Day 326 (304)

Day 326 (304):

As we broke camp a little after sunrise, we felt a presence from the other side of the river. It felt different than any other we had yet to encounter, although it was similar to the female sapling Elm. From among the trees, a being that looked like Treena emerged. Her head was a rose bush without leaves or roses, a mass of bare and thorny branches. Her face was not composed of knots, leaves, or changes in the bark color. Hers looked carved, like someone sculpted a face into the trunk of the bush. The rest of her was as the others, just unmistakably female. She called from the other shore.

"Ladies? Are you the Sisters Walnut told me to guide?"

"We are, Good Lady. We seek the palace of the lich and his men," I called to her.

She nodded and waved us to a place where stones broke the surface of this narrow river. Being as tall as the males, she stood in the cold water and helped us to cross. On the other side, she looked us over.

"He said that I might mistake you for ordinary girls at first glance, which I did. But not, I see nothing ordinary about you. Let me see, dwarf, elf, elf, merfolk, gnome, Faerie, and ..." she trailed off as she looked at Gretta. .
"Leprechaun," Gretta finished for her.

Understanding lit up Rose's face, "Of course, the 'Lost City' leprechauns. I see it now."

"I don't understand. 'Lost City'? What does that mean?" Gretta asked.

"Over a century ago, one city, more of a village really, had a terrible year. Storms, disease, raids, and the like plagued them. To survive, they took shelter with humans, who's solid buildings and medicines beat all of their problems. The humans had a problem of their own. Nearly all of the men had gone to war, except young boys, the elderly, and the impaired. This left nearly all the women of child bearing years with no one to father a child. As it happened, the surviving leprechaun population was eighty percent male, women having been the main victims of the disease and raids. To save each other, the male leprechauns mated with the female humans, those without a leprechaun wife already. The girls of those union retained their human height but the males were slightly taller than pure bloods. Even the second and third generations were like that: tall females and short males. These left the area when their village was washed away during the storm that sank yonder castle. Families went their separate ways and the 'city' was lost."

"My father always complained about how 'puny' my mother's family was. He took credit for my brothers being, as he called, 'proper man sized' but did not like that I was the same height as they," Gretta told her as we walked.

Rose nodded, "Male Treants can be that way, especially those of smaller types of trees. Some do not like that I, merely a 'bush', am of equal stature to some other 'true' trees."

Rose told Gretta names she remembered as being among that "lost" group. Being so young when her mother died, Gretta was unsure of her mother's family name. With Alice's help, they linked Gretta firmly to that village. Rose told us that some who profess to be halfling or gnome are actually of that group.

The presence of Bainne was announced by thousands of cows. Rose was of no concern to these beasts. Set tried not to spook them, but they must have smelled him and hurried away from us. Not a stampede, but enough to get the herders' attentions. They ignored Rose and began chastising us for distressing their herd, claiming frightened cows gave poor milk. The wooden items on Set and the others cooled their anger somewhat. To avoid traumatizing the herd further, the herdsmen escorted us to Bainne, keeping the cows calm as we walked by them. They "handed" us to the guards of Bainne.

Like the other two places we had been, this town was a tent city with a metal fence like Coille. Here, also, only the leprechaun language was spoken. Rose was greeted with respect and honor. We, however, were met with suspicion. Rose's presence brought a crowd, including the man before whom everyone parted to allow him close to us. He asked Rose if we were harmful to her. Rose was speechless at first, then began, rapidly, telling them who we were and why she was with us. The man and the crowd that had gathered began staring at us as she spoke. She finished to silence. The man addressed us.

"Sisters, forgive our ignorance. This season has made us all jumpy. Guardian Rose has, unknowingly, brought 'lost' people to us to help, only to find out they were vampires, mind slaves, or even undead. Your dragons look similar to demons we have also fought. No one intent upon evil would use your titles, since your or their identities could be easily verified."

"How could you prove they were not us?" Gretta asked.

"Because I know you, my dears. Those in this area would not dare to try to trick me," came a familiar voice from a clump of trees.

 Leo walked out of that clump. Our happiness at seeing him again was instantly replaced with concern. He was limping, had many wounds, and one of his wings looked wrong. Pushing pass everyone, we raced to him.

"What happened to you? Who or what did this?" we asked.

"Your concern is touching. My wounds were the result of me flying into a storm. I got turned around and slammed into the ground. These good people have given me shelter and food. Their healing has helped, but I am still a ways away from full recovery."

My bracelet began getting hot and the stone glowed. I smiled.

"Brimagor wants you healed," I told him.

The crowd, who had followed us, gasped. Leo stiffly laid before me and I placed my hand upon him. Sarah could not stand by when a friend was hurt and joined me. Everyone watched the wing be repaired, the wounds heal, and his leg's swelling go down. In a few moments, Leo was healthy and completely healed. The crowd gasped again when Leo rose above them, testing his wing and stretching unused muscles. 

This proved to the people of Bainne we could be trusted and were who Rose told them we were. The man said he was the Guild Master who, after the town Magistrate's death, had taken over that post until the spring elections. He invited us to his home to sleep and stay as long as necessary. Leo landed and followed us, which made him look like a monster considering his size versus the leprechauns' sizes.

The Guild master led us to an actual stone house in the heart of Bainne.

"Milk is what this town does and is, so a cold house is vital. We keep the milk here, as well as cheese. My home is the above ground part while the storage is below."

We went to his parlor and told him our intentions. Relief and fear played over his face as we spoke. He began telling us every reason to not go on and to turn away from this action, even though his emotions shown that he was relieved that any attempt was tried. Leo huffed, which drew our attention to the window.

"They know the risks, Guild Master, but are uniquely gifted to succeed. They may be the only ones who can."

Still, the Guild Master suggested getting others to help, specifically older "more experienced" clerics and wizards. His fear was not allowing him to listen, so we just asked where to put our gear. He led us to the second story to a dorm-style room. We arranged our things as the Guild Master left. Leo stood outside our window, joined by Rose.

"How close is the governor's palace?" I asked them.

"About five miles, but the terrain itself is rough. Their influence has twisted the land, trees, and animals. Keeping it all inside a two square mile area is nearly a full-time job for me and six saplings. Before his new campaign, only three saplings were needed."

"What do you ladies need?" Leo asked eagerly.

"Through Set, I can see spirits and energy. If you, Leo, go with him as protection, I can get a good look at the place."

"While they do that, I will bring one of my saplings to tell you what they have witnessed in that area," Rose volunteered.

We agreed. Set went outside. Rose left. I sat so I could fully be with Set. He and Leo took off into the afternoon sky.
Leo did not have to announce their arrival at the palace. To our sight, the building was the eye of a storm. A swirling mass of energy nearly obscured the ancient structure. It was easily recognizable as a Baaloc construction. A tower looked like it was about to fall. There was no straight nor even part to be seen. Even the moat was of varying widths. Leo, being much older, could smell the undead both in and around the building. Between Set and I, we peeled away layers of energy. We saw three distinct points of strong energy. One was similar to Tharinzar's and Garamesh's, definitely demonic. The other two were strange to us. One was almost pure anger, nearly completely red, with something else I could not identify. The last one was the most bizarre. A mix of wizard blue, angry red, white pride, an odd green, and very hard. Could that be the lich's device?

Leo broke our focus by warning of something approaching. The smell was familiar. We saw a swarm of those blood-drinking moths. While the two dragons were far faster, they did not fly away. Both dragons waited. The swarm flew directly at them. At what appeared to be the last moment, the pair blasted fire at the swarm. Embers and ashes rained down on the palace. Every one was caught in their burst. Satisfied that all were destroyed, they turned to fly back. Behind them, a shout of anger roared. They did not turn nor stop, just flew on. I returned to my normal sight as Set flew in and Leo settle outside.

"We made someone mad. Think that was him?" Leo asked.

"I don't know, but it is possible. I saw three strong spots of energy. One looked a bit demonic. One seemed composed of pure anger with something else. The third may be his device. It was hard and a mix of different energies. I can't be certain of it, though."

Everyone was silently pondering. Alice suggested Dawn try purging the palace like she did Castle Night. We reminded her that Dawn had satisfied a preset condition to release the spirits. We decided to wait on the sapling's report before deciding on a course of action.

The Guild Master sent for us to join him and other leaders for dinner. Downstairs, we met him and three other leprechauns. Two looked like military and the other was a cleric. This room had no window so Leo could not join us. He decided to fly around to strengthen his repaired wing. 

We all sat before any spoke to us.

"Ladies," the cleric began, "Guild Master Fionn has told us you intend to breach the foul palace and take out the self-appointed lich king."

"Yes, sir," Gretta confirmed, "that is our intent. Guardian Rose is bringing us information to find the best way to achieve that end."

The leprechauns kept blank faces even though their emotions were spinning rapidly. They exchanged looks we had seen before: doubt and worry. We understood why they felt that way. All they saw was seven human-looking girls. Just like others felt, we did not look like what they believed a "hero" should look like. Our ages, gender, dress, and attitudes did not inspire them. We did not attempt to change their minds. 

The meal passed in almost total silence. Leo returned and told us Rose and one of her saplings would meet us in the morning. Fionn walked with us back upstairs as his room was not far from ours. He quietly bid us good-night. We retired to our room, which was warm enough for Set to sleep on the floor.

Day 325 (303)

Day 325 (303):

Sean woke us, holding a piece of paper. He handed it to Gretta. As she read it, Sean looked around his shop again. From the sadness he radiated, I could tell he was remembering lost apprentices who had once made this shop roar with life. Now, it was almost a tomb, silent and still. Gretta showed us the letter.

"Snathdubh's magistrate received both Enraig's report and our letter, along with a complaint from Sim. The magistrate sides with us and agrees that freeing trapped souls to be more valuable than Sim's research. He requests for us to 'further your exploits' and 'unshroud this area from the cloth of death'. Since we were headed south, he concluded Coille to be the best place to send this letter."

"Good," remarked Lisa, "it is nice to have local support and a person of authority on our side."

Sean interrupted, wanting to know why a magistrate was writing to us. Choosing her words carefully, Gretta explained the cleansing of Castle Night. Sean, a worldly fellow, accepted our actions easier than most. He thought for a moment then asked if there was a way to allow him to keep new apprentices safe enough to open his shop again. A simple request but full of emotion. We looked at each other, options swirling between us. Our eyes went to our pendants. I, in all honesty, didn't really need it as I could sense undead already and had already felt a spirit. Sarah, too, had demonstrated she could feel them at the extreme edge of the pendant's range. We both removed ours, Sarah handing hers to me. Clasping them in my hand, my riding set encasing them, I sent to Brimagor Sean's need. I felt the set grow warm and saw the eye glow. My hand felt fuller. When it ended, I opened my hand and saw not two pendants, but eight, slightly different from my sisters'. In my mind, Brimagor explained what he had added. With Gretta translating, I handed them to Sean.

"These are to be worn outside this or any protected place. Any spirit that gets within one hundred feet will cause this center to glow. The closer the spirit, the brighter the glow. Dangerous spirits or undead within fifty feet will not view you as leprechaun. They will view you as dragons, which should keep most of them away. If they get within twenty-five feet, holy power will shine and hurt them. A spirit or undead who touches any wearing these will be destroyed."

Sean nearly collapsed as I placed them in his hands. He began insisting on paying us or only taking two or three. We told him that returning his craft to the world was payment enough. With a broad smile, he hugged the pendants to his heart and left. 

We gathered our gear, checked the fire, and headed out of the shop. Sean met us outside. He wanted us to follow him. We went into his house. From his bench, he gathered something. Nearly demanding we take them, he pressed finely crafted wooden items into our hands. We marveled at them. "Chains" of wood, delicate rings, finely engraved bracelets, and, to Set, a collar of sorts that seemed tailored to him as it rode perfectly around his neck. They were beautiful. We thanked him and told him we would tell everyone who had made such glorious things. Sean blushed. Set was viewing his new collar in Sean's mirror.

"I handsome! Too bad I will out-grow this before long."

"Don't worry, my dear, we'll find a way for you to keep it for a long time. We have powerful friends," I assured him.

Pulling Set away from his reflection, we left.

Eating as we walked, we left Coille and continued south. The Treant's path was easily found and, while not straight, took us through the forest as fast as any road. As we walked, we tested Sean's items on our other companions. Echo's small neck accepted a thin cuff bracelet like a necklace. A wooden "chain" draped elegantly around Dawn's throat and did not hinder her in any way, not even looking like a chain among her feathers, but like accents or natural spots. Bo's head went through another bracelet and it rested gently against his wings yet still let him fly with ease. The rest we stowed for later use.

We reached the end of the Treant's path at another river. In the dirt, a mark told us to wait for "Rose" to guide us to the governor's palace. It was afternoon, so we used the time and the river to wash our clothes and ourselves. It was a chilly bath, but a needed one. Set reveled in the cold water, his body heat making steam rise around him. We warmed up and dried by our fire, speculating who or what "Rose" might be. Our companions found fish for themselves and us. Our maps shown the next town of Bainne was not far from this river. We hoped this "Rose" would be here by morning, only because waiting in the cold was not our idea of fun.

Days 322-324 (300-302)

Day 322 (300):

We were awake and dressed when Sim arrived at our door. He informed us he would bring the recording to the dining room where breakfast waited. As we sat, we wondered how one leprechaun could do so much. Anna and Sloth revealed the spells that created unseen servants plus the food. 

Sim brought the recorder in, but did not seem pleased. He flopped into his seat and carelessly rolled the glass on the table.

"Nothing, absolutely nothing. Castle Night is silent. The battle field is the only activity in the area. Your bird purged as far as my instruments can see. My research is ruined."

 We were at a loss. We felt for Sim, but releasing trapped souls was far more important than research. We ate in silence, letting him sort out his emotions. His plate and the recorder were the only things he would look at as he ate. Mentally, we discussed leaving today to not remind him of our actions. He was still stewing when we finished and left to pack. 

We had nearly finished when Sim entered.

"Perceptive girls. You already predicted my position. I am sorry to part on such a note. I cannot concentrate on my work with you here. I will tell you a few things. The governor's palace is nearly due south. The road will, eventually, get you there. Going across country will not only get you there faster, but the forest will cut off the biting winter wind. You will have to cross the river Castle Night sits in, but that should be easy. There are a couple of villages between here and there for you to rest and get supplies. I will be busy and, most likely, not see you leave. So, farewell, Ladies, and safe travels."

With that, Sim walked out. 

We finished packing and left Castle Day.

The land around was fairly empty and Callie was able to warn us of soft spots and we avoided them easily. The area seemed lighter, like a great weight had been lifted. We came to the conclusion that the spirits' departure was the cause. Our companions did notice the increase in animal activity. They seemed pleased. We actually heard bird song for the first time since leaving the Faerie Realm.

Stopping for a break and a bite, we all felt around the area. Lisa and Sarah reported "health" returning. Callie actually felt some of the soft spots getting stronger, as if the very land had been made weak by all of the spirits that were stuck here. While Gretta had nothing to report, being in this area seemed to strengthen her and give her confidence a boost. Anna and Alice told us the histories were "sorting themselves out", not being "stirred" by the spirits. I felt a peacefulness that I had not felt since arriving. Only nature spoke to me. 

We continued south all afternoon. We found a nice clearing near sunset where we made camp. Our companions found good hunting and were well fed. Our supplies were still plentiful, but we rationed them anyway. We raised a shield just in case it rained during the night.

Day 323 (301):

The swords woke us just before dawn, letting us know a visitor was approaching. Feeling around, we felt the Treant guardian from the other day. Mentally, we welcomed him to join us at our camp. He wove his way to us and sat as we broke camp.

"Well met, again, Ladies and friends. A wonder has occurred since our last meeting. Hoards of spirits have left these woods. My trees and the land grow stronger with each passing moment."

We told him about Castle Night. He was delighted. He confirmed the draining effect undead and spirits, in mass, have on all living things and how animals flee from such energies. He confirmed the location of the governor's palace. He wished he could take us there himself, but we were too many for him to carry and that area was under another's guardianship. He did volunteer to mark the best path to the end of his territory to guide us. We thanked him for all of his help. He rose and headed south, disappearing into the forest. 

We followed his path all day, finding another clearing to make camp. We sensed moisture in the air and decided to raise a shield in case of rain or snow.

Day 324 (302):

Good thing we had the shield as a wet snow had fallen during the night. A half-foot mound encircled our shield, perfectly outlining its edge. The Treant's path was still easily followed, both visually and by feel. 

In a few hours, we were looking at Castle Night. Just as we viewed it in the mirrors and through Set, it was a dark uninviting place. Even in direct sunlight, it was still dark. Tiny arrow-slit windows were placed asymmetrically over its surface. Its dark reflection in the slow river made it look twice as tall. Even though the river was slow, we knew from Set's swim that it was also deep. We searched for a way to cross. Set volunteered to freeze the water, but we were not sure it would work.

 "Sarah, talk to the water," Anna suggested, "Maybe it or someone in it will help us across."

Sarah cleared her throat and approached the river. In the mermaid language, she asked if anyone called the river home. We waited a few moments, but received no answer.

"I guess the spirits scared them away," Sarah speculated.

We all spread out to search for a way across. Our flyers went over the water in both directions and at different heights. We seven searched the shore. Anna and Callie felt that a secret construction had taken place, but they could not narrow it down to a single location. 

During our searching, Bo let out a mental "omph". We all spun to look at him, which was hard in the fog rolling off the warmer water into the colder air. We headed his direction, pass the castle, down river. Bo was flying around a large area, trying to fan the fog away from that area. In clear spots, I spotted blurs of color. Set, Dawn, and Echo flew over to Bo. Echo was flying at full speed, then tried to slow down or stop. With a slight "thud", Echo hit something hard. Set caught her before she hit the water. As he rose, Set scraped against something that sounded like rock or stone. We got closer, the blurs of color began to take shape. 

Anna and Callie shouted in unison, "A bridge! An invisible bridge!"

They and Alice began telling us about it. Built after the castle had fallen into the river, locals built a way to cross the now much wider river. During its construction, workers disappeared and strange sounds issued from the castle. By its completion, less than half of the original workers were still there. They returned home. The lich returned and inspected the bridge. He also saw the added spirits of the workers in the castle. He gave the zombies new orders: patrol the bridge and seize any who used it. They performed their tasks well, causing the bridge to be seen as cursed, sharing the castle's cursed state. Locals began avoiding both. The lich returned once again. For reasons known only to him, he rendered the bridge invisible. The zombies, apparently, didn't need to see the bridge to continue patrolling it. Over time, the stones that were the beginning and end of the bridge separated from the main body. 

During their tale, Set and I focused on it, wondering why it fluctuated between visible and invisible. The colors, we decided, was the magic used to conceal it. Something was wrong. Callie finally gave us the solution.

"The spell is being stretched as the two stones separate from the bridge. Plus, Dawn's magic the other day weakened it a bit. She might weaken it more, but not enough to be completely visible. Kayla, you and Set are the only two who see it. You will have to lead us over it."
The rest agreed, even though Lisa, in her stubbornness, tried to feel for it only to smack her hand into its unseen rail. We formed a chain. Set was first, as the heaviest and largest of us all. Callie took his tail, to warn of weak spots. Anna, Alice, me, Sarah, Gretta, and Lisa to guard us from behind. The other three companions flew around us to protect, watch, and warn. The starting stone was firmly on the ground. The first step after that was a bit of a stretch, Anna and Sarah had to nearly jump from visible ground to invisible bridge. Trust was the only thing that assured them they were hopping the right way. Slowly and  cautiously, Set led us across. Callie reported no weaknesses. Save for Set and I, we shuffled over the invisible stones, uncertain of where to place their feet. I mentally and verbally encouraged my sisters, letting them know they were safe. Some of them had their eyes closed to avoid the disorientation of the water moving under their feet with "nothing" under them. A few minutes later, we hopped onto the other stone and solid ground. My sisters were panting as they had held their breath most of the trip across. Lisa took up a handful of sand from the shore and tossed it onto the bridge, which lay wetly on the invisible stones we had just crossed. Gretta asked if we could send a message to Snathdubh to let them know this area was free of spirits and undead. We thought that was a good idea. We penned a letter to the Magistrate, explaining what had happened. Visualizing his desk, I sent it through kirlan to lay upon his desk. Hopefully, he would not be frightened by its arrival. We found the Treant's path again and continued south.

We were out of sight of both castle and bridge when we took a break to rest and eat. Dawn's influence had ended and no animals stirred around us. The forest was nearly silent, save for wet snow sliding off branches. Our maps indicated a small village not far from our location. Rested, we continued on. Dawn took up her scouting while Set did some scouting of his own. Now that we knew what to look for, he began looking for anything invisible or spectral. The rest of us kept an eye out for anything misty or the pendants glowing.

The evening sun was making the forest dark when we arrived at the small village we had hoped to encounter. Just like Snathdubh, Coille (CO-lee) was a non-permanent town. It had no "wall" but there was a metal fence that looked like it could be folded if needed. We walked up to a gate of sorts, manned by two young male leprechauns. They looked at us, trying to decide if we were real or spirit. Gretta greeted them and introduced us all in fluent leprechaun. This eased their minds and they allowed us to enter. Here, unlike Snathdubh, only the leprechaun language was spoken. This made Gretta our speaker as we looked for any place to spend the night. Finally, we found a man who would let us use his shop, provided we cleaned it and didn't let our "beasts" destroy anything. We gladly accepted his terms. Bo's whirlwind easily picked up the loose dust, sawdust, shavings, and other debris. He sent it out the door or placed it near a pile of cut logs. Set's ice provided the water needed to clean work benches, tables, chairs, and all the other surfaces. Dawn and Set used fire to burn rust off of saw blades and other metal items. 

Through Anna and Alice, we learned how this shop had deteriorated to such a sorry state. The man was a master carpenter and lumberjack. His apprentices use to keep the place tidy. Unfortunately, all of them had been taken by the spirits of the area, never to be seen again. Unwilling to "feed" the spirits any more, the man stopped taking apprentices. Forsaking his shop, he maintained only a small workbench in his home and used only wood he could gather in sight of Coille. We felt his sadness, even though he refused to show any emotion. By full dark, the shop was ready to be used again. We laid our mats out and stoked the fire. The carpenter, Sean, came running into the building, chattering at full speed. He looked around, very confused. Gretta told us he had been listening, even though he did not understand what we said. When we had grown quiet, he panicked, afraid something had gotten into town and taken us. Gretta calmed him, letting him know we were just settling down to sleep. This confused him. He looked around the shop, utterly amazed that we were finished. He could not find a speck of dust, dirt, nor crumb. With a puzzled look, Sean left in silence.

We did not follow him. We laid our mats in a large empty area next to the fireplace where we had a fire going. Our companions piled upon the front stones. Set encircled Dawn and Bo as they curled up in front of the fire. Echo found an edge to hang from that was close enough to stay warm.

Day 321 (299)

Day 321 (299):

Sim knocking on the door woke us. Eanraig was balled up on his half of Anna's mat, snoring still, as we rose and let Sim inside. He was cheery and eager to see the results his instruments had recorded. We decided to let Eanraig sleep and followed Sim to the turret. 

A wizard's glass in the heart of the device swirled as Sim removed it from its cradle. We went with him to the crowded area we had walked through upon entering this building. On a crowded work table, he laid the glass in another cradle.

"Let us see what my device collected," he said excitedly.

We gathered around as Sim moved his hands over the surface of the glass. He backed away.

We saw ourselves walking away just before sunset, very fast. Sim explained the increased speed let him see a whole night in less than an hour. The sun dropped and the moon shot across the sky. Fog-like images floated in the nearly pitch-black forest. Sim moved his hand as if turning a knob. The images shifted to show the rest of the surrounding forest. Far off, we saw a large area of the fog-like images. Sim looked closely. He sat back, rather disappointed.

"That is just the battle field. Nothing of note," he told us.

"Which way is the governor's palace?" Gretta asked, trying to encourage Sim.

"South," he said and turned his hand again.

At the furthest edge, another area of images shown. This one perked him up.

"That place is over a hundred miles away. To even be seen this far indicates lots of activity. Let's focus there," he said and touched the glass at that spot.

The images were fuzzy and a bit distorted, but we could see individual spirits around a central location. Sim stared hard at the place. 

"That is not the governor's palace. That is the companion to this castle. Two human brothers, twins, who could not stand each other built nearly identical castles fifty miles apart. Even by horse, that is a goodly distance. Unfortunately, the brother in this castle chose bad ground. At first, the sinking went unnoticed. Then, when noticed, became a game, rolling balls and such. At a five-degree pitch, it became a nuisance and slanted furniture was built to compensate. They continued such until the thirty-degree pitch made walking nearly impossible except at the corners with one foot on the wall. When the front gate cracked, that half, now at a forty-five-degree pitch, was abandoned. Upon this twin's death, the place was completely deserted, staff went to the other twin's castle. They all lived fine and well for almost two generations, until the storm sent a wall of water up the river where that castle stood, washing away the bank and placing that castle in the middle of the river. Humans still site those instances as reason to not live here. Pity. If the poor fellow here had moved his planing one hundred yards east, and his brother five hundred yards south, both could be standing proudly to this day."

"How much of the castle is out of the water?" Lisa asked.

"Most of the second floor and all of the rest above. During droughts, some of the first floor is visible," Sim replied.

"Good hiding place," Lisa remarked, "Only fish, aquatics, or something that doesn't breathe could to the first floor or below if it's underneath the castle."

"Yes, that makes sense. Only someone very powerful or very foolish could attempt to get his device from such a place. Dear girls, such may be beyond even you."

"Planning," Anna stated, "much planning is needed. We will not throw ourselves head-long into this endeavor."

Sim sighed in relief, "Good, thought before action. Glad to see you have brains as well as brawn. Fortunately, I still have this castle's floor plans. The two structures, building wise, are identical. The main differences are orientation and decoration. This castle's twin was an early bird, orienting the front to the east, lots of windows, and using light colors. That castle's twin loved the dark, all kinds, very few windows, western orientation, and dark colors. These places were known as Castle Day and Castle Night. A closer look would let us know of any changes between the two."

We all set about planning. In short order, we decided Dawn would fly Echo over there, staying close as Echo scouted the interior, and we would watch from here. We felt Dawn's energy would attract too much attention even though she was the fastest flyer. Echo's abilities to both be invisible and see in the dark made her the best scout for a place that was, probably, not lit or lit well. Set and Bo understood that the two females were best suited for this task. We went about linking a pair of mirrors, one each, to them to watch and guide.

Dawn clutched Echo gently around the wings and they took off. As Dawn flew much faster than Echo, all of us but the leprechauns, Eanraig had woken by this time, could hear Echo screaming about going too fast and "flying crazy". The fifty miles raced by. Soon, Castle Night was spotted. As Sim had said, it stood just north of dead center in the wide rolling river. Dawn circled it, both of them searching for a way inside. A narrow glass-less window was found and Echo went to it. Dawn rose to circle high above. Echo easily slipped into the window space and entered the dark castle. Switching to her night vision, the inside took on a strange, dream-like quality. No colors were visible, everything in shades of gray. At her slow pace, we were able to accurately compare Castle Night to the floor plan of Castle Day. Just like Sim said, the two were nearly identical. From the highest levels to the second floor, Echo searched. Through her, we saw spirits of various types, from fully formed to only wisps like smoke. Some solid entities were also spied. Although she could not view auras, she did explain odd smells or lack of body heat. 

The second floor had algae and other signs it spent a lot of time flooded. She found stairs to the ground floor. There was just enough room for her to fly between the vaulted ceiling and the slow moving water that nearly filled the level. Echo's vision penetrated the dark water. While nothing other than rotting furniture was visible on the floor, she did spot a stairwell leading further down. We marked its location on our plans. Echo returned to the upper levels to find her way out. She wiggled out of a break in the wall. Tired, she called to Dawn to retrieve her. Dawn swooped down as Echo distanced herself from the wall. 

Suddenly, Echo went backwards with a jerk. She screamed that something had her by the foot. She struggled to go forward, but between her fatigue and its strength, she kept going backward. Dawn let out an ear-piercing screech that shook Echo's captor enough for her to get away. As Dawn descended, she started glowing. Her light, from Echo's view, pierced the crumbling building. Small rays emerged on the other side, making the water sparkle. Something like smoke rose from the stone. While difficult to see in daylight and Dawn's phoenix light, we caught faces, arms, hands, legs, and clothing, which told us this was a hoard of spirits, not smoke. We did not know if she was driving them out or they were attempting to attack her. Dawn snagged Echo, screeched once more, and took off as fast as she could. Echo watched behind them and saw they were not pursued. 

We severed the link as they flew into Sim's window. Echo went straight to Callie, shaking so hard Callie could barely hold her. We praised them both for such a good job and getting out safely. Sim just stared in silence. Eanraig was trying to speak, but could not form a coherent thought. 

Finally, Eanraig blurted, "What the hell was that?"

This seemed to snap Sim out of his trance, "Spirit storm, very rare, like a mass exorcism. The purity of phoenix light, being a living element, must have broken the bands of darkness that was keeping many from passing over. From what I could see, they looked like staff people, most likely killed by the storm that placed the castle in the river. The governor must have used the resident spirits as guards."

"This castle does not have a sub-level," Lisa noticed.

"Not possible here. The area that is stable is pure marble. The part that isn't crumbled and collapsed when trying to dig such a thing. No, a sub-level here just could not be done," Sim explained.

We could see the problems that could prevent that type of construction. 

"What now?" Eanraig asked, "You've not even sure it is there."

"True, but we still have options," I told him, "Set, it is your turn. Through you, I can see the layers of energy. The lich's device should be the most energetic of all."

"Dawn should go back. Those people are not there by choice. If she can release them, we have an obligation to do so," Alice offered.

Dawn agreed, fluffing up to maximize her effect. I gave Set exact instructions to not try to enter the building, just to circle around it and look. We would be connected, so if anything dangerous appeared, I could help guide him. He understood and the two flew off to Castle Night. The others watched Dawn's actions through the mirror while I sat and viewed Set's activity.

To our combined sight, Castle Night was a swirling mass of energy. Set stayed back as Dawn went to the building and started glowing, growing bright quickly. Looking up, she let out a tone so pure that I nearly cried. Around her glowing form, a large fog rose from the building. Through Set, I saw faces and people with looks of relief, joy, and thankfulness. The number of souls was immense.  Finally, after many moments, the fog stopped. Dawn returned to normal and flew to a tree to rest. 

Set took off and circled the castle. With all those spirits gone, the building was much calmer. Although there were still bright points of energy, nothing indicated an item as powerful as the lich's device should be. Even at the waterline, no sign of such a thing. Set volunteered to swim and look underwater. We agreed and watched as he went underwater and circled the submerged floors. The door had rotted away, leaving a gaping maw for the entrance. The sub-level was sunk half-way in mud. Still, we saw no energy that could have been the device. Set swam around the building, right against the bottom of the river. Only tiny points of energy were visible. As Set surfaced, I asked him to bring a piece of the castle back to read it. Set struck an outcropping with his lightning, snapping off a good-sized chunk of the stone. Catching it before it hit the water, Set and Dawn flew back to us. Both were very tired. Set laid the stone upon Sim's work bench.

"What's this for?" Eanraig asked.

"We can get information about the castle from a piece of it. This will let us know if he has used this place for anything," Gretta told him. 

We gathered chairs to be more comfortable. Sim grabbed tools to record our findings. Touching the stone, we began receiving the castle's information. The governor was already a lich when the storm began to wash away the ground under Castle Night. He watched the castle slowly slide into the river. By his power, he imprisoned the people inside the castle to drown as the building sunk and the water filled the sub-level, ground level, and the next two stories. Those on the upper floors and roof were stranded. The lich's henchmen picked off any on the roof or in the small windows who tried to escape the rising water. Every person, even the lord of the castle, was slain and trapped, to forever inhabit the sunken structure. When no life was left inside and the building was firmly in the river, the lich magicked himself inside it. At random, he animated the corpses and commanded them to kill any living person who entered the castle. Even in the drowned levels, he made zombies. He toured the building top to bottom, including the sub-level. He went back outside, looked at the surround area, and set the condition that was the only way the spirits inside would be released.

"When Dawn's light shines through Castle Night, all souls shall be free. When light sings, all undead are undone."

Satisfied, he left.

We released the stone at looked at each other. Sim and Eanraig stared at us. Sim broke the silence.

"She fulfilled his conditions. He thought, with the castle in a valley, the sun would always be up several hours before shining on it. He messed up by saying 'dawn' instead of 'sunrise'. As a phoenix, she is part of the light, light that sings."

Eanraig looked fit to faint. The rest of us laughed. Once we recovered, we got Eanraig fit to go back to Snathdubh and report to the Magistrate what occurred at the castle. We sent him home in time to get there before sunset. After he left, we went with Sim to his recording device to see if we could increase its range and clarity. We each took a part to look through, to see if any were out of focus or broken. We ate as we worked, our companions hunting in the thick forest. They returned with fat rabbits, a squirrel, and a part of a fish. We did find a couple were in need of repair. Callie helped greatly in finding where the exact problems resided in each. As we reassembled it, Sim was pleased with how far they could see and had high hopes for tonight.

Near sunset, we looked towards the area Sim said was a battle field. Glowing shapes began to form as the sky darkened. 

"What battle was that?" Lisa asked Sim.

"Ancient, human, I think. It is contained, never goes beyond that area. Never bothered to investigate beyond making sure it stayed put. Do you think it is important?'

"Just curious. I'm still a soldier. Battles and such," Lisa explained.

Sim nodded and we went down to dinner and bed.

Days 319-320 (297-298)

Day 319 (297)
The day dawned gray and cold, the threat of storms hanging heavy over our heads. The leprechauns hoped we could reach Snathdubh before the storm hit. We did not run, but kept a brisk pace.
The clouds began teasing us, sprinkling us at irregular intervals. Dawn returned to us tooting. Snathdubh was not far ahead. We ran and saw the settlement in a sheltered vale. Every "building" was a tent or other non-permanent structures. Likewise, a "wall" surrounded the settlement was made of cloth and poles set in fresh holes. If it were permanent, I would place its population at one thousand easy, two thousand possibly, three thousand at most. Before us, however, we detected over five thousand people plus thousands of animals. We raced towards the "wall" as the skies opened up in an icy rain. A portion was pulled back to allow us to enter without stopping. A guard of sorts took us under a canopy.
"Welcome to Snathdubh. Anyone hurt, cursed, or otherwise afflicted?" he asked as he looked at all of us.
"Nay, good sir," Seoc answered, "These fine ladies are the Seven Sisters of the Swords and my wife Ceit. These beasts are their trusted companions and able guards. I am Seoc Buidsear."
"Seoc and Ceit Buidsear, traveling to and from Sgurrgorm for a wedding," the guard read from a ledger, "Good to see you arrived at both there and here safely. Seven Sisters of the Swords, plus companions, we were told to be on the lookout for you from Stahendring. Gorval will be pleased you arrived safely. Our magistrate will want to see you in the morning. Come, rooms are plenty, hospitality is open to you."
We bid Seoc and Ceit good-bye and followed the guard through the settlement on a covered path. Each tent bore a soaked flag or banner announcing it as a home or business. Some were split in two, telling its dual use as both. The guard took us to one who's name Gretta translated as "Blue-Eyed Ewe" and the home of the Gaothan family. Inside, warm and dry, others sat, drank, and ate. A mix of leprechauns and non-leprechauns sat at ease with each other. Our arrival was barely noticed. The guard presented us to an older leprechaun male, who looked at us indifferently.
"Calum Gaothan, these are the Sisters and their companions. Have you room?" the guard asked.
One could almost see Calum's mind working. With a curt nod, he replied, "Aye, got one big enough. Dem beasts housebroken?" he asked us, surly.
"Oh, yes," Gretta replied, "Well-mannered and educated."
Calum huffed and motioned for us to follow him. He led us down a "hallway" in this large tent-like building to a portion divided from the rest by more cloth. While there were no actual beds, ten places were prepared for resting. A small stove gave heat to this "room". Boxes lined one wall, which he told us were for storage. He handed us a list of what they served and left.
More tired than hungry, we all agreed on fruit and water for us and any scraps for our companions. Gretta, Anna, and I went to get it while the rest set up for sleep. Calum seemed pleased we did not make a fuss or ask for choice meat for our "beasts". He told us he would send our order to our "room".
Not long after we got back, two women and three men entered. The women carried the fruit and water while the men lugged a heavy barrel. We could see they were all Calum's kin, his children most likely. They informed us to leave the dishes and barrel outside the "door", a slit in the cloth, for them to retrieve. We thanked them as they left, which made them pause a moment before closing the "door". Our companions dug into the barrel, pulling out mainly sheep parts, and eating their fills. We nibbled at the fruit, trying to stay awake long enough to finish. Sleep won out and we transferred the uneaten fruit to one plate, gathered the other plates and cups, and placed them outside. I told Set to push the empty barrel next to the plates when they got done. With a full mouth, he acknowledged the instructions. We seven laid down on our mats, under the new blankets, and quickly fell asleep.

Day 320 (298)
Although there were no windows, the sun made the outer most wall brighter as it rose. The roof, likewise, lit up as the sun climbed.
Near the door, we found another list of what they served in the morning time, a pitcher of water, and a note from the magistrate that someone would be sent to bring us to him. We finished the fruit as we dressed and shared the water with everyone. We took the list and note to the common room along with some coin to pay for our stay.
The common room was only half-full and nearly all non-leprechauns. Calum was at his previous place by shelves of bottles. There was no "bar", just a table where he mixed and poured drinks. Gretta handed him two gold coins, one for the lodging and one for the food. Calum seemed surprised and pleased. Alice told us they all assumed, as "celebrities", we would not pay for anything and demand the best of everything. Our payment improved Calum's disposition, which was passed to his children, who actually smiled and were friendly.
We seven did not eat much beyond the fruit, but our companions cleaned out another barrel of scraps. Tormod, Calum's eldest, commented on how much money and work our companions were saving them by cleaning out the barrels. As a movable city, there was no place for garbage and all things not consumed were burned and the ashes buried. Everyone paid for this service by weight. With Set and the rest eating what would otherwise be thrown away, they did not have to pay for its removal.
The magistrate's man arrived to find us as the only occupants of the common room. I watched his emotions as they were sorted out. He was slightly afraid of us, in awe of us, and excited to be chosen for this duty. Nervously, he approached.
"Seven Sitters, I mean Sisters, I am Eanraig (Henry) Bileagcaol, asset, I mean assistant, to our Lord Magistrate. He requests your presence at his office. Follow me, please."
We rose to follow Eanraig. Tormod called that our room would only be cleaned while we were out and none of our property would be disturbed. We waved and thanked him as we stepped out into a cold bright day.
Eanraig cast nervous glances, making sure we were still with him. The magistrate's office was not far, but it was one of the more solid structures in Snathdubh. Wooden walls and a true door marked it apart from its cloth neighbors. At the corners, we saw where it could be taken down rapidly, should the need arise. Eanraig opened the door for us, still very nervous. For a leprechaun city, it seemed build to easily accept other races as this door was almost six feet in height.
Inside, behind a massive desk, an older male leprechaun sat, a very serious looking man dressed very somberly. A female stood next to him, also somberly dressed and serious. Seven chairs awaited us before the large desk. Eanraig did not enter, but closed the door and stood guard outside.
"Sisters," came an amazingly deep voice from the Magistrate, "please sit. We've much to discuss."
We sat and our companions positioned themselves on or near us. The Magistrate gave us hard looks before he spoke again.
"What do you know of the situation?" he quizzed.
Gretta began telling him what Seoc Buidsear had told us. Not smiling, he nodded, pleased we had some inkling of the problem.
"Have you formed any ideas as to why this is happening?" he asked with only a slight indication he didn't expect any.
"We have one," Gretta replied.
Outwardly unchanged, I saw the surprise in his glow. He motioned for us to tell him and for the woman beside him to write it down.
"Approximately the same time the forgotten palace was seen with lights and movement, the Baaloc leader and the demons he served were killed. We think, if this 'governor' was of high rank, some of the power back lash re-animated his corpse and set him to regain their 'lost' territory. As undead, other undead would be his primary source of soldiers and agents," Gretta explained.
The two leprechauns exchanged looks. While they found it hard to believe, they did see the plausibility in our theory. The woman finished writing before the Magistrate spoke.
"Based on what you were told, that makes sense. The survivors you were told about were not the only ones. Others have returned. The 'governor' did not die. When he saw Maalicus was not aging, he sought ways to extend his own life. He abandoned any attempts to rule this area and, with his men, sealed themselves for the sole purpose of prolonging their lives. They kidnapped wizards and tortured them for the process. Some they killed. Those that survived reported they demanded the procedure to create a lich, a being that never dies and retains its powers in undeath. We have kept a tab on their place and activities. Of the two dozen that started, barely five remain, including the 'governor'. He is a lich, actually calls himself a lich king. The other four, well, reports are conflicted as to exactly what they are, but they serve him without question."
"Magistrate," Gretta interrupted, "why is he targeting leprechauns? What do you have he or they could possibly want? Is it something to do with 'the Hoard' we were told about?"
The leprechauns exchanged panicked looks before they schooled their expressions back to seriousness. The Magistrate gave us a hard look.
"Who told you about that?"
"The Faerie Queen," we answered in unison.
Pure shock. Even Eanraig entered to make sure he had heard right. The looks on the other two confirmed it and he gently shut the door. The Magistrate regained his voice.
"The... the Hoard is a collection of treasure. The 'pot of gold' that humans claim all leprechauns carry is only partly true. Many centuries ago, when our population was smaller, we did carry our individual pots. However, when our population grew, there was not enough for everyone to have a proper pot. We decided to collect it all together and let a select number have a pot to continue the tradition. While gold is the only item in the pots, the Hoard has many other precious items. Including what he is after, gems of high quality. Our reports indicate he aims to increase his powers and become a demilich. For that, he needs high quality gems to make soul gems, prisons for trapped souls for him to feed upon. Since the dwarf cities are too difficult to find and quality gems nigh impossible to remove without a fight, he is hoping to scare us into 'paying' him to leave us alone with the gems he seeks. What is hampering him is the fact very few of us know where it is or how to get there. All of his tactics are only fueling the desire to stop him."
We absorbed the information. Apparently, it was only a coincidence that this lich upped his activities at the same time Maalicus and Tharinzar were killed. Still, this was serious and he had to be stopped.
"Sir," Sarah began, "we know very little about liches and ghosts. Is there an expert here, one who could teach us so we can help?"
The pair let out a relieved sigh. The Magistrate called for Eanraig, who nearly fell through the doorway.
"Take these ladies to Sim Darach. They should learn from the best."
Eanraig bowed crisply. We rose, thanked the Magistrate for his time and information, and followed Eanraig out the door.
"You might want to retrieve your things from the inn. Sim Darach's place is a couple hours away and he may want you to stay a while."
We saw the logic in that and we all headed back to the Blue-Eyed Ewe. As we walked, we saw all the signs were in the leprechaun language, none in the language common to this continent. Even the names of the people were not translated. We asked about it.
"Our leaders made the decision not to translate anything. They chose not to 'cater to idiots' who refuse to learn other languages and demand other races know their language. This makes some avoid doing business with us, but we find others who will and don't lose out."
We, also, asked about the "over-sized" buildings that are way too big for leprechauns. He laughed.
"That is on purpose. It makes everything interchangeable. A tavern wall can replace a private dwelling's wall or a government building's wall. Plus, expansion or reduction is simpler if everything is uniform. The Magistrate's desk and building actually can be reassembled as a wagon to carry important items and documents securely. Besides, the height traps more heat for winter so we don't have to burn a lot of wood."
We found Tormod and explained our change of plans. He yelled to his family as we went to retrieve our gear. Some of his sisters met us there and asked if we needed help. Politely, we declined, but gave them another gold coin for holding our things. As we assembled, they banked the fire to a very low flame and removed some of the wood. We left shortly after they had. Eanraig smiled when we reappeared.
"Expert travelers, I see. Any bills?"
"Nay, lad ," answered Calum, "all paid up plus. Fine lasses these. Ladies, a treat and a pleasure," he actually bowed to us.
"Bha e math tachairt ruibh," Gretta told him.
Calum smiled broadly, placing his hand over his heart. Gretta told us the leprechaun for farewell. As we left, we called, "Mar sin leibh" to all his children. Some of them teared up.
Eanraig was pleased as he led us out of Snathdubh and into the wilds around it. We passed herds of black sheep as we made our way down a well-worn path. The woods protected us from the coldest of the winds and made the trip more pleasant. Eanraig told us that Sim Darach was a wizard who, due to the area, specialized in ghosts, spirits, and undead. Not an actual necromancer, he studied them to protect his people. He lived in one of the few permanent structures beyond the fishing villages. Eanraig explained that this area was riddled with "soft spots" that made permanent structures beyond a few houses or a medium-sized castle unstable and dangerous.
Towards afternoon, Sarah and I stopped in our tracks. A feeling like a punch to the gut caused us to double over, trying to catch our breaths. Our other sisters and companions turned to us as we gasped.
"What's wrong? What is it?" some asked.
Before we could form an answer, all seven of our pendants began to glow. Eanraig's eyes widened at the sight. Gretta turned to him and told him about our pendants and the reason they would glow. This caused him to look around wildly for who or what had caused them to react. Once we could breathe, we began feeling for the source. Not far off the road, we found a place where Anna and Alice began receiving histories. Soon, we found the likely source, a tree with rotting ropes entangled in its branches and deep grooves that told of other ropes long gone. The pendants were tiny suns, glowing bright in the shade of the woods. Set sniffed around and announced bones and "parts" under the tree. The gut-wrenching feeling seemed focused on this tree.
"Now what? Do we call or something?" Sarah asked between pain-clenched teeth.
"Away! Away with you! Torture me no more!" echoed a pleading voice from somewhere nearby.
Eanraig jumped and began looking for a place to hide from the voice and its owner. I tried to keep my pain out of my voice.
"We have not tortured you. Show yourself so we may speak to you."
From the trunk of the tree, a human male slid out. He and his clothes were as pale as moonlight. A spectral rope dangled from his neck.
"Speak to me? Why? What game do you play?" he asked angrily.
"No game. We only wish to understand your situation. What binds you to this tree? What keeps you here?" I asked to calm him.
"I will not play nor answer your questions. Leave me before I harm you!"
"His name is Jamas Dueloc, a simple farmer. He was hung for murder and treason," Alice told us all.
"Lies! I killed no one! It is not treason to argue with liars and thieves. They claimed they were our new lords and began taking my crops to stuff their faces. I fought. They knocked me out. Next thing I know, I have a noose around my neck and begin pronounced guilty of crimes I did not commit. I tried to pray for deliverance, but was hung before I could finish."
"Which is why you are still here," Sarah explained, "It is not unheard of to find souls trapped when they were unjustly punished or not properly buried. The Abbot of the monastery near my convent told me of these occurrences."
"If we finished his prayer and/or declared his innocence, he could leave?" Lisa asked.
"It might work. Can't hurt to try," Anna commented.
"By whose authority can we pronounce him innocent?" Eanraig asked, "None of us have titles or ranks here."
Pushing past Jamas' pain, I felt for any presence. We found each other and I smiled. The rest gave me questioning looks.
"There is an authority here who has been listening. Elder, please join us," I requested.
Cracks and snaps preceded the arrival of a large Treant, who bent to avoid damaging the non-sentient trees. Even Jamas looked shocked.
"I am the guardian of this area. By my authority, I proclaim the human known as Jamas Dueloc innocent of the charges for which he was unjustly hung."
Sarah stepped towards Jamas and gave him his death rights. He started to glow and happiness shone on his face. As he and his voice faded, we could hear him calling to long-dead family that he was joining them, weeping happy tears. Just before he faded completely, he silently thanked us. Then, he was gone as was the pain.
"One less spirit heals my ward. Besides, his presence was damaging one of my trees. With him gone, I can do this."
Speaking in his wind-like language, the Treant dissolved the remaining ropes, filled in the grooves, and made the sickly tree strong again. We returned to the road as he went back to the deep forest. Eanraig was still shaky and nervous, jumping at every sound.
Evening found us looking upon Sim Darach's home, one tower and part of a ruined castle. Except for his corner, the rest tilted into the softer and weaker ground it had been unwisely built upon. The opposite corner was nearly invisible under vines, branches, and mushy earth. What had been the main gate was where it cracked, splitting as part of it sank. Eanraig guided us to a secondary door that was now the entrance to Sim's home. It was partially open, but we knocked anyway. From above us, a male voice called down to us.
"Enter, enter, young ones. Just setting up for tonight. Come on up," an older leprechaun male told us over the edge of the turret.
We walked into what looked like an apothacary shop, antique store, forge, and laboratory crammed together. We threaded our way to the steps that led us up to the roof. Up there, the male, Sim we guessed, was setting up an odd collection of telescopes, spy glasses, mirrors, and lenses.
"Welcome, all, I am Sim Darach. This is my home, shop, and work place. What may I do for you?" he said as he continued to work.
"Sir, these are the Seven Sisters of the Swords and their companions. They wish to learn about spirits and the like," Eanraig told him in a shaking voice.
"Sisters?... Oh, yes! I have heard of you. Good job in Selvis, you did. Nasty bunch, those Baalocs. Well, as he probably told you, I am the resident expert on such things. Let me finish here and we'll discuss that subject. Boy, stay or go?"
"I... I shall stay the night. I could not get back before dark," Eanraig answered.
Sim nodded and continued his work. Alice, mentally, explained that the device saw and recorded the spirit activity at night for Sim to examine in the morning. He seemed to be stuck on one part, cursing it under his breath.
"Need any help?" all seven of us asked at once.
Startled, he turned to us, "Help? Oh, I suppose. My old hands are not as strong as they use to be. This seems stuck."
We saw the part he indicated. A spyglass was facing straight down. He said it needed to point out towards the surrounding forest. It was, indeed, stuck. Between us all, we managed to get it pointed correctly. Satisfied, we followed him across the parapet to another door and into another part of the stable section of the castle. We went to a parlor, furnished in more antique furniture, human or elf sized.
"Sit, please," Sim indicated as he got comfortable in "his" chair, "So, is this interest personal or professional?"
"I guess professional," Gretta answered, "We need to understand liches and the like to defeat the governor and his men."
"Ah ha, I see. Come to clean up our corner of the world, have you. Well, that is an involved subject. Food would make it more pleasant."
Sim clapped his hands twice. Before us, food and drink materialized. Eanraig seemed suspicious, but we got no indication it was anything but normal food. Our companions found nothing amiss and dove into their portions. Sim laughed at their eagerness. As we ate, Sim hinted that his information and instruction was usually paid for by those seeking it. However, he also spoke of not needing coins or money as he was almost completely self-sufficient. Getting the hint, we produced Set's scales, Dawn's feathers, and some of Bo's skin. Seeing what we had, Echo shook a few scales loose to add to our collection. Once gathered, Gretta handed the whole pile to Sim. He kept his face blank, but his emotions shown his pleasure. He snapped his fingers and a tray appeared. Sim transfered the pile to the tray and it floated away.
With that settled, Sim became much more open and willing to speak. He repeated some of the Magistrate's information but added some details.
"Becoming a lich is a very arduous process. First, a very expensive device that takes nearly two weeks to build must be constructed. This houses the lich's soul because, during the process, the body dies. The second part reanimates the body, but it becomes an evil looking thing, a walking corpse. As such, the lich is now immortal, untouched by time. Normal attacks cannot kill it. It will appear as if it has been destroyed, but it is an illusion, a trick. In a matter of days, it is back, just as powerful and just as dangerous. Only releasing its soul from the device can destroy it forever. However, they hide them well and guard it even better."
Eanraig looked near to fainting. We, however, were planning. The swords hummed, searching their vast memories for encounters with other such beings. Our companions, save for Set, seemed to understand. Set was lost. He whimpered, conveying his confusion. I promised to go over it with him later.
"These guards," Lisa began, "are, likewise, undead or similar?"
Sim tapped his nose, "Perceptive,  very perceptive, young lady. Undead, most undead, have no wills of their own, blindly following whomever or whatever has the power. Those undead that retain their wills: vampires, spectres, or other liches, stay around for a variety of reasons. My instruments on the roof may find a concentration of such beings. While we know he is at the 'palace', his device may not be."
We agreed to check his results in the morning with him. Sim got up. We followed him to the habitable section of his home. He found a barrack-like room, obviously unused for a long time. Bo swept through the room, pulling the dust in a whirlwind and sending it out a crack in the wall. Sim called in some wood as we cleaned up a small stove to warm the cold room. Eanraig tried to find another room, but we insisted he stay with us, since it was only for tonight and the room had space to spare and was already clean and warm. Sim bid us good-night and headed to his own room. The matresses were useless so we stacked them against the wall. We laid our mats in the bed frames. Anna and Eanraig, as the two smallest, worked out a way to share her mat so they would both be comfortable. Once laid out, they realized, due to the mat's size and their heights, they each only took up half and there was little chance of waking in an embarrassing position.
As we laid down, I tried to get Set to understand Sim's lesson. To his credit, Set tried to understand, but found the idea of walking dead and killing yourself in order to live forever to be concepts his young brain could not fathom. We decided to shelve the idea until morning and went to sleep.

Days 317-318 (295-296)

Day 317 (295)
It was dawn as we crossed out of the Faerie door. We consulted our maps, got our bearings, and headed to Snathdubh. The boots and cloaks were much appreciated each time the wind blew or we crunched through an ice-covered puddle. Dawn, Set, and Echo stayed airborne as much as they could while Bo huddled under Lisa's cloak, sending his displeasure at each gust of cold, wet wind. Outwardly, we remained silent. Inwardly, we shared all the impressions we sensed: where someone was hurt, a successful hunt, lovers meeting in secret, alliances formed and broken, plus hundreds of other small stories.
Around mid-day, we stopped in a shielded grove to rest and eat. Our fliers reported all the smells and sounds they could receive that was beyond our perceptions. We left a portion of our rations to the trees (or any inhabitants) as thanks for the hospitable rest area.
The path, which had been one-to two-people wide, opened up to a fairly well-traveled road wagon- or carriage-wide. Our path, it seemed, was the least used branch as the road fanned out in several directions. Snathdubh, according to the maps and sign, was about two days east of where we stood. Perhaps the weather kept travelers close to home or the problems here decreased travel. No one had been on this road for nearly a week. Fortunately, this better road made our journey easier and allowed Set to walk beside me. Echo rode on Callie, uneasy with the openness of the road, radiating feelings of exposure and vulnerability. Dawn kept up her scouting, reporting an empty road for miles in both directions.
Near sunset, we found a shack, perhaps a place travelers stay while on the road. Dusty and long unused, it was stocked with dry wood and kept the cold winds away. A fire was quickly started, which allowed us all to dry out and warm up. By its light, and Dawn's at times, we looked over the shack. No personal items were there nor any external evidence of who used it last. Only our perceptions gave us that information. It became obvious it was a traveler's trail shack, a place to stay out of the weather. By tradition, we found wood to replace what we burned, setting it apart to dry and cure. The swords bid us good-night as they settled near the doors and single window. With the mats and new blankets, the hard, cold floor was as soft, warm, and dry as any bed in any palace.

Day 318 (296)
With the window facing east, the sun woke us fairly early. We put out the dying fire after heating up a ration breakfast. We removed all trace of our presence before we began our cold journey once again.
Dawn took to the air to resume scouting. Echo hid under Callie's cloak, bad-mouthing the cold and bright sunshine. Lisa wore Bo, who also disliked the cold and let it be known. Set's high body heat and thick scales let him shrug off the cold and biting winds.
The sun, even near its zenith, seemed made of ice, providing no warmth to us nor where we walked. Ice hung like crystal fruit from almost every tree. Our foot falls sounded loud as we crunched over rocks, ice, and frozen dirt.
After mid-day, Dawn returned, frantic and stammering. She let us know someone ahead was in trouble. We sent our companions ahead, knowing they could reach whomever it was much faster than we could. Fortunately, the two people were not far and we joined our companions rather quickly. Set was between them and their attackers. We seven were stunned by what was attacking them: moths. Very large moths, as wide as a human's head, swarmed in a fluttering cloud, attempting to get around Set. Bo, Dawn, and Echo, who was barely bigger than a single moth, circled around and around the swarm, keeping them contained. Something felt odd about these insects. A palpable feeling of evil radiated from them.
Mentally, I called to our companions to keep back. The moment they were away, I froze the moths. They fell into a multicolored heap at Set's feet. He sniffed them and shook his head.
"They smell wrong. Like rotten blood or meat. I don't like them."
Sarah went to the two people to check for injuries. The rest of us inspected the moths. Echo, as our insect expert, told us moths did not like cold and would not be out in winter. She picked one out.
"These are not natural. No moths or butterflies have patterns that move. Even frozen, their marks move."
She held it up. We watched the brilliant color shift, forming monstrous faces and other horrid things. She flung it back on the pile. Sarah called us over. The pair were unconscious.
"This is so odd. I think those moths were biting these people. They are covered in tiny holes," she told us.
Alice and Anna confirmed the moths had not only bit them, but drank their blood. Had we not arrived, they would have been drained dry and, possibly, added two more spirits to this area.
We all supported Sarah as she healed the pair, both the physical wounds and mental trauma of the attack. The male of the pair roused first. As expected, he was frightened to be surrounded by seven armed girls, two dragons, a bird, and a snake. He looked around wildly until he saw his partner. He watched her wounds heal before his eyes. To his credit, he understood where the healing was coming from and calmed considerably.
"De'n t-ainm a tha ort?" he asked no one in particular.
"Sinn tha piuthar seachd an claidhnean," Gretta answered.
The man looked shocked. I could not tell if it was by what she said or how she said it. The woman moaning brought him out of his stupor.
"Sisters? The Sisters? Your deeds have reached even to this far land. Thank you for rescuing us. Are they dead?"
"No, only magically frozen. Do you think they should be killed?" Gretta asked, looking from him to the pile of moths and back.
"Yes!" he nearly shouted, "They are dangerous. Lives have been lost, man and beast, to these blood-thirsty things."
With a nod, the seven of us encircled the moths and pointed swords at the pile, "Killers be killed. Death to those that seek death," we intoned as one.
The moths seemed to dissolve, turning into a pile of dust. Bo summoned a breeze that scattered the dust, erasing all signs of them. The woman was coming around, being consoled by the man. We sheathed the swords before returning to the couple.
"Where to now, Sisters?" the man asked.
"Snathdubh," Gretta replied, "As the largest settlement, we thought it was the best place to start."
"What luck! That is our destination as well. We ran ourselves to near exhaustion to avoid such as they. We would be honored to travel with you. I am Seoc (Sock). This is Ceit (Kate). We are both of Snathdubh. We chanced a visit to Sgurrgorm for a wedding. We headed home before the others because her parents are elderly and need care. A week away beyond the travel time was out of the question."
Understanding the urgency, we helped them to their feet. The woman, Ceit, must have gotten the worst of it as she was unsteady. Set offered to let her ride on him until she felt stronger. Leery at first, Ceit gingerly mounted Set, who bore her small weight easily. Seoc regained his strength quickly and took the lead. Dawn's scouting did not hamper him nor drain his enthusiasm as he told us his and Ceit's lives together. By nightfall, he had told us everything from the first time they met, their courtship, marriage, and life up till now.
Around the campfire, we asked the couple about the troubles in the area. This caused both to fall silent. They exchanged panicked looks before Seoc, quietly, began.
"To any others, I would not speak of such things. For you, I shall. After the Baalocs landed on these shores, conquered the villages, and crossed the dwarf's mountains, they left a 'council' to 'govern' this area. Incompetent lot, they were. No sooner was the main body of Baalocs out of sight than all the 'conquered' people resumed their former lives. The 'governor' and his crew tried reconquering us, but they were laughed out of every settlement. He, this Governor, determined his lord had taken his powers and began hunting for new powers. They holed themselves up in the 'palace' and were not heard from nor seen again. At least, we thought so. Six months ago, roughly, travelers passing his forgotten 'palace' noticed lights and movement. Several groups went to investigate. Only two people have returned. Both had gone mad, spouting nonsense and gibberish. Others who heard their words began doing the same. Before it was stopped, over three hundred people had gone mad with them. Were it not for a deaf wizard, we would all be so addled. Since then, the dead and undead alike have gone from being a mere inconvenience to outright dangerous. Between them and this ghastly weather, winter travel is a life-threatening activity."
"Is it your belief this governor or his men still live and are mustering these being?" Gretta asked.
The couple shrugged, uncertain of what to believe. Quick calculations put the time of this reappearance near the time of Maalicus' death. Could some of his power have back-lashed to the body of his servant, giving life to a corpse? Could some of the demon's power be at work?
We settled in for sleep with the questions fluttering around our heads. Hopefully, in Snathdubh, we could find the answers.

Day 316 (294)((284)) and the Faerie Realm

Day 316 (294)((284)):

It was still Andros' home, but not the foyer where we usually arrive. It was a sitting room of sorts. Other than Vanity, I was surrounded by dwarfs, both male and female.They were smiling at us.

"Greetings, Kayla and Vanity. As you may have guessed, we are the High Fathers and Hedgi Jomfru," one male explained, "We wanted to speak to you. We would like to help our unique children to find each other. We are constructing an item that will speak mentally and let the receptive ones know they are not alone. Give it to your Lady of the House. She will use it properly."

"Nana is a good woman with a pure heart. She can be trusted with such a treasure. Her group is made of people she trusts, they will aid her in its use," I told them.

"Good, you confirmed our opinion. We shall have it for you just after dawn. By mid-day, you will able to go to the Faerie Realm."

Thanking them, we left Andros' home.

I awoke with Set's tail nearly pinning me on the bed. A light tickle caused him to move. My room had a window, originally meant for Set to fly in and out, not knowing about kirlan. The sky was getting lighter, but the sun was still below the lowland horizon. Feeling around, I found Nana already awake and at work.

"Nana, please meet me in the parlor. I have something to share with you," I mentally sent to her as I got dressed.

I was not surprised when I arrived and found her waiting. I was surprised to find her with some of her group. One of them stepped forward before I could ask.

"We apologize for intruding, but we heard your call to Gloria. We are just curious about what you wish to share"

I understood and asked everyone to be seated. I explained my encounter with the dwarf deities and that it was they who were providing the thing I wanted to share. Nana blushed when I told them they wanted her to be its bearer. The others thanked me for telling the deities that her group could be trusted.

During this conversation, I stopped speaking. I could feel something approach. In the parlor, a ball of light appeared in the middle of our assembly. The light floated around a bit, as if searching.

"Nana, hold out your hands," I instructed, "It is looking for you."

She held out her hands and the light came to rest on her palms. It faded, leaving a penny whistle of pure silver. Simple in construction, it was highly engraved and perfectly crafted. Nana started to protest, claiming no musical ability. I smiled and told her just to place it to her lips. Reluctantly, she did. Instructions poured not only into her mind, but mine and her group's as well. Nana laid the whistle in her lap, tears rolling down her face.

"Such a wonder. I do not deserve such. The gods have chosen a poor vessel to carry such grandeur,"  she whispered, choked up with emotion.

"They chose a woman of great character and of pure heart. You are not a poor vessel. For this task, you are perfect," I assured her.

She tried to hand it off to the others, but none would take it. Finally, I went and knelt before her, wrapping her hands around the whistle and caging them in mine. I pulled Faerie power into my voice to begin a sharing with her.

"Gloria Stormhammer, look into my eyes. Let me show you why you are the bearer of this instrument."

We locked eyes and I showed her dwarf after dwarf, adults and children, who, upon hearing the whistle, were freed from fear, confusion, and pain at being different. She saw happy faces thanking her for bringing them out of the lonely pit in which they felt trapped due to being "strange". Some thanked her for saving their lives as they were either suicidal or being abused for this ability.

The sharing was short, but it was enough. Nana clutched the whistle to her breasts. Her friends encased us in crushing hugs before excusing themselves. Nana went to find a box "fitting" for such an item. My sisters and our companions, including Set, were wide awake now. I informed them of Nana's gift and the wonders she and I saw it bring forth. We all headed to breakfast. Nana did not join us until we were nearly done. She was quiet, which was expected.

After breakfast, we went about packing. We heard the whistle's message even though we were too far away to hear the tune. Like our horn in Thantos, this spoke to the mind while the tune went to the ears. Unlike ours, only the receptive dwarfs could hear the message. The rest, if close by, would only hear the tune. Far away, the rest would hear nothing. It called to the receptive dwarfs, letting them know they were not alone, not freaks or unnatural or abominations, giving them comfort, and leading them to Nana and her group. Like fireflies on a moonless night, I felt pinpoints of hope, relief, joy, and gratitude.

 Leaving our packed belongings, we joined Nana, her group, Gorval, Lanara, and those being drawn by the whistle. Some were being followed by parents, spouses, children, and co-workers. Fortunately, very few were trying to stop the one being pulled. Many, especially parents, cried in joy at learning their "odd" child wasn't so odd and was spared from grueling purification and exorcism process. Gorval and Lanara smiled at us when they saw us. As they waved us over, they bumped each other's hand briefly. From that small touch, their auras changed, becoming similar up to the elbow. 

When we reached them, I asked them to step to the side with us. Slightly confused, they followed. Apart from the rest, with my sisters, I told them what I had seen when they touched. They looked at each other in shock. Excuses and reasons for them not to be together rattled around in their heads as they tried to voice them. To end their confusion, I grabbed their hands and pressed their palms together. Dumbstruck, they stared at each other as if seeing each other for the first time. Their auras changed rapidly, racing up their arms and engulfing their bodies within seconds. I released them, but they kept their hands together. Their shocked looks melted as they realized their true feelings for each other. 

We all returned to the growing group of dwarfs. Even though Nana had stopped playing, the message continued to pull the receptive dwarfs from the deep levels. Friends embraced in joy as they, finally, understood why they were drawn to each other. Nana and her group set about talking with them, letting them know they truly heard the message and those gathered were like them.

During a brief moment when she was not talking to the group, we told Nana we were leaving for the Faerie Realm. She hugged us, told us she would miss us, promised to continue this task and maintain Callie's home, and wished us a safe journey.

Gorval and Lanara followed us back in the house as we gathered our things. As we went to Callie's back door, we said good-bye to the staff and Kirklan. Callie promised him she would return after finding Gretta's and Sarah's families and getting everyone settled in their new homes. Kirklan joined Gorval and Lanara in seeing us to the Faerie door. I called for Talris. He appeared out the shining doorway, smiling.

"Greetings, Princess. The Faerie Queen has a luncheon waiting for you. She has business to discuss as well."

Waving and calling good-bye, we all crossed into the Faerie Realm.

Talris escorted us down the door-lined hallway to the dining room. Laid out was a feast. Special places and food were prepared for our four companions. We sat and ate at our leisure. Compared with the tension of our last visit, this was very peaceful.

Aloriana joined us as we were finishing. Other Faeries cleared the dishes. Once cleared, Aloriana began.
"Dear girls, I am pleased with all you have done. This world is blessed to have you and the Swords bringing long-lasting and much needed peace. Your deeds will benefit these lands for generations. I do have some sad news. Kayla and Callie, your parents are very worried about you. The letters you have sent trouble them. Callie, due to the unusual method of delivering them, your family refuses to open them and destroyed them as soon as they arrived. Kayla, without Callie's confirmations, your parents believe you have gone mad. They fear you are holed up somewhere, writing your 'delusions', and slowly going insane. They keep a vigil, hoping to catch your 'messenger' and ask about your health. Since, as we know, you are sending them through kirlan, this is a futile effort. On your behalf, I have asked your friends; Mattis, Kendar, Droland, and Mara to write or visit them to ease their minds. Also, Carmon has spoken to all of your families, applauding your deeds. These, too, they have dismissed, even attacking them for lying or even kidnapping you two. What else can we do to let them know the truth and the deeds you have done?"
Callie and I were very sad. I knew they could be hard-headed, but to deny all of these reports was beyond mere stubbornness. What was their reasoning? Did they find it impossible to believe us capable of these things? Did they still see us as their little girls and, therefore, incapable of any kind of achievements?
"Is there a Faerie door in Denar?" I asked.
"Not in the town, Daughter, but there is one a day or two to the south."
"That will not do, Mother. I guess kirlan is the best option. I can take Callie through kirlan while Set takes Echo. We will talk with them, explain the events we have witnessed, and hope they believe. If not, then we will bid them farewell and good life and return here. Should they believe, we may spend the night with them."
"A compromise, Daughter. Take the door that is closest to Denar then kirlan to the village. While I am certain you can reach there from here, I think you  need to mature a bit in your powers to control when you arrive. As the Faerie Realm is outside mortal time, you may appear too early or too late, possibly by years."
"Understood, Mother, I accept your compromise. Callie, are you willing to do this?"
Callie thought a moment before responding, "Yes, I am. Our parents should be told and allowed to accept or not accept as they are willing. But, it should be their informed choice."
Our other sisters agreed that our families should hear the truth from us without the distrust of being strangers.
Leaving our sisters, Callie, Set, Echo, and I followed Talris down the hallway of doors to one bearing the designation of being in the woods between Denar, Lorkan, and Bearser. Talris promised to stay near so, if there was trouble, he was there to be of aid. We thanked him, asked the door to take us there a few minutes after we left Stahendring, and passed through the shining door.
We knew these woods. We both remembered foraging in this area both for food and medicinal plants. Once we got a good feel of the place and Set marked a couple of trees and a large rock, I took Callie through kirlan to the central square of Denar.
Our arrival was announced by screaming. Some ran away. Some grabbed tools and confronted us. One of those approaching was one of Callie's brothers.
"Callie-girl? Is that you? What is going on? How did you appear out of nowhere? Who is this?" he asked as he tightened up on an ax, looking at me threateningly.
"It's me, Carl, Kayla, your neighbor," I told him flatly, looking up to meet his hard stare.
"Kayla? 'Callie's twin'? No, you are not Kayla," he moved closer to me, trying to be intimidating, "Tell me the truth, witch, who are you?"
"STOP!" shouted a male voice, "Carl, stop now!"
Callie's parents, some more siblings, and my parents came racing over to us. Our fathers stepped between Carl and us. Our mothers and some of Callie's sisters looked us over. We said nothing. Our marks were uncovered. Our mothers seized us in bone-crushing hugs. This calmed the others. After a few moments, they released us. My parents looked at me.
"It is true, what you wrote, about your eyes, hair, and height. Where... where is it?" they looked around nervously.
"He," I corrected, "is outside of town, waiting to make sure it is safe. Echo is with him. We wanted to keep them safe."
"Who is she talking about? Divine! You're talking about those beasts! Show them to us! We will free you from them," Callie's father threatened, punching his fist into his hand.
"We are partners!" Callie countered, "There is nothing to free us from! No one is a prisoner nor slave. How can you thing that?"
"Dragons, large or small, are demons!" came an unfamiliar voice.
A trio of old women tottered over. They were unknown to us. Their auras were clean, so they actually believed what they said. They moved between us and our families.
"We have read your letters, even the ones destroyed. We are truly concerned. Those people who came to tell us the 'wonders' you supposedly performed were, obviously, lying. Anyone who praises dragons cannot be trusted. Cast away these beasts, your foul swords, and those untrustworthy girls who claim to be your sisters."
Our families, friends, neighbors, and people who have known us all of our lives began echoing these three. We backed away, feeling threatened by those who should have made us feel the most safe. Several paces apart, Set and Echo appeared between us and them. Set growled, flames and sparks escaping between his lips. Echo flapped above him, copying Set. The crowd shrank back, fear coloring them all. The trio, the Trinity, began fishing in the clothing for something. We, swords included, laughed when they produced bottles of sparkling water. They were startled.
"Why do you laugh? Do you know the sacred water? Are your foul beasts and swords so powerful you do not fear its purity?"
"You've read our letters. We've told of several splashing events by many of those bottles. One more won't change anything," I challenged.
Of course, none of them believed me. We called Set and Echo to us and drew our swords. We invited them to proceed. The trio uncorked their bottles, began splashing us, and muttering odd words. With the bottles empty and their chant complete, they stepped back to inspect us. As we expected, other than getting wet, nothing happened. We did use the water to clean some dust off the swords and ourselves. Echo shook off the water and cheeped angrily at the crowd. Set, already warm from his flaming, had steam rising off of him into the cooler air. The crowd turned on the trio, asking why they failed and questioning its and their purity.
While they argued, Callie and I called a wind to dry us. We sheathed the swords.
"What do we do? I know we are not staying the night, but do we leave now or wait until they quit fighting?" Callie asked me mentally while watching almost the whole town shout at each other.
 "Let's give them a few moments," I suggested, "If they are still arguing by the time the sun is below Fist Hill, then we leave."
"Sounds like plenty of time," Callie agreed.
As they fought, we told Set and Echo which ones were our families and pointed out our houses. We kept track of the sun.  Vanity and Wrath recognized the mound of earth we called Fist Hill, telling us that, when they first saw it centuries ago, it was called Giant's Head. We could see how, way back then, it could have looked like a head.
The sun was sitting like a ring on the hill and they were still arguing. We were ignored and bored.
"Let's go," Callie stated, "This won't be resolved anytime soon."
"I agree, stubborn as dwarfs, arrogant as elves, and all too human. Bet it will be dark before they miss us."
Callie agreed. I focused on the marks Set left and took us back to the area near the Faerie door. Set and Echo were there a heart-beat later. Calling to Talris, he opened the door and we all crossed back into the Faerie Realm. He looked at us and silently escorted us back to the Faerie Queen and our sisters. Fortunately, with our sharing, we did not have to tell them how it went. They all consoled us and Aloriana showed us to rooms where we could rest. Callie and I wrote to our families one last time, letting them know it was up to them to re-establish communication. We also wrote to our friends to let them know not to go to Denar anymore unless necessary.
Set curled up with me almost human-like, his body against mine as we laid down to sleep. Vanity hummed a soft tune that eased my troubled mind into slumber.

Faerie Realm:
As there is no "day" and "night" in the Faerie Realm, hunger was my wake-up call. Set's hunger was also strong. As expected, food was brought in as soon as we got up. Some of my sisters were awake while others still slept. As we ate, Aloriana entered and saw I was still sad.
"Daughter, release them from your heart. I know they are your family and friends, but they are allowing others to think for them. I fear your home town is dying."
Thinking back, I remembered the lack of children and how many old people were there. Denar has never been large, but the population was stable, nearly one-to-one births to deaths. I opened to Fate and asked to see Denar is five years. I was shown a ghost town, devoid of all its people, wild and feral animals living in the remains of the houses, and only a cemetery to tell the tale. All of the elders lay there, plus some my parents' ages. Among those stones, I saw a double marker, bearing mine and Callie's names. They gave the date of our "death" as two days from our visit, most likely when they would receive our letters. Under our names was written, "Taken by Evil, Purity Lost". As the images faded, I got angry. Aloriana stared at me.
"They buried us!" I shouted in anger and pain, "Instead of trying to understand, they buried us as if dead. In five years, all the people are gone and the village abandoned."
"Abandoned?" Callie asked from the door, "Why? What could cause them to leave our home town?"
"I don't know, I only saw it empty, along with our grave markers. In a couple of days, they will declare us dead and bury us."
Tears fell down Callie's cheeks, hurt, anger, and sadness flowing out of her like it was out of me. Only once had anyone else been declared dead to our village and symbolically buried. He had been a troublemaker, thief, and a murderer. We had done nothing to deserve such. Callie let her emotions flow until nothing was left. I vented mine, causing the native animals to scatter. Aloriana patiently watched in silence.
Empty as we had never been before, we collapsed to sit upon the bed. Only then did Alorian speak.
"I know that was hard, but necessary. I have held on to your final letters, to make sure you truly were ready to part from them. Now that you have, they will be sent."
We numbly nodded. Our other sisters ran into the room, telling us the swords had informed them of my viewing. We all hugged without much talking, mental or verbal.
After a while, we all grew curious as to why the town was deserted. Going to a mirror, we asked to see why Denar was abandoned.
It was a few years from our last visit. All the elders were gone. No children played. No babes anywhere. The crops lay unharvested, rotting in the fields. The few people left looked haggard and sickly. The three old women, the Trinity, were bound and below nooses hanging from a large tree. Their robes were gone. Sores, open wounds, and boils covered their exposed skin. They shouted their innocence, claiming others had cursed them. They even blamed us and used Set's marks as evidence. No one believed them and they were hung as plague carriers. The remaining villagers pronounced Denar as cursed and took all that they could carry, leaving the women and village to rot.
Sarah looked at the hanging women, "I've seen that before. It is not a curse or disease that passes to others. Some women, trying to look younger, use a variety of things without understanding how they react together. My Mother Superior called it 'Whore Sores'. Those boils grow until they explode. Healing salves and potions make them worse. Each boil has to actually be poisoned. Belladonna and aconite are the only treatment. Washing the 'beauty' creams and stuff off lets the open sores heal. They must have 'treated' the townspeople as they got sicker, convincing them to not trust the food they grew nor the animals they raised. While hanging is harsh, they did bring it on themselves."
As the scene vanished, Callie remarked that neither of our families were among those left nor were any marked in the cemetery. We concluded that they left before this event. Briefly, we debated whether to warn them, but came to the agreement to let it be.
Shaking off the sadness, we all walked out of the room. We walked to the terrace that looked onto the Immortal Realm and stared at it a while. Echo, as the only one seeing it for the first time, had trouble understanding how all the deities lived in that "little mountain". It took a while to explain exactly where they resided.
Aloriana found us, looking a bit worried, "Girls, it was my hope you could ride out the rest of winter and visit the leprechauns and merfolk in spring. Alas, you cannot. The leprechauns have been dealing with a nuisance for a while. Ghosts, spirits, and similar entities are common because of ship wreaks, dangerous animals and plants, and territory disputes. Other than a fright, no harm has come from them. Lately, Talris has rescued a few leprechauns being actively pursued by such spirits plus undead. Each one has told the same tale: someone is mustering these beings into attacking leprechaun communities, demanding 'the Hoard', whatever that means. Their powers are falling short of any real relief. Others they have turned to are also at a loss. All I can do is let you skip the worst month of the storms and get you to the largest community."
 We looked at each other in shock. What possible reason could anyone have to organize undead and ghosts against leprechauns? There was nothing we could think of that leprechauns had that any of those beings could need or want. Gretta was especially hurt that family she had yet to meet was being actively abused. Aloriana asked us to follow her. She led us to an area that was part workshop and part laboratory. She got the attention of another female Faerie we recognized as Idona, the one who gave us the potion for Lord Carmon.
"Idona, our girls are in need. While Kayla can sense undead, the others cannot nor can any of them sense ghosts. Do you have anything to aid them?"
Idona listened intently to understand Aloriana's request. Once she understood, she began shouting to her assistants, who raced around the room, gathering supplies. What was, at first, chaotic mayhem quickly became very organised and orderly. Idona asked if we still had the charms we received to go through Brimgrove. All but a few of us had stowed them in our gear. It was a simple thing to call them to us. Once gathered, we gave them to Idona. She laid them out on the tables. Each assistant placed a drop of something in the hole of each stone. Drop by drop, they built up a pool inside each charm. Finished, the assistants stepped aside for Idona to inspect their work. Approving, she dropped what looked like a single grain of sand into each pool. Satisfied, Idona returned the pendants to us. Each now had a pale, nearly liquid, stone fully filling the hole in each stone. As she gave them back, Idona explained.
"Undead and spirits have aversion to the things that make up those stones: holy water, the special spring water, unicorn's tears, tears of an innocent child, a few other things, made solid by a grain of pure crystal. Any such being in a one hundred foot radius will cause them to glow. Will that be sufficient?"
We all agreed that it was good. While I could sense undead farther than one hundred feet, it would be enough warning against spirits. We thanked Idona and her assistants and put them on as we left.
Aloriana left us in the garden to determine the best Faerie door. The orphans had grown, the fliers zooming above the garden. We gave our companions leave to join them. The garden was still in full bloom with mammoth flowers and bushes engulfed in blossoms and fruit. The trees were also in full bloom and heavy with fruit. Bees, birds, and other small fliers flitted around the bounty. While walking around, we found the hive of the bees, natural hives, not the man-made boxes found in other places. We also found hornets and wasps, but they did not seem to mind us.
Set and the others found us, complaining of hunger. Right on cue, a female found us to guide us all to the dining room. Our companions did not wait for us to sit before launching into their portions. We laughed at their enthusiasm as we sat to enjoy our meals. We spoke of the garden and how much the orphans had grown. During our meal, we did discuss the situation with the leprechauns, trying to understand what purpose any undead, necromancers, or the like have bothering them.
Aloriana arrived as we were leaving. She told us a door near Snathdubh (snath-DU), the largest leprechaun settlement, had been found, but it was as least two or three days walk from there. We informed her that we didn't mind. She suggested sleeping here one more time so we would be fully rested to face what lay ahead. We saw the logic in that and decided to retire to our rooms. Set took a while to settle down, recounting all the orphans who flew with him and how much fun they had. Sleep snuck up on him and he started snoring in mid-sentence. Vanity and I laughed as we settled down to sleep.

We all woke and ate, steeling ourselves for the task before us. The Faeries brought our gear expertly packed. Over each, they laid fur-lined cloaks. They informed us they had added, rolled up in our mats, a deceptively thin blanket that was waterproof and very warm. They did request our shoes, saying that they had boots better suited to the cold and rough terrain. As ours were very worn, we did the exchange. The boots were very comfortable and fit well. Sarah was a bit shocked at how much her feet had grown since we met. We reminded her that, at fifteen to sixteen years old, growing feet was normal. They also gave us plenty of rations, in case the settlement was farther than anticipated or we had to set out a day to wait out a storm. We thanked them for everything as we strapped on our gear. Aloriana and Talris took us down the Hallway of Doors. The door we needed, like the one near Denar, explained where it was in relation to several places, including Snathdubh. Aloriana hugged us all and wished us a safe journey. With a wave from Talris, we walked through the shining doorway.