many. Also guard Logan was picking on Mira. So I had used my mind to Pinch Momma Mavis's fat bottom. She turned around and dumped the Water pitcher she was holding on his head. He ran out of the Inn with Momma in Pursuit.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwMp7rcI8J
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Elder had a big laugh about that and said, “ Your training will change starting tomorrow I will try to teach you how to control the voices as well as other things. Be careful and not use your mind powers so someone might see. The King, he sneeringly replied is suspicious enough as it is, And for the Gods sake keep that Medallion hidden.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxbntnyyxN7
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Chapter 3763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzu89i9JGW
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Acting King, or rather The Regent, John Mare De Louis, was pacing back and forth in the throne room. Speaking to his Chamberlain. “We have to find that kid without that medallion the Cardinal will not crown me King.I am a farce now. Even the peasants are laughing behind my back.” 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTbwoNXnip
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The third man in the throne room stood out of the shadows, Master Assassin Haver Was so non nondescript that he could blend in with any crowd. “I have told you give me a free hand and the guild will find him and retrieve the medallion, 100 Gold pieces. Just say the word.''763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKsTGnN2Tc
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“I am not ready for the Chaos you would cause to the country. Besides the Elves of Bramble Wood is just looking for an excuse to start a war. Right now it is a war we could not possibility win. But if I have the Medallion that would be proof that Prince Rafter De Louis was dead. The Cardinal would have no choice but to crown me King. John Mare ended the meeting by saying he was hungry and pulled the bell cord to summoned a page.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbyEjS3Tgr
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Haver was disgusted with the Regent not allowing him to put a deadly search together. He was sure he could get results and he probably only have to kill eight or nine people to get those results. He decided he would still keep his eyes open.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZlfMWi6q3
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The Chamberlain was opposed to the Regent but since he enjoyed living he chose not to speak of his opposition of the Regent. That didn't mean he had to help him either. He looked back before leaving the Throne room in time to see the Regent slap the page for some minor infraction. He hated cruelty.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1KMTBoT1i
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Rapper was relaxing in the Market square. He leaned against a post on the fringe of the square he had spent a silver at the sausage stand. The rest of his friends had tasks to complete. Rapper was glad he didn't have any tasks today. He watched the Nobles and Merchants and tapped in to the workings of their minds. He was still struggling to separate the different thoughts it was like trying to understand a maelstrom.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOEZ4kJo4A
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Then he felt a clear thought blasting at him.”I will find him then I will charge the Regent a fortune... he has to be here some where. “763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp51Ji3ONXQ
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Rapper was startled, he scanned the crowd but was unable to discern who the thinker might happen to be. No Luck, Rapper edged back and behind the vendors carts. He observed the square and tried to pick out the person with the errant thoughts but no luck. He hung out till almost dark before sticking to the shadows he made his way to the Keep. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzpU4eOJCi
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The Elder was waiting for him...Rapper told him everything and how the voice had entered his mind with out him seeking. They talked and laid some guide lines for his attempts to hone his skills. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyDGPQCLUS
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They were up till the wee hours and the candle was almost gone.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIOUYFX9pC
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I was rudely awaken by the slamming of the door to my room. I raised my head expecting the Elder. Instead there was Apprentice Mage Arture. “Whats the matter Arture ? Are you crying? “763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ769bNJALIX
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“It's Bean he's been taken by the City Guards.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8h6dQbf1P6
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“Why?” 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEew5fio2O
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“He was standing outside a Nobleman's window. “763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzMtlVQ3yu
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I rushed out on the street and found Lump with tears in his eyes, “It was my fault I was on watch. Last night I ate sumpin' that messed up my tummy. It hit me hard and I had to run to an outhouse. By the time I got back... they had him.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2U4oXUUFeF
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“Which Nobleman.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7WheUury1p
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“Nobleman Frane, you know next to Noble Pritcher.''763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQwtAYTrB3
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“Pritcher isn't that where Maggie works in the Kitchen...?” Maggie was one of our friends and she slips us goodies from the kitchen on occasion. Noble Pritcher knew about it but turned a blind eye. We classed him as a good Noble.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwANKUvZlE
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We went around to Noble Pritcher's kitchen an called to Maggie. We told her what had happened and she just smiled and said she knew what to do. Maggie was 16 and what we called a looker. She spoke to the cook then filled a basket with rolls and bread. When she came outside she told me to go with her 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlITOIT3rn
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She told me not to talk unless she nodded. She stopped at the Guardroom and knocked on the door. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMBhbKL6UX
A guard opened and said, “What'cha want?”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQdY3LSyKD
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Maggie smiled, “I was told one of your Guards took my delivery boy Silas”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37cAvW2hYb
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The guard Captain stepped up and asked, “Well if he is your delivery boy why was he outside Noble Frane's house?”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjTur6ozNU
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“First time he has been there he just got the houses mixed up.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrPMgBhQIS
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The guard Capt. Said, “Well just who was he delivering too.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwozu9qH8Cw
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Maggie looked at me and nodded. I smiled and spoke up, “He was to deliver them to me for the Wizards Keep, I am an Apprentice there they call me RD and I am sure the Elder is getting upset waiting on his bread.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseBnQ0ENm9
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The Capt. Told the jailer to release Bean. When they brought him in the Capt admonished him and reminded him to be more careful from now on.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfKfLrh0iZ
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We all kept a straight face till we were well away from the guard room then we let out a sigh of relief. Maggie handed the basket to Bean and directed him to deliver it to the keep kitchen just in case the Guard Capt. Did a follow up.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJJdSBXMSJ
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Off sped Bean with the bread and we thanked Maggie profusely then I went to check on Sneaker.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wqNTzHvJG
Sneaker and Lump was standing with Mira on the street corner. I asked Sneaker, “Who were you doing the casing job for?”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUYaX6sVM0
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Sneaker replied, “ Gomer''763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QH6fliJU3
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“When you give him your report tell him that he should put off the job for at least two weeks. The guards are going to be watching the house just in case.” I pretended I over heard the Capt. Telling this to the guards. Really I had a moment of clarity and was able to pull this from his mind. He really wasn't sure we were telling the truth. The Cook, May, told me later the Guard had been around checking to see if the bread had been delivered.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQ9Pjr2xLJ
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May told him. “Yes are you hinting for a piece.” The guard stammered and thanked her when she cut him off a piece of bread and slathered a mess of cheese on it . 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1WxMTennO
Chapter 4763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MpkIueMMk
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I was getting better at grasping one voice and clearing the rest of random chatter, The major problem was I still could not discern which mind was sending the thread. Then one day it was like a vision... I could see out of someone elses eyes and I had a clear path to his thoughts . I was still surprised when he grabbed a lady and drug her down an alley and began ripping her clothes off. When he pulled down her bodice and her white breast popped out I almost stumbled.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5zM0couqt
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I ran to the alley while slipping my hand through the leather strap attached to the night stick. I turned into the alley as he was lifting her skirts, I could see her milky white thighs. I flicked out the night stick and it flashed out and made contact to his shoulder. He grunted and turned toward me, I noticed his size, he was a good ten inches taller than I was and he held a large knife in his hand.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGv1DzfFAH
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I flicked the nightstick again the handle appeared to be headed for his face he put up his knife hand. The handle reached the length of the strap, the handle came to a stop. Inertia caused a pendulum effect and the end of the nightstick was on a collision course with his manhood which was in view. He was ready to take advantage of the lady. Then contact was made he screamed and went down. I rapped him across the back of the head and he went down and out.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYU8wrg3IF
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1ccT1eZpn
The lady hadn't seen any thing her dress was still over her head. Momentarily I admired her wares, the first I had ever seen, oh well. I helped her up and directed her back to the square and told her to scream for a guard. While she followed my direction I slipped into the crowd and vanished.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsas6mDYVT
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5b63XniOhk
The next day it was all over the square about the gallant rescuer of a Noble Lady that was almost raped.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTTDOYyk6s
The rapist had been captured but the gallant rescuer had disappeared. The Noble Lady's Father had offered a reward. Many attempts were made to collect it but none had the real story. I had kissed her inner thigh almost to the VEE before helping her up.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzXLjoKfcu
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWFpCx3bxO
I often followed her when she came to the Market, but she never knew. I often thought of the musky smell I had been near and how I was drawn … I knew I had no chance with her not only was she of Noble birth but she was at least eight years my senior.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBKOhNld9d
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWrnu8uqBM
I began watching Mira more often and noticed the small protrusions on her chest. One day our group was outside the gate and romping through the woods and I fell in to the river. It was in a small cove where the water ran slow as to be gentle. To be truthful it was our swimming hole and we would have ended up there sooner or later. The next thing I knew the rest of them were in the water also. We played for hours then crawled out to enjoy the afternoon sun. Without thinking we all stripped off our shirts and laid them out to dry.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuXieUCjmH
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gEe8BNyVa
We were all laughing and joking till Mira raised back up from spreading her shirt as she set back she put her hands behind her and stretched with her eyes closed. Suddenly everyone went quite her breast with nipples the size of the 1st joint of a pinkie finger was standing proudly. None of us, except me, had ever seen a bare chested girl before.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZLBEcoG02
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6C2oU8TTtY
Mira noticed the silence and opened her eyes and saw every one looking at her she said, “What?”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBy0mX0E4P
She looked at each one of us the others were to enraptured to say anything. She looked at me, I nodded my head and stared at her nipples again. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2J3oWtLIKh
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeksNwrQkV
She looked down at her chest and her face turned Red and she put her arm across her chest and grabbed her shirt, turned her back and put her shirt back on. Sneaker couldn't leave it alone and asked, “Where did you get those, they sure are pretty.” We all nodded.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOdckELe8w
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1P7TgGOuRb
Mira jumped up and ran back to the City gate. Before following I had to explain all I knew about the birds and the bees. By the time we reached the gate they knew as much as me... which was almost nothing.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFW5Q1yXdU
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Chapter 5763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4Z7j1kykB
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The years flew by and we grew up, Sneaker was still under 5' and could still get into small places. Bean was close to 6'5'' and still skinny but still quite strong. Lump was 6'2'' and weighed 220 all solid muscle. Mira was a vision her bosom was the size of small grapefruits. Her red hair appeared to be flames while her freckles were just enticing, this delectable package was on a 5'3'' frame. Her ears .had become more noticeable and cause many fights. I had grown a little as well I was 6' even and weighed 220 and no fat. I was 17.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ODq6cayq2
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rBPvnL9gL
John Mare De Louis had become a fat slob and his rule was becoming heavy handed on the people of the realm.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBo6MCzEvr
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0f2UYEwu2w
One day the Elder called me to his office and said, “The time has come the people are repressed and have been taxed till they can hardly buy food. The City Guards favor the masses but the palace guards seems to lean toward brutality.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hsfDbYiXa
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxn5bgAvUa
After listening to the Elder I began to plan. The first thing was a whisper campaign I had my core group start the rumors.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1dnZv3RIo
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqzJdkfJyo
“Have you heard, the real king has come of age, and he is not pleased with his Uncle. He is raising an army to reclaim his throne.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcj76pCNZID
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kYNjiYej2
There were a large number of break-ins at Nobles and Merchants homes. It seemed odd that it was only the supporters of the Regent who were hit the hardest. A little Redheaded Elf paid a visit to the Bramble Wood elves. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uWQK1ZkM0
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdwK11KMFm
A caravan consisting of two wagons pulled by huge draft horses. Wagon one was occupied by the Red headed Elf. The second by the Wizard Elder. The rest of us walked it took us a week to reach the border between Dulciana and Bramble Wood. There we stopped and set up camp. We made no overt moves in fact other than a night stick (mine) and a Staff (Elders) we carried no weapons. We all were a little uncomfortable in the fancy clothes the Elder had supplied. That is all but Mira she reveled in the finery she was dressed in today. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThdIjmm30n
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3o3D6EsJRB
Each day as we made this trek that begun with six people. Each day others joined us, by the time we reached the border we were Two hundred fifty strong with more arriving daily. The Elder used his Magic only to provide food for the masses.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjC9siDv6j8
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yfkujDdUt
We waited at the border for four days. On the morning of the fifth day three Elves appeared in front of Mira's tent. Mira invited them into her tent and sent word to the Elder and I to join her. I entered the tent and stood behind Mira. While awaiting the Elder I observed the Elven party. Each was blond with hair to the shoulders, their noses were almost pointed. The stand out feature was their eyes, they seem to penetrate deeply into the soul of the person before them. All three of them were locked onto Mira not even acknowledging that I was even there.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURqfQos847
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWT37juT0G
They remained so until the Elder entered. He they acknowledged and slightly bowed. The Elder nodded and moved behind Mira next to me.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmedFGc8Z1
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0zNyBxXF5
Mira spoke, “The rightful King of Dulciana has come of age and seeks an alliance to over throw the Usurper John Mare De Louis. I am Admira cousin to king Felies ruler of Bramble Wood. I by my own choice have lived in Dulciana to keep the peace between the two lands.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyMrpMA2aXM
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdA4LxWOKKz
“ The time has come to declare your recognition of the True King of Dulciana and to bring out the treaty of Bayer Bridge which our two countries vowed to support each other.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDCGUR4Afq
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFc7jibNCi
The Three Elves, none looking to be over twenty, huddled together. Then one stepped forward, “I am Admiran brother of Admira and Cousin to King Felis. To my right is Sir Slender Shoot in Command of the Palace Guards. To my left, Prince Felieson, Crown Prince of Bramble Wood. Heed my words we have reluctantly kept our side ot the treaty of Bayer Bridge. All though it has been trying, John Mare has continued to raise tariffs for the goods we have imported to Dulciana. It has been almost useless to trade with them.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoNTX9uu3b
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YTYbDYjVF
Mira looked at me. I nodded, She stated, This will be evaluated and an agreed on tariff will be set for each lands imports.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOOVBNNPb6
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Admiran continued, “How do we know the rightful King is prepared to agree and that he is ready.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ077TuJQnqC
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaZFvXKeC4
“Take our delegation before the King and all will be made clear.” 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RPntjA0p9
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The Elves again huddled together, Admiran stepped forward, “ You will have our answer before the third Sun sets.” They turned and left the tent an the camp.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRoIxbJnjam
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaURKhvLnU
“Well what do you think, I said as I paced inside the tent.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57ncbXQDEa
The Elder as usual played his cards close to his chest and Mira said “I guess we will have to wait and see.” *******763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2cWS9zszG
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzvaO7jFmO
The Elf delegation wasted no time before they were in the presence of King Felies. They bowed to the King but he waved it way … “Yes, Yes, what did they say ?”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Qmo8GvDvW
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5PnRl4bAX
Prince Felieson acted as their spokesman, “Father they said that if they were brought before you, all would be made clear. I think the young man is the rightful King. Our cousin Admira is to confidant for that not to be the case.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tVRzcLjZj
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtifYZ1TYU7
King Felies asked them if they were aware of why Admira was raised in Dulciana. They all nodded “NO.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdaEyhGpEk
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Chapter 6763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPAwgYRV3u
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The “Treaty of Bayer Bridge”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0OHlCPu4v
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King Felies leaned back from the table and looked steadily at King Duval De Louis the ruler of Dulciana. They had been discussing the terms of the treaty which would make their friendship official. The final codicil of the treaty would be the eventual joining of the two family's. King Duval had a new born Grandson. King Felies had a female cousin In the direct line the two were bound to each other. She and her Mother would live in Dulciana and be raised with the Crown Prince's son. When he came of age they would be married.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Xaou0caji
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXBsKsAL1l
Two years later King Duval and his son were dead...and the grandson was missing. King Felies did the best he could with the Treaty. He was still hoping the rightful ruler was still alive. And Now....763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2x8qbqIupX
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkbXMh9mgc
King Felies told his son, “Yes bring them before me.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQL9Rg4fcXo
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*****763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQ51xhsEe6
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Mira had been aware of Rafe's identity for years. Once when they were swimming in the river she had seen the Medallion and recognized the Dragon of gold with green eyes. She kept her silence, she was aware of the Treaty and that she was promised to Rafe. She had always known …763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq8Y2iLKilH
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She looked toward Rafe and smiled ….763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8Wk5DOZWs
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There was a loud noise out side of the tent and people yelling a head was shoved into the tent and an Elf yelled, “Quickly you have to get across the Bridge. Dulciana's Army is on the march.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIzucTx9Le
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQKTYkbSzK
We all rushed across the bridge only to be swallowed up by the Elven Army. A squad of them took down the tents and hitched the wagons and brought it all across the bridge. Then the Elven Army lined their side of the border. At the Bridge itself was a group of Elven Mages Led by the wizard Elder.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVaPrrZoSl
An Elf walked to the center of the Bridge with a paint brush and bucket of paint, He drew a line three inches wide and wrote Dulciana on their side of the line and Bramble Wood on the other.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcBVo9EzME
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf43B02oGgD
In less than an hour the Dulciana Army came into view. Nearer and nearer they came till they were at the bridge. The Baron who was leading the Army walked to the center of the bridge and was close to stepping over the line when the elves on the bridge lowered there Lances toward the Baron's chest. He stopped and backed up. Only then did he notice the freshly painted border. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwCnOy8gVi
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtZrHBnfOf
The Elven Commander asked the Baron, “What business do you have in Bramble Wood.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSQPHQfr7h
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqDhOLVU7S
The Baron stated, “I have been dispatched to arrest a traitor.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWgGuM9gYV
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3I6HLaGQv
“And just who is this traitor and what did he do?”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRYGapdWS6
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“ I am not sure of his actual ID but he is one of four street kids, and as to what he actually did I don't know. What I do know is he is wanted by the King John Mare De Louis.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9U9PGLKnRy
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHWDK9ecRY
The Commander smiled, “As you can see we have near 300 refugees and at least 50 of them fits that category. But first King Felies has informed me he does not Recognize anyone named John Mare De Louis as any thing... except as a criminal.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprDJSDW53d
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡboMhmhxkTH
“I advise you to turn this ragtag bunch around before My archers lose their strength and loose the 100 arrows that are aimed at you and yours.” “ On the Count of ten My Lancers are going to clear this Bridge.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVHkp2aovX
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkgmJjv0kN
The Baron began to back away from the bridge and set up camp. He set up a bridge watch at the Dulciana bridge end. The Elves did the same at their end. Traffic was not stopped on the Bridge but was closely scrutinized.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡix86oWaRg5
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A messenger was received at Mira's tent and she was informed that King Felies was ready to receive them.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMYbt1me8Z
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A few hours later they were ushered in to King Felies's presence. King Felies asked for introductions.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnUuMhKZVN
Mira stated, “I you know but I am Admira Cousin to you King Felies and promised to Rafter De Louis.” 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYs3TjBxzRp
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqkSBblitU
Rafe's mouth dropped wide open not in disappointment, just surprise.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYA3gWFTC9
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3u22Z5bn1V
Mira continued, “You also know the Wizard Elder, The rather small gent is Lonnie Better known as Sneaker. Next to hin is Silas Better known as Bean, Next to him is Tom also known as Lump. Last but not least is Rafter De Louis, known as The Rapper or Rafe or just RD. The rightful King of Dulciana.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2W58gmWtzi
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jBYmCLCwA
All of his friends were mouth agape never suspecting their friend was a Royal. King Felies says, Lets see proof.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3q1qpbhAp
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBfopXtWGX
Rafe stepped forward and reached inside his Tunic and removed the medallion...The green eyes of the gold dragon transfixed all who saw it. All of Rafe's friends dropped to their knees and bowed before him. He told them to stop bowing it made him uncomfortable.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhagNYTPGjj
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyGJGqYsdoJ
“ I was raised by The Elder and by Mamma Ceil, My mother was Rebecca and my Father was Crown Prince Duvalson, Son of King Duval De Louis. Both were killed by Assassin Haver by order of John Mare De Louis.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJZLTKbV8u
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhGrgsj4bj
Word has been sent to the Cardinal that I have come of age.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheDvVrZsh0
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“I accept the betrothal of Admira, I looked at Mira and she was blushing and smiling, Wedding to take place after I am crowned.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRolLe8kJC
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJ4uXXeCaM
I turned back to King Felies and asked, “Sire what say yee?”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXKdCtvlt6
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNraSSvaS5
He looked to the Elder, “Elder what is your story?” ********763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhjopZIxbx
Chapter 7763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZznmgzFNwD
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Elder's Story763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGig23PTx88
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“ I will first tell Mama Ceil”s story. I was folding clothes in a tent out side the village of Collie while my charge Rafter De Louis played on the floor. My mistress Princess Rebecca rushed in and told me John Mare's men were searching every tent. She said I was to take Rafter to the elder. She removed the medallion from her neck and placed it on Rafter's neck and told him never ever lose it ..He was three.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYU8cRaywy0
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnipFLbT8Un
“He and I crawled through a tear in the rear of the tent. We slid out and down to the river which was near. I waded out in the river and holding Rafter I turned on my back with Rafter between my breast we floated down the river.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jAy0PQn4i
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZmFPZgMr9
“We neared the Bayer Bridge, I directed us to the Dulciana bank. We followed the roadway although we stayed in the forest. There were merchants traveling along the road which allowed me to snitch enough food to keep us going. It took us almost two weeks to make our way to the Elder's Keep. We arrived near the hour of noon but waited till almost dusk before knocking and asking for the Elder.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08tMzeySMF
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGCtphxvId
Elder 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd83YfyowQn
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“ I was enjoying a glass of ale when I heard a pounding on the door of the keep I was alone my compatriots were all on errands. There was not many of us to begin with. I am Mage Sabron but called Elder. Also abiding in the Keep was Mage Aquinas, Mage Arture, Arture's apprentice Jody and their cook/maid, May.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZP1yj4xw4
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMixmachCu
I went to the door and opened it to find a woman and a babe, they both were filthy. “Yes can I help you.” The woman spoke.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQLuqP5uEZ
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy3lqCr4aq
“My Mistress Rebecca said that the time would come and we was to come to the Keep and here we are.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKA09d7AZj
I said , “Well yes you are but who are you and time for what.” 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmuQ7voVZf
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDL83l9aekF
The Woman's face turned red and she stammered and stuttered and then said, “Oh I forgot Rafe show him the medallion”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3r2kF9wgs
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQH7KEGQKdY
The boy pulled out the medallion, I got flustered and told him to put it away and pushed them into the keep. I made him a leather bag to put the medallion in it had a drawstring so it kept the medallion covered. Mama Ceil helped May in the kitchen until she came down with the Ague and died I think the boy was about eight. By that time he was already the protector of the weak. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKQ5pNqAYa
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaSZjc2MaO
“I knew he had a magic background so I began to train him. To insure he learned everything I also recruited all his friends so they also have been schooled except in magic. I did not try to influence them but allowed them to view the world and to make up their on minds. I am proud to say the weak and downtrodden have always been taken care of by these few. They also learned from the street and learned to bypass the cruel. “763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanbFiYCDLT
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“One other thing Look at him closely. Now the picture that was painted at the signing of the Bayer Bridge. Look close at his Grandfather.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnIzZR5h2z
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzizZJShtrL
Every one turned to the picture hanging on the wall. It looked like an older Rafe. The elder said, That is all I have to say.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeu6vGaiiTV
763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4yeOYqqen
King Felies thought about all that he had been told and all he had seen. He remembered his friends voice and was surprised to hear that voice coming out of this young man. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsffjg2o54N
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The King rang for a page and told him make ready rooms for my party. I stopped him and told him that we have over 250 followers at the River I will stay with them, my friends nodded that they agreed.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGdwXPSbAR
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We departed for the camp. As soon as we arrived the Baron was asking to speak with me. I met him at the center of the bridge.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDCF3zwdIX
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“Might I see the Medallion.” I removed it from my tunic. He stared at it. “I must do some thinking I was sure you were dead and with that thought in mind to try and protect my people. He asked and I gave my oath. Now I know not what to do.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLizBuLo5y
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I looked deep into his heart and said, “I am sure the right decision will be made. In fact I would bet there will be a lot of soul searching going on.” 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uZpPlQgGn
I heard a noise and looked over my shoulder to see a contingent of the Elven Army began lining the River. Their Commander walked onto the bridge and Handed the Baron a scroll. He opened it and read aloud. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9ePWKkoJw
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To John Mare De Louis, “We the kingdom of Bramble Wood do here by recognize the rightful King of Dulciana ' Rafter De Louis'.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaq3QSvFIP
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In so doing I King Felies place the Army of Bramble Wood as his to Command.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaIsqCSGWJ
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The is a formal Declaration of War, Not with Dulciana but with the armies of the Usurper John Mare De Louis. You are here by given Five Days to answer .763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2l9jH83c0
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Signed: King Felies 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhWI2seYWF
Ruler of the Kingdom of Elves Known as Bramble Wood 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8k6xUA5k4E
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The Baron ordered his men to fall in... and departed at once... The Baron called his fastest runner and gave him the scroll to deliver to the Regent.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICqDZDx6Vt
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Upon reaching the crossroad, straight was to Dulci, right was to his Land Holdings. Baron Phelps hesitated then called a halt. He called all his Officers to a meeting.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHA7KyIFDis
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He looked to each one, some had been with him for years and some just a short time. “Our long lost King Rafter De Louis has come of age and is demanding his rightful place, to the dismay of the regent. A few years ago I gave an oath to the Regent.” He noticed some shuffling and whispering among them. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJyCtYrhZF
“Twenty years ago I also gave my Oath to defend the Crown. Since the Crown belongs with Rafter De Louis and not the Regent that is the oath I must honor.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCFjptNAIh
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“Any of you who wish to be absolved from your oath to me and wish to follow the Regent is free to do so. But first I wish you to speak these words to your men. I leave for my home in one hour. All who wish to honor their oaths can follow. All who wish to follow the Regent may depart with honor.” 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeR39DDjwW
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The Baron's Page lay a cloak in the shade of a mighty Oak. The Baron sat and leaned back and closed his eyes. From the noises he was hearing there must be quite a discussion going on. After a few minutes … nothing but silence. He nodded off to sleep.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWjShNvMDT
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Until his page gently shook him, “Baron the hour has past.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1cIbKJSL41
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The Baron opened his eyes to see all his troops lined up and prepared to move out on the path to the right. He stood walked to his horse and said, “Very Well Mount UP.” He tried to hide his emotion as he brushed a wayward tear from his eye.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03IfI6Tqn2
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“Messenger, take this Message to King in Waiting Rafter De Louis. We the men of Baron Phelps Stand to your right.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2c7O1YDsqa
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Even before the Baron could reach his estate the power of gossip had raised its ugly head. It had been shouted throughout the lands that Baron Phelps Favored the King in Waiting. As he rode into the grounds of the Estate there were messengers from his fellow Nobles wishing to confirm his decision. Some were condemning him but most were aligning with him and offering their help.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHN2Etrsv0
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I stepped out of the tent to a blast of noise . I was almost stunned, overnight the supporters had increased to over a thousand men and women. There was also a line of messengers awaiting his attention. One by one he read the messages. The list of support by the Nobles was staggering. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Baron Phelps had been the first to issue his support. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJa3R4oh6G
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I sent message to them all accepting their support and asking them to Join me for a meeting and to bring their second in command as well. The Elves set up tents and supplied food stuffs. We searched through our people and was soon able to fill the tents with cooks and kitchen help.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaATyZlEH0K
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Bean and Sneaker began interviewing our masses. It took over two weeks to establish what each was good at. The first and most important was Scouts and Runners. It was a welcome to know we had a core group to train others. They consisted of twelve lancers and eight archers all thanks to the City Guard. They were led by the Captain of the Guard I smiled when I learned they had brought the entire armory of the City Guards. I had the Captain set up companies and squads and begin training. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYUJ7sLKHr
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It wasn't long till the ladies were making vests with a Green Eyed Gold Dragon in the center on a field of blue. I was even more surprised when a spar was erected and a silk flag of Blue with the same Dragon represented. I never knew where the material came from.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaJ7epeOyE
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I was most surprised by the lack of response from John Mare. I had sent scouts into Dulci and awaited their return. Days later I had my answer. There was desention in the ranks and mass desertions. It was said he was hanging his own men. I guess you could say there was a trust issue.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05BUvvCDCN
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According to the Scouts What was left were mercenary s and men who were just there for the money with no real desire for the sake of the Kingdom.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3daADWwMA0
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Chapter 8763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWlbwHkYWn
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So this is war.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMu2B0tMEl
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With the support of the Nobles and the peoples of the land we had an Army of about 10,000 strong. We knew we would be facing about 30,000 all better armed.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUzGj4W2qI8
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Lump surprised us all, he had a real gift of strategy. He told me we were missing and important item... Supply lines. Which were open to Dulci from the South. I assigned him a troop of fifty mounted men and named them Tom's Raiders. They traversed the miles to Dulcianas Southern border. They carried few supplies, which meant either make successful raids, live off the land or starve.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLonKVL5Ak
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Tom's Raiders763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmJ5dKS1rJ
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Lump, Tom, Lead his Raiders south never coming in sight of any road except when it was necessary to cross one. They scouted the roads entering Dulciana from Langdom to the south and to Arrington to the East. Their fourth day they heard the squeaking of the axles of a heavily loaded wagon. As the wagon with five outriders entered the clearing which was ringed by the raiders. When they were completely inside the clearing, including the 4 outriders at the rear..763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1QYgbQSYU
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The archers stepped out of the bushes with their Bows fully drawn. Lump spoke, “ Well gentlemen please lay down your weapons and step away from them. You two on the wagon get down. Please lay face down on the ground with arms and legs spread.” 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIsp6Nc7frv
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Each were checked over and knives and night sticks removed from their person. Their hands and feet were bound. Lump placed two men in the wagon and started it onto Bramble Wood Border.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWolVt6Esoy
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“I am sure it will not take you long to free your self. I suggest you turn back to Langdom and not return. If you had put up a fight all of you would now be dead and we would have all regretted it. But none more than you.” 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKrTPZKSqX
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Lump had given orders for the wagon to move as fast as it comfortably could toward the rest of the army. They were also prepared to ride like the dickens at the crossroads to Dulci. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuumrWZ08D
He was not aware that there was a squad on watch near the cross road Which escorted them the rest of the way.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClRBYBpAZN
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Each day they would watch an incoming road and were averaging at least I shipment a week.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVwk7WMzJ3
Dulciana sent out troops to try to protect the incoming supplies. The raiders ambushed them and wiped them out to a man.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ckcGiP4An
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After a month the Dulciana Army began to move. We nipped at their heels and ran away. When they chased us we would ambush them. Their losses was about 10 to 1 of ours. Theirs was an Army while ours was a bunch of skirmishers or back alley fighters... We didn't fight fair.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzMmY0fG3X
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John Mare brought in Mages from Drummond which was to the North west We wondered what he was promising them. The Elder had warded our raiders against magic. We attacked their rear with arrows then rode away. The Mages were frustrated when their spells returned toward them and they had to go on defense against their own spells. We found out later that John Mare had not told them anything about the Elder supporting us and he knew nothing about me, and that I too knew magic.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoB5XM7USe
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With out informing most of my officers or King Felies I left camp with four scouts and Mage Arture. Our plan was to sneak as close as we could to Baron Ronin's HQ tent. Baron Ronin had designated himself as General Ronin.His only thing that qualifed him to be a General was... he was the richest Noble in the Kingdom. Also the most arrogant and the least knowledgeable of how to run an army.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcSqhS5wsw
His officers were getting very frustrated.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQa3NTVn8yr
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I cast my mind into the tent. As usual there was an argument going on. Captain Cross of the Palace guards and Major Nells of the Dulciana Army were already at their wits end. It was impossible to get through to General Ronin that you could not attack some one who was already gone. The General decided they would leave a squad of Calvary behind. Then when the Raiders slipped in behind they could attack and wipe them out.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aRRfjZ4R3
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When we arrived back at the Camp, we made our own plans. Rather than attacking the rear we honed in on the right flank. We held back a reserve and when his trailing Calvary came around to attack our raiders they were met with our reserves and a hail of arrows. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPyHvn4EMH
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To embarrass them more Sneaker slipped in and stole the Dulciana Flag. We hoisted it up the spar where our Dragon flag flew. It was flown second to our Dragon.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58ACCnINvh
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It would have been simple to take out General Ronin. But he was their worst enemy so we left him alone.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XIgORYoxB
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King Felies was very incensed when he discovered my scouting foray. “What in the world did you mean by leading that scouting party? Kings don't lead raids they direct from the back ground.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhslYbCAjr
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I looked at him and smiled, “ As yet I am not a King, and I do not follow...I lead... by example.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3bmOcPSsa
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I talked with Mira and Sneaker, Mira had an idea to scare the hell out of Dulciana troops. For three days one tent was a beehive of activity and only a certain few were allowed in. Late on the third day Mira walked out of the tent and nodded to me. Three of the smaller scouts who were experts in stealth and Sneaker all entered that tent... nothing else happened. Soon it was forgotten. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFFhQ3qGnK
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The camp of Baron Ronin began to stir....Then it turned into a male storm... Each was holding and looking at a small piece of parchment. Baron walked out of his tent also holding a piece of parchment , demanding to know who was responsible for the parchment.... 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84ah4HH7zW
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He looked back down at his which was on a piece of rawhide and was around his neck. The parchment had a drawing of a dagger and the words you could be dead ...next time for real. He started screaming where are the guards... they were found with their throats cut and a piece of parchment held to their chest by a dagger.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmccupwcB0
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For the next week there were desertions and some worn out soldiers that appeared to have not slept for awhile. Every night someone was killed in their sleep and Baron Ronin collected another piece of parchment.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmm9s9DEbeU
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Before the last part of the plan could be put into play Assassin Haver had his try. I began getting reports of a black clad figure fliting in and out of tents around camp... In some cases there was a body to go along with the report. Elder immediately said an assassin I added Haver.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWV0muDgIq4
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I begin to browse with my mind...near evening time I started to pick up traces of Haver. I turned in about 11 pm. At about 2 am I said, “ NOW ! “763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIc0csxqZkS
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Sneaker removed the cover from a lamp and light blazed into the unsuspecting eyes of Haver. Elder stepped into the tent and enwraped Haver in magical restraints. Haver tried to turn his head towards me and spit. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVhzvjkhLN
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I was expecting something of the sort and sent a magical force into his face which cause him to swallow what he tried to spit at me. He began to gasp and his face began to have a bluish tint and he crumpled. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3bZnmHkCG
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Elder checked him over and said he was dead. He and I using our magic and not touching the body carried the body to a cairn outside of camp which we had prepared earlier in the day. We placed the body on the cairn and set the pyre alight. First we warned everyone in camp to stay away and especially not to breathe the smoke.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz705QDavnk
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Chapter Nine763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0crPqVVf7
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The two army's had been camped close for weeks each trying to be an irritant to the other. It was almost a war of attrition. But we had plans, and I assume they did too. We just had to be first.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoSyoFsTmwA
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On the first day of Winters Chill... Baron Ronin awoke to silence, he dressed and threw back the tent flaps To find himself facing Sil Slender Shoot and Silas Bean. It was almost amazing when the soft spoken Bean unleashed his true vocalizations of his stately rich baritone voice.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzZXZZqaMj
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“General Ronin You are surrounded by the forces of free Dulci and the army of Bramble Woods.. For your treasonous acts you are hereby stripped of all land and titles and exiled with only the clothes on your back. Or you will be put to death by hanging...I almost forgot if you accept option one...and ever decide to return. Option two is automatically enforced. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIm4AiDEpZr
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Ex Baron Ronin was escorted by Tom's raiders to the border of Langdom. He was pushed across the border begging for at least a horse... which he did not get.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEWkiRIpZD
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With the addition of Baron Phellps army, our Volunteers and the Army of Bramble Wood we decided it was time to take the war to John Mare763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrsFHmmC1q
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King Filies called a meeting and after much discussion we came to a decision... We wished to make them worry as well as to pay. We decided to make it seem as if we were on parade. We put up a facade of joyous playing around. As if we had not a care in the world. The truth was we had thousands of mouths to feed.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gmtTzpMJq
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In each camp the Elder assigned an apprentice who fed the troops by magic with platters of piping hot food. Our daily marches were short not starting till near 10 am and stopping nigh 4 pm.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1t3lpdahg
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On the third day John Mare's army took the bait. They moved up to attack as we would be making camp for the evening. What they didn't expect was before they could get the word to attack...Arrows came flying out of the trees all around them.. They lost over a hundred and sixty men that day and the surrender of fifty more763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8TVtx7XZQ
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They thought they had laid the perfect ambush of an unwary group. When in essence they had been missing one detail. First a number of scouts would search out the next nights camp ground. Only one would return to act as guide.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTD4b5Wo88
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Second as dusk began to fall a troop of about fifty men would peel off into the night. They would go to the next nights camping area and prepare an ambush. When John Mare's soldiers moved through they did not realized they were passing with in inches of our men. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABUTKICcut
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There was a watch kept on their Officers and the attack came before he could give his orders to attack the camp. From our positions we were driving them toward the camp where they were met by... Number three, a well placed group of lancers.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3v6ErAvGX
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We lost three injured and two dead..... We heard their Army was disgruntled and saying things like we don't fight fair.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ABSTb956B
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The days turned into a week before the walls of Dulciana loomed into sight The buildings outside the walls were empty763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeclejMADa3
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I rode up to the Gate “John Mare come out and face me... You have been trying to kill me for over 17 years.... “ I heard a swishing noise and a soldier's body hit the ground in front of me. I glanced to the side . Admiran was notching another arrow... he smiled. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpAjZpSBmN
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We had scouts in trees, not close enough to make an attack of any sort but they were not there for that purpose. They were there to observe and report. Each scout had a long glass and watched and re ported the gathering of John Mare's mercenary Army. Soon we would engage.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2JeXfO5QR
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Again we used subterfuge … we grew up in that town and all of us knew how to enter and leave without being seen. Again the Wizards Keep played an important part. In the basement of the Keep was a secret passageway that opened into the tack room of the barn in the Smithy. The Smithy and corral was just inside the wall of the town. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fcBjj5OpB
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Once inside we could scatter throughout the town. Our first night, Lump, Bean and Sneaker went in checking the access. The second night each of them led a group of fifteen men each, our stealth fighters. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskFUSBbKq1
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They hit the barracks and the guard shack near the North and south gate. They set fire to the barracks then attacked the soldiers as they tried to escape. They never knew what hit them nor how to respond. This was our manner of harassment for two weeks. John Mare's troops were tired but afraid to sleep. They were making mistakes, just what we were waiting for. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk0QQOneSB
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The next thing was to take out the guards on the west wall, open the gate and to fill the square with our troops all before John Mare's Army awakens.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjy0gRVxj9
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John Mare De Louis awoken to men shouting and the clatter of weapons falling to the ground. He rolled out of bed and looked at his empty table and was instantly angry. That lazy Perdon was late with his Breakfast again. He pulled his bell chime cord angrily three times.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyK0OcS8R2E
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On the third pull his door opened...He was all set to rail against Perdon when he saw that the two men entering his chambers were armed and their Sashes were the colors of Green and Gold. Not his Red and Black he rushed to his weapons. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuohgcCYLp
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They smiled and one of them said, “ By all means arm thy self Just as Crown Prince Rafter desires you.We are here to escort you to the battle yard. “763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNP3W3qGB6M
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John Mare grabbed a lance, his Sword and a brace of throwing knives. Thinking to himself, “This kid has never had any training with weapons...What chance does he have against me, a sword master.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNhknKuqCc
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** Truth be known John Mare was not near as good as he thought...I mean seriously if you are practicing with an unstable King just how hard are you going to try to win.**763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlX2pWpaRH
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Bean and Lump escorted John Mare to the Battle yard. He entered and found himself alone he looked above at the viewing area... it was full of Men, Women and Elves. The 1st face he recognized was the Chancellor the second the Cardinal.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOporrZPIR
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Chapter Ten.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsIchDRmc1
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The door began to open, John Mare drew his sword, he was ready.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDQLuE27bg
He almost burst out laughing...The young man who entered, he assumed was his nephew, was only armed with a nightstick dangling from a rawhide cord.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9H59qzTviP
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“Good Morning Uncle... I was told I had to give you a chance, Thus I chose to face you with a nightstick. Since I don't wish to kill you, only beat you senseless I thought it only fitting.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYISMsGGOCU
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John Mare smirked and said, “Quit crying and lets get on with it so I can eat breakfast.” All the time he had been talking he was moving towards Rafe. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WTTWfLlyk
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As he drew near and was ready to swing his sword. Rafe's nightstick struck like a snake hitting the knuckles of the hand holding the sword which clattered to the ground. The audience roared. John Mare was stunned not seeming to understand what had happened.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzo2dMDNsVI
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Rafe backed off to allow him to pick up his sword. Never taking his eyes off Rafe, John Mare reached for his sword. Thinking Rafe a fool he again started forward. He had taken two steps when the nightstick flicked out again and caressed his elbow... His arm went numb and his sword again fell to the floor.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStNKixZPoC
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John Mare realized the sword was useless. He lowered the lance he had been holding in his left hand. Rafe was watching his every move. When John Mare made his thrust, at the last instant Rafe stepped to the side and flicked out the nightstick it met John Mare's chin with a cracking sound.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhW43Tfm93J
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John Mare was so keyed up he didn't seem to realize his jaw was broken. He swept the lance to ward Rafe who stepped back and loosed his nightstick. John Mare thought he was prepared and whipped his head back. Again the fulcrum effect took over and the nightstick took the lower path. The only thing that saved his manhood is that he had turned his body. The nightstick struck his left thigh bruising it deeply.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJx8CNpeF0j
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John Mare was finding it difficult to stand. He retained the lance but was now using it as a cane. Rafe flicked out the nightstick again in the direction of John Mare's left wrist. He retaliated by swinging the lance butt striking Rafe in the rib cage, cracking a couple of ribs. Rafe missed with his attack. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡic1J1LgVMn
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John Mare tried to follow up on his good fortune, pull his dagger and lunged forward. The night stick was already on the way headed for his manhood. John Mare's lunge put his head in the way and the night stick caught him square in the forehead and down he went.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wm6SGtZNc
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Rafe waited but there was no movement from John Mare, Sir Slender Shoot and his medical man Fever entered the Yard,. Fever felt for a pulse and nodded, yes there was a pulse he was just unconscious. Slender Shoot called for three men. They trussed John Mare up like a Christmas Turkey.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs405QdyEUf
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I looked up to the Audience and announced. “He will have a fair trial, “763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYNvTRrgZu
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I Looked around as they drug John Mare to the dungeon. “Runners take a message to Langdom, Drummond and Chelsea And any other near by Country we have dealings with, speak to the Chancellor, asking them to send a representative. To sit at this trial they must also have authority to negotiate Import export Tariffs. Also Must Represent their Country. In my Coronation and wedding to take place, I turned to the Chancellor and motioned...”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrG0aLQwsZ
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The Chancellor spoke quickly, “ Six Weeks for the trial and in two months for the festivities.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpXLLfE74G
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“Also I wish a runner be sent to Mountain Home for a Dwarf representative to be here as well.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdkpZSDa1p
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Time seemed to drag even with all that had to be done, The household staff had the Palace to clean up and prepare for all the guests. It had been decided that the Coronation and the wedding would be held in the Court Yard so that all who wished could attend...after all I did grow up on the streets.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8wB6qlcqJc
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I made a few appointments, Lonnie/Sneaker to head the Intelligence corp. Silas/Bean Secretary and Treasurer, Tom/Lump Head of the Palace Guards and Baron Phelps Commander General of the Army of Dulci.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPQw0t13K7
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Six very active weeks went by and the Dwarfen Representative, Smash Stumpf Foot, had arrived. The trial began... “John Mare De Louis You are charged with High Treason and Regicide How do you plead.” 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKGNBnrr4m
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John Mare stared around the Court room, “ How dare you . You have no right to try me I am a King...!”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLRrfZOSOI
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There was chuckles and noise from the spectators. King Felies shouted “S I L E N C E” As acting Judge and a King the silence was instanious. “We will take that as a not guilty plea.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuzF9j22b6
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The first witness was Mama Ciel's younger sister. “My name is Myra”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlekOsItmx
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The Chancellor, acting as Prosecutor asked her what she had to offer at this trial.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtK4l71tOof
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Myra's Story:763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡht7EfYK3Mj
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My Mother had been a Ladies Maid and my older sister was as well. My Mother died in child birth and my sister Ciel raised me. Ciel was Ladies maid to Princess Rebecca she spoiled me. I was always hiding and eavesdropping. She would laugh at the things I told her, she thought I was making them up. One day when I was seven and Prince Rafter was a Babe I overheard John Mare and a man he called Haver Talking.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJghGFyJiKS
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John Mare said “Haver I will give you 100 Gold to assassinate The King and his family.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L4ZS2gXnu
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“How do you want it done?”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUckg2Gjmh
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“I don't care Make them pay but make sure you get the Medallion from around Duvalson's neck.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzg7bSS1g2
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I didn't understand what assassinate meant and I got sidetracked and went to play with my friends. Later I asked my sister what assassinate meant. She asked me why and I told her. She told Princess Rebecca and I had to tell the story again. Princess asked me if they said when.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1YXwIQI8f
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I said, “They said something about a boar hunt.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8UG9eGepq
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Princess Rebecca got all excited and said “That is today.” She had Ciel grab a few things and they left the Palace. I never saw them again. “Later that evening a messenger brought John Mare a note saying the King and his Son was dead.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8orYzwBPg
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After that John Mare tried to get Crowned King But the Cardinal refused unless he had the Medallion proving he was the last of the family line.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDWFuQloH8
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“John Mare was ruthless he had servants beaten for no reason and he raped the castle ladies including me.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8xDflG1bo
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John Mare Leaped up and yelled it was his right to rape the women he was the king.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjXTveO5e5
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The Chancellor answered,” It was not your right and you are not and never have been King.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUHhwbIxex
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Many were called but none spoke for John Mare. It was really a farce as Trials goes. The verdict was known by everybody.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgyeJm8Qdo
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King Felis stood and told John Mare to rise. “John Mare De Louis you have been tried and convicted by a court of your Countrymen. You have been found guilty of High Treason, Regicide as well as later added Rape charge. I argued vehemently for the Death Penalty but soon to be King Rafter De Louis argued for a more lenient sentence of life in the mines. Smash Stumpf Foot Take him away he is all yours.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3FfAnJhjD
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John Mare De louis screamed NO NO as Stumpf Foot placed him in chains.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2lZg6qecv
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Chapter 11763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8p6xUIWlPs
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I was glad for that part to be over and it seems like everyone was in agreement. The moment John Mare was pulled through the door and it shut behind him. I stepped forward and...763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iNcPkNs1K
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“Ladies and Gentlemen The Wedding will take place in Two Weeks from today. One week Later the Coronation will take place.”763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qdaJfPifu
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The Wedding was a frantic rush between beating out Trade Concessions and agreements and trying on Wedding Clothes. Finally the day arrived. The wedding was held in the City Square. This was necessary since I had Promised no one would be turned away. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQz63RJzNs
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I had never seen such finery in this city and then Mira stepped out escorted by her Father, The Elder agreed to stand with me.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztViYd5APH
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We turned and Knelt in front of the Cardinal. “We are gathered here together to join these two. Crown Prince Rafter De Louis and Princess Admira Felies....That is the last I remember till I heard the Cardinal said I now pronounce you Husband and Wife... You may kiss your Bride. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGE1ajYMmW
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I hesitated, Mira said, “ Go ahead I won't Hit you... “763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qEqn9ueF9
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I smiled and gathered her in my arms and we shared our first Kiss... then we disappeared to our Chamber which was kept personal.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlkfkgElx2
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The reception lasted two full days and the Chancellor stated well there goes the treasury just to feed the crowd.763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZnxEe9hTe
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The next few days we finished hammering out the trade agreements. And then it was time. 763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMSrpAVNSE
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The Cardinal read the rites of the Coronation as Mira and I again knelt before him and then...” I crown you King Rafter De Louis King Of The land of Dulci. He took the Crown from The Elder and placed it upon my head. Then he completed the ritual for Mira. Admira Felies I crown you Queen of The land of Dulci thus Joining the Two lands of Dulci and Bramble Wood. May God Bless and Guide you both in your Rule. “763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0NlG7hUSAH
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...And thus began our rule....763Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BcZGn5IeN

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