Day 336 (314)

Day 336 (314):

The swords woke us as the sky lightened but before the actual sunrise. We were dressed and ready when a polite knock sounded upon the door. Sarah opened the door to find a small frog-like male in fancy attire standing there.

"The Council of the Five Seas requests the audience of the Seven Sisters of the Swords and their companions," he said formally in a small voice.

"We accept the Council's request and ask their valet to lead us to them," Alice replied with the same formality.

The frog man clicked his heels, bowed, and asked us to follow him. 

Out of the outpost, we walked the streets of Arvocan, which were very quiet and empty. It seemed that this city did not rise with the sun, at least not on the outside. Being so far from land, the season was lacking its usual signs. No trees to show the approach of spring. No snow to remind all that winter still reigned. No hanging ice to show the coldness of the day. The people we saw did not seem to mind the lack of seasons. Some radiated happiness about it. Like I have been told, a place for everyone and for everyone a place.

We entered a squat building, only a couple of levels high. This one swam with so much emotion, my breath caught in my chest. The others, also, were swamped with impressions. Still, we followed the frog man. At a pair of doors, he asked us to wait. He went inside. We went through Sloth's mental exercise to clear all this clutter and focus on the task at hand. When he returned, we were prepared.

"The Council of the Five Seas will meet you now," he said as he opened both doors.

We entered a large chamber, filled with many types of aquatic people. In the center, five people in very ornate clothing sat at a large desk on a raised platform. In front and below them, seven plain chairs were lined up, facing them. We proceeded to the chairs but did not sit, standing behind the chairs.

"Seven Sisters of the Swords," the center, a male, boomed and echoed, "This Council has heard many wild stories of your activities during this passing year. We wish to verify or refute these tales. Is this acceptable to you?"

We walked around the chairs and sat, "Yes, sir, it is acceptable," we all answered as one.

Nothing was said, but hundreds of quills wrote furiously. The five before us did nothing. Once it was quiet again, the center spoke again.

"We accept your bloodlines, all but one. We find it very difficult to believe that Faeries breed with mortal kind. Who is this Faerie-blood?"

"I am, sir," I replied and stood.

The five spoke low as the rest of the chamber wrote again. The center waved for silence.

"And who has verified your kinship?"

"The Faerie Queen, Brimagor, Fate, Nature, the World Builder, and other gods."

Total silence. The people in the chamber were as still as a painting. Their emotions, however, were spinning rapidly. Finally, the female at the far right end of the table spoke.

"Declaring divine verification is a dangerous claim. What proof do you have of such?"

I stepped forward to show them my riding set when a soft voice in my mind said, "Stop, child. I will handle them."

I stopped and sat back down. Everyone looked at me oddly, even my sisters. Through one of the high windows, water rushed in as a concentrated flow. It swirled between me and the five. It formed a large female form similar to Scotvla. The Council gasped. Her voice, while soft, filled the chamber as she spoke.

"I see you recognize me. I am pleased. Sisters and friends, I am Ocean, the Mother Water. Scotvla and Danaska are my daughter and granddaughter. From me, all water comes and, eventually, returns. I verify that Kayla, rider of Emperor Sarroset, is of Faerie blood and heir to the Faerie Queen. The god Brimagor forged her riding set. Fate has her as a cleric and seer. She and Callie had fortuitous births. Your parents probably did not note the stars, but you two were born under the Twin Stars as they crossed the Great Dragon. Tell this to Aloriana, she will understand the significance."

Ocean turned back into a flow of water and went back out the window. The Council was silent but writing as fast as they could. The five at the table stared at us. I sat down. The assembly finished writing and looked at the five. The female on the end slowly found her voice.

"Now that is settled. We, obviously, do not have to ask about the truth of reports that you talk with gods. Like most cities, the dwarfs sent us Sarroset's report. Surely even an emperor, at such a young age, is not capable of such they have reported. We would like to retest him, to prove he can do such wondrous things."

Set moved closer to me and whined. I understood his fear. Neither of us wanted a repeat of that incident. We explained the problem we had with the dwarfs' testing. Gasps preceded another round of mass writing. The five promised nothing like that would happen here. They whispered to each other, deciding on their next question or request. They were unsure how to phrase it, to avoid upsetting us. We looked at each other, wondering what they wanted to ask. After a few moments, the center male spoke.

"The reports of your vision sharing are ... difficult to believe. We do not expect you to perform such a feat. However, our seer wanted to meet you to verify such. Rheana, please come forward."

A woman similar to Aoushlunia, when she had legs, walked out of the assembly. Her hair was brown, but had hints of green. It fell around her face and over her shoulders like damp seaweed. Her skin was pale with a light green cast. Deep blue eyes looked critically at us, me specifically. I rose to face her. When she looked into my purple eyes, she froze. Between us, a mass of impressions passed lightning fast. We both blinked furiously once the exchange ended. 

"Well, Rheana, what say you?" another male of the five asked.

"Council of the Five Seas, I declare Kayla of Denar to be a true seer, blessed by Fate's hand, an unbiased observer of the flow of Time."

Writing was the only sound following her announcement. The five huddled again. Rheana stood near us.

"Beg pardon," Sarah mentally addressed her, "are you merfolk? You look like Aoushlunia, my great-grandmother."

"I know the Matriarch of River Mouth. I am not merfolk. I am what is called a Nereid. It is like a dryad, but of the water instead of the trees."

We thanked her for explaining. The five separated. The center male spoke.

"That is all for now. We will let you know when the examination of Sarroset is ready."

The frog man returned and escorted us back to the outpost. Sarkin met us at the door and dismissed the valet. He smiled at us.

"Council didn't treat you too roughly, I hope. They are not known for being gentle. You can tell me over breakfast. My commander wants to meet you. He wants 'outside opinions' for a problem we are having at the reef."

We went to the eating area. The food laid out was different than lunch or dinner. Also, the crowd was much smaller than other times of the day. We had our choice of tables. As we ate, the chef came over to us.

"Beg pardon, m'ladies, but I have a problem. Tonight's main dish is being ... difficult. Does this young one have lightning skills?"

"Yes, sir, it is just beginning, but he has such," I told him.

The chef sighed in relief, "Oh, good. This one is highly vulnerable to electric attacks. May I borrow him?"

Set looked confused, "What does he want from me? Am I going to be hurt?"

Aloud, so the others understood, I told him, "This one cooks. The animal they caught for dinner won't die. He cannot make lightning, which kills it. He is asking if you would zap it so he can cook it."

Set's thick tail slapped the stone floor. To the cook, he said out loud, "I zap. Get bite?"

We all laughed. The chef assured Set he would get a piece. Echo also volunteered to help. They disappeared into the kitchen. We heard a strange noise followed by a loud thud. Set and Echo returned with hunks of meat hanging from their mouths. They were very pleased with themselves. We sat and ate sociably, talking about small things. 

The woman who had brought Aoushlunia entered with a male in a formal uniform. Sarkin stood at attention. They saluted each other and the pair joined us. The commander was grim, like he carried the world on his shoulders.

"Ladies, I know a lot has been asked of you. If we could take care of this ourselves, I wouldn't bother you. Our enemies were dwindling. Only one city in a thousand leagues. Maybe ten thousand inhabitants. A reef that nearly rises out of the water lies between us and them. Yet, somehow, in spite of guards, barriers, and wards, they are terrorizing the fishing fleets and villages. Every morning, we receive more reports of death and destruction. For many years, they were of no concern. An enemy of theirs from the deeper waters kept them busy and diminished their numbers. We do not know what has changed. Also, they are much stronger than previously reported. All of our resources are at your service."

We quickly spoke mentally to decide what we needed. Coming to a decision, we told the Commander. Lisa ticked them off.

"Any item or person in recent contact with them would be helpful. Viewing your defenses would also help. This could lead us in the right direction."

Sarkin, Corina, the woman, and Commander Eelly (EE-lee) lit up, hope shining from all three. We began planning. Alice, Anna, and I would go with Sarkin to talk with attack survivors and look over items left behind. The rest would go with Corina and Eelly to the coral barrier to check for weaknesses. The aquatics were pleased that we were not only willing to help but had a working plan. We all finished eating, and split up.

Sarkin led us to a training room, filled with weapons of all kinds. He told us to wait as he assembled the survivors. Set was a bit nervous being surrounded by so many sharp items. To settle him, we examined several of them. None we looked at had drawn even a drop of blood. Over half had not been touched since the weapon smith made and placed them. Spider webs also spoke of their lack of use. This eased his young mind. 

While we continued to look around, Sarkin led several other aquatics into the room. The three of us felt the results of their encounter with their enemy. We were glad Sarah and Lisa were not here. Sarah would have cried and Lisa would have started swearing. Sarkin lined them up in front of us. He told them our plan. The others looked at us questioningly, but stood still as we looked them over.

"Just before you were attacked, something darkened the area, quickly, not allowing your eyes to adjust to the change before they attacked," Anna stated.

They were all shocked and numbly nodded in agreement.

"You are not to blame," Alice took up speaking, "That kind of attack was well planned and repeated often. They had it worked out to clockwork precision. They are experts in it."

Some of their shame fell away, that knowledge freeing them from self-torture. Before I spoke, Sarkin stepped up.

"Can you find what has changed? Why the saurguin are more aggressive than any reports have ever stated?"

"Yes," I began, "we can. Did any of you claim a piece of your enemy?"

"I did," a male sea-elf stated, "I nabbed a bit of chain from its neck."

He rummaged in his belt pouch and produced a crude chain. I held out my hands. The looks told me my eyes changed as soon as it touched my skin.

"The one who wore this chain was a seasoned soldier. He fought their enemies, deep dwelling creatures, many times. During a very grueling fight, their priest called for 'any being of power'. The leaders were debating retreat when their enemies became encased in ice. A roar shattered both ice and creatures. From this mess, a massive sea dragon emerged upwards.

" 'I saved you. Now, you owe me. I will not interfere with day-to-day life, but your leaders will answer to me. Also, for me to defend your lonely city, you will rename it after me.' 

"Being nearly devastated, the saurguin agreed. The sea dragon took up residence in the dark depths beneath the renamed city. His mere presence kept the other creatures far away. However, the saurguin are just receptive enough that his dreams are affecting them, making them more draconian, evil draconian. Territorial enough to attack any ship within sight. Greedy enough to raid the shores for anything of value. Mean enough to kill anyone or anything in their way. The sea dragon has heard of 'the Hoard' kept by the leprechauns and is 'encouraging' the saurguin to find it. So far, they have only raided along the ocean shore. Their wizards are searching for a way to tolerate the fresh water of the river and the dryness of land to search even farther. Also, there are some aquatic clans of whom the sea dragon has a personal hatred and is 'infecting' the saurguin with it. Success or death, no other option exists."

The chain disintegrated and my eyes went back to purple. The aquatics displayed many emotions. The shame left once they knew it was not their weakness that caused their defeat. Anger began to color their auras. They were upset that one being was the cause of so much death, destruction, and fear. Free of their shame, they freely spoke of their encounters. Each one told of horrible treatment at saurguin hands. Now they understood the savage behavior and knew it was not a figment of their imagination or exaggeration on their part. We spoke until someone mentioned food.

We returned to the dining area. The survivors joined us. As we filled our plates, I sensed feelings projected our way. Looking around, I saw a group looking at the survivors. This group hated the survivors. They believed the survivors were cowards, weak, stupid, and should be stripped of all rank and privileges. Mentally, I alerted my sisters. We all sat. In whispers, we told Sarkin and the rest about the other group. The survivors sighed, letting us know they got this treatment often. Our other sisters returned and sat with us. We shared our information. They had, also, learned of the sea dragon from the damage he had done to the coral wall. He was freezing holes to allow the saurguin to sneak under the guards undetected. Also, through some magic or talent, he allowed the saurguin to darken the waters and be hidden in shadow or unnatural darkness. The guards thought a disease or parasite was causing the holes.

The hostile group finally gathered their courage and approached us. In rapid aquatic language, this group began yelling at the survivors, Sarkin, and us. Sarah mentally translated, letting us know all the mean things they were saying. We let them prattle. While Sarah knew the language, she did not feel confident enough to confront them. Lisa had the confidence, but her temper was holding by a thread. We decided I would speak to them. I stood and placed myself between the two groups. From Sarah, I gained the aquatics' words and told them, plus everyone else in earshot, what these survivors had truly encountered. The hostile group began almost shrinking, losing their boldness and anger. Those listening looked at our "attackers" with increasing anger and disappointment. Truly chastised, they apologized to the survivors for their behavior and accusations and left. We continued eating. Others came over and also apologized for thinking less of the survivors. This improved their moods. A man dressed like Eelly walked over to our table and, without saying a word, rattled a handful of military-looking pins on the table. He just walked away, no explanations. The survivors and Sarkin, however, gathered up the pins like treasure. After a bit of sorting and passing, each survivor had an identical set.

"When they returned," Sarkin began, "their commander, like that bunch, assumed they lived because they fled. Following the rules, they were reduced in rank to what you would call 'private', the lowest rank. That is the punishment for cowards. By telling everyone that they survived an attack by superior foes, you restored their ranks and gave them the marks of not so much a hero, but let the rest know they were wounded doing their duty, not running away."

We were glad they had regained their ranks. We noticed Sarkin still had some pins in his hand. He was smiling like someone with a secret.

"Sisters," he started, "I have never known of any air breathers receiving this. Our commanders have bestowed upon you the rank of 'yeoman'. It is, to us, a civilian who can be counted upon in times of need. Your people call them reserve or militia. Wear them proudly."

He handed them to us. Simple design of two swords crossed on a blank shield, but the emotions carried with them were complex. Pride, happiness, some anxiety, and a small measure of fear clung to the silver coin-sized pins. Following Lisa's example, we placed them over our left breasts, which made our table mates smile. All but Sarkin left to return to their duties. Sarkin told us the Council needed to know about the evil sea dragon. We followed him.
We met the five head councilors in a much smaller chamber. They were surrounded by books and scrolls. They stopped their searching when we entered.
"Sisters? Something the matter?" the male who had sat in the center asked.
"My lords and ladies," Sarkin answered, "the Sisters have learned why the saurguin have become more hostile. I brought them to tell you."
Relief made all five of them slump.
"Thank the gods," the female who had been on the end exhaled, "We've been pouring over all of this," waving her hands over the piles and stacks, "for any information. Please, sit and tell us."
We found places to sit. After a few deep breaths, Sarah began.
"An evil sea dragon by the name of Konfotuta has become their 'master', for want of a better term. He saved them and, now, they serve him. His influence is making them take on dragon-like behaviors. While most dragons hoard treasure, evil dragons don't care who or what gets in the way. Also, wild dragons, evil males more so, are highly territorial. Anything in 'our' territory is either food or enemy, which means death for those beings. The saurguin are attacking fishing boats that violate 'our' territory and going as far on land as they can to get anything remotely valuable. They are actively searching for the leprechauns' Hoard for Konfatuta."
The Council looked at her in shock. One male who had not spoken before regained his voice.
"Are you certain of that name? Konfotuta?"
Sarah looked at me and I nodded.
"Yes, we are certain. They have even renamed their city Alkonfonu to honor and obey him," Sarah replied.
The five exchanged looks of horror. Emotions swirled like a typhoon. Sarkin seemed as lost as we. The High Lord, the male who had sat in the middle, came around to sit directly in front of us.
"Sisters, most here do not know nor speak those names. We aquatics' life spans vary greatly, but Konfotuta is older than almost all who live today. When we began having dragon riders, he was one of the first. Most of our current sea dragons are his descendants. However, he hid his true nature and pretended to be honorable and trustworthy. He chose a rider who also hid his evil nature. The two of them began, secretly, extorting the communities they were suppose to protect. They demanded special treatment, free lodging, free food, the best of everything. If they did not get it, they 'punished' those people, up to the point of destroying whole villages. Nearly a dozen riders died and dragons injured in capturing the pair. The rider, Alkon, was executed. Konfotuta was too strong for them to terminate. Mighty chains were found and he was chained to the bottom of the deepest chasm, left to survive on corpses falling near him. Their names were erased from public records. Only those who attain our titles know of them and can read of their deeds. Our predecessors had hoped he would die of starvation or be crushed. His reappearance troubles us greatly. We have nothing that can defeat him. We are doomed."
The other four echoed his conclusion. Sarkin, however, did not.
"Council, we cannot give up! Much has happened since he was chained. Our magics are stronger than our ancestors. Do not declare us defeated before we even try!"
The five were not swayed. They retrieved the records of Alkon and Konfotuta for us to read. A place was cleared off for us. While Sarkin read it normally, we seven, through Alice and Anna, experienced the history.
Alkon was originally named Alonso, but changed it to include part of Konfotuta's name. Known for being "gruff", it was hoped pairing would make Alkon more "civilized". Konfotua sensed his real nature and found a true partner, all the while convincing the rest of his virtue. For many years, the pair played "guardians", conning everyone. By bits and pieces, they persuaded their wards to give them "gifts" to ensure their protection. The gifts soon became "taxes" to support all of the riders and dragons. Under that title, the pair could "lawfully" punish those who did not pay. Punishment evolved into torture, both before and after to keep the flow of valuables steady. The first large act of destruction was the mayor's stables in which only a few people and aquatic animals were killed. This was reported as an accident. They got away with it. Emboldened, more "accidents" occurred. Their wards, now victims, were too frightened to admit the truth. Even after a couple of village grottoes were destroyed, the people still claimed they were only accidents. The truth was discovered when other riders witnessed the pair destroying homes and telling the victims how they "deserved" it for failing to pay them their "due share". When they were brought before the Council to answer for their crimes, no one beside the riders would testify against Alkon and Konfotuta. The pair tried to place the blame on the other riders, calling the charges false because the others were jealous of them. They twisted the tale to make it seem they were saving the homes from another "accident". The pair almost got away with it. A group of merfolk, previous "accident" victims, could not hide the truth any longer. They told every act Alkon and Konfotuta, together or separate, had committed against them. This gave the other victims courage and a tide of evidence piled up against them. The Council found them guilty and sentenced them to death. Alkon was easily beheaded. Konfotuta fought and killed nearly every aquatic and injured every sea dragon set against him. From an unknown source "titan chains" were given to them to bind him. Fearing he would escape from anywhere else, they took him to the deepest, darkest place anyone knew. Hundreds of large ship anchors were attached to the chains and deeply embedded in the floor and sides of the chasm. Konfotuta, it seemed, was unable to get free and cursed at his captors. Out of guilt, they dumped corpses to give him at least one meal before leaving him to die a slow death by starvation. For many years, fishermen were "encouraged" to dump the left overs from their catches into that deep place. To prevent a repeat, all records of the pair, save for what we were reading, were erased. The genealogy of the riding sea dragons only mentioned Konfotuta as "a wild male sea dragon of great strength". Seers were employed to check for evil tendencies and other undesirable traits. The riders were forbidden to speak of the pair and all of their victims were told to only refer to them as "the Rogues" or the "Bad Seeds". To this day, riders with those traits are marked with overlapping "A" and "K" on both their bodies and their records. The true meanings of those marks are never revealed to those receiving them.
"As you see," the High Lord interrupted, "we believe we had solved the problem. Konfotuta was imprisoned several hundred years ago. How could he still live? How did he get free?"
"May we please have a mirror? This can be discovered," I told them.
They sent a pair of the frog men servants to retrieve a mirror for us. While we waited, we told them what we had done with previous mirrors. The group was eager when the mirror, a very large one, was brought in to us. We propped it against a wall so all could see.
"Mirror, we need to see how Konfotuta the sea dragon survived and escaped his prison," we seven requested as one.
The mirror went hazy, then cleared to show a huge sea dragon being chained to the dark bottom of the undersea chasm. Time moved quickly. We watched years pass as he ate what fell close enough to reach. Then, he laid down and became as stone, matching the sea floor exactly. Time went really fast. The anchors rusted. The chains lay limply over the stone dragon. Then, the image shook, a violent undersea earthquake. The stone encasing Konfotuta cracked, exposing a now very pale green sea dragon. The stone over his eyes fell away. A chunk of rock hit his uncovered eye. It opened. With a mighty shake, he threw off the rest of the stone. Finding the chains no longer bound him, he swam to the surface. The earthquake capsized many ships by causing huge waves. Konfotuta feasted on everything that had fallen into the water. His strength renewed, but still pale, he set about relearning the area that was once his home. A few months later, he encountered the saurguin being defeated by their enemies and struck their deal. The last images shown the huge sea dragon curling around the base of the saurguin city, a living barrier to any attempts to touch it.
The mirror became normal again as we digested this information.
After some silent moments, the female, who was called the High Judge, asked, "This encasing in stone? What manner of magic is that?"
We all looked at each other. None of us had ever heard, read, or seen such. Even Echo and Set were at a loss. I made to say something, but I found my vision grew dim and my mouth would not work. I had just enough control left to squeeze Callie's hand before everything went dark.


Callie again. Kayla squeezing my hand was the only warning we got before things changed. Eyes white, Kayla stiffly rose and went to the center of the room. Unlike before, she became engulfed in a bright glow. This changed into Brimagor's head. However, all of us saw him face-on, regardless of where we were. The council almost fled, but we convinced them to stay.
"Greetings, Council of the Five Seas. I am Brimagor, god of dragons. I don't, normally, do this to share information, but this situation is not normal. Several things you need to know. One, Konfotuta is no ordinary wild sea dragon. He is a King, rare among land dragons and even rarer in the sea breeds. This accounts for his extremely large size and age. Second, the rock encasement was a form of hibernation. Looking like the natural stone makes it less likely he would be disturbed. Dragons hibernation can last for up to half a millennium, letting a dragon lay undisturbed and, eventually, forgotten. Third, as a King dragon, he can bond with many non-dragons at once. Asper See, a land King the Sisters know, can bond with seven easily or up to two dozen tenuously. Konfotuta has bonded with eight wizards and a few military leaders among the saurguin. He feels they are the 'real' power in Alkonfu and the best to do his bidding. Fourth, and lastly, defeating him by force is impossible, even with the Sisters. Sea dragons, like many water begins, are vulnerable to lightning and similar energy. You must gather enough power to produce the equivalent of one hundred lightning strikes to weaken him. Double that to hurt him. Triple or more to kill. While I do not condone his actions, he is still a dragon doing what a dragon does. I will not act against him. You have the knowledge. It is up to you."
Brimagor left and Kayla sank to lay on the floor. We went to her and found her only sleeping. By their leave, Set popped Kayla to our room and we went the normal way, stopping to bring food and drink with us. We watched her for any signs of either waking or distress until late. We went to bed, but our companions kept up the vigil.

Day 335 (313)

Day 335 (313):

We woke to the noise of Maraiche heading back to sea. In the common room, we found our leprechaun friend and the constables in a heated discussion. The constables were asking him about his relationship to us and the leprechaun was trying to explain. They kept calling him a liar and demanding the truth. We hurried to them and verified his story. Satisfied, finally, the constables left.

"Lassies, ya donna know how grateful I am. I have spent nearly an hour trying to tell those block heads our plans, but they kept insisting that I meant to kill ya in yer sleep. Ridiculous!"

Sarkin, this leprechaun, bought breakfast as we gathered our things. Another "pail" awaited our companions. We asked Sarkin about the ship taking us to the grotto, but he only smiled slyly and encouraged us to eat. We could tell he was concealing something, but not for evil purposes.

After breakfast, we followed Sarkin, who walked quicker than his appearance led us to believe, out of town to a cliff that dropped seventy feet straight down into the ocean below. We were confused and asked him about our location and purpose.

Sarkin replied, smiling, "Time to reveal all, Sisters."

Before us, Sarkin unbent and grew, becoming an elf male of our general height. He was not an elf like we had met before, but an elf of the sea, an aquatic elf. His ragged clothes became a suit of fish-scale armor and, on his right hand, a riding set similar to one of my other sets. Seeing me look at it, he smiled.

"Yes, Kayla, I am a dragon rider. However, I was not trained at Demagram. My dragon and my people cannot survive on that peak. We train in Oceanicus. A chance meeting eons ago gave us the skill to make the riding sets. Now, let me introduce Riptide-at-Sunset."

From the water below the cliff, a large head emerged slowly, followed by an even larger body. Halfway up the cliff, fin-like claws emerged to help push Riptide up and hold him to the rock as he laid his head on the grass next to Sarkin. They spoke affectionately to each other, nearly ignoring us. Set peeked over the cliff to see how much of Riptide was still in the water. I also looked and saw his back claws hanging onto the cliff just above the waterline. The rest of his body and tail vanished beneath the waves slapping at the rocks. We turned back when Lisa spoke.

"Why the disguise? Maraiche is a mixed community. Surely they can accept you as well."

Sarkin frowned and Riptide huffed, "I wish that were so, my dears. Even these sea-loving people are firmly rooted to the ground. My race and others of the sea are too alien for them to accept easily. My poor Riptide has had too many unfriendly greetings to allow us to be open to these villages."

We could sympathize. Pushing away that sadness, Sarkin saddled Rip and commanded extra places to appear. Down Rip's long smooth body, eight saddles formed. Following Sarkin's lead, we scrambled into place. Lisa wore Bo in his usual place. Echo rode on Callie's shoulder. Dawn and Set stayed on the cliff, ready to take flight at any moment. It was not until I touched Rip that I could hear his mind voice. He held still even though he said we tickled him. Once saddled and strapped in, Rip slowly descended into the water. He flattened out to keep us out of the waves. Off of the cliff, Rip turned and headed for the open ocean. Dawn and Set flew even with us, keeping pace with Rip easily. I could feel a shroud of magic around us. Both Sarkin and Rip explained that it made "air breathers" unable to see us clearly and dismiss the blur as a mirage or figment of their imagination. Below us, I felt not only animal life but other aquatic people.

A few hours later, an island rose above the horizon. Soon, it was revealed as not an island, but a city in the water. We went to a dock that was just below the water that allowed Rip to swim right up to a set of steps. Sarkin slid into the water as we walked up Rip's back to the stairs. Still in the water, Sarkin removed the riding set and allowed Rip to "go play". Rip slid off the dock and vanished under the water. Sarkin joined us on the stairs, removing a pendant from under his armor.

"Allows me to breathe air and be out of the water for a long time," he explained as he showed it to us, "Here, however, it is unnecessary. The whole city is enchanted to allow aquatics to visit the upper areas. Come, there is a place you can stay while we locate your kin."

We walked down coral and volcanic rock streets. Every building was like a coral reef, extending from the streets in seamless walls and towers. All the windows were ragged, cut out of the coral and rock as squarely as possible. Some managed to create ornamental windows following the natural pattern of the stones. Sarkin led us to a very large building with a dock-like ramp going straight into the water. The inside of the first above-water level was akin to a giant stable. Items for the care of both animals and riders covered the walls.

"This is our outpost. Rip and other sea dragons can enter up that ramp for care and treatment. Also, aquatics without feet can meet here with air breathers on important matters. Upstairs are the sleeping and eating area. I will take you, get you settled, and introduce you to our helpers."

Up the winding stairs, we followed Sarkin, passing other riders and staff. He took us to a barrack-like room, apologizing for it, saying it was the only type available for more than four people. We told him not to worry as we found it warm and inviting. He left us as we decided upon beds and storage. During this, a collection of people entered, followed by Sarkin.

"Ladies, these are our helpers. They work here until they want to return to land. They are good people. Heck, the dragons like them, who are we to argue?"

We greeted them and thanked them for meeting with us. They left, informing us lunch was about to be served. Sarkin acknowledged and allowed them to leave. He stayed until we finished then led us to the eating area. Unlike other places, the food was set up on a table and people filed past, taking as much of any that they wanted. Here, too, they had food unlike any other: living food. Shrimp, fish, some worm-like things, and more were swimming around in large glass tanks. We watched some scoop up cup-, bowl-, and plate-fulls of these creatures. Like berries or nuts, some popped these still-living creatures into their mouths and crunched them while in line. Sarah nearly fainted and threw up at the same time. Fortunately, there were cooked dishes we knew and places far from those eaters to not be affected.

As we ate, a couple of men with large books approached us.

"Ladies, welcome to Arvocan. Who is the one seeking her water kin?" one asked.

Sarah spoke up, showing the pin she had received. These men, like Sarkin, knew the clan instantly. We explained her exact relationship. Sarah only knew her parents' names and the kinship was through her mother. With Alice and the two men, they found Sarah's link to her great-grandmother, a clan matriarch by the name of Aoushlunia (OOsh loon eea). The men called across the room, summoning one of the others. Similar to Sarkin, this one was female and more aquatic in appearance. She listened intently to their instructions to Aoushlunia's grotto and what to tell her. Crisply, she bowed and left. The pair spoke with us about other family reunions. They were very understanding and told us, like the sailors, they had many claims of aquatic relations, but, unlike the sailors, they tried to prove the relationships instead of discouraging them. Sarah's pin was only given to family and any other possessing or selling one was a criminal offense.

It became obvious from looking around that this outpost had no set meal times. Food was rotated to replace empty pots, pans, and tanks. People either rushed in, ate, and rushed out or they entered, ate and left at a leisurely pace. Also, there seemed to be no hierarchy, just sit where you wished. This was rather strange to us.

We finished and went with the pair back to the ramp into the water. Some riders and their sea dragons were there. Unlike the dragons we had seen on land, these were only shades of blue or green. The riders, also, were unlike any we had seen. Some could easily pass for land folk. Others, without magic, could never pass, looking more fish-like than the others. One of them saw my riding set, which caused them to assemble around us. Some were sceptical when I told them who made it. Their dragons, however, confirmed Brimagor's handiwork. Set, too, was examined. The barb on his tail, it seemed, was a known sea dragon trait. Other dragons showed us their barbs. Both the oily carrier liquid and its lethal primary portion did not disperse in fresh or salt water and was very effective against aquatic attackers and ships. It appears that Emperors included the water breeds in their skills along with the land breeds.

We were still talking when the female rider returned. Upon her dragon was also a mermaid, tail and all. Her age was difficult for guess but we knew she was older than the seven of us. Without shame, she sat completely nude among us all. 

"Sisters," the rider began, "meet Matriarch Aoushlunia. Matriarch, this," pulling Sarah forward, "is your great-granddaughter Sarah, daughter of Rain."

Aoushlunia, still astride the sea dragon, eyed Sarah critically. In the mermaid language, she spoke to Sarah, who responded flawlessly in kind. The Matriarch took a shocked moment to process Sarah's words. 

Finally, she smiled, "I had to be certain," Aoushlunia told us, "My family's pin has been counterfeited and false claims have been made. Even though you look just as the Faerie Queen described you, I could not bring another liar to my clan."

"Matriarch," Sarah quietly addressed her, "we understand all too well about liars and the deception people will do to get what they think is theirs. I vow only honesty from me, my sisters, our swords, and companions."

Aoushlunia smiled broadly. She gracefully slid into the water covering the ramp. Before our eyes, her tail shaped into legs and a dress appeared over her nude body. Out of the water, she still retained a slightly damp appearance. 

"Let us find a quiet place," she suggested, "I want to learn more about these sisters of legend and my kinship to you," she said, hooking her arm around Sarah's arm. 

The riders told us of a sitting room and how to get there. We found it easily enough and spoke at length with Aoushlunia. Before we knew it, the sun was setting. This concerned the Matriarch. We rushed with her back to the ramp. Without stopping, she ran straight into the water and dived in. We walked around the edge and was nearly on top of her when she surfaced.

"Pardon my rudeness. If we are in land form after sunset, we are stuck that way for a full lunar cycle. While I had a good time talking with you, a month above water would drive me mad. I will visit again. My clan needs to hear about you."

We waved good-bye and she vanished into the darkening sea. We found our way back to the eating area, which was still a busy place. New dishes were offered and different things swarm in the tanks. Some riders we had not met came to us to confirm what their fellows had said about us. My riding set, Set's tail barb, Sarah's pin, and our swords were repeatedly examined. A few hinted cryptically that "the Council" might pay us a visit. No one would explain their statement. 

Returning to our room, we found a note that simply read: "Be up by sunrise. Much to discuss."

No signature nor seal. Alice told us many hands had touched it. I could see a mixture of emotions still clinging to the page. We guessed that this was "the Council" and we would understand better in the morning. We went to bed. Set used my mat again to not sleep on cold stone.

Days 329 - 334 (307-312)

Day 329 (307):

A bit after dawn, the swords woke us, informing us that someone was coming near us. We were relieved to sense that it was Walnut, the treant guardian of this area. He, too, was glad to see us. He sat with us as we made breakfast and told him our activities since parting with him. He was pleased. He offered to find a way to undo the general's curse to not only release the spirits but also make that field usable to the forest again. As the expert, we asked Walnut the best route to the sea and Sarah's merfolk relatives. He traced a route back through Snathdubh and a well-traveled road to the fishing villages. He assured us that any town would provide transport to the grotto. Leo, with his new toy, bid us safe travels and flew off. We broke camp and said good-bye to Walnut.

Even though it was still winter, the weather had improved considerably. The land seemed healthier, cleaner, and more alive. Bird song, animal noises, and hearty insects sounded in the surrounding forest.

Snathdubh entered our sight around mid-day. The black sheep did not run from us. The "wall" now had two "gates" and a third was being opened. The Magistrate saw us and waved us over. Still somberly dressed, he was smiling, however.

"Welcome back, Sisters. Your letter and other reports have given us hope again. Also, the curse will be lifted. Unknown to most, the King these humans didn't know, married a Lost City woman, thinking she was all human. Their descendant is on his way here to forgive them and let them pass over. With them gone, Walnut has promised our herds first crack at a field ungrazed in centuries. He doesn't promise a few wild grazers won't have munched on it, but no large scale grazing. We hope for a dramatic increase in wool yield from that field."

"Any word on Sim Durach? We are a bit concerned about him. The lich's influence may be hard to shake," Gretta inquired.

"Stuff and nonsense," came Sim's voice from around the wall.

We were torn. We were glad he was safe, but, considering how we parted company, we didn't know how he would receive us.

"Soon as that sgreataidh lich was destroyed, I woke up from my nightmare. You girls did me a favor, destroying my research. It was the first cut to separate he and I. As I pondered what to do with myself, that tie continued to fray. His punishment for failing to kill you took all but the last thread. I am sorry we parted so badly. I have abandoned that place. The Magistrate has put me to work as a teacher. Be as all that may, where are you headed?"

We told him and the Magistrate. They both began rattling off names of people who would be "happy" to sail us to the merfolk grotto. We listened politely and thanked them.

We ate at the Blue-Eyed Ewe, gladly talking with Calum, Tormund, and the rest of the family. We left Snathdubh in the early afternoon.

The animal life was markedly increasing as we took the road Walnut told us to take. The spirits that stayed had returned to harmless haunting. By night fall, we had found the spot where we had camped before and encountered only one spirit that caused that punch-in-the-stomach feeling. She, like Jamas, had been wrongly executed for a crime she did not commit. Sarah gave her death rights, adding a plea for the gods to see her innocence. That worked and the woman was freed to cross over. We went to sleep feeling happy with that little victory.

Day 330 (308):

Hints of the spring that was a month away made out traveling more pleasant than when we had arrived. While the spirits were not attracted to us, those we did cross paths with seemed to smile at us or stop their haunting while we were in sight of each other. The traveler's shack was easily found and was just as we had left it. A swift moving storm let us know that we were wise to stop here even before nightfall. Our companions had to hunt in the dark after the storm has passed. Slightly wet, they were happy with their catches.

Day 331 (309):

Once again, we removed all signs of our presence and replaced the wood we had used. We left about an hour or so after dawn.

It was not long until we found where the roads branched. Walnut's directions followed one of the larger roads. Apparently, word of the lich's defeat had not returned traffic to these roads. The weather, too, could be keeping people home. Our map shown no settlements between Snathdubh and the fishing villages. Granted, horses could travel this road twice as fast as us, so the trip from one to the other, for them, was no more than three days while we did not expect to get there for a few more days.

After our mid-day break, I felt a huge knot of emotions ahead of us. Anger, fear, pain, plus more rolled between the trees and down the road. Concerned, we ran toward it. Rounding a small bend, we found the source. A couple dozen leprechauns were trying to hold down a full-grown griffin with ropes and a net. The griffin was fighting hard to get free. To the side, another dozen or so leprechauns were nursing a variety of wounds. Someone saw us and shouted. Gretta interpreted that they wanted us to help. We raced over. Sarah went straight to the wounded. Our companions went to the griffin. Their chatter calmed the griffin greatly, letting the leprechauns slack the ropes and allow the griffin to stand easily. Gretta spoke to the eldest to get their story, even though Alice and Anna told us the true story.

Their "boss" was paying them very well for a "trainable" griffin. This one, a female, was "pregnant" and they wanted her to "give birth" in the boss' home stable.  Between storms, they had found her, tracked her, and, finally, captured her.  A cage wagon was waiting to wheel her to his ship and on to his island home.

Gretta returned to us, confirming the tale my sisters received. One of the leprechauns ran to get the "boss". We discussed the situation, getting input from the griffin through our companions. Their information did not fit with what she was telling us. Their boss was about to be very disappointed.

An odd feeling crept up my spine. Evil, deviousness, a cold calculating entity was approaching. Behind a leprechaun, a richly dressed creature strode towards us. It appeared to be a large cat-like being, walking like a human, speaking words of praise to everyone for a job well done. The griffin did not like this being and only our promises of protections kept her from trying to escape. It looked at us, visually appraising us.

"Greetings, young ladies," his male voice flowed with honeyed charm, "Thank you so much for your aid. These men were having a difficult time holding this beast."

"We only stopped her thrashing to prevent her and them from being seriously injured," I told him, "We are not sure you have the right to keep her."

Anger flared for a second before he assumed a diplomatic stance, "My dear, I do not wish harm upon this glorious creature. I just want her babies to train so I do not have to keep a ship just to go to shore. After their birth, she will be set free. Will that suffice?" 

I didn't want to call him on his obvious lie, so I told him, "I believe your information is faulty."

"What?" he shouted, genuinely shocked.

"Our companions have spoken with her. She is not pregnant. Her babies hatched last spring. She will not mate for another year or two. You've wasted your time and effort."

He did not hold back his anger. He raged against the leprechauns, blaming them for the mistake. While he ranted, we seven spoke to each other. Only I saw the cat-like being he was. The rest saw a human male. From them, I learned that the leprechauns also saw him as human. He stopped to catch his breath.

"Sluagh math," I called to the leprechauns, "he deceives you. He is not human and not good by nature. Also, he does not plan paying you a copper."
The "boss" was caught off guard. 

Holding Vanity, point down, I commanded, "Reveal!"

While nothing changed to my sight, the reactions from the rest told me they saw his true form. The griffin was released. The leprechauns attempted to capture him, but he spoke a spell and vanished. They chided themselves for being so easily fooled. It helped little to tell them only Set, the griffin, and I knew he was disguised.
Even though they had nothing to haul, they spoke of going to the coast anyway to warn others of their deception. They asked if we would like a ride. We accepted and helped them load their wagons. The cage was disassembled. Over five wagons, we and the leprechauns spread ourselves out to not overburden the ponies that pulled them. Set chose to walk after the wagon groaned from his added weight, plus they traveled slow enough that he had no trouble keeping up.

The leprechauns chatted with us easily, even though, with heavy accents, it was a bit difficult to understand them at times. Before nightfall, they found a previous campsite. Having our own rations and our companions hunting for themselves eased their concern about food. We erected our shield because of clouds that darkened the night sky. The leprechauns appreciated not waking up soaked.

Days 332-333 (310-311):

The next two days were an easy routine. Set found a wounded deer and helped them take it down and bring it to the camp. This really perked them up.

We entered a fishing village in the early evening. Just like Port Willis and River Helm, ships monopolized most of the town. Here, though, fishing took up the rest. The leprechauns directed us to a good inn as they left to report their former "boss". Even though the name was in leprechaun, the village housed many races and the inn was similarly mixed. 

As we sat and ate, we politely inquired about ships and captains willing to go to merfolk grottoes. The innkeeper, a human male, said he would check for us.  Our companions did not cause any looks or problems. As we went to our room, the innkeeper handed us a list of ships to check on. We thanked him and retired for the night.

Day 334 (312):

Sunrise caused the village of Maraiche to erupt into action. From our ocean facing window, it seemed that the whole village rolled into the water. People walking or riding flowed down the streets to the docks. From there, boats and ships disappeared out into the blue water. 

Even with all of those gone, there was still plenty of activity. We went to the common room, which was also active. Seeing us, the innkeeper called for "the pail". Shortly after we sat down, a large pot was placed on the floor next to us. Inside it, fish parts comprised most of the contents. The rest was difficult to identify. The four dove into the pot and began chomping away. We ordered a simple meal.

As we ate, a pair of human males, both hardened by life at sea, walked over to us. They gave us all severe looks before either spoke.

"Got word ya want to go ta them water-folk. You gals don't look like the usual bunch. So, which of you believes your long-lost pa is a magically altered fish man who knocked up your ma?"

We exchanged confused looks. Some silent moments passed before he spoke again.

"Alrigh' then, who believes their run-away ma left you to return to the sea?"

Again, we were confused. 

The two men stepped back and whispered to each other. These situations where, apparently, common themes others told them to gain passage to the grottoes. They were trying to come up with other tales they had heard told by others seeking the homes of the aquatic races. Finally, they pulled up chairs and sat with us.

"Lassies, whate'er troubles yer runnin' from, the fish folk nay be the answer. Surely yer families miss ya and are sorry fer what they did."

"Sirs," Sarah interrupted, "undoubtedly, you have heard excuses, lies, falsehoods, and untold tales from people seeking the merfolk homes. Let me give you the truth.  I am one-quarter mermaid from my mother's side. I only wish to visit my great-grandmother and any other relatives I may have. This is a gift from her," she laid her shell pin upon the table, "If you cannot accept this as truth, then leave. We shall find one who does."

The men looked at Sarah's pin and paled. Not only did they believe her, they recognized the design. They rose and told us to remove the "Dana's Pride" from our list. Nearly knocking each other down, they raced to the door and left.

"That was odd," Lisa noted, "They acted like we showed them the mark of death or something."

"Close, m'dears, very close," came a remark from a bent and haggard leprechaun, "The family who wears that pin has sung many a ship to its last rest. They claim from the river mouth to nearly Stephen's Cove. Any who sail that area without due tribute do not see their destination."

Sarah began to tear up. It was hard for her to accept that her family was so cruel. Lisa addressed the old one.

"What is their tribute? What great price do they demand?"

Seeing our worry, he began to laugh, "M'darlings, it is not like that. Their price is a pittance, a bit of inland trinkets one canna' find in the sea. Usually it is pirates and poachers who donna pay. They get blown to far off places, marooned, with a busted-up ship. They don' kill none as far as I know."

Relief washed over us all. Sarah's family was not cruel nor evil, but punished as was just. We showed him our list and asked who would be our best bet. He examined it closely, muttering under his breath. He ticked off name after name. When he returned it, only three names were not marked through. 

"If they won't, find me again. I have one other option," he said cryptically.

We thanked him, finished eating, and headed out to find these ships. 

Maraiche was not as noisy as Port Willis, but just as busy. The docks were a flurry of motion. The ships on our list were easy to find. The first, "Ocean's Fury", was nearly exclusively manned by humans. The captain almost agreed to ferry us until he saw Set. Refusing to "sully" his ship with Set's presence, he demanded we leave his sight.  The second ship, "Typhoon", was a mixed crew and very busy loading and unloading. We asked to speak to the captain. A half-elf male, a bit heavier than most, glared at us. His expression did not improve when we asked to go to the grotto. He began rattling off a dozen reason why his ship could not take us. We walked away as he continued talking. The third ship, "Waves of Glory", was also a mixed crew. This one was captained by a gnome. He was willing to take us, but began listing his "fee" for each passenger, counting our companions as well, meals, beds, plus docking and, what he called, "bodily safety".  Soon, it became obvious he planned to extort every coin we carried and more. We turned from him when he suggested that our swords were "adequately valuable" enough to cover the cost of our passage.
We returned to the inn, upset and disappointed. The innkeeper saw our gloom and disappeared for a while. He returned with the leprechaun from this morning, who gave us sympathetic looks.

"Oh, Sisters, not a one? Tell me, what happened?" he asked as he sat with us.

We told him. His genuine shock told us he had not expected such behavior. He assured us that they would be punished for their attitudes toward us all. He asked us to stay one more night in Maraiche and said he would get us to the grotto. We thanked him. He left.

As it was just before mid-day, we used the time to refresh supplies and replace worn clothing and gear. Many merchants tried to buy our cloaks, our companions, and our swords. Some threatened us when we would not sell. By afternoon, a constable was assigned to us to handle the "ruckus" we were involuntarily causing. He apologized to us for his town's "lack of scrupples" several times. The constable even sat with us at dinner, deflecting both complaints and propositions. He gave the town's lack of "true ladies" as the reason for us behavior. He and two others stood guard in the inn should any try to disturb us as we slept.

Day 328 (306)

Day 328 (306):

It was still dark when I awoke suddenly. I looked around the dark room, wondering what had made me rise so quickly. It was nothing in the room. All of my sisters, our companions, and the swords were fine. The Swords were also curious as to my start. I got out of bed and went to the window. Leo was still sound asleep beneath us. I was starting to get a bit angry. Calming myself, I put my hand to the window glass and asked to see the thing that woke me. The window fogged, then cleared to show the palace. The image moved to inside it. There, a corpse with a crown and regal attire stormed about, knocking over decaying furniture, scattering items, and shouting obscenities. Now, I understood. The lich had returned home to find every spirit and his two cronies gone. Even though he didn't breathe, he was panting. The sanctification of the palace and the loss of the spirits was weakening him. In desperation, he began pulling the magic out of the building to sustain himself. The palace was starting to fall in around him. It was that vibration, a slight tremor, that had woken me. With one last curse, he vanished and allowed the building to collapse completely. I dismissed the image with thanks and returned to bed. Set, half asleep, lazily entwined his tail around one leg.

As the sun rose, I inspected the growing barb on his tail. Without the tail for reference, it looked like a fang or tusk. Lightly feeling at the base, a drip of something clear formed on the very end. I touched my finger to it. It didn't burn me, but it had an oily quality and very hard to wipe all of it off. Finding a glass, I "milked" Set's tail. I gathered a couple of ounces of a greenish yellow liquid. It had no smell. Fearful it might be poison, I did not taste it. It coated the inside of the glass, sliding slowly down the slick glass. Even touching it, I received no insight into what it was or why Set would produce such. I covered the glass and waited for the others to wake.

The rest woke on their own. I felt that the leprechauns believed we needed to sleep, rest, and prepare to take on the lich. When Lisa was up, I asked her to look at the stuff in the glass. She examined it intently, turning it this way and that.

"Nothing, not a thing. What is it? Where did you get it?" Lisa asked.

I told her and showed her, Set still being sound asleep. The rest joined us. Set woke up with all of us examining his tail. He tried to give us a look, but his baby face just would not allow him to make a truly stern face. 

"Why are you all poking at my tail? Is there something wrong?"

He jerked his tail out of our hands and looked it over. Getting down on the floor with him, I asked him about the barb and liquid. I squeezed out a bit. He thought for a bit, pulling on the racial dragon knowledge they all shared.

"This is only a part of it. I can add other parts that do things to make people like dragons," he explained.

Getting a bowl, he ejected more liquid, but this was opaque and darker green. From this, we received impressions. This would give a person of any race the skin of a dragon. Lisa told us that, without the clear part, the liquid would petrify any who used it. Set got another bowl, filling it this time with a whitish-blue liquid. This could freeze a small pond or something of similar size. Again, Lisa warned that the added part was deadly alone. We emptied small bottles and filled them with the liquids, marking them to prevent confusion. Set told us he could make others, but we told him it was not necessary. We went to the kitchen and made breakfast.

Fionn found us as we were cleaning up.

"There you are. You have about five hundred leprechauns volunteered to go with you to destroy the lich."

"We appreciate their enthusiasm, but the lich's device is almost a week's walk north. We cannot transport them all," I told him.

Fionn understood and left. In the kitchen, we began discussing how to get back to Sim's place and the battlefield. I knew I could take two others through kirlan besides myself and Vanity. Set could also take two or three others besides himself. We did not want to ask Leo with his wing only recently mended. We went outside to see if Leo or Fionn had any ideas. We found both talking to a group of shabbily armed leprechaun volunteers, trying to convince them their help, while appreciated, was not needed. We walked up and told them how far the battlefield was and what was guarding his device. The volunteers got the idea and decided to stay in Bainne. After they left, Leo asked about our travel plans. We told him we did not expect him to fly us there.

"Thank you for not assuming that I would fly you all there. I can, however, aid in your travel. I have been to Castle Day and, therefore, can reach it through kirlan. Sim does not know me. My last visit was when the castle was still level. I can take those Kayla and Set cannot."

We worked out that Set would take our companions. Lisa and Gretta would go with me. The rest would go with Leo. We agreed to appear out of sight of Castle Day and Sim. With that decided, we got our gear, said our good-byes, and met back with Leo. Mentally "seeing" the same spot,we focused and slid through kirlan.

 As hoped, we appeared near each other. Castle Day's remaining upright tower was barely visible above the trees. We approached as close as we dared. We could sense Sim inside alone, but something was different. I felt almost repulsed by him and the building. Anna told us why.

"The lich visited Sim after collapsing the palace. He punished Sim for housing us, feeding us, and not killing us at the first opportunity. He drained Sim of energy to sustain himself. He told Sim he would not drain the battlefield to keep it strong. He left orders to kill us on sight."

Poor Sim. He did not choose this servitude. His only hope of freedom was our success. We crept around the castle, making sure Sim did not see us so we did not have to hurt him. Being able to feel him, as the only occupant, made that task easier. We left it behind as we entered the surrounding woods. 

When we stopped for a break and lunch, we all felt out to our fullest. That punch-in-the-stomach feeling was creeping upon me. I could tell Sarah was also beginning to feel it. We plodded along, the feeling growing stronger. Finally, we broke through the trees to an open meadow, treeless even without tending or cultivation. Here, it was all I could do just to keep walking. Sheer willpower kept Sarah and I moving towards the center of this area.

Dead center, another feeling overpowered the first. This one was pure evil and below ground. We pointed to the spot and Leo began digging up large chunks of dirt. His claws scraping something made us all jump. He unearthed a metal chest slightly larger than a human head. A cloak of evil waved around it. 

Lisa observed, "This is too easy. Surely he would defend this better."

We agreed and kept on guard. Leo attempted to pry it open, but not even his strong claws could open it. He even tried biting it, but it stayed sealed shut. He held it out, a look of defeat on his scaly face. I wanted nothing to do with it. Callie took it and began turning it over and over. Her puzzled look changed to happiness.

"I got it! There is a puzzle lock. Watch out for the lich. I'm going to open it."

We encircled Callie as she began sliding, twisting, flipping, and moving pieces of the chest. She had been at it several minutes when the empty meadow became full of ghostly soldiers. We were sandwiched between two large spectral armies. We encouraged Callie to continue on the chest. One soldier from each side, generals from their appearance, rode toward us on ghostly horses. When they reached the center where we stood, we were ignored. They spoke to each other in a language we did not know. From their tone, gestures, and faces, they were probably threatening each other. Daylight made watching the exchange a bit difficult. Those in shadow were much easier to see. The uniforms were ancient. Their weapons were archaic. The generals, finishing their argument, galloped back to their respective formations. Callie was still working on the chest. Anna and Alice were telling us about the two sides. The generals were brothers. They each claimed to be the heir to the dead king who had no sons or daughters. They both said that he bequeathed the kingdom to him. This divided the army. This battle was to be the decider. The victor or survivor would be the next king. Little did they know, an heir had been found. The late king had dallied with an unmarried noblewoman. Just after the two generals had left, she confessed who her child's father was. A messenger was sent to turn the generals back, but he was delayed and did not reach this field until after the battle. The surviving general lay dying in his tent as he was told the news. With his dying breath, he cursed all who had fought this useless battle to never know the peace of the grave until their new king forgave them. So, every night afterwards, their spirits fight an unnecessary battle that no one can win.

From our spot, we watched the ghost armies charge at each other and "kill" one another. We were untouched and ignored. They kept at it as the sun set. 

Callie squealed when the last part moved and the chest opened. By the fading light, we read the ritual that turned the Baaloc into a lich and the "contract", written in blood, that bound his soul to the last item, a large heart-shaped gem that slowly pulsed. 

"NO!" roared a voice from nowhere and everywhere.

The ghost soldiers ignored the noise and the lich as he appeared before us.

"This is impossible! That chest cannot be opened, especially by some mongrel bitch like you. What power assisted you? What god revealed my secret?" he asked, his gaze sweeping over us all.

We did not answer, but drew our swords. The truth struck him hard. He looked around at soldiers "dying" and groaned.

"Useless, utterly useless! They were why I buried it here. They are so locked into this event, they can do nothing else!"

"Death curse," I told him, "One of the generals cursed them with his last breath."

The lich stepped back, then began cursing himself for not seeing it before. When he finished, he focused back on us.

"So, 'Sisters', what now? None of you, even this dumb dragon, has the power to defeat me. Even with the chest open, the ritual, contract, and gem cannot be destroyed."

Mentally checking with Callie, she did not see anything protecting them or any reason simply burning them would not destroy them. Pulling the parchment out, we asked Leo to do the honor. He set them alight easily. The lich screamed as they became ash. The gem heart beat rapidly as the lich recoiled, shocked that his "indestructible" items burnt so easily. While he was distracted, we all looked at the gem heart for any means of destroying it. This item, it seemed, was true to the lich's word. We could detect no weak spot nor vulnerability. The lich overcame his shock and demanded we hand over the gem. We refused.

"Lich, this holds your soul, correct?" I asked.

"Yes, and you will give it to me this instant!" he ordered.

"No, we have promised that another shall receive it, an event long overdue," I told him.

He stammered, trying to think of who else was entitled to his soul. I held the gem as high as I could over my head.

"Death! Here is the last soul! As promised, we give it to you!"

In the darkening sky, the dark cloud appeared and descended. To my eyes, the same regal woman emerged. I handed the gem to her. She inspected it while the lich shuffled between trying to run and regaining his soul. Death turned to him.

"Greamorre Kerrleon Lealkin, you have denied me my due for too long and kept other souls from their rest. I have a special torment for you. And this, your soul gem, shall play a part in it. You tried so hard to avoid me. Now, you shall be with me for all time."

Around the gem heart, an elegant necklace appeared. At its completion, Death slipped it on. The lich seemed horrified. Death admired her new accessory before facing the lich again.

"Body and mind separated from the soul, disgusting. If it were  up to me, that ritual would be removed from all memory. Alas, that is not my domain. Your mind shall rejoin your soul and your body shall fall to dust," she said and pointed at the lich.

His physical scream turned into a mental one as his consciousness was pulled into the gem heart and his body crumbled before us. Inside the gem, his mind beat against its prison. Death chuckled.

"Ladies, you kept your promise. Lich, vampire, and demon-blood now reside with me. When it comes time, I will make your transitions as painless as possible, even yours Mars-in-Leo-with-Gemini-rising. A peaceful end to your days."

We thanked her. Sarah mentioned the soldiers surrounding us. Death sighed and told us the general's curse was binding and could only be undone by the conditions he set. We asked how since his king was, also, long dead. She told us that if someone who had jurisdiction over this land proclaimed himself king and forgave their foolishness, it may be enough. We thanked her again and she entered the dark cloud and vanished into the night.

The punch-in-the-stomach feeling returned in full force, causing Sarah and I to nearly fall to our knees. Leo enveloped us all and transported us away from the field. Sarah and I regained our breath as the others made camp. Castle Day was blocked from us by the forest, but close enough to sense Sim's release from the lich's control. He was considering abandoning the castle and finding "real work" in one of the nearby settlements.

By the firelight, we wrote to Snathdubh's Magistrate, the leader of Coille, and Fionn in Bainne to let them know the lich was gone forever. Leo kept the puzzle box as a "mental exercise" , after Callie closed it and set it back to the starting point. We settled in to sleep as we pondered how to release the spirits of those armies so they, too, could finally rest.

Day 327 (305)

Day 327 (305):

I awoke feeling the presence of Rose, her sapling, and the four leprechauns from last night. They were all outside. I roused my sisters and we dressed quickly. Outside, the leprechauns still looked at us suspiciously, but the others greeted us warmly.

"Sisters, this is Willow, my sapling, and the one who has watched the palace the longest, over a decade. If anyone knows its activity, it is she," Rose told us.

While greeting Willow, I saw a dark spot floating in her otherwise clean aura. It was not apart of her, but looked added or parasitic. We listened to Willow's report which, like the dark spot, did not seem right. Her report made it seem like investigating or even watching the palace was a waste of time. She requested that Rose pull off her other saplings and leave it be. 

"Willow, why ask such? You know what damage all those spirits would cause if unchecked. Are you well?"

"No, she is not well," I answered, "I see a ball of darkness floating in her aura. It is not hers by nature and I believe it is influencing her."

Most of our assembly just stared at me. Leo gave me an encouraging nudge. I approached Willow, who took a small step back from me. I watched the ball float around. When it got to a place I could reach, I snagged it with my right hand, using my riding set to encase it. Before every one's eyes, I extracted a grapefruit-sized ball of darkness from Willow. She gasped as it left her, nearly going to her knees. The leprechauns looked at me in fear. I knew my eyes changed as I read this darkness.

"The lich is in this thing. He used it to manipulate Willow. It made her downplay his activities or forget something entirely. He wanted everyone to be 'in the dark' about his real actions. He could not afford to corrupt her completely, as that would draw too much attention. It was his idea to suggest removing the others, to allow him and his men more freedom."

The ball faded, its tale done, into nothing. Willow was crying on Rose, begging forgiveness for her weakness and the lies she had told. The four men were huddled, whispering and gesturing. My sisters told me that they, too, had felt something "off" about Willow, but could not specifically name it.

Recovered, Willow gave us an accurate report, "Including the lich, only three remain of the original twenty-four. One is a horned creature that seems to rage constantly. The other is a vampire. He is the one who harasses us the most, claiming starvation. Keeping everyone at least two miles away means he has little to prey upon. Also, the fences and walls are specifically warded against vampires as well as generally against spirits and undead."

"Is his device, the thing the lich uses to house his soul, in the palace?" I asked gently.

"No, it is not. I heard him tell the vampire that 'two armies' guard his device and a 'puppet' watches over them. He said he made his 'puppet' obsessed with spirits to insure he did not leave his 'tilted home'."

We seven gasped, which caused them to give us odd looks. Lisa began to stomp around, muttering, "I knew it. I knew it." as she got her anger under control.

"What is it? do you know this 'puppet' and these armies?" Leo asked, very concerned.

We told them about Sim and the battlefield he dismissed as "nothing". We also explained Lisa's anger about being nearly on top of it, asking about it, and accepting Sim's dismissal without question. Leo helped calm her by telling us that, if the corruption was well hidden, we had no reason not to believe Sim's opinion of the battlefield and its armies. 

"What now, Sisters? Do you still plan to attack the palace, knowing what you seek is not there?" Fionn asked.

"There are still souls to free," Alice answered, "We still have that task."

We spoke of Dawn's purging of Castle Night. Willow knew of no conditions set to release those spirits. We did discuss a cleansing. Perhaps enough "light" in the "darkness" could break his hold on them. Rose suggested, what she called "calling the quarters", a ritual that called the four elements to bless an area. It sounded plausible. She asked for Bo's and Dawn's assistance, as air and fire. Sarah volunteered to be water, but Rose knew a water nymph who lived nearby and hated the lich for several acts of  pollution.
Snagging a bite and leaving Leo, we followed Rose and Willow to a spring-fed creek. Rose called for the nymph in her wind-like language. Up from the spring, a girl rose. Even though she looked barely ten years of age, I could feel that she was centuries old. Completely nude, she stood boldly before us.

"Rose, what is it? Who are they?" she asked, a bit testy.

"Miram, these are the Sisters, their swords, and companions. They are going to help us call the quarters to the lich's castle."

Miram jumped from her spring, doing a cartwheel before landing on the ground near us.

"Finally! I am sick of his corpses mucking up my water. Let's go, the sooner the better."

With no concern for modesty, Miram began walking toward the palace.

As we followed, she told us numerous occurrences of undead splashing about, trying to corrupt her pure water.

Within an hour or so, we were at the perimeter Rose and saplings had established. The difference between inside and outside was stark. Outside was healthy winter. Inside was hellish and twisted. Rose told us seven, Set, and Echo to stay outside while she, Miram, Bo, and Dawn did the ritual. We agreed.

The quartet headed to the slapped-together building. Taking positions, they began calling their elements. The four powers formed against their side of the building. When they met at the corners, they erupted in a swirling mass of energy. Above the building, a spirit storm rose. It went high into the air, then stopped. The souls beat upon an invisible barrier. Willow and the other saplings could not explain it. Their perimeter was only on the ground, not above the palace. 

"Something is missing," Anna told us, "A fifth power is needed."

As we thought, the souls continued to bash against the barrier.

For reasons I cannot name, I blurted out, "Death!"
"What?" came a unified remark.

"These men sought to cheat Death. They defended against it. We need to call on Death to break the barrier and take the souls."

Taking hands, we called to Death and any who ruled the land of the dead to break this barrier and take the souls to their rest. Even the saplings joined our call. Above the barrier, a dark cloud formed then began to swirl. A stream of dark birds flew out of the cloud to attack the barrier. Soon, the barrier was marked by white souls on one side and black birds on the other. An enormous "crack" nearly interrupted our chanting. The barrier was breached, allowing the black birds to enter and the souls to pour into the swirling cloud. Inside the barrier, the birds ignored the streaming souls. They began picking spirits who were not flowing up. These seemed unwilling to leave, but Death had been denied too long. Before long, the willing and unwilling spirits were gone, the birds back through the swirling cloud, and the cloud disappeared. Our companions and friends returned to us, asking how we did that. As we explained, the cloud returned and floated down to us.

In front of us, a tall, dark-haired woman with very pale skin, dressed in elegant black clothing, emerged from the cloud.

"The other gods said you helped and heeded all deities, even those not of your race. Now, I believe them. I have called upon clerics, monks, knights, and kings, yet none of them achieved one-tenth of this. That man and his crew have denied me my due. When you destroy them, I have a special place for them."

"Were they not taken by the birds?" Sarah asked.

"No, the lich is not here and ancient agreements prevent me from taking demon-blood and vampires. Those two are inside. Send them to me, Sisters, and I promise none of you will see my land for a century at the least."

We agreed to send all three of them to her soon. She nodded and returned to the dark cloud. It rose and vanished.

"Do we go after them or wait for them to come out?" Lisa asked.

"It is not yet mid-day," Rose began, "The vampire may be asleep, unaware of this event. The demon-blood could be awake. Let us go to the building and see if you can sense him."

Agreeing, we followed Rose and were followed by Willow and the other saplings. Before reaching the building, a great bellow rumbled from within. We heard several more as we got closer. The one doing the bellowing also seemed to be getting closer to us.

Out of the doorway, taking the door with him, the demon-blood burst into the winter sunshine. Puffing, he looked at us all.

"YOU!! You did this?! Sanctified this palace in the names of your false gods. Stole the souls we struggled to bring to his glory. Now, you stand before me. I shall crush you all and present your heads to the Chosen when he returns."

He gave us no time to ask anything before he began gathering demon magic. We quickly agreed upon the hybrid demon spell and began a counter chant. His began to fall apart as ours robbed him of his power. It fizzled into formless smoke as he collapsed, more human than demon. Laying on the ground, the demon power left, leaving behind all that was still human, which wasn't much more than a skeleton. His soul rose above his body. He had only a second to enjoy his new state when a large bird came out of nowhere and seized the soul-form. It flew off with the spirit screaming for help. The skeleton quickly turned to dust and was blown away. The treants were amazed.

"Only the vampire remains, let's get him," Lisa said, taking a step towards the doorway.

"Wait, we have all day," I reminded her, "besides, the lich may return while we are fumbling around an unfamiliar castle."

We agreed to go rest, get something to eat, and discuss a plan of action. We told Leo to let the leprechauns know what had happened. He told us all of Bainne had stopped to watch the aerial part of the palace's cleansing. He told us Fionn and his group had remarked about "misjudging" us. We asked him to join us after he passed our report to them.

While Rose and company ate dirt, they did help us find nuts to eat. Our companions hunted for themselves. Miram returned to her spring, skipping like the young girl she appeared to be, although still nude. 

Leo arrived a bit after our companions returned from their meals, "Well done, everyone. The leprechauns are thrilled and look forward to a 'spring without being haunted or hunted'. So, any ideas about the vampire? Has the lich returned?"

"The lich is still gone. The vampire is in a sub-level on the north side, still asleep. Fortunately, Willow remembers a door leading to that sub-level so we will not have to search the whole place," I told him.

"I see. There is something I am most curious about. What did Death look like?" Leo asked eagerly.

We all attempted to answer at once. After a minute, it became obvious that most of us had seen different things. The Treants had seen another Treant with black leaves and ravens in it branches. Set, Bo, and Echo saw dark versions of Brimagor. Dawn saw a black phoenix, one who drew light instead of giving off light. The seven of us girls reported both men and women in dark clothes with black hair. Just like Fate, Death appears to everyone as they can best understand.

With that out of the way, we began to plan how to get the vampire. We sent Leo to Miram to get some blessed water. The Treants gathered fallen sticks to stake him if needed. We went through Sloth's mental exercise to steel ourselves against him. With Leo's return and a large container of blessed water, we followed Willow to the sub-level's door.

Like the rest of the building, this door was poorly constructed and too large for the doorway it blocked. Leo ripped it off. As he could not fit, he volunteered to keep anything from escaping and planted himself at the entrance. Rose was also too large and she took up a guard's stance as well. The six saplings went with us down the dark stairs. Dawn gave us light as we descended. In the sub-level, torches were burning, eliminating the need for Dawn's light. Anna found my hand.

"Kayla, there is so much evil history here. I feel it crushing me," she whispered.

"Share my shield, let Brimagor's gift protect you," I said, squeezing her hand a bit.

The riding set grew warm and I felt her pain slacken greatly. She took a deep breath with a slight smile.

"Alice, how fair you?" I asked.

"This place is nearly empty to me. Their personal history died when they became undead. Past a lot of people dying, I get nothing."

"Good, is everyone else well?" I asked the rest.

Callie reported an uneasiness due to the poor construction. Lisa and Sarah told of the illness of the place. Gretta said all was silent for her. It relieved me that none of them were suffering. I seemed to have taken the lead, being the one who best sensed the vampire.

Several hundred paces from the door, we found the vampire's crypt. No one and nothing guarded it. Besides evil, arrogance hung heavy in this place. The saplings made to open the doors, but I stopped them.

"He is awake. He also knows he is alone. Sanctifying the area has blocked his communication with the lich. He is out of his tomb and trying to prepare for any attack. The doors are rigged."

The saplings removed their hands from the doors. We all moved back. I called to the doors and, with some effort, they opened, springing the trap that would have cooked anyone opening them by hand. We waited until the fire stopped. Expecting victims, the vampire sauntered out of the crypt. He was extremely surprised to find no one dead, burnt, or even hurt. Seeing Willow, he became smug.

"What is this about? Do you bring sacrifices or offerings to join our ranks? Speak, little bush, tell me your reasoning."

Willow went livid, nearly charging the vampire. The other saplings held her back. The vampire made clicking noises.

"Broke your leash, I see. The Chosen will not be please."

"You call the lich 'Chosen'. That is Maalicus' title," I told him flatly.

"Was his title," he corrected, "Maalicus no longer walks this world. The other Baalocs are dead or traitors. Only we keep the true faith. The Chosen will rebuild the Baaloc Kingdom and sit upon its throne forever."

"And where will you sit?" Alice asked.

He laughed, "Where a loyal prince always sits, at his King's side."

Lisa stepped forward, "Neither of you will be sitting on any throne. Your 'reign' ends today."

He pretended to be scared, "Oh no! Seven little girls, their pets, and a bunch of sticks are going to kill me. I am so scared. Help! Help! Will no one save me?"

Becoming serious, he tried to stare us down, "Flee before I turn you all into my personal seven course meal."

It was our turn to laugh, which startled him. I spoke to him.

"Did you find out who killed Maalicus?"

"Of course we did, we had to know. He was defeated by the Seven Sisters ... of … the … Swords ..." his voice trailed off as the truth occurred to him.

We unsheathed our swords and pointed them at him. He fell to his knees, begging us not to hurt him. He began making promises, trying with all of his might to get us to not kill him, even begging for mercy. 

"You have a date with Death and you are late," I told him.

He continued to plead as we began. We poured out health and healing and warmth, things his evil body could not tolerate. The saplings showered the blessed water upon him, causing him to scream in pain. He got up and tried to fight, but only succeeded in falling flat on his face. He writhed as power and water continued to attack him. Soon, he stopped moving and dissolved into a pile of clothes and dust. His soul rose, a bit disoriented. He was still sorting it out when a large black bird flew pass us, snagged the soul, and flew away. Sheathing our swords, we ushered everyone back out into the evening sun. Leo and Rose were beaming. They had seen the bird and its cargo. Between Leo and Rose, we were carried back to Bainne because they could get us the five miles far more quickly. Just before sunset, we were greeted by what appeared to be the entire town. 

As we walked through the gate, a great cheer went up, making a deafening sound. The mass of leprechauns escorted us to the milk house. We went inside as Fionn told everyone that the full story would be told tomorrow and that we needed our rest. Leo parked himself next to the building and laid down, ending any attempts to get anything from him. Rose and her saplings retreated to the forest. We joined Fionn and the other three in the dining room. Their worry and doubt was replaced by joy and respect. We told them, in detail, what had happened. The fact that the lich was still at large did not dampen their spirits. The three left in good spirits and Fionn was smiling all the way to his room. We were so tired, most of us fell into bed without undressing.