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 The Sparks Of An Ancient Light  Part II "I've never seen a ghost so unresponsive." Said Greta Kule, staring into the face of a small equine pony, "If he were alive, I'd say he was in a coma."She inspected him carefully, unconsciously noting the pleasing curves of his legs and his charming face. She wondered at his age, but his diminutive size made such an assessment difficult. Greta herself bore the residual shape of a lioness who'd died in her early forties. She reached out to the traumatized equine, her hand creating a fluid-like ripple through his glimmering form.Seated near Greta was a tall equine phantom who's age was even more difficult to gauge, though she definitely qualified as elderly. The mare frowned, and sat heavily upon the lose soil where her friend had committed suicide, "I'd hoped that you might have some effect on him, since he owned so many of your record albums."The lioness nodded, "I'm sorry, Rosemary. Though I have to say, this is a difficult circumstance to go and meet a fan."Rosemary Barter bowed her head, then crawled to the pony's side, "Oh, Cookie. Please wake up."

 Greta smiled weakly, "Is he your son?""Oh, goodness no! He's just someone who helped me, a long long time ago.""He looks like he could have been." Greta said, trying to keep the conversation going, "How did he help you?""He took away my pain." Rosemary said, smiling to the little pony. "He surely did.""What do you think is wrong with him?"Rosemary cast her eyes skyward and frowned, "Spirits may fall into a vegetative state, when they've been dealt severe trauma in their past life." She made a sweeping gesture, "In much the same way a living animal might have a nightmare, so their subconscious may attempt to work through a traumatic event!"Greta nodded, "I guess I had an easy life, I've never had any sleeping spells like this.""What did you do all day, anyway? Play your musical instruments and inhale the drugs that ultimately killed you?""Hey, if you're gonna get rude, I'll just be on my way!""I'm sorry." Rosemary said, sighing, "I myself cannot sleep. Ever."The lioness looked the mare up and down, "There's something odd about you, I've been meaning to ask you about it."

 "I'm a living animal." Rosemary said with a toothy grin, "Stuck here, in the spirit world.""Whoa! Really?""Yea, really!" Rosemary retorted, mimicking the lioness' urban accent.Greta got to her feet, "Look, I can see you're unhappy about your friend, but I don't see how I can help you, so I'll just be going."Rosemary waved her hand at the lioness, and Greta took a few steps away, "Okay, bye."The elderly horse made no reply as she curled up beside her lost friend.

Greta moved some distance away and then looked back, watching Rosemary rock gently back and forth whilst singing one of Greta's most well known songs to Cookie. She sighed, and then returned to Rosemary's side."What did you mean, anyway? How did this horse end your pain?""I mean it in a literal sense." The elder said, smiling fondly upon her little friend, "You of course know that there was a great war that raged almost fifteen hundred years ago?""Yes," Greta replied, "I did go to school."Rosemary smiled, "The war'd raged for ten bloody years as the nations of the west squared off against one another, struggling for the meager resources of a land left bare in the wake of the cataclysm. Great armies fired their guns in anger, each seeking to etch their names in black gun smoke across those contested plains."

 Greta nodded as Rosemary continued, "War brought together the old veterans who led a new breed of fighting animal, armed with rifles and artillery, but their quest for glory was scattered like so many leaves blown upon the winds of fate.""Hey," Greta said, smiling, "That's a line from one of my songs, 'Leaves upon the winds of fate.'""Just wanted to make sure you were paying attention, dear."She smiled as Rosemary breathed a sigh, "The spring of 871 brought a stunning defeat to the emperor of lions. His downfall was astonishing in it's swiftness and totality, and many knew that it was the actions of a traitor that'd robbed Neseeruddin of his ultimate victory. After a final desperate battle that saw the lions vanquished, an uneasy peace settled over the land."Rosemary looked out from their perch atop the high wind-swept hill, "Here and there the spirits of the dead remained upon the battlefield, waiting perhaps for one more call to duty."She gestured out toward Toulon, "But the land did not wait for the ghosts to move on. Green growing things reclaimed the blood-soaked ground, farmers tilled the soil, bringing crops to market, but still the spirits lingered, recalling their former greatness, and pining for an age before guns and bombs deprived the world's armories of nobility."

 Rosemary smiled to Greta, as if relating a ghost story, "Then, one autumn night, a strange creature entered into their midst. A pale horse, not wholly dead, but not really alive. This wraith moved among the ghosts of the field, stirring them from their dreamlike states, drawing them from their recollections, and forcing them to face the reality of their passing.""That would be you." Greta said, "So you're really alive?""Please do not interrupt.""Okay." "Come here, fool!" I said to the ghost of a nearby lion. He was compelled by my presence, for back in those days, I possessed a power over spirits. I led the lion toward the Shannonvali line, all whilst he too interrupted me; "Please!" He begged,

"Tell me your name!"Greta smirked as Rosemary continued; "It is not my name you need concern yourself with, but theirs." I said, whilst escorting the soldier a kilometer or so until we'd arrived at the patch of ground once controlled by the eagles and horses who'd been his sworn enemies. "What is your name?" I asked the lion, and he answered; "Frederick Hipper."

 I turned to the eagles, "This is Frederick Hipper, your fellow in death!" Greta risked another interruption, "What's the idea in introducing them to each other?"Fortunately, the prickly horse answered, "Understand, that to these ancient animals, knowing another's name can create a powerful social bond. Introductions solidified someone as a fellow animal, and not merely a thing to be cut down."Rosemary then looked idly about until Greta groaned, "Do please continue!""More of the lions drew near to follow after their fellow, and the eagles met them with suspicion and caution. I mocked them for holding on to the animosities of a life long past, and asked if they still thought the lions to be their enemies."She then gazed lovingly to the huddled ghost, "Then, I saw him. I asked his name, and he told me..."***"I'm Benjamin Cookie." Replied the pony, recognizing Rosemary as a wholly different entity, "Please ma'am, are you a seraphim angel?"She answered him with a question of her own; "Benjamin, in what year did you fall?"

 He shook his head, "It's been so long, I do not know.""I am Rosemary Barter, and I am no angel."The spirits then parted, and a general of eagles drew near, "Oft do the etherial winds blow from on high. These winds may stir our feathers as surely as your voice has stirred the hearts of my flyers. Tell me, Lady Barter, are you of this spirit world?""I am trapped within it, unlike you who may find release at any time.""Trapped?"Rosemary smiled to him, whilst a tightness in her throat gave warning; She had interfered enough.Ignoring the pain, she raised her arms, her white gown blowing in the etherial winds. I must say she made for an awesome spectacle, and the animals of the field now gathered around her, as the lightning might a tall spire, "Let tonight become the hour of your leaving!" Rosemary cried, her throat painfully cracking, "Release yourselves!""Release! Release!" The animals chimed, and Rosemary recalled for a moment her days as an infamous leader of animals. But unlike those dark days when she sought to control others, she wished to set these animals free. "There is a path!" Rosemary croaked, "You need only allow yourself to slip from these fields that hold nothing for you now! Take this high trail up! It is your path to a new life!"

 Despite her disdain of Kromhaut and his foolish contrivance meant to separate himself from spirits in their time

of greatest need, she urged the spirits to climb his high path, "Let yourselves go! Climb the path!"Her voice cracked as the first real spasm of pain gripped her throat, "Go!" She wheezed, overcome by the agonizing pressure. Some distance away, an eagle spirit appeared beside his general, "Do you see it?"The general focused his gaze, and did indeed perceive a faint tendril of light descending from on high to strike at the mare, who writhed upon the ground, "What's happening to her?!" Benjamin cried, as the little equine darted to and fro, "Please! Someone help her!"Rosemary shook violently, her body paying a price for daring to pretend to be something other than a prisoner. She gazed up at the twinkling firmament, her nostrils flaring and twitching, 'You resent my interventions, don't you? That's why you do this to me, isn't it?'She screamed as the invisible hand of Kromhaut Majoris tightened around her, but in that moment Benjamin Cookie appeared over her, momentarily disrupting the tendril of Kromhaut's power, "Who has done this!? Who assails this noble equine? This mare who has helped me and mine!" He looked upon Rosemary, profoundly disturbed that a higher power could do such a thing, "What force is there that punishes an animal who champions the welfare of others?"

 Far away, the dragon god was stunned by the pony's rebuke, and he felt suddenly ashamed of himself for harming the pale horse, however much he despised her."Whatever god there may be, prove to me that justice and mercy are not mere words!" Cookie cried, "Release this mare from her torment, and pledge to never again harm her! Or I shall dwell forever upon these plains, and shun this path that you have wrought, for you would be unworthy of my company!"General Silverbeam and the other soldiers and officers nodded in accord, and for the first time in history, Kromhaut tasted the judgement of others. Stinging with embarrassment, and seething in anger at Rosemary, he released his grip upon her and sent a warm orange glow to acknowledge Cookie's intervention.The glow slowly faded, and the leader of the eagles touched his wing to the little pony's shimmering outline, "I'd like to promote you to Sergeant, Benjamin Cookie, in whatever army we end up serving."He touched his shadowy wing to Rosemary who smiled broadly as she gasped for breath, "Thank you, White Lady."

 Pleased that she was recovering, and that his words were apparently heeded, Cookie cast his eyes skyward, "I thank you, Great Spirit, for your wisdom and compassion." He then bowed to Rosemary, "Lady Rosemary."General Silverbeam and Benjamin Cookie then stood guard over Rosemary as a procession of spirits embarked upon the path now set before them. She watched as one by one, they faded into the night. The general then faced his own inner circle of officers and flyers, and bid them farewell. Benjamin Cookie then gestured to Rosemary, "My Lady, what you have said is most troubling, surely you are not a prisoner here?"She smiled, "Aye, 'tis true, but every so often I achieve a small taste of freedom." She reached out and touched her hand to his shimmering light, "Tonight, you've helped me so very much. I don't know if I can ever repay what you've done for me, but I shall sincerely try."He smiled, "The path is before me.""Go." "Farewell, Lady, I hope that you may be free one day."She nodded, and then the little pony slipped away, leaving the white mare aching to follow after him. Rosemary Barter looked about the now empty plain, and felt utterly alone. She fell upon the cold ground, rocking slowly back and forth, 'Goodbye, Cookie.'

 Hours passed, and Rosemary softly wept, feeling the first needles of dread for her new friend; "Kromhaut, please give him a happy life. If you be angry, direct such at me, I beg you." No sooner had she invoked the god's name that she sensed the presence of his familiar. The mare crawled across the open ground and hid herself amid the thickets of a nearby creek, forgetting for a moment that Kromhaut's servant was as aware of Rosemary as she was of the mouse.'What are you up to, Kromhaut?' The old mare wondered as she moved along the brambles of the nameless creek, whilst ahead, the mouse Genivee Tin moved with all haste.From her hidden vantage point, Rosemary Barter gave chase to the little mouse who, like Rosemary, was immortal. But unlike the white wraith, Genivee Tin dwelt within the physical world of Midgard as a seemingly normal animal of the land. Now Rosemary would put Cookie's legacy to the test.'Do not test him! He'll strike you down!' Cried the unsettled elements of Rosemary's mind, but she ignored them. There was one thing, however, of which she was certain, that in all past times, giving chase to Kromhaut's familiar would've bought her terrible pain, 'If you cannot throttle me, how will you stop me now?' She thought, 'Eh? Kromhaut?'

 In answer to her contempt, fierce winds issued from the spirit world, and Rosemary muttered a curse when the gales lashed her still-living body, 'Give me your worst! You'll never choke me again! Ha!!' Pressing on, Rosemary struggled to keep up with the mouse who moved unhindered by the brewing tempest. The mare shrieked when a rising gust carried her aloft, and she imagined herself being blown somewhere unpleasant, but instead, she tumbled to the ground some distance away, 'You imprisoned me in this place because you swore to never again harm another animal, and yet I am stranded in your spirit world! I'd say that qualifies as being dead! And you curse Glorafin for a trickster?!' She braced herself against the wind and continued on, 'Eh? So now you've pledged to never again torture me!? How will you lawyer your way around this

promise?'She found herself laughing hysterically, and hated when she succumbed to her own insanity, 'Am I a sane animal, wrapped within an unhinged veneer of living death?'The mouse'd all but left her behind, but Rosemary was not yet out of the race, 'What are you up to, Kromhaut? What is it you don't wish me to see?'She was answered by an all-encompassing mist that spread out before her, wiping out all landmarks, 'You're too late! I know there's a fortress situated along this creek! I'll wager that's where she's heading to!' Laughing, shrieking, Rosemary surged ahead, "Am I right? You've sent her to affect some change within the lion's hierarchy!"Rosemary hurried along the creek bed, whilst Kromhaut lashed her with his winds, "Is this any way to treat your servant?" She laughed, "Like it or not, Kromhaut, I too am a spiritual guide!"***

 Greta sat back, her consciousness wrestling with the tale she'd been told, "Are the gods really like that? Are they like an ordinary animal?"Rosemary let fly a mocking laugh, but Greta understood that her ire was directed elsewhere; "My dear girl! If our gods possessed an animal's sensibilities, we'd all be in far better shape!""And who is this servant?" Greta asked, looking to Cookie, "Could they help your friend?"Rosemary scowled, "Nay, they'd be as difficult to reason with as their god.""They?" Greta asked, "There's more than just the mouse?""She was on her way to ensnare another into the dragon's service, the traitor who'd given up all of Naseeruddin's war plans."Greta thought back to her history studies, "Karl... Kuhn? He became a servant of this dragon?"Rosemary nodded, then became quiet as Greta hungered for more, "You can't stop now! Tell me more!""I'm tired, dear.""I thought you never sleep?"The old mare frowned, "It doesn't mean I don't become very tired."Greta settled to the ground, and Rosemary sighed, "Perhaps I shall pay Kromhaut's familiar a visit, if only to see how unhelpful she'd be."

 "It can't hurt!" Greta agreed."Would you stay here, in case Cookie wakes?" Rosemary asked, her face uncharacteristically gentle. "Sure." Greta replied, "But could you tell me a little more before you go?""Well, after Cookie'd left me, there was a something of a chase."She continued on, telling her story in the way she chose to remember it. I hovered nearby, and though my curiosity be piqued, in the stead of her embellished account, let us travel to the time in question...The History Of A Time To ComeKarl Kuhn didn't know if he was still under the influence of Mosin's drugs. The mouse's hand burned like fire, the heat making him feel light-headed, as if he were walking upon a cloud. The lion shook his head, and wondered when he

might awaken from this dream. He stumbled along, guided by this strange creature that'd plucked him from certain death, whilst a heavy gale blew across the plains. Karl thought that he should be lashed by the fierce winds, but he was not. Detached from his senses, he thought that he should be freezing, but again, he was not. The comfortable warmth from the rodent's hand beat back any chill that might threaten him. Karl's eyes became sleepy as he concentrated on placing one foot in front of the other. Her heat made him feel giddy, 'Oh, how it radiates through me!' He thought, whilst his breath exhaled in a long and shuddering groan.

 "Shhhh..." She whispered, "We're still in danger, you'll need to keep quiet."He did as she asked, and the pair continued on through the deepening night. But they were not alone. Rosemary Barter followed behind, and regretted that she'd been kept at bay, 'Kromhaut rescuing condemned animals? I never would have thought he'd allow such an intervention! What wonderful fun!'As they followed the bank of the nameless creek, the lion noted strange wisps of mist that blew upon the wind. Their appearance was altogether otherworldly, and only fanned the fires of Karl's growing anxiety. 'I'm drugged, Mosin has burdened me with a heavy narcotic! For all I know I am in a coma!'"I have a stash of food near east fork," She said to him, "We'll soon have something to eat.""It's quite all right, I am not hungry." He replied, "Though if you please, there is a morsel that would satisfy me, might I inquire... what is your name?""Oh, please forgive me, I am Genivee Tin."Karl bowed to her, "I am pleased to meet you." Then, the lion said no more. He concentrated upon placing one foot before the other, 'With each step I take, I move closer to my afterlife.'

 "I must assure you that you are not dead." Genivee said, gently squeezing his hand, and he smiled blankly to her, 'How can a mouse bend steel bars?' He wondered, whilst all around him the white mist danced and swirled."I ceased to be a mouse quite a long while ago."He stopped in his tracks as the mouse continued on, and the frigid chill of the night bit back at him when their hands parted. Genivee took his hand once more, and Karl shuddered at the warmth of her touch. She smiled up to him as she caressed his hand, "Please forgive me Karl, but in a way, I spoke a half-truth. Though you are not dead, by this time tomorrow, you might become something else that is neither living nor dead. Does this trouble you?"His gaze became far away, and his head shook from left to right, "I do not know."From her hidden vantage point, Rosemary marveled; 'Kromhaut means to make him a servant!'"Come," She said, tugging upon his tunic, "We must go."Thus did Karl Kuhn push on into the deepest night he could recall, his companion being a mouse who was

not a mouse. She possessed the strength of ten lions, and within her the heat of a bonfire, "Karl, I must warn you that your thoughts are not your own. I may hear them, as clearly as any spoken word. Though I must say, your inner voice possesses fine manners."

 "Then you must be aware of the question that weighs first and foremost upon my mind.""Which question? Of my origin? Or your physical state come the morn?"He chortled, but was shushed by the mouse, "Be still! A party of soldiers approaches!" Karl tightened his jaw, strained to listen, "I hear nothing.""Shhhh!" She hissed, "This way!" She pulled him down into a nearby gully and rushed headlong through the woolly thickets. Karl, forced to stoop to keep hold of her hand was swatted in the face by each branch and bramble, "Stop! Our scent is being imparted upon each and every hedge!""That is my plan, Karl."The lion groaned and continued on. Finally, Genivee scrambled up the embankment, bodily hauling the one hundred six kilogram Karl as she went. He marveled at her strength, but swallowed when he became aware of their pursuers. Forty or so by his reckoning, all closing upon his position, "They've caught our scent!"For her part, Genivee Tin seemed pleased by the interception. She skipped a short distance away and let cry a menacing grunt that mimicked with stunning realism the utterance of a deadly tuskin beast. The call was uncanny, and Karl's jaw hung open in disbelief as Genivee winked to him. A hundred meters away, the squad of lions paused. A sergeant gestured for his troops to stand fast, whilst Genivee flicked her whiskers. She grunted again, then skipped across the cold hard ground, her foot falls echoing like the hoofbeats of a creature many times her size. In the dim light of the crescent moon, Karl could clearly discern the hoof prints left by her small feet, and he shook his head, 'Magic,' He thought, 'But why not simply mask our presence? Why the subterfuge?'

 'There is a method to my madness.' She answered within his mind, 'Trust me, Sir Karl.'Genivee then looked through the forest utilizing a wavelength of light that modern animals would call infrared. The bodies of the pursuing soldiers became bright blobs of color, clearly visible within the gloom. She noticed an individual break from the unit to attempt a flanking maneuver, and Gennie screamed in the tuskin's voice, sending the trooper back to the (relative) safety of his fellows. Then, Genivee moved to Karl's side and ripped away his uniform tunic! He opened his maw to protest, but shrieked as a fount of blood erupted from her mouth! She shredded the tunic, and splashed it with the blood and gore issuing from her body. Karl was horrified, and he cupped his hand over his mouth as Genivee placed the final touches upon her deception.Then, she let cry one final roar, followed by a lion's screams, and Karl realized

with horror that it was his own voice that she mimicked!Bodily she lifted him up and carried him away, her little feet leaving behind cloven hoof prints in the dusty soil. Gennie glanced back at the soldiers as they traded glances with one another, and so with a smile, Genivee Tin carried the tall lion on through the wood, leaving the soldiers to report upon Karl Kuhn's terrible demise.

 "Did I die?" Karl asked."Quite messily, I should think."Karl reached down to grasp the mouse, "Please lady, tell me what manner of creature you are."She paused for a moment, then smiled to him, "I am a wanderer along the morning row, a servant of life."From his precarious perch upon her shoulder, Karl swallowed thoughtfully, 'This was not the answer I expected.'Not far away, Rosemary rolled her eyes at Genivee's corny impromptu poetry. Genivee suddenly turned her face toward the wraith and spat out a large hunk of flesh which splashed against a nearby tree. Karl looked back at the mess as they continued on, "Was that a bit of my innards?""We need to leave as convincing a scene as we can, the Arch Duke will comb these woods come the morn, looking for any and all evidence of your death."The pair continued on, whilst Rosemary realized that the mouse might hear her thoughts. 'Slippery little rodent.'Many minutes passed without a word being traded between mouse or lion, and Genivee finally broke the silence, "Aren't you going to ask me about my revelation?"

 "You could simply look into my mind for any thoughts I might harbor.""No Karl, I said I may hear your thoughts, but only if I look."He patted her shoulder, "Would you set me down? You've been carrying me for a long long way.""Not yet."He sighed, and tried his best to be comfortable whilst cradled within her iron grip. After a time he became aware of the fine mist that trailed them, and Karl wondered at what he beheld. Looking up, the wind lashed at the crowns of the trees, and yet the white mist behaved as if the night were gentle and still, 'The mist is of the spirit world.' Came Genivee's voice."Then I have truly died?" Karl asked aloud.'Very soon, you shall pass from life, but you'll not die.'Rosemary realized that a dragon meant to appear, and beat a hasty retreat, 'Best not to push things!' But as the trees hailed the coming of a servant of life, Rosemary filled the air with her demented laughter. Genivee sighed, and then set Karl down as the white mist became steadily orange, 'He is coming, Karl.' She said, placing him upon his feet. Karl stretched for a long moment, his back aching from the uncomfortable position. Unsettled, completely out of his depth, Karl Kuhn attempted to explain away this midnight flight through the woods as little more than a hallucination, 'It's the drugs,' Thought Karl,

smiling down upon Genivee, 'But I'd love to believe you are real...'

 Genivee walked behind him and placed her warm hands upon his backside, "How is that?""Genivee, in what way do you serve life?" He gestured about at the broken land, "If you be a servant, where is there a master? How could they visit such hardships upon us?"The warm orange glow of the mist became even brighter, and Genivee bowed her head as a tongue of flame entered the clearing. Karl stumbled back as the fire hung in the air, it's warm orange glow shifting and roiling, until a face became discernible within the fire! Karl's mind attempted to hold fast to what remained of the ordinary world, but that time was now past."This is Ariadne." Genivee said, very voice sounding very far away. When next he was aware, Karl found himself upon his back. He gazed up into the crowns of the trees as a slow and steady sunrise lit the far horizon. Genivee's face appeared and smiled down upon him, "How do you feel?""I... had a dream.""Life is rather like a dream." She agreed."A fire. I dreamed of a fire.""Yes," Genivee replied, "You beheld Ariadne. It was my suggestion that he appear, so that he might become real to you."

 Karl swallowed, "And what is real?"She patted his shoulder, "Perhaps none of it, Karl."He sat up, "For all of my life, I'd thought that the only power stored in this world is an animal who knows what they're doing."Karl reached out for her hand, and she slipped her fingers into his waiting palm, "And now along comes a little mouse, who counts spirits of fire as her kin."She smiled, as Karl gazed deeply into her eyes. Fourteen hundred years later, Genivee Tin called out from their kitchen, "Karl! We're out of brewhouse sauce, is sweet and sour okay?""That's good!" Replied the lion, his eyes never straying from the flickering images upon his television screen, "Need any help?""Nope!" She chirped, "Dinner will be ready in a half hour.""Eh?" Karl gruffed from the parlor."Half an hour!" She repeated. Then; "I was just thinking about the first night we spent together."Karl flipped the television off and worked his way to the kitchen. Moving about the small sized home was something of a challenge for the tall lion, and so Karl dropped to his hands and knees, "Yes, sweetie?"

 "Aw, go and watch your show." She said with a peck to his nose, but the lion smiled warmly, "Telly's a distant second to you."Genivee offered a girlish shrug, and Karl chortled as he took her in his arms, "Our first night? You mean the part after you barfed up my innards?"She laughed, "I was just thinking back..." Gennie began, but laughed as Karl pushed his nose into her belly and snorted, "Ah! Stop!"He set her down, and Genivee became suddenly thoughtful,

"The Holden family will be home soon.""Yes," Karl agreed, "Then we can have some lovely friends we can actually get to know!"She turned away, "I'm not so sure Karl, I mean..." Karl cocked his head, "Already planning your goodbyes?""It hurts Karl, I don't know if I can go through it again."He sat down on his bottom, bringing himself eye-level to the little mouse, "Gennie, every friend I've ever made took a little piece of my heart with them when they died. I know full well what it's like to live on after everyone you care about has gone."Tears wet her eyes, and Karl took her in his arms, "Sweetie, I remember when you wept in my arms, after I pledged myself to Kromhaut. I know what it means to you to have a friend. Remember this joy when you meet the Holdens."

 Beside them, the simmering meat upon the stovetop began to smoke, and Gennie squeaked as she removed it from the fire. He smiled to her, then bumped her with his large nose. "We'd better get the rest of your things into storage, so we can complete the move.""No." She replied, "I'm throwing everything out."He became surprised, and lingered for a moment, searching her eyes for appropriate words to offer, "I'm only keeping the feather, everything else is going." She declared, "I've let mementoes become more important than friendships, I guess because my keepsakes will never leave me.""You'll have to keep your shoe, from when you were a girl."She smiled, "Oh! And the little music box the Sultan of Ruthinia gave me!"Karl laughed, moved to stand, and promptly bumped his head on the low ceiling. "Ohh..." She purred, "Lemme kiss it!"She fell into his flowing mane, kissing her way to his scalp as Karl chortled, but they were disturbed by a knock upon the door. Gennie answered it to find the little boy who lived a few doors away, "Hello Miss Genivee, is your lion friend here?" He asked, glancing past Gennie to where Karl knelt in the kitchen.

 A few moments later, Karl Preston checked the clearance of his neighbor's new refrigerator before he pushed it into position. Brandy Day's young son Nipper stood just behind Karl in the close quarters between the cabinets and refrigerator nook, and Karl gestured for the boy to come round along side, "See the water piping?"Nipper shyly nodded, and Karl figured the young mouse was still getting used to the idea of a lion sprawled out on his hands and knees in the middle of their kitchen. 'You could always look and see what he is thinking.' Said the dragon Ariadne, but Karl dismissed that idea, 'I wouldn't presume to intrude.'A typical mouse abode usually sports a ceiling clearance of six feet. That's quite tall by rodent standards, however, Karl is well over seven. Karl hoped Misses Day wasn't looking too far up his kilt as he leaned well forward and connected the water line.

Then, he pushed the refrigerator the final few feet into it's new position, "There! Looks very nice!""Could you and Gennie stay for dinner?" She asked, and Karl winked to Nipper who gave him an expectant smile, "Sorry, Genivee just finished up a dish."

 Nipper looked disappointed as Misses Day sputtered an apology, "Goodness love, I didn't mean to interrupt your dinner with my chores!"Karl patted Nipper's little head as he made his way to the door, "No problem at all! Maybe we can stop in tomorrow?"After the appropriate goodbyes were exchanged, Karl crawled from the residence to find Gennie outside waiting for him, "I don't think living in Oakdale is exactly laying low." She chortled, and Karl smirked, "It was your idea."The lion stood up and straightened his back, as his eyes admired the rows of street lights that wound their way through the picturesque neighborhood, "Oakdale is just as enchanting now as it was in the old days."Genivee cupped her hand over her nose, "It's been a long time."Their dinner forgotten, Karl took Gennie's hand and wandered amongst the great oaks, each lost in their thoughts. The local mice and other little folk passed them by, much as they did in life. Karl and Genivee had become fixed and immobile, stranded within a single moment of time like an old photograph, while all around them living animals came and went, each in step with the seasons.

 "It's going to be Midwinter Day in a few weeks." Karl said softly."I don't know how many more I'll be able to take." Gennie said, her voice cracking with emotion. Karl knelt and took her in his arms, whilst an elderly voice bid them good evening. Genivee didn't immediately recognize Rosemary's voice, as she reciprocated the pleasantry."I must say, Mayalee, that you and I have been lost in time for just about the same number of years.""My name is Genivee." The mouse replied, more coldly this time."Well how am I supposed to know what you're calling yourself this week?" Rosemary retorted, while Karl subtly put himself between the two, "Rosemary, this isn't a good time.""It's never a good time! You two need someone who understands what you're going through, and believe me, I know!"The old mare began to cackle, and Genivee let out an annoyed groan, "Is there something you want?"Passersby mistook Gennie's pointed words to be directed at Karl, and a concerned couple paused, hoping they could jump in and prevent a nasty argument. Karl offered them a reassuring nod, whilst Gennie realized they were making a scene. She took her lion's hand and retreated to the safety of their flat. Rosemary followed along, pleased that she wasn't being repelled, "I remember when you were rescued, Karl. You were always such a good feline! I can see why you were selected!"

 "Oh?" Karl chuffed, indulging the wraith despite

Gennie's annoyance."I've been telling stories all night, Karl! Perhaps you'd like to hear what happened when I left you to your new dragon friend? Would you like to know what I found when I returned to Krieghoff Manor?"Interested now, Karl allowed her to continue, "What did you find?""Karl, don't humor her." Genivee squeaked, opening the door to their flat and allowing Karl to enter, "I looked in on a rather interesting discussion, when one of your old comrades was tasked with finding you."Rolling onto his chair, Karl smiled to Rosemary, "Okay, let's hear it."Careful not to broach the subject of Cookie's plight too soon, the old mare settled down beside Karl, "Well, when I arrived back, this handsome lion was just arriving-" I apologize dear traveler, I do not wish to hear another of Rosemary's embellished accounts. As before, let us instead travel to the date in question. It had been a long and weary day for Sergeant Guinan Volquartsen, the lion'd been out on the moors all day, combing through every last bramble and unturned stone. The lion had recently noted his forty eighth birthday, and his well-worn face was creased by every one of the ten thousand days he'd spent in the field. Volquartsen rode upon a long-legged beast known in these times as a strider. He guided the creature onto the grounds of the former emperor's summer palace. The stately manor had been claimed by Neseeruddin's brother-in-law, an ambitious lion who six months ago was counted only among the country gentry. But now...

 Volquartsen brought his strider to a halt, and dismounted. A young orderly took the strider's reins and led the beast away while Volquartsen made his way up the granite steps and into the residence. Upon his hip was a burlap sack containing Karl's bloody uniform tunic, and as Volquartsen strode down the hall he was intercepted by an officer, "Do you have the traitor's head?""We found no trace of Kuhn, save for an amount of blood and some internal organs."The officer snarled, and waved Volquartsen along. 'What's the matter?' Guinan thought, 'Not enough evidence for you to claim credit for my work?'Volquartsen was then admitted to a large library where a slender lion conferred with a senior officer. Volquartsen waited near a row of books and browsed the titles whilst trying to look like he was at attention. Rosemary Barter entered the room and took up a position beside the lion. She eyed the bag upon his hip, and figured it was Kuhn's tunic as Guinan got a good look at the lion who might well lead the new republic. Ferdinand looked decent enough. Tall, slight of build with a long muzzle and large, well-placed eyes. He wore only a simple white tunic, his modesty a stark contrast to the extravagance of the former emperor.

 Finally, Ferdinand gestured to Guinan, "You may begin.""Let me first be permitted to say, and I'm sure

I speak for my lions, how pleased we are, Arch Duke Ferdinand..." Volquartsen crossed the room to stand before the duke's desk, "That you have been appointed to the interim ruling council."Ferdinand glanced at the sack upon Volquartsen's hip, "Unless Karl Kuhn's head is in exceptionally sad shape, I take it he remains at large?"Volquartsen took the sack and from it produced the bloody tunic, "My lions pursued Kuhn and another animal to the edge of the wood, there, Kuhn was beset by a tuskin beast. He screamed, and this tunic was found in a pool of blood. It was in this clearing that Kuhn's footprints ended.""Oh, Karl Kuhn is very much alive!" Rosemary cawed, her outburst causing Ferdinand's ears to twitch ever so slightly, 'Ah, receptive are we?' Rosemary nickered, while Ferdinand's staff officer, a Colonel named Werle stepped near to examine the garment as the duke wrinkled his nose, "Hmmm..." Ferdinand said, "You found no trace of him, beyond an amount of blood?"

 "A nearby tree was splashed with fresh gore, but no other bodily parts could be found."Rosemary smiled broadly and pressed herself very snugly to Volquartsen's backside. He felt an odd tingle and a chill, and he adjusted his tunic, thinking there must be a draft. As Rosemary Barter eyed the lions from her hidden vantage point, so too was she observed by an unseen entity, a shadow, it's passing veiled even from the dragon gods.Ferdinand sat back, "I believe your account, Sergeant. But I think it would be prudent to assume Kuhn is still alive, until further supporting evidence of his demise can be found.""Yes, sir." Volquartsen said, whilst Ferdinand tapped his fingertips together, "You once served with Kuhn, is that correct?"Sensing where the duke's line of thought was headed, Volquartsen snorted, "Almost every lion in second battalion has served with Kuhn, just as almost every lion has served with me. You do not attain the rank of sergeant, and not become familiar with a great number of troops.""I see." Ferdinand chuffed, "Very well Sergeant, carry on with your search. And bear in mind that if you find Kuhn's head, I shall promote you to Sergeant-Major. And if you do not..."

 The Colonel now spoke up, "If he does not, what?"Ferdinand realized he'd toll'd a boner. Though he was rapidly claiming more and more authority within the fractured realm, it was vital to the self-proclaimed duke that he maintain a good relationship with the Army. He owed his position to lions like Werle and Volquartsen, "If you do not," Ferdinand said, glancing at both lions, "I shall be forced to dispatch a letter to the ruling council, and report on Kuhn's escape.""Kuhn is dead." Volquartsen chuffed, "A lion doesn't scream like that unless he's being ripped apart."Ferdinand spread his arms, "Then show me the pieces."Volquartsen glanced at the

colonel, but Werle only returned him an expectant look, and so the sergeant bowed to the duke, "I'll bring you his head.""Thank you Sergeant, and please bear in mind that in my time as a Magistrate, I could never have accepted such circumstantial evidence. Screams in the dark and blood trails are not sufficient proof of death." Volquartsen again bowed, and took his leave. After the sergeant'd departed, Ferdinand turned in his chair as the colonel stepped near, "Do you think he's lying?"

 The officer took up the bloodied tunic and inspected it closely. There was a grey hair upon the lapel, and the colonel carefully removed it, "This hair matches hairs found at Kuhn's demolished cell.""Yes?" Ferdinand replied."The presence of this hair at least proves that this is Kuhn's tunic." Werle said, and then he furrowed his brow. "What is it?" Ferdinand asked.Werle appeared reluctant to divulge any further information until his investigation was concluded, but he sighed, "The grey hair has tentatively been identified as belonging to a mouse.""No," Rosemary said, leaning down to whisper in Ferdinand's ear, "Not a mouse, but something far worse!""Hmmm..." Ferdinand gruffed, tapping his fingers upon his desk, "What if we're supposed to believe it was a mouse? Suppose some other creature pried apart Kuhn's cell?""I don't know why they'd wish to disguise the presence of some equine, and I assume that a horse was responsible for demolishing the cell, but there's something else to consider," The colonel added, "Whatever creature did this, I'd wager they'd possess the strength needed to repel an attacking tuskin."

 Ferdinand furiously tapped his fingers upon the desk, and Werle thought the behavior annoying, "The horses probably don't want any reprisals from us, that's why the subterfuge, but one thing remains clear colonel, we must know if Kuhn is dead or alive!"Werle nodded, "I have a forensic team examining Kuhn's cell. I shall dispatch the senior members to the forest come the morn."Ferdinand nodded, "Thank you, Colonel."Rosemary circled around the elder officer, "You don't trust him, do you? You feel he's an opportunistic usurper! You know he'd toss out your precious common law the moment it suited him!"Werle took a few steps toward the door, then turned to face Ferdinand, "My lord, I understand you were the Chief Magistrate of the Toulouse Prefecture.""Yes?" "Would you think it lawful to break the law in order to punish an evil witch?"Rosemary smiled wickedly, whilst the other was taken aback by this question, "Y-yes. Yes I do." Ferdinand replied, and then for dramatic effect he rose, "I would break every law in Toulon in order to secure the punishment of such an evil doer."

 "Then what would you do if the witch turned 'round to meet you?" Werle asked, as he turned

about and set his hand upon the door, "With every law in the land cut down, where would you run to for safety?""Blast and damn Colonel, what ever are you getting at?"The colonel himself was taken aback by his outburst, and he offered no reply as he departed. Ferdinand stood stunned as the door closed with a firm click. The duke then paced nervously about his library, as Rosemary followed along just behind him, mimicking his polished gait. Late afternoon gave way to another chill and windy eve as the wraith lingered for many more hours in Krieghoff Manor. In his chambers, Ferdinand Brandenburg turned Colonel Werle's words over and over in his mind. He rose from his easy chair and paced the room, his eyes glancing here and there. He paused at a side table and took up a freshly minted coin that bore his likeness, 'My ownership of this manor is now undisputed. Local currency is being minted with my likeness! How can Werle suffer this lack of confidence?'

 All of a sudden, his head became dizzied. 'Dungheaps!' He cursed, clenching his jaw as an attack of panic befell him. Gone was his mask of cool calculated control, and he stumbled to his bedside, hoping to calm himself before his mood could spiral out of control. He cupped his hands over his muzzle and closed his eyes whilst his innards painfully churned. 'One breath in, and one out.' He said to himself, and after a time, he did feel better. He was surprised to find that he'd burrowed beneath his covers, and so he reached for the power lever and flipped it up, extinguishing the crude electrical lighting of his bed chamber.From her hidden vantage point, Rosemary crossed the chamber and climbed beneath the lion's bed. She lay there, listening to the duke's wheezy breaths, until his breathing became more rested and steady. She was joined under the bed by the black shadow. Had Rosemary known what lay with her, she'd likely have died from fright.'I wish I could sleep, what I wouldn't give to have a dream.' "Please..." Genivee spat from her place beside Karl, "You're being punished, remember?"

 Rosemary looked about the couple's apartment, "You have a lovely place here, mouse houses have always been quaint and homey."Karl stirred, "I never knew Brandenburg had anxiety issues, that's really interesting.""If you can even believe a word she says." Gennie said, and Rosemary seemed genuinely hurt by the mouse's repeated slights. Karl sent gentle thoughts to his mate, but Genivee answered them curtly, and aloud, "Karl, she's a master manipulator!""I'd better go." Rosemary declared, "I've clearly worn out my welcome.""Wait," Said Karl, "We're going to be leaving to meet up with the Brightwing and Holden families before they depart Thistledown. Would you come with us?"Rosemary shook her head, "I... no. I don't think so. Not at this time.""Isn't it why

you're hanging around?" Genivee asked, "You want to go, don't you?"The mare stood, "If I go, I want to first be freed from Nidavllier. I wish to hold my grandfather in my arms.""One," Gennie said, "Shelton Holden isn't your grandfather, at least not anymore. Two, you're being punished, remember?"

 Karl smiled weakly, whilst Rosemary bid the couple goodnight, "Farewell, I'll be sure to look in on you upon your return!"Pausing awkwardly, Rosemary hesitated for a moment before she pushed through the front door and departed. Karl sighed, and looked to his mate, "She needs a friend. Badly.""She's being punished." Genivee breathed, Kromhaut's archaic accent present upon her lips. Karl shook his head, "When does the punishment end? When can she get a shot at redemption?"Gennie reached out to Kromhaut's spirit, and she felt an odd sense of dread within his presence before he darted away. She sighed, and shrugged her shoulders, "I just don't know, Karl."Outside, Rosemary pressed her eyes shut, hoping to contain her emotions. Though she was a wraith, she was still a living animal. Rosemary snuffled, and then strode out into the night, but she was not alone. Her anxiety grew, and she braced herself, 'Why am I possessed with jitters?'"Hello." Said a timid voice, and Rosemary turned to find the green forest spirit Tanidia Arbor, "What are you doing, dear?" Rosemary asked, and the little dragon shied away, "I'm sorry," Rosemary said, trying to seem as non-threatening as she could.

 Tanidia shyly approached, and Rosemary marveled at seeing the elusive creature at such close quarters, "Is there anything I can do to help you?""Something approaches." Tanidia peeped, "It echoes on down from the higher dimensions, and I am afraid."  Rosemary went rigid from shock as a black shape startled the little dragon, and she darted away, leaving Rosemary shaken. The wraith stood, deeply puzzled and more than a little unhinged by the encounter, 'Afraid? Of what!?'Rosemary then called after the shadow, "Ibiza! What's going on? Talk to me!" But try as the mare might, the black seraph had already slipped away. Rosemary turned about to return to the avatar's home, but she could already hear Mayalee- er, Genivee's dismissive admonishment. So instead, she attempted to follow after death, but Ibiza'd already ventured north, keeping a close eye upon Herald Kirsten's newfound fellowship. In the hills above Herald Kirsten's tree, the new eagle Edward Kirsten anxiously clawed at the ground as his adopted father approached, "It's not working."

 The great golden eagle sat down beside his young clone and sighed, "Tell me.""I don't love my children, Herald! I can't feel anything for them!"Herald cupped his wing over the frightened young eagle, "You need to give it time, Edward. Just a little more time."Edward looked to him, "When did you first set sail aboard a ship?""Oh, I suppose I was fourteen, just a little older than you are now.""When did you first realize something was wrong?"Herald knew of course to what Edward referred, and he bowed his head, "Understand, Edward, that unlike you, I was not aware of any prior existence. As far as I knew, I was a perfectly normal eagle.""You were mentally ill," Edward hissed, "A sociopath! Tell me, when did you become The Flying Mantuan?""Edward," Herald said gently, "Your spirit is awake. May I speak to Octavius?""Why?! What's he got to do with anything?""I know you're scared, Tristan. But Octavius may help you, he is the strongest incarnation of your spirit. Please, allow Octavius to come forward."Edward turned away, "I'll think about it."

 "If you love your children," Herald whispered, his utterance barely audible on the early morning wind, "Then you'll not think too long.""So, I have to give up who I am?" Tristan hissed, "In order to be with them?"Herald leveled his gaze at the frightened eagle, said; "Yes, Octavius is strong. Strong enough to maintain control, and resist the darker nature of my clone's mind, until a solution may be found."Edward swallowed, "And what if there is no cure? What if I have to be a sociopath?""Let us have faith." Was all Herald could say. Edward closed his eyes tight, fearing the worst, but Herald comforted him, "Keep close to Justin. Remember what he means to you. Let him be a beacon, to guide you through the darkness that should have been my burden to bear."The mariner bowed his head, "I'm so sorry, Tristan. You should never have inherited my curse.""I'm with my family." The youngster replied, "I just hope that I might be able to love them.""Love," Herald whispered, turning his gaze to the deepest woods which sheltered a hidden dragon, "Is what will ultimately cure us all."

 The Dragon's Dream WorldIt was sometime before five in the morning that Shelton and Ashley set out from Herald's tree. "I'll be back by morning." Herald had said the night before, hoping to make for a nearby settlement in order to borrow a flask of oats, "Meat would not be appropriate for Maggie to eat at this time.""Hurry up!" Ashley whispered, "He could be back at any time!" Shelton climbed down the long ladder from Herald's tree as quick as he could, and then crept toward the house boat, "Where are you going?" Ashley hissed, "The rope bridge is this way!""We better get a flashlight and some spare food!" The pony replied. Ashley impatiently fidgeted as Shelton rummaged around inside the boat for what seemed like an eternity before appearing again, "Okay! Let's go!"The young eagle nodded as Shelton trotted

ahead, so quickly in fact that Ashley was forced to half run, half fly, along with him. The pair came to the rope bridge, and Shelton had a horrible sense that this time, without the magical Herald with them, the bridge would carry them to nowhere except the opposite side of the river gorge. And in fact, that's all that happened, "Damn!" Shelton sputtered.

 Ashley hung his head as the pair pondered their next move, "Something happened, that first time. Herald did something." Shelton said.Murmurs from above drew their attention. When the ability to hear tree voices first came to them, Neither Shelton nor Ashley could make any sense of what they said, "Travel..." Was all Shelton could parse from the strange buzzing voices, "What?""Did you travel?"Shelton traded glances with Ashley, "Well, no! Obviously, we didn't!""Then travel, travel to the mountain.""That's the idea!" Shelton retorted, whilst Ashley glanced about, "We better get back, Herald might be here any time now.""Wait..." Shelton said, "When we crossed, I was certain that we'd just end up on the opposite side of this river bed. And that's what happened."Shelton grasped Ashley's wing, "Come on!"The pair crossed back, and then Shelton gestured sweepingly, "When we go back across, let's imagine that we're arriving at the valley near Mount Tyr!""Okay." Ashley replied, his excitement building, "Let's do it!"With a quick glance back, Shelton urged his friend forward, "Let's go!"

 And wouldn't you know? The pair stepped off of the bridge and onto the soil of the uttermost east. It was now twilight, the entire day'd been taken from the boys, but they cared not! The towering peak of Tyr loomed in the distance, and Shelton squeaked excitedly, "Alright!"Ashley seemed excited, but also troubled, "Shelton, I didn't expect this to work. I mostly wanted to talk to you about Edward.""Yeah?""Um, I was hoping to get some advice from you. I mean, if your dad died, and then came back as a younger version of someone else, what would you think?"The pony shook his head, "I dunno Ash, it's just so surreal. I'd have to be put in that position in order to really know how I'd feel."Ashley nodded, and Shelton tapped his wing, "Sorry I can't be of much help.""Okay, well... where to now?" Ashley asked, putting on a brave face. Again, Shelton had no answers; "I dunno, I didn't expect this to work either.""Let's ask a tree!" Ashley said, glancing up, "They seem helpful!" He then cleared his throat, "Hello! I say, we'd like to enter the mountain! Could you direct us to an entrance?"

 After a flurry of buzzing, the trees answered with what Shelton thought was: "Go to the slope of broken shale. You may gain entry there."Ashley looked unsure, "I don't remember any sort of broken

rocks the first time." "Let's try it." Shelton said with a nudge, "Come on!"The pony took his flashlight and held it out before him, "I'm glad I brought this!""Just turn it off and save the battery." Ashley said, "I can see well enough in the dark, just follow me.""I thought that was owls.""Golden eagles can do it too.""Oh." Shelton gruffed, "I can't see a fucking thing."Ashley glanced at him, and Shelton flicked his ears, "Cussing offends you, doesn't it?""I don't particularly like it.""Why? It's just words.""Words offer a means to meaning, they shouldn't be wasted or taken lightly."Shelton snorted, "That's a lot of pointy-headed smart talk, I just say what comes to mind.""Then you're like a dumb beast." Ashley retorted, "Stumbling along, grunting and dragging your knuckles.""Hey!" "Sorry," Ashley said, "I just don't like stupid animals."

 Ahead, the forest parted into what looked like a quarry of rock, "Hey! This looks like the place!"Ashley surveyed the terrain, "Broken shale, just like they said.""Let's look for one of those doors." Shelton said with a swat to Ashley's flank, "I wish you wouldn't do that!""What?" Shelton asked, and then squeaked when the unstable soil beneath him gave way. "Shelton!" Ashley called, taking wing as the pony slid down the hillside. Shelton reached out for any purchase he could find, but before he knew what'd happened he was at the bottom of the quarry, "Fuck me!"Ashley landed nearby, "Are you okay!?"Shelton turned on his light to inspect himself, "My knee's kind of scratched."Ashley looked at it, "Doesn't look too bad, want to keep going?""Of course!""Okay," Ashley said, "Now, since we had to imagine ourselves crossing the bridge, let's imagine one of those doors opening.""Lookit the brain on Ashley!" Shelton nickered, and the eagle shrugged, "It's worth a try!"The pair then set to work, mentally opening doors until a chorus of grinding sounds shook them from their thoughts, "Wow, look!"

 No fewer than six doors had opened in the hillside, and the pair stood agonizing over which to take, "How about the larger one, there." Ashley said, and Shelton went to swat him, but stayed his hand, "Okay, let's go!""Shelton, do you think we should be doing this?""What?" The pony laughed, "You're getting cold feet now?""No... I'm not. Let's go."He nodded, and then the pair entered the dark tunnel. "Light?" Shelton asked, but there was no light to be had. "Light... please?"Ashley strained his mind, imagining the rock beginning to glow. But there was no light within the dusty stone of the hall, "Can you still see in the dark?" Shelton asked, and Ashley waved his wing

in front of his own face, "Nope."Shelton took his small flashlight and ignited it. It was barely enough light to push back against the blackness, but at least the pair was able to discern the shapes and patters around them. They shook with fright when the hidden door closed behind them, but at least Shelton's light seemed brighter than it'd been.

 The pair continued on, down into the body of the land, "Well, we definitely didn't come this way before. Everything seems dirtier than in the other tunnel.""We should have waited for Herald to take us exploring.""Hey, you're the one that wanted to go!""Wait!" Ashley screeched, "What's that!?"Ahead, just beyond the glow of Shelton's light were great thorn-like structures that rose up from the cavern floor. Shelton carefully stood to inspect the forest of spikes that now stood between them and the greater mysteries of the mountain. "Come on, we can get through these." Shelton set out, moving amongst the hazards until Ashley reached out with his beak and grabbed at his mane, "Shelton, it's almost like whoever put these spikes here doesn't want us to go any further!"Shelton had to admit that it did seem to be the case. The atmosphere within the cavern was cramped, uncomfortable, and somewhat dangerous, "Do you suppose this is some sort of tomb?"Ashley swallowed, "I dunno.""Let's just go a little more ahead." Shelton said, and Ashley reluctantly agreed. They continued on, until at last they came to a series of large square blocks scattered at random across the cavern floor, "What, the... fuck?" Shelton breathed, "What is this place?"

 Then, Ashley noticed etchings upon the blocks, and he gestured for Shelton to bring his flashlight, "Hey! These say something!"The writing upon the stone blocks was wholly alien to the boys, and they boggled at what it might say; "It says," Came Herald's voice, and the pair whirled around to face him, "This is not a place of honor. No great deed is commemorated here."Ashley stood, his knees shaking as Herald moved to the next block, "And this one says that delivering this message was significant to their culture, and they ask that you pay attention.""Oh..." Shelton chuffed, "What message are they trying to give us?""That this is a place of danger." Herald said, his presence filled with menace, and Ashley shrank from him, while Shelton stood fast, "How is it dangerous?""Below us is stored dangerous ores that radiate a type of energy. This energy can kill plants and animals, and the ones who made this chamber ask that we go no further.""Wow!" Shelton breathed, "Who left this message, the titans?""An ancient race, now passed from the world." Herald then gestured for the boys to follow, "Come along, we should not be here."

 "I'm sorry Herald." Ashley peeped, and Herald

nodded to him, "I'll not tell your mother what you have done, if you agree to never do it again.""We're just trying to explore." Shelton argued, and he was met with a harsh screech, "Do not argue with me, boy!"The pony winced, completely unaccustomed to such anger, 'Sure mom gets cranky, but not like this!'"I apologize, Shelton, I simply wish to convey the gravity of how important it is that you heed my words.""Okay." Shelton mumbled.Herald nodded as the hidden door slid open with a soft moaning of rock. Shelton glanced worriedly at Ashley, as if to ask; 'This guy is going to be your new dad?' Ashley replied with an uncertain shrug. Herald sighed within his mind, whilst beside him there appeared a black shape. The mariner acknowledged what he thought to be Ibiza Pushpath, although the boys were oblivious to the entity, 'I apologize for their trespassing, it shan't happen again.''They are curious, and possess the means to travel,' The entity replied, 'One cannot fault them.'

 Beside the eagle, Shelton mistook Herald's silence for anger, and he frowned miserably, 'Tend to the young one's feelings.' The shadow said, 'It shall be good for you, my first and greatest friend.'"Thank you." Herald said aloud, as he turned to the boys, "Ibiza was here to check up on us, I apologize for being silent.""Ibiza?" Ashley asked."Among her kind, she alone tends the path that spirits must follow. In this way, Ibiza Pushpath is the greatest of the seraphim, although she is also the youngest, and like yourselves, quite curious.""So, you were just talking to a dragon," Shelton said, glancing around, "Can we see them?""She's gone, for now." Herald replied, tucking his long legs beneath his great bulk and offered his wing to Ashley, "I'm sorry you are afraid of me my lad, I'd hoped that I might have softened after my return to life, but I fear my past isn't too far behind me."Ashley nodded, but for the life of him he couldn't return the mariner's gesture. Feeling stupid, he simply bowed his head. 'I'm losing them,' Herald thought, 'It hasn't been a full day, and already I'm losing them.'

 He too bowed his head as the trio returned to the aged treetop home. To the south, another old ghost found herself returned to life. First, it was as if the ground had opened up beneath Rosemary's feet, and there was a brief sensation, as if she'd fallen from a great height. When next she was aware, Rosemary Barter found herself laying in a nearby park with several concerned animals standing over her, "Ma'am, are you okay? Can we call someone?"Rosemary did not immediately reply, her mind reeled at what she beheld, and dimly, she wondered how anyone would be speaking to her, let alone see her. "My back is killing me." She croaked.A sturdy badger knelt down and cupped his hands beneath

Rosemary's neck, "There there ma'am, we'll get you some help."The badger winced at the chill of the mare's body, she was cold as a stone! But when Rosemary grasped his hand he nearly yelped at the heat radiating from her fingertips!She looked to the animal, her eyes searching for some meaning in what she beheld. The world appeared in crystal clarity, well... as clear as her seventy five year old eyes could manage. Gone was the mist, the haze, and the etherial lights of Nidavellir.

 With considerable effort, Rosemary endeavored to sit up. The badger assisted her, and she looked down upon the tattered white gown that she wore, "Uhhh...""Easy," The badger said, whilst a nearby couple rang a medic. Rosemary looked blankly about, "Where am I?" "Oakdale Park, just sit tight, we'll get you some help."Rosemary nodded, whilst she turned her thoughts inward, 'Kromhaut? Are you there? Have you released me?'There was no answer. She dared to hope that it'd all been a dream, a long and terrible dream, and that there were no ghosts, vengeful dragons, or creatures that dwelt in the outer darkness.However, Rosemary's release was not the work of the sun god, and he dispatched his avatars with all haste to collect the wayward equine. Genivee rushed from her flat with Karl in tow, Kromhaut's voice ringing in her ears. The collection of animals gathered around Rosemary had become considerable, and she touched her hand to the helpful badger, "Have you seen a small horse? He'd be about five foot two, with a long bushy tail."

 "No Ma'am, I haven't. Are they a relative of yours?" Rosemary sighed, "You're a helpful animal, Steven, thank you for your kind attention."Steven blinked, and wondered when he might've told the elderly horse his name, but there was a commotion as a pair of animals moved through the gathered crowd, "Excuse me." Came Karl's voice, and the pit of Rosemary's belly fell away, 'It was no dream.'The kindly badger stepped back as Karl knelt beside the startled horse, "Come on, we'll help you back to the house.""You know this horse?""Yeah," Karl replied, "She must have wandered off while we were asleep. Getting a little daffy in her old age!""No!" Rosemary gasped, "I'm free! Tell me that I'm free!"Karl thanked the animals and hurried away with the increasingly anxious horse, "Karl Kuhn! Have I been released?!""Shhhh!" Genivee hissed, "We have to get you inside!"Rosemary's lip began to tremble, and she knew then that she'd not been pardoned. She thought to cry out for help, to attempt an escape from Kromhaut's servants, but it was hopeless. There would be no escaping him, "Please, I don't care what happens to me. Just help Cookie! He's suffering!"

 "Shhhh!" Genivee hissed again, and Rosemary knew the avatars would do nothing to

help her friend.She hung her head and allowed Karl to escort her back to their flat, but before they arrived, she turned her gaze to and fro, hoping to burn the memory of the living world into her mind before she was again cast into the purgatory of Nidavellir. Karl helped her into the flat as tears began to stream down the mare's cheeks, and Genivee and Karl both were stung by her sorrow.Kromhaut again attempted to cast her back into the spiritual realm, but there was a force which stood against him. Genivee felt her god's frustration, but also, she felt the invisible hand of... "The One."'There is no such being!' Kromhaut roared into her mind, but Genivee took heart. She believed. "Karl, we'd better get her cleaned up.""I can't go back..." Rosemary whimpered, "Please, help me!"Gennie took Rosemary's hand and squeezed it tight, "You're safe! You're not going anywhere!" And deep down, Genivee hoped it was true. She led her visitor to the wash room, Rosemary weeping as they went. Inside, Rosemary shrieked when she beheld her reflection; "I look terrible! My eyes are gaunt and sunken! Return me to Nidavellir, Kromhaut! I can't bear to be seen like this!"

 "I see your sense of humor is returning." Genivee said, using her superior strength to pull the mare down to her level and pull the soiled gown from her shoulders, "Karl, can you wash this?"The lion entered, keeping his eyes averted, and took the gown to the laundry room, whilst Gennie set the bath. "Look what your god has done do me." Rosemary hissed, but Gennie ignored her, "Come on, let's get you a bath."Just off the kitchen, Karl threw the ornate white gown into the washer, then moved to the stove to prepare some breakfast, 'Karl,' Came Ariadne's voice, 'Father is displeased.'"Rosemary couldn't stay in Nidavellir forever, sooner or later you'd have to deal with her."'Yes.' Ariadne replied, 'I accept that, but the anomaly acts against father's wishes?'"If The One is comprised of all of you, then this being would know better what is right. Clearly, they've overruled Kromhaut."'Yes.' Ariadne repeated, as Rosemary's shrill voice echoed through the wall, "Confound it! Don't do that!"Smiling, Karl left the kitchen and made his way to the bathroom. Inside, he found Genivee attempting to drag a brush across Rosemary's back, "I said stop! That hurts!"

 Karl pulled Genivee aside and bid her tend to breakfast. He ushered her out and closed the washroom door amid her silent protests. Karl smiled to the mare as Rosemary shyly cupped her hands over her breasts, "Come on, let's add more water." He said, turning the silver knob. Rosemary shook her head and attempted to stand, but Karl pushed her down into the tub, "Come on, just relax."She let out a shuddering breath as the water began to cover her legs, "I'd forgot what this feels

like.""Mm-hmm..." Karl purred, taking a bar of soap and lathering his hands. Rosemary cast him a sideways glance, "What are you doing? You're not going to lay your hands on me, are you?""You need an animal's touch. It will be good for you."Embarrassed, and more than a little frightened, Rosemary allowed Karl to wash her back. Her slender shoulders tensed, and she began to tremble, "Shhhh, it's alright." He said, tracing his fingertips over the bumps of her spine."I know what you're doing." She whispered, "I'll not let you manipulate me!"

 He gently kneaded the tense muscles of her shoulders, and then took up a small bucket which he held under the running tap. He poured the water over her head, eliciting a terse groan from her, "And what would I gain from such a manipulation?"She closed her eyes as Karl poured more water over her. The gaunt craggy features of Rosemary's face became softened by the water, revealing a loveliness beneath that surprised even Karl. Despite her age, and years of abuse, Karl felt himself whisper; "You're very beautiful, Rosemary."A knock upon the door, and Genivee's concerned voice, "Everything okay?""Sure, come in if you want."She did, and was surprised at the difference in Rosemary's appearance, "Wow, she cleans up nice!""Sod off." The mare spat, "Your god knows what he's doing, doesn't he? He wants me to suffer!""What do you mean, 'my god?' You're the one who started a dragon cult!""Girls, please." Karl chuffed, "Let's try to start fresh, okay?"Genivee returned to the kitchen as Karl placed his hands upon Rosemary's neck. He used his powers of mind to see her thoughts, but was repelled by what he found, "Oh, you don't want to go tripping around in there." Rosemary chortled, "You might never find your way out."

 "You're not insane." Karl replied.She hung her head for a time as Karl finished bathing her. Through the wall, Karl heard Gennie place Rosemary's gown into the dryer, "We'll have you fixed up in no time.""What are the dragons saying?" She asked, "I know they speak to you, perhaps even now. What do they say? Was my release truly counter to Kromhaut's plan?""I think so."She turned to him, "Then quick as you can! Kill me! Put my throat into your mouth and bite down!" She clasped her hands upon his face, "Do it! For mercy's sake!"Karl wrestled her down while a concerned Genivee appeared at the door, "Okay, maybe you're a little insane." He said in jest, then silently requested some oats be brought for Rosemary. Gennie fetched them at once. "Here," Karl said, presenting the oats to her, "Try and eat something.""No, I'd rather starve!"He grasped her muzzle and pushed a pinch of food into her mouth. Rosemary's eyes widened, and she took the morsel between her teeth. Slowly

she began to chew, and Genivee smiled broadly as the old mare reached for the pot and brought it to her face, "Easy," Karl said, "Take it easy."

 Naked and wet, Rosemary Barter savored her first meal in almost two and a half thousand years. The avatars smiled to one another, but the mare was quick to squash any sense of accomplishment, "Don't get too proud of yourselves, I still think you're morons.""You're welcome!" Genivee chimed, then skipped to the washroom to fetch Rosemary's gown. Karl helped her from the tub and slid a towel slowly down her belly. He capitalized on her extreme attraction to lions, and used his sensuality to keep her emotional state in check. There was some part of Rosemary that relished the attention, but there was a larger part that resented it as Karl groomed and dried her. Genivee presented Rosemary's gown, and the former wraith took it from her with a snarl. She slipped it over her head and let it hang down upon her slender body, then turned to face the mirror, "I look ridiculous! I cannot wear this!""I have a jacket you can wear over it." Karl offered, "I doubt any of Gennie's things would fit you.""Ha. Ha. Ha." Rosemary chuffed, "Yes, bring me this jacket of yours."

 The trio moved to the bedroom where Karl offered up a dark blue coat. Rosemary took it and slipped it on, "This will do. Th-thank you.""Careful!" Gennie squeaked, "Your face might crack saying that!"The mare scowled, and then lay down upon the couple's bed, "Hey, what are you doing?""What does it look like? Since I'd wager I am not free to go, I would like to rest and sleep. It's been something of an eternity since I've slept."Karl nodded, and escorted his mouse out. Rosemary lay there for some time, listening to the wild insects chirping and fluttering from outside. Her thoughts strayed to Karl, and she imagined him at the foot of the bed, removing his clothing. She shook the dirty thought from her mind, 'It's what he wants! He's trying to manipulate me!''And what would I gain from such a manipulation?' Came Karl's voice. Rosemary squirmed this way and that, her eyes moving to the gentle swaying of the trees as they created a dreamlike mural of shadows upon the far wall. Hidden amongst these shadows was the black shape that'd followed her for all of the years of her exile. She felt herself drifting to sleep, and a dream came to her. It was a splendid dream where it was Karl whom she called her mate, and the old mare felt happy and loved.

 ***That evening, Karl and Genivee looked in on their guest, who wailed and protested to be left alone. She burrowed her face beneath the covers and dozed for a time, but the aroma of food and chiming voices roused her. In the parlor Rosemary found the other half of Kromhaut's little gang, the hawk Allomere Clemens and the cute fox Timothy. Allomere's maw hung

open, and Rosemary sputtered a curse, "Fool, what are you looking at?""A ghost."She smiled, "Not anymore."Timothy then drew near and offered his hand. Rosemary looked him up and down, then took it, shaking his hand with an exaggerated motion, "Won't Maggie be surprised to learn that she knew you in a past life, eh?"Timmy became shocked, and Rosemary smiled wickedly, "Of course I know about that! Quite a little stinker you were!""Stop it." Karl warned, "This isn't the best way to endear yourself to Krom.""Kromhaut can rot! I care not if-" Karl leapt up and clasped his hand around her delicate muzzle, "Stop. Just... stop."He released her, and she gingerly sat upon the small sofa and began to weep. Allomere became surprised at her sudden vulnerability, and reached out with his wing to comfort her, but Genivee gave him a cautionary nudge, "Careful."

 "Maybe we should eat," Timothy suggested, moving to the kitchen to inspect the brewing pot, "Ow!" He barked, knocking his head on a support beam. Genivee smiled to him, "Sorry love, mouse houses are rough places for the vertically gifted."He returned with a large lump upon his head which slowly grew smaller and then faded away. Rosemary smiled to him, "It must be good to have friends in high places.""Well," He replied, "Technically, you do too."At first she didn't know what he meant, and then it dawned upon her, 'Oh yes, The One.' She straightened her gown, "I should think I will like this 'One,' when they finally reveal themselves. Any entity who so vexes Kromhaut is a true friend, indeed."Rosemary turned her thought inward, and for the first time prayed to The One, 'You're the only hope for Cookie, please... help him.'Genivee did her best to ignore the mare as she set the table. Timothy lowered himself onto his hands and knees to assist her. Rosemary smirked at the pair while Karl checked the stew. "You know, Rosemary." Karl said, knowing he shouldn't engage her, but finding it impossible not to, "Krom went rather easy on you, when you consider what you did. Ordering the killings of rival cult leaders? The systematic domination of the followers under your control? Kromhaut stranded Herald aboard his ship for a thousand years for far less mayhem than you wrought."

 Timothy cast Rosemary a sideways glance, and she scowled at him, "Do not presume to judge me! You, who've murdered in your own past!"Genivee clapped her hands, "Dinner!"After some wary glances all around, the animals sat down to their meal. Karl was thankful they'd cooked a sufficient amount, and the food seemed to smooth everyone's frayed nerves. Even Kromhaut slipped into the background of Genivee's mind so that he may savor the flavorful morsels, despite Rosemary's close proximity. Within her vision, Rosemary could detect wisps of vapor and flame, and she

knew the dragon god was present, but she betrayed no indication that she was so aware.The meal went smoothly, and the animals even found themselves smiling. On occasion, anyway.Seeing Rosemary in a good humor, Karl attempted to hear her thoughts, but was once again caught by the wary horse, "It would be best if you didn't." Rosemary said aloud, "At the very least, I consider it extremely rude.""I'm just trying to help you." Karl replied, but Rosemary was having none of it, "I'm sure it would cause quite a scene if I left, I'm sure your god would demand my return." She then cast her eyes upward, "Tell me, is there anywhere I could go to be free of you?"

 Through Genivee's eyes, Kromhaut watched the mare finish her meal, and then retire to the bedroom, "Karl, Genivee, I would be most grateful if I could make use of your bed for the night."Genivee was surprised that she'd made an actual request, and she nodded her permission, "Karl and I can get a hotel. We'll be back in the morning to pick you up."The ancient mare nodded, "Thank you.""Just a moment." Gennie said, taking a camera from a side table and gesturing for Rosemary to kneel down before a white plaster wall, "Have you lost your mind, mouse? I am tired!""I need to make you an identity card, I can work on it tonight.""Oh, bloody hell." The cranky horse muttered as she slowly knelt before the mouse and grimaced, "Rosie, can you please smile normally?"She reached out and batted the camera aside, "Don't ever call me that! My name is Rosemary! Say it proper!"Genivee nodded, annoyed by the mare's mood swings, "What's your middle name?""Whatever do you need that for?""I'm making an identity card, such documents tend to include them."

 "It's Garland."Karl raised a brow, "That's a modern name.""These are modern times, are they not?" "Point taken." The lion replied as Genivee took several photos of the elderly horse. "Are we finished?""Yes."Without another word, Rosemary got to her feet, her joints popping and snapping as she rose. She yelped in pain, and Karl stood to embrace the squirming horse, "What are you doing?" He pressed the barrel of his chest to her willowy body, and she gasped as a blossoming heat radiated from him. Rosemary's eyes became heavy as her pain melted away, and she brushed her lips over Karl's ears, "Looks like you have some use, after all."Allomere and Timothy traded glances as Gennie thanked Karl for his intervention, 'That's really helping, I wouldn't mind if you had sex with her, it might actually turn her into something resembling a normal animal.''If it comes to that, but I'd rather keep my therapy soft-core, if at all possible.'Genivee chortled, and Rosemary smirked at her before she retreated into the

bedroom and closed the door. Karl sighed, and then smiled to his friends, "Come on, we'd better go and leave her to sleep."

 "What's going to happen to her?" Timothy asked in a low voice, and Genivee shrugged, "Krom will likely want her to live out her days in the north, away from civilization."Timothy rubbed his throat, "She looks like she's been through a lot."Karl smiled gently, "Sometimes being alive is more of a struggle than any of us realizes.""Indeed," Allomere agreed.And with that, the company gathered themselves up and departed. Rosemary sat on the bed and waited for them to leave. Satisfied that they were gone, she idly poked about the bedroom, 'Look at all this clutter! These animals are slobs!'She sifted through several piles of artifacts, recognizing some as being quite old, 'I wonder if each of these old odd ends represents a memory? I suppose I'd become quite a hoarder myself if I'd lived all this time in the physical world.'Rosemary picked up a small music box and smiled gently, 'I believe I know where this comes from.'She then opened a nearby box and found a withered old child's shoe, "Is this her shoe?" Rosemary asked aloud, "From her childhood?" She put the shoe to her nostrils and breathed it's scent, but all she could discern was the aged decay of a well-worn artifact, 'This thing should be in a museum.'

 Finally, Rosemary lay back on the bed and attempted to get comfortable. Realizing that the lights were still on, she reached up and switched them off. She sighed, and stared at the ceiling as the gathering dusk gave way to night. She reflected upon her long and tiring existence, 'I suppose I belong in a museum, too.' Though she'd plotted her own course through the centuries, Rosemary'd existed in a world of perpetual night. Often her own being had become indistinguishable from the shadows that swirled about her, and even now the etherial realm weighed upon her mind, beckoning to her, calling her back. She dozed off, wondering if she'd wake back within that dreadful place. Sometime later, she shook awake. Squinting, she attempted to check the time on the far wall, but the lighted numbers of the clock were only a fuzzy blur, "It is one half hour to midnight." Came a raspy, dark brown voice.Rosemary's heart leapt into her throat, and she glanced about the room, searching for the entity who'd spoke. Minutes ticked by, and Rosemary finally dared to address the unseen presence, "Please, if I'm forced back into Nidavellir, I shall truly go insane. Please... don't condemn me."

 The black shadow broke it's silence with a fateful pronouncement that shocked Rosemary into stunned unconsciousness. The entity left the mare to sleep, while it's words echoed through Rosemary's soul.***Six hours later, dawn broke over the vast northern realm. Maggie Pumpkin gazed from

the large bay window of Herald's tree and found the heavy morning fog unnerving. It reminded her too much of the spirit world. Eleanor and Justin Brightwing had just returned from a hunt, and the horses milled about their kill, wondering how awful the unrecognizable creatures might taste. A piping kettle announced breakfast was ready for Maggie and the Holden family. Gabriel removed the lid and poured the lumpy oat meal out into a large bowl. The horses took turns stabbing at the grey oats with their spoons and gulping down the raw meal, "This is a lot different than what we get at the store." Shelly opined.Missy nodded, and then looked out to see the young Edward standing upon the rickety skyway. As if sensing her concern, Maggie nudged her new mother, "We should go and see if he's alright."

 The elder mare shook her head, "Let the eagles have their space. At least for now."Edward then entered the home, and glumly picked at the carcass. Virgil Proudfoot suddenly chuffed; "Why is everyone acting like we've just come from a funeral? I thought we had an amazing experience back there!"Several animals nodded, but none felt energized. It was as if a pall had settled over the home, and none really knew why they didn't feel happier, "Maggie," Herald said at last, "You once asked about Rosemary Barter. I feel I should tell you of her, and the warning she imparted to me.""W-what?" Missy gasped, while the other animals gathered around Herald, "What warning?"Herald drew a breath to speak, but was interrupted by a sudden gasp from Maggie; "Ugh!" She cried, clutching her belly in distress. Missy and Gabriel were at her side at once, and Maggie nodded to them, "I'm okay, my stomach is just cramping something fierce.""Congratulations," Herald chimed, "You are experiencing the discomfort that makes newborn babes so cranky."

 Maggie cocked her head, "Really?""Your digestive system is firing up, as it would in a newborn." Herald said, and then he turned to Edward, "And before you ask, your body is ten years old! I hatched it from... well, a rock.""What!?" The animals gasped, whilst Edward looked down upon his person, "What do you mean a rock?""A rock." Herald affirmed, "At least, it was a rock before Glorafin took my feather and transformed it into an egg.""Wow..." Edward breathed, a tone of genuine wonderment in his voice. Eleanor smiled to him, 'That's the happiest I've seen him since we arrived back.'Maggie burped up a bit more gas as Herald continued, "But alas, there is a terrible shortcoming in Edward's new body."The young eagle again looked down upon his person as Herald continued, "What pains me is one of the most wicked animals the world has ever known came to me, and warned me of a terrible flaw in my clone.""What is it?" Eleanor asked, a nervous tremor in her voice.

Herald smiled weakly, and then looked away, "My clone is perhaps too perfect a copy, and there is a danger that Tristan has inherited my former sociopathic nature. He must now contend with the eagle I once was."

 None knew what to say, and as Maggie finished her meal Herald bowed his head, "And Maggie, I... I'm sorry.""For what?"Herald's wings drooped, and try as he might, he could not make eye contact as he spoke, "Look fondly upon the faces of your new family, and remember them, for you may soon fall ill as Shelly did. You shall go blind.""Have courage." Came a voice, and the animals turned to find a spindly metal dragon cast all in gold. It resembled Glorafin's metal avatar, and yet was wholly different. Shelton wondered if the statue they beheld in the mountain wasn't actually a statue at all..."Whilst there are obstacles to overcome," The dragon continued, "Each of you has the means to overcome the challenges now set before you." Ibiza paused as Shelton Holden stepped forward, unable to contain his curiosity. She smiled to the pony as he inched closer to her, while Justin gently grasped Shelton's tail in his beak, attempting to pull him back. With an outstretched hand, Shelton touched the plates of Ibiza's chest, then snapped his hand back in shock. Herald Kirsten then approached the dragon, "Ibiza Pushpath, I presume?"

 "I am well met," She replied, "Captain Vanderdecken."He wondered why she addressed him as such, but he bowed his respect. "Alright," Eleanor said, "How can Edward overcome Herald's mental deficiencies?"The elder eagle winced, and yet Eleanor was right. He possessed severe shortcomings. Ibiza nodded to her, and then addressed Edward, "My lad, Herald's advice to you was sound. Your spirit is awake within the vestment of this living body, and so you must reach deep within yourself, and summon the eagle Octavius d'Shannonvale. Bring him to the fore, for he possesses the will to counter the darker elements of Herald's cloned body.""You don't think I could do it?" Tristan asked, and his question was met with the memory of Tristan Brightwing receiving the 'anonymous' tip that the former union government was near default, "Your actions helped usher the downfall of the former Union, a system of government that benefitted all animals." The young eagle hung his head as she spoke, "Tristan, although you are a good-hearted eagle, I would declare you unfit to resist the darkness of Herald's former mind."

 Her words stung, but he nodded, "So, I just let King Octavius take over?""It is the best remedy for now. But have faith, for in time a more lasting solution shall present it's self."Maggie marveled at the thought, and she smiled her support to Tristan. Ibiza then turned to the boxer, "As for you, Maggie Pumpkin, your soul is also awake within your body. This condition is something of an anomaly among

the living, but it shall serve you well come the onset of blindness, for your conscious spirit need only look out of your sightless eyes." She reached out and put her paws upon Maggie's cheeks, "Look past the sightless eyes of Shelly Holden, and see with your spirit." Ibiza then sat daintily upon a large blue cushion and took up a dusty old book as if she were a neighbor from across the river who'd come calling. The animals were quiet for a time, until Shelly finally reached out for Maggie. Maggie put her hand in her sister's, "I'm so sorry." Shelly said."Aw, don't be! I'll be okay!"Eleanor furled her wings, "Lady Ibiza, surely there's something you can do to help my husband? And Maggie? Aren't you a magical being?"

 "I would not presume to alter what my mother has crafted, at least not at this time. With Octavius at the helm of Edward Kirsten, and Maggie utilizing her spiritual vision, we may bide our time.""O-okay." Eleanor said with a courteous bow, and then Shelton appeared again beside the dragon and reached out his hand. He did not touch her this time, and so Ibiza reached out her nose and touched it to his hand, "Shelton," Herald said, "Let the lady be, hmm?"Ibiza smiled to her new friend, and then moved to inspect the remains of Eleanor's kill, "Are you hungry?" Justin asked, and the dragon nodded, "Always."***To the south, Rosemary woke to the front door opening. She stretched, and breathed in a fond gasp of air. Genivee's voice chimed through the home, and Rosemary felt a sudden urge to use the washroom. She rolled from the bed and stumbled into the hall, banging her head on the low door frame, "Blast and damn!"Karl stepped toward her, but Rosemary ducked into the washroom and closed the door. He shrugged, then helped his mouse clean up the kitchen before the animals departed. Rosemary pressed her ear to the wall and attempted to listen in on any conversation, but all that could be heard was the clanking and banging of kitchen work, "Blassssst!" She hissed, "I know they're talking to each other, in a way that I can't hear!" She flushed the commode and then let out a frustrated wail. In the kitchen, her outburst brought a chortle from the couple, "I hope we're not stuck with her for too long!"

 "I shouldn't think so." Rosemary replied, emerging from the washroom, "This old wreck of a body may only have days left to live.""How do you feel?" Karl asked, and Rosemary smirked at him, "I received a visit from death last night." She said, assuming the entity to be Ibiza."What did she say?" Genivee asked, taking a seat at the table. Rosemary paused, and seemed to try and collect herself, "She told me that through murder, I would find purpose."The animals became shocked, and Rosemary flashed them a wry smile, "It seems there's more suffering to be done, eh?""That doesn't make any

sense!" Genivee chuffed, "Krom! What do you make of this?"Rosemary noted the tale-tell glimmer in the mouse's eyes, and she knew Kromhaut was present. Gennie offered a supportive nod to Rosemary as she silently communed with the god. Rosemary shrugged and then set about rummaging around the kitchen, undoing some of the tidying Karl and Gennie had just done, "What do you have to eat around here?"Karl sat down at the table as Genivee concluded her conversation. The couple paused to watch the bizarre horse from another age poke and prod about the kitchen, "What are these?" She asked, taking up a bag of wafer-like confections, "Butter biscuits." Genivee replied.

 Rosemary tore the bag open and shoved one of the wafers into her mouth, "Mmmm, I like this." She said through the food, "I haven't got to enjoy these sorts of pleasures, you know.""That's because you were being punished." Genivee reminded her, and Rosemary snorted, "Was, being punished." She said with emphasis, "Tell me then, what did your god make of death's unsettling words to me?""He intends to ask her."The mare clenched her fists in frustration at the dragon's inability to form his own opinion, and nearly spat out a torrent of insults, but stayed her tongue.  "Rosemary, let's travel north. Ibiza is visiting with the Brightwing and Holden families. We might be able to speak to her ourselves."The mare made no reply, she simply ate another biscuit."So, you're with us?" Karl asked, and Rosemary curled her lip in a most unsettling way, "Death comes and goes as she wishes, she might even appear here the moment we depart. If I am to be your unwilling guest, then I intend to stay put and enjoy the comforts of your home with whatever time I have left to me."

 Genivee put her hands on her hips, and Rosemary flashed a toothy smile, "Unless your god could see fit to let me be on my way, after all, The One has released me from Kromhaut's purgatory."The mouse groaned her frustration, whilst Rosemary settled down into Karl's chair. "Don't you want to see Shelton? Or Shelly?" Karl asked."Eh, they'll be along this way soon enough.""What happened to the little time you have left to you?" Genivee asked, winking at Karl, "What if you keeled over before you meet your long-lost kin?"Rosemary frowned, as she fumbled with the control arm of the reclining chair, "How would we get there? Take to the air in a flying ship?""Most likely." Karl replied.The mare muttered to herself, and seemed to debate with some part of her mind before agreeing to the voyage. Karl breathed a sigh of relief, whilst Genivee sent a mental update to Allomere. 'I can't leave the area,' Allomere reported, 'I received a strange visit from a ghost who seemed extremely familiar with us, Mimir wants me to investigate. Timothy will be over, he'll accompany

you.'

 'Gennie,' Came Timothy's voice, 'I know that what's going on isn't normal. I mean, I've only been with you for ten years.'She stared off into the distance, as if recalling some past deed or moment of great significance, and Karl noted her contemplative expression, 'Gennie, what is it?'She shook her head, "I don't know." She said aloud."Oh, speak so we ALL can hear!" Rosemary snorted. "You might not like what you're likely to hear." Gennie warned, and the mare squirmed in the chair, her anxiety level growing by the moment. But soon, Allomere arrived with Timothy Buttons. I'll not bore you with minutiae, but suffice to say the four made their preparations and completed last-minute chores before they filed out and assembled around Karl's motor car. Rosemary kicked the side fender, drawing a wince from Karl, "Are you sure this thing is safe?""Just get in."Timothy seated himself and then leaned out the window to deliver a kiss to Allomere's beak, "See you soon." Rosemary scowled at the public display of affection, and then pressed her head back against the padded seat. Karl started the vehicle, and then pushed off down the long driveway that the cluster of small homes all shared. Timothy glanced in the rear view mirror and watched his hawk look after them, his expression melancholy and already lonely. The big motor car took up nearly the entire road, and Karl was forced to pull to the side whenever a passing mouse or other small animal appeared on the road, 'I hope we're not going to get an influx of lions!' A passing mouse thought, and Karl chortled, grateful for the humor.

 Soon they slipped beyond the half-scale confines of Oakdale, and on the open road, Rosemary Barter found the ordinary world bore a radical new look, 'I hardly recognize the place!' She kept her long muzzle pressed to the back seat window and watched the land go by as the company motored along. "So we'll take flight in an air ship?" Rosemary asked, her accent changing at odd times and with little warning. In one moment she'd sound like a rural midlander, and at others she took on the air of a learned northerner. Karl picked up on some of the regional dialects she was emoting, while Genivee discerned still older patterns of speech long passed from the world. "We're going to get you some clothes." Karl said, "I think that would do you a world of good."Rosemary brought the collar of Karl's jacket to her nose and breathed his lingering scent, "No thank you, my current attire is sufficient."Genivee smiled to Karl, 'My goodness,' She said silently, 'I'd say you have a new girlfriend!'Though not privy to her thoughts, Rosemary guessed at the exchange, "Why don't you two tell us about the first time you became romantically... entangled."

 "What?" Karl asked, glancing over his shoulder at Rosemary."You heard me, I'm sure it

happened rather quickly. After all, before your arrival, Kromhaut hadn't allowed his chosen animal to enjoy any sort of meaningful relationship. The poor thing was probably starved for sex."Genivee groaned, whilst Rosemary leaned over the seat, "How quickly did she force herself upon you?"Timothy shifted uncomfortably while Karl smiled. "Karl." Genivee squeaked, her tone clear that she wished the conversation to go no further. "Well, it was kind of cute and funny." The lion chortled, and Gennie slapped his thigh, "I can do that a lot harder you know!""So," Rosemary said, "Whilst I was poking around Krieghoff manor, what were you two doing?"Karl glanced to Gennie who threw her hands up, "Fine, let her hear it.""Well, after Ariadne scared you off, we passed through Bywater pretty quickly. Keeping on the move wasn't tiring anymore, after Ariadne touched me, so Gennie wanted to keep a steady pace and make for the Shannonvali border."

 Rosemary nodded, "After Octavius dropped dead, you'd lost your palace position, hm?" Genivee snorted, "I was still a trusted lady within the court! Air Marshal Grethan was a good friend of mine!""Fine, but what we all really want to hear is, when did you put the moves to this lovely lion?"Karl chortled while Genivee snarled, "This isn't funny! I don't want to be laughed at!""You never could stand that, could you?" Rosemary noted, "Did something happen to you in your childhood? Were you ridiculed for something? Was your daddy a beetle breeder?""Stop it!" Timothy chuffed, "I don't like your attitude!"Genivee nodded appreciatively to Timothy, while Karl patted his mouse's thigh, "That play fight we had is one of my fondest memories, you know.""Play fight?" Rosemary and Timothy chimed in unison, and Genivee shook her head, "Karl and I had a fight on the road, when I thought he was making fun of me.""Oh, I simply must hear this!" Rosemary chirped, "Please, continue!"Genivee touched her hand to Karl, 'I'll tell it.'

 Then, she drew a breath, "After we left Bywater, I felt myself becoming very attracted to Karl. I knew he was going to be with me, and so I felt comfortable becoming intimate with him.""How did it happen?" Rosemary asked, and Genivee squirmed with embarrassment, "Well... ""Karl," Genivee had asked, pausing on the dusty road to take his hand, "Would you like to... mate?""Pardon?""Coupling, mating..." She chirped, glancing at the makeshift loincloth he wore, "You are quite lovely, and it has been a great long while since I've coupled."Karl laughed out loud, and Genivee sputtered, "It is no jest! I am genuinely interested!"Back within the car, Rosemary howled with laughter. Genivee bit her lip and continued, determined to not allow the old nag to

get to her..."But I am so much larger than you!" Karl chortled, only adding fuel to Genivee's annoyance, "Karl, I am indestructible, remember?""What?!" Karl roared, "Shall I just cram it inside, then?"Karl then became overcome with laughter and sat down along the side of the road, "Do not laugh at me, Karl!"

 "I'm laughing with you, dear." He said, wiping away tears, "It's just... I've never heard sexual relations articulated in that way before!"She put her hands on her hips and swished her tail, "I should like to have you, and only wished to reassure you of my durability.""What?" Karl howled, "Would you have me now? Here on the road?"She groaned, "Not now, obviously!"Karl rolled over on his back and belly-laughed. Indignant, she hopped atop him, "Let us instead test the limits of YOUR durability!"She slammed her fist into his belly, sending a tremendous report echoing across the nearby gully. Karl groaned frightfully, and grasped at his abdomen, "Oh!" Genivee cried, "Have I hurt you?"In answer, Karl swung his leg up and kicked her from behind, sending the mouse flying. Genivee dusted herself off and then flexed her small arms, "You, sir, are now in some measure of trouble."Karl tapped his fingers to his chest, "Let's go, missy!"She threw herself at him, and the two grappled like gladiators. She knocked his legs out from under him, and grasped hold of his mane. Laughing, Karl watched as she thrust her left hand beneath his chest and lifted him up. With a roar she threw him against the hillside, sending a massive cloud of dust rising up into the air. From the cloud came Karl's laughter, and Genivee began to chortle, 'I haven't had this much fun in... a thousand years?'

 Genivee helped Karl up, and the pair stood laughing until they noticed a family of equines watching them. From the expressions they wore, they'd likely witnessed the entire impromptu fight. Karl smiled awkwardly, and adjusted his loincloth, "Watch out for mice." He said to the horses, "They're quite strong."The father equine laughed nervously, whilst Genivee politely bowed to them. The avatars then beat a hasty retreat, each giggling to the other as they fled into the woods.Back in Karl's sedan, Rosemary leaned back in her padded seat, turning the story over and over in her mind. Knowing that Genivee could see her thoughts, and aware that the mouse was intruding upon her, Rosemary imagined herself being mounted by Karl, the lion delivering powerful exciting thrusts to her backside, "Ugh!" Gennie grunted, and Rosemary smirked her contempt, "That's what you get for spying!"Karl chortled, and glanced back at Rosemary, "For someone who fancies lions, you sure had a crush on Kirsten.""Ew, don't be ridiculous!"Seeing her chance to get back at Rosemary, Genivee stood upon her seat

and smiled back at her, "Didn't he try to rehabilitate you? I know he visited you quite often in his early days as Glorafin's servant."

 Rosemary looked away, "None serves Glorafin, she is a foul trickster who serves only herself."Timothy squirmed in his seat, "The animals have entered her mountain. Kromhaut opened the path for them.""Then he sent them into a trap. The goddess of death wants nothing better than to play with their lives."Karl glanced back, "She gave your grandfather a second chance at life.""And we all see how well that's worked out." Rosemary said ruefully, "Tell me, Genivee, I understand Kirsten had some form of offspring created from one of his feathers.""Yes." Gennie replied, "You visited him at his tree when he retired, you've seen it.""I warned him to never use that gollum, whomever stepped into that clone would be doomed.""Why?" Timothy asked, and Rosemary laughed, "Because the dark lady would've created a perfect copy of our brave Herald! Knowing full well that Kirsten was a sociopath in his youth! Whatever soul steps into that body will inherit his terrible disposition!"Genivee gasped, whilst Timothy struggled to comprehend what was afoot, "So, Octavius is going to become the way Herald used to be? An eagle who could murder innocent animals?"

 Rosemary cackled, and Gennie grit her teeth at the terrible sound, "What else has happened?" Rosemary asked through her laughter, "What of Maggie Pumpkin?"Karl tapped his finger upon the wheel, "Glorafin has made a clone of Shelly Holden, and fused it around Maggie's spirit.""Ha! Again the trickster knew which animal would inflict the most damage!""What!?" Timothy yelped, but Genivee knew, "The virus, the virus that sickened Shelly Holden and blinded her. Maggie will share her fate!"Rosemary drew a breath to laugh, but Timothy clapped his hands upon her snout. She shook in his grip, and he released her, "Well," She said, regaining her composure, "The question now becomes, is your god going to help these animals?"Karl leaned back in his seat, 'Are we?' He wondered, knowing his dragon was listening, but Ariadne made no reply. The mood within the car had darkened considerably, such that my own mood became affected, and so I left the avatars and went instead to check upon Ibiza and her new friends. Gabriel Holden gazed down from the bay window of Herald's tree and watched Ibiza Pushpath frolic in the carpet of leaves below the main landing. Sunlight danced across her shimmering golden body, and Gabriel became dazzled by the glimmering dragon as she pranced about like a living sunbeam. Shelton appeared at his side, and the pony nuzzled his father, "Dad, Ashley and I went exploring. We followed the bridge to the east and then went inside a big hillside. Herald found us and brought us back."

 "I

know." He breathed."Really?" Shelton asked, "How did you find out?"The elder stallion looked to the younger, "Something's happening to us Shelton. Sometimes I can see little flashes of what you're doing, or what your mother sees."The pony nodded, and Gabriel patted him, "Thank you for telling me, and please try and take it easy getting into stuff, until we know more about what's going on.""Okay, and dad! There's some kind of ancient animals who built that underground cave!"Gabriel returned to the window and searched for the golden dragon, only to find her seated upon her haunches, looking up at him. Her expression and demeanor'd become suddenly menacing, and he backed away with a snort, only to find the dragon right behind him! "Did I startle you?""Fuck!" Gabriel cried, stumbling back against the window. Ibiza's formerly golden eyes'd become dark, almost inky black. The effect radically changed her appearance, such that she was no longer a beautiful creature, "Ibiza?" Shelton peeped.She looked to him, and a flash of recognition chased the darkness from her eyes. They became bright and cherry again, to the relief of the horses, "Please forgive me, I endeavor always to show you only my brighter side, but it is sometimes difficult. I'll go and leave you to rest."

 "Hey," Shelton said, touching her shoulder, "Please don't go." Whilst behind the dragon, Gabriel gestured for Shelton to shut his mouth. Ibiza smiled warmly, "I have chores, and should see to them. But I thank you for the warmth."Gabriel breathed a sigh, and Ibiza bowed her head, "I apologize for startling you. There is a duality, a side of myself you might find frightening." She looked to Shelton, "Be warned.""Oh." Shelton chuffed, reaching out once again as the dragon's eyes turned to black, "Why do your eyes do that?""It is a manifestation of the duality of my nature, a window to my home."Poor Gabriel was now becoming quite afraid, but Shelton remained fearless, "Glorafin seemed to have two sides to herself, like she was a tree and also a dragon, you're kinda the same way?""Kinda." Ibiza replied, subtly adopting Shelton's midland accent."What's your duality?" Shelton asked, while Ashley drew near, startled by the appearance of Ibiza's large black eyes. "If Glorafin is a tree and also an animal, what's your other side?"

 She turned away suddenly, "I should go.""I love you." Shelton heard himself say. The others blinked at his outburst, and none was more surprised than Shelton, for I'd bidden him to speak. Ibiza needed to hear those words. She slowly turned, and all were relieved when her eyes brightened. She smiled warmly and nodded, whilst Ashley felt compelled to ask; "Ibiza, there's something I'm curious about.""Yes?""Herald caught Shelton and I exploring a cave, a cave that

had ancient writing on some big blocks.""Yes?"Shelton interjected; "I hope you don't mind us snooping around.""The One has gifted you special sight. They have gifted you the power to manipulate the structures and contrivances of old, it is not up to me to be pleased or angry when you exercise your newfound abilities.""Oh, cool." Ashley said, "Well, I just wanted to know, how did Herald know what the language written on the blocks said?"Ibiza smiled to the horses, and then reached up to tickle Shelton's ear, "He knew of the ancient speech, because I have tutored him." Ibiza then cocked her head and smiled once more, and this time it was Gabriel who asked of her; "Who is 'The One?'"

 The dragon rose from her cushion and left the horses, but turned back before slipping from the third dimensional realm, "She is."After she'd gone, Gabriel collapsed upon a cushion, "What the bloody hel was that all about? I thought she was supposed to be different from that lunatic inside the mountain!?"Shelton attempted to comfort his father, "Dad, I think Ibiza is a part of the process of destruction and creation."The elder whistled, "That's great! And we're supposed to tip toe around her?""No." Shelton snorted, folding his arms across his chest, "You're not! And this is probably why the dragons stay hidden."Gabriel reached out for his son, and Shelton reluctantly allowed his father to pull him near, "I'm sorry son, but maybe you're right. Maybe we shouldn't be here. Maybe the dragon was right when she tried to get away."Ashley smiled, "You know how to sweet talk her!"The pony shyly smiled, "Guess I got carried away." He then became thoughtful, "And you know, maybe it is a good idea to socialize with her. You saw how happy she became when I told her how I felt. Maybe a being that's in charge of destroying things would need to hear a kind word now and again."

 The others debated the merits of maintaining contact with the dragon, whilst from an infinitesimally small point upon the floor, Ibiza eavesdropped upon the animal's conversation, "Shelton," Ashley asked, "Do you really love her?"The pony sighed, whilst from the depths of Hel, Ibiza's breath caught in her throat, "Yeah, I love her."She exhaled a relieved sigh as Shelton continued, "When I look at her, I feel like I'm seeing the most beautiful sunrise I've ever seen. She makes me feel small, but in a good way." Ibiza anxiously took in Shelton's words, gobbling them up as a famished animal might after a long fast, "But also, she makes me feel tall, and special. I don't know much about love, but that seems to me-" He fell silent, becoming embarrassed, and Gabriel nudged his son, "Yep! Sounds like love to me!"Ibiza smiled at the laughter streaming in through the portal she'd created, and she turned to the blackness; "Do

you see? He could very well work!"The darkness emoted a feeling, a sense that something was unsuited to her, and the dragon dismissed the void as she orbited the powerful singularity, "Genivee is impatient and violent!" Ibiza hissed, "I like Shelton so much better!"

 Again the darkness issued disquiet feelings, a sense that Shelton was unsuited to the task she contemplated. Ibiza fretted and worried, "Are you sure?"This time, the darkness made no answer. I'd stated it's case, and made it's recommendation. 'Shelton,' Ibiza whispered into the void, 'I... want to love you. Will you help me?'Part Two"It's cold out here." Said Tristan Brightwing. 'The fresh air will do you good.' Replied a voice within his head, 'And you've never seen cold until you've sailed north beyond Eternity's Crossing!'"I didn't know you were a sailor."'I wasn't.' Octavius replied, 'That profession was held by Valimir, a forebear of ours. He would have been a contemporary of Captain Vanderdecken.'Tristan sighed, "What do you think of Herald, anyway?"'He is doing the best that he can, given the circumstance that fate has dealt him. I could ask no more from any animal.'"Hmph." Tristan gruffed, "Why do they call that passage 'eternity's crossing,' anyway?"'Because it takes an eternity to traverse it.'

 Tristan laughed, and Octavius' presence touched Tristan's identity, 'That's the first time I've heard you merry.'"What's there to be happy about?"'My lad, do not allow the confines of this body to obscure what is truly important in your life. Yes, there is much to fear, but remember that sometimes a price must be paid.'Tristan was quiet for a time whilst Octavius continued; 'Remember the darkness, Tristan. But also, remember your children.'"Yeah." Tristan breathed, whilst Octavius' presence smiled within him, 'Might I come forward? I am ready to assist you my friend.'"No! I'm not ready!" Tristan screeched, and Octavius backed well away, 'Very well, Tristan. But know that I am here for you.'The unhappy eagle continued his walk through the forest, shivering in the early morning fog. Far away, the fiery manifestation of Kromhaut Majoris appeared within the second dimensional realm of Nilheim. Like the troubled Tristan Brightwing, Kromhaut's sprit also felt a profound chill as his fiery body was assaulted by the howling winds which rage unchecked across the featureless white landscape. As Hel is black, Nilheim is white.

 It is funny to me that of all the names given to these realms by the countless civilizations that have existed, it is the titles bestowed by the Norse cosmology that have endured, from the days I bore the name Odin. Kromhaut waited for some time for his brother to appear, his thoughts and memories often

drifting to his chosen animal. It was a morning very much like this one. Cold, frost all upon the ground, when Genivee'd fallen through a frozen lake, 'Thus began our relationship.' He murmured, until a voice rang out; "It seems appropriate that you identify with our Sol, the star which presides over all life upon our planet." Said Amuntep, and Kromhaut's fiery visage turned to meet his brother's icy form, "Hello, Amun."The dragon of ice and the dragon of fire sat near to one another, but neither spoke for some time. Kromhaut turned his thought inward, and fretted over the coming alignment of the dimensions. He knew that would be the hour of her coming.Amun spoke up, "Do you still believe that we might merge into a single super being?"

 "Yes."Both dragons again fell silent. Neither wished to appear happy to see the other, although secretly, they were. "Ibiza paid me a visit, day before yesterday." Amun said at last, "By Midgard's reckoning, anyway.""What did she say?"Amun moved nearer to his brother, "I suppose she said the same thing she'd said to you.""Ibiza has not visited me for some time." Kromhaut said, glancing at his brother, "And how can Ibiza be The One? I see nothing in her that would indicate that she is the foreshadow of an omnipotent being!"Amun looked beyond the second dimension, and across the event horizon of the first dimensional realm, "You once visited Hel. You were so shaken by the experience, that you vowed never to venture there again."Kromhaut nodded, "Yes.""Ibiza calls the black realm her home, and travels freely to and fro. She moves unhindered through the withering void that possesses a will of it's own."The dragon of flame radiated anxiety, and Kromhaut turned away from his brother, "I am perfectly capable of traveling there, I simply care not to!"

 Amun again moved nearer, "When you ventured there, and felt the darkness upon you, whom do you think regarded you?"Kromhaut shook his head, not wishing to discuss it, but Amun smiled, "You beheld the consciousness of The One.""No, The One would take his place in Asgard, and not the pit!""Asgard is finite." Amun retorted, "Hel is infinite.""Have we gathered to discuss the merits of Hel?"Amun nodded, "When Ibiza came calling, she confided in me. She experienced a subconscious vision, what animals would refer to as a 'dream.' In this dream, she presided over the destruction of the ancient Hyperzephyrians.""Dragons that dream." Kromhaut murmured, "Despite her mastery of Hel, I fail to see any evidence to support the notion that she is indeed the being that my avatar pines for.""There is much you fail to see."Kromhaut flashed his brother a stern glare, "So, she dreams of death? The death of creatures that passed ere the coming of dragon kind?""She allowed me to delve into her mind, and I beheld many things, Kromhaut. There is indeed evidence that she is a manifestation of this singular deity, and I believe that Ibiza, in a past existence, destroyed the ancient Hyperzephyrians, and then split herself asunder, giving rise to our dysfunctional trinity."

 Kromhaut looked upon his fiery body, "I cannot accept that I am a fragment of a murderous deity.""Oh, you may deny it until the breaking of the world. The fact remains, our Ibiza might be the shadow of a coming godhead, poised to reenter the world!""So, why did she venture to your door? Surely it was not to pour out her emotions regarding her dreams.""She wished that we speak to one another, so that we might help her to make as informed a decision as she can.""What decision? To return into the world? I thought this return was a forgone conclusion?"Kromhaut found his brother had closed the distance between them, and was now very close. He moved away from the icy dragon whilst Amun retorted, "It is. However, the particulars of this coming are not clearly defined. There may be something different about this new incarnation of The One. She may become something wholly new."The other shimmered thoughtfully, "Genivee, it must be Genivee!"Amun nodded, "I have never had an avatar. I've always wondered what it's like."

 Kromhaut chuffed, "What?""Eating. I would think that the experience would be sublime.""Yes," Kromhaut replied, "It is.""And you experience everything your avatar tastes and feels?""Amun, if there are no more important matters to discuss, I shall take my leave.""Tell me, brother, who's touch did you really see, there upon Justin Brightwing's soul?""Goodbye, brother.""And this is why she confided in me, and not you." Amun declared.Kromhaut looked beyond the cusp of the first dimensional realm, to the brutality of the singularity that lurked beneath the blackness, "An animal's heart... may change everything. Even if it be hers.""I would suggest you make peace with her, brother." Amun hissed, "If she is to become the emotional center of our future self."The dragon of fire turned away, unable to meet his brother's gaze, "Very well, brother." Amun said, "Our conversation is ended. Perhaps this shall be our final meeting, until the time of our reckoning. Farewell."Kromhaut watched his brother go. He uttered no farewell, for it likely wouldn't be appreciated. Amun was cold, and hard. Like his realm. Kromhaut remained within Nilheim for a while longer, his mind racing as he considered what was at hand, while not far away, but an entire dimension removed, Virgil Proudfoot peered into the thick carpet of green bordering Herald's tree, "I'm amazed how wild this place is! It's like we're in a different

world!" Justin joined the bald eagle, and furled his wings, "We should be careful if we're going to go exploring."

 Ashley and Shelton traded guilty looks as Virgil forged ahead, "I suppose I can walk for the horse!"Shelton smirked as he patted Justin's shoulder, "Don't let me hold you back!""No," Justin said, "We should walk, we'll take in a lot more of the scenery than we would flying.""Are you sure you don't want to fly?" Ashley asked, but Justin reassured him, "It'll be okay."The boys set out, tromping through the thick carpets of leaves that crunched beneath their feet, "Hopefully there isn't anything too nasty out here." Virgil said."There might be tuskins." Ashley peeped, recalling his night time flight with Virgil. "I'm okay with flying." Virgil added, perhaps also remembering their near disastrous encounter with the beasts."It's broad daylight." Justin said, "Tuskins hunt at night."The four carried on for some time, enjoying the rugged terrain with sweeping vistas and craggy hills that jutted up from the dense canopy of the forest. The trees buzzed with their usual chatter, but the boys had become adept at tuning them out.

 "So, Shelton," Virgil said, moving up beside the pony, "What did she feel like?""The dragon?""Of course the dragon, dummy! I was curious why you yanked your hand away from her, did you feel something weird?""Oh, I just expected her to be cool and hard, you know, because she looks like she's made of gold.""Yeah?" Virgil chuffed with a wave of his wing, "So was she?""Well, she wasn't cold. She felt really warm, and she was soft! Like her scales were made of velvet!""Wow!" Virgil chimed, "That's so neat! I wonder what the crazy dragon statue in the mountain felt like?"Ashley shivered at the thought of her, "I'd just assume forget about her, she scared the piss out of me."Up ahead, Justin came upon a fallen tree straddling a burbling creek, and his companions paused beside him. But the sounds of heavy foot falls still crunched through the leaves! The boys turned back to find Ibiza Pushpath, who shyly smiled to them, "Hello! Might I accompany you?""Sure!" Ashley chirped, relieved that she seemed friendly. The spindly golden dragon smiled to him, pleased that he wasn't afraid of her, and sat down beside the creek, "You have not taken Edward along, might I ask why?"

 Ashley and Justin traded glances, "Oh, um.. I dunno.""He needs you." Ibiza said softly, and Justin became stung by the realization that he might've shut his father out, "I'll go back and get him!"Ibiza raised a paw, "He busies himself with Eleanor and Herald. All is well... for now.""I understand." Justin said, "Thank you for saying something, I hadn't realized that we didn't even consider inviting him

along."Ibiza nodded, "Well then, I would like to learn ways to set animals at ease. Could you teach me a joke?""A joke?" Shelton nickered, "What sort of joke?""I wish to learn about animal culture, and the art of socialization." Ibiza said in a rather amusing whisper, as if she were doing something she ought not to, "Oh, well, let's see." Justin said, trying to think of a jest that didn't involve profanity, "How about the one about the adopted lion?""Oh?" Ibiza chirped, "Yes?"She wiggled her haunches excitedly, and the boys chortled at her cuteness, "Okay, there's this young lion who gets adopted by some horses."

 "Really? Does this happen often?""Well, it's a joke." Justin said, and Ibiza nodded, "I understand! Proceed!"Shelton smiled broadly as Justin continued, "Okay, this young lion boy is living with some horses, and the whole time he's with them, he never says anything.""Never?" Ibiza asked, genuinely mystified, and Justin chortled, "Yep! Not a word! The horses even take him to a doctor to see if anything might be wrong."Shelton noted that Ibiza seemed... excessively cheerful. Like she was determined to keep the darker side of herself far far away, 'I wish you wouldn't.' Shelton thought, his words flowing straight to the dragon's hungry mind, 'If we're going to get to know each other, I want to know the real you.'Raising himself to his full height, Justin prepared to deliver the punch-line, "Then one night, the family is having dinner, and the little lion suddenly says, 'This apple strudel is a bit tepid.'""And the family is shocked! They're like; 'Fritz! You've finally said something! How come you haven't spoke until now?'"

 "The lion boy just smiles at them and says, 'Up until now, everything had been satisfactory.'"Ashley groaned, Shelton chortled, and Virgil rolled his eyes. But Ibiza, she was perplexed, "Is this on account of a lion's tendency to be efficient in all pursuits? Would he consider excess conversation to be a waste of resources?""It's a stereotype." Justin said, "So, yeah.""Justin!" Ibiza hissed, "Have you told me a racist joke?""Oh! Well, no! It's more of an affectionate ribbing, you know..." He glanced helplessly to Shelton, 'C'mom Shel! Work your dragon-taming magic!'Ibiza put her paw to her chin, "I see. In pointing out an animal's idiosyncrasies, it might help the different species to become more aware of their social shortcomings." She then nodded, "Very well."Justin wondered what would have happened if he had told her a vulgar joke, but Shelton came to his friend's aid, "Ibby, can you tell us about the places under the ground?""What did you call me?"Shelton recoiled at her menacing tenor, "Uh.. 'Ibby?'"She smiled, "Is that a nickname? Have I become included in

your social circle, then?"

 The pony chortled, "Sure, Ibby! You're part of the club!"The eagles nodded in prompt agreement, whilst Ibiza smiled, "Thank you!""So," The pony continued, "We found some sort of cave with dangerous things inside. Can you tell us about these places?""I must confess that I am not in possession of a complete mind, and so my memories are fragmented and incomplete."Virgil rolled his eyes, 'I figured as much.' He thought, but became startled when Ibiza seemed to hear him, "Well," Ibiza said, embarrassed at seeming impotent, "I can speak with certainty that there have been many beings and civilizations that have existed upon Elysium, but are no more. It is the cycle of life, and we are all a part of this greater whole.""I don't suppose you can tell me what magic is?" Virgil asked, and to his surprise she nodded, "Oh, yes."Virgil hesitated, 'Do I really wanna know? Will it ruin the... 'magic?'"I might offer an abridged explanation, so as not to ruin the mystery for you." The dragon offered."Ok!"Ibiza gestured to the boy's person, "There is a bond which binds the physical to the spiritual, the highest energies to the densest matter. Magic is a bridge between the immaterial and the material, a power field that transcends the dimensions, and gives structure to all creation."

 Ashley shook with surprise, "Are you talking about the mass-energy equivalence?""Not exactly." Ibiza cautioned, "But there is an element of intrinsic energy to what defines magic."Virgil shrugged, "Well, that was confusing, but at least you didn't spoil anything.""Ibiza," Ashley asked, "About what you said earlier, are animals going to go extinct someday?" In answer, she smiled; "For a star to be born, a nebula must first collapse." She playfully reached out with her paws to fluff the feathers of his chest, "So collapse! Crumble! This is not your death, it is your birth!"Ashley backed away with a nervous peep, and Ibiza bowed to him, "Please excuse me love, I was speaking more for myself." Shelton patted the soft plates of her neck, "Hey, you sound afraid? What's up?"She smiled at his touch, "Something is going to happen, Shelton. I'm afraid for my kind. For dragons."Virgil and Ashley traded very worried glances, whilst Shelton and Justin seemed to assure each other, "Okay," Shelton said, "What's going to happen?"

 Ibiza pawed at the ground, "I'm not sure exactly." To the pony's surprise the gold-colored spines along her cheeks darkened a bit, then cleared. 'Is that a physical reaction to lying? I know she knows what's going on.'"You are right." Ibiza replied, "But I do not know how to properly convey what is at hand without alarming you."Ashley pressed himself to his brother's side, and Shelton smiled gently to him,

"How about an abridged version?"Ibiza laughed, the sound quite lovely to the pony's ears, "Animal kind struggles at great cost to power their world," She began, "Tell me, if you could devise a source of infinite power for your world, would you?""Well, yeah!" The animals chimed, "Is that what this is about?" Shelton asked."I am the power source." Ibiza breathed, "But there is a terrible caveat, Shelton. If I manifest into what I might become, there is a danger that I could destroy all life on Elysium."Ashley stepped back, his fear an emotional knife in Ibiza's heart, but Shelton took her face in his hands, "You wouldn't do that! You're sweet and kind!"

 She cupped her paws over his hands, "What you see before you is not the entity destined to appear. I am an echo, a possible future incarnation of what might be." She looked away, struggling to properly express herself. When she looked back, the fur on Shelton's arms stood up as he gazed into her eyes, "I am the seraph of death, and my coming echoes with the footsteps of doom."Shrugging off his fear, Shelton squeezed her paws, "Ibby, you said there are two sides to you. If death is one side, then life is the other! Both life and death are a creative process!"She closed her eyes, turning her thought inward to consult the darkness that she was coming to realize was her own mind, 'I need him, never was there a more perfect soulmate! He must be The One!''This equine might be a loyal friend to you, but he is not the one.'Ibiza despaired, 'I love him, he is the only animal who can make me feel! I must be allowed to feel!'"Ibby?" Shelton whispered, tapping the dragon on her cheek, "Are you alright?"The dragon looked about, finding that the eagles had fled. "I am sorry, Shelton. My mind... is not whole."

 "You're fine." Shelton replied, risking a quick smooch of her nose. She smiled, and noted the eagle's absence, "Our friends have left.""Virgil and Ashley wanted to get back, so Justin went with them."She reached out and touched her lips to his, then smiled as Shelton's heartbeat rang in her ears, "Might I fly you back to the tree?""Really?" Shelton peeped, "Can you do that?" He looked the dragon up and down, her torso being scarcely larger than his mother's, but the dragon nodded, "Come, sit between my wings."Thoughts swirling through his mind, Shelton swung his leg over the dragon's neck and sat upon her muscular back. 'I'm sitting on death.' Shelton couldn't help but think, 'The ponies back at school would never believe this!'Ibiza smiled as she rose up into the air. Shelton felt himself become weightless, and he gasped, grasping Ibiza's neck with his legs, "Hold tight." She said, looking for all the world like a gold-plated aircraft. "Here we go!" Shelton cheered as Ibiza accelerated ahead and

took flight, while in Albany, our four avatars made ready for their own flight.

 A long line of cars delayed the group, and Genivee groaned in frustration at the jammed traffic. Beside Rosemary, Timothy imagined how absurd Karl and Genivee's impromptu fight must've seemed. He recalled visiting an old quarry, after he'd been selected, testing his newfound strength upon the stones and felled tree trunks, "I've always wondered what would happen if I slugged one of you.""The whole immovable object meeting an irresistible force?" Karl asked. Timothy chortled, "Did it hurt at all?"Karl sighed, and a troubling thought flashed through his mind. Timothy caught his feeling of remorse and leaned forward to touch Karl's shoulder, "Did something else happen?" Karl glanced at his mate, and Genivee sighed, "There was an instance where I used my power to punish an animal."Rosemary attempted to sink into her seat, hoping to not distract the mouse, because she really wanted to hear this account; "Karl and I were passing through a farmer's land, when we caught sight of a pair of wolves.""Where were you two?" Timothy asked, and Gennie shrugged, "Well south of Avalon, almost into present day Albany. These wolves had an unsavory look about them, and so I asked Karl to stay put while I followed them."

 "And of course I refused to stay put." Karl added. Gennie smiled weakly, and fell silent, but Timothy urged her to continue, "The pair seemed conscious of the winds, and kept themselves carefully placed so that the farmer, whatever his species, would be unaware of their presence.""Shady as hel." Timothy remarked.Gennie nodded, "I was worried that they'd see Karl, and so I begged him to crawl along on his belly, if he was going to ignore my request to stay back.""Why didn't you just confront the wolves?" Timothy asked, but Genivee flicked her whiskers, "Because they hadn't yet done anything wrong. I wanted to catch them doing something, because they might have been guilty of victimizing others."After a moment to collect her thoughts, Gennie continued, "Sure enough, they waited for the sun to slip behind the trees, and then made for the farmer's house. I followed them, asking Karl to give me a moment's head start.""What happened?" Timothy breathed."They'd stabbed the equine farmer, and were preparing to rape his wife."

 Rosemary put her hand over her mouth as a horrifying image of the wolves came to her, bent into impossible shapes within Genivee's iron grip, "I stopped them."Karl's memories drifted to Timothy, and he heard the screams of the would-be rapists echoing through his mind, "Gennie, what did you do to them?"Genivee hung her head in shame, as Rosemary spoke up, "She killed them. Horribly."Perched upon the deck just below the rear windshield, Rosemary's shadow regarded

the animals. It absorbed everything they said and did, and it weighed the merits of each of the avatars as they explored one another's past."Yes." Genivee peeped, "I was so angry, I acted before I even knew what I was doing."Timothy swallowed, "I never knew."Genivee cleared her throat, "Well, it's not something I bring up in polite conversation." She then glanced back at Rosemary, "How did we get onto this discussion, anyway?""Don't look at me!" The mare chuffed.Just then, the traffic seemed to open up, and Karl got the car moving, "Okay, let's talk about something else."

 Rosemary looked over the front seat to the top of Genivee's head. She tried to imagine the little mouse doing such a grisly thing, and shook her head, 'And he choose her, as his avatar.'Aware of the mare's comment, Genivee flinched. Rosemary sighed, "Sorry, dear.""We're just about there." Karl said, "Let's all try and hold it together, okay?"The unseen shadow hovered just outside the car, carefully examining Genivee's memories. Then a stirring from the spirit world drew the entity's attention. The thoughts of Kromhaut Majoris became focused upon the hawk Allomere Clemens, and so the entity moved south, as Allomere touched down near the peak of Sad Hill. This steep hillside was the scene of many tragedies, and within the hawk's mind, Mimir became anxious, 'Be careful, Allomere.''What's going on, Mimir?'The dragon seemed distracted, and so Allomere ignored him as he scouted about, 'There's a lot of tension here, quite striking.'He moved through a recreation area, and the forlorn picnic tables seemed in keeping with the hill's unhappy repute, 'So much pain here.'

 "Hey! Are you Allomere!?" Cried a ghost, and Allo found a tall lioness beckoning to him, "Please! He's over here!"'You should leave.' Said Mimir."Don't be ridiculous." Allomere replied, waving his wing to the anxious lioness. He arrived at a clearing and found a huddled equine ghost whom Allomere felt he recognized, "Is this Benjamin Cookie?""Oh? You know him?" Greta asked."Has he said anything?" Allo asked, kneeling before the pony."He's mumbled a few things, but is still pretty unresponsive."'This horse is in terrible shape!' Allomere said with an accusatory hiss to his dragon, 'What's happened to him?'Greta noted his distraction, "Everything alright?""Just a moment." Allomere replied, attempting to gain access to Cookie's mind, but a terrible realization soon dawned on him, 'Mimir, why are you blocking me?''I am sorry Allomere, Kromhaut does not wish an intervention.'"Hello?" Greta cried, unsettled by the hawk's anguished expressions, "Everything ok?!"Allo smiled to the lioness, "I'm here to help, just relax."

 She nodded, whilst

Allomere traded pointed words with his dragon, 'Mimir, if you obstruct me, it may irreparably harm our relationship.''Please do not say such things, Allomere!''Then please do not force me to say them! You need to trust me, Mimir!''But I must obey father!''Mimir, what is the greatest purpose in having an avatar? What is my primary function in working with you?''You are my moral compass, Allomere.''Then I'm pleading with you, allow me to help this equine! Let me be your conscience!'In a moment of destiny, the dragon did something that ordinary animals take for granted. He made a conscious decision to act counter to what his father would have wished. For a created being like Mimir, this is rather extraordinary. The lurking black shadow thrilled to the happening, and Allomere realized the path to Cookie's mind was now clear. He moved as quickly as he could, not pausing to inspect each memory that appeared to him. He knew that the worst of them would appear first, and so he destroyed them utterly, placing in their stead a happy memory from his own childhood.

 This hastily executed spiritual surgery had a sudden and marked effect upon the pony, for Benjamin Cookie began to stir, "That's it!" Allomere cried, "Wake up, Benjamin!"It was then that Kromhaut intervened, and severed Allomere's connection to the spirit, 'Enough, Allomere.'"No!" The hawk screeched, causing Greta to leap back in surprise, "I've had enough of you! How dare you do this, Kromhaut! How dare you punish this brave equine, and then forbid me to aid him!"Greta shrank in fear, unconsciously realizing that Rosemary's tale had become corroborated, 'It was true,' She marveled, 'Everything she said was true!'Kromhaut's presence hung within Allomere's mind, but the hawk refused to back down, "Kromhaut," He continued aloud, "If you don't allow me to set this right, I'm leaving you, and you can bet that Gennie and the others will be right with me."The dragon was unprepared for such an ultimatum, and his mind set to work, calculating the ways his existence might be adversely affected by the loss of his avatars. 'How could he say such a thing? What would I do without them? Would Genivee truly leave me?' Gradually, he realized that she would indeed leave him, if his pettiness became fully exposed. What's more, he realized that he'd become far more attached to Genivee than she likely was of him.

 'Very well.'Allomere shook his head, and then turned to Cookie, "Everything's going to be alright." He said, glancing at Greta, and the lioness beamed her thanks.Near the edge of the clearing, the black shadow radiated mischief, but became concerned for the pony when Benjamin Cookie slowly woke, confused at first with Allomere's memories of being a red-tailed hawk, but soon he found his prouder days as a soldier in the

Shannonvali infantry, "How do you feel?" Allomere asked with a smile."Would it be ridiculous," Cookie replied, "For a ghost to say he feels alive?"The FlightIn past times, the Interstate Airport of Albany was the preferred terminal that Karl wished to fly in and out of, chiefly because they did not scrutinize identity cards too closely. However, in his recent guise as Samuel Preston, the couple had indulged in a great deal of travel on account of Karl actually possessing an official identity card. Rosemary Barter posed a challenge for the couple, as the dragons refused to use any sort of magic to doctor her a realistic identity credential, citing their oath. The short notice of her arrival had indeed posed a challenge, but Genivee had become a master forger in these modern times. Her hastily assembled work would now be put to the test.

 The elderly Rosemary was wholly unprepared for the light and noise of the terminal. Within the spirit world, the sounds of the third dimensional realm can seem muted, and far away. The mare walked with her mouth agape, taking in all of the sensory information that she could bear. Just then, a familiar ghost appeared within her vision. She broke from the avatars and strode to her old friend, "Rookwood! What are you doing here?" She asked aloud, drawing the attention of nearby animals. Karl appeared beside her and took her arm, "Come on, Rosemary!"The equine ghost known as Jonathan Rookwood gazed blankly at the mare, and it dawned on Rosemary that he didn't recognize her, "Fool! It's me!"Karl pulled her to the ticketing booth as confused animals gawked at what they thought was a senile old equine, "How is it you're able to see ghosts, anyway?" Genivee whispered to her, "Not even Justin has that ability!" Rosemary arched her brow, "Huh, that is a very good question! Perhaps I carry within me some fragment of Nidavellir!"

 The equine ticket agent greeted Karl, and he presented the party's identity cards. Fascinated, Rosemary watched the process as the agent checked them in, and then generated tickets and boarding passes for the group. A sudden tremor of anxiety gripped Rosemary, and she looked upon the tickets with suspicion, "Tell me again why we have embarked upon this voyage?""To visit the Brightwing and Holden families." Karl replied, taking the tickets and placing them in his pocket. Rosemary shook her head, "I don't trust Kromhaut any further than I could throw him! Tell me, what's Kromhaut's plan? I know there's something you're not telling me!"Timothy looked away, and Rosemary took his guilty expression to mean there really was a conspiracy, "You mean to leave me stranded in the north, eh?""Rosemary..." Genivee began, but the mare swatted the mouse's nose, "Eh!? You'll likely leave me trapped in Herald's tree! A curse upon the doors so I couldn't

get out! Tell me I'm wrong!"Nearby animals were becoming quite concerned about the rambling horse, and Karl smiled helplessly to them, "Yes." He said through clenched teeth, "Now please be quiet before Kromhaut makes you have an aneurism!"

 "Oh, there's no threat you could make," She said, gazing into Genivee's eyes, hoping that the dragon was watching, "No force you could place upon me that could silence me! I shan't go quietly, Kromhaut, unless you mean to break your oath and murder me!"Karl suddenly took Rosemary's hand and led her across the aisle to an airport tavern, "What are you doing?""Getting you a drink!"Rosemary pressed her lips together as the lion sat her down in a booth, then settled in beside her, "Rosemary, I need you to relax."She snorted, blowing his mane up away from his eyes. Karl leaned in and touched his lips to hers. Rosemary's eyes widened, but she gave in to his charms and kissed him. The pair parted, then shyly smiled as Genivee and Timothy joined them. Rosemary felt her heart racing, and she knew her cheeks were flushed. Timothy noted that the old horse seemed much younger after becoming excited, and he winked to Karl.The lion shook his head with a rueful smile, while a waiter appeared to gather the party's drink order.

 "How do you feel?" Genivee asked, and Rosemary looked about, "To whom are you speaking?"The animals chortled, and Rosemary curled her lip in a snarl, "I'm not sure, give me a moment and I'll tell you." She touched her lips to Karl's, then warned; "You know it will take more than a kiss to keep me in check."He grasped the back of her head, and pushed his long tongue into her mouth. Rosemary squealed in his grip, then Karl released her with a snarl, "That's more like it!" She hissed, relishing Karl's hot breath and the lingering taste of his mouth.Timothy tapped his palms on the table, howling with laughter; "Get a room you two!" Genivee was as amused as any, but became serious for a moment, "The One released you from Nidavellir, I'm going to trust that they have a purpose for you."Rosemary'd scarcely heard the mouse, her mind remained fixed upon Karl's hot breath until the ghost of Jonathan Rookwood appeared at the tavern door. She shook herself from her arousal, and excused herself.Genivee watched the mare converse with her spirit friend, and winced as Rosemary made no attempt at subtlety.

 The avatars then settled in for a wait. Rosemary continued her conversation with her old friend, whilst Genivee slipped away to sooth Kromhaut's nerves with an ice cream cone. 'Genivee, if given the choice, would you place your faith solely in The One?'"Do you really want me to answer?"'I suppose I owe them my allegiance as well, I am insignificant before their power.'"Krom, you are a part of The One. Perhaps

the greatest part. When I put my faith in them, I'm also putting my faith in you."The dragon emitted a sound through Gennie's mind that for all the world could have been a sigh, and Genivee chortled at the dragon, "Krom, what's happened. You seem really bothered by something."'Gennie, I would never wish to lose you.'Now the mouse was becoming concerned, "Krom?" She peeped, attempting to access his mind, but finding the path blocked, "What's wrong?"'There is something I've not told you.'"Okay," She said, taking a lick of the ice cream, "What is it?"The dragon very nearly divulged the truth to her, but found himself unable to utter her name. Instead, he told Genivee what he wished could happen, 'When I gazed into Justin Brightwing's soul, I noted the presence of the entire host of seraphim. But also, I found an animal's spirit at the very heart of The One.'

 The little mouse thrilled at the revelation, and cursing himself, Kromhaut uttered his greatest falsehood; 'Genivee, it was you.'"Me??" She breathed, "Krom, how is that possible?"'I do not know, Gennie, but you were there there within The One. Somehow, you are a part of them.'Kromhaut knew how unhappy Genivee was as an avatar, and he secretly wished to give her something aspire to, hoping against hope that it might come to be, "Krom, we have to arrange a meeting with your family!"She took a long slurp of the cone, whilst Kromhaut pondered her thoughts, 'Gennie, you'd wish to give up your life and identity to join with us?'Gennie thought of how her dragon had benefitted from her company, and to actually join with a dragon god! To make your emotional complexities a part of their identity, it might just change the world!"I believe in you Krom, and I believe in The One! We have to try!"'What of your soul mate?'Genivee glanced down the concourse to Karl, "Krom, I wouldn't be gone. Not really. But we can't let Karl know what might happen, okay?"

 'Deceive Karl?'She swallowed, "No, not deceive. We'll just delay informing him until the last minute."Kromhaut's presence vibrated with uncertainty, but Genivee comforted him, "It's for the greater good Krom, we have to trust in each other, and in The One."The god ached to tell her the truth, that it was not her that he'd sensed, but it was too late. He'd lied, and now all of Genivee's thought was bent upon joining with this singular entity, 'The future is not yet set, there may be a chance.'"When we get to Herald's tree," Gennie continued, "We'll take a trip together to see your family."Daring to hope for the best, but hating himself for infecting his avatar with his dishonesty, Kromhaut departed. Genivee finished her ice cream, wondering why Kromhaut'd kept his thoughts from her, and then rejoined her company.

Karl noticed her reflective expression and flicked his whiskers, "What's up?""This isn't the only trip we'll be taking."Rosemary shrugged, "Whatever are you on about, dear?"Gennie silently shared her intension to venture into the dragon's higher realms, and her hope that Karl and Timmy might accompany her, but said nothing of her ultimate fate. They became excited at her news, and Timothy happily patted her, "That sounds excellent!"

 "If it wouldn't be too much trouble," Rosemary sneered, "Could you include me in your conversations?""Rosemary, have you ever met Amun?""Ah, that's better! And no, I haven't." She became momentarily distracted by other spirits who now appeared within the terminal, "I have met his offspring, Tanidia Arbor and Hathor Gale. It still amazes me that such an unfeeling entity could sire so sweet a dragon as Tanidia.""She showed me a great many things." Rosemary continued, and Karl raised a brow, "Oh?""Have any of you ever delved beneath the surface?""What? Well, no. I haven't. Why?" "Of course you haven't," The mare snorted, "You're too busy doing what you're told!""Okay," Timothy asked, "You're talking about the caverns inside Elysium, right? What's down there?"She looked about, as if checking to see if anyone might be eavesdropping, "The corpses of ancient giants! Amun's scion referred to them as the Hyperzephyrians!"Karl glanced about, "Are these chambers tombs?""The great chambers beneath the surface are indeed their tomb, Karl. They are dead, all dead," Her eyes shimmered with memory, "They came after the titans, but shared many similarities. They were cut down in their prime, murdered..."

 "Murdered?" Genivee peeped, and Rosemary smiled, "Ah, so I have your attention? Good! I'll share more of my secrets if you'll share yours!"Gennie shrugged, "You're reading into things Rosemary, we don't have any secrets!""What of your 'other trip?'" Karl put his hand upon her thigh, but she assuaged his concern, "I'm going to ask Krom to take me up into his realm to meet with his brother. I'm going at act as an intermediary to try and improve their relations.""Nonsense," Rosemary snorted, "You shan't go alone, and it wouldn't be solely you avatars to embark upon such a trek. It'll be the horses and the eagles too, both families shall accompany you. Either all shall go or none.""You seem to know the mind of Krom pretty well." Timothy snorted, and Rosemary replied with a smirk; "Whilst you animals have been caught up in his little club, I've been observing his comings and goings from the outside. He's painfully predictable, actually. I could almost draw you a picture of how this will all turn out.""Then why don't you!?"

 She smiled to Genivee, "Ah, but there's this mysterious 'One'

who Genivee's been placing more and more of her faith in!" Genivee looked away as Rosemary continued, "I can see why you're pining for this more rational and mature entity, sweetie. I'm surprised you can even tolerate Kromhaut's infantile behavior!""Stop it, Rosemary.""You think you're all privileged to be in Kromhaut's service?" The elderly mare looked to Timothy, knowing he harbored the most doubt of the four avatars, "He's taken everything from you, even your very life!"A frightful churning suddenly issued from Rosemary's belly, and she got to her feet, "Go on Kromhaut, inflict me with your petty torments..." She muttered, rushing to the wash room. Timothy smiled as he watched her go, "She has no idea the butter biscuits at your place were four years out of date."Gennie smiled, then asked, "Timmy, do you ever regret joining us?" He shook his head, the mane of fur on his neck rising and flattening, "I only regret not being a better animal in the past. Having to remember my past lives is the only thing I wish could've been different, otherwise, I wouldn't change a thing."

 "We have to be awake." Genivee said, spreading her hands. She refers of course to each of the avatar's spiritual states, and Timothy nodded, "I guess I'd just like a nap now and again."An announcement was made that Albany flight seven seven four would soon begin boarding. A smiling Rosemary rejoined the avatars and sat down beside Karl, "What have I missed?""Not much, apparently." Timothy replied.The CrossingGabriel Holden inspected his rental boat's motor, and then prepared the craft for departure. He gave a startled squeak at a sudden tromping of feet, then Shelton bounded onto the boat and swatted his father's shoulder, "Ibiza let me fly on her!"The stallion smiled, 'I think that's how excited I was when I told my dad I'd finally landed a mare.'"Yeah?" He asked."Yeah!" Shelton cried, though he noted his father's bemused expression and calmed himself, "It was pretty cool."Gabriel nodded, and then returned to his chores, "Where is Ibiza?" He asked, and Shelton shrugged, "She was here for a minute, but she's gone now."

 Shelton sat heavily upon a cushion, "Dad, you might have been right to be afraid of Ibiza. But, there's something else about her! She's struggling so hard to be a good animal."The father equine stopped what he was doing and sat down beside his son, "Did something happen?""Nothing happened, but Ibby said something about the form that we see her in isn't really her true self, but some other possible dragon that she could be. I dunno!" He clenched his fists in excitement and anxiety, "It's so hard to get her to talk about stuff! She always runs off when you want to get information!"Gabriel nudged his pony, "I know some pony

who's a bit like that.""Heh." Shelton nickered, "Well..."Up above, Gabriel sighted Herald on the skyway, "Why don't you go up and see if he's ready to go."The pony nodded, and then shimmied up the rickety ladder in time to find the mariner raising his head to screech very loudly for several moments. The pony waited awkwardly, until a chiming call issued from the forest. Shelton marveled as a jet-black bird emerged from the canopy, his outline barely discernible within the shadows of the forest. Only the bright golden disks of it's eyes could be seen from the depths of the gloom, and Shelton thought how they resembled Ibiza's eyes. Herald conferred with the avian in a strange manner of speech before the flyer departed. Shelton rushed to Herald, filled with questions, "What was that bird? I'd never seen anything like him!"

 "Some would call him a jack-jaw," Herald replied with a flutter of his tail, "While others might call Hildr's kind 'mocking jays.'""Huh." Shelton chuffed, "They're completely wild then?"The huge eagle shrugged his wings, "Oh, they do eschew civilization, but I would not call them uncivilized."Herald then called down to Gabriel, "My friends, it would be a great help if you retrieved the ship's wheel from my wall and tucked it safely inside your boat.""Sure thing." Gabriel replied with a gesture to his wife. The two set themselves to their task as Herald warned; "Take care and be careful, for the wheel is quite old."The horses nodded as they approached the great six spoke wheel adorning Herald's parlor mantle. It's presence was almost palpable as Missy slowly raised her hand up to touch the ring of iron and wood. Gabriel grasped one side, and Missy the other. Both horses were well-muscled, and so they easily raised the two hundred pound artifact from it's metal hooks. Chiseled into the inside hub were the letters of an archaic form of common speech which Missy had the presence of mind to understand; "Herald Merlin Vanderdecken, Commanding."

 Missy flicked her long ears, turned to face Herald, "Is this the actual wheel from the Mantuan Exeter?"The mariner bowed his head, "Forgive me Missy, I feared you would think it ghoulish if I kept such a memento from my former life."'Why would he lie?' Missy wondered, forgetting for a moment that Herald could hear her thoughts as clearly as any spoken word. Herald reached out his beak to open the large circular door as Missy and Gabriel brought the wheel out, "It anchors me to my old life, Missy, it reminds me that the events aboard the Exeter were indeed real, and that they happened. This wheel..." Herald breathed, his voice ladled with painful emotions, "Represents all of my shame."Missy looked back at her friend as she gently set her end of the wheel down. Maggie then approached and offered her perspective, "I'd feel the same way about my

old boxing portrait. I mean, it doesn't represent shame, but it's an anchor to my old life. I'd really like to try and find it."Herald nodded as Gabriel looped lengths of rope about the wheel and prepared to lower it to the forest floor. Just then, several of the mocking jays arrived upon the skyway. The black birds greeted Herald in their strange wild speech, and Justin blinked when he found that he was able to understand not their words, but the thoughts behind them; "How are sad it to go away..." the leader said, his thoughts somewhat disjointed to Justin, but the young eagle was thrilled that he'd discovered a new ability!

 "It is time for going," Herald replied, "My home... keep it for your kin and yours.""See you come again?" The jay asked, and Herald approached the jays with a fond smile, "I will submerge into the seas, but know for always. My love is yours."The jays began to screech and chatter loudly, and Justin understood that it was a ceremonial display, something to be employed at times of great emotional significance.Eleanor pressed herself to Herald's side as the mariner was overcome with emotion, "Herald, we don't have to leave. Would you like us to stay and live here?""It wouldn't be fair to the children." Herald replied, "Besides, after a month here you'd be quite ready to go!"Gabriel noted the sun's slow descent into the west, "We'll set out first thing in the morning!"The boys immediately set out to tromping through the woods one last time, whilst Edward brooded in the corner. "Sweetie?" Eleanor said gently, "Are you alright?"He uttered a terse reply that Eleanor didn't quite catch, but she knew that her Tristan was still in control of Herald's clone, "Could I speak with Octavius?"

 "No." Tristan said, and then he stormed from the home and took wing. Missy touched her hand to the heartbroken eagle, "I'm so sorry, Eleanor.""I know he's suffering." The mother eagle said, "I wish I could help him."The two mothers held one another as Gabriel smiled weakly to Herald. He nodded, perhaps feeling hopeful that their ordeal would soon be over. Hours passed, and Missy cooked up the last of the supplies that Herald had obtained from his remote neighbors. Ashley chattered on about some ruins they'd discovered out in the forest, but the particulars of the conversation are unimportant. Soon the animals retired to their evening routines, and as in most of the evenings they'd spent in the tree, they were silently observed by Ibiza Pushpath. Passing unseen, she settled down near her pony, and watched as he interacted with the Brightwing siblings. She sat upon her haunches and mimicked Shelton's gestures and mannerisms, hoping that she might learn from him. "You were the one whom my mother gifted a new life," Ibiza murmured, "You were created anew, and you became a great teacher in

your time."

 Her mind returned to the recent past, when Shelton defended his lion friend from the school yard bullies, "Ever have you been noble, and kind."Ibiza thought of Genivee Tin, and the violence Kromhaut's chosen had inflicted upon the wicked wolves. "She is a good animal, but her capacity for violence is troubling."This time, the darkness agreed. Around the meditating dragon, the families settled down to sleep. Ibiza's eyes moved gently over the resting animals until she settled upon Shelton, "He is dreaming, about me."The darkness of Ibiza's mind was beginning to consider Shelton more, 'Enter his dream, interact with him. Test his faith in you.' It seemed to say."I cannot frighten him!"'Soon we shall awaken, Ibiza. Whom would you prefer as your emotional center?'Gently, Ibiza reached out and touched Shelton's sleeping mind. Her physical body dissolved into the first dimension, but an echo of her spirit entered the pony. Inside, Ibiza found herself sitting beside Shelton at his family home, looking out the back porch toward a stand of trees. "Hello, Shelton."

 Shelton patted her neck, "Hiya.""I was there, in your school yard."He looked to her, "Hm?""I compelled your school mates to attack the lion, I wished to test you.""Huh," Shelton breathed, "I did think it was funny, how they acted like that.""You're not upset?"He shook his head, "I don't think so. I was kinda happy with myself that I did the right thing. If you hadn't of done that, then I would never have known."'Test him!' The darkness commanded, and Ibiza bowed her head, "Shelton, as the seraphim of death, I must sometimes end an animal's life. If you wish to know me, then you must experience this side of my being.""You're fair, Ibby." Shelton said, "I can accept that side of you.""Shelton, I ended the lives of your grandmother and grandfather. I deprived your mother of her parents."He looked to her as her eyes rolled over black, "I am not fair, Shelton. I am pitiless. I waited for their bodies to die in the tragedy, then used my power to sever their spirits from their mortal forms."Tears welled up in Shelton's eyes as she leveled her dark gaze at him, "I took your grandparents! I have taken countless animal's sons, mothers, and fathers! To know me, Shelton, is to know the cruel nature of the world!"

 Shelton cowered beneath the dragon, "Now, Shelton, if you would know me, then you must share this pain with me. You must help me free the soul of Tristan Brightwing from the prison of Herald Kirsten's clone!""Edward," Shelton gasped, "You want to kill Edward?""Did you not affirm that you could accept this side of me?""I can't do that, Ibiza!"'Interesting,' She thought, 'He referred to me as Ibiza, and not

Ibby.'"Please, don't hurt Edward..." He pleaded, and Ibiza knew then that Shelton could not be the one for her. 'He might be trained,' Said the darkness, but Ibiza dismissed herself, 'To harden his heart would be to change the quality of his spirit that so endears him to me.'Ibiza retreated from Shelton's mind, heartbroken that the pony could never be her emotional center, 'This dream is forgotten, Shelton.'He gasped and stirred, then woke to find Virgil standing over him, "You can't, what?"Disoriented, Shelton looked about at his friends and family, softly framed in the early morning light, "Uh, I dunno."Virgil swatted him with his wing, "Thanks for waking us up so early!"

 Gabriel smiled to his son, "You're a good alarm clock boy, I should go and fire up that motor. It's gonna need an hour to warm up."Shelton sat dazed for a time before Maggie nudged him, "You okay?""Yeah, I just had a dream.""What about?"He shook his head, "I can't really remember, but I think it was about a lion back at school."Maggie lay her chin on Shelton's head, and the pony blinked, unaccustomed to such affection coming from a sister, "We've all been through a lot, don't worry about some odd dream."Shelton slipped his arms around her, as Missy beamed at them, "Thanks, sis."***Thundering back across the event horizon of the first dimension, Ibiza Pushpath roared into the darkness, "The convergence is nearly come! I must accept Genivee Tin as my center, though I buy her with a great pain!"'Be calm,' The darkness replied, 'Think! What need would possessing an emotional center serve?'"I need to know animal's emotions! I need to feel!"'No! You feel too much already! Think! What are your needs?'"I... " She gasped, "I need to know."

 'And if the mouse is too quick of temper, then who else knows?'"Who else? Who else is there? The lion is courageous, but would shrink from death, same as Shelton!"'The spirits of Genivee Tin and Karl Kuhn have been shaped by their two thousand year communion with dragon kind. Tell me, who else has been shaped by their contact with us?'"Oh," Ibiza gasped, "I never would have thought!"'Gather her up, and we shall be born anew.'The darkness of the first dimension now became still, and tranquil. Ibiza floated as an infant might within a mother's womb.'Rosemary.'DaybreakThe house boat's wheezy sputtering echoed up to the animals of the tree, and Herald chortled, gesturing to the eagles, "We'd best gather ourselves up before Gabriel leaves us behind!"Virgil and Ashley were quick to swoop down onto the boat, and Herald called to the black birds, wishing them well. It turned out that the weathered old

ship's wheel was the only item of luggage that Herald wished to take. It made for a speedy departure, and Herald waved to Hildr and his family, whilst Gabriel cast off the mooring lines. Missy roughed Maggie's mane as she looked the mare up and down, "Let's get you into some of Shelly's clothes, I'm sure they'll fit!"

 Maggie looked down upon herself and thought how ridiculous she must look wearing only an overcoat with bright yellow sandals, "Yeah, that would be good."Missy opened Shelly's suit case and rummaged around for a pair of denim trousers and a blouse. Maggie took them with a smile, and bowed to her sister, forgetting for a moment that Shelly was blind. Maggie then crossed the room and delivered a smooch to Shelly's nose, "Thanks for the clothes, sis."Inside the shower room, Maggie slipped off Missy's overcoat and hung it on the door. She turned and spent a long moment inspecting her reflection. She approached herself in the dingy, chipped mirror and gazed deeply into her bright blue eyes, 'I can't believe I'm going to get sick, and lose my sight!' She looked down upon her arms, and then to the large breasts of her new chest, "Shelly's boobs don't look so big when she's dressed." Maggie thought, curiously smooshing her chest and smirking at herself, "Blind or no, I won't have to worry about being a boxer, this body is way too fragile."

 "Still..." Maggie continued, slapping her belly, "Shelly has some nice abdominal muscles."Maggie then started the shower, and at first was unable to dial in any amount of warmth, but soon the shower was heating nicely and Maggie slipped beneath the water. She let out a loud groan of pleasure with sufficient volume that Gabriel nickered with amusement from out in the main cabin. For a brief time, Maggie forgot about her impending illness, about the dragons, and lost herself in the warm waters of a sublime bath.Afterward, Maggie appeared from the washroom wearing Shelly's pastel yellow top and faded denim pants. She settled down beside Shelly and brushed her fingers through her sister's mane, "I'm hungry."Herald chortled, "Shall I regurgitate something for you?"Maggie found herself almost considering his offer, "Nah, you might give me some weird eagle-virus." She joked, "Next thing you'd know, I'd be blind!" "It's not fair!" Shelly suddenly raged, "How could that dragon do that! Pass on my meningitis virus to Maggie!?"

 Herald touched his beak to Shelly's nose, "Glorafin understands only give and take. The cycles of life. For every offering, something else must be returned. That is the way of things, at least as far as Glorafin understands."Shelly snorted, but Herald brushed her with his wing, "She doesn't understand, Shelly. For all of Glorafin's intellect, an animal's fear of pain is beyond her comprehension.""Maggie shouldn't have to lose her eyes!" Shelly

argued, "I've already paid that price!""You think you're the one suffering!" Edward screeched, drawing all eyes to him, "I have to be a fucking psycho! I have to live in a living hell! I'll take your blindness any day, if you wanna trade!""Tristan!" Herald barked, "Allow Octavius to emerge, he may calm your mind!""To hell with Octavius! This is my life!" Edward cried, hopping from an open door and flying away. Eleanor sighed, her breath ladled with regret. Justin slipped his head beneath the mariner's chin, and Herald breathed a sigh of thanks. Eleanor brushed him with her wing, and he returned her gesture, although both eagles knew that, at best, they would only ever be friends.

 'Friendship can be a beautiful thing.' Herald thought."I can hear you!" Eleanor chimed, "I heard what you said!"Justin smiled, and then moved to the rear sliding door, "Gabriel, can you stop the boat? I'm going to go look for my dad.""I'm coming with you!" Ashley peeped, rushing to join his brother. Shelton looked expectantly to his best friend, and Justin spread his wings, "Feel okay flying without a safety lanyard?""I don't think there's anything gonna happen to us." Shelton said, sliding the door open and then hopping up onto Justin's shoulder. Missy gave her son a worried expression, but he smiled to her, "Be right back!"And with that, Justin and Ashley flew away, Shelton hugging his friend's massive neck with his short stubby arms. "I need to breathe, you know!" Justin wheezed with mock drama, and Shelton snorted, "And I need to stay on your back!"Ashley searched ahead, "I don't see him!""Keep look-" Justin clapped his maw shut as he spotted a shimmering golden light beneath the river's dark surface. Ashley circled above, then cried out when he sighted a body floating in the water, "Hey! Look!"

 "Drop down." Shelton said, and from his posturing, Justin knew he intended to jump off. Justin got Shelton as close as he could to the surface, and the pony dove off, splashing down near the dark shape. Shelton swam to the figure, and their worst fears were confirmed; "It's Edward!" Ashley screeched in anguish, whilst Justin nodded grimly, "Shelton, can you swim down to the light and see if that's my dad's ghost?""Okay!" The pony replied, while Justin added, "And be careful you don't become a ghost yourself!"Shelton dove down and swam as far beneath the surface as he could, but the golden light remained just beyond his reach. Shelton went to the surface and took a deep breath, then dove back down. He risked a little more depth, and could discern an avian's faint outline within the light, 'Mister Brightwing,' Shelton said silently, hoping his thoughts could be heard by the traumatized ghost, 'I'm sorry about what happened, but can you come back with me? Justin and Ashley need you!'The

spirit in the water turned to regard the pony, but remained immobile. 'Okay,' Shelton said, his breath running perilously low, 'Can you meet us back... at Herald's... tree? Can y ou... cu hmn it hhh..." His thoughts became confused, and Shelton was no longer sure which way was up. He attempted to swim, but his limbs refused to move, 'Oh, no.' Was his final thought, until a silver arm reached out from the darkness and grasped his muzzle. Glorafin pressed her lips to his and breathed into his mouth. The pony sputtered, but Glorafin held him tightly as she administered another breath, then ferried him to the surface.

 Ashley and Justin were stunned to see a silver creature break the surface, bearing a grey pony upon it's back. Shelton coughed and wheezed, and Justin's heart raced when he realized who it was; "Glorafin!?"The goddess of the underworld made for the Holden's rental boat and climbed up onto the aft ladder to unceremoniously deposit a half-drown Shelton upon the deck, "Misses Holden!" The dragon roared, "Your son is in desperate need of a good spanking!"Frantic, the animals assembled on the rear deck as Glorafin's spindly form stood over the pony. Justin and Ashley touched down a moment later; "Can you help our dad?""Your father is in no danger." Glorafin replied, "He'll rejoin you once he realizes who he is.""What do you mean?" Eleanor asked, "What's happened?""Mom," Justin peeped, "Dad's a ghost again. He's out of Edward's body."The mother eagle leveled her gaze at the dragon, "Did you do this?""Perish the thought, Misses Brightwing. Your husband dove into the waters all on his own." She seemed to smirk, as if relishing the animal's pain, "Best thing for him, really."

 "What!?" Eleanor screeched, and the dragon raised a paw, "Please contain yourself, Misses Brightwing." Glorafin said with a smile, "We need only a new feather. One that will be far more to your husband's liking." She bared her teeth, added; "And I trust, yours."Herald cupped his wing over Eleanor's shoulder, but she shrugged him away. Hurt, Herald retreated to the far side of the fantail. Justin went to him as the mariner became overcome with emotion, "I did this, I should have known!""It's not your fault!" Justin said, touching his wing to Herald's side, "Please, mom's just upset!"Herald nodded, and smiled his appreciation. He then turned to Glorafin, "Can you release me?""Herald, no!" He touched his wing to Justin to calm him, and then approached the dragon, "Can you claim me? I wish to pass from this life.""Oh, perish the thought!" The dragon said in a hollow, mocking tone, "There's something special planned for you!" The pit of Herald's belly fell away, and he wondered if his time of punishment had yet ended. If it ever had..

 "I want Ibiza!" Shelton cried, getting to his

feet and wiping his eyes, "Ibiza! Can you hear me!?"Glorafin frowned, "I'm sorry love, you're stuck with me. But she did request that I avail myself to render assistance, and for that you are most welcome."Shelton's dreamtime encounter with Ibiza lingered within his subconscious, and a hazy memory compelled him to ask; "Did she ask you to kill Edward?"The dragon smiled, "He was perfectly capable of that, all on his own." She glanced at the ancient mariner, "He accomplished what you yourself were incapable of. What suffering might've been averted, if you'd shown strength!""Stop it!" Justin screeched, but again Herald comforted him, "No, she's right. Cruel, but right.""She's sick!" Justin spat, and Glorafin cackled with glee, "Indeed!"Shelton fell down upon his bottom, stunned by the dragon's terrible nature, but in the midst of his confusion came Ibiza's words; 'I hope that I may gain an emotional center, so that I can love you in kind.'"You can't feel." Shelton said, as all eyes turned to him, "You don't have any sort of animal emotions, you're worse than Herald ever was!"

 Glorafin cast him an annoyed glance, and Missy realized; 'Are dragons envious of us? For our feelings?'"Ibiza can feel, at least a little bit." Shelton said, trying to make sense of the creature, "She wants to be loved.""She believes that she may gain the feelings of an animal. I suppose it might come to pass, but only after an animal first sacrifices herself.""Herself?" Gabriel asked, "Is this something that's planned?"Just then, the regal outline of King Octavius touched down upon the deck, "Ah," Glorafin said, "You've figured out who you really are."The eagles rushed to the spirit who bowed to them, "I am sorry to have put you through this ordeal," But his apologies were gently dismissed by his family. "Now." Glorafin declared, "Return to the tree. I am to wait with you."Gabriel shifted from foot to foot, unsure if he really wanted to be stuck in that tree with this crazy dragon-thing. But he reluctantly turned the boat around and guided it back to Herald's landing.***A hundred miles to the south, Rosemary Barter stepped from the airport in Falvie, a semi autonomous city-state near the Shannonvali border. It was cold, and the ancient mare shivered in the chill, "I thought it was supposed to be warm here?"

 Karl slipped his arm around her, and she gladly accepted his warmth. Genivee smiled to them, and then took Timothy's hand. The four did not say much to each other, however, the avatars were in almost continual contact with their dragons. Genivee continued to note an odd tremor in Kromhaut's behavior, and a careful guarding of his thoughts, 'He's hiding something.'He noted her observation, and Genivee decided to press him; 'Krom, something's happened, what it

it?'Again Kromhaut lied; 'Genivee, it might require an ultimate sacrifice on your part, should you merge with me and mine. Your very soul might cease to be, and this prospect profoundly saddens me.'The little mouse thought she understood her dragon's elusiveness, and she comforted him, only to inflame his feelings of self hatred and shame.Karl noted Genivee's expression, 'I can only imagine what they're talking about.'Ariadne chimed in within Karl's mind, 'This is an unprecedented time, Karl. Father has become unsure of his place within the world.'Rosemary sensed that their voyage was nearly done, and that she'd likely be stranded in the north for the rest of her days, "Karl," She said, addressing the animal with whom she'd forged the strongest bond, "There is someone very important that I'd like you to look in on."

 His expression became pained, and Rosemary felt her heart sink as she continued, "Please help my friend, he's in a bad way.""I'm sorry, Rosemary." She turned to each of the avatars, "I'll go willingly into confinement! I only ask that you help him!"Genivee shook her head, "I'm sorry, there's nothing we can do."Without another word, Rosemary stalked away. "Just let her go." Genivee said to Timothy. The fox gestured to the desperate horse, "Why can't we help!? What exactly are we here to do?!""Timmy, you're barking at a deaf ear, I've begged Kromhaut to help Benjamin Cookie." Genivee bowed her head, "That's who she's trying to help, a pony who'd stood up for her."The fox clenched his fists, "I hate what we're doing! This isn't what I thought it would be!"She cupped her hand upon his elbow, "I know, sweetie. Believe me, I know."'I'm so sorry, Timothy.' Said Tannin, Timothy's dragon. The fox nodded, his nostrils flaring with disappointed frustration, 'It's only been ten years! And I'm already so done with all this!'

 Karl slipped his arms around Timothy and held him close. Timmy nuzzled the coarse hair of Karl's neck as the avatars spent a long moment to collect their thoughts, "Come on," Karl said, "We need a car." Each seemed to try and put Rosemary out of their minds as they looked upon the odd landscape. To the animals, Falvie seemed like a land that time forgot. Especially to Karl, who'd keenly noted the changing of the landscape as time'd progressed. A shabby car rental establishment was nearby, and Karl gestured for his friends.The lion attempted to find the largest model he could, settling at last upon a bright yellow sunbeam sedan. Timothy placed their modest carry luggage in the trunk, "Aren't we going to go get her?" Timmy asked, and Genivee nodded with a sigh. "She won't have gone far." Karl said, squeezing himself into the medium sized car. Soon they sighted Rosemary Barter along the roadside, accompanied by a

diminutive equine spirit. When Rosemary caught sight of the companions, she hurriedly waved them over. Genivee sprang from the car as Rosemary gestured urgently, "This young mare has been murdered! Fairly recently I should think!"

 Karl approached, his years as a Brandenburg police officer compelling him to ignore Ariadne's urgent pleas to remain neutral, "What happened to her?"Rosemary gestured to the spirit, "Go on dear, tell them."The equine spirit's ghostly outline was dainty and petite, and she looked blankly at the avatars, "How are you able to see me?""They're possessed by the gods of the world." Rosemary said impatiently, "Now tell them about this wolf!"Again the spirit stared blankly ahead, and Genivee smiled gently, "What's your name, sweetie?""Penny. Penny Almond."'Genivee, what are you doing?' Came Kromhaut's voice."Penny, can you tell us what happened to you? Who hurt you?"'Genivee, please...'"I can't remember." Penny replied, "I'm sorry, all I remember is being at a cider bar, and then this nice looking wolf. Then, I was like this."Rosemary shook her head, "I saw within her that he'd taken her in his car, a black station wagon. He killed her!"Genivee attempted to delve into the mare's spiritual memory, but the images contained therein was hazy, and disjointed. It was Rosemary who seemed to possess a clearer picture of the inner state of Penny's mind. Karl understood this, and he nodded to Rosemary, "Let's get Penny anchored to the car, glean whatever clues you can from her, and lead us to whoever did this."

 Exhilarated, the elderly mare seemed to glow with a newfound sense of purpose, but as she assisted the tragic young spirit, a realization dawned on her; 'Through murder, you shall find purpose.'"That's what she meant!" Rosemary chimed, turning to the murdered spirit. She gazed into Penny's eyes as a deep swelling of compassion and sympathy rose up within the mare, "Oh, Penny... I'm so sorry dear."Genivee understood Rosemary's revelation, and smiled broadly as her heart soared, 'Ibiza can predict the future, this is very very interesting!' Karl checked that Penny Almond was safely anchored to the rear of the vehicle, then sped off, "Rosemary, where are we going?""Give me a moment!"Penny's spirit was in a near catatonic state, but fortunately, her mind was fixed upon the final moments of her life, "The wolf's vehicle, it's a black Napier wagon! Black interior! That's all I can see right now, Penny's blocking out her memories of the wolf.""Rosemary," Genivee said, leaning over the front seat, "You need to clear your mind and focus upon what Penny's thinking. You need to put yourself inside her mind."

 "Blast and damn girl, you think I've never communed with anyone?" She bit her lip, "I'm sorry sweetie,

I'll try."Genivee nodded as Rosemary leaned back and closed her eyes. Her lip began to tremble ever so slightly, and she unconsciously clapped her hand upon Timothy's knee when the frightening details of Penny's death became known to her, "His nose has a split in one nostril, and one of his fangs is chipped.""Which one?" Karl asked, taking out his cellular telephone, "The right fang."Karl dialed the Falvie State Police, "Good afternoon, this is Inspector Samuel Preston of the Brandenburg Police, badge number one seven five four five. Yes, I'm fine, thanks. Listen, I'm investigating an assault and I was hoping you could put out an APB for a grey wolf male, aged twenty five to thirty five, driving a black Napier wagon. The suspect has a chipped right fang, and a split nostril. Suspect should be considered dangerous."More words were traded between Karl and the operator, until Karl bid them thanks and hung up, "Alright, they're going to look for him."

 "We're not going after him?" Rosemary asked, and Karl smiled back at her, "We have a solid description, and the entire police force of this region is going to be looking for him. He's as good as caught." Karl gleaned enough from Penny to know she was murdered in the wolf's wagon, "Once they find evidence of murder in his vehicle, he's finished."Rosemary sighed, and then smiled to Penny who seemed to wake from her trance, "Thank you, you're a very nice lady.""You're welcome dear, and I'm so sorry for what's happened to you."Penny smiled gently, "Did you mean what you said?""About what?""About a god. A god in the world."Gennie glanced away from the spirit as Rosemary smiled warmly, "There is an emotional ninny that pretends not to care about us, but he does. And I wouldn't say he's a god, not yet anyway, that's something we'll hope for in time."Penny smiled, and then slipped from the car. "Goodbye, sweetie." Rosemary whispered, as tears wet her eyes. Timothy took her hand in his, and Rosemary fell into his arms. 'Rosemary's got a lot of pain to let out.' Timothy silently opined, and Genivee nodded, her own eyes misty from the weight of the morning's events.

 Karl blinked away tears, and then noted a black-furred equine hitch hiking along the road. Gennie noted that the black horse bore an uncanny resemblance to Rosemary! She clasped her hand upon Karl's thigh, "Is that...?"Pulling to the shoulder, Karl carefully stopped along side the black horse who smiled warmly to the avatars, "Ibiza?""Hello! Do you have room for one more?"Timothy patted the seat between himself and Rosemary, and then hopped out to invite the disguised dragon in, "It's good to meet you!"She touched her hand to his face, and then settled in beside Rosemary. The elderly mare smiled gently to the dragon, still wiping her eyes, "I understand

now what you meant.""Please forgive me," Her strange double said, whilst Genivee stood up on her seat to smile back at the dragon. "It was not my intension to worry you."Timothy thought the odd buzzing quality of the creature's voice was the most unusual sound he'd ever heard, 'Why does she look like a black version of Rosemary?'"Hello, Ibiza." Genivee peeped, "It's so good to finally meet you!"

 "You assume that I am Ibiza?"Genivee gazed deeply into the strange eyes of Rosemary's twin, and began to weep as an insight came to her. The mouse seemed to pour all of her expectations into the black depths of The One's shadowy form, and she could almost see herself reflected there. Timothy cast the black horse a sideways glance, 'Who is this? I don't know what to think anymore!'The One reached out and ran her fingers through Genivee's hair, and for her part, Rosemary tried her best to ignore the stranger's resemblance to her own elderly form."Karl," Said Genivee, "Kromhaut said that I might be the emotional center of The One."The black horse said nothing as Karl nodded, "When did you find out?"Gennie shook her head, "I wasn't sure until now." She bit her lip and turned away, "Karl, I'm sorry."He reached out and took her in his arms. The two wept together, gently rocking back and forth. Rosemary sat back, oddly relieved, her mind in a hundred different places, "We must make haste." Said The One, "The moment nears, we are nearly there."

 Karl regained his composure and nodded, "We're about five hours from the woods bordering Herald's tree, we should be there by eight 'o clock.""Set your vehicle in motion." It said, "I know a short cut." The shadow horse then winked to Timothy, and the fox found himself charmed by the strange creature, 'This is a dragon? They seem so.. normal.'The motor car accelerated ahead and continued on. The rolling pastel hills beyond Falvie became steadily wooded, and The One leaned forward to tap Karl's shoulder, "Turn left."Karl found a rough wilderness path cut through the tree line, and he came about, taking the path that'd been indicated. Branches and brambles scraped along the side of the rental, and he winced at the damage being inflicted, 'We'll have to sell one of Gennie's artifacts.'From her place beside the disguised dragon, Rosemary reached into the seat pocket ahead of her and took out a notepad and pen. She began to scribble a hastily written note, whilst her double smiled weirdly. Rosemary became startled when she noticed the black fur of the disguised dragon seemed to shift and move, giving the elderly mare a most peculiar bout of motion sickness. 'It was quite touching,' Came it's strange, buzzing voice, 'What you did for the equine spirit.'

 Rosemary's stomach churned, and she nodded, unable to offer a coherent reply. She returned

to her note, 'That dragon sounds like a tree spirit.' The creature gazed deeply into Rosemary's spirit as it's presence within the car became overwhelming, 'You have spent so many years in torment, Rosemary. I sincerely apologize for what you have endured, but all has not been in vain.'She tried to reply, to ask what the dragon'd meant, but her vision clouded, and she slipped into unconsciousness. When next Rosemary was aware, Karl opened his driver's door. The car became bathed in daylight, and Rosemary squinted into the cheery sun, "Where are we?""We're here!" Timothy chirped, patting her knee with an enthusiastic slap before closing his door and bounding away. Rosemary opened her door and slid out. She blinked, and attempted to clear the fog from her mind. Again she was struck by a feeling that everything she'd experienced up to this point had been nothing more than a long and crazy dream, 'It has to be, unless I'm truly insane.'

 Genivee appeared beside her and led her up a wooded trail that led to a great and tall oak, "Herald?" She asked, recognizing the tree."Yes." Genivee replied, her tone gentle and reflective."Genivee, I'm not sure if what you think is going to happen, will."Genivee glanced up to her, and Rosemary squeezed the mouse's hand, "Just be prepared, and don't say your goodbyes just yet.""Yes." Gennie said, returning Rosemary's gesture, "Something doesn't feel quite right, but I haven't been able to figure out what.""Ibiza is The One." Rosemary said, acknowledging the obvious, "And so is the black shadow that led us here."Rosemary shook her head, 'Why did they have to look like me?'"I feel like Ibiza has been caught in an infinite loop of trial and error," Genivee said, more to herself than to Rosemary, "Reforming herself and breaking herself back apart. She's trying to become what we ourselves take for granted."Rosemary nodded, realization dawning upon her as Gennie continued, "She's trying to feel, to have simple animal emotions. She's trying to become a mother who can actually love her children."

 The pair continued along the trail, 'The One freed Rosemary for a specific purpose,' Gennie thought, gently squeezing the mare's hand, 'A special purpose.' Suddenly, she grasped the elderly horse's wrist very firmly and squeezed it with all of her dragon-given might. Rosemary glanced down upon Gennie, apparently unharmed by the mouse's test, "You're an avatar, Rosemary!"She shook her head, "What?""I tried to crush your hand, and couldn't! Only an avatar could withstand my grip!"Rosemary yanked her hand away, "Fool! What if you were wrong!?"Gennie seemed pleased to have a reprise of the cranky old Rosemary, even if only for a moment, "I knew you were one of us, I could feel it."The other rubbed her hand, "Well,

if I'm an avatar, then who's-" She clapped her mouth shut, already knowing the answer. "Come on," Genivee said, taking her friend's hand and following after Karl and Timmy. Rosemary stared straight ahead, her mind frozen in uneasy contemplation."You're a good animal, Rosemary." Gennie said, and the mare looked down upon the mouse, "Yes, well, I still think you're a moron."

 The Shadow MagnetAshley Brightwing touched down near Herald's home, and found his father's ghost already waiting for him. The young eagle clacked his mandible and looked about, not knowing what to say or do, "Ashley," Said Octavius, "I'm so sorry you must endure my death yet again."Justin landed with Shelton perched atop his back, and the pony slid off as Ashley nodded, "I just don't know what's happening anymore."The boy then regarded the spirit, "Did you really kill yourself? In the river?""I am sorry." Octavius said, "I would have liked to maintain control of Herald's clone, but it was not to be."Ashley slowly realized to whom he was speaking, "You're Octavius."The monarch smiled to the boys as he noted the house boat's arrival at the pier, "We'd best get inside, I'd like to attempt to corral Glorafin as best I can." He smiled to Shelton, "Before she drives your father to distraction."Shelton nodded, and then he hung his arm over Ashley's neck, "I'm sorry, Ash." The pony said, trying to imagine how he'd feel if the situation was reversed. Just then, a motor car could be heard in the distance, "Is that a car?" Ashley asked, and Justin seemed as surprised as anyone, "Seems to be!"

 From the river, Virgil Proudfoot pressed his beak to the boat's rear sliding door, "Hey, I think there's some animals are coming up the path!"Eleanor and Missy rushed to investigate, as did the other members of the company, "Hey!" Maggie gasped, recognizing the lion's face, "I think those are the animals from the diner!"She gestured to Missy, "The mouse we were trying to visit in Brandenburg!"The horses and eagles filed out of the boat and hurried down the path while Karl and his company arrived at the tree. Glorafin watched after them, feeling nervous and uneasy, 'Soon I shall cease to be.'"I would have thought you'd welcome such an eventuality." Said the dragon Amun, and Glorafin turned to regard him, "And I would have thought I'd never see your face again.""A momentous happening is upon us, I believe I may avail myself for such an occasion."Glorafin laughed, her voice harsh and metallic, "Indeed, brother.""You are far closer to these events than I," Amun said, "What do you suppose shall happen?"She bowed her head, "Nothing shall happen, save these animal's deaths."

 Amun turned away to examine the odd ends scattered about the rental boat, "What a

curious civilization these creatures have wrought, don't you think?" His luminous blue eyes then went wide, "Do you suppose they've anything to eat? I would rather like to try eating before we disappear!""A last meal?" She asked with a chortle, and Amun smiled warmly to her, "Be careful brother," She chimed, "Your face might remain that way.""Did we do good in this world?"Glorafin was surprised by his question, but she slowly nodded, "We did the best that we could, and that is all that a conscious entity can do.""Ah!" Amun said, locating a bag of cookies, "Something to eat!"He placed the bag upon his tongue, but Glorafin waved her paws at him, "No, you must first remove the clear membrane!""This?" Amun asked, fiddling with the plastic wrapper, "Oh, just put it in your mouth!" She roared.He did, and smiled as he began to chew, "Eating is most enjoyable."Glorafin reached out her paw, and Amun extended his. The siblings touched one another, and then shared a warm feeling of satisfaction, "I am glad we'll not exist anymore." Glorafin remarked, but Amun knew that was not true, "This shall be our final struggle, sister, but we'll not cease to be."

 She shook her head, unconvinced, and so Amun continued, "I remember what Octavius said to his animals, on the eve of their final battle, 'To those who would follow in my leadership, may your resolve never be slack, and your courage never wanting, especially in our day of battle be close to us. We have not prayed for easy lives, but asked only to be stronger animals. And so let us not pray for tasks equal to our powers, but ask only for powers equal to our tasks.'"Glorafin's eyes shimmered, and Amun smiled gently, "Life is our task, we are the power, and Rosemary Barter is our resolve.""And who is our courage?""Search your feelings, sister."She smiled, "Shelton Holden, never did he fear the dragon."The goddess of the underworld and the god of the moon then shared another bag of cookies, whilst Shelton and his fellows arrived at Karl's vehicle. Genivee smiled warmly to them, and the others returned her friendliness.There was an awkward moment when neither group could think of an appropriate word of welcome, and so they merely stood and looked upon the other until Maggie recognized Rosemary Barter. She stepped from the Holden clan and approached the elderly mare, and Rosemary shyly smiled as the former boxer approached, "Rosemary?"

 "Hello, dear.""So, you're alive?""Yes, but who knows for how much longer." She joked in a thick midland accent. Maggie snorted a laugh, and then stepped tentatively closer. Rosemary offered her arms to the boxer, and Maggie stepped into them, "Thank you." She breathed."Whatever for?" Rosemary asked."For helping me find my wonderful family."Rosemary's strange shadow hovered nearby, visible to no one. The entity heaped all of it's attention upon Rosemary Barter, and the old mare felt a burning sensation as The One drew their plans for her, 'Rosemary, you can save this world.'She shook with a startled squeak as Maggie patted her, then turned to Genivee and Karl. The couple quickly apologized for abandoning Maggie on the road, "It's okay." She said, raising her hand, "Ibiza said you didn't have a choice."Gennie nodded, and then smiled tenderly as she cupped her hands over Maggie's "You look beautiful, sweetie.""I look like my sis." She replied, glancing back at Shelly who smiled. Herald then drew near, and to his surprise Rosemary put her arms around him and squeezed him with gentle affection!

 Herald roused his feathers, and the companions chortled and laughed as they became acquainted with one another. "Can you step up onto my back?" Herald asked Rosemary, and the mare arched her brow, "Pardon?""I'm worried about you climbing the ladder up." He said, but the mare snorted, "Falling from your back, or off this rickety ladder, I don't see how one would be safer over the other."Arguing like a married couple, Genivee cupped her hand over her snout until the pair decided that she'd fly up on Herald's back, "Oh, confound it! Hold still!" Rosemary gruffed, and Shelton watched as the mare finally took her place upon the mariner, and then screamed as he took wing, flying up into the high branches of the hundred foot tall tree. "Oh! Just land there! No, idiot! Watch the ledge!"Herald landed heavily, and Rosemary pitched off, but was caught in the golden paws of Ibiza Pushpath. The dragon set her down, while Shelton stepped onto the skyway and marveled at the change in Ibiza's appearance. The dragon seemed greater than she had before, and Genivee looked upon her in wide-eyed wonder, "Hello, friends." The dragon said, her voice less rough, more melodic.

 "Ibby, what's happened to you?" Shelton asked, approaching the dragon and taking her paws in his hands. She kissed his nose, and then gestured to the gathered animals, "I have gathered some food. Come, let us eat!"Gennie shook her head, "Does every dragon's mind revolve around food?""Oh, you have no idea!" Ibiza replied, taking some gathered bags of foodstuffs and emptying the contents onto the center table, "Willowbrooks?" Timothy said, "That's an Avaloni store, how did you get these?""Shhh!" Ibiza hissed with a wink. Karl chortled, "Did you steal this stuff?""Of course not!" The dragon replied, innocently cupping her paw upon her chest, "Though they might have difficulty appraising the artifact I offered in trade."Rosemary smirked at the dragon's antics, until she became aware of her black doppelganger. She became mesmerized by the shadow's shifting black coat, and she

lost herself within it's softly veiling night, 'If I join you, would I be able to help my friend Cookie?''Your friend is safe, Rosemary. Allomere the hawk has stood up to Kromhaut, and prevailed.'

 'Allomere will make a fine dragon one day.'The shadow concurred as it drew closer, 'Rosemary, as Benjamin Cookie needed you, so too do I. You could help a great many animals, if you join with me.'The old mare nodded, 'It's been a long time, I'm ready to move on.''Rosemary, you'll not move on, but become something else.'The old mare was struck by the speech that Genivee'd given Karl, when he'd been selected as a new avatar, 'It's my turn to get caught up in some dragon's secret club.'The One chortled, 'Thank you, Rosemary. Thank you for saving me!'Back within the tree, the god Krom gazed out from his mouse's eyes as Rosemary communed with her future self. 'Genivee, I must confess something.''I know, Krom.''I'd hoped to guide you to Ibiza, that she might've selected you. I could never accept that Rosemary was... ''It's alright, Krom. I think Rosemary is a beautiful choice.''I am sorry, love. So sorry for deceiving you.'Her spirit embraced his presence, 'I love you, and when The One comes to us, I'll know you're there within them.'

 Ibiza smiled gently to the mouse, "I am sorry, Genivee. I tried to accept you as my center, but I fear you would not have been the best choice." Ibiza then moved from around the table and approached Rosemary. Shocked, Timothy cried out, "Her!?"Herald felt a surge of pride in Rosemary, and he smiled his support, 'Don't be afraid, Rosemary.'"Oh, shut up you fool!" She chortled, then surprised all when she approached him and tenderly kissed his beak, "In another time, I would have liked to marry you."He choked back a great emotion, "Aye." Now within the room there appeared the fiery manifestation of the god Krom, accompanied by the dragons Amun and Glorafin. 'The emotional, the rational and the spiritual.' Karl thought, smiling to them. Rosemary's shadow hovered very close to her, and the mare was surprised that she was not afraid. Ibiza was glad for her center's courage as she approached Octavius' spirit."There's one more bit of business to tend to." Ibiza said, glancing out the front bay window, and he should be here just about... " Just then, the hawk Allomere Clemens touched down upon the skyway, and Timothy rushed out to his husband.

 Ibiza gestured to King Octavius, "My lord, it would please me to set right your ancient sorrow."The avian spirit bowed to the goddess, "Thank you, lady."Timothy burst in bearing a large brown feather, "He's got Octavius' feather!"Genivee smiled broadly, "The feather!"Octavius looked about, "Eh?""I was

gifted a feather," Genivee said, "After you'd died, and your court dismissed, Marshal Grethan gifted me one of your feathers!"The king's spiritual form shimmered, "And as Maggie was gifted a new form based upon a lock of hair from her sister... ""Yes!" Justin cawed, "I can't believe it!"Ibiza took the feather from Timothy, "Contained within this feather is a genetic recipe to create another Octavius, and as splendid as your ingredients may be, I'll need to correct your poor heart condition, so we'll not find ourselves in this situation ever again."The Brightwings found that they could laugh at the jest, and Octavius looked to Eleanor with a hopeful longing, "Indeed."Ibiza placed the feather into her mouth, and then opened her arms to the king. Octavius stepped into her embrace, and was swallowed up by the goddess, 'Why do I feel this might become a common occurrence?' Gabriel thought as Ibiza opened her maw very wide and pushed a large avian body from her gullet. Octavius landed with a thud upon the wooden floor, fluid and gore splashing Ibiza's feet.

 The goddess stepped back as Eleanor rushed to her husband, 'My husband?' Permitted now to recall her days as Countess Elizabeth Archai, Octavius' chosen mate, Eleanor fell against his chest, "Octavius!"Rosemary's shadow then came for her, and she rushed to Shelton and slapped a scrap of paper into his hand, "I love you!" The next instant, a white light dazzled his eyes! Shelton stumbled backwards in confusion, Rosemary's parting words ringing in his ears. Genivee and Karl looked about, "They're gone! The dragons are gone!" Timothy Buttons searched the room for the creatures present just a moment before, then looked upon his hands, "I can't feel Tannin anymore, I can't feel my dragon!"And with a trembling lip he went to the table and attempted to smash off a corner. The wood held fast, "I'm normal again!"Karl attempted to touch the fox's mind, but found nothing, save his own overwhelmed thoughts. Herald sighed, his voice now very thin, "Think not that the magic has all gone out of the world, for a tiny glimmer still resides within each of us." He then turned to Shelton, "Ibiza has fulfilled her destiny, and judging by the fact that we're all still here, I'd say everything will turn out all right!"

 "Did you know that Rosemary was the one?" Genivee asked him, and Herald shrugged, "There is much I don't know, but one thing I do, I'm going to sea again, and I expect to not come back."Maggie Pumpkin went to him, "You're my best friend! Stay with me!"He smiled gently, then looked to the former avatars, "Will you be alright?"Genivee found herself surprisingly at peace, and smiled to him, "I think so."Karl nudged her, "I bet we can get our old flat back, if I return to the Brandenburg PD."She touched his hand, "We

shouldn't go back to Oakdale, if you bang your head in a mouse house now, there'll be no dragon to kiss it and make it well."The couple found that they could laugh at their situation, and though they were as afraid as any animal at their mortality, they were also thrilled by it!Shelton then opened the scrap of paper Rosemary'd given him and read the words printed there, 'Dearest Shelton, though I never knew you in life, I have long watched over you. In all of your many lives, you have always done right by others, and made me proud. I am proud to have been your kin.' The flowery writing became steadily more difficult to read, and Shelton could barely discern the final sentiment which ran off the page; 'I will love you, always.'

 He began to whimper, and wipe his eyes with the back of his palm. Missy reached out to comfort him, "Where is she, momma? Is she ever going to come back?!""She needed to go, sweetie." Missy said, patting his back.The tree top home suddenly groaned, and Herald's feathers stood up in alarm, "We'd best vacate this abode with all speed! I've no magic to hold it aloft anymore!"The horses moved to the ladder, but Herald barred their way, "No! It's too dangerous! Octavius! Justin! We'll fly the horses down!"The avian king took Missy Holden upon his back, and Herald Maggie. Shelton helped Shelly up onto Justin and the trio took wing, touching down upon the deck of the boat. Allomere evacuated Genivee, whilst Timothy waited anxiously with Shelton, Karl and Gabriel. The home groaned again, and Shelton became alarmed when the skyway tilted upward like the prow of a sinking ship, "Up!" Gabriel cried, "Climb up into the branches!"A terrible snapping from the support beams hastened the animal's climb. Octavius attempted to return for them, but Karl waved him away, "Get the boat clear! We're safe for now!"

 Octavius called out; "How should I move the craft!?"Gabriel grasped Shelton's hand, "You know how to pilot the boat, right?""Uh, yeah!""Son, go with Octavius! Get the boat away from the tree!"Though afraid for his father, the pony wasted no time getting to the eagle amid the groaning and splintering of the destabilizing home. Octavius flew down, Shelton hanging on for dear life as the tree again shook. Octavius landed upon the boat with a heavy thud, and Shelton rushed to the control console. He started the engine, relieved that it turned over immediately, and placed the rudder ahead full, "Mom! Make sure the ropes are all off!"Missy and Maggie pulled the mooring ropes from the craft as it lurched ahead and cleared the pier, in time for the skyway to break off and come crashing down. Above, the tree shook violently. Timmy lost his grip and fell from his branch, landing precariously upon the next one down! He hung there, eighty feet above the forest floor as Karl hurried

over and reached for the fox, "No, Karl!"

 The lion grasped Timothy's arm, as Allomere made frantic circles around the tree. His muscles straining, the lion pulled his friend up, but began to slip! Gabriel Holden grasped Karl's mane, pulling the cat back from the edge. Karl yelped in pain, but did not loosen his grip upon Timmy's wrist. Gabriel bettered his grip upon Karl, as the three slowly crawled their way to safety, while below, a large portion of the home split asunder and went whirling to destruction. A great column of dust rose up from the forest floor, and Timothy coughed and sputtered as the air slowly began to clear.Justin swooped in and grasped a nearby branch, "Can you reach me?" He called to Timothy, who looked down upon the wreckage in panic, "I don't know!"With great effort, Justin attempted to climb nearer to Timothy, but was obstructed by heavy foliage, "You're too far!"Allomere arrived, and whilst he was more skilled at maneuvering through the obstacles, he was now too weak to carry his mate. Falling away, Justin made another attempt to reach Timothy, "Get some rope!" Karl called, "We'll tie it on, then climb down on our own!"

 Justin nodded and then flew down to the wrecked pier to scavenge what rope he could. Meanwhile, Shelton brought the boat around and settled in as near to the remains of pier as he could. The pony rushed out to help his longtime friend, whilst Virgil and Ashley looked on helplessly."We're okay!" Came Karl's voice, "Take your time, work safely!"'Ibiza,' Shelton said silently, turning his thought toward the dragon, 'If you're there, please come back to us!'There was no reply.Allomere managed to perch near his fox, and Timothy waved to him, "Hel of a way to end up, huh?""This wasn't the sort of ending I'd imagined!"The animals looked over the wrecked home as Shelton and Missy tied smaller ropes to larger, building a strong ladder that their friends and family could use to get down. Soon Justin delivered the first bit of rope, which Karl threaded around the thick branches, building up the sections of rope until they had enough to reach the forest floor. Justin hunkered against the tree trunk, waiting to spring out and catch any of the animals who might lose their grip and fall. But the males made it safely down, and Missy threw herself at her husband. Genivee smiled to her lion, and Karl knelt to peck her on the head.

 Maggie then grasped Herald's beak and led him to the boat, "Come on, it's time to get to your ship!"The animals chortled at Maggie's antics, then glanced back once more, and bid the great northern realm farewell. "I don't suppose we could make those secret caves open up for us anymore?" Ashley asked with a sigh, and Herald shook his head, "You possessed an inner gift, a key, now lost in the absence of the dragons."Ashley sighed miserably, but Shelton comforted him, "Hey, we were the first animals to ever see those caves.""And the last." Ashley retorted, "I can't believe the dragons are gone!"'Tell me about it.' Genivee thought.Missy did her best to make the four additional members of the fellowship comfortable, whilst Shelton poked about the dining nook, "Who ate all the damn cookies?"And so it was that The Fellowship of Ibiza returned to the normal and mundane world. The animals were nearly to the Shannonvali border with Albany when Karl realized his rental car was left behind, "D'oh!""Don't worry sweetie," Gennie said, "I have enough gold stashed to buy fifty of those cars."

 At the control panel, Octavius appeared beside Shelton who'd piloted the craft all the way home. The avian king looked out the front window to Herald Kirsten who stood upon the bow. Stepping outside, Octavius approached the old mariner. Herald nodded to him as Octavius smiled a greeting, "How are you feeling, Herald?""I might ask the same of you."The king looked out over the river as it moved slowly past the boat, "I feel as if I've moved forward in time, and arrived in a strange new age.""And I," Herald began, "Feel as if I've been locked inside an old seaman's chest, unaware of the wider world, until it's too late to experience it." He paused, and gazed out over the waters, "Soon I'll be no more.""The power that's restored me shall await your arrival home." Octavius said, "What an experience that will be."Herald smiled, "Indeed."Inside, Karl shook Gabriel's hand, "Thanks for saving Timothy and I, you were right on time."Gabriel smiled, and flexed his arm, "My old muscles are gonna complain about that one for weeks to come."

 Karl patted him, then smiled to Genivee who sat with Misses Holden and her twins. He breathed a heavy sigh as he recovered from his first real brush with danger since the great war.Later that day, Gabriel took the helm to pilot the boat back into the marina, "Feather the throttle," He said to his son, "Use the engine to make course corrections, not the rudder, there's no room here to use the rudder."Maggie noted how ordinary everything'd become, 'Boating lessons.' She thought. The former avatars then disembarked, and Missy smiled to them, "Can you get home okay?""My car is parked at Albany International." Karl said, "We can catch a taxi there." He smiled warmly, and shook Gabriel's hand, "Thanks, though.""Where do you all live?" Gabriel shyly asked, and Karl smiled to his new friend, "I expect we're going to be back in Brandenburg." He smiled to Missy, "You've been to our old flat."The mother equine smiled broadly, "I'd love to get together with you all, sometime soon!"Allomere then looked Timothy up and down, "I don't

know if I'll ever be able to carry you again, not without a dragon's help."

 "Guess I'll have to take up hang gliding." Timothy replied, and the hawk smiled warmly, "Aye."Gabriel sensed that Herald did not feel welcome among the Brightwings, Eleanor'd hardly said a word to him the entire voyage home, "Herald, would you come home with us? I have a spare room you could use.""Thank you kindly, Gabriel."Now came the breaking of the fellowship, as the Brightwing clan returned to their home upon the hill. Eleanor thrilled at her husband made anew, his noble form recalling the splendor of a bygone age.The Holden's homecoming was less a return to royalty, and more a settling into normality. Gabriel guided his yellow station wagon along Highway Four, and breathed a heavy sigh when at last they crossed the border into Albany, "I can't believe we're home."Maggie glanced out the window, checking on Herald who followed high overhead, "I don't think I'm going to get sick. I feel totally fine.""You'd better not," Shelly gruffed, "After Justin's dad got patched back up.""I wouldn't feel cheated." Maggie said, nudging Shelly's arm, "If I had to be a copy of you, then I'd take all that being you entails. Even being grumpy all the time."

 Missy smiled back at the girls as Shelly laughed, whilst Shelton rolled his eyes from the back cargo area. Soon the family turned onto Forest Drive, and made the familiar second left into their driveway. "The house looks so different, now that I'm alive." Maggie said softly, drawing another doting smile from Missy.Herald then touched down, his breathing worryingly shallow, "What a lovely home you have."Missy quickly ushered Maggie indoors, attempting to play her off as Shelly. The last thing the mother equine wanted at this moment was a nosy neighbor rushing over to inspect Shelly's apparent twin. Herald squeezed his way inside, and moved carefully along the hall, "Misses Holden is indeed a symphony conductor." He noted, admiring the mare's many portraits, "And I see she has good taste in operas!"Shelly was then helped inside and the family barricaded themselves, "If anyone knocks, we're not at home!"Sure enough, there came a knock, and after a moment several more, but Missy steadfastly refused to answer as Herald struggled to contain his laughter. Gabriel then opened a large door leading down to a cellar, "I have a stallion cave down here," He said to Herald, "You're welcome to stay as long as you want."

 "Thank you, Gabriel." The eagle said, "I suspect it shan't be for too long."The horses then gathered around the kitchen table and traded glances, "One of us has to write a book about this." Maggie said.Gabriel smiled, "I'd buy any book where Maggie Pumpkin becomes my daughter."The boxer shyly smiled, "Oh, I'm just a tall and thin mare

now, not much good for boxing, I'm afraid." She glanced at the burly Shelton, "But he's got some promise.""Yeah, I'd like my nose to stay where it is!" The pony replied, pointing dramatically at his snout. Gabriel chortled, "Okay, shower time! Oldest goes first!""That would be me." Missy said with a smirk, "But I look older..." Gabriel replied, and the mare rolled her eyes, "Guess we'll have to go together!""Eww." Shelton gruffed. Gabriel chortled, and roughed his son's mane, while Maggie went to the cellar door to check on Herald. A soft rhythmic whistling could be heard from below, and Maggie knew he was asleep. She left her old friend to rest, happy that at last he was with a family who could care for him.

 A Kind of HomecomingThe following days merged seamlessly into one another. The old ship's wheel from The Flying Mantuan was placed upon the parlor wall, framed by Missy's portraits of herself leading a performance of the famous opera.The horses were finally ambushed by their neighbors, and Maggie's appearance was explained away as a matter of adoption, "Gabriel and I couldn't afford to raise twins." Missy lied, "So I had to separate the girls."Misses Quill from across the street clasped her arms about Maggie and hugged her tight, leaving Missy feeling horrible for lying, but she just didn't know what else to say. Misses Brightwing had a far easier time explaining her new mate, although more than a few of her neighbors commented; "My goodness Edward, you look so much like our King Octavius!""Thank you kindly." He chimed, drawing admiring and perhaps envious glances from Eleanor's friends. After they'd gone, Octavius sighed heavily, "I think taking Edward's name was the right thing to do."Justin shrugged, "I wish Ibiza was here, maybe you could be free to be yourself."

 "Son, I think Ibiza is doing what she knows is right. She has to stay away, for all of our sakes."The boys nodded, but none seemed particularly pleased. "Ibiza was a little scary." Ashley admitted, "But she also made me feel really special.""And therein lies the problem." Edward said, "In my time as King of Shannonvale, I took great care to not appear favorable to any particular animal, lest that individual become ostracized among his peers. Such would be our fate if the wider world discovered our connection to Ibiza."Ashley felt he better understood his father's formal behavior, and he nuzzled him before retiring to his room. He sighed, and looked about at his collection of childish belongings that now seemed like relics from some other life. He tapped his cellular anklet. It beeped for a moment, then Shelton's garbled voice rang out; "What's up?""Whatcha doing?""Nothin. Bored."The boys sighed through their phones, each seeking comfort in the other, "Dad says

that Ibiza might be staying away from us on purpose." Ashley said.

 "That would suck." Shelton replied, though he had to admit that it was probably for the best, "I just wish I could have got to know Rosemary before she went away." "She seemed like a nice old granny, I guess she's a good animal to have as Ibiza's conscience."Shelton sighed, "Yeah, it's just too bad we're right back where we started-" Shelton immediately corrected himself, "Except I've got a new sister, and you've got your dad back!"Ashley squeaked, "Heh! I feel like I'm in the Army now! Octavius runs the house like a barracks!""I might have to become a boxer." Shelton retorted, "At least you won't get your face rearranged!"The boys then agreed to meet later in the week, and bid one another goodnight. Shelton made it a point to knock on the cellar door and check on Herald, "Ah, come in!" Came a voice from below.Shelton nickered at the warm welcome and made his way down the stairs to find the huge eagle sitting atop his father's arm chair, "Heh, is that comfortable?"Herald looked down upon the old chair, "Honestly, no. I don't see why you mammals use such things."

 "That's because it's made for mammals, bird-butt!"The old eagle smiled, "How are you feeling?"The pony sighed, and his voice cracked ever so slightly, hinting at the adult he'd soon become, "I don't know. I was hoping you could still read my thoughts so you could tell me."He shook his head, "I'm afraid I can't, but I suspect you'd like to know more about Rosemary?"Shelton squirmed, "I've picked up enough from Maggie to know that she was a little... 'complex.'""Rather like Ibiza, don't you think?""Heh, yeah." Shelton replied. Herald smiled, "Don't think you've never got to spend time with her, Shelton. She visited you through Ibiza, her future self. She took advantage of your time in the north to get to know you, and I think she liked the pony she met very much.""Thanks." Shelton breathed, "I just wish that she would come back." He looked to Herald, "Where is she?"Herald stepped from the chair and settled down on the floor, "There could be all manner of reasons why she's staying away, for all we know time might pass differently where she is, and a moment to her might be a year to you and I."

 "Ugh!" Shelton chuffed, leaning back on his cushion, "She was so wonderful! I wish she'd come back!""Keep her in your thoughts," Herald said, gently pushing Shelton with his wing, "Always keep a path to you open for her, and she might just surprise you."Shelton got the hint as he was nudged again toward the door, "Okay Herald, thanks for talking!""Goodnight, Shelton."The pony looked back at the old eagle as Herald reached out with his beak and clicked the cellar light

off. Silhouetted in the dark, the eagle seemed to embody a type of forlorn loneliness that would've been Shelton's worst fear. The pony turned back and settled down beside Herald, "What are you doing, boy?""You shouldn't be alone."Herald gently bushed Shelton with his wing, "I'm not alone, Shelton. I have a great many memories to look back on.""Are you sure?""Yes, love. Thank you for your kindness."Shelton moved to the stairs and slowly climbed up, "I... think you're a really nice eagle, Herald.""I love you too, Shelton."The pony rushed back to the eagle and hugged him, "Oh, confound it boy! Go to bed!"

 Shelton nickered, "You make a pretty good grandad, you know."Herald touched his wing to Shelton's chest, "You have a good heart, my little pony.""Thanks, Herald.""Now go to bed!"From the kitchen, Gabriel heard his son's tromping feet upon the cellar stair, and Shelton appeared in the hall a moment later, bidding Herald good night. He smiled weakly to his father, and the stallion reached out to him; "Whatcha doing?""Talking to Herald." Shelton said, stepping into the kitchen, "What about you?""I'm not gonna be able to sleep." Gabriel said, "I need to come down from everything that's happened."Shelton sat down and sighed, "I may not be the brightest bulb in the world, but I know when someone is trying to stay distant from you, because they think they're going away.""He's old, Shelton." Gabriel said softly, "I think we all know that, especially him."'I wish I could say something,' Gabriel thought, 'I wish I was a brighter bulb myself, like Herald, who could say something to make you feel better.' And so, the stallion did the only thing he could think of to comfort his boy, he sat down beside him and held him tight. Shelton pressed his face beneath his father's chin and gently wept.

 'Is this how it's going to end?' Gabriel whispered within his mind, hoping that someone somewhere might hear him, 'Ibiza, if you're there, please give my boy some kind of sign. Give him just one more visit, if only to say goodbye.'An odd tingling issued from the base of Gabriel's spine. His eyes widened at the sensation, and he felt compelled to rise and move to a nearby cabinet. Shelton watched him as Gabriel retrieved a large scrap of paper and a pencil, then sat back down and set about scratching lines upon the canvas, a look of intense concentration upon his face; "Dad, what are you doing?""Ibiza's coming to visit you."Shelton looked on as a face began to emerge from the canvas, and Gabriel smiled as he laid down more lines, forming the snout, jaw, and majestic horns of the dragon's head. Soon the drawing was done, and the horses looked upon the visage that now smiled out from the canvas, "Dad, I didn't know you could draw

like that.""I can't." He replied, taking his son by the shoulders and positioning him before the drawing, "I begged Ibiza to give you a visit, and I guess this is the only way she could deliver."

 He patted his son's back, "If you ask me, I'd say it's pretty sweet."Tears streaming down his cheeks, Shelton touched the rough and tattered canvas. A single drop fell from his eye and landed upon Ibiza's neck, and the image seemed to move! Shelton jerked his head back, almost knocking his father in the snout, "Careful, boy!""Dad! Did you see her move?"Gabriel gently patted Shelton, hoping to calm him. The pair spend a long moment looking upon the canvas, and it seemed to Gabriel that his boy was indeed cheered by the dragon-inspired drawing, 'Ibiza, thank you. I think this is helping.'The tingling moved up his spine for just a moment, as if to answer him, and Gabriel marveled that the dragon was listening! He smiled, and kissed his son's ear, "Even though Ibiza can't speak to us, Shelton, I think she's listening. Tell her what you're feeling, and I think she'd appreciate it."Shelton wept for a while more, whilst the snores of his family gently nudged him toward thoughts of sleep. "Come on." Gabriel said, guiding his pony toward the washroom, "Brush your teeth."

 Recalling his days as a younger colt, Shelton touched his nose to his father's side, and then prepared for bed. Gabriel tucked his boy in, and then kissed him on his cheek, "You'll see her again." Gabriel whispered, "I promise."Gabriel was heartened by the tingling which answered him, and he smiled, "Ibiza promises too."Shelton smiled, and then settled off to sleep, leaving his father to ponder their place in the world. He gazed out the window, knowing now that the trees were conscious entities. Knowing that there were ghosts and spirits and dragons. Knowing... 'A lot.' Gabriel briefly wondered if it would be better for them to be able to forget everything that'd happened. Ibiza made no reply, sent no tingling feeling up his spine, and so Gabriel quietly left his son and went to the sofa, so as not to disturb his wife.He lay for some time, looking up and the gently shifting shadows upon the ceiling. 'Whatever happens, Ibiza, please... don't break his heart.'With a soft breath, Gabriel drifted off to sleep. From the kitchen, the dragon rose up from the canvas and smiled to the stallion. Ibiza looked about the comfortable home, then returned to her two dimensional home away from home.

 Next morning, Gabriel was awakened by Missy's cry from the kitchen, "Ugh! What?""Where did this come from!?" Missy squealed, as doors flung open along the hall. "I drew that." Gabriel said, shuffling into the kitchen. "What do you think?"Missy looked to him, astonished, "I... think you need to draw some more!"He reached into the

fridge for the apple juice, "Don't hold your breath, I'd asked Ibiza to pay Shelton a visit, and before I know what's happening, I'm drawing that. She helped me do it, she answered my request."Shelton hugged his mother, whilst Missy marveled that the dragon might not have truly abandoned them. She hung the portrait on the parlor wall, and it quickly became a focal point for the animals to gather. The pony was grateful that he'd only have four days of school before the midwinter holiday. Shelton rolled out of bed and put on his school clothes, then met his family in the kitchen. Missy finished up some oats, and placed a bowl on the counter, "Breakfast!" She then gave Shelton a peck on the head before she returned to bed. "How are you feeling?" Gabriel asked.

 "Fine." Shelton replied, taking a seat opposite Herald. "Holiday is coming up, you know." Herald said."Yeah." Shelton said with a smile."I'm going to do a bit of travel while I'm well enough. I've never enjoyed a Midwinter Day before.""Are you well enough to travel?" Gabriel asked, and Herald shrugged, "I believe Ibiza will allow me one final hurrah, before my final act."Shelton stood, "Would you stop talking like you're going to die!"The eagle sighed, "But I am, my boy. This will almost certainly be my final winter.""Ugh!" Shelton chuffed as he stalked away, leaving Herald crestfallen. "I'm sorry." Gabriel said, but Herald brushed him with his wing, "Shelton told me he thought I'd make a good grandfather, I suppose he's become attached."Gabriel nodded, and Herald asked; "Speaking of the boy's grand parents, where are your parents?""I'm adopted, I never knew them.""So your excuse for Maggie's appearance is rooted in some family truth, hmm?""You could say that."Herald sighed, "I believe Ibiza is staying away so that we may all have a normal life." He paused to glance down the hall toward Shelton's room, "I feel I should move on as well, I may be too much of a distraction."

 "I think it has helped Shelton to have some link to Ibiza here with him." Gabriel said, "I hope you don't feel like you have to leave.""He has his dragon portrait now." The eagle said with a wink, "But still and all, it's time for me to go, Gabriel."The stallion rose and offered his arms, and the eagle gladly stepped into them. "One of your crew members told us of your final voyage," Gabriel said softly, "Right here in my parlor. Now you're here, about to go away for good."Herald smiled to the horse, "Life has a funny way of putting you back where you started from, hmm?"Gabriel shook his head, "Do you think I was one of your crew members? I've always had an affinity for sailing.""Would it matter?" Herald asked, and Gabriel shook his head, "Even if I was or wasn't, I'm still glad

to know you, Herald."The sea captain smiled, "Thank you, my lad." And with that, Herald stepped from the kitchen door and flew away. Gabriel looked out at the trees ringing his property and knew that was the last time he'd ever see Herald alive again, 'Goodbye, Herald.'

 He closed the door, and then returned to bed. Missy smiled to him as he returned, "Hey."Gabriel sat down, "Hi, babe.""Herald's gone, isn't he?"He nodded, "Yep."She reached out to him, "So that's it, our voyage is over. We're really home."Gabriel found tears wetting his eyes, and Missy sat up to kiss his brow. He smiled gently, and returned her affection. "Want to try for another mouth to feed?"He chortled, "I dunno, you sure the clock is still ticking?"She ran her fingers through her mane, "My grey hair is gone.""Oh?" He said, "That so?" She grasped his wrist, and pulled him closer, "Here, let me show you... "***The mundane surroundings of Shelton's school had taken on the sort of otherworldly quality he'd experienced in the ancient caves, and the pony wandered the familiar campus with a detached sense of bemusement, 'What am I doing here? There's so much more we could all be doing.'Taking his cell phone out, he dialed Justin who answered; "Ello?""I can't stand it here!" Shelton cried, "Rescue me!""I'm so tired of studying politics! I'm on my way!"

 Shelton laughed, "That's what you get for having a king for a dad!"Feeling better, Shelton waited at the edge of the campus for his best friend, whilst farther to the west, Herald Kirsten entered the state of Brandenburg. His flight was uneventful, and soon he set down at the address Genivee'd given him. He approached a door and used his beak to ring the bell. After a moment a tall lioness answered, and Herald apologized, "Oh, forgive me. I've the wrong home.""Herald!" Genivee peeped, and he looked several doors down to find the little mouse waving him over. Herald approached and clacked his mandible as Gennie hugged his great long legs, "Careful dear! I'm quite fragile you know!"She waved away his jest, and invited him in, "Sam is still at work, but he'll be home soon.""Back to Sam, is he?"She nodded, "It's funny to think that he may take that name to his grave.""How are you getting on, Gennie?""I miss Kromhaut's company." She said, taking a seat, "But I'm surprised at how free I feel."Herald noted the boxes and bundles piled along the walls, "Not all of this is mine!" Genivee chirped, "Timmy and Allomere are moving in with us!"

 "Ah, that's splendid to hear!" He clacked his mandible to punctuate what he'd just said, "So, things working out?""I'm still in shock, I think. In the coming months, I don't know.

Once it sets in that I'm never going to hear him inside my head again, I don't know how I'll feel.""Unless Ibiza comes back." He said.She sighed, "Is she?""She compelled Gabriel to draw a portrait of herself, for Shelton."Gennie's eyes sparkled, and Herald nodded, "I knew you'd want to hear about that.""They connected so strongly, Shelton and Ibiza." Gennie noted, and again Herald nodded, "I believe that Ibiza considered him briefly as her emotional center.""But ruled him out." Genivee said, "Why? He seems like such a caring animal.""Perhaps too caring." He replied, "He'd not have the strength to do what a deity sometimes must, just as you were deemed unfit because of your temper."She winced at his comment, but understood his sentiment, "It would have broke Karl's heart if I went away, I think Rosemary really was the best choice.""I'm pleased you think so."

 She nodded, "I once saw Rosemary free an entire army. Kromhaut used to punish her terribly when she'd influence spirits, even to help them, but Rosemary couldn't bear to see them suffer. She is a good animal at heart."Herald smiled, "Perhaps, in a cosmic sense, she was being tested even then."Genivee smiled wistfully, "I think so."The pair was quiet for a time, each reflecting upon their long histories, "I think I shall come back as a sea lion." Herald declared."I think that would be good for you." Genivee agreed. Herald clacked his mandible, "Midwinter Day is approaching, kindly visit the Holdens for the holiday. You'll love Gabriel's new portrait of the dragon.""You act like you're not going to be there."He sighed, "I'm tired, Genivee. I don't know how much time I've left to me."She patted his wing, "Try to make it, okay?""No promises." He said, moving to the sofa. Gennie smiled as the mariner folded his legs beneath himself and made himself comfortable. "Sam is going to be on the news tonight." Gennie said, and Herald roused his feathers, "There's that name again, it must seem strange changing your identity so often."

 "You did.""Yes," Herald said, "But only once."She smiled, "Ibiza never would address you by 'Kirsten,' she always used your true name. Why do you think that is?"He shrugged, and Genivee gently patted his long toes, "Because she felt you had nothing to be ashamed of.""Thank you, Gennie." He murmured, and then winked to her, "What's Sam done to garner a mention on the telly?""Rosemary helped a spirit up near Falvie, we were able to get her murderer caught! So the Falvian council is sending a letter of thanks to the Brandenburg police commissioner.""Oh?""It's a big deal," Gennie said, "Our action is being capitalized on to try and shore up relations. Politics, you know.""Speaking of Politics," Genivee continued, "Octavius has become quite the figure up in Shannonvale. He's taken the name Edward Kirsten, you know."Herald was touched, "Did he?""Octavius is grateful for what you did, in spite of your clone's shortcomings."The mariner nodded, "That's lovely to hear.""Justin told me that eagles are showing up at their door to meet Edward, at first because he looks so much like Octavius..."

 "His face appears on their money." Herald noted, and Genivee smiled, "Yes, but once they hear him speak, they're ready to see him made king!"Herald smiled wistfully, "I had just become cursed when Octavius passed, I never saw the changes in Shannonvale until I was set free. I left for sea with the king on his throne, and returned to find a land as adrift as I was."He sighed, changing gears, "You know, of all the dragons, Kromhaut's love for you was the most real."Gennie nodded, unsure of how to reply, "I think he realized that he needed an animal's feelings, while his siblings made no such connection.""You're not angry at him, are you?"She shook her head, "I'm disappointed," Her eyes blurred with tears, and Herald gently cupped his wing over her, "I'm disappointed that he took out his frustrations on an innocent equine, when it was Rosemary that he really hated.""It's neither here nor there," Herald said, "It's all in the past now."Genivee smiled and patted his wing, "What would you like for dinner?""Fish." He replied, "Which is what I should've eaten all along!"

 ***Justin and Shelton strolled along a path bordering the site where they'd first met. It seemed appropriate to return to this place, despite a strong odor issuing from old Dun Keel. "I'm sorry if your dad is busting your chops." Shelton said."No, he's great." Justin said, "Tristan was a good dad, but Octavius is on a whole other level."Shelton smiled, "Like an eagle, turned up to eleven?""Heh! Well, something like that." Justin paused to wrap his wing around his best friend, "We went to Creed the other day, and dad just happened to land next to a statue of Octavius.""Just happened to." Shelton said, air quoting with his fingers.Justin smiled, "You should have seen how the other eagles reacted, it was amazing!"Shelton nudged him, "I worry about you guys, you know there's going to be animals who'll feel threatened by Octavius, and will try and come after him.""Heh," Justin chortled, "I'll feel very sorry for them, Octavius almost single-handedly won the great war."Shelton patted his friend, "He had a lot of help."

 "I'm not Olivia anymore, though I wish I could be.""Hey! I like Justin, remember?"The eagle smiled to the pony, "It's almost midwinter, a new year will

start soon."The pair gazed out over the fields where they'd taken their first flight together, "So, no more dragon friends." Shelton murmured, "It's just the regular world from now on.""I have to say, Shelton, that I felt rather put out when Ibiza was around. I felt like you'd forgot all about me."Shelton became shocked, and he sputtered to reply but Justin set his wing upon the pony's snout, "And I completely understand! Ibiza was amazing! But I think we have our reason why she's staying away.""Yeah." Shelton said, kissing Justin's wing, "You're right."Justin bumped his head against Shelton's "I'm glad you're my friend."The pair held one another close as they watched the sun track low in the sky, casting deep long shadows that blended seamlessly with other times and other places. They never noticed the dragon's shadow waiting beside them.Not far away, the mariner Herald Vanderdecken bid the former avatars goodnight, and gazed out across the evening sky, relishing the sight of the setting sun. A tightness spread out across his chest, but he welcomed it, "It's been so long," He breathed, "Such a very long time."

 He threw himself into the air, and beat his wings hard. Through his efforts, the tightness beneath his ribcage became excruciating, but still he beat his wings, making his best speed back toward Albany.The Final ActThe Holden's home was dark when Herald arrived back, but the back porch light was left on for him. He found the kitchen door unlocked, and pushed his way inside. The clack of his talons seemed far away as the room pitched and moved beneath him, recalling his days on a ship at sea. 'I am going to sea again! To sea! To sea!'The dimly lit kitchen became bathed in a soft shimmering light, and Herald marveled at tiny points of light that appeared above his head, 'The Path is no more, now come the days of the guiding lights!'One foot in front of the other, Herald moved slowly down the hall, only to find the beige plaster'd become fine oak paneling. A warm sea breeze filled his nostrils, and Captain Vanderdecken smiled as he entered his old ship's cabin to find an ornate drawing upon the wall. A strange dragon smiled out from the canvas, and Vanderdecken stirred with recognition, but became startled when a boatswain tapped upon his door, "Cap'n?"

 "W-what is it?"Herald blinked when Clint Trickett stepped into his quarters, "Some weather to the south, I've had the mates secure the forward rigging."The Mantuan Exeter gently rocked beneath Herald's feet as he nodded, "Very good, what's our last point of reckoning?""Two days from Vahevala."Herald noted that the horse looked well, "Everything fine, Mister Trickett?""Fine sir! Looking forward to the lovely lupine ladies we're headed for!" The horse then

noted his captain's distracted demeanor, "You all right, sir?"Herald smiled as he approached the door and moved past Trickett, "Aye lad, everything's alright.""Great! Now, Cap'n, I was wondering if this would be a good time to strike for Master. I've been ship's Bos'n for two years now!""Feeling constrained by your current position, Mister Trickett?" Herald chimed, as he entered the wheel house and looked upon the ornate ship's wheel that bore his name. "Well, sir, I would like to strive for more, if you catch my meaning."Herald smiled to the horse, "Barnabas is set to retire in ten months, if you can hold out, then I can think of no better animal to replace him than you."

 "Thank you kindly!" Trickett nickered, "Indeed!"Herald glanced out the port side window to the wooden decking that'd been stained by the blood of so many marine animals. He sighed with great relief when the wood appeared clean and fine, "Something wrong, Cap'n?""No, Clint." Herald said with a thoughtful smile, before he regained his wits, "Actually, Mister Trickett, there is something wrong! This ship is an appalling mess, and I want it scrubbed from stem to stern!"The horse smiled broadly, happy to have his captain back, "Aye, Sir!""And I want two cases of salted flounder brought up from the hold!" The eagle continued, leaving the wheel house and returning to his cabin, "I don't want you lads to go hungry!"He paused before the drawing of Ibiza, and found himself returned to the Holden family's parlor, "Thank you, Ibiza. That was beautiful." He glanced at his old ship's wheel, and it seemed to bid him farewell as Herald settled down upon the floor and went to sleep. It was Missy who found his body the next morning, and she quietly woke her family to tell them of Herald's passing. Maggie entered the parlor and knelt beside the mariner's body, wondering if his spirit was somewhere nearby, 'No, he's gone. He's really gone.'

 Shelton rushed in and clenched his teeth, "Herald!" Maggie took him in her arms and held him tight, "Why did he die! He could have stayed with us!""Shelton, please," She whispered, "He needed to go. He was ready."Gabriel and Missy held their son as Shelton wept, while Shelly touched her hand to Maggie, "Are you okay, sis?""Yeah." Maggie replied, patting her sister's hand, "I really am."The authorities were summoned, and Herald's body was taken to a funeral home in anticipation of his burial. To Maggie's surprise, Herald had left a note asking that his remains be interred near Albany, and that a tree be planted over him.December eleventh of 2271 dawned cold and grey, as a group of remarkable animals gathered to commemorate the passing of Herald M. Vanderdecken. Genivee Tin knew well the enigmatic ship's captain, the mouse and the eagle

linked by a rich history of service. But today, history shall begin anew. "Surely Herald knows that a new day has arrived for him." Genivee said, her eyes moving over the faces of her new family, "Toward the end he confided in me, and told me that he would reincarnate as a marine mammal, a member of the species to which he'd done so much harm."

 Gennie took up a hand full of soil, and scattered it upon Herald's linen-wrapped body, "And so Herald shall submerge himself within the boundless ocean, where all of the moments of his long and dramatic life have been enacted."She bowed her head, "Go then, Captain Vanderdecken. Return to the seas that have missed you for so long."  The others took up their offerings of soil, and released them into Herald's grave. "Bye, Herald." Maggie whispered, "I love you so much." Missy kissed her tears away as the families paid their respects, and then gathered to watch the park service animals cover over the grave and plant a small tree upon the site.Shelton hugged his eagle friends, and then the horses filed into the family wagon. As they drove away, Missy and her family bore the inheritance of The Flying Mantuan, 'He was real,' Missy thought, 'And nobody would ever believe me.' She glanced back at her children as Shelton held Maggie's left hand, and Shelly her right, both squeezing their support for their sister, each knowing what Herald had meant to her, "He really was the closest thing I ever had to a father."

 Gabriel glanced back at her, "Gimme time, I'm working on it." She chortled, and felt so very happy to be with the Holden family, "Thanks, dad." Gabriel smiled back at her, as they made the familiar turn onto Forest Drive. When at last they settled into their driveway, Missy noted a package resting against the front door, "Anyone order anything?""Nope." Shelton replied, knowing he'd be the one suspected of spending money he didn't have. Missy stepped from the wagon and made her way to the door to inspect the box, "Huh." She said, her eyes moving over the flowery writing emblazoned across the addressee line, "It's for you, Maggie."Maggie took the box and was shocked to see it addressed to Maggie Pumpkin! She gingerly shook it, "I have no idea what it could be!""Looks like a book!" Shelton said, "Open it!"She did, and shook with surprise when her old boxing portrait emerged from the box! Gabriel exclaimed, "Wow! That's you! Your old portrait!"The boxer looked about, "Herald! If you did this, thank you!!"Overjoyed, the animals filed inside to find a suitable place to hang Maggie's portrait, but when they looked upon Ibiza's drawing, the dragon was no longer looking slightly to the left. Her eyes now gazed straight out from the canvas, smiling with mischief.

 Shelton reached out and gently touched the drawing, silently begging

her to spring out from the paper and be with him again. Gabriel touched the pony's shoulder, squeezing his support, and Shelton sighed as he smiled to Maggie, "Can I see the box?"She handed him the container her portrait'd been mailed in, and he looked upon the handwriting, 'Herald didn't do this, this is Rosemary's writing.'Shelton bowed before the dragon's portrait, then tucked the note Rosemary'd given him onto one of the nearby frames. He shuffled into his room, leaving his family looking after him. Gabriel settled down onto the sofa, when he felt the odd tingling in his spine. He shifted to and fro, but the sensation persisted, "Are you okay?" Missy asked.He rose and went to the frame where Shelton'd tucked Rosemary's note. He took it and unfolded it, "Heh!" He cried, "Shelton, come here!"The pony rushed out as Gabriel showed him the note, "Look!"The note read; 'My love, look for me on Midwinter Day.'Shelton cupped his hand over his mouth, while Gabriel swatted him, "See boy! I told you she'd be back!"

 The others looked upon the note and marveled, and Gabriel danced a happy jig as he placed the note back upon the frame. Missy then took his hand and led him away, and Maggie knew what might happen next; "Come on," She said, nudging Shelton, "Let's go get a soda."The siblings set out along Forest Drive, marveling at the rich winter sunset, "I wish Herald could have held on for just two more weeks, Midwinter Day is almost here." Shelton murmured, and Maggie patted his shoulder, "I'm sorry, I guess Herald was like his tree, so old that without any magic to hold him up, he came crashing down."Shelton nodded, "I might have latched onto Herald as a substitute for Ibiza, that wasn't fair to him.""Careful Shelton," Shelly nickered, "You're sounding rather mature."Maggie squeezed the pony's shoulder, "Herald always wanted a son, Shelton. In a way you let him experience what it would have been like, if only for a few weeks."Shelly sighed and lay her head on her sister's shoulder, "How do you feel, Maggie?""Alive, sis." Maggie nickered, "I feel so alive!"

 EpilogueBenjamin Cookie sat atop the peak from which he'd ended his life. It seemed an odd sort of therapy, but at least the view was splendid, until those lights got in the way! "Go on!" He chuffed, waving at the shimmering points of light that danced about his head. He'd searched his spiritual memory, and in no past age had he ever encountered such creatures. They were something wholly new.He felt a presence, and smiled to the lovely Greta Kule who appeared along the hilltop trail, "Morning, Benjamin!"Benjamin waved awkwardly, still somewhat starstruck at spending time with his favorite singer. She noted he was perched precariously close to the edge, "Careful, you might

fall!""Already done that, I'm afraid." He said, then waved away the swirling lights, "These sparks are getting serious.""Maybe you should follow them." She suggested."Someday." Greta smiled to him, "You don't have to be afraid, Cookie. No one is going to hurt you in your new life."His shadowy outline shimmered, and radiated a lingering anxiety, "I have faint recollections of that stone path we used to follow. I dunno, following some fireflies to your new mother seems a lot more whimsical, don't you think?"

 "Do you have any other recollections?" She asked, "Are you troubled by whatever might have happened to you when you were alive?"He shook his head, "The worst that comes to mind are Allomere's memories of his hawk mother barfing into his mouth." She chortled, but became subdued when he added, "There's feelings, though. How I felt at times, those impressions are still there. I was hurt bad."She knelt beside him, "I wish I could touch you, hug you, do something to make you feel safe.""Could you sing to me?" He heard himself ask, and she smiled, "Sure."She leaned in close, composing a new medley especially for him. She sang of fragrant nights of straw and bonfires, and animals making love in the dark cloak of night. The pony ached to hold her, and Greta felt his longing, "Why are you lingering, Cookie?""I wouldn't be lying if I said that you're part of the reason I'm hanging around."She smiled, "Oh? Are we more than just friends now?"He gazed at the tiny points of light beckoning to him, too shy to answer; 'yes.'

 Finally, he noted; "Hey, I think some of these guys are here for you."Indeed, a contingent of the sparks did gather around Greta, and she shimmered thoughtfully, "Cookie, let's find each other. In our next life, let's meet, and fall in love."He reached out to touch her golden light, "I'd say we have the latter part covered.""Come on," She said, feeling a keen sense of urgency, "Let's hurry up and get back!"He nodded, and then stepped away, "Okay, I'm going to follow my fireflies, and you go with yours!"She waved, "See you, Cookie.""Good luck!"The pair parted, and Cookie began to walk, following his sparks of ancient light across town and down the old Telegraph Road. He crossed the intersection of Forest Drive, and followed the lights to a white house second from the corner. He closed his eyes, and then stole himself to cover the last few feet into the home. He passed through the door, and was greeted by the smiling face of a hand-drawn dragon who looked upon him with eyes that were aware.He stepped past the drawing and moved to a back bedroom where at last he saw his new mother, just before he drifted into a deep and profound sleep. But his dreams were sweet, and his new home warm

and safe.

 The drawing of Ibiza then emerged from the canvas and took up the note she'd left Shelton. Tracing her stubby finger over the paper she composed a new message before returning to the canvas, leaving behind an exclamation that every hopeful parent waits to hear; 'Congratulations, Missy!'The Sparks Of An Ancient Light Part IIby Chris Sawyer, 2015