Baboo thought himself not only a good king of a vast and powerful nation, but he also thought he wasn’t a bad warrior and huntsman. After all, what with an almost perfect physique, sharp wit and animal cunning; he thought he could best any prey of the animal kingdom in this world or the next.

Today, his prey was a full-grown female lion hiding somewhere in the tall grass plains that he was carefully maneuvering through. Armed only with a light short spear and a hand made hunting knife, he knew that if he missed it would be his last hunt cut short by the teeth and claws of this beast. He had tracked the lioness by its pad prints and its smell for some time this morning but had only a brief glimpse once of its tail. Now he finally saw its head pop out from the tall grass stems and it was looking directly his way.

Baboo’s arm muscles tensed as sweat trickled down his forehead and arms for a long moment, and then he cast his weapon with what he thought was a precision throw right at the forehead of his target. At that critical second, the head disappeared into the tall grasses once more. Immediately after there issued from where the lioness’ head had been a cry of pain and shock. He laughed at loud in triumph but then said to himself” What in Manfuto was that? That wasn’t the cry of a lioness.”

The black warrior king rushed over to survey his kill. He had a bad feeling about this. In a moment he beheld a sight that confirmed his dread. There lying on his side with a gash across his right arm, was an old man with a long white beard with hair to match, stark naked. Not a stitch of clothing on his person. It was his old friend and sometimes headache Crieton the wizard. The king couldn’t help himself and yelled at the old man even though he was having trouble pulling himself up.

“ Creiton! What are you trying to do and why are you as naked as an elkare?"

Creiton coughed and stood up shaken replied” ,That is what happens when I transport remember? If I don’t have someone to exchange into their clothing, I arrive without. I swear you young folk can’t remember a thing.”

Baboo was beside him,” Where is the lioness now? What did you do with it? I was hunting this one for a whole morning.” Creiton winced with pain as Baboo helped him to his feet. “ I imagine she is giving all kinds of trouble to a particular witch I know.” After that answer Baboo noticed as he wrapped a piece of cloth around the wizard’s wound that he was smiling ever so slightly. “ You mean it is now where you had been before?”

“ Yes, several hundred miles from here.” Baboo stripped off a piece of his clothing to wrap around the old man’s hips as he asked,”What were you doing with a witch? Were you in trouble with her? “ “ Yes slightly. Pana Mutisa thought I loved her and I straighten her out. I scorned her love now she is out for revenge.” Baboo turned his head to the sky and his laughter rang out throughout the plains and the forest beyond. “ A woman scorned and you with a girl friend to boot!” He laughed heartedly once more.

“ That isn’t funny. She is serious and powerful and no doubt she will find me soon.”

Baboo placed his hands on his hips,” Pana is her name huh? How is she going to find you when you are hundreds of miles away?” Creiton stared at the warrior king,” She will look into the lioness’ eyes once she catches it, and see where she has been. “ Fear was in his eyes no doubt but in order to help the man’s spirits Baboo dispelled the possibility,” I would like to see her catch this lioness. She’s a smart one.”

“ Never the less, Pana will catch her and then she will find me.!” Creiton shook at the thought of a vengeful witch catching up with him. Baboo stated,” She is too far away. Come with me. We will put more distance between her and us if it ‘ll make you feel better.”

“ But what of your hunt?”

“ Bahhh, it was a terrible day to hunt anyway.” Creiton threw up his hands,” Perhaps we can go to your home and…” “ No! We are not going there. I went on this hunt to get AWAY from them for a while. Besides, you do remember what almost happened to you when you first appeared among my people don’t you?” Baboo reminded him.

“ Come on old one. Let us pick up the pace. Maybe we can reach the water falls of Sumnih beyond that forest over there.” Baboo pointed toward the southwest.

“What will that matter against a witch scorned?” Creiton asked the lion warrior.

“ It is rumored since time began for our people that the water falls can make one invisible behind them, and will make those that are trying to catch them forget why they were there.” Baboo explained. The old wizard stopped in his tracks,” You can’t be serious! You really believe that nonsense?” Baboo grinned from ear to ear,” Got ya! Had you going didn’t I?”

Creiton’s shoulders dropped as the big dark warrior burst out laughing. As the pair continued toward the forest with Baboo leading the way, the old wizard grit his teeth together a moment and grudgingly admitted it. “ Yes, that was very funny. Tis to laugh all the way under the ground where our graves will be.”

Baboo slapped him on the back ,”Aah, lighten up my friend. I took losing my prey pretty good didn’t I? It wasn’t like it was going to be the end of this world.”

Creiton didn’t reply nor spoke a single word till two hours later when they finally reached the forest to the southwest; which marked the beginning of Baboo’s empire.

The wizard looked around the dark thick forest which he had seen similar in many parts of the world and sighed,” Well, I must admit this place is thick enough that it will surely keep out a lowly witch bent on revenge.” Baboo replied, “ Creiton, sometimes you can be a real pain.”

“Ahhh, where does it hurt ole…”

Suddenly, they were both startled by a high pitched whistling above them beyond the trees and then seconds later a loud boom of a sound followed. It seemed as though it was much further to the south.Creiton heard Baboo trying to ask him what it could be when a bright light appeared from the south and grew and grew until it lit the whole forest and the skies above, temporarily blinding the pair. As it did, a terrible hot wind followed making the tall trees bend and knocking the pair of travelers to the forest floor. Some of the tops of the trees caught fire but the wind put them out almost as quickly as they started.

After several moments dazed and temporarly deaf, Baboo awoke to find Creiton lying a few feet away against a tree and mumbling something incoherently about the sky gods, whatever they were. The dark warrior king began to shake the old wizard’s frame and called his name several times before Crieton responded. His eyelids opened to reveal nothing but the whites of his eyes as if they had turned inward gazing into the back of his skull.

Then, in almost a whisper; Creiton spoke as if from a dream,” Baboo. They are here. They have come from the stars to retrieve what is theirs. I have seen their faces and they are not like us. They will not stop until ……”

Suddenly his eyelids closed and then opened just as quick. His eyes were back as they should be and Baboo let his breath out which he had been holding. He breathed a sigh of relief.

“ Hey! Old man, are you ok? I thought for a moment you had gone to the underworld or worse.”

The wizard Creiton shook his head to clear the cobwebs and his old blue gray eyes stared at the black warrior a second before he spoke. "What just happened?”

“Help me up Baboo.We must pressforward….”

The warrior helped him to his feet and after a moment with legs shaking at first , Creiton stood and immediately started to walk slowly toward the forest;toward the way they had originally started . Baboo scratched his head and asked,” Are you sure you will be alright?”

Baboo remained quiet through the next several hours, wondering why he felt such dread and foreboding at what may lie ahead. After a while, Baboo with his long strides as he walked; left the old wizard behind. Creiton never knew it until up ahead not ten yards , he heard Baboo let out such an awful cry of terror as he had never heard the black warrior do; in all their adventures together. He ran as fast as his old bony legs could muster toward Baboo’s voice. As he ran into a large clearing; his eyes fell upon Baboo on his knees crying, holding his face in his hands shaking with grief.

It was when Creiton raised his eyes beyond Baboo’s shaking form that he understood what made Baboo cry with terror and unimaginable shock. Creiton could hardly believe what his eyes beheld. There had once stood a large wonderful city of golden topped palaces , large splendid homes and a large proud race of happy growing people. Now all he could see as far as the eye could was complete destruction and devastation. All that remained was crumbled stone and melted metal everywhere. It looked like there was no survivors. It looked like the city of the dead.

As he touched Baboo’s shoulder he sensed grief and a growing anger within. Even in Creiton there stirred anger and sadness. Also it dawned on him, that he was beginning to sense something else. Some presence that was unnatural like an unseen poison raising from the ground.

Creiton was about to reveal what he was sensing, when he when he heard the angry voice of Pana Mutisa the witch of Massel forest,” At last! I have found you, you fowl wrenched swine! You shall not escape me again! Your pretended love will not fool me this time. I….”

Several things caught her eye in mid-sentence. First was the fact a large black warrior was on his knees beyond Creiton, and he was crying his eyes out. Then, as she looked beyond the warrior, she realized what the warrior was apparently crying about. It was complete destruction of a vast city. Only rubble Page 6 remained. It must of happen a short time ago, because she could smell things and perhaps bodies burning in that rubble. It was one of the most frightening scenes of destruction she had ever seen.

Creiton turned to her and stated,” Witch, there are more important things happening than our relationships as you may have noticed.”

“ I-I can not believe my eyes! It is horrible! What or who could have done this terrible thing?”

“ That I don’t have time at this moment to explain to you woman. Right this moment I sense something deadly raising from the ground as a result of this disaster. If we don’t leave this area immediately, we will die a horrible lingering death!”

The witch for once agreed with Creiton and they quickly pulled Baboo kicking and screaming from that deadly ground back into the forest. They soon stopped to catch their breath in a little clearing. Creiton and even Pana felt light headed and parched; while the warrior lay at their feet unmoving as if in a trance. Creiton suspected he was experiencing some kind of shock.

He leaned over Baboo asking Pana.” Do you have a water container with you?”

“ Yes, I do have a small one, but it has only one swallow worth of water. Will that do?”

“ It will have to do. Quickly, hand it over.”

” Here.”

Creiton took the water and slowly poured it into King Baboo’s mouth. Baboo drank, coughed once and suddenly sat upright with eyes open unseeing. Then he closed his eyes and passed out on the ground.

“Well, that didn’t help much” Pana remarked,” Any other ideas great wizard?”

Creiton grabbed Pana and Baboo’s hands and chanted in an unknown language a brief phrase. Then in a bright flash they disappeared from that accursed place. In another instant they opened their eyes to a different view altogether.

Now they found themselves on a beach by the sea which looked very familiar. Pana took one look around and asked,” Creiton, what have you done?”

Pana with arms folded asked,” Why did you do that for?”

Creiton starred at her like she was without a brain,” To get help from people who can give us better odds against this unknown threat.”

Creiton mumbled something under his breath as he kick some sand in the air.

What did you say? I didn’t understand what you were saying.” Pana stated.

“ Nothing.” Creiton said under his breath.

“One thing I won’t stand for is getting transported all over the world. Do not do that again. Understand?! It is unsettling for an old woman like me.”

“Yes, I agree that you are old.”

Pana was about to cast an awful smelly spell on Creiton; when Baboo suddenly sat up, looked at Pana and Creiton a moment and then began to laugh his head off.

“You two look so ridiculous without a stitch of clothing on!” He was going to laugh again as they suddenly realized they did indeed have no clothes.

But Pana interrupted him,” You should talk ole king.”

He looked down and exclaimed,” Hey!”

Then he looked at Creiton as he tried to gain his feet,” You transported us here?!”

“ Yes, I did. It was for our safety. A terrible energy was rising from the area where the destruction happened. I could sense it.”

Baboo pushed his face into Creiton’s and asked in an angry voice,” So how is it wizard that you can’t sense that we do not have a stitch of clothing on?!”

Creiton glanced down upon himself and the other two, and in a tiny voice commented,”ah oh.”

“ Let me at him first, Baboo. I will wring his scrawny neck.” Pana announced.

Baboo grabbed the wizard by the neck,” Not if I crush his bones first.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Creiton spotted two people walking up the incline supposedly from the beach below near the ocean.

“ I believe I see someone approaching from the beach.(cough)”

Baboo let go of Creiton’s throat and spun around to see who it was. Pana also half turned to see, but she kept one eye on the wizard in case it was a diversion. He had played tricks like that on her before. It wasn’t magic, but it was just effective enough to give him a chance to escape as he has done in the past.

Baboo squinted his eyes to see past the bright sunlight and broke out in a grin when he heard a familiar voice shout to him.

“ Baboo! Is it really you?”

It was Tasha the redheaded warrior’s voice. Soon, he spotted a familiar sight that he was so glad to see after so long. Or at least it seemed a long time. It was Tasha and Tanar walking arm in arm toward him. As then got within a dozen feet, Tanar gave a whoop of joy and broke from Tasha into a run. Tasha shook her head and took her time by walking slowly up to her friends.

Tanar grabbed Baboo and Creiton both and about squeezed their insides out. “ I thank all the gods of the northern kingdoms that we meet again.”

Baboo started to say something but was interrupted by Tasha’s laughter,” What were you thinking when you took off all your clothes?! No, don’t answer. I don’t want to know.”

The witch who had been standing behind Creiton and Baboo stated,” I bet you can guess.”

Tasha glanced at the witch and then at Creiton. She then proceeded to laugh.

Pana interrupted her,” Oh, he meant well. But he neglected to explain what happens when we transported and nobody to trade cloths with when we appeared somewhere else.”

Tanar giggled and Tasha hit him in the ribs with her elbow.

“Come on with us to our home you three and we will prepare you a feast. You must be starving.”

As the group headed back down the incline to the beach and beyond; Tasha threw a question over her shoulder to the witch. “ Pana, where do you come from?”

“I come from a great forest just south of….” Suddenly she stopped in her description.”

Tasha looked back and both Baboo and Pana had tears in their eyes. Creiton looked very tired and something else she couldn’t quite fathom.

Tasha grabbed Tanar’s arm,” I think something is very wrong with our friends.”

Tanar looked back at them and stopped. Ok, what is going on with you people?”

His question remained unanswered until the wizard finally informed them,” Baboo’s Kindom was destroyed and we are at a loss as to how it happened.”

Baboo pointed at Creiton,” Well, he did say before my kingdom….” He hesitated because it was still such a shock, but in seconds he found somehow courage to continue.

“ He said to me that there are those that come from somewhere other than here; and he said soon. I think he sensed that they were different, and not human. I thought he was out of his mind, but….”

Baboo couldn’t go on and fell to the sand face first. Everyone rushed to his side to help him up. Right away they noticed his face color had turned lighter as if he was getting sick.

Tanar instructed,” Hurry, help me carry him to our home.”

Tasha helped Tanar carry him between them. Creiton and Pana follow close behind as they made their way toward the house by the beach below.

When they arrived Creiton opened the door for the rest and they quickly made their way to a bed in one of the back rooms. Tanar and Tasha gently lowered Baboo upon the bed.

Tanar grabbed the hand of Baboo,”Try to stay awake my friend.”

The dark warrior king tried to smile, but it looked more like a frown. He spoke much to the surprise of everyone,” It hurts like I have a fire all over my body! What is happening to me?”

“ I am in the dark as much as you my friend,” Tanar said with much worry in his voice.

Creiton looking down at a helpless Baboo offered help,” Perhaps with the help of Pana and myself, we can come up with a cure through a medicine for this terrible sickness.”

Pana clapped her wrinkled hands together,” Creiton is right for a change. I have my most powerful potion with me and I am sure that our wizard has the spell to compliment the potion. Let’s get started wizard. The rest of you must leave the room for now.”

Tanar and Tasha reluctantly left the room and sat down on some chairs facing each other on opposite sides of the living area. Even with the door closed to the back room; they could here both the witch’s and wizard’s chanting. They couldn’t understand the language, but it didn’t matter. Tasha had confidence in their vast abilities. Tanar had no choice but to trust Pana’s intentions.

After what seemed hours; Tanar heard a very tiny squawk of a sound by and above his left shoulder. He quickly swung around to see what the sound was about. There to his surprise, was a weird colorful three foot bird. The northern warrior jumped from his chair as did Tasha because by that time she saw it too.

Tanar yelled at the bird but it didn’t move a muscle. Then when Tasha shouted at the creature, it flew and landed between the two warriors. Tanar asked of the creature at his feet, ”What are you doing bird?” He didn’t expect for the bird to reply, but reply it did.” I am a messenger from Lavion. I can talk for a little while, so I will make this short before I lose my beautiful voice.”

Tanar frowned,” Well, I wouldn’t call you a beautiful bird.”

Tasha said,” Quiet Tanar. I want to hear the message. It concerns Lavion.”

The bird cleared its throat, gave a stare at the big warrior briefly and then began to recite the message,” To Tanar and friends of the Kingdom of Lavion. We need your help in a serious matter for our survival. Two days ago, large ships that have the ability to fly not only in the air, but apparently in among the stars; have landed in our Kingdom. Not one of the people from inside the ships has ventured outside of their ships. Yet for the first several days, every two hours; a loud voice has spoke in our language demanding the Orb be handed over to them soon. If not, every man, woman and child will be destroyed by their weapons.

The queen Felica and the future queen Abby need you to find the Orb, retrieve it, and bring it to Lavion as fast as you can. It was fortunate that the pirate Durante and his ship arrived several days ago looking for you. They are on their way to pick you up so that you can get the Orb from the island where you had left it. We need your help for you are our only hope of survival. By the way, Abby says Hi and looks forward in seeing you again. It has been too long.”

The weird talking bird squawked once more and flew out an open window. Tanar and Tasha were stunned by this amazing news. But Tasha was stunned about something more.

She looked at Tanar with a frown on her brow and asked him in a serious tone,” It is a bit to understand all that has happened so quickly, but even more about this woman.”

Tanar looked startled at Tasha,” Who do you mean?” “Don’t act innocent with me. In what way do you know this harlot?”

Tanar rose from his chair,” First of all she is but a child that hired me to find her father, who was lost and we found out later he was captured by evil creatures.”

Tasha started to say something else, but Tanar interrupted her,” I and Baboo with the help of Creiton and this daughter of the queen; rescued him from those evil things. I am flattered at your jealousy but not amused.”

“Amused you are not. You are nervous at the very least.” Tasha commented as she also rose from her chair to face Tanar only a foot from him. Suddenly, a voice from the back room yelled,” The lions don’t make such noise. What’s got into you two? I am sick for a few hours and you two start fighting like Bores.”

The two warriors turned around to find Baboo standing there on shaky feet sweat running down his head and body.Tanar and Tasha forgot their quarrel for the moment and Tanar grabbed Baboo by the waist lifting his body off the floor.

Baboo laughed and then said,” Owh! Careful, you are squeezing me too much. Put me down you ole Bear!”

His friend did as he had asked and explained,” I thought you might not make it, but I should have known you are tougher than any ole poison.”

Creiton casually walked by the two and without looking explained as he dried off his hands,” That was no ordinary poison. It was something that stays with you in your body. I have never seen the like anywhere.”

He looked around the room and upon seeing the feathers on the floor and Tasha frowning and breathing like she had been in a fight asked,” What has been going on while we were in the back room trying to save someone’s life?” Creiton raised his eyebrow at Tanar and then at Tasha.

Tasha spoke before anyone else could,” A message was sent from Lavion. They are in danger, but what news came next was to say the least, unexpected. This warrior of yours, the one I fell in love with, has another love all this time waiting for him in Lavion!”

Tanar stared at Tasha,” It is not like that. She is a young girl who happens to be a princess. I have already told you about helping her to find her…”

Tasha interrupted the upset warrior,” Her father. I know that and I also saw the reaction of yours of her personal message to you. Are you in love with her?” Tasha began to shake with sadness and rage.

“As a father would be yes. Baboo, explain to her what she is to me. I am tired of hearing her outrageous accusations.” He then turned and walked further into the living room.

Tasha looked at Baboo and asked in a calmer voice,” Well, are you going to give me another story or the truth?” She started tapping her foot with impatience.

Baboo rolled his eyes and then chuckled at Tasha,”Look, he does think of her as a daughter even though she may have a small crush on him.”

“Whatever do you mean? You are so nervous, why?” Tasha was tapping her foot again.

Baboo looked back at Tanar and pleaded,” Tanar, I need help here.”

Tanar stood facing a wall and commented,” I won’t talk to that crazy woman until she has settled down.”

“ I have settled down.” Tasha said with an edge to her voice.

Cretion whistled loudly,” Enough is enough! We have more pressing problems than who loves who.” He looked around at everyone including Pana, who had entered the room with a puzzled look on her face. He was about to tell of a plan he had thought of when there was a knocking at the front door. Everyone froze but Tasha who immediately walked to the door and opened it. To their surprise was their friend Durante looking like a real pirate captain with the hat and wide saber tucked under his belt.

Tasha laughed,” Well, well. If it isn’t my ole friend Durante! My! aren’t you the fancy Captain now!” She wrapped her arms around him and gave him a big hug much to Tanar’s and the other’s surprise.

Durante grinned from ear to ear,” Now that is a greeting if ever there was one!” Tasha exclaimed,” They said you were coming, but we didn’t expect you so soon. Come in to our home.”

Durante smiled again,” Don’t mind if I do.” He stepped in asking,” I hope you don’t mind if I bring a friend in also, do you?”

Tasha started to say something in answer, when a familiar person moved from behind their pirate friend with an equally broad smile.

Tasha couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw who it was,”Nishi! How did you get here?”

The beautiful dark haired oriental girl ran to Tasha and hugged her so hard it almost pushed the wind out of her,” Oh Tasha! I have missed you all so much! How is Tanar?”

Tasha , “ He is sulking over at the wall.” Nishi looked over toward Tanar and said,” Well you crazy friend of mine! Come here so I can give you a great big hug.” Durante added,”Yea, I want to give you one too!”

Tanar finally smiled and briskly walked toward his old comrades. They hugged briefly and Tanar asked,” Is it true? The Lavion kingdom is being invaded?”

Durante answered,” I witnessed the ships landing not two miles away. I have never seen anything like it.” Baboo asked behind them,” Is anybody going to introduce us?”

Tasha apologized,” Oh, I’m sorry. Durante, Nishi, this is Baboo.”

Baboo shook hands with Durante,” I have heard good things about you.”

Durante laughed,” And probably only half of them are true.”

Nishi folded her arms in front of Baboo,”Goodness, you are certainly a big one aren’t you?”

Baboo with a twinkle in his eyes, laughed,” Nice to meet you too.”

“Why does he look so tired?” Nishi asked of Cretion. “He has been sick and the main city of his Kingdom has been destroyed by the invaders.”

Nishi hugged the Lion hunter,” I am sorry for your loss. Those that did this will pay I promise.” She turned to Tanar,” Lavion’s queen Felica must know of this news. It could happen to them.”

Tanar sighed,” Then we must hurry, and board Durante’s ship. Must reach the area where we left the Orb. It is their only hope.” Everyone agreed and they packed as much supplies as they could carry. When they were almost ready Pana gazed over toward Durante.

The witch stepped in and hugged the pirate,” You don’t mind hugging an old witch do you?”

Durante stepped back in alarm,” Are you really a witch?”

Pana giggled,” I like this man. He is cute. Even cuter than Cretion!”

Durante turned red with embarrassment,” You are certainly nice for being a..uh, witch.”

Pana added,”Oh, I am better looking then any of the other witches. Isn’t that right, Cretion?”

Creiton ignored her and stepped out the front door. Pana sighed and followed Cretion.

As the group reached the beach; Durante pointed toward a very large ship not two-hundred yards from shore,” There she is. The Sea Spirit. It is one of the fastest ships that exist.”

The ship had three large white sails and two Catapult machines. The hull was painted white and it even had a wooden statue of a woman attached to the very front.

Tasha’s eyes twinkled in the sunlight,” Aye it does look fast, and beautiful.”

Tanar smirked,”Durante, to say that you are proud of that ship is no exaggeration.”

Durante bowed to the barbarian warrior,” I must admit I do agree.”

A boat launched from the ship and picked up the group of travelers. Soon they climbed aboard and met the crew. They found them friendly and a much better lot than Tanar’s previous crew. Tanar noticed right away,” They don’t mess around do they?”

Durante shown the new passengers their quarters which for those days were second to none for a pirate ship; and then most of them except Creiton, stayed on deck to watch them cast off and set sail for the island.

Cretion knew not to stay on deck because of his wizard presence. Pirates and even regular crews thought that a wizard’s appearance on deck was very bad luck. The women didn’t bother them much, except for Nishi. She was very curious about this new ship. Her beauty didn’t escape the crew’s notice. They were nice to her and kept their distance; but Tasha noticed that their eyes followed her often.

After a while Tanar noticed that Tasha was talking to her off to the side where no one would hear what they were saying. He really didn’t care. He had too much on his mind. How was he going to get that Orb back? Maybe Cretion might have an idea. At least this time he was in his right mind when they found the island. And that was another problem.

How was he supposed to find the island without the help of Draco the Dragon Sorcerer?

Then Tanar heard Cretion’s voice behind him,”I know what you are thinking. Or at least I can make a good guess anyway.”

Tanar turned around,” So now you can read thoughts?” “ I said a guess…Anyway, I just so happen to have a map to the island or what’s left of it, which I made during our last encounter while I was in your cabin onboard lockup.”

Tanar frowned,” You mean all this time you had a map of it?”

“Yes, but you didn’t need it for you had Draco showing you the way.”Tanar rubbed his page 12 short beard and slapped Cretion on the shoulder,” Well, that was a bit of luck that you did make one. Now hand it over.”

Cretion rubbed his chin,” Well, I don’t know….” “Come on Wizard, you know we need it to retrieve the Orb.”

Cretion looked at him out of the corner of his eye,” Tell you what. I will give this to Durante. After all, he is the one that has use of it. Not you. You are here for the ride and to retrieve the Orb.”

Tanar didn’t want to take it from the old goat; mainly because Tasha was watching his every move while he stood by Cretion. “ Ok, you give it to Durante.”

“A good man you are Tanar. So unselfish.” Cretion strolled toward Durante while Tanar glared at his back. “Someday Cretion. Someday.”

Cretion handed over the map to Captain Durante. He looked over at the barbarian warrior and waved the map at him to acknowledge that he had it.

Tanar turned toward the sea and watched it for a while. He happened to look up into the clear sky; and saw what he thought to be a flying vessel made of metal, flying far into the sky in the same direction as their ship. He calmly strolled toward Tasha and asked her quietly,” Tasha, do you see that vessel up above us in the sky?”

Tasha calmly and slowly looked up. Her eyes got very wide and Tanar had to place a hand over her mouth,” Shhh! It is a smaller flying vessel from the invaders.”

Tanar pulled his hand away from Tasha’s mouth,” Talk of this quietly. I don’t want the crew or our friends to panic.”

Tasha’s face shown fear. Never had Tanar seen this reaction from the redheaded warrior before. It had to be the unknown that frightened her so. She after a moment was able to talk,” That is the last thing I expected to see. Gods! I just wasn’t prepared to see something so different! I promise I-I won’t say a thing to anyone. How did they know where to look for us?"

Tanar shrugged his shoulders,” I haven’t a clue, but we best be prepared for anything from here on out.” Tasha giggled,” You looked freighted yourself, big tough warrior!”

“ Ok Tasha, mind what I say. Don’t tell anyone.” “What about Creiton? He does react well to the unexpected.”

“No not even him.”

Tasha smiled,”Alright, not even him.”

The woman warrior casually strolled toward the entrance to the bottom deck after blowing Tanar a kiss; as if that was all that was on her mind. Inside she was trying to deal with this new and definitely different unknown foe. She made up her mind that she must tell Creiton of this new development, despite what Tanar ordered. “ I know what I’m doing,” she said to herself.

While Tanar was leaning over the side of the ship and throwing bits of wood into the water; Tasha strolled up to Creiton who was in a heated argument with Nishi. Creiton was trying to get out of hot water with his Asian warrior girl friend,” I swear by the oath of the league of wizards, that I did not have a romantic involvement with that witch.”

Page 13 Nishi was shaking with rage and toying with a very long curved knife as she asked,” Do you swear on your mother’s grave?”

Creiton was silent a few seconds and then finally answered,” Yes, I do. Now will you forgive me? Please?!”

It was at that moment he heard a familiar voice behind him,” If I were you, I would check with Pana first.” It was Tasha standing only a few feet away.

The wizard jumped at her voice. Nishi laughed,” You know, I think you have something there.”

Tasha asked, You don’t mind if I borrow him a second do you?”

Nishi shrugged her shoulders,” No, I was only making him sweat for a laugh.” She smiled at Creiton who stuck his tongue out at her as he followed Tasha.

Eventually as they walked side by side, Tasha asked,” Did you know that a metal flying vessel has been following us above?”

Creiton made sure noone was listening other than Tasha before he answered,” Yes I was aware of it a while back. It is our immediate threat that we must deal with before we reach the island.”

“ How are we to accomplish that Cretion? Our catapult can’t possibly reach that height!”

“Who does spells better than me?”

“Probably twenty or so wizards.” Tasha answered with a smile.“

Cretion placed his hand to his head,” Can’t you ever answer my questions seriously?”

Tasha winked,” If I took you seriously. You know as well as I that we want you to use your wizardry as little as possible.”

Cretion tried to calm her,” It will be alright this time. This is a very simple spell. You’ll see…”

Before Tasha could say no; the old wizard lowered his arms over the edge of the ship and said words in an ancient unknown language.

A moment later as Tasha and Cretion watched the sea below; large bubbles of air began to rise up to the surface. In a matter of seconds, rocks of all sizes from the bottom of the ocean exploded from the sea surface. They flew upward at a tremendous speed toward the sky and flying metal craft. This event didn’t go unnoticed. The entire crew and Tanar saw with shock as the stones flew toward the airship.

Tanar yelled at the wizard who flinched,” Are you two mad?”

Immediately after, the first of the stones hit the metallic object with great force and blew to bits. Tanar was about to let out a sigh of relief; when a large boulder hit the front of the object. The result was a large explosion and the ship was no more except for falling debris. It was falling right toward Durantes’ ship who was also yelling at Cretion,” What in Hades are you doing?

Then he immediately yelled to his crew,” Take cover men! It’s raining debris!”

Everyone of course didn’t have to be told twice. Men ran in all directions trying to avoid being struck by fragments of the destroyed ship. A long gray three fingered arm landed only a foot from Creiton’s shoe,” Ahhiee! Was that one of their arms?”

Tasha jumped back,” Yes it is! We must take cover too!” The red haired woman warrior ran for cover while dragging the old wizard with her.

“Where are we going?” Cretion asked.

Page 14 Tasha answered as they ran,” To the deck below!” The entrance to the deck below was luckily only a few yards away. Just as they entered the doorway, a large piece of metal tore through one of the sails and landed with a thud only a foot from them. Once inside they stopped and Tasha let go of Creiton’s arm as they turned around to see what was happening on deck. Except for two men injured; the rest of the crew were virtually untouched.

But immediately after the crew settled down, they were angry at the old wizard’s sorcery. If it wasn’t for Durante distracting their attention by ordering them to start cleaning the deck and repairing the sail that was torn; Cretion and Tasha may have been in real trouble. As it was both Tanar and Durante immediately tracked them down by the entrance to the lower deck. Nishi was not far behind Tanar and Durante.

Tanar angry, with both hands on his hips; asked,” Didn’t I tell you not to use your sorcery against them?”

Tasha answered for Creiton,”He didn’t come up with the idea. I did. His only mistake was carrying out. Punish me for what happened, not him.”

Nishi remarked,” Even though they acted without consulting anyone but themselves; I think they we all wished to destroy that craft before we reached the island. It was pretty obvious that if they were still around when we reached our objective; they would have probably killed us all, retrieved the Orb and destroyed all the population of this world anyway. Of course; that’s just my opinion.”

Tanar eyed her sideways a moment,” Well, since you put it that way; it makes a lot of sense. Still Durante’s ship and crew were at risk. Let’s see what Durante and his men say…”

Tanar turned before anyone could react and whistled loudly,”Hey! Crew! Do you think it’s worth the trouble to continue? Or should we turn back and take our chances with the people from the sky?”

Durante spoke up first,” If we don’t retrieve the Orb, we will truly regret it when we return to Lavion ; empty handed. I say we stay course since the air ship isn’t with us anymore.”

Much of the crew either laughed about the demise of the flying ship or yelled their agreement with what their Captain had said. Tanar with a grin turned to his friends.

“So be it! You heard them. We keep on our course to the island!” While the crew cheered Tanar spoke to his friends in a lower tone,”I hope this is worth it because we still have to deal with Draco once we open the tomb.”

About that moment, Baboo limped his way among them. He smiled,” I was just getting around good when a splinter from a mast struck my left foot. Hey, what is going on here?”

Before anyone could answer, Pana the witch strolled up to them and asked,” How long is this voyage? I hope not too long. I don’t like water all around me like this.”

Cretion remarked,” Complain, complain. We still have a long way to go. If I were you, I would keep yourself busy and the time will go by before you know it.”

Pana smiled,” Maybe if you and me could go down below where we could be alone…”She didn’t get to finish the thought, for Nishi put her face in Pana’s Page 15 face,”Look,you might have forgotten or whatever so I am going to tell you this just once. He is mine and has been for quite a while. He wants nothing romantically to do with you. Understand?” There was a very serious look on her face similar just before she would usually draw her sword.

Pana raised a hand as if to cast a curse when she saw Cretion with a very worried look on his face. She lowered her hand,” No, it is wrong to fight now. We are going to need everyone we have to win the day against these ruthless invaders from the dark regions. But when this is over, we have something to settle little one.”

Pana was very serious about this quarrel. Cretion knew her enough to worry for Nishi’s safety. He realized then that after this was over and they somehow survived; he and his woman would find some place where Pana would never find them.

Nishi relaxed and said,” Yes, until that time; we will be allies. I look forward to settle a score against the ones that destroyed Baboo’s kingdom.”

Pana looked at Baboo,” As I.” Cretion breathed easier,”Ahh, it is good to see our unity finally!”

Baboo said,”I am looking to get my revenge on those monsters.”

Tanar smiled,”Now that is the Baboo I know. Cretion, can I talk to you for a second?”

Durante interrupted Tanar ,”I want you all to meet me at the captain’s cabin where I will have a good meal prepared for all my great friends.”

Everyone agreed happily to have someone feed them for a change. As the captain left and everyone wandered around the ship; Tanar and Cretion strolled together toward one side and for a moment watched the waves of the ocean splash against the sides. The sun was dropping behind the horizon and they could still hear the seagulls.

Tanar looked intensely into Cretion’s face,”I was wondering something old friend.”

Cretion asked the northern warrior,” What is it Tanar?”

“Do you have a plan to retrieve the Orb from Draco?” The wizard let out a sigh,” Yes Tanar. And it will be a delicate move to get it from Draco’s body without waking him. You know he isn’t dead don’t you?”

Tanar was astounded,” No! How is that possible? I assumed he would be dead with that accursed thing within his head.”

Cretion shook his head,”He isn’t dead, but if we remove the Orb from him; he will revive and no doubt kill us all even without his dragon pet.”

Tanar suddenly had a wonderful thought and laughed out loud enough so that several of the crew looked over temporarily with curiosity.

Creiton’s eyes got very wide,”Tanar, what has gotten into you?”

Tanar laughed,” It just struck me, that we don’t have to remove the Orb from him. So he won’t revive and he will not be a threat when we move him with the Orb out of the tomb all at once!”

Cretion smiled wider than Tanar had ever seen him smile,” Princess Abby would be so proud of you! Why didn’t I think of it? It is such an obvious solution!” He grabbed Tanar by the shoulders; which was difficult at best and hugged him hard.

Tanar laughed at Cretion’s excitement,” By all the Gods! I did good!”

Again some of the crew look over Tanar’s way thinking they had gone crazy. Soon though they ignored them and even broke into songs of the sea and loved ones.

Page 16 Everyone was feeling good about their immediate future. There was talk that Captain Durante would pay them a large amount of gold and silver for their help in this endeavor.

The captain assured them as he walked by the crew that indeed it was true, which made all of them thank the captain repeatedly. He enjoyed the warmth he felt from his crew as he made his way toward the captain’s cabin where most of his friends were waiting. A large meal was prepared and waiting as Durante took his seat at the end of the table. He looked around at his friends and picked up a glass of ale saying,” To you and to Tanar and Cretion who will be here shortly for this wonderful meal!”

They all raised glasses and toasted this ship and its mission. Tasha looked around at this gathering of friends from around the known world,” I wish us all good journey once more to my friends and all aboard. Even Pana.”

Nishi giggled but immediately shut her mouth, as she noticed Pana looking at her as if she was a snake or worse. A voice from the doorway said,”Tasha, watch yourself. Pana’s heart is in the right place and is a valuable member of this party.”

It was Tanar’s voice and Tasha immediately glanced at him with embarrassment,” I am sorry. It was just a joke.”

Pana enjoyed the admonishment Tasha received for her remark,”Oh, it is ok with me. We are all in this together. I am proud to be a part of this endeavor to rid us of this evil.”

Tanar and Creiton took a seat joining the party and soon after they were through; Cretion told them all what they were going to do to get the Orb safely. Everyone was very happy with the plan and Tanar rubbed Cretion’s head with joy. The wizard wasn’t exactly happy with that stunt, but he felt better about their future anyway.

Chapter III The next morning everyone was awakened by Durante giving orders to his crew. Tanar was the first to step out of the quarters from below; and on top deck. The sky was clear and the wind was brisk. He shaded his eyes from the sun and yelled for everyone below deck to get on top deck.

While his friends were busy getting dressed and seeing what was going on; Tanar strolled over to Durante with Tasha not far behind. Durante spotted him,” Well, Well. It is about time you people woke up! I’m spoiling you already.”

Tasha right behind Tanar spoke first,” I feel like new person. How far is this island now?”

Tanar rolled his eyes,” You have to forgive her eagerness…”

Durante laughed,”That is ok. I am eager to reach there too. The sooner we get there…”

Tanar interrupted the captain,” The sooner we will have this task done.”

Tasha hugged Tanar,”Ooooew! It will be even better when we return that accursed Orb back to those monsters!”

Tanar reminded her,”Remember Tasha, that doesn’t mean that they won’t turn around and destroy us anyway.” I know that love,” Tasha explained,” I believe we will come up with a plan to make them want to leave in haste.”

Page 17 Durante saw where this was going,” For now kids, let’s concentrate on the immediate task.”

Tanar agreed,” Yes, you mean like one step at a time.” After several days on the ship, the group’s demeanor had become testy at best; especially between Pana and Nishi. It was the third afternoon when Nishi was strolling along the deck singing some ancient oriental song; when Pana tripped her and she took a nasty fall down the stairs to a cargo hold.

She promptly picked herself off the floor; climbed the stairs and punched the witch in the back of the head, saying,” I suppose you thought it funny to trip me. How funny is it now!?”

It took three crewmen, Durante and Creiton to pull those two apart and hold them until they settled down. Cretion looked at Pana,”What were you thinking? We must get along or they win. Understand?! THEY WIN!!”

Pana said under her breath,” Ok, I am sorry. But I have a hard time thinking clearly when I think of you and her together.”

Cretion moved close to her face,” Get over it now! There is too much at stake for quibbling with each other.”

That is when Durante’s voice was heard behind them,” That’s the way to tell them Cretion! Seriously, He is right and you two know it. I won’t allow bickering on my ship.”

Another day flew by and the wind picked up all through the night. In the early morning, Durante called to the man in the main mast nest if he had seen any storms. The man replied,” Not a wisp of clouds sir.”

The morning went by with Tanar and Tasha huddled in a corner teasing each other and sometimes they would break out into laughter. Nishi watched them and turned to Cretion as they sat on several barrels together. She looked at him and asked,” What are you thinking my love?”

He looked at her and smiled,”Oh, I wonder what is happening in Lavion right now? Are they safe…the usual worrying for those I have known for so long. Nishi, you would find it overwhelming there with so many things going on. Especially with beings from another world at your doorsteps possibly there with no good in their minds.”

“What do they look like? Can you sense them somehow?”

“That’s the troubling thing. I usually can, but for some reason beyond my understanding; I can not see them, their features or their minds. I think they can somehow shield themselves with their minds.”

Nishi’s eyes got very wide,” That is a scary thing that you can not see them.”

Cretion looked off in the distant horizon,” Yes a very scary thing indeed.”

By the late afternoon, the man in the main mast nest yelled,” Land ahead!”

Durante made his job to gather everyone on board onto the top deck. After everyone was there and listening he announced,” Ok, we have reached our destination. The land is not but two hundred yards away.”

All hands clapped and whistled with enthusiasm. Durante Page 18 held up his hand to silence the crowd. After everyone became silent again, he explained what was to happen next since it was his ship,” A party of six in two landing boats will launch toward the shore fully armed, as a precaution. The rest of you are prepared to immediately pull up anchor if there is any sign of eminent danger.”

Several crewmen grumbled but they basically kept quiet. Durante looking across the crowd gestured to Tanar,” Tanar, you and Cretion lead in with the first boat since you two certainly are well aware of the danger that will be present there.”

Everyone remained quiet as Durante continued with the instructions,” And I will lead the next boat with Baboo, and the women. There will be three crewmen on each boat to accompany us.”

A large burly man over six feet tall with a handlebar mustache, confused asked,” Who be in charge while you’re gone?”

Durante answered,”You are.” The man was startled,” Ok captain. Whatever you say. Have a nice trip, Captain.”

Everyone climbed over the side of the ship and entered the boats to paddle toward shore. Baboo was the last to get aboard on the second boat. It took some convincing positive explanations about how safe it was to travel by boat on the water; before he got aboard.

He was wide eyed with terror as they paddled toward the island.

First thing they noticed was the island had grown four times it’s size since they were there before. Cretion was puzzled by this phenomenon. He expected they would fail because the island would be underwater or completely melted away. Instead, it was there bigger than life and he instantly found the closed entrance to the old tomb where he supposed they would find the body of Draco and the Orb inside his body.

When they were all ashore and the boats pulled up enough onto the island to keep them from floating away out to sea; they gathered around the metal doors. Tanar turned to Cretion,” Cretion, do your wizardry.”

Cretion examined the doors carefully,cleared his throat, and began the chanting in a long unknown language. After he finished, all they could do was to wait and see if it would open once more. After a moment, Tasha began to shift her feet nervously. At that moment there was a long grinding sound of stone and metal gears. The doors opened slowly to reveal what they expected. There lying halfway down the stairs of stone was Draco’s body with the eyes still glowing an eerie blue from the energy of the Orb inside him.

Upon seeing this strange sight, Baboo cursed in his language, and took a step back in shock and wonder” As much as you explained to me, I still wasn’t prepared for this unnatural sight.”

Nishi didn’t seem impressed and started to climb down the stairs. Suddenly Pana said out loud,” Wait! Let’s let Cretion handle this.”

The oriental fighter made a face at Pana,”I know all about this evil sorcerer. He is helpless with that Orb in him.”

She began to reach to touch the body, when Cretion yelled,” Stop Nishi! Only I and Tanar should touch the body.”

“Alright then, I will leave it alone if you say so.” She started to return up the stairs, when the body moved a little.

Page 19 Cretion started to say that it was probably the Orb trying to pull loose from the body; when the Orb started pushing out of Draco’s still form..

Cretion yelled a warning,” Look out! The Orb is pulling out of Draco’s body. Get away from the body Nishi! Nishi!”

Nishi looked back at Cretion,” I’m sorry.”

Cretion jumped down two steps then ran down the rest with Tanar and Baboo right behind him. Creiton grabbed Nishi and pushed her down just as the head of Draco’s opened up and the glowing Orb rushed out toward the wizard’s outstretched hands.

The old wizard caught the Orb in his two hands and the momentum caused him to fall backwards. Tanar caught Cretion’s body before he could hit the stairs.

Pana said,” I take it that wasn’t suppose to happen.”

Baboo yelled a war cry and helped Tanar keep Cretion on his feet. Then he realized the wizard was holding the Orb,”Ut-oh! Is that suppose to happen like that?”

“Let’s get him out of here before Draco wakes up!” Tanar suggested.

Cretion said with despair,” Great, I am stuck with it again!”

As Tanar helped Cretion and Nishi out of the tomb Baboo yelled,” Look! Draco’s eyes are opening!”

Then, Draco’s eyes opened and he turned halfway to stare at Cretion. In a deep hoarse voice he asked,” Leaving so soon friends? I have missed you.”

Baboo said in a shaky voice,” Hurry! He looks pretty mad!!”

Nishi didn’t make matters worse by yelling and struggling,” Let me at the man who killed my sister!” They heard Draco’s say,”Ahh, its Ishi’s sister Nishi. I will enjoy killing you with fire too!”

Tanar yelled at Draco,”Hey! Remember me? Before you try anything stupid, look at Cretion.”

Draco rose to his feet halfway up the stairs,” Why?”

“He holds the Orb in his shaky hands. He could let it go any time and guess where the Orb would go.”

Draco sneered,” Back to me or I am guessing inside me.” He dropped his head in thought for a moment. While he thought this through, Tanar signaled everyone back, but Cretion.

Then Draco sighed,” Well, I don’t want to stay in this damp ruin of a tomb forever; so what do you have in mind as an alternative?”

Tanar laughed,” Good. You catch on quick. I have an interesting offer for you.”

Draco was becoming impatient,” Then what is the offer that I can’t refuse barbarian?”

Cretion picked up on Tanar’s lead,” Draco, use your powers to sense through the world what has been happening lately.”

Draco closed his eyes as he replied,” This had better be good because…” Suddenly, he jumped back startled by something and opened his eyes,” No! You mean they are from the stars and they want the Orb too?”

Baboo replied,” They have destroyed my home, my wife and my kingdom with a single wave of their hand! They must be stopped!”Draco looked at the group of adventurers,” That destruction was caused by a bomb of such power that even I do not understand.”

Page 20 He rubbed his chin in thought then his eyes narrowed,” So eventually they will come for me and all the rest of the population of all kingdoms!”

Tanar stated the obvious,” You now know our plight and yours; will you agree to help our world or will we have to bury you again and take our chances without you?”

Draco laughed,” I must say Tanar,” You should have your own kingdom after all this is over!”

Baboo became impatient,” You fool. I don’t like one that jokes all the time. Give us an answer!”

Tanar and Tasha had to restrain Baboo for he had that look one gets when someone wants to kill another.

Draco smirked and then seriously he replied,” I will agree to help with all my power,uh one thing. We really have to return the Orb to them?”

Tanar answered,” Most definitely or they start killing all of us. Trust me, they can.”

Draco smiled which Cretion made a discussed sound,” I am in. One thing I must insist. Keep that Orb at a distance from my person. I can not believe I actually wanted that thing.”

Nishi wasn’t fooled,” Ah, come on Draco! I will never believe you don’t want it. You are at this moment trying to think of a way to get it and control it.”

Pana added,” If I were you especially after having that bad experience with the Orb; I would stay my distance from now on. Besides, it has been bad news for everyone so far. None of us want it right Cretion?”

Cretion kept starring at the Orb and didn’t answer. Pana turned her head and stared at him,” I said right, Cretion?”

Cretion shook his head,”Uh, right. Tanar, put it in some kind of bag or sack so that I don’t have to look at it, ok?”

Draco laughed,” I think that might be a good idea.” As they all left the tomb, Draco had to shade his eyes at first from the sun.”Dratos! My eyes are going to have to get use to the sun again.”

Nishi comment,”I hope you lose your sight.”

“She is so delightful.” Draco commented;”Tell me, what was the reason you people brought the witch and Nishi?” No one answered and Draco didn’t seem to care if they had.

Durante was waiting on the outside with the crewmen,” Glad to see you are all in one piece.”

Draco spotted Durante and exclaimed,” Why I have seen everyone now. How are you Durante?”

He answered with a question to Tanar,” Why is he with us now?”

Tanar answered,” We made a deal. He helps us against the invaders and in turn we let him go.”

“Nice to see you too Durante. See you have a ship of your own now. Coming up in the world, good for you!”

“Let him go?”Durante asked,” Are you all mad?”

Draco put his two cents in,”Ahh, it was meant to happen. We have a common enemy now. I promised that if they let me live without the accursed Orb stuck inside me; Page 21 I would help everyone defeat the invaders and we all live happily ever after!”

Durante closed his eyes, counted to ten and said,”Ok,ok; just keep him out of my way while I handle my ship.”

Everyone climbed into the boats and left for the ship awaiting their return. After they were aboard; Draco couldn’t help but exclaim,” Not bad Durante, not bad. Could use a little decoration here and there.”

Everyone ignored Draco who finally decided to show himself to a room down below without a word; which was not like him at all.

The crew became very nervous when Cretion came aboard with the Orb glowing and still stuck to his arms. The captain assured everyone aboard that he held it so to protect people from it’s power. There was a new appreciation among the crew for Cretion the wizard. The crew was actually proud of his accomplishments.

As night fell across the water; the ship pulled anchor and they set sail for the continent of Heirwend home; of the kingdom of Lavion and Nebirua, Baboo’s Kingdom what was left of it.

Later, that night in Cretion and Nishi’s room Tanar visited them. He knocked on the door and he heard Cretion say,” Come in Tanar. I’ve been expecting you.”

Tanar with a serious look on his face shown no sign of surprise that the wizard knew ahead of time that it was he that was visiting them. Both Nishi and Cretion were in their bed clothes but sitting at the small table in the middle of the room as if waiting for him.

Tanar sit on their bed and they turned their chairs to face him. He spoke first,” I have a plan that I need you Cretion and Baboo to go ahead of us to keep the enemy busy until we arrive in Lavion.”

“Ahead, as in transporting Baboo and myself there?” Tanar leaned his head closer to the pair,” Yes, and you can take Nishi with you.”

Cretion looked unsure,” Why are we doing this?” Nishi asked,” Are you sure we should split up with Draco here among you?”

Tanar looked at both of them and quietly said,” I had Draco leave tonight by transporting himself on his way to Heirwend continent to cause havoc among the invaders if he can. It will take him a while to transport that far. He will have to transport several times for two days before he can arrive near Lavion.”

Cretion bolted from his chair and shouted,” Are you mad? Draco in Lavion? What’s to stop him from wreaking havoc on Lavion instead?”

Nishi made him sit back down,” Cretion, be quiet. Do you want to wake the whole ship?! Now Tanar he asked a good question.”

Tanar smiled,” Can you believe it? Draco believes that if you let go of the Orb, even at a great distance; it will fly to him anyway.”

Cretion and Nishi laughed with delight. Tanar asked,” Can you believe he fell for that?”

Suddenly it occurred to Tanar, that something was missing.” Hey, where is the Orb anyway?”

Cretion replied,”I hid it in a storage compartment over in one of the walls.”

“ Good,” Tanar was relieved,” Alright, then I will say my goodbyes to you now. Baboo will meet you in the morning early. Oh, and hide the Orb until the right moment. I will tell you what to do when the rest of us arrive in Lavion. Until then, good luck and be Page 22 careful. We must not give away our plan until the right moment. Goodbye!”

Cretion shook hands with the northern warrior and Tanar left without another word. Chapter IV

Durante knew of the disappearances of Nishi, Cretion and Baboo as well as the one called Draco; and he knew that a plan had been put into action. He was amazed that they got away without making much noise. That early morning he gathered the crew and told them of the four that had left the ship; whisked away by their own magic. Everyone was stunned and relieved at the same time.

Durante finished his speech to them,” We will continue toward the Heirwend continent and join them when we arrive at the beach near the town of Sirene. From there soldiers from that city will meet us and escort us clear to the Lavion Kingdom’s border. We then join the Lavion army which will be lead by King Dan and Queen Felica.

He surveyed his crew standing there on deck and asked,” Now you know the perils we face in what might be the most important battle for this world. I want you to take a while to decide whether you want to do this or not. Give me your answer in…”

A sailor speaking for the crew cleared his throat to get attention. Durante stared at him,” What is it Mister Brak?”

Brak replied,” We all thought this over and have decided to a man to fight these invaders to the end. We’ll show ‘em what for Captain!”

Durante smiled,” Then it’s decided and I am proud of your decision. We fight!!”

There was immediately a deafening roar from the crew. The ship headed toward their fate whatever that may be; with excitement and a chance to make a difference for their world.

Cretion actually arrived very close to one of Baboo’s cities, that hadn’t been destroyed. He and his party of three arrived with their clothes on also which amazed Nishi. Nishi looked around and at the clothing she had on which was different,” At least you got us here without embarrassment. I won’t ask where our clothes that we had on before went to.”

Cretion sneezed,” I am glad you didn’t. This humid weather will be the death of me yet. Did we bring water? I am parched.”

Baboo giggled,” You can whisk us off to far places, but you can’t remember to bring water.”

Cretion looked around,” So did you bring it?” Baboo heard something and saw many warriors silently weave their way from out of the jungle foliage around them,” I would ask them; they might have something for you to drink.”

Before Cretion could reply to that remark, he noticed the warriors surrounding them with spears and arrows ready,” Uh, Baboo. You ask them.”

It was then that one of the warriors saw the gold and silver band Baboo wore around his neck. The warrior said something that Cretion couldn’t understand. A second or two later, every one of the warriors bowed their heads to the ground in respect.

Baboo raised his arms in triumph and said something to them in the same language. In a moment, all the Page 23 warriors ran to Baboo and hugged him. He of course hugged them back. Cretion was knocked to the ground accidentally in the mean time. He swore something in an ancient language and his clothes disappeared! Now the entire crowd laughed and laughed making Cretion laugh to. What else could he do? Nishi whispered in his ear and he proceeded to get very red in the face.

Baboo yelled at him as they were all escorted to their city,” I think you are a hit with the locals Cretion. They think that you are brave enough to fight your enemy in the nude!” Baboo laughed and laughed.

Cretion was mortified, but when he was escorted by happy singing warriors to a large village a few miles through the jungle; he was calmer. At one point, Cretion glanced over at Nishi who blew him a kiss and silently said to him”I love you.”

That made him feel a whole lot better,” Weeee!, Baboo we’re among friends!”

Soon they reached the city and Baboo in their language explained the situation to his fellow countrymen. All of them were angry at the invaders, especially when they found out the truth of what happened to the capitol city of their kingdom. Some managed to escape the main city and wandered to this city only to die from mysterious circumstances.

Cretion explained to the population that had gathered around them, through Baboo’s voice in their language that the last deaths were from a poison that lingered there after the explosion. No one had to ask for the people’s help against these monsters as they were called. The roar of anger by the vast crowd was enough to Baboo that they would march against them no matter what now.

Baboo grinned at the wizard,” I think we have an army and they will spread the news to every city to join the fight! This should be the perfect diversion away from what really will happen to the invaders. That is if all goes right.”

Cretion agreed with Baboo,” Yes, if all goes right.”

Word traveled fast across the mountains and plains of Baboo’s Kingdom or what was left of it. In a matter of two days a very large army was raised and immediately they marched as fast as they could toward to the Kingdom of Lavion and the Invaders. Many were upon large animals called Mastodons; where several rode on top of them armed to the teeth with long spears and bow and arrows. The army looked pretty impressive to Baboo and Cretion as well as Nishi, who recognized the animals similar to ones in her native land.

Draco finally arrived floating above the Kingdom of Lavion and was impressed with the main Castle. Yet he was even more impressed with the invaders sky ships and weapons that were pointed toward the Lavion castle and what looked like a large army of Lavion knights. He noticed that a man, woman and younger lady were in front of the army also wearing armor.

He laughed to himself, ”Ahh, that must be the king, queen and daughter. She is brave for one so young and, beautiful! H-m-m-m, she would make someone a beautiful wife.

Something touched Draco’s heart that day; where nothing before had in his many years as the Dragon Sorcerer.

“ If I were to show them that I mean to create havoc among the invaders, hence becoming a hero in their eyes. I may have favor enough with the young princess to convince them that I am her future husband.”

Page 24 At that moment, Draco noticed a door open on one of the ships. Then a large gray colored individual, wearing a shinny black suit the likes of which he had never seen; walked down a metal ramp on two feet toward the Lavion army. The sky ship creature stopped about one hundred yards from the Lavion cavalry and foot soldiers.

It began to talk through a hand held device to the Lavions. Draco flew down lower to hear what the creature had to say. Soon he was in hearing distance and listened carefully to the creature’s voice as it addressed the Lavions.

“We demand that you hand over the Orb within one of your days long or suffer the consequences. The Orb was made by our civilization a long time ago. It was lost but now we know that you have found it and we thank you to return it soon. It is ours not yours. Give it to us and we leave you alone to live out your existence on this world. That is all.”

The creature then turned around to leave, when suddenly the King of Lavion spoke loud enough to get the gray creature’s attention,” My answer is we will return it to you soon, when those that have it returns it to Lavion. Until then, you must wait here.”

The gray creature replied,” To show you how serious we are about the Orb; we will give you a demonstration of our power.” The gray spokesman Lift one arm up high and finger extended. A panel opened on a door to a ship nearby, and a hollow cylinder shape extended outward. Suddenly, beam of red light emitted from the ship to a tower of the Lavion castle. Instantly to the horror of Lavion’s soldiers and population; the tower exploded and then disappeared!

At first Draco was intrigued by this meeting between star people and Lavion, but when the beam easily destroyed the castle tower and therefore endangering the princess: he lost all control. Draco flew down toward the little gray star man yelling in rage at the top of his lungs. So far the star people hadn’t noticed Draco, because he was just a dot in the sky before. So they were completely taken by surprise, when he seemed to appear out of thin air diving for the speaker for the star people.

The little gray man screamed in terror which Draco enjoyed to no end and tried desperately to flee for the nearest ship. Draco grabbed him and flew high into the air with his prize by one leg upside down; laughing in his usual hollow voice. Then to the horror of several gray soldiers who rushed out of the nearest ship and the Lavions; Draco released the little gray man to fall all the way down striking the ground with a thud. Of course he was very dead.

Draco had excellent hearing and heard the voice of Johnston Dan, king of Lavion yell toward the dragon sorcerer,” Draco, if it is the last thing I do; I will see you dead!” The king was even shaking his fist at him.

Draco was shocked and disgusted by the reaction of King Dan,” Well, the thanks I get for helping out.” He started to leave when he made a grievous error. He forgot the star people’s ray cannons! Several cannons appeared out of two ships and fired a volley of red rays at the Dragon Sorcerer. They hit Draco before he could react and he was instantly destroyed to dust.

Princess Abby was horrified and placed her hands to her mouth in shock. Her father knew what he did next could spell the end of them all. He looked at his daughter,” Abby, you best take cover in the forest because I have no choice but to march against this threat.”

Page 25 King Johnston Dan raised his arm with sword in hand,” We ride for the glory of Lavion!” Abby cried out in horror,” No father! You will all be killed for nothing. We can’t win this way!” Durante’s ship reached the shore of Sirene a third of a day ahead of schedule, and as was expected; the soldiers were there to escort them to the border of Lavion. Tasha,Tanar and Pana with four pirate crewmen were in the first boat to leave for shore with the second boat filled with Durante and six crewmen in the second boat. Three other boats launched soon after filled with other crewmen. Everyone was fully armed with swords, knives, hatchets, and a number of bombs that Cretion had made earlier filled with the black powder. He had used these against enemies that tried to invade Lavion before.

Chapter V When their boats were all unloading on shore, the soldiers waiting greeted them with cheers and shook hands with all the people from Durante’s ship. Soon they headed for the border at a fast march. Pana was breathing hard after a few minutes and asked,” Can’t we slow down a little.”

Tanar answered,” I am afraid not. We must get there in time to meet up with Cretion. He has the Orb and we and others are the diversion. We must divert the attention from Cretion at the right moment, so that he can do his deed.”

Pana asked,” What deed? Is it dangerous?”

Tasha answered for Tanar,”Highly, but I have a feeling he will succeed where others could not.”

Pana was worried,” I hope my man doesn’t get hurt or I’ll hurt a lot of those monsters!”

Tanar turned his head so that Pana couldn’t see him trying to keep from laughing.”

Pana asked,” What was that?”

Durante was on the verge of laughing himself when he announced,” We should be there within the hour.”

Tanar said,” Thank the gods!”

Pana looked at them and frowned, but said nothing. Indeed, they reached the border in an hour and the soldiers wished them well as they continued for Lavion.

As Johnston Dan ordered the attack, everyone of Lavion and a large attachment of star people soldiers who had begun exiting out of several of their star ships; heard the horns in the distance. The horns seem to blare from behind the star ships. And then they finally saw what the sound was coming from. Hundreds of Unicorns appeared from around two mountains which happened to be where the land of Uniy was beyond. All of the Unicorn’s horns on their heads began to glow.

Instinctively, the star soldiers began to fire on them with hand held weapons which emitted red beams of light at this new threat. Several Unicorns disappeared; but many took their place. Then the glowing horns of the creatures emitted beams of light of their Page 26 own; destroying several ships and disabling several others. The gray star soldiers were shocked and dismayed by the sudden turn of events, but more of them poured out of the ships and began firing on the Unicorns and the Lavion army. The Lavion army had just started charging forward with their cavalry and ground troops; when they all heard a tremendous roar getting closer and closer from behind and around the castle.

It was Baboo’s army and friends that had arrived just at the right moment. There were untold thousands of them running to join in the attack on the ships.

Abby and Felica couldn’t believe what they were seeing. Then they happened to spot Baboo and Nishi in front of the thousands of Baboo’s warriors.

Abby cried out to her father,” Father, we have reinforcements. It is Baboo and his people!”

Johnston turned his head and slowed his stead down. To his surprise, thousands of dark warriors with Baboo in the lead and an oriental woman yelling at the top of her lungs along side him; were running as fast as they could from behind the Lavion castle.

Felica and Abby were ecstatic and yelled back to Baboo and Nishi. Soon the other army of from Baboo’s country had caught up with the Lavions. Their army made the ground tremble; there were so many involved in the charge.

More and more star troopers wearing shinny black uniforms poured out of the ships and their ray weapons were taking a deadly toll. But soon, the two armies were too close to fire their weapons and they both clashed in hand to hand fighting. There was the advantage for the armies of the Lavion Kingdom and Baboo’s army. They had swords and knives. Blood was spilled everywhere during the hand to hand combat.

Then in a while, everyone began to notice Durante, Tanar, Pana and Tasha with three dozen pirates had joined the fray. Tanar shouted to Felica, Abby and her husband,”Hey, you didn’t think we would miss the party would you?”

Abby screamed with delight to see Tanar,”Tanar! I am so glad you are here with your friends. We missed you so much!”

Tanar smiled at her,” Missed you too kid.” Then he threw a star soldier who was trying to stab him with a weird looking pointed knife made of a blue crystal.

Tasha yelled,” Who is she?”

Tanar replied,” She is the daughter of the King and Queen of…”

He didn’t get to finish his answer, for Tasha asked,”What is she to you? A lover of yesterday?” Tasha was getting upset.

“ No no! She is a friend that I helped find and save her father from a evil sorcerer…”

“That is a likely story. Tell me another one ,love!” Tanar warded off another star soldier trying to attack him with his fists, but the northern warrior hit him first knocking him out to fall to the ground.

Johnston Dan was swinging his sword to the left and right cutting down several star people in black. One of them threw a knife and it stuck in the King’s upper arm. Abby screamed and stabbed the enemy soldier in the back.

“Father! I am coming!” Abby yelled with tears rolling down her cheeks as she urged her white horse toward him. But when she arrived, her father had removed the sword and rode further into the enemy ranks.

She cried out to him,” Father! Come back!”

Page 27 Tanar ran by and pulled her from her mount, just as a red beam weapon hit the horse. It vanished to dust and Abby hugged him with relief and worry at the same time.

The northern warrior concerned asked,” Are you all right?”

Abby looked up into his face,” I am fine but my father has ridden like a fool right into the heart of the invaders! Please help him!”

Then they heard a familiar voice behind them,” Don’t worry girl, I’ll save your father.” It was the witch Pana,”Take care of that girl Tanar.” She smiled and Tanar mouthed silently a thank you to her. She turned her head and ran toward the spot Johnston Dan had last been seen.

“She is a brave woman. That is Pana?”

Tanar picked Abby up off the ground,” Yes, she will be all right I am sure. Where is your mother Felica?”

Abby looked around and answered,” I don’t know…” “Come on then. Let’s find Felica, so nothing happens to her.

Abby hugged Tanar and said,” Ok!”

Tasha’s voice interrupted them leaving,” Something told me you two would end up in each other’s arms!” Indeed it was an angry Tasha covered in blood.

Abby looked her in the eye,”Tanar is innocent. If anyone would have thought of making advances, it would have been me. So if you try to harm him, I will kill you!”

Tasha hesitated,” Oh hell girl, you are half his age. But I can’t blame you.”

“She is like a daughter to me. Now do you understand?” Tanar announced.

Tasha looked at the ground and then she looked at him,”Yeah, I understand now.”

“Whew, well let’s do this, agreed?” Tanar asked. The red headed woman warrior stated with excitement,” Yes, let’s finish this one way or another! Heyyaaah!” With those words, Tasha rode on toward the enemy troops.

She stopped her horse and turned it around. Then she laughed,” There you are Abby! Are you ok? Oh, of course you are ok. Tanar , you are like a guardian angel. You two follow me, You both look like hades on fire. I will guide you two to a safe place.”

The battle was going bad for the humans and Unicorns alike. Many hundreds were killed or wounded yet, they kept on fighting. It was their home they were defending and they would not go down until the last man and woman.

Pana found where Johnston Dan was in the battleground by the many gray star troopers that surround him and his horse. He was giving them a lot of trouble, but soon the obvious was about to happen. It didn’t because Pana suddenly behind their ranks let loose a wind spell of hers and blew them off their feet. That move gave the king time to break from their ranks and urge his horse in retreat.

Pana was proud of her spell and the results it delivered upon the enemy. She laughed at the struggling troopers. All of a sudden her laughter was silenced forever when one of them shot her with a red ray into her back. Her expression changed to surprise and then her face went blank as she vanished into thin air.

Lord Johnston Dan happened to look back in time to see Pana’s demise. He hung his head for a moment in thanks to a brave witch for his life. Then he yelled in anger at the startled star people and charged into them Page 28 like a madman.

He swung his sword with lethal results and they actually retreated. As he tried to swing his horse toward the troopers again, he heard a single loud horn which actually shook the ground in the battle field.

Apparently, everyone on the battle field heard the noise at the same time and silence fell on the area. The horn sound came from the top of the tallest tower of Lavion castle. From that tower they heard an impossibly loud voice. Everyone heard it as clear as if the person was next to them. So they listened and Abby and her family recognized the voice! It was Cretion’s voice. As they listened, some actually could see him holding a blue glowing Orb.

Cretion announced and somehow everyone could hear him plainly,” Listen people of the stars! I hold the Orb in my hands. If you want the Orb, put down your weapons and I will personally give over the object to you myself. If you do not, I will destroy it with a spell before you can get to me. Understand? You will promise to leave with the Orb immediately without harming another person. We do not want anything to do with this weapon again! So, make the decision now.”

After a few tense moments, a gray man appeared with a object in his hand which he preceded to talk into it.” We promise to leave immediately when you approach us and hand it over. We will never approach this world again. My promise is true. We will not trick you or any of your people.”

Cretion replied,” Good! I will be with you in a moment.”

Everyone were fascinated by this incredible turn of events. Felica and Abby couldn’t believe their eyes. Tanar who had lost his horse, recognized the wizard’s voice and remarked excitedly,” Why you old goat! So that’s where you disappeared to!”

Tasha was looking for Tanar, when she saw Cretion appear at the top of the castle,” I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t have seen it with my own eyes.”

Baboo looked up in time to see Cretion floating away from the castle and much to his amazement, he kept floating until he was right over the speaker of the star people. The announcer finally saw him when he was descending almost upon him. Startled, he jumped back just in time for the wizard to land only a few feet from him.

The speaker noticed the obvious glow of the Orb and actually smiled as Cretion landed a few feet away, He spoke and the speaker listened,” Here is the all important Orb I give to you. I can only say I am so glad to get rid of it.”

The star spokesman said,” Thank you. We are glad you did the right thing.” The spokesman for the star people turned and entered his ship. After the ship’s door slid shut; and the troops and weapons retreated back into their fleet of ships; Cretion disappeared and no one could remember him leaving to anywhere at all.

By the time everyone realized that the wizard had given the Orb to the star people; the invaders entered their ships and took to the skies. There was a reminder of the battle they just fought. Four star ships lay in ruins from the Unicorn’s horn of power; and the Lavion castle was left partially in ruins from several blasts of the large weapons of the star people.

Many of the army of both Lavion and Baboo’s army from Kalabi lay dead or wounded. All the friends and acquiesces of several countries involved in the fight for survival

Page 29 finally met and traded stories of how they all met here. But no one had seen anything of Cretion since a lttle before the ships left the area.

After the ship’s door slid shut; and the troops and weapons retreated back into their fleet of ships; Cretion disappeared and no one could remember him leaving to anywhere at all.

By the time everyone realized that the wizard had given the Orb to the star people; the invaders entered their ships and took to the skies. There was a reminder of the battle they just fought. Four star ships lay in ruins from the Unicorn’s horn of power; and the Lavion castle was left partially in ruins from several blasts of the large weapons of the star people.

Many of the army of both Lavion and Baboo’s army from Kalabi lay dead or wounded. All the friends and acquiesces of several countries involved in the fight for survival Page 29 finally met and traded stories of how they all met here. But no one had seen anything of Cretion.

Tanar, Tasha and The royal family all met together for the first time. The royal family of Lavion also met Durante and were very impressed with him and his gallant pirate crew.

Baboo they knew but had never met his people. The Kalabi people and Baboo of course were warmly greeted as if they were family.

This impressed the Kalabi people and invited to see their land which they accepted.

All the while they kept an eye on the fleet of star ships getting smaller as they climbed beyond the atmosphere. Suddenly as Tanar gave Abby a big hug again which Tasha was definitely getting fed up with her lover’s attention on this young princess; there was a brilliant flash of light in front of them. When they could see again, there before them was Cretion grinning proudly and completely nude!

Oblivious to his condition; his first words to all gathered there was,” Look what I’ve done!” He then pointed with one of his fingers back behind him at the slowly vanishing fleet into the stars. Everyone was still trying to get over the shock, but it did get their attention to the sky. And just as they gazed toward the heavens, there was an even more brilliant flash that blotted out the stars. Soon after, they heard a sound a hundred times louder then anything they had ever heard before.

Johnston Dan asked,” What in heaven’s name was that?”

Abby answered between giggles,” That my father, was their entire fleet blown to pieces! Isn’t that right Cretion?”

“Yes Abby. You are correct. Why are you laughing?” Others in the enormous crowd joined in the laughter and that was when the wizard finally looked down at what they were seeing and laughing about.

Cretion turned red,”Oh my! This won’t due at all. I’m sorry, but when I transport this is sometimes what happens. Please somebody hand me a pair of pants or something to cover my old bones!”

Felica was already on her way to hand him a pair of pants handed to her from the crowd,” Here you are silly wizard. Even though you embarrassed yourself once again; This time you are a hero to all!”

There was such a tremendous roar from the crowd and clapping that to Cretion it seemed to go on for many minutes.

“ I can only say, that I am humbled and relieved that my plan worked. Also I am so glad to be rid of that cursed Orb."

He shook his head,” Finally, maybe I can get some rest. I am exhausted and famished!”

Many people rushed to shake his hand and some women to his delight, kissed him many times on the forehead and cheeks. Well, one kissed him on the mouth.

Cretion was sad to find out that Pana and Draco had died in the battle. But he knew that if they hadn’t, he and others would have regretted it later. The king of Lavion and Kalabi’s leader King Baboo announced to everyone to follow them to the castle and there would be a feast in honor of Cretion for saving their world from total distruction.

As everyone including the Unicorns left for the castle Tanar was still standing there silently by Cretion. Cretion asked him,” I don’t suppose I could talk you into staying for the celebration could I?”

Page 30 Tanar looked over at Cretion’s wrinkled face,” No. Tasha’s waiting for me by our horses.”

Cretion sighed,” Once again you are leaving us. You know Abby, Felica, and everyone here will be confused and sadden when they find out.”

Tanar grabbed Cretion’s hand and then hugged him. When he pulled away he answered,” Yes, I know them well enough that is how they will react.”

Cretion said,” Well then, I wish you both a happy journey and please stay out of trouble!”

Tanar hesitated, then he patted the old wizard on the shoulder saying,” You will always be welcomed in our home, you know that.”

Cretion shook his head, and smiled,” Who knows. I can’t read the future, but I also know anything is possible.” And then he winked. He heard a sound in the distance of the celebration and turned briefly to look toward the castle. When he turned back to say something to Tanar, his old friend was no longer there.

Cretion knew that would probably be the last he would see Tanar for a long time. But what was time to a wizard anyway? He laughed and started walking toward the castle remarking to himself, “I guess I better make an appearance before someone starts worrying about me. I better come up with a good excuse for Tanar. Abby’s going to fry me for this.”

The wizard walked on talking to himself all the way to the castle’s doors.Tanar soon was climbing on his horse beside Tasha, who was on her black and white horse waiting for him.

She leaned over to him and asked,” Why the sad look? We are free and can go and do what we want!”

Tanar sighed,”Oh its just I will miss people there…”

“You mean that young princess don’t you?”

Tanar could see the anger in her pretty eyes and laughed,” No it is just everyone that I will miss that I have known for so long.”

As they rode off toward the mountains and eventually the south lands, they were still arguing their voices echoing across the valley. The End