Day 270 (248th) ((back in time to Day 238))

Day 270 (248th) back to ((238)):
A firm knock woke us. Lord Carmon entered with a handful of papers. His face and emotions showed his confusion.
"These have been arriving since dawn. It seems the Assassin Guild was keeping people away so my death would cause as little disruption as possible to the area. Now, all of these are clamoring to meet with me to discuss their future in Thantos. Also, Alice, your suitor wishes a face-to-face meeting with you."
As we dressed, we began scheduling meetings with the business people and when to meet Alice's suitor. There was no more word from those who had decided not to pursue her anymore. We took breakfast in the dining room from a much happier staff. After breakfast, we went with Lord Carmon to a conference room to begin receiving his guests. Those who we met were enthusiastic about their business ventures in Thantos.
Just before mid-day, a group arrived to receive the seeds and pollen for the blighted areas. One lady among them caught my attention. She was the same lady I saw in my vision. My sisters also noticed her. We said nothing to Carmon. When they met, I saw something strange. They clasped hands and their glows merged for a moment. For a few breaths, from their hands to nearly their shoulders, their energies became as one. They waved, pulsed, and flowed exactly the same. I had seen other couples with energies that were identical or nearly identical before, but I had not seen two strangers suddenly become as one. Even when they parted, those parts acted as one for many moments as they sat and discussed the seeds and pollen and how to get them to those in need.
This group was invited, by the staff, to have lunch with us. This lady, Julia, and Carmon spent most of lunch in private conversation. The rest of the group talked with us easily and told of the flood and the blight they, and we, hoped these gifts would aid.
We helped them load their wagon and get on their way after lunch. As we watched them leave, another group arrived. We detected mental chatter, which told us elves were among them. An ornate carriage pulled by beautiful horses that were definitely elf bred. Four guards rode similar horses in a square around the carriage. The guards stayed mounted as the occupants of the carriage exited. Two elderly-looking men stepped out first and stood at the carriage doorway. A woman of uncertain age exited next and approached us.
"I am the mediator for Lord Eyeshaw to meet Lady Alice of Thantos, who is to be betrothed to Lord Earshaw, to make sure she is a lady of good virtue and suitable to wed."
Lord Carmon stepped up to her and greeted her. He introduced himself and introduced Alice. A male voice sounded in our heads.
"I know you. I have dreamt of you. I have seen your face in pools and mirrors. You are real."
Out of the carriage stepped a man a bit taller than elvish men, but shorter than most human men. He looked at Alice and his mind voice became silent. Alice inhaled sharply. Her mind replayed dreams where she and he spent "days" in each other's company. They approached each other. Lord Earshaw took and kissed Alice's hand. Just like Carmon and Julia, their auras blended from their hands up their arms. Their blending, however, was much faster and, in the short time he held her hand, the effect went up to their heads and covered half of their torsos. When he released her hand, the change stayed on both of them well after we had entered the castle and got comfortable in a parlor.
"I have many questions my Lord Eyeshaw must know before he can permit this union," the mediator, Darlene, told us after we were arranged in the parlor.
"I have nothing to hide, madame. I will answer as truthfully as I can," Alice replied.
"I am glad to hear it. Now, can you lay out your heritage for me?" Darlene asked as she organized her papers.
Alice rattled off the names of her ancestors on both her father's and mother's sides. When she reached her elvish kin, both Darlene and Earshaw exchanged looks. Nothing mental passed between them, but an understanding was reached. Finally, Darlene stopped Alice, informing her that she had sufficient records on that topic. Taking another sheet, she looked around at us.
"How much will these ladies influence your role as Lady of this region?"
"I hope to be able to call upon any and all of them in times of need and converse with them socially. But, I doubt, they will be a deciding factor on all of my decisions as Lady. My husband and my father will always be my first council."
Darlene copied Alice's words and shifted the stack again.
"Do you seek a human style of rule or an elvish style?"
Alice thought before replying, "I hope to take what I have learned of both and use the best of each to make Thantos grow and prosper while remaining healthy and strong."
"What elvish style have you experienced?"
"Several," Alice replied, and she began ticking them off, "The Brimgrove elves, the cloister in Aldoahrn, the cities of Scarnac and Orda, and Crialas Pagoue."
Again, Darlene and Earshaw exchanged looks. This time, quick streams of mental chatter crossed between them. There were some phrases I did not understand, but they both seemed to know those places well. Remembering that, as of this point in time, the portal was still damaged and its taint widespread, we could see how they would be uneasy with some of those as examples of elvish rule. They reached some sort of agreement. Darlene shifted her papers again.
"I hate to ask this, but can you prove your virginity?" Darlene asked, blushing a bit.
Earshaw also blushed.
"I can answer that," Lord Carmon interjected, "To bring me the message that her return to Thantos was delayed, a large male unicorn strode through the city to my door and told myself and others, 'The virgin-lady Alice and her virgin sisters are attending important concerns in Crialas. They promise to return as soon as possible.' "
Darlene scribbled his words upon her sheet. Lord Carmon offered to get the others who had heard the unicorn, but was told it was not necessary. Darlene pulled the last paper and placed it before her and Alice.
"This is the betrothal agreement. Upon Alice's eighteenth birthday, arrangements will begin for the marriage of Lady Alice of Thantos to Lord Earshaw of Marlask. As Thantos is the larger of the two areas, Marlask will become Thantos property, but still retain the name for the city. This is Alice's agreement to court no other man, to keep herself pure of another man's affections, and to inform Lord Earshaw should another catch her heart."
Darlene handed the sheet to Alice. She and Lord Carmon read it over and approved. They both signed it.
"Lord Eyeshaw will be, upon receipt of these questions and your agreement, send you his and Lord Earshaw's agreements to do likewise for you until you are wed."
"We greatly appreciate this, madame," Alice told her, bowing slightly.
Earshaw rose and knelt in front of Alice. Speaking aloud for the first time since arriving, he presented Alice with a small box.
"This ring has been passed through my family for centuries. It is replaced by the marriage ring at the wedding. I have no doubt my father will sign the betrothal agreement, which is why I give it to you now."
Alice opened the box and gasped. Gretta winced as its song was released from within. Set went around to look at the "treasure".
"She wears that? How? It is a shiny rock."
"Under the rock is a ring that holds the rock."
"Is Alice mated?"
"It is a promise to be mated. They want Alice to be more mature and older before they officially mate."
"Like Mara and Gavin?"
"Some of the details will be different, but, yes, it is like that."
Alice slid the ring on and Set sniffed it. Darlene and Earshaw watched Set warily. Once satisfied, Set returned to my side, which made our guests relax.
"It smells old but clean. No one has worn it for a long time. They must have kept it with other treasure. I smell other things on it."
"His sense of smell is that strong?" Darlene asked.
We all snapped our heads toward her.
"Ma'am? What do you mean?" Lord Carmon asked.
"Sir," I answered, "elves can hear Set's mental voice. Set was inspecting the ring by scent. He could smell the other items stored in the same place as the ring. So, yes, Lady Darlene, his sense of smell is that strong. As he ages, it will only strengthen. My teacher, Falcon, can actually smell bloodlines and tell relatives by smell alone."
Darlene slowly nodded. Earshaw returned to his seat. Carmon was puzzling over all of this information. He began looking at Darlene with critical eyes. Perceptive Darlene noticed his critical looks, but did not acknowledge them. With a casual flip, she moved her hair and revealed a very elvish ear. Carmon noticed. His posture and emotions indicated his displeasure.
He could hold his tongue no longer,"Why are elves interested in my daughter? Are there no elves he can wed?"
Darlene and Earshaw bristled. This was a sore subject, that I could tell. Darlene started to speak, but Earshaw stopped her. He stood to face Carmon.
"Lord Carmon, I do not know what experience you have with elves. Some tribes, families, are less lenient than humans. My father chose to incur their wrath for the love of my mother. Her father accepted their union of true love. That made him Lord of Marlask. As half-elf, I age faster than pure elves. Other elves my age are still young children. Alice, as she reported, has elvish blood. That, in my father's eyes, made her worthy of pursuit. Her bonding with her sword and, as we see, this grand bird, only made her more worthy. We did not feel threatened by her status as a Sword Sister. Also," looking at Alice, "she has been in my dreams for years. On those dreams alone, I have rejected five other ladies and never participated in High Summer. Does that satisfy you, my Lord?"
The two stood, eye-to-eye, facing off as the rest of us looked on. Carmon weighed his words. I watched his emotions shift chaotically. Slowly, everything reordered itself.
He gave a terse nod and muttered, "I need air".
With that, Carmon walked out of the room. Alice was torn between her father and her fiance. I fed her what I saw of his emotional state. She settled back into her seat.
"He needs time. He's been like that before. Even though I couldn't see his emotions before, I know this state."
We sat and talked. While Earshaw appeared about twenty years old, he confessed he was over thirty years of age. Darlene confessed to being over five hundred years old. They asked me about the connection between Earshaw and Alice. I told them about their energies merging and being similar after parting.
"If we held each other longer, they could be identical?" Alice asked, looking between me and him.
"For a time, yes, but your individual energies will come back the longer you are apart."
The pair looked at each other. They stood.
"Tell us when they are the same," Alice requested.
They clasped hands. The energies changed rapidly from their hands and raced over both of their bodies. As soon as it covered them completely, I told them.
"That was fast," Darlene gasped, "Have you seen this happen before?"
"Lord Carmon and Miss Julia had it happen, but not so fast. King Sarvicnal and Queen Elenvarna had nearly identical auras. King Droland and Queen Darla had completely different auras, but she is Faerie. Queen Mara's and King Gavin's were becoming similar, but he is half Faerie and they had demon troubles. These are but some couples, but they are the only ones you know."
Darlene and Earshaw nodded, understanding that others I could name would be meaningless to them. A staff woman interrupted, letting us know dinner was ready. We met Lord Carmon in the dining room. He had gotten his emotions under control and was able to be civil during the meal. Rooms were prepared for Darlene and Earshaw to spend the night. Alice did not want to part from him, but did at Dawn's urging. Set embarrassed her by suggesting that they share a room and mate tonight. That caused her to race to our room and hide in the privy until she could get over it and realize he was not saying it to be mean. We laughed about it as we settled in to sleep.

Day 269 (247th) ((back in time to Day 237))

Day 269 (247th) back to day ((237)):
Knocking woke us. Lord Carmon entered as we got up.
"Ladies, I hate to bring bad news so early in the day. Only one of my letters returned with a positive answer. The rest do not trust you. Tales of you activities has made them wary and distrustful of you. Also, your dragon is 'a sign' that you are one of 'them'. Demagram is still foreign to this area and rider finders are almost seen as kidnappers. Only their role in getting rid of the Baalocs keeps them from being barred entirely. Your true story needs to be told or no one will trust any of you."
Listening as we dressed, Lord Carmon's sadness radiated and saddened us as well. We asked him to get the city to gather in one place so we could tell the true events to as many people as possible. His sadness lifted with a solution now in hand. He left us to gather his people. We began to wonder how to tell an entire city such a long and complex story so no one would be missed or only half hear.
Figuring it would take a while for the people to gather, we sat on the floor in a circle, holding hands.
"Powers of the Immortal Realm," I began, "we seek your aid. The truth must be told to an entire city. We need a way to impart our deeds and the things we have learned to all of these people."
We sat in silence and waited. Keeping our minds clear and expectations open, we did not know when or if we would receive an answer. Eyes closed, I felt a swirl of wind on my face. I could tell my sisters felt it, too. As it died, I heard a light thunk in front of me. We waited until the wind was gone before opening our eyes. Looking in the center of our circle; a long, slender, silver tube lay on the floor. Anna's, Gretta's, and Sarah's eyes went wide.
"Siren Silver!" they exclaimed in unison.
"I don't understand," Lisa argued, "how is this going to help?"
"It is a speaking tube," Sloth explained, "used in theatres and during speeches. I suspect there is more to it than it appears."
Anna picked it up and concentrated. After a few moments, she laid it down and shook her head, "I get nothing. I don't know what to do with it."
Alice tried, also with no success. They all looked at me with silent pleas. I was a bit leery. Cautiously, I took it in my hands. I held it for a second while nothing happened. I began to relax when a flood of images raced through my mind. I dropped it. It took a moment or two before my head was clear enough to realize my sisters were talking to me.
"Sorry, I was reliving everything we have done between Thantos and Crialas. I'm still a bit dizzy."
The others re-examined the simple silver tube. No one else got anything. They looked at me as I was still trying to clear my head.
"How do we get that information to the people?" Callie asked as she looked through the empty center.
"Play it," I blurted out, not really sure I had spoken out loud.
"How?" they asked as one.
"Does Lord Carmon have horns like Sarvicnal has, to make announcements and such?" I asked, getting a little clearer.
"No, Father has never needed such. There is a piper at a local shop. He many have something," Alice told us.
A staff man we saw in the hallway volunteered to get the piper for us, with explicit instructions to bring some wind instruments. He raced out. I looked at that tube like a poisonous serpent. I did not want to touch it again.
Lord Carmon and the piper arrived at the same time. Lord Carmon looked at the piper, puzzled. Callie still had the tube and began comparing it to the instruments he had brought with him. The third instrument, a trumpet of some sort, fit the tube once it was separated and reassembled with the tube in the center. They fit together as if made for each other.
"Father, are the people assembled?" Alice asked Lord Carmon.
"Yes, that was what I came to tell you. What is that?" he asked, looking at the instrument.
"We'll explain later. Sir," Alice said, turning to the piper, "we need you to play this as loud as you can for those people assembled out there. It sounds odd, but it will make sense afterward."
The men looked at us oddly, but went along with us.
All of us went outside, but on a third floor balcony. The whole city, it seemed, was standing below us. As soon as we were seen, shout went up. In the midst of that noise were shouts of "Tell of us the truth!"
Lord Carmon waved to get them settled. Once it was silent, he spoke, "My people, your concerns have been heard. All will be told to you now."
The people looked at us expectantly. We moved the piper to the balcony's edge. We told him to play whatever he was moved to play. He placed the trumpet to his lips and began. The tune I did not know, but I could feel the information being imparted to everyone. Lord Carmon's expressive face displayed the variety of emotions we had experienced. Everyone else, including the piper, was also living through what we had done, if at an accelerated rate. Even my sisters were reliving it. Perhaps my prior experience kept me from sharing. In spite of what he was going through, the piper played steadily without faltering. He played until the song ended and the last part of the tale was told. The last note died away to complete silence. A multitude of looks shown up at us. Without a word, the crowd began to break apart.
We went back inside in silence. The piper tried to give us back the silver tube, but the trumpet would not come apart.
"Keep it," I told him, "it has done its job, we do not need it."
"But, it is god silver! I am a lowly instrument maker. It is too fine for me, even if it is only a piece in a put-together horn."
I looked at the instrument and smiled, "Look again."
He lifted the horn and nearly fainted. The entire horn was Siren Silver. We all stared at it. Not only was it solid silver, but it was now one piece. No amount of force could make it separate. It took all seven of us and Lord Carmon to convince the piper to keep the horn.
It was still morning when this was finished. We went to the kitchen to get breakfast. The house staff was unusually quiet. Eyes followed us all the way. Those in the kitchen parted as we entered and exited as soon as they could. We prepared our own meals plus something for our companions. We were left alone long enough to finish our meal and clean up.
Just as we were leaving, a surly woman charged in, radiating pure anger.
"See here! What right have you to enter my kitchen and take what you want and expel my workers?" she yelled at us, waving a spoon threateningly at us.
Lord Carmon faced her, "You mean my kitchen, my food, and my workers," he said flatly.
She looked at him for a second. Her anger did not lessen as she faced off with the head of the realm.
"You scared my workers!" she said loudly, "They will be useless for the rest of the day. Your 'heroes' are not welcome in my kitchen!"
Lord Carmon stepped closer to her, "How dare you! These girls have risked life and limb for this and many kingdoms. Say one more thing against them and you are expelled not only from my kitchens but also my household."
The woman actually laughed. The staff hung at the door to watch this exchange. When she could speak again, she waggled the spoon in Carmon's face.
"I answer to no one, Lord Carmon. Not them and not you. My guild placed me here and, until I am replaced by another guild cook, only they can remove me. So, out of my kitchen, now!"
Lord Carmon said nothing. He went to a bell pull and yanked. Guards parted the crowd soon after he returned to our side.
"Gentlemen, this woman is no longer welcome in my household. Remove her now. Her belongings will be tossed into the street once she is outside."
The cook screamed as four guardsmen bodily carried her out. Her threats and curses continued until she was too far away to be heard. The staff gingerly crept into the kitchen.
"Beg pardon, my lord," one woman spoke softly to Carmon, "Mistress Belinda threatened us after this morning's magics. She said the tale was false and any who believed it would not stay in her employ. She forbid us to make you breakfast or to associate with you in any way. She is Kremorick, one who denies magic is real and does not believe in gods, powers, or immortal anything. Your steward hired her on guild word alone. She has made our lives harder than they should have been."
Lord Carmon stood shocked. Alice stepped up to speak.
"Why did you not tell anyone? Me, the steward, the guard captain, anyone would have listened and helped."
The staff shuddered and cringed. The one speaking continued.
"My lady, we tried. Every time we went to report this, there she was or one of her 'helpers'. They would ask what we were doing. If our answer displeased them, we were beaten and told not to say anything. You may have noticed people disappearing and not seen again. They ran away instead of staying here with her."
Heads bobbed as she spoke. Carmon was livid. He asked to be shown Belinda's room.
Even with her gone, the staff dared not enter it. Inside, Carmon sorted, finding things he had "lost" years ago. Alice, too, found "lost" items among her things. Almost dragging the staff in, we all went through the room. Everything that was truly Belinda's was piled in the hall. The staff recovered their own items "confiscated" as punishment. The room was stripped in two hours. Sacks were found and all of her stuff was crammed inside without regard for fragility or delicateness. We carted these down to the front doors. We saw and heard Belinda just outside, attempting to get in and cursing the guards who kept her out. She stopped when she saw all of us.
"Came to your senses, I see. Tell these fools to let me back inside. My house needs fixing," she said, her eyes threatening the staff.
Carmon stepped between the guards, "This is not your house. It is mine. You have overstepped your authority and abused my staff."
He motioned and we walked beside him and tossed the bags beside her.
"This is all that is your's. Leave. If you and these are not gone by mid-day, you will be arrested and charged with every act of violence you have committed upon this household."
She looked at the sacks, "Where is my bed? Where are my chests? Where is my horse? My cart is not here, either."
"Those are household items belonging to my house. You may have used them, but they belong to me," Carmon told her as he tried to control his anger.
Belinda paled. She opened the sacks, rummaging through them, and started naming "her" items that were not there. No one spoke. She went through all of them, then demanded the return of "her" property. No one answered. Carmon motioned for us to return inside. The guards shut and locked the door behind us, cutting off Belinda's shrill voice. He gave strict instructions that she was not permitted in any door, any building, or under any roof of his house. The guards saluted and spread out to tell the rest of the guards. The staff was told not to let her in for any reason. He asked them to identify Belinda's "helpers". They were not hard to find. In fact, they were in the room we had just stripped, chiding each other about "forgotten treasures" hidden somewhere. There were four of them.
Carmon said only this one statement, "Stay if you are with me or leave if you are with her."
They stood still as they balanced the choice. One fell to her knees, begging forgiveness, saying she only went along to avoid Belinda's wrath. The staff confirmed this one had let them "slide" on a few occasions. This caused the other three to turn upon her, berating her for her "crimes". Carmon called for silence. The begging one was called over to be with the staff. He passed judgement on the other three.
"Out of my house by mid-day or to jail you go."
Unlike Belinda, they did not argue. As they cleaned out their rooms, guards and staff watched for any ill-gotten items. They left with one-third of what was in their rooms. They were peacefully escorted out the front door, where Belinda still stood, still screaming to be let inside. She was silent as she watched her lackeys being marched out. The door was closed and locked just as she slammed herself into it.
Carmon gently told the staff to return to their duties. He found the steward and informed him about Belinda. The steward told us that he had no idea and promised better vigilance. Carmon was not angry at the steward, but told him to take better care of his people.
We had a quiet walk back to our room. His emotions were a mess and he needed the silence to sort them out. In our room, we showed him the pollen and seeds Aloriana had given us for Thantos. He was amazed. We could not tell him why we were given these things. He thought a moment then told us of an area that was flooded and had laid underwater for many weeks and was now barren. We all felt that would be a good use for the seeds. A staff woman heard us and told us that the northern region of Thantos was going through a rough patch where crops were poor or did not grow at all. We retrieved a map and found both areas. We began to plan to take the seeds to the barren area so they could winter in the ground. The pollen would have to wait until spring, but farmers of the area could be given the pollen for their fields at this time.
Lunch arrived as we were penning letters to those farmers to let them know such an asset was available to them. A letter to us also arrived. The only acquaintance willing to speak to us wanted to have dinner as soon as we were able. Lord Carmon invited him for tonight or tomorrow, which ever he could make. The letter arrived with a cask of wine that was cooling in the cellar. Also, other letters arrived from Alice's suitors. Each one "regrettably" removed themselves from "pursuing relations with the Lady Alice of Thantos". Each one stated that they "no longer felt deserving of her attentions" and cited her "heroic acts" as the deciding factor. Lord Carmon looked at all of the names.
"One is missing," he announced, "Alice's suitor list had ten gentlemen. There are only nine here."
My sisters' heads snapped to face me. Lord Carmon looked up from the letters to see the scene.
"Ladies? What are you not telling me?"
We told him Fate's prediction. He was silent. It took a few moments for him to understand what we told him.
Finally, he replied, "My future son-in-law is half-elf? I will not see my grandchildren born? This is hard to take. Are all of these predictions so brutal? I have heard my share of prophesies. Usually, they are full of flattery, poetry, and meaningless blather."
"Those words were from Fate directly," I told him, "I have it in my journal if you wish to see."
"I should have stayed for the Coronation to hear it myself. Such revelations are rare. However, it would be nice to see my grandchildren."
He rose and paced about the room.
"He looks so helpless," Alice told us sadly, "Can't we do anything? You said before that a small step can change Fate. Maybe that step has been taken?"
We watched him pace.
"You haven't touched him, Kayla," Callie noted, "A new look may reveal more information."
We decided no harm could came from a second look.
"Lord Carmon," I said as I stood, " Things may have changed since that prediction. Sit with me, please. Let us see if your fate has changed."
He looked at me for a moment, then motioned for us to take a seat. My sisters arranged two chairs facing each other. Set took up a guard-like position beside me as Lord Carmon sat down. I took his hands in mine.
"Fate, honorable Patron, please show me if Lord Carmon's fate has changed. He desires so not for glory but out of love."
I felt his hands grow hot in mine. My head popped up. Lord Carmon's eyes growing wide was the last thing I saw before everything shifted.

Alice and her husband are standing at the altar in a large temple. A woman near Carmon's age is standing near him, happy tears rolling down her face. The scene changes. It is fall. Alice and her husband approach Carmon and this woman and hold out two babes bundled tightly. Another couple, a male elf and a female human, come from another area and receive the babes from Carmon and the lady. They also hold them tightly before handing them back to Alice and her husband. The scene changes again.l It is summer. Carmon and his lady are holding a pair of toddlers on the edge of a fountain, letting them splash in the basin. Alice, heavy with child, playfully chides them for it. Alice's husband arrives, in dented and dusty armor, carrying a banner unknown to me. The scene changes once more. It is winter. Alice, babe in her arms, her husband, Carmon's lady, the other couple, plus many others stand near a huge mausoleum as a coffin is carried in through the door. Rain begins to fall and the vision melts along with it.

My eyes stung as the room and its occupants came into view. I blinked furiously to get everything back into focus. Set laid his head on my lap.
"They told him what you were seeing. Everyone is leaking. Are they happy or sad? It is hard to tell."
I looked around at my sisters and Lord Carmon. The swirls were certainly confusing and I could understand why Set had to ask. They found it hard to talk, both verbally and mentally. Lord Carmon rose to pace some more, this time, other questions bounced around in his mind. He ordered them as to their importance before sitting back with us.
"I take it the plot to poison and curse me is thwarted?"
"It would seem. You were healthy during the whole vision," I told him as I sought to return to normal.
"This lady? Have you, any of you, seen her before? I am courting no one. This was a bit of a shock to have you tell me I will be keeping a lady's company."
We all shook our heads. The lady was unknown to us. He looked at Alice and smiled.
"Three babes before I pass. Such a blessing. Have you met this man, this half-elf suitor?"
"No, Father, but Fate has said I have dreamt about him and my dreams will match his face."
Carmon pulled her into his embrace, "He will make you happy, which pleases me greatly. I do wonder why his father would allow him to pursue you, even before your bonding with Envy."
"Elves have their own magics. He may have received news to make a match to Alice," Lisa answered.
Carmon nodded, releasing Alice.
A servant tapped upon the door, presented Carmon with a letter, and left. Carmon read it and told us we would have guest at dinner tonight. The guest wished us to share the cask of wine he had sent. The staff was notified.
We continued to talk out the vision until Lord Carmon was through examining it. He pulled out all his corespondance with the last suitor. For some reason, there was no mention of his heritage. The only hint was his boast of "an ancient bloodline related to many royal lines". Unfortunately, we could get nothing from the pages as it had been too long since the suitor had held it.
We were informed of the arrival of our guest for dinner. We did not realize it was that time already.
We met the man introduced to us as Oscar as we entered the dining room. He was pleasant enough, but something was odd. Most people with glows, the glow flows and shifts. His did not move. It was as if a painting surrounded him. My sisters were also struggling to read this man. Set's pressence shook his composure for a moment, but he regained it quickly. Dawn and Bo did nothing to him. As we sat, I noticed he still had his gloves on.
"Oscar, sir, you neglected to remove your gloves. Do you intend to eat with them on?"
"Gloves? Oh, right, yes, I do. My hands are badly scarred. I do not with to ruin you meal with the sight of them."
Set was sniffing more than usual.
"What do you smell, Set?"
"I don't know. It smells sweet, but bad sweet. Like rotten fruit. I think it comes from him. It is strongest around him."
"Could it be from the wine? I think someone metioned he makes and sells wine."
"I can't tell from here. I will go and smell the wine then smell him. If they are the same, then it is just the wine."
Set got down and went to the cask. He sniffed it thoroughly, which aroused Oscar's attention.
"Hey, you, away from there. That is for humans, not animals. Get, get, get," he told Set as he rose to move Set off of the cask.
Set sniffed the man's gloved hands. The odor he sent to me had nothing to do with wine. Set was also close enough to smell something hidden around Oscar's neck, which he referred to as "bad treasure". Oscar noticed nothing of our exchange as he was too caught up in getting Set away from the cask. He looked at me, intent upon telling me how to handle my "pet" when he saw the look in my eyes.
"I will gladly give him a sip if that is how you handle him," Oscar tried to lighten the mood.
"He will have none of it. Neither will anyone else," I told him sternly.
"Kayla? Why?" Lord Carmon asked as he witnessed our conversation.
"I suspect him and his wine, my lord," I replied, not taking my eyes off Oscar, "Lisa, please check his gloves and the wine."
Like a shot, Lisa jumped from her seat to where Oscar, Set, and the cask were standing. She held his wrists and looked over the gloves. Perhaps her hands disrupted his cloak, but even I could see the taint upon the leather.
"Poisoned, my lord," Lisa barked as she ripped off the gloves and threw them to the floor. They landed with a slightly wet smack. She took hold of his wrists once more. Oscar was wide-eyed, trying to counter our accusations.
"Lord Carmon, really, poisoned gloves? I think your ladies are a bit paranoid," he said in near laugh.
"Gretta, around his neck, could you check that item, please?" I asked my sister, still not looking at anything but him.
Gretta rose and, while Lisa still held his wrists, felt under his shirt collar and uncovered an amulet. She winced when it was fully revealed.
"It is a necromancer stone. Inside is a spirit, giving him a false aura and hiding his past. It is very old."
She slipped it over his head. As the chain cleared, the static glow disappeared and a fluctuating cloak popped up in its full measure. Gretta placed it in front of Lord Carmon. Alice, Anna, and Lisa, who looked at the back of Oscar's right hand, announced the same conclusion as one.
"Assassin."
"WHAT?!" Lord Carmon exclaimed as he stood.
Lisa drew Oscar over to him. She flattened his palms on the table to show the mark on his right hand; an A in red with a dagger forming the crossbar.
"Assassin Guild, my lord. This man was hired to kill you," she explained.
Oscar tried to laugh it off. He stammered, searching for the words that would free him.
I held out my hand, "Contract, please come to me," I requested.
Out of his satchel, a scroll rose and came to my hand. I stood and unrolled it. I flattened it out before Lord Carmon as Lisa pushed Oscar into a chair. Carmon read aloud for all to hear:

"This is a Guild contract upon the life of Lord Carmon of Thantos. The undersigned, in accordance with Guild rules, has paid the required amount to issue the order of assassination upon Lord Carmon of Thantos. This Contract, upon completion and verification of said order, will pay the Guild member the standard price plus one-half of the order fee."

Carmon looked at Oscar in horror, "All these days? I have spent all of these days, weeks, in your company, trying to bring prosperity to my land, just so you could set me up to kill me? Why all of this playacting? Why not kill me dead the first time we met?"
Realizing he had no choice, Oscar began spilling his tale, "If you read further, the contract stipulates that your death must look like a natural illness. The parties who paid the order wanted your death to be slow and painful. Also, it had to be incurable by any magical means. That amulet was also a part of it, a cursed item to be 'lost' in the castle that would slowly rob you of your strength and, eventually, your life. I was going to wait until they," indicating us, "had left to continue their travels, but when I found out they were delayed, I stepped up my timetable and placed myself to insure you noticed me. When they arrived, I could not turn back. The poison in the wine makes it undrinkable in one month. It had already been in it for two weeks. Both the poison and wine are expensive and take nearly a year to be perfect. The contract expires in the spring. It was now or never."
"And those," Carmon pointed at the gloves, "where do they figure in this?"
"That links you to the amulet. Touch the amulet, then touch you. You touch your food, mouth, nose, or eyes and it is now inside you. The spirit within slowly steals your life."
Carmon sat heavily. He looked at the amulet, gloves, and contract. His mind was trying to get a handle upon this event. He cast his eyes to the cask were Set stood guard. He tossed the amulet onto the cask.
"Set, please take those things somewhere and destroy them. The gloves as well," he gently ordered.
Set barked, flipped the gloves to him with his tail and onto the cask, and vanished with them all. Carmon took up the contract and began thoroughly examining it. Oscar, defeated, pushed the food around on his plate as Lisa stood guard over him. He flicked his gaze to me a few times. My purple eyes seemed to increase his feeling of defeat.
"Sister, you can sit now, he is not going anywhere," I informed Lisa.
With a curt nod, she took her seat, eyes still upon Oscar. While we could get his story without a word from him, I felt that him telling it would be the best.
"Oscar," I began, "how did you become the agent of this contract?"
He sighed, then started, "As the contract states, the manner of death was to be subtle. My family worked on a vineyard, so it made appearing as a wine merchant very easy. Lord Carmon made it known that he wanted to increase commerce, now that the Baaloc threat was gone. A wine merchant was less conspicous than a weapon's dealer or a wizard trader, which my guild also has available. By appearing harmless, I would be, and was, easily trusted and be able to be in Lord Carmon's pressence long enough to make sure his death seemed like an illness that no one could cure."
"These people," Carmon interrupted, "who are they? There are at least twenty names here. I don't recognize any."
"I don't know. Save for the last, it is as I received it," Oscar admitted.
Carmon looked at the last name and exclaimed, "Guild Cook Belinda! When did her name get on this?"
"This afternoon, a few hours ago actually. She arrived at my guild house and demanded your death. She dropped some sacks and said she would pay for your death with all of her worldly goods, which were in the sacks. My Guildmaster asked for the contract and she added her name. She smiled when she saw all the people who wanted you dead. My Guildmaster tallied the worth of her goods and added it to my payment. He returned the contract to me just before I headed here for dinner. She is the only one on there I have seen."
Alice rose and joined her father. Taking the contract, she began to read the people who had signed it. The first was Seamstress Georgina, whom we remembered from the Feast of Spring. She was joined by wizards who had bought spells from us and found them "abominations of magic". Clerics were also on there, viewing Carmon as "beyond redemption" for not only being Alice's father but for housing us as well. Nearly everyone was punishing him for our sakes. A few were punishing him for not siding with the Baalocs to bring "holy order" to Thantos. All total, there were twenty-six names and over thirty-five reasons for his death. Carmon was dumbstruck. Set returned, smelling of smoke and burnt wine. I mentally told him to get clean as his food was still waiting on him. He vanished again.
We all, Oscar included, ate in silence for a while as we all sorted through this information. I looked up at Oscar.
"What now? This plot is foiled. Will they try again?"
He swallowed then replied, "Until spring, yes, it will be tried again. If not successful by then, the signers must pay extra to re-instate it for another season."
Lisa was furious, "We shall destroy this contract. Then it cannot be carried out."
Oscar shook his head, "There are four copies. Destroying this one changes nothing."
Lisa banged her fists on the table. Alice began to cry. Dawn cheeped sadly. Bo coiled around Lisa as a living restraint of her temper. The rest of us looked at each other.
"What was my price?" Carmon asked out of the blue.
Oscar bowed his head, "Fifty thousand gold in money and items," he replied in a whisper.
Carmon became outraged. He paced around the room, shouting about placing a monetary value on a person's life. He paced, ranted, and swore as he vented all of his penned up rage upon anything and everything. We stopped Alice from going to him, letting her know he needed to do this.
During a quiet moment, I turned to Oscar, "What option do we have? We can continue to guard him all winter, but is there something else that can be done?"
Oscar thought before replying, "The simplest is buying the contract. Pay the Guild to not carry out the order."
"How much is that?" Alice desperately asked.
"The original price plus fifty percent," he answered.
"Seventy-five thousand gold!" Carmon bellowed, "It costs more to save my life than to kill me! Outrageous!"
Carmon went back to pacing and muttering. I sent to Set to retrieve the "shiny stones" from our room. He popped in, slightly wet, with the bag in his mouth. I took it from him. My sisters understood instantly when they saw it.
"Oscar," I began, "you take other things than gold coins. We wish to buy back Lord Carmon's life."
"What?" Carmon roared, "Girls, this is my fight. I cannot let you spend all your goods on my behalf."
"Sir, my lord," I gently told him, "this was a gift. We have shared it already. We cannot let you die nor spend all you have when the answer is right here."
Carmon returned to the table to watch the exchange. I asked Gretta and Greed to find enough to pay for the contract plus the cost of the wine, amulet, gloves, and poison Set destroyed. They talked it over as Gretta poked through the bag and its contents. They agreed, took out the items out of sight, closed the bag, and secretly handed the gems to me. Keeping them covered, I gently laid them on the table.
"We are of the opinion that this will not only buy the contract, but cover your expenses as well."
I pushed the covered gems over to Oscar. Slowly, he uncovered them and nearly fainted. With a flurish, he revealed two apple-sized diamonds and three fig-sized rubies. Carmon almost fell backwards. He tried to speak, but his mind and tongue would not cooperate. I held up a hand to stop his attempt.
"Do we have a deal? These items for Lord Carmon's life?" I asked flatly.
Oscar retrieved the contract. He pulled at the red seal on the bottom and uncovered a green one. The red part he handed to Carmon.
"Your life is now your's again. Until someone can pay fifty percent more than what lays here, no Guild member will touch you. In fact, the Guild will make sure only age or accident ends your life. Your ladies have just bought you an unseen army."
Carmon just sat with his eyes wide and him mouth slack-jawed. Oscar scooped up the gems, contract, and the last bit of food on his plate. He bowed to us and left. Carmon, finding his voice, asked about the gems. We told him their source and why we had them. He was overjoyed. The weight had lifted and years seemed to fall from him. Alice raced to embrace him tightly. They cried tears of joy.
We all left to let the staff to their job. The emotions left all of us spent. We quietly retired to bed.

Day 268 (246th) ((back in time to Day 236))

Day 268 (246th) back to ((Day 236)):
As the sun rose, we removed as much of our presence from the Shrine as possible. Walking out the doors, we began to steel ourselves against what might happen as we entered Thantos. When we had left, none of us had any companions and none of us had changed to be more like our non-human ancestors. We could not be certain of how good our welcome would be by those who did not understand.
Within a few hours, we stood at the city's edge, watching life go on as usual. We had been there only a few moments when we heard someone shout.
"They're here! The Sisters have returned!"
The whole city seemed to stop and look at us. I wanted to vanish. I felt like every inch of me was being examined for various reasons. A living corridor formed, guiding us to the castle. We heard, among the cheers, people commenting on our appearance, our companions, and the tales, as they had heard them, of our adventures. A few, from what I could make out, did not sound anything like what we had done. My sisters were also troubled by some of the wild bits we could make out.
On the castle steps, Lord Carmon stood, as healthy as we saw him last. Alice dropped her things and rushed to him. She engulfed him in a crushing embrace. Carmon had to nearly pry her off in order to speak to her. Set picked up her abandoned pack and flung it between his wings. They were nearly oblivious to us as we caught up to her and stood beside them.
"Father, we have so much to tell you. Such wonders we have seen..."
"Yes, yes," Carmon interrupted, "I am certain of that. Let us go inside and you can tell me all about it."
He ushered us inside as one last cheer drowned out the sound of the door closing.
The castle was reassuringly the same as we had left it. Many servants we recognized, which gave us great hope. Carmon walked us into a parlor and invited us all to be seated. Dawn took her place on the back of Alice's chair. Bo laid out across the couch Lisa, Sarah, and Gretta shared. Set posted himself, head on my feet and body stretched before Anna and Callie, in front of the couch we shared. Carmon took in this sight as he sat in a large arm chair.
"Before you launch into your adventures, I am curious about your companions. They look larger and different since last I saw them. Set is much larger. Dawn is larger and brighter. Bo, it seems, has new additions to his physique."
We explained Bo's wings, Dawn's changes, and Set's growth. During this, clever Lord Carmon noticed our hooded looks at each other. He stopped us and asked. After a few moments of tense silence, Alice began to explain. Lord Carmon's eyes grew wider and he paled more as the whole story unfolded before him. It was evening by the time the entirety of it was lain out for him. He stood and paced as he worked it out.
"If I heard correctly, you were told that, sometime during this month, I will be poisoned and cursed unto death. To prevent this tragedy, the Faerie Queen brought you into the Faerie Realm, gave you the antidote to both poison and curse, and sent you back in time to around the moment of this occurrence to either prevent it or cure me at the appropriate time. Did I hear right?"
We all nodded. Nodding as well, he paced a bit more, still hammering out the information.
"My soon-to-be attacker, once this deed is done, has to watch me constantly to prevent my recovery and insure my demise. His or her vigilance is what keeps me so ill that a wizard I barely know is compelled to call upon you for aid as no one and nothing else will work."
More nodding. He sat down rather heavy as he weighed it all. He turned to Sarah and Lisa.
"Am I ill yet or did you arrive before the vile act?'
They looked at him closely.
"It has not happened, yet," Sarah quietly replied, "You are still healthy."
"There is no poison in you," Lisa stated, "We got here before it happened."
Carmon sat silently, the gears of his mind working the problem from every angle. His face darkened.
"Have you considered this may be a trap? This wizard may have turned evil and tricked you out of Crialas at its most vulnerable time. He's tricked one guardian to death. Who's to say he will not do it again?"
We could not bring ourselves to accept that option. We had come to know Mattis fairly well and felt it would take a lot to cause him to be evil. Our sister's death at his hands was fifty years ago. He had been duly punished for that by Greed himself. We told him how unlikely that scenario would be. He agreed, realizing he was grasping at straws.
We continued our talk over dinner. We were able to secretly check most of the household. None harbored any ill will against Lord Carmon himself nor Thantos as a whole. He told of new acquaintances that we could look at when they next met. He sent word to them of our wish to meet.
When dinner was over, we were taken back to the suite we had once occupied many months ago. We made a bed for Set near mine as the bed was not big enough for us to share. Mice and squirrels were still abundant enough for him to hunt at his leisure and Bo could also hunt without causing any problems.

Day 267 (245th) and Faerie Realm

Day 267 (245th):
It was many hours past dawn when we awoke. The clever staff only left notes that we had slept past breakfast. As there was no note that we had missed lunch, we guessed it was not yet mid-day. Out on the balcony, free of the taint from the portal, I got to see the true beauty of Crialas. The snow on the streets, the clear almost cloudless sky, even the orderly nearly identical buildings were beautiful. The banners still flew announcing the pregnancy of the Queen with three future heirs. Set told me animals "furies and feathers" were returning nearly by the minute. Our three companions chased each other in the crisp air, to our and their delight. We were all so happy that the kingdom was as it should have been all along.
A knock brought us back inside. Talrik stooped through the doorway.
"I guess I am not the only sleepy head," he teased, "Who knew building like that was as exhausting as building it by hand?"
We laughed and told him about cleaning the cloister and how taxing that was. He had come to our room to say good-bye and bid us good travels. We hugged him and wished him well.
We watched him go as we stood back out on the balcony. We stayed until he was out of sight and some were complaining about being cold. We went back inside, leaving the balcony door open for our friends.
A timid knock got our attention. Orania entered.
"Ladies, as our resident experts on living items, I would like to get your opinions. My successor, Loris, is bonded with Song Weaver and the King with Narvicnal. Should someone bond with Catara?"
As one, we replied, "Not yet."
Orania was taken aback at first. Composing herself, she asked why not.
"She needs time to adjust to her new situation," Alice told her.
Orania looked skeptical. Her gaze traveled over all of us and our swords.
"Did they not bond as soon as they were formed?"
"That is true," Anna started, "but they knew before hand what they were becoming. Catara had no time to prepare and only found out at the ritual what she had in store for her. She needs some time to understand her new role."
"How much time shall we give her?" Orania pushed, need plain on her face.
We looked at each other, unsure how to answer her. We could understand why she was so desperate to know, considering how important these items were to Crialas. We were about to tell her we didn't know until I felt Fate's wind caress me.
"Orania," I began, "she will tell you. She, Song Weaver, and King Narvicnal can communicate now. They will tell Loris or Sarvicnal when she is ready."
Relief washed over her, making her visibly relax.
She was still thanking us when a staff member arrived. The maid said the Crowns requested us to join them for lunch. Orania left as we followed her to the Royal apartments. To our surprise, their doors were open and no guards were posted. The staff woman did not stop at the doors, but continued through without even a pause. There were other house staff milling around the apartment, moving furniture, changing drapes, and doing other tasks. Elenvarna was supervising it all. She lit up when she saw us.
"Ladies, greetings! I was so inspired with the way we all worked together at the gateway, I have made sweeping changes. No longer is there 'royal staff ' and 'house staff '. Also, visually, we are connecting this area to the rest of the castle so that we are all a part of one household. Crialas will be one kingdom again."
We were thrilled. Without that separation, hopefully, they distrust would be a sad chapter of the past. Sarvicnal was elsewhere, so it had the air of a "girls' luncheon".
Chobid entered, chatting with the Saplings as they joined us. Talk was easy, like life-long friends having lunch. Chobi offered to transport the Saplings back to spare them any more odd looks and stares. They took her up on her offer, both for speed and lack of hassle from the citizens.
We had finished lunch and were looking at the changes Elenvarna had done and was planning when a scream stopped everything. A young staff maid came running down the hall.
"A man, a human in the mirror! He... he spoke to me!"
Calmly, we asked her to show us. Fearfully, she walked us back to an extra bedroom that was, now, empty. A large mirror hung on one wall. With a shaking finger, she pointed at it. We walked over and saw only our own reflections. We turned to tell her nothing was there when she and others watching paled and pointed behind us. We turned and had to step back to recognize he face we saw.
"Mattis!" we exclaimed in unison.
He smiled before replying, "Sisters! Thank the gods! You do not know how many mirrors I have looked through to find you. Alice, your father, Lord Carmon, is gravely ill. You are needed at Thantos immediately. If there is anything you need me to do, just say it."
"Father? How? What is the illness?" Alice asked as tears rolled down her face.
"We have no idea. We have been trying to treat and identify this since the first sign of illness a month ago. Each success was countered by new symptoms or a change for the worst. Now, he is watched all day and night."
"Alice," I turned her to let her really see me, "I am going to talk to Aloriana. Get as much information from Mattis as you can."
Leaving them, I raced back to the closest Faerie door, the fireplace in the Royals' dining room, Set hot on my heels. We slammed into the fireplace.
"Aloriana! Faerie Queen! Hear me, please!"
The fireplace disappeared behind the silver doorway. A male face I didn't know popped through.
"May I...oh, Kayla, its you. What's wrong?"
"Please, I have to talk with Aloriana. Lord Carmon is very ill. We have to get to Thantos immediately."
"Come with me, Princess. Aloriana is elsewhere. She will meet us shortly. Answers will be found."
He ushered us through the doorway and into the Faerie Realm. The Hall of Doors appeared endless in both directions. This male stood slightly taller than me, but his age was a mystery.
"Follow me, Princess, the Queen is this way."
Set and I followed him down the Hall, turned left, and entered a sitting room. Aloriana stood as we entered.
"Kayla, what is it?"
I told her everything I knew. We walked over to a mirror. She waved her hand and Mattis appeared as he had at the palace. We heard him tell my sisters Lord Carmon's downward spiral to his current state. When she had heard enough, she dismissed the image.
"I am certain of the cause of his decline. Even if you got there this second, no medicine can help. I doubt even Sarah could heal him now. You need to get there when the illness is young. Gather your sisters. Bring them here. We will get to Lord Carmon when it will do him good, not when it is too late."
The male Faerie took us back to the door leading to Crialas. I asked to return as soon as Mattis was finished talking. Set and I ran through, into the dining room, and back to my sisters. Alice's pain was shining brightly. My sisters were trying their best to console her, but her pain was too great. As soon as she saw me, she charged and nearly slammed into me.
"He's going to die! We can't let him die!"
"Alice, sister, be calm. Gather your things. We're leaving. Aloriana is getting us there faster than anything else. Your father will not die!"
Some of what I said got through her pain. Taking her in hand, we and several staff members rushed to our rooms. Quickly, we gathered our clothes and items. Within an hour, we were ready to go. We told the Crowns to keep the horses and any gifts in our names. They bid us good-bye and good luck. The doorway was open. Some were leery to enter, but did since it was the quickest way.
We stayed in the Hall until the last was through and the door shut. My sisters looked up and down the Hall at the endless doors.
"Which one? Which one goes to Thantos?" Alice asked, nearly begging.
"Be calm, Sword Sister," the same male faerie said to her, "The Queen has something to give you before you go to Thantos. Follow me, please."
We went with him to the sitting room. Aloriana was standing there with another female faerie. Alice threw herself at Aloriana's feet.
"Please, I beg you! Take us to save my father!"
"Calm, Alice," Aloriana said as she helped Alice stand, "we have determined what his illness is and its cure. Idona is working on the potion that will cure him. When you first see him cough up blood, give it to him then. Before will not prevent it and after is too late."
"But," Alice began, "he's been coughing up blood for weeks. Its too late," she sank to a couch, helpless and hopeless.
Idona left to finish the potion.
"No, it isn't," I said as I sat beside Alice," We are going back to when the illness first struck, about a month ago, and we will make sure he stays healthy. Remember, in my vision, he doesn't die until after you are married and pregnant with your first children. We will not be too late."
"Wait," Lisa interrupted, "are you saying we are going back in time to prevent this illness from ravaging Lord Carmon?"
"Yes, plus, hopefully, find the source of it and keep others from getting sick as well," I told her as Alice thought over my previous statements.
Alice had stopped crying and joined the rest of our sisters in giving me strange looks. This time, I was baffled. They knew Aloriana could and had gone back in time. They knew I had been here for "days" yet returned the day after I left. What was confusing them now?
"Are you saying we let an entire kingdom suffer for the sake of one man, no offense Alice," Lisa barked.
"Crialas will not suffer. The gate will still be repaired. We will still do our part," I told them.
"If we are in Thantos a month ago, then we can't be in Crialas now," Anna flatly stated.
"Girls, I think you misunderstand. You will be in Crialas and Thantos at the same time. Neither place will be denied your presence," Aloriana explained.
Silent stares were their response. They were having a bit of a hard time understanding. Callie shook her head and sat beside me.
"You are both saying that we will be in two places at once. One set of us in Crialas, doing everything we just did, and the second group in Thantos?" she slowly asked.
"Yes," I told her simply, to prevent more confusion.
Three thuds and a chirp turned our attention to the rest. Anna, Sarah, and Alice were sprawled on the floor, fainted. Gretta stood in shock while Lisa looked angry. Faeries rushed in and moved our unconscious sisters to soft couches. One helped Gretta, who walked stiffly, to a chair and got her to sit. Lisa stared at Callie, Aloriana, and I very harshly, her temper barely under control. So angry was she that words failed her. Bo flew over to perch by Dawn who was standing vigilant over Alice. Lisa began pacing, trying to work down her anger.
Through clenched teeth, she asked, "Are you insane? Do you realize how crazy this sounds?"
"Yes, I do," I calmly answered, "but it is the only way to save him and, possibly, many more."
"What if someone sees us in both places? How do we explain that?" Callie asked, very worried.
"Crialas and Thantos are a sea apart. Besides Leo, we have not met or seen anyone from both places. Who else will know?" I asked.
"You sisters' worries are not unfounded. I cannot say that no one will see you in both. However, what you went through in Crialas is already in your past. You have already dealt with all of that. If it will help, I can watch over both places to make sure nothing goes awry."
Lisa, Gretta,and Callie thought over her words. Anna, Alice, and Sarah were still out. Bo, Dawn, and Set didn't seem to understand the problem.
"Sisters," I started, "let us let our sisters recover before we do anything. They need to be a part of this, especially Alice."
They felt that was a good idea. Now that they weren't focused upon the problems of time travel, they began to notice their surroundings. Aloriana took us around, showing them my future home. When we reached the terrace looking towards the Immortal Realm, they stopped in their tracks. Silently, they stared at the mist-shrouded mountains. As we stood there, Anna, Alice, and Sarah, along with Dawn and Bo, arrived behind an escort. They, too, stood silently, staring at the Immortal Realm. It took a few moments to pull them away to continue through the palace. Set became a perch for many birds as we walked. Fortunately, he had no bare, scaleless areas for claws to catch on and hurt him. Dawn and Bo flew with the other winged animals darting in and around the indoor forest. We went outside to a garden that, anywhere else, would have been impossible to maintain. Huge trees shaded massive bushes in full flower. Roses of impossible sizes bloomed beside holly, lilac, and dozens of other impressive foliage. Row after row after huge row of flowers at the peak of perfection went on in every direction. Flowers that would never be anywhere near each other grew side-by-side to gigantic proportions. Other Faeries were tending these mammoth plants. Many were collecting pollen and seeds, stuffing tubes and pouches with them. On many of them, I saw, "Selvis Replant" printed upon the sides. A few had "Crialas Project", "Raval Expansion", "Thantos Expansion", plus other places I did not know nor had ever heard of before. Insects hummed among this bounty, vibrating the air around the garden. These, too, were collected into boxes and canisters. They are also labeled with names of places I both did and did not know. All of these containers were handed off and taken away.
We walked among all of this activity to a large, shallow pond. Set barked and charged at, and into, it with a big splash. The Faeries around it got soaked, but did not get angry. The water seemed to slide off of them and they were quickly dried and back to work. Set crawled along the bottom, his wings, spine, and tail parting the water above him. Fish, unafraid of anything, did not move nor swim away from him, which allowed him to toss them in the air and watch them splash and swim off like nothing happened. Bo joined him, swimming, splashing, and terrorizing the fish. We left them to their play as we continued our tour.
Beyond the garden were corrals housing baby animals of many types: unicorns, lions with wings and human-like faces, some lion-looking creatures with dragon scales and wings, griffins, hippogriffs, and ponies with feathery wings, plus many other types. Faeries tended these like small, energetic children. Aloriana explained that they were all orphans who needed care until they were old enough to be on their own. Set and Bo, still dripping a bit, tried to get the ones with wings to fly with them. Their caretakers said that they were still too young to fly or that they had been wounded and unable to fly right now. Sadly, our companions followed us away from the babies to see what else lay in store.
A distance from the palace, several caves came into view. Closer inspection revealed they were mine entrances. More Faeries worked these, bringing out cart after cart of magnificent gems. Gretta had to cover her ears as they sang so loudly to her. These, we were told, very rarely left the Faerie Realm or the Immortal Realm. These only went to the Mortal Realm for legendary swords or other mighty objects. They would overwhelm anything less, even if cut to a sliver. Circling back to the palace, we saw a vast sea of calm, crystal water. The waves moved so gently that it barely moved the mirror-like surface.
Back inside, Aloriana asked if we were hungry. Given both the news of Lord Carmon and the tour, we were famished. She took us to a marvelous dining room that was both grand and cozy. The food placed before us was unlike any my sisters had ever seen. Timidly, they tested the items before digging in like starving farm hands. Set had a massive bowl placed before him as he sat beside me at the table. Dawn and Bo had special places and meals just for them. As we ate, Idona entered and said the potion was complete. She laid a decanter on the table with pale pink liquid sloshing inside it. Alice wanted to snatch it and race to her father, but restrained herself and continued eating. Her eyes kept flicking back to it, as if someone might take it and deny her the chance to save her father. Aloriana, ever perceptive, had the bag it was to be carried in given directly to Alice when it arrived. She passed the decanter down so Alice could place it inside.
"Our studies have shown that this illness is not natural. When you return to Thantos, be wary of new people in your father's household. This illness is actually a poison and a curse combined. That is why it changed when they tried to treat him. Just as Vangar was constantly observed, whomever did this must stay near Lord Carmon to keep it going. That potion is both a cure and protection against the curse. Of course, if you can stop the person, that will prevent the illness at the source. However, I doubt her or she would be so obvious."
We agreed. As we ate, we discussed how soon to head out. Alice, of course, wanted to go now. Reminding her that we were choosing the time of our return cooled her impatience. We, eventually, decided to rest and gather our strength to prepare for dealing with this threat.
After eating, we went to the room I stayed at while recuperating. They were impressed. Set, having grown quite a bit since then, wondered why the bed had shrunk. I had to remind him how long it had been since we were last here.
We went to the sitting room when we were ready to go to Thantos. Our gear, the decanter in its carrier, and some of the containers from the garden were waiting on us. The male Faerie took us back to the Hall of Doors. We arrived at four doors bearing the name "Thantos". They were also marked with "Castle", "Market", "Forest", and "Shrine". The male Faerie asked where we would like to arrive.
"We want to look like we traveled normally, so the castle and market will not do," Alice stated.
"Very well," he said, "The Forest entry is to the south and five miles out of town. The Shrine is southeast and seven miles to town. Which do you prefer?"
"What kind of Shrine is it?" Sarah asked timidly.
He placed a hand on the door, closed his eyes, and concentrated. For a few moments, we were all silent. He pulled away.
"It was dedicated to the gods of travel and commerce. It is unused now. It could be the safest place to appear without drawing attention."
We thought a while, then agreed that an unused shrine would cover our appearing "out of nowhere". Then, we discussed time of day. Night would give us time to acclimate to Thantos' weather. Morning would get us to the castle before nightfall. We finally decided to arrive in late evening to let us sleep at the shrine and get use to the early winter weather. We agreed that a week after Lord Carmon had received Alice's message of our delay was the right time. Once everything was agreed upon, we asked the door to deliver us to the shrine late in the evening one week after the message had been received. The door opened and we stepped through, saying good-bye to the helpful male Faerie.

The Shrine was cold and dark. We managed to find some torches which Set lit easily. The interior state spoke volumes as to how long it had been unused. We arranged our mats and got a fire going to warm the chilly building. By the light of torches, we checked the door and found it simply barred and easy to open. We looked outside. It was odd not seeing snow on the ground. We could see the tops of flags flying from the castle roofs. Alice wept silently and watched the light fade from the sky over the castle and town. We pulled her back to join the rest of us for a light dinner.
During this night, we discussed the implications of what we had just done. We dowsed the torches but left the cooking fire burning as we settled in to sleep.

Day 266 (244th) Rebuild the Gate

Day 266 (244th):
Light was just coloring the sky as we woke. We could all feel the increase in the population of the castle. Dressing quickly, we went to the place that we were told to go last night. Upon entering, we saw almost all of the families were represented. Each wore their family color. I could see they were all nervous, excited, and still pondering if they could be the sacrifice the ritual required. I glimpsed a person with an odd aura, but he/she moved behind a cluster of people before I got a good look.
When Talrik, Chobi, and the Saplings arrived, the nearly one dozen elves gasped. Some huddled together while others became defiant. The Crowns entered with the rest of the families. To their credit, the Crowns noticed the discomfort of their people. The pair walked over to our mortal powers. Sarvicnal gave Talrik a hearty slap on the back.
"Good people, these are our allies in this task. Cleric Talrik, here, has provided the stones that will make the actual physical structure of the gateway."
Moving over to the Saplings, Sarvicnal continued his introductions, "These are young Treants, referred to as Saplings. They are Pine, Elm, and Oak. They have provided special vines that will be the gates for this gateway. These vines will live off the energy of the portal, keeping it contained and put a stop to the bleeding of energy into our kingdom. It will also keep people from entering accidentally."
The crowd was relaxing as they saw the ease with which their leader interacted with these beings. Sarvicnal went over to Chobi.
"This is Chobi, which I was told means 'fifteen' in draconian. She is apprenticed to Aper See, a King dragon that lives not far from here that many of you may have seen in our skies. She and two others study with this ancient power so his knowledge and skills are not lost. Her master has provided the chalice that will hold our blood and the essence of the one who willing gives his/her life to bind this structure together. He, through her, will perform the magic that holds this gate together as a solid structure."
The crowd was having some trouble understanding her position. I could see some of them have the same idea that the Palace had about "setting her free" of the the dragon. Sarvicnal gave them the same look he gave the Palace last night. Many registered his disapproval and changed their minds. The King came over to us.
"While I do not have to introduce them, I will tell all of you that the Sisters will be an important part of this ritual. If I read it correctly, the Immortals will hand over the containment of the portal to them for a short period of time. Ladies, could you explain to these good people what is expected of them?"
Sarvicnal rejoined Elenvarna as we faced the crowd.
"Families, you part is very simple," Sarah began, "You will be encircling the portal but as far from it as the cavern will allow. Except for the sacrifice, each of you will only give a small amount of blood. A drop or two in the chalice is all that is needed. You will stay and repeat, 'Lav-uuner hyar rinde ando', while the ritual proceeds. You will be told when to begin chanting. You will continue until told to stop."
The crowd mouthed the phrase. They looked at each other, wondering who would be the sacrifice. A servant entered and whispered to Sarvicnal, who nodded and waved him away.
"Good people, a meal awaits us. Please follow us. After we eat and are comfortable with each other, we will go down to the portal and seal it back."
Sounds of agreement echoed in the room. We followed the Crowns to the large dining chamber. The Palace was not there so the families took their places as we all sat down. The Crowns, Talrik, Chobi, and the Saplings took their places from last night. We sat at the same table as before. The families took tables as far from us and them as possible and still be in the same room. The families clumped together, only sitting with those with whom they were already familiar. None made any attempt to speak with anyone they did not already know.
"How are they suppose to get comfortable with us if they cower in corners?" Sarah mentally asked us as she looked around.
"I am not sure. I do see fear that has nothing to do with us or the others. Alice and Anna, can you confirm that some have been threatened to both be and not be the sacrifice?" I asked.
Alice and Anna surveyed the room. They confirmed that about half had been bombarded with threats.
"I see 'duty', 'honor', 'pride', and other things batted around as threats to be the sacrifice. I see 'commitment', 'family', and 'responsibility' as threats to not volunteer", Alice told us.
Anna also said something similar. The odd aura was blocked again and I could not make out the person it surrounded.
As the food was served, I noticed the Crowns looking at us. Keeping everyone else from receiving, we told them what we had learned. Both were upset, but made no announcement nor said anything to let them know we knew. Talrik rose when he had finished eating to gather the stones. Elm left and returned with a covered basket. Chobi left and returned with the chalice.
We were waiting for everyone to finish eating when I felt powerful and familiar energies within the building. The Crowns must have noticed, for they looked at us, nearly pleading. A single nod was all it took for them to rise, causing the rest of the room to jump to our feet.
"Everyone, our other guests are here. Let us go to the portal," Sarvicnal called to us.
We fell in behind the Saplings and Chobi, who were right behind the Crowns. The families followed us as we headed to the heart of Crialas. Unlike the previous trip, the portal's corruption did not press upon us. I could feel it was being contained, most likely by the Immortals we were expecting.
As we got closer, I felt a change in Chobi. She stumbled a step, then righted herself and continued. Her glow shifted drastically. She turned to look at me. Those were Aper See's ancient eyes looking out of Chobi's young face. A wink and a nod let me know everything was fine.
We arrived to see the metal doors open, the portal in plain view. Gasps from behind us broadcast that the families saw it as well. Inside the chamber, the Crowns led them around the walls while we, the Saplings, and Aper See in Chobi's body went towards the center. Talrik had a few wet sacks with the rocks still inside them. He seemed pleased with their condition. Flanking the portal were Aloriana, Rollis, the Lord and Lady of the Wild, and Scotvla, who was far more solid than the last time we had seen her. They did not speak, merely nodding when they saw us. Set, Dawn, and Bo took up almost defensive stances at the door.
Once all the families were in, Aloriana signaled for the doors to be shut. Set at one and Bo and Dawn at the other, they closed them with a rather large bang, causing some to jump. Gretta fished out the miniature hammer out of Greed's sheath and tossed it into the fluctuating portal. It stilled for a moment. The World Builder, Galvadore, and six smaller figures walked out. The smaller figures went to six points around the portal then became as still as statues. The other Immortals gathered around them. The World Builder opened his arms as he spoke.
"Welcome, everyone. Let us begin this task. I see the stones, the vines, and the children. Where is the chalice?"
"Here, my lord," Aper See's deep voice rumbled out of Chobi. In her hands was the chalice.
"Excellent. Brothers and sisters, please begin your part," he said, looking at those at his sides.
They encircled the portal. We watched the chaos become more orderly, the realms did not flash by as fast, and the energy stayed within the room. The portal itself shrank to the size of a large cottage.
"Givagar, your turn," the World Builder instructed.
Dragging his wet sacks, Talrik approached the portal. He began arranging the soft stones around the glowing area of the reduced portal. While he did this, the World Builder got the chalice, produced a slender dagger, and proceeded around the chamber, collecting blood. He started with the Crowns, who gave some without qualm. The World Builder said something to Elenvarna, causing her to touch her stomach. Moving around, he quickly and efficiently collected a drop or two from each person. Talrik had finished laying out the stones before the World Builder completed his circuit. When the last person had given, he returned to stand near the portal.
"You were informed a living sacrifice must be made to fill this chalice and complete this gate. Who is the sacrifice?"
Many took half-steps forward only to step back again. Fear, doubt, anger, plus many more emotions swirled around.
In all of the mental chatter, I heard a single voice state, "I'm too scared."
To that person alone, I asked, "Why? What frightens you so?"
"Many things; pain, death, my family's loss, and much more."
In quick order, I explained what would happen. With all of that straightened out, a voice rang out.
"I am the sacrifice."
A female elf in her middle years walked stiffly to face the World Builder. The strange aura surrounded her, nearly obscuring her features.
"I am Catara Moon Swimmer. I sacrifice myself willingly to make this gate and protect this kingdom."
"You admit, before all gathered, that you do this without threat, bribe, or coercion of any kind."
"Yes, I do."
"Then place your hands upon this chalice and repeat the words spoken to you."
Catara took the chalice. The World Builder rotated her to face Aper See, who placed "his" hands over her's, pressing them onto the sides of the cup. Locking eyes, Aper See spoke and Catara repeated.
"Let us be united. Here, I give unto you, my long life, my old age, my power, and my spirit. Perfect be our unity."
As the last word died away, Catara began dissolving into mist and flowing into the chalice. While she flowed, the blood level of the chalice grew. Completely filled, the last puff of Catara disappeared into the chalice.
Turning to the World Builder, Aper See said, "It is done."
The World Builder stepped aside to allow Aper See to go to the portal.
"Speak, children of the Founders, speak the words you were given," he commanded the families.
Weakly at first, they began growing in volume and strength. Aper See poured the blood over the stones, which quivered and started to hum.
"Sisters of the Swords, take over the containment," he told us.
Drawing swords, we encircled the portal. The Immortals slid the pressure of holding it to us. It was hard, but not as much as I had anticipated. We held the portal compressed as they, Talrik, and Aper See spoke the words that caused the stones to expand and the blood to seal the gaps between them. Up and over the portal, the stone ring grew. The families continued their chant, nearly a counter point to the Immortals' chant. Both sides met in the center, forming a perfect keystone. The pressure of containment lessened noticeably when it and the Immortals finished. The families continued. The Saplings approached and placed their small vines at the base of the ring. The Immortals began another, similar, chant with the Saplings joining them and the others. The vines nearly exploded in size to grow up the ring and meet in a knot over the keystone. Once thoroughly entwined, smaller vines grew from the length of the vines, blocking the light of the portal and dimming the cavern. The pressure decreased again as it and they were complete. Cold hands touched us. The six smaller figures, who had not moved until then, laid stone-cold hands on our shoulders. Emotionless, they spoke as one.
"This is our's to take now. Your part is complete."
Just as the Immortals had slid it to us, we slid the pressure to them. We breathed deeply when they gained the last of it. Aper See motioned for us to join them. The six figures seemed unfazed by their burden and returned to their spots. They became silent and still once again.
Pleased at the results, the World Builder called the families to silence.
"Your gate is rebuilt. Your portal is safe to use again. These six, former members of your Palace, are now the monitors and controllers of this gate. As sharrieroc, they do not need food, water, sunlight, nor anything else to continue. In time, they will die and new monitors will be needed. At that time, you will choose their replacements. Now, let us remove this taint this portal has made upon your land. Take the hands of those next to you. Set, Dawn, Bo, complete the circle."
The families joined hands and our companions closed the form by joining hand to wing to claw to hand. The Immortals took each others' hand and we seven, the Saplings, Talrik, and Aper See encircled them and joined hands. All was silent as the power built up among the Immortals. Once it reached its peak, it erupted, passing through us, then the families, then out. It raced out so fast, I could not track it. Everything within my perceptions was clean. A massive weight was gone. I felt like crying , laughing, screaming, and collapsing all at once. I saw people genuinely smiling, true happiness shining from them.
The World Builder thanked all of us. He, Galvadore, Scotvla, the Lord and Lady of the Wild, and Rollis parted the vines and disappeared into the portal. Aloriana gave us seven hugs and walked out the door. Chobi was herself again. The Crowns dismissed the families and they left. Those of us left in the chamber took in the sight of the rebuilt gate and the monitors, still motionless as statues, and felt great relief and joy.
As we followed the Crowns back to their apartments, Orania met us. Chobi handed her the new Chalice to place with the other. Catara, in the Chalice, must have been resting as I felt only a peaceful calm from it. Orania gingerly accepted the Chalice and went to put it with the other. We continued to the Royal apartments. Everything was so much lighter, brighter, and cleaner that it felt like a different building and kingdom. Inside, servants were smiling as they went about their duties. Some sang and whistled. We were greeted warmer than ever before. We sat in the Royals' parlor and listened to the Crowns recount the ritual. The renewal that they had attempted was nothing like this and it showed them that it was far too inadequate. They chastised themselves for even thinking it would be enough. Servants listened intently to their recount of the building ritual. Elenvarna did state that it saddened her that only six of the thirteen Galvadore had taken survived the sharrieroc transformation. Both Chobi and Anna explained what they had become. Grueling forces transformed living flesh into statues. Until needed, they would not hear, see, nor experience the passage of time. When needed, they would make the portal stay at the desired realm, open the vines, and monitor the travelers and the gate until the travelers returned or decided not to come back. They would not aid, rescue, nor interfere in any way with the travelers and their interaction with their realm of choice. Once the travelers were back, staying, or dead, they would close the vines, releasing the portal to resume its randomness, and be statues again. How long they "lived" was unknown as they would not age nor show any signs of decay until they simply fell apart. The minimum number of monitors needed was three. All of them "dying" at once was unlikely, as each had been a unique individual with varying lifespans.
Dinner interrupted our discussion and we realised how famished we were after the rigors of the ritual. Our conversation turned to hopes and dreams of Crialas' future. Elenvarna told us that the World Builder had said her babies' blood was going into the gate along with her's. He assured her it would not harm them in any way. As we ate, we noticed the servants going to the outer doors from time to time. When asked, they said people were laying gifts at the doors, for us, Talrik, Chobi, the Saplings, and the Crowns. In them were a lot of letters of apology. Apologizing for doubting us all, for rude behavior, for unkind words, actions, and thoughts, for a host of other things. The servants were sorting them out to take to our rooms as a whole instead of one piece at a time. This made the Queen cry, as it touched her heart that her people were understanding and accepting new ideas and new friendships. Sarvicnal ordered treaties to be written between Givia, Aper See, and the Treants. Talrik, not being of a position to make treaties, said he would let his leaders discuss that with the Crowns. Chobi and the Saplings weren't certain if treaties were necessary, but pledges of good will might be more appropriate.
We parted late into the night and nearly dragged ourselves into bed. Most of us didn't undress and were asleep in short order.

Day 265 (243rd)

Day 265 (243rd):
We woke and went to Talrik's room. At his door, we found a crowd. They were angry and hostile. We went to the front of the group, which was mostly servants and townspeople.
"People, why are you here?" Gretta asked them.
"The monster is inside, ladies. Stay back while we rid the kingdom of it before it attacks the Crowns," said a man holding a large knife.
"What monster? Talrik is the only one in that room," Lisa countered.
"Talrik? It has a victim? We must save this Talrik!"
He and the rest rammed open the door, surprising Talrik as he was dressing.
"Monster!" the man shouted, "release Talrik and we might let you live!"
Talrik looked at us, puzzled. He tried to explain, but the man with the knife lunged at him. The knife shattered as it made contact with Talrik's stone-hard chest. His crowd gasped as the man looked at the remains of his weapon. Lisa seized the man and nearly threw him back to his fellows.
"This," she said, standing between Talrik and the crowd, "is Talrik, cleric of the Givagar. There is no monster here."
The crowd looked confused at Lisa and Talrik.
Another spoke up, "He cannot get near the Crowns. We can't let him eat them."
We seven and Talrik exchanged looks, then Lisa informed them, "He had dinner with them last night. The Palace was there along with all of us. Orania and those with her can tell you the truth of it."
The crowd looked at each other.
One of the servants replied, "The Crowns' private servants do not talk to us. They are too snooty and don't associate with us lowly house staff. We could ask, but they will not answer. Like one said 'Crown staff is a gem. House staff is dirt.' "
"By the Gods!" came an exclamation from the doorway, "No one has said that in five hundred years!"
Orania and Elder Liam entered the room, radiating anger and hurt. The crowd got closer to each other and slumped, becoming physically smaller. Orania, in spite of her small size, seemed to grow as she approached them. Liam stayed by the door, almost daring anyone to leave.
"We have talked with you on many occasions, for hours at times. Our staffs have circulated, moving from one post to the other."
Orania rattled off a list of names of people who had rotated between the royal apartments and the rest of the castle. Eyes widened as the list grew longer and included people this crowd knew or to whom they were related. Once the staff thing was settled, however, the house staff and the citizens launched into a "monster" being allowed to be in the same room with the Crowns. They were shocked to hear that Talrik was the second Givagar to get close to the Crowns. Some nearly fainted when we told them who we were expecting in the next day or two. Orania told us to go with Liam while she "straighted them out". Talrik finished getting dressed and we all followed Liam to the royal apartments.
The Crowns and a few Palace members met us. They were a bit annoyed but Liam explained our delay. The Palace went from annoyed to angry. A few discussed punishing them for "overstepping their positions", but the Crowns knew Orania could get them to understand. They also suggested that her wrath could make any punishment by the Palace look like a reward.
With that cleared up, we all sat down to breakfast. The round table shattered the Palace's comfort as they sought the "head" and "foot" of the table. The Crowns sat in their usual places and we in our's. The Palace found places to sit. Some began to protest Set, Bo, and Dawn being at the table "as equals to real people".
"Sir," I said to the one who spoke,"Set, Bo, and Dawn are intelligent beings on par with anyone else here. They have the same right to be at this table as any of us. The Crowns invited them, and us, to join them at this table. They, just like you, are here at their discretion."
The table went silent. The Crowns exchanged looks then Sarvicnal spoke.
"Kayla speaks true. We changed this table to be round so there could be less tension about position and place. Everyone is here by our invitation, including Bo, Dawn, and Set. Their unique perspective has brought us understanding that we could never have gained without them. Any who sees them as just animals are free to leave right now."
We seven did not move. Talrik looked at the Palace members, each in turn, to see who would leave. Liam did not move. The other Palace members looked at each other, almost daring each other to be the first to stand up. They seemed to decide that it was best to stay.
There was little conversation around the table.
Orania returned during breakfast, radiating with satisfaction.
"That little misunderstanding is settled. Also, rooms are ready for the Treant saplings and Aper See's lady. Messengers are ready to get the Founders' families as soon as those emissaries have arrived."
"Good work, Orania," Sarvicnal praised, "I knew you could get our home in order. What of the Glories? When do we expect their arrivals?"
"Your Majesty," I began, "The World Builder just needs us to toss his hammer into the portal and he will be here instantly. Scotvla, Rollis, Galvadore, the Lord and Lady of the Wild, and Aloriana need but a moment to arrive and be ready."
The Crowns nodded as did Talrik. The Palace, including Liam, just stared at me.
 One of them rose, "Your Majesties, Elder, how much more of this must we endure? Why are we playing along with these children? That... thing at the fountain was no goddess. The one who took our fellows, are we certain that was a god? And that woman who claimed to be the Faerie Queen? We have no proof of this. You," turning to Talrik, "just show up with a cart full of odd rocks and we take it on your word that you are a cleric with 'living rocks' to build the gateway. Do we have any proof of any of this, any of what they claim?"
"Haldark, be seated," Liam ordered, "We discussed this before. We, alone, have not the power to build the gate. We need these girls, their swords, these other powers and Glories. How many have we lost trying this ourselves? Our structures do not contain the portal."
"But we have the ritual now, we can do it alone!" Haldark countered, grabbing Liam and shaking him to emphasize his words.
Set growled low in his throat.
"Sit down!" Sarvicnal ordered, loudly.
Haldark and Liam nearly sat in the same chair to quickly obey their king's order. Once they were seated, Sarvicnal stood.
"I am tired of trying to convince you people of our task! Even with the ritual, do you have stone that can shape itself to enclose the portal? Do you wish to shed your blood and life to seal it? Are you going to stand there all day and night, everyday, to control and monitor it? Well, Harldark, what is your answer?"
Haldark bowed his head as his only answer. He knew anything he said would not cool his king's anger. His silence was actually the best answer. Sarvicnal sat and continued in a softer voice.
"Convey that to the rest of the Palace. I do not want to go through this when the rest arrive. Make sure they and the household know that they are honored guests and intolerance against them will not be permitted or go unpunished. No one will be referred to as 'monster', 'beast', 'abomination', or anything like that. Do you understand, Palace?"
They nodded, finished their meals in silence, and left.
Since Talrik could be the only person at the ritual who could not speak mentally, we got the scroll and went over the ritual with him and the Crowns. The dishes were cleaned up around and between us.
Dawn's whistle broke our concentration. She alerted us to the approach of the saplings. Royal Guards were sent to escort the saplings through the city and into the castle. We all headed to the main doors. As we waited, we began to feel their presence. While they felt similar to the elder Treants, they were markedly different. Younger, obviously, but more like humans or elves. I could feel the guards reactions when the two groups met. Fortunately, duty and training prevented those who did not like what they saw from doing anything harmful to the saplings. As with Talrik, a parade formed behind them and the guards. As I expected, they towered over the elves like young strong trees. They were also three in number; pine, elm, and oak. Unlike the elder Treants, these had gender, two male and one female. They looked liked trees in Springtime. Heads covered in the leaves of their type, skin like bark, features moving towards their tree form. I thought they were beautiful. They arrived at the doors and bowed.
From the crowd behind them, a shout, followed by more, until a chant of "Burn them" became deafening. The Crowns got the saplings inside then faced their people.
"Why? Why are you calling to burn our guests?" Sarvicnal asked after the crowd quieted down.
A man stepped forward, bowed, them began, "My King, can you not see they are monsters, some horrible combination of elf and tree? They must be destroyed."
Sarvicnal looked at him, back at all of us at the door, then back to the crowd, "What about him? What about these seven girls and their companions? Do you want them destroyed as well?"
The crowd murmured and whispered, looked around each other at us. They came to a conclusion and whispered to the man who had spoken. He nodded and faced the King.
"My King, the girls and their pets are of no concern. The large beast, however, must leave or be eliminated. We cannot have such as he in our city, putting you both in grave danger. That is our decision."
The King shook his head, "Why? What is the reason for you decision?"
The man, and most of the crowd, gave him a look as if the King was stupid.
"My Liege, look at him! Such an unnatural beast cannot have a good heart, if he even has a heart."
Red enveloped Sarvicnal. Before he could erupt upon his people, I stepped between him and them. I nearly pushed him inside. I gave him to the Queen, called for my sisters to join me, and shut the doors, shutting them and Talrik off from the crowd. The seven of us and our companions faced the crowd. Lisa addressed them.
"Shame on all of you! Based solely on appearance, you decide who had the right to live or die? We were in a place this summer that would have you killed for just being elves. People who claimed elves were evil by birth and only death was the way to deal with any elf. Now you behave just as barbarically as they. Shameful!"
The crowd look downcast, even the guards could not face us. I touched Lisa's arm and took her place at the front.
"We know you are afraid. We know the changes have made you doubt everything. We and these others are here to fix that. After the portal is repaired, the land will be cleansed, and all will be as it was when the old king ruled. Then, elves, gnomes, halflings, Givagar, Treants, centaurs, mermaids, humans, and all manner of beings can live in harmony and trust."
The crowd murmured some more and began breaking up. The guards went back to their posts. We went inside.
Sarvicnal was still red, but not as much. The saplings and Talrik were talking with Elenvarna, who let out a sigh of relief when she saw us. Sarvicnal's red dropped a bit more when we entered. We all walked to the Saplings' rooms and told them what was said. Lisa received looks of shock that she would speak so harshly to a crowd that could have harmed us. Lisa told them that she had no fear of them and that they needed, what she called, a "verbal slap to the face". The Crowns apologized for their people.
"We are not unaccustomed to such," Pine said, "I cannot tell you have many offers of curse, hex, and shape-shifter removal spells we have received. Also, we have been called worse things than 'monsters'."
The other two told of similar occurrences. This actually calmed Sarvicnal down, knowing that it was not just his people behaving poorly.
The rooms chosen for the trio were amazing. The walls were murals everywhere, making the suite look like a forest in full bloom. Even the ceiling was painted like a lightly clouded sky. I saw some sparkles on the ceiling. A staff member told us that, at night or when the room was dark, the sparkles actually glow like stars. While the saplings were not as tall as Talrik, their height was easily accommodated by the higher than normal ceilings. They asked if we could leave them to rest. They were told that they would be left until a servant called them to join us for dinner. They handed us a letter, explaining their diet and what they could eat. The staff looked over it and told them it would not be a problem. We left the saplings and went to the fountain to check on the stones, fish, and the rest.
Outside, the vines, in spite of the snow, were flourishing and in full bloom. The stones had actually softened even more than yesterday. While they had a give when touched yesterday, today they were like hardening clay. Set grabbed a couple more fish, which were instantly replaced, as were the frog Dawn nabbed and the lizard Bo slurped down. A Palace member chastised them, and us, for them eating the "gifts" in the fountain. We, however, did not have to defend ourselves. The fountain defended us. As he was berating us, a jet of water from the nearly hidden horn blasted him. He spluttered and tried to get out of the flow, but it followed him until he pleaded and said he was sorry. Rollis popped out of the horn, ending his torture.
"They are doing what is natural for them. These have been provided to aid not only these three during a lean time, but also prepare these stones as they need. By tomorrow, they will be perfect."
"Thank you, Rollis," I told him as the soaked man left, "We are getting a little tired of defending ourselves and explaining things others refuse to believe or accept."
"Yes, yes, I can see, I can see. Yet, part of it is our fault. We could have resisted a little longer, stayed around a bit more. But, we only thought of ourselves and our small parts. We have a new chance. We have resolved to be more of a presence in Crialas. These attitudes will change."
Talrik echoed Rollis' commitment, promising to push for a better relationship between Givia and Crialas. Rollis did not return to the fountain. He pulled a large pouch out of the water. He told us he had a task to perform for Scotvla, excused himself, and flew off.
We and Talrik took a walk. Even staying close to the castle, I could feel the influence of the portal was being cancelled by other energies. I could not tell if our guests were the cause or the changing attitudes of the people. Of course, if Scotval was getting stronger, she may be able to begin containing the energy. We got many strange looks as we took in the immediate area. At first, I thought either Talrik or Set was the focus of the attention. We walked by a group and I heard them whisper "echicgo" and hurry away. Lisa's eyes followed the group until they were out of sight. Her emotions were swirling.
"That word? Sister, what is it?" I gently asked.
"It is only a description. It only means 'winged serpent'. But, the way they reacted, they know the prophesy, I think."
"They do," Alice added, "they are novice clerics. Prophesies are part of their training, so the elders will have many eyes watching for the signs."
"We could expect their teachers," Anna predicted, "It is standard practice for them to report even the slightest sign. I am not sure how long it will take or if they will come to us."
"I'm not in tune with you, but are you girls talking about something?" Talrik asked.
"Sorry, that group was acting odd and we were discussing what problems they might cause," I informed him.
Talrik looked away, "You all must find me barbaric, unable to hear mind speech and needing you to voice everything."
"No, we don't," Callie countered, "A few months ago, we couldn't find a handful of people who could mind talk with us. Even here in Crialas, there are many who either can't or won't talk with us that way."
He perked up some at that. We walked back inside the castle while telling him of Kendar, Lehand, Droland, Carmon, and many others who could not hear or speak to us in the mind voice. Knowing we did not fault him or his people for not having this ability made it easier for him to rely on us.
Just inside the doors, servants informed us dinner was being served shortly in the dining chambers. Talrik said he wished to get out of his snow-wet pants and shoes so we went with him to his room. The Saplings' room was not far from Talrik's. As he changed, we went to see how they were doing. Staff was leaving as we reached their door. They were doing some kind of ritual, so we waited until they were done before asking to enter. How anyone could call these amazing beings "monsters" was beyond my understanding. Every move was like a dance, graceful and flowing. Talrik, freshly dressed, arrived at the door to ask our opinion of his attire. He explained that Givagar, at home, wore very little clothing, usually only to mark positions and rank. Their stone and gargoyle ancestry meant that they were not bothered by cold, heat, rain, or any normal weather. Boots to protect the feet, a cloth for decency, a belt for items, and a vest or stole was their normal dress. Miners had trousers to prevent injury as did blacksmiths and some other heavy laborers. A common phrase among the Givagar was "Less work, less clothes." The Saplings, also, asked for our opinions of their outfits. They, too, spoke of wearing little while at home. Clothing actually told the age of the sapling. The youngest, looking like pure humans or elves, had to be fully clothed except in the hottest of weather. As they aged and their skin became more bark than flesh, less clothing was needed. As rank and age were the same thing, special items were unnecessary.
A valet arrived to escort them to the dining chambers. Taking up the rear of this procession, we magicked a change of clothes to be "appropriate" for the event. We proceeded to the same large chamber we had been taken to when we seven had first arrived. Tables of honor were flanking the thrones. Talrik, Pine, Elm, and Oak were taken to their places. The Palace was already in place and we were shown to an empty table. We asked for another seat so Set could eat with us at the table. The staff looked annoyed, but got one anyway. Dawn perched on the back of Alice's chair and Bo entwined himself in the chair so as to lay only his head on Lisa's shoulder. The Crowns were not here yet. We were in place for a minute or two when the horns announcing their arrival sounded. The pair entered in full glory, hand-in-hand. They received applause from all those assembled as we stood to greet them. Sarvicnal wore the Elvador Crown while Elenvarna wore the companion crown he had made for her. They sat then we sat. The Palace murmured about the crowns before Sarvicnal called for silence.
"Everyone, the days of our trouble are ended. We await only one more mortal power to arrive before the families are called and the gate is constructed. When that is done, we can purge the destructive energy from this land and be free of all the taint the portal has caused. Crialas can flurish once again."
The assembly cheered. Sarvicnal motioned for silence again.
"Our last guest may give some of you pause. I have been told she is an elf and an apprentice to Aper See, an ancient King dragon who lives in Crialas. Please, do not ask her to leave, attempt to 'rescue' her, or pressure her to stay here. She is happy where she is and any who do anything to make her uncomfortable will answer to me."
"Thank you, King Sarvicnal. I am glad to hear you say that so publicly," Chobi's voice echoed in the hushed chamber.
Everyone was looking around. I felt the pull of kirlan and Chobi appeared not far from Sarvicnal. The Palace gasped. She bowed to King, Queen, and Palace. A chair was placed near Talrik and she took her place there. Sarvicnal sat down and the food was served.
I saw what the saplings were eating and found it rather strange. I've seen children make pies out of mud. I had done it myself, but I had never seen anyone actually eat one. There they were, eating plate- and bowl-fulls of mud, sand, and dirt. They seemed to enjoy it. Talrik was also enjoying his odd meal of mushrooms and cave moss. I noticed the Palace was avoiding watching them eat. I guess they found it disgusting or something. Chobi ate what the rest of us had, making her less of a focal point.
Chobi acknowledged us and mentally, as she was too far away to verbally speak with us, commented on Set's growth. She asked about Dawn and Bo, as this was the first time she had seen them.
Around us, I heard whispering. Looking around, I saw Palace members looking at Chobi, pointing, and whispering. The emotions swirling around them was not good. My sisters also noticed. Between all of us, we found that some were plotting a way to make her stay by getting someone to seduce her. We told Chobi. She was shocked. She stood up and told the Crowns. The looks they shot the Palace stopped all activity. Chobi also gave them a harsh look. The whispering stopped and everyone dove into their food. The Crowns continued to stare them down for a moment longer before returning to their meal. Chobi stared as she took her seat. Talrik whispered to her and looked in shock at the Palace. It was hard to tell if the saplings had heard, but they gave disapproving looks also.
While we ate, we felt out the reception of the saplings. We could get emotions across, but actual words could not be exchanged. Fortunately, Sarvicnal was the one who suggested we, the Crowns, and these powers confer after dinner to go over the ritual, both for our own knowledge and to better guide the families.
We all met up in a council chamber, laid out the ritual, and went through it step-by-step. Here, the saplings and Chobi told us their parts in this.
"The opening of the gate made by Talrik's stones requires a door, of sorts, to prevent accidental entrance," Oak told us, "We are providing that barrier. We have vines that, like the entrance to Starlight's temple, will grow over the stone and provide a living curtain that can only be opened by the controlers. No one will be able to casually walk in and go through the portal. These vines will also feed on any energy that might leak through, thus preventing the contamination Crialas is currently experiencing."
Chobi told us, "Aper See, being so large, is using me to be here at the portal. He is the power that will form the families' blood into the mortar that holds the stones. His is also the power that will fuse the sacrifice with the new chalice and make them one."
"Chobi," Sarvicnal interrupted, "has Aper See explained why we need two living chalices and a livng crown?"
Chobi gathered a blank paper and writing tool. She spoke as she drew, "These three living items, along with your three children, are needed to summon a seventh, the Spirit of Crialas. This is an entity composed of all the energies of everything living within this kingdom. In Brimgrove, you girls may have felt as if the forest itself was a living being. So shall it be with Crialas. This Spirit, summoned only in dire emergencies, can reshape the very land, expell invaders, and unify all beings born here."
"Like when Mara and Gavin kissed," Callie exclaimed, "They pushed demons out of Selvis."
"Exactly," Chobi continued, "that was the Spirit of Selvis being reborn."
We seven understood even though the Crowns were still puzzled. Elenvarna quietly brought of the subject of the sacrifice. Talrik, the saplings, Chobi, and we assured them that none of us would be performing it. While it eased them some, they were still nervous about that part.
During our review of the ritual, some of them attempted to get me to tell them who the sacrifice was. In all honesty, at that time, I didn't know. It took telling them several times before they quit asking. One last time through the ritual, then we parted to go to sleep. We were told where the families would assemble and that we should go there as soon as we woke up.