The small sweat soaked frame shook in fury, blood trickling from a cut on his lip.

"What seems to be the problem today?" Larc asked as she held the two combatants apart.

"He called me Outlander." Nikolas shouted while trying to rush his tormentor.

The other boy shouted back. "Well he is Larc."

"And just what is an Outlander?" Larc asked curiously.

The boy began to explain. "He didn't come here with the rest of us after the Great War with the Gods and he wasn't born here. He was just some slave that Falcon bought cuz she felt sorry for him."

"That's a lie!" Nikolas yelled. "I'm her son!" The boy ran from the academy and into the woods. Shadow, the dark wolf, slipped from under cover and looked to Larc.

"Watch." Larc said and the wolf was off in pursuit to watch over his Alfa's cub.

Shadow was becoming used to his pack mates' strange behavior, but it confused him when the one called Larc did not just let the cubs settle the anger. How would they every learn to hunt as a pack if every time their learning was interrupted? Wolves knew that all cubs needed this time to test each other, to learn to trust; much like his Alpha and the one called Enforcer would one day need to test one another. Shadow snorted and picked up the scent of the angry cub. He was getting better at hiding his form, but not his scent.

A small voice broke the silence suddenly. "What was Shadow chasin'?"

Larc turned to see Princess Marissa standing next to her, looking out over the School Practice field. "Nikolas." was the Headmistresses' reply.

Marissa's eyes narrowed in a perfect imitation of Cyan's doing a slow burn. She advanced on the boy standing next to Larc. "Ya did it again, didn't ya? Called him Outlander."

"So?" the boy replied defiantly.

Marissa spoke much like her mother would have. "So he isn't. He's a member of this tribe just like you or me."

The boy continued to defend his point. "He wasn't born here and he didn't come here in the beginning."

"Neither was Falcon, are you saying she's an Outlander too?"

The boy paused. "Well, he also said he's done stuff for the Queen. He even said she give him this dagger."

"I did." Came the very familiar voice of the Amazon Queen. The group turned collectively to see Cyan standing only a few feet away. The boy blushed in embarrassment. "How much had she heard?" he wondered.

"I heard all I needed to." the Queen answered, shocking the boy even further. She took a couple of steps closer to the boy, and waved her hand for the little Princess to return to her classes. "Am I to assume that we do not have enough things to keep you busy at the academy that you feel it's your job to question my decisions?"

The boy looked downward and shook his head. Cyan reached out her hand, and the boy placed Nikolas's dagger in her palm. The Queen lifted his chin to bring the boy's eyes to meet her own. "I suggest you concentrate on your own studies and leave the welfare of this Island to me. Is that understood?"

The boy nodded again, and prayed silently that he would be allowed to leave. "You may return to your classes." Cyan finally said to the boy. "But I do not want to see or hear about problems with Nikolas and you again." The boy hurried through the door and left Larc and the Queen alone.

"This transition to the Island does not seem to be going as smoothly as I had hoped Larc. How is he doing in school?" Cyan leaned against the Academy wall and looked to the other woman.

"He's actually doing quite well, and some of the children have taken Marissa's lead and welcomed him into their groups. Others," Larc sighed. "have not been as receptive."

Cyan nodded and leaned forward again. "Well, let's keep this incident between you and I for now. I need to speak with Falcon later on today, so I will bring it up then. Tell me Larc, do you have time for some coffee? I would really like to ask you your thoughts on what to do with Nikolas. Your uncanny assessment of children and their needs would be exactly what I need right now."

"Sure." Larc said. "Let me just make sure that the children have passed to their next class and I will join you in the Java Hut."

Cyan smiled. "And I will send one of my guards to find young Nikolas and ask him to rejoin his lessons. See you in a few."

*******

Larc and the Queen had just finished their coffee when Falcon and the Enforcer walked through the door to the Java Hut. Olympia threw her sword onto a nearby table and walked to the counter to get some coffee. Cyan had seen that expression enough times before to know that there were a lot of things on her mind.

"Larc," Cyan said softly. "I have changed my mind. I need to attend to something else right now, so could you please talk with Falcon about Nikolas?"

"Sure my Queen." Cyan rose and patted her friend on the back. "Good luck schoolmaster."

"Yah, you too." Larc said with a smile. The Queen made her way over to the counter and stood alongside the Enforcer. There were many new changes on the Island, Larc mused to herself, but still their Island was stronger than ever.

"Hey Falcon." Larc shouted over to the Healer. "Care to join me? I seem to have suddenly found myself unwanted company." Larc laughed as Falcon returned the smile and made her way over to the table. "Have a seat Falc."

Falcon, taking her cup from Saran, eased herself into the chair across from Larc. "Larc, your company is always welcomed." Falcon nodded towards the Enforcer, a smile on her face. "I swear she hits me twice as hard as anyone else."

Larc laughed. "You're a big girl Falc, I'm sure somehow that you manage to hold your own." Larc paused thoughtfully and then continued. "You still wake before the entire Island and are on the practice field before anyone else." Larc laughed at the slight color that came to the Healer's face. "Falc, sometimes I find that my best thinking is done walking in a quiet village." pause.... "Does Nikolas always work out with you?"

"No, at least not when he has classes the next day; but sometimes he follows me to the field." Falcon's eyes softened in memory. "He likes to watch, but more often that not he wraps up in my cloak and falls asleep." The healer's eyes snapped to Larc's, her face was etched in worry. "Larc, is there trouble with Nikolas?"

"Nikolas is a bright child, he will make a wonderful addition to the tribe….."

"But????" Falcon's voice was tense.

"No buts, Falcon." Larc paused for a moment. "He gets along well with most of the children on the Island. Marissa seems to have made him her special project, to make him a part of our Family.

Falcon laughed. "As she did me when I first came here."

"Falcon, there are just a couple things that need taking care of." Larc shifted in her seat; she was never comfortable talking to a parent about a child in trouble. With Falcon it was harder; while the gentle Healer sat across from her now, Larc still remembered the slow change that had come over her during the Dragon's War. The one called 'Dark Wolf ' was still deep within. Larc shuddered at the memory of the killer that had returned to the Island with the Priests location.

"Larc, what's wrong?" Falcon's voice pulled the Headmistress from her memories.

"Falcon, could you please tell him to leave the dagger at home?" Larc watched the small twitch of a smile in Falcon's eyes. "And the second, and believe me we all think of him this way; he must stop telling everyone he's your son."

Falcon gazed into her cup. When she met the eyes of the Headmistress there was pain and longing. "In my heart he is my son. Its my way of hoping that wherever my daughter is that someone took her in and is loving her as I love the boy." Falcon rose from her chair. "I'll talk to him." Falcon turned to leave but was stopped by Larc's voice.

"Falc, he's run off again. There was another fight….. the Queen will be sending a guard to find him."

Falcon turned her face, empty of emotion, but her eyes pained. "Shadow ?"

"I told him to watch." Larc said. "Falcon, he just needs time."

Falcon nodded and just stood still for a moment. "I'll find him." Then the healer was gone.

Larc just sat and reviewed her feelings. The boy needed to feel that he belonged to something, someone, and for him that someone was the animal healer. Larc thought more for a moment and realized that it now seemed Falcon might need the boy just as much as the boy needed her. Perhaps the two Island orphans were fated to be together. While most of the Island agreed; a few still saw them as Outlanders. Larc snorted, 'Outlander'. A term she herself hated. "There are many on this Island that could be termed Outlander."

*****

Cyan and Olympia walked through the gardens of the palace in silence. The Queen was patiently waiting for the Enforcer to spill whatever it was that was weighing heavily on her mind, although she already had a pretty good guess.

"I just can't relate to him Cyan. Falcon is much better at getting Nikolas to obey and…. well frankly, at just having fun being a kid. It seems I must have missed most of my training in that department."

Cyan smiled at her friend and motioned for her to have a seat by the waterfall. The Queen had been having trouble talking with Olympia since returning from OutWorld, knowing that her best friend was now also her niece. She and Saran had decided not to tell Olympia about her parents identity; at least, not yet. Aphrodite had assured Cyan that she had been able to remove most of Kahn's blood before Olympia had been born the 'second time' around. Still, the Queen could not help remembering her sister every time she looked at her friend. Baj and her daughter certainly did not share a common personality, but they both had captured the Queen's heart.

"Has it ever occurred to you Olympia, that perhaps you're not quite ready to be a parent yet? Regardless of whether the boy is your blood or not; you may simply just need more time." Cyan chose her words carefully. She did not want Olympia to see the boy as another 'achievement'; nor did she plan on telling her exactly why she thought Olympia had a ways to go before becoming a parent.

The Enforcer sighed. "I hate to admit it Cyan, but I think you may be right. There's something inside me that wants nothing more than to bond with this boy and to help show him a good life here on the Island; yet there is a stronger part of me that wants to retreat from that same responsibility."

Cyan smiled. "You have never retreated from responsibility Olympia; not ever. You do however, know when to delegate to a more qualified individual. I think perhaps your needs may lay somewhere else right now, while Falcon's lie with the boy."

Olympia nodded, somewhat discouraged. "So I've noticed."

"Well, perhaps you can have the best of both worlds then. Falcon knows the boy trusts you, and there are areas where he will need a 'big sister' influence to balance that of a parent. Maybe that's the role you should be trying to fit my friend, and leave the parenting to Falcon;" the Queen paused, "and me."

The Enforcer smiled. "I would tend to agree with you Cyan if I wasn't so concerned that Falcon would eventually try to 'parent' me as well." The Queen and Olympia both laughed while the Enforcer nudged her friend. "I can assure you Cyan, you are more than enough."

Olympia and Cyan had just finished laughing when the Queen decided to use the opportunity to open a little window of opportunity for both her serious warriors. "Nikolas had a rough day of it at the academy today, but according to my guards, Falcon found him and she's talking to him now. When he goes back to his classes, why don't you go over and see our mysterious healer and have a little talk. Maybe between the two of you, Nikolas will find an easier way of fitting in on the Island."

Olympia rose from the seat and once again put on the serious and stoic face that she wore so famously for all but the Queen. "I just want to make sure that he feels he has a family here, do you know what I mean? Not just the Island one, but a family like the one I have with both you and Eri." Olympia smiled and disappeared out the gates and back towards the practice fields.

"Trust me Olympia, I know exactly what you mean." Cyan rose slowly from the bench and began to walk back inside the palace. "Our family gets bigger and bigger every time my mother pays a visit." The palace gate swung shut as the Queen disappeared out of sight.

*****

Falcon left the Java Hut and stood for a moment trying to think where the boy might have gone. She walked to the Academy and stood watching some of the other children playing.

"He went that way Falcon." Princess Marissa's voice came from around the corner of the building, soon to be followed by the Princess herself.

Falcon smiled and bowed her head to the Little Princess.

"Larc sent Shadow after him. Falcon, I like Nikolas and so do a lot of the other kids. Are you gonna be his mom?"

"I'm trying Little Princess, I really am trying." Falcon looked to the stables and saw a familiar form. "Excuse me Princess." Falcon bowed again and hurried to the riding stables.

Shadow whined softly and looked up to the hayloft. Falcon smiled and scratched the furry head. "Thanks my friend." Falcon climbed up to the loft and soon found a huddled figure in the back. "Nikolas?"

The huddled form flew into the Healer's arms and began to sob. "Why don't they like me Wolf? They all hate me." Falcon held the boy close and rocked him, crooning softly till the sobbing had stopped.

"They don't hate you, it's just that you're still new here. Things are different from where we came. Hey," Falcon lifted the tear streaked face. "I'm still a stranger to many of them myself, and you must try to remember that I'm Falcon here, not Dark Wolf."

Nikolas burrowed deep into Falcon's arms; drawing on the warmth and comfort he always found there. "You and Olympia are all I got." He felt Falcon sigh and waited.

The Healer spoke comfortingly. "Nikolas, you have many people who care about you. Princess Vicky, Eponie, Marissa; why even the Queen herself cares what happens to you."

Frowning, the boy looked up into the deep blue eyes. "But they're just girls." he mumbled.

Falcon laughed. "And what may I ask, are the Enforcer and I?"

Nikolas looked down, his face turning red. "You're kinda like my mother and Olympia is sorta like a big sister, only better, cuz she can fight real good and stuff."

Falcon laughed. "And that makes us not girls?" She paused and met the boy's eyes smiling. "Nikolas, one of these days I hope you spar with the Queen; I can assure you she can fight real good too. Now you need to get back to your lessons and apologize to Larc for running off. You will take whatever punishment she decides. A warrior must accept the results of all actions, both good and bad."

The boy nodded and after a quick hug scampered down the ladder and out the stable door. Falcon sat for a moment, picking at the straw, trying to decide what she should do. "I gotta go talk to Eponie." she finally muttered to herself.

"Falcon, was that Nikolas who just dashed out of here? " The Enforcer looked up into the loft from the stable floor.

"Yes." Falcon replied flatly.

"We need to talk." Both warriors spoke in unison, causing each of them to chuckle.

Finally Falcon tried again. "Java Hut or the practice field?"

"Practice field." Olympia said cheerfully. "Get your weapons; I need to beat up on someone."

Falcon flipped from the loft and landed softly behind the weapons master. "In your dreams Enforcer, in your dreams."

******

Falcon sighed as she felt herself falling backwards and landing heavily on the ground. The Enforcer's face soon peered over hers' and looked down at the Healer. She was resting one arm on her staff, trying to catch her own breath as she spoke. "Had enough?" she finally asked between pants.

Falcon grunted her attempted laugh. "Just taking a bit of a breather, that's all."

"Yah, right! Whatever you say Wolf!" Olympia rolled her eyes and held out her staff to aid the Healer to her feet. "Cuz, if it's all the same to you Falc, I could use a break myself."

"Good." Falcon said with a slight sigh of relief. "Let's go sit down over there and talk, so the Queen doesn't think we're trying to kill each other."

Both warriors laughed as they twirled their individual staffs in hand. The two sat and talked casually at first, about how much things had changed on the Island since their battle had begun with Kahn. As the time passed, Falcon found herself reciting word for word the conversation she had had with Nikolas in the loft; while Olympia began to tell her about her talk with the Queen.

"So, what do you think we should do Falc? About Nikolas that is? I'll do whatever you think is best for the boy."

The Healer blinked slowly for a moment, making a mental note to herself about how many things truly had changed on the Island. She began to smile and slowly shook her head. The Queen had played them both perfectly, without either one of them even knowing. For the first time, Falcon realized that the Queen had intended to bring the boy back to the Island even before she'd been asked; it had all been part of her bigger plan. Falcon smiled at Olympia. It was obvious that the Queen had decided her distant two warriors needed nothing more than a common bridge; Nikolas.

"Well," Falcon began. "I think the first thing we need to do is go…………. "

*******

The Academy was just letting out when Larc pulled Nikolas off to one side. "The Queen wishes to speak with you Nikolas."

The boy's face went white. "But I said I was sorry Larc. I don't…."

"Relax Nikolas. She only wished to talk with you. I have known the Queen a long time and I can assure you she is not going to send you away."

The boy breathed a little easier and stood staring at the headmistress. Larc finally smiled. "Well? Don't you think you should get going?"

The boy nodded and slowly made his way out the gates of the Academy. Larc's quiet laughter echoed through the halls.

******

Nikolas was just about at the Palace gates when he saw Falcon and Olympia off talking by one of the fighting fields. He thought about making a quick detour over to see them, but then he dismissed the idea. He had learned enough about this Island, and from Falcon and Olympia, to know that the Queen did not like to be kept waiting.

Cyan smiled as she heard the barely audible tapping at her door. "Come in Nikolas." Cyan was standing out on her balcony and turned to face the boy as he entered the room.

"Wow! This is the greatest throne room ever!" the boy began to look around, slightly confused. "Cept, I don't see any throne for you."

The Queen laughed and motioned the boy over to a seat on the balcony alongside the one she had been sitting in earlier. "That's because this isn't my throne room. It's more of my private room, a sort of study area. You see, I really like balconies and when we were building the Palace, Matt and Olympia wouldn't let me have the one I wanted in the throne room - too dangerous they said; so we compromised and put a small one in the throne room and a huge one up here."

"But you're the Queen; couldn't you have just made them put one in both rooms?"

Cyan smiled and sat down next to the boy. "Yes….. but you see; one of the first things you learn as a Queen is that you have to pick your battles wisely. I still got my balcony, but I also got this huge waterfall and gardens below. By not upsetting anyone, I won the war by skipping a battle."

The boy sat silently, thoughtfully, and then looked back at the Queen with a bit of sadness in his eyes. "That's why I'm here isn't it; because I picked the wrong battle?"

Cyan paused for a minute, looking at the boy. "You are a very perceptive boy Nikolas, and yes; that is why I asked you here. You see, each person on this Island is a very important piece of a bigger puzzle. We may not necessarily end up real close to every piece, but we do need them to complete the whole picture. Do you know what I mean?"

The boy nodded. "Whether all the kids like me or not, we all need each other to make this Island whole right?"

"Yes. And the bigger thing Nikolas is that there are so many other battles out there to be fought that we can't allow fights with our own family. So what I'm asking of you is this; don't let someone else pick your battles for you; especially one that you know I wouldn't want you fighting. I expect you to meet the standards that I set for you, or Falcon and Olympia; not the other kids at school. Can you do this for me?"

"Yes Ma'am." The boy said with a renewed edge in his voice. "I can do it, you'll see."

"I'm sure I will. Now, there's one more thing I want to talk to you about; but it's more of a lesson okay?" The boy nodded seriously. "Whatever you and I talk about, or things I may have you do; you need to keep them to yourself. The best defense and offense is to keep your mouth shut and your ears open; especially when it comes to important things. I know its hard not to share with the kids at school, but just remember, you're no less important even if they don't know."

"I'm sorry." The boy said looking down at his hands. "It's just they were going on and on about how I don't belong here, and I thought that if I told them about the things I did for you that they would see that I do belong and they would have to accept me."

"Nikolas, let me ask you something. Do you think that I want you here on my Island?"

"Yes?" the boy said faintly.

Cyan laughed and stood up. "Well, that wasn't exactly the resounding affirmation I was hoping for, but it'll do." She motioned for the boy and then leaned on the balcony's railing over looking the Island. From here the boy could see Falcon and Olympia just finishing up talking. Eri had joined them sometime after he had entered the Palace.

"There are a lot of people who already know this Island is your home Nikolas and the rest will come around. Everything in life takes time, and once Falcon explains your immortality to you, you'll see just how much time that is." Cyan paused and looked down at Eri and Olympia. "Everyone needs a family Nikolas, and Falcon and this Island can give that to you, if you'll let them."

Olympia and Falcon walked off toward the huts while Eri went bounding around to the Palace steps. Cyan turned to face the boy and put her hands on his shoulders.

"Remember what we have talked about Nikolas and what I expect from you. As hard as it may seem, I assure you that each one of us has things about ourselves that we must keep silent about. The good news is, you have Falcon and Olympia to talk to and share things with." The Queen began to walk the boy towards her door while Eri's footsteps rang heavily on the steps outside. "I will be keeping my eye on you Outlander." The Queen smiled and extended her hand, revealing the boy's dagger. "And don't mind the name. I myself am an OutWorlder. As I said, each one of us bares our secrets."

The boy smiled and snatched the dagger from Cyan's hands. He opened the door and just as Eri came into view, he stopped and looked back at the Queen. "But who do you talk to?"

"Excuse me?" Cyan said, looking at the boy curiously.

"You said we all have secrets, but that we can share them with our family so we don't end up hitting the kids at the Academy. So, I was wondering who you talk to? Your mother?"

Cyan let out a long breath and had to start chuckling. To think, after everything she'd been through with Kahn, OutWorld, Ares, and Vorpax; the boy actually wondered if she was able to talk with her mother. Cyan's smile began to fade. "Don't worry about me Nikolas; this Island is my family." With that, the boy seemed satisfied and disappeared outside.

Eri pushed her way by Cyan and into the room, throwing her sword and sheath onto the floor. She flipped through the air landing heavily on a couch that had been placed out on the balcony. "So," she finally said, chomping on an apple. "What was that all about?"

Cyan came over to the couch and swept her niece's feet onto the floor in one swift motion. She plopped down next to Eri and smiled. "Just a chat, but it was more interesting than I would have thought. I didn't realize how much I missed having a child to talk to and care for…." The Queen looked over at her niece, "that was, until you came into the room."

Cyan and Eri started to laugh as the Queen took a bite out of her niece's apple.

"So, are you gonna tell me the rest or what?" Eri finally said impatiently.

Cyan began to tell her niece all that she and young Nikolas had talked about.

**********

Nikolas walked towards the animal Hospital where he lived with Falcon. He was so deep in thought that he didn't see the group of boys that stood in his way.

"Outlander." One of them sneered.

Nikolas stiffened and his fists curled; but a voice in his head quietly spoke. "Don't let someone else pick your battles for you; especially one that you know I wouldn't want you fighting. I expect you to meet the standards that I set for you, or Falcon and Olympia; not the other kids at school."

Nikolas started to walk around the boys when the largest one tripped him. "What's wrong Outlander, chicken?"

The small boy picked himself up and glared at his tormenter. "I will choose my battles, not let them choose me."

He started to turn away, but the large boy pushed him to the ground again.

"Hey Dom, he's just a kid, leave him alone."

"He's an Outlander and a chicken. He doesn't belong."

Falcon and the Enforcer had come into view of the exchange. Falcon began to step forward to intercede, but was stopped immediately by the Enforcer's hold. Olympia shook her head and watched intensely. "No Falc, let him do this on his on."

"Are you out of you mind?" Falcon hissed and started forward again.

Olympia's hold would not be broken. "Falcon, he needs to do this for himself."

Nikolas, face down in the dirt began to think. In a flash his feet kicked out and Dom was tossed to the ground. The small angry form leapt to his feet and crouched in the ready stance he had seen the Queen use when they'd met. With a roar of anger the bully charged the smaller boy, but Nikolas side-stepped the attack and tripped him once again. Dom quickly snatched up a piece of wood and raised it to strike; but the wood seemed to freeze in mid-air. Confused, the bully turned his head and met with glacier blue eyes.

"Dom, right?" the Enforcer asked pleasantly.

Dom, who could not break his gaze, merely nodded.

The Enforcer leaned closed and spoke commandingly. "Seems to me you have a little extra energy that needs some working off. Laps, now - five of them."

"But Enforcer he---" Dom began to stutter.

"Eight" She said, obviously unmoved by his pleading.

"But…. " He started again.

Olympia's patience was beginning to run thin. "Do you want ten?" The boy shook his head fiercely. "Then MOVE IT!"

Falcon thought the boy would need to see Ashana right there and then, but he finally began running his laps. The Enforcer slowly turned her gaze on the rest of the boys that had gathered. "As for the rest of you who just stood there; you obviously need to find some energy, so take five laps yourself!"

Olympia shook her head in mock disgust as the remaining boys quickly scampered off to get started. The Enforcer finally turned her attention to Nikolas and the blood that was running from a cut on his lip. Placing her hands on her hips, she snarled at the boy. "Well, Nikolas….What are you waiting for? You owe me some laps, so go join your friends." Olympia winked and the boy grinned as he hurried off to join his schoolmates.

"Boy you're lucky." One of the boys said to Nikolas once he'd caught up. "Falcon and the Enforcer both for mom's."

Nikolas laughed. "Yeah, so lucky I gotta do laps with you guys. Besides Falcon is more like my mom and Olym---- I mean the Enforcer is more like a big brother only she's a girl." The group of boys began to laugh and new friendships were formed.

Olympia strolled past Falcon as the Healer grabbed her arm and yelled at her in disbelief. "LAPS?!? Why in the name of Olympus does he have to do laps?! He's the one that got jumped for gia's sake!?!?"

The Enforcer gently removed Falcon's arm and pointed at the small group of laughing boys. "Because they now share a common ground; they're all in trouble together. New teams have been made and its them against the adults."

Falcon looked to the boys who were now nudging and laughing even while they ran.

Falcon shook her head slowly and chuckled at how quickly things could change. Grinning, she nudged the Enforcer gently. "And you said you didn't understand kids."

Olympia laughed and tossed Falcon her staff. "Best three out of four?"

"You're on."

The two warriors laughed and readied themselves for some fun. Each was determined to show those Academy Squirts just how well the adults could play.

******

The Enforcer and Falcon had drawn quite a crowd around them as their sparring became more and more intense. Eri smiled as she watched the two go at it. They were pretty evenly matched for the most part and very fun to watch, but in the long run the Enforcer's unnatural strength seemed to always win out. How in the world did she stay that strong? Only the Queen and Saran seemed to be able to match her strength, but that was hardly a fair comparison since neither the Queen nor Saran were mortals. Eri shook her head as she watched. There was definitely something more to the Enforcer than met the eye. Regardless though, Olympia had slowly become a part of their family and Eri now only saw a sister that she had never had the chance to have.

Cyan whispered in her niece's ear. "Let it go little one."

"What?" Eri said, slightly surprised at how easy it was for the Queen to sneak up on her unnoticed.

Cyan smiled maternally. "Whatever it was that you were pondering about Olympia. She is exactly what you know; our family."

The Queen slipped into the circle that had slowly formed around the two warriors. "I need to speak with the both of you……"

Olympia smiled and whirled her staff on the Queen. Cyan flipped backwards catching the staff between her feet and yanking it from the Enforcer's grip. In one swift motion she took Olympia's feet from under her and turned the staff on Falcon. Cyan grinned. "I guess you two must have worn each other out, right?"

Falcon smiled and bowed her head. Cyan tossed the staff backwards and heard the Enforcer catch it before it hit the ground. "Okay, everyone, show's over." The group began to break up as the Queen motioned for Olympia and Falcon to follow her to the palace. Before she left, she called over her shoulder. "And you boys still have the remainder of your laps to do or I'll have the Enforcer and Falcon back out here every day to run with you."

The boys quickly fled the scene and the Queen smiled at the two warriors. "Seems that Nikolas has finally found a his niche here on our Island. Nothing bonds children better than a little adult discipline huh?"

The Enforcer and Falcon smiled at each other as they entered the Queen's throne room. Cyan shut the door and told her two warriors to sit. Falcon struggled with her kneeling instinct, but finally lowered herself into a seat.

"So let's see if we can keep him in that niche…."

The faces of both Falcon and the Enforcer dropped. The Queen lifted her hand quickly before either could speak, and continued. "I'm sure you are both aware that my 'powers' are slowly growing with time, and I'm sure you both have a good idea why. My bloodlines are not much of a secret anymore since the whole fiasco with Kahn, and I can only imagine there's more to come, but my eyes and ears of Earth Realm tell me that a certain boy's parents are in pursuit of his return."

Falcon jumped from her chair. "Then we'll put a stop to it immediately. That child belongs here, with us, and you know it!"

The Queen's eyes widened as they urged the warrior to retake her seat. "We'll put a stop to the things that I say we will Falcon. It is apparent that your boy is not the only one that needs to learn how to pick their battles."

Falcon winced slightly at the Queen's words as she sat down in her seat. She also realized that the Queen had called Nikolas her boy. Falcon listened closely, much more at ease that the Queen had already been thinking things through. It was obvious Cyan felt that someone was trying to lead them into a false battle; or at the very least, an unwise one.

"The question of where the boy belongs and will stay is of no matter to me - he belongs here, with you. What is of concern to me is the parent's sudden interest in his return and whereabouts."

"Do you think Kahn is making yet another attempt?" Olympia asked incredulously.

"This is not Kahn. I would…. (pause)… feel him. I think it is more likely that we will find a potential windfall coming to the parents if our Island whereabouts can be discovered."

"So, you wish to use Nikolas as bait." The Enforcer said, somewhat quietly as Falcon alternated her looks between the Queen and her bodyguard.

"Listen to me, both of you. That boy is a part of this Island and I will not let anything happen to him. But unless we find out who is attempting to use him and end this problem at it's very roots; just ridding ourselves of the parents will never make that boy truly free. Someone knows he's here, and smells a chance for some easy earned dinars." The Queen smiled mischievously. "Well, I intend to make it a little more difficult than they ever could have imagined."

Falcon and the Enforcer smiled. The three talked a little more and then agreed to meet first thing in the morning. Cyan had left it up to Falcon as to whether she would tell the boy or not, but had recommended against it. The Queen would fill Eri in and meet the two warriors in the java hut at dawn. She had a few plans, but had told Falcon she thought this was the perfect time to lead her first away mission.

"Don't worry Falc." Olympia had said as she walked off towards her hut. "The Queen and I will be right there with you - you'll do fine." Falcon smiled and watched the Enforcer disappear inside her hut. My, how many things had changed.

************

"Falcon!" A boy's voice rang through the animal hospital.

Falcon hit the intercom button. "Tinka, tell Nikolas I'm in exam 2 and to please stop shouting."

"Sure thing Falc." Tinka chuckled.

Soon the small boy, his eyes bright, entered the exam room where Falcon worked on a small patient. Out of the corner of her eye Falcon noticed the group of boys that Nikolas had to run with; all except the boy called Dom. "No great loss." Falcon thought.

Dom was a sullen boy, as was his mother. She remained one of the few on the Island who was still bitter over the loss of her mate in the wars. She also seemed to dislike anything or anyone that came after the founding of the village.

"Falcon?" Nikolas started, but stopped when Falcon looked sternly at him.

"Nikolas, you have been told about loud noises in the Hospital. It startles the animals and makes it hard to treat them. Now, what is it that's so important that you have to burst into my exam room without knocking."

"But Tinka said----"

"Tinka told you I was in exam 2. You know you must always knock first, and wait for permission to enter." Falcon watched the boy shift from foot to foot in frustration.

The boys outside the door were uncertain how to react. They had most certainly heard strange stories about the Healer and after watching her spar with the Enforcer; they were still at a loss. Nikolas however, seemed to take it all in stride.

Falcon bent to her task of placing the last stitches in the kitten's leg. Tenderly she lifted the small patient and placed it in the heated cage to finish its slow waking from the sleeping drug it had been given. Washing her hands in a nearby sink she again addressed the eager boy. "Now what is it?"

"Can I go with the guys to swim in the lagoon? The pod is there and we wanna swim with them."

A familiar voice rang through the room. "Not without me you can't. The boys all groaned in unison while Nikolas rolled his eyes.

"Little Princess." Falcon bowed her head to the small child, who had just entered the exam room from the back.

Nikolas tried his best not to whine. "Aww Falcon do we have to?"

It was all the Healer could do not to laugh at the boy's obvious discomfort. It was bad enough she was a girl, but a Princess on top of it would mean they would all have to be on their best behavior.

Falcon looked closely at Marissa. "Princess, where is you guard?"

"Who, Saran? Oh, she's coming." She turned her attention back to the boys. "Okay, so let's go!" Princess Marissa ran for the lagoon and was immediately followed by all the boys, save one.

Nikolas frowned. "Falcon, what is it with her?"

"She likes you Nikolas."

"But she's a girl."

Falcon placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "In a few years my boy, I promise you, you will not mind so much that she is a girl. Now go and behave yourself. Be back in time for the dinner bell."

Nikolas started to leave, then turned suddenly and hugged the animal healer. "I wish you really were my mom." and then in an instant he was gone.

Falcon thought of the nights, and there were many still that the boy cried out in his sleep, needing arms to hold him as he slept. "So do I son, so do I."

*********

"Cyan? What are you doing?" Princess Vicky walked into one of the upstairs rooms in the palace. The entire place was lined with various toys that the Queen had brought back from different Realm travels for the little Princess; or so she said. Vicky sometimes thought that the Queen and Rissa had a lot more in common than most of the Island suspected. For instance, the Queen was currently busy trying to knock Rissa's high score off the newest pinball machine that had been brought back.

The Queen rocked from side to side as she talked. "Well, what does it look like?" She said with mild irritation. "I'm trying to get in some practice on this damn machine while our little game hog has gone swimming!" Cyan slapped the side of the machine as she watched the last ball drop down the middle of the chute. She let out a heavy sigh and turned to face the Princess.

Vicky did her best to muffle her laughter. "You know Cyan, if you didn't spoil her so much by bringing back a new game each time you traveled, maybe you wouldn't get beaten so often."

The Queen wrinkled her mouth into a snarl. "Ha ha. There is eventually a point to this little line of torture you're pursuing right? Or….don't tell me, Rissa and Eri have finally convinced you of how useful these games are in improving eye-hand coordination?"

"Now who's doing the torturing?" The Princess laughed. "Actually, I knew you'd be here. I wanted to know how things went with Nikolas."

Although the Princess and Queen rarely handled the same things on the Island, they did talk often, and about most things. Vicky's role had changed some with the arrival of Rissa, but the Princess always provided the Queen with a listening ear and fresh perspective. She had been a great help with Saran, and Cyan was sure the situation with Nikolas and Falcon would be no different.

"The talk went well, and I think the rest of the kids are beginning to see the light. Well, everyone but Dom that is."

"No surprise there." Vicky said with a chuckle. "Like mother, like son."

The Queen nodded. "Maybe they both need a good wack…." Vicky's eyes widened as Cyan continued back to the previous subject. "Nikolas's parents are looking for him……"

"….and the Island." Vicky finished for her. Again the Queen nodded, while Vicky took the lead. "Are you planning to…….." Vicky paused for a minute. "……relocate them?"

Cyan chuckled at the careful choice of the Princess's words. "I have no plans to harm them, but if it comes to the safety of our Island, I won't even hesitate." The Queen smiled at Vicky, knowing exactly what the Princess was already thinking. "It's only a last resort Vicky. I am fully aware that no matter the circumstance, it would never be best for Nikolas or Falcon if we brought harm to the boy's natural parents. I have a feeling though, that there is a much deeper problem here."

"And if you solve that problem, the other issue may disappear on their own." Vicky responded.

Again the Queen nodded and then laughed. "Sometimes I think I shouldn't even bother to speak with you Vick - you seem to know my mind anyway."

The Princess laughed and turned to walk away. "How do you think I always know where to find you." Cyan shook her head and rolled her eyes. Pushing the button, she released another ball and resumed her game.

*******

The hospital stable was quiet. There were no mares in foal; not even an injured horse or pony. Falcon stood and thought while she brushed the coat of her Arabian mare. "Well girl how about we find you a boyfriend huh?" The horse whickered softly. "I'm sure any number of stallions would find that you have a well turned fetlock huh?" Falcon left the stall to get a comb from the tack box she kept nearby.

"Hey there Windy, how’s the girl today?"

Falcon's heart stopped. It had been years since she had heard anyone use that name for a mare of hers. Moving back around the corner Falcon saw Corde giving Wind of the Desert a piece of carrot.

"Corde why did you call her that?"

"Hey Falc." (pause) "You okay? You look kinda funny?" The owner of the Java Hut looked intently at the Animal Healer.

Falcon, with a shake of her head, smiled and stepped forward. "I'm ok. It's just been a long while since I heard that name."

Corde smiled as the mare nudged for more treats. "The name Falc? But I’ve been calling you that for a while now."

"No Corde, why Windy?"

Corde shrugged. "Dunno. She just looks like a Windy to me. Anyway, I just made a new batch of bagels and they're still hot in time for mid-day; interested?"

"Sure, I'll be over soon. I have to take care of her first." Falcon motioned towards the mare, who was now snuffling at her owner, looking for treats.

"Oh Corde, I may be going on an away mission for the Queen….. um I'd like to take some of your special bagels with me if that's alright?"

"Sure thing Falc." Corde walked away, contently humming a child's song.

Falcon stood motionless as she stared after Corde and hummed the last few measures herself. "Where in the world did she hear that song?" The Healer shrugged and went back to her work. "Well my friend, better see to my things. I don't know if Falcon or Dark Wolf will be needed, but either way I need to be ready." Falcon looked to the door where Corde had just left. Wonder who is going on this mission and what the Queen has in mind?"

*****

Shatan reared as the Queen and Eri rose from their kneeling position. "It just doesn’t seem like they’ve been gone this long." Eri said looking sadly up at her aunt.

"I know what you mean." Cyan turned slowly and took Eri’s hands. "Children should never be separated from their parents Eri - it’s not right. You never feel…… whole."

"Are you talking about Davu, me, or you and Vorpax?"

The Queen laughed. "All three I guess, but also Nikolas."

Eri and Cyan began to walk towards Shatan and the Queen flipped into her mount. She reached out an arm for her niece, and both took one last look at the four gravestones that had been carefully laid so long ago. Cyan nudged Shatan, and the two headed back to the Island. Avalanche and Abyss trailed silently through the woods as the two warriors continued to talk.

"I know this may sound strange coming from me Cyan, but are you sure that it’s wise to send Falcon off on this mission? I mean, you and I weren’t exactly impartial when it came to our families. Maybe she’s too close to the boy."

The Queen smiled. Her niece was right, but she also felt like there was something more to all of this. "Falcon needs to be in charge of what happens to this child Eri, not just for her, but for Nikolas as well. If you think back, you will realize that you have not left my side since your parents death; you’ll also remember that you were quite unwilling to accept anyone but me for a very long time." Eri nodded her head realizing what Cyan was trying to say. "My bigger task has been to pick who should go with her."

"Well, who are you going to send; besides me I mean?"

Again the Queen smiled. "I’m not sending you Eri, and I’m not sending the Enforcer." Cyan waited for Eri’s objections, but much to her surprise, they did not come.

"There’s something going on with Olympia isn’t there Aunt Cyan?" Eri touched Cyan’s shoulder and continued. "She’s part of our blood isn’t she? I can feel it."

The Queen stopped Shatan and turned to her niece. "How could you possibly sense something like that?"

"I see the way you look at her since returning from OutWorld. I also know that Saran realizes who she is, but as far as I can tell, the others don’t; including the Enforcer." (Pause….) "Besides, I have known you my whole life Cyan; we have no secrets; remember?"

The Queen sighed heavily. She felt suddenly better knowing that this one secret was no longer hidden from Eri. She nudged Shatan again into movement.

"I know I said that a child should not be without her parents, but there are times Eri, when the ones they are with are better than the ones they belong to." The Queen thought for a moment. "That is the case for both Olympia and Nikolas."

"Well then, who are you sending?"

"I talked it over with Vicky and Eponie, and I’m going to send Corde."

"Corde?" Eri asked in disbelief. "Why in the world would you send Corde? She hates that kinda stuff."

"I don’t know, it’s just a feeling I have. I seem to get those a lot with these growing powers." Cyan laughed and continued. "Falcon needs a comforting soul to travel this path with her, and I honestly believe that soul is Corde. I also have other things for us to do while Falcon and Corde are away; many things."

****

Putting the last of her things into her bags, Falcon sat and looked to another smaller worn bag. She spilled its contents into her hand; a silver chain and a small crescent moon with a light blue crystal. A tear formed in the healer's eye. "If you were with me now this would be around your neck. I had it made for you just before they came and destroyed the village. I figured I'd give it to you for your rite of passage gift. Artemis, will I ever see my daughter again?" 'Mother! ' 'Mother!' The child's voice echoed in the Healer's memory.

"Falcon?" Nikolas called from the door of the Healer's room. The Healer put the necklace back into its pouch and turned to the small boy smiling. "Yes Nikolas, what is it?"

"Corde says, come and get 'em before their gone." Nikolas grinned. He liked Corde; she was okay for a girl. She always made neat stuff to eat and had the very best cocoa around. Saran would never let him try the coffee of any kind, but they both let him help out at the Java Hut when he wanted. That worked just fine, because they also helped him with his schoolwork. Corde somehow made it possible for him to see the things he was supposed to study and Saran showed him how to build all kinds of stuff. But Tamahome, he was Nik's buddy. Sometimes they would go off and Tama would show him what Wolf did with different darts and weapons. He had even said he'd teach him about the hunting birds when he had time. Falcon continued to pretend she knew nothing about any of this, but both Tama and Nik were wise to her.

"Falcon what's this?" Nikolas picked up a small stuffed cloth and a leather doll. It was well worn and obviously loved dearly by some unknown child.

Falcon replied softly. "It was my daughters'."

"Oh, sorry." Nikolas shyly handed the doll back to the Healer.

Falcon sat on the edge of her pallet and pulled the boy close. "Nikolas, it's true I miss my daughter and no one will ever replace her in my heart, but neither will anyone replace you in my heart. You are my family and I think I will be talking to the Queen when I return."

"Where ya goin?" Nikolas asked.

"I have things to do for the Queen, so while I'm gone you will need to stay with someone. I'm not sure who is going with me yet, but got any choices as to who you would like to stay with?" Falcon had asked the question thinking the boy would name the Enforcer if she was not going to be included in the away team.

Nikolas grinned. "Yeah, Tama!"

Falcon's head whirled immediately. "Tama???"

****

"He wants to stay with Tama?" The Queen asked with some surprise. Before Falcon could answer, Cyan had continued. "Well, actually, that makes a lot of sense. To tell you the truth, I think some time with Tama may be just what Nikolas needs."

Falcon arched an eyebrow. She was not sure that the Queen was thinking this through as clearly as she should. These two 'men' could get into a lot of mischief on they're own, let alone together. Falcon nodded though; she was the Queen after all.

"He'll be fine Falc. The Enforcer will be coming with me, along with Loa and Rae; but I will have Eri and Saran keep an eye on them both." The Queen smiled. "And I do mean both."

The two warriors laughed. "Are you ready to go?" Cyan asked Falcon. The Healer nodded. She had been somewhat surprised to hear Corde was going with her, and even more surprised to hear it would be just the two of them.

"We'll leave right after Corde finishes packing us some food."

Cyan nodded. "Once you have found the parents, send for me via the Island; Vicky will know how to find me. While you do that, Rae, Loa, Olympia and I are going to go and do some sleuthing of our own. I don't expect to find much without first finding the parents, but I have heard rumors of other things that need tending to."

Falcon looked at the Queen questioningly.

"It seems that there is a group of three villages located somewhere off the coast of Crychus. Each one of them has landed claim to a mine of valuable gold deposits, and I suspect a fight is about to break between the locals. Each of the villages is quite poor and I would not be surprised to see a natural willingness for some bloodshed to improve their wealth."

Cyan walked with Falcon out into the compound. "We're going to be leaving soon ourselves, but don't forget, even if you don't learn anything right away, I still expect to hear from you." The Queen walked off towards the stables. "And take care of Corde as if she were your own Falcon; I don't want anything to happen to that Amazon!"

Falcon walked towards the Java Hut, shaking her head. "Scheesh! Nothing like a little pressure from the higher ups."

*****

Falcon walked into the Java Hut where Saran was busy talking with Tamahome at one end of the counter. "Hiya Falc, Corde says you and she are going on a mission together?"

Tama frowned, obviously annoyed at not being asked to go along.

Falcon nodded. "Yah, we are, but I have a favor to ask of Tamahome first."

Saran grinned. She had already heard of the decision to leave Nikolas with the young warrior.

"What favors that Falcon?" Tama obviously was hoping that the Healer was going to request him to go along on the mission.

Falcon put on her most serious face for the young man. "Well, Corde and I will be leaving soon to go off Island and I need to ask someone to watch over Nikolas while I'm away. I was thinking of Larc, but with the school and all, she's just too busy. Labby has the Library, Saran the Java Hut and well to be honest, I need to find someone very responsible who will be able to help him with his staff and tree path work. It's a huge responsibility and I………"

Tama smiled and shrugged, obviously flattered yet doing his best to play his excitement down a notch. "No problem Falc; I'll watch out for him."

Falcon smiled with exaggerated relief. "Tama, I…… I can't thank you enough. This is a huge help." The Healer clapped her friend on the back and he blushed a bit.

"Yah, the little guy probably does need to do some more guy stuff now that you mention it. No offence Falc, but sometimes us guys just need to hang with other guys." Tamahome grinned and everyone watched as the wheels in his mind began to turn. Snapping back into focus he motioned towards the door with his thumb. "I'll just go and find him so he can grab some of his gear. I figure he might as well stay with me in the warrior's huts." Tama turned and swaggered off, much to the delight of both Falcon and Saran.

The two warriors stood silently and just shook their heads. Neither was too sure that they had made the wisest decision concerning Nik and Tama, but it was too late to change things now. Falcon glanced over at Saran and both Amazons burst into laughter. "Don't worry Falc--- Eri and I will keep a close watch on them, honest. "

A moment later Corde stormed into the Java Hut. "Falcon! I'm glad you're here - I can't do this. I don't know what to bring….. I don't know what to do……" The Amazon continued to rush about.

Falcon chuckled. "Corde, calm down, I already have a plan. You and I are going into the village as a mother and daughter, looking for your lost little brother. Apparently he was stolen from our village and we're frantically looking for him. That's when we heard that he and some other children might have been rescued by a mysterious stranger and if our guess is right, this should draw out Nikolas’s parents." Falcon paused and then added a quick addendum she thought might due the trick. "I’ll also be sending word to the Queen and the Island regularly, so it'll be almost like we're not even gone."

Corde stopped and thought a minute. "Well, as long as I don't have to hurt anyone. I don't wanna lose my wuss, first class standing."

Saran laughed. "No chance of that Corde, no chance at all."

******

Soon after, with bags packed, Falcon and Corde stood near the horse drawn cart outside of the Portal. Falcon nervously shifted and awaited any last minute instructions from the Queen.

"Falc, it's gonna be ok." Corde tried to console the animal Healer, but it was obvious she was just as nervous. "Tell ya what; on the trip, let’s sing."

Falcon laughed as she thought to herself. "Yup… This is gonna be one heck of a mission."

Just then the Queen walked up to the pair. "Well, you two look all ready to go." Cyan smiled. "Nice touch with the cart. Whose idea was that?" Falcon shifted nervously and Cyan chuckled. "Relax Falcon, I’m kidding. I think your proposed plan is a good one."

The Queen looked at the other Amazon. "You ready Corde? You don’t seem all that nervous."

"I’ll be fine with Falc to watch out for me."

"That’s for sure." Cyan thought to herself. "Well then, you know the plan. Find the parents, and more specifically what they want with the boy. And keep your cool Falcon, no matter what. I don’t want to raise any suspicion before we know who the parents are being paid by."

The two Amazons nodded and got ready to leave through the portal. The Queen watched with great interest as the warriors disappeared from her view. Falcon was completely unaware that her own thoughts were as good as spoken when it came to the blood of an OutWorlder and Cyan smiled. The Healer's thoughts were definitely correct; it would most certainly be an interesting trip.

******

"Are you three about ready or what?!" The Queen yelled inside the Java Hut yet again. "Scheesh!" she thought, everything around here is a major project.

Rae, Loa, and the Enforcer came running through the door, each carrying two additional satchels than they had when going in.

Cyan stared at them in disbelief. "What in the world are you three bringing? We’re only going to be gone a few days."

Loa loaded the bags onto her horse and smiled. "We thought we might get hungry." Rae flipped into her mount and quickly secured her own bags. The Queen looked carefully at each one of them and finally began to laugh.

The Enforcer smiled and threw a bag at the still chuckling Queen. "Don’t worry Cy, we got you a bag too. Saran even said she packed something extra special for you."

"I just bet she did." The Queen mumbled as she flipped onto Shatan. "Now, if we can please get going. I’m sure the villagers would be thrilled to know we were late due to our stomachs."

The three Amazons rode on ahead as Cyan glanced back at the door to the Java Hut. She knew Saran would be standing there watching them go, and with a slight wave of her hand, the Queen also knew she would carefully watch over Eri while she was away.

******

"So much for the heart of a Dragon" Corde sang, and Falcon just shook her head. "Hey ---Mom, what’s the problem?" Corde grinned.

Falcon raised an eyebrow at her partner. "Mom??? OK, I guess I better get used to hearing that from you instead of Falc; but where ever did you learn that song?"

Corde grinned even more, "Saran heard it and taught it to me one night when it was dead in the Java Hut. Like it?"

"Let’s put it this way. Daughter, if I EVER hear THAT song coming out of you mouth again, I will spank your Ama..... " Before Falcon could finish her statement her ears pick up a sound; a faint sound of metal on metal. "I swear by the gods Daughter, when we find your brother and get safely home; I will be talking to your father about letting you work in that tavern. A young girl like you should not be learning songs like that. "

Corde looked puzzled at first, but soon her own training detected the sound of metal armor and the creak of leather. "But Mother, with father being hurt we needed the dinars to live and now with my brother missing; I can pick up a few dinars helping out at inns ‘till we find him."

Falcon smiled within, 'She's a quick one that Corde, quick and sure.'

"Here now, I've a way you can earn a coin or two my girl." Three dirty, ugly men stepped into the road, halting the slow moving cart and horse.

"We have no money." Falcon began in a timid voice. "We are traveling to the village in search of my son who was taken from our village a days travel from here."

One of the men had moved alongside the cart and stood leering up at Corde, who in turn had moved even closer to Falcon. His hand reached out, grabbing Corde's wrist as he tried to pull the Wuss Warrior off the seat. "Come on Girl, I can show you how to make a coin or two."

Corde grabbed a bag from the cart and swung it around. "Wait, try a bagel first. I bet you'll like them." The bag connected with the man's head and he dropped like a stone.

"My daughter!!" Falcon cried out throwing her hands back, and landing a back fist into the second man’s face. He howled instantly while the cracking sound that filled the air alerted all that his nose had been broken.

"Oh let me help you. I'm so sorry." Falcon stumbled off the seat of the cart, knocking the second man down and managing a knee into a very tender spot. While the second man rolled on the ground in agony, Falcon whistled. The cart-horse reared up and placed a well aimed hoof into the third man’s jaw.

Corde grabbed the reins and yelled, "Mother, we really have to be going." Falcon laughed quietly and leapt onto the cart. The cart, it’s horse, and two laughing Amazons disappeared, leaving three very sorry, but still dirty, ugly men in their dust.

"Corde what was in that bag; rocks?"

"Nope. Over done bagels. Hey, ya never know and since they were bagels and not a real weapon, I am still a Wuss first class."

Falcon laughed. "Corde I'm proud of you."

"Really? Good then let’s sing. There once was captive Maiden kept in a Dragons lair...."

******

Cyan and Loa had gone on ahead to the largest of the three villages while Rae and the Enforcer went to scout around the two smaller ones.

"What exactly are we looking for?" Loa asked as she pitched a dinar at a local merchant and grabbed a couple of apples. She tossed one to the Queen as they walked.

Cyan rolled her eyes. "I’ve told you about a million times Loa, I don’t know exactly what we’re looking for; we’re just looking. Didn’t your Ninja training ever allow for the need to just "sense" a place before doing something?"

"Yah, I guess; but I still think if we were to go up in the….."

Cyan snapped her head around and pointed her finger directly at the warrior, cutting the rest of her sentence short. "And, for the umpteenth trillion time; we are NOT going up in the bell tower!"

Loa looked a little disappointed, then quickly began to smile again. "Maybe we should hang out in the taverns for a while then. You know how much people can get talking in those places."

The Queen stopped and slapped the warrior on the back. "Now, that’s a good idea!" The Amazons made their way down the street and disappeared through the front door of a local tavern.

******

"These two villages are pretty small." The Enforcer said quietly to Rae. "Look at the weapons and storage facilities over there." Both warriors gave the small shack a once over and then began to make their way back to the main street.

"Well," Rae began. "if the other village is as big as the Queen said it was, these two smaller ones won’t stand a chance. Thing is, they seem awfully poor to be even thinking about going up against the others."

The Enforcer smiled. "Yah, I know. That’s what worries me. Poor people fight hard Rae, because they got nothing to lose, and if these two smaller villages were to band together, there’s going to be a lot of bloodshed."

Rae nodded. "Let’s see if we can find the main men in charge around here. We’ll learn what we can and then try to meet back up with the Queen and Loa by nightfall tomorrow."

The two warriors grabbed the reigns of their horses and made their way deeper into the town. A lone figure moved silently behind them from doorway to doorway, watching their every move.

******

It was passed mid-day when the horse cart with the two undercover Amazons entered the village. Falcon surveyed the area, and was quietly pleased to see the sight of happy children playing in the streets. "I'm going to stable the horse, you go into the tavern and see about a mid-day meal."

"Ok Fal... Mom. " Corde grinned and jumped off the cart seat. She grabbed a bag and went into the Tavern.

Falcon arranged for the horse and cart. She was quite pleased to note that nether the Smith nor stable boy recognized her as Wolf. After a quick check of the horse’s hooves, that it was watered and hayed, she headed into the Tavern. As she entered, her heart stopped.

"Look I know cooking and let me tell you these are the worst bagels I have ever tasted."

Corde's voice rang over the heads of the gathering crowd. "I wouldn't even throw these at someone."

The cook, his clothes covered with flour and other stains that even the gods would have a problem identifying, stood glaring down at the indignant Corde who was off and running about her passion; bagels.

"Here taste this." Corde pressed one of her sweet bagels into the scowling cook’s hand. "All of you." she continued, and began passing out bagel samples to anyone near her.

The glaring cook watched as people's faces took on a look of bliss once tasting the tender flavorful bread-like ring.

"And they’re great with just about anything on them. You can eat them cold, or just out of the oven. You can eat them plain or flavored with herbs and spices and small dried fruits baked in them." Corde continued, but then began to frown at the cook who had yet to taste his. Putting her hands on her hips she snorted. "It’s not going to bite ya, just taste it."

Falcon grabbed Corde by the arm, dragging her off to the side. "Now daughter," she said out loud, "Let the nice man get back to his business. We can just sit over here and eat our meal. Then we’ll start looking for your brother." Falcon hissed on a much quieter level to the other warrior. "Corde! Are you out of your mind?!"

"Mom, taste this." Corde handed a piece of gray cooked dough to Falcon.

Falcon looked with suspicion at the strange object. Finally her sense of self-preservation won out and she refused.

"Girl. I want to talk to you." The cook, with a frown on his face, advanced on the two Amazons.

Falcon pushed Corde behind her and finger caressed the hilt of a dagger hidden in her sleeve. "She meant no harm," Falcon began, "Please forgive her youth sir."

The cook smiled, "I would like to pay her to show me how to make these wonderful bagels."

Corde grinned and Falcon relaxed.

"Not a problem. Now the first thing we do is......" Corde took the cook’s arm and began to pull him towards the kitchen in the back of the Tavern.

Falcon just shook her head. "Corde bagel warrior." Falcon laughed softly to herself.

******

The Queen and Loa had learned quite a bit in their tavern hoping hours and were now settled in a small room above the last one they had visited. There was a fire built and the two were both leaned back in their chairs, feet up.

"This town seems pretty hell bent on taking all those minerals for themselves my Queen; no matter what the cost."

"I know." Cyan said, somewhat discouraged. "If Rae and the Enforcer meet with the same attitudes that we have, I think this is going to get messy. One thing’s for sure, there’s no way we’re going to settle this thing fairly by talking."

Loa got up and walked around the room. "After seeing the mineral deposit they’re talking about it would be just as beneficial to share it based on the size of the village."

"You’re right, but unfortunately greed is a human fault that is very hard to uproot from someone. This village smells wealth, and the two smaller ones are certainly not going to be allowed to take it from them."

"What if the other two villages were to join forces?"

Cyan had been dreading that question. "If that happens, our problems will double almost immediately."

"Any plans?" Loa said casually is she began to stare intently down into the streets of the village.

"Well, I have one, but I need to hear what Olympia and Rae find out first."

Loa turned around and swept the Queen’s sword and sheath up into her hand while strapping on her own. She threw it over to Cyan and smiled mischievously. "Seems we have company coming."

"Really?" Cyan said with a mixture of annoyance and pleasure. "Well then, lets take the fight to them. No need for our room to be wrecked right?"

Loa laughed and motioned towards the window. "After you my Queen."

Cyan flipped out the window and into the night; Loa right on her heels.

******

Rae massaged her neck as she casually glanced over at the Enforcer. "Two to your left, one behind me and one up ahead in the doorway."

"Hmmm… that works out nice." The Enforcer smiled. "Two for you, two for me."

Rae flipped backwards and drew her sword alongside her tracker’s neck. Olympia spun kick to her left and dropped the first man where he stood. Before the other could respond, the tip of her sword was at the man’s throat. Rae yelled on ahead up the alley to the one lone attacker.

"Come out, come out, wherever you are." Her white teeth sparkled in the moonlight as a broad smile came across her face. "Come on, we just want to have a little chat with ya."

The last man stepped out from a doorway frame just a few feet from the end of the street. He lowered his sword and spoke quietly. "We mean you no harm. We were just sent to follow you and make sure you weren’t here to steal the minerals from us."

The Queen’s bodyguard and Rae looked at each other briefly then lowered their weapons each releasing the man that they held. Olympia held out an arm to help the other man to his feet.

"Why would you think we’re here to steal from you?"

"Well, by the looks of you both, we knew you were able warriors. The other villages have been known to send spies and thugs into their enemy territories to try and destroy us from within."

"Thugs?" Rae and Olympia both thought simultaneously to themselves. "We don’t look like thugs do we?" Each allowed themselves a momentary glance at their appearances, shrugged and once again focused their attention on that of the village men.

The Enforcer spoke. "We’re sorry for the quick display of weapons but we’re not used to being followed in a dark street at night."

"I understand." Said the man from the doorway, stepping a little deeper into the alley and closer to the Amazons. He was quite a handsome man in a rugged sort of way. Olympia glanced him over once, okay maybe twice, with an approving glance.

"My name is Titus." Said the man extending his arm. "And these are my friends. We are not a warring village but the discovery of the minerals have put us all a bit on edge."

"Actually." Olympia began, "it’s why we’re here. We’re hoping there is a more peaceful solution than a full battle with the other villages for the wealth."

"I’m afraid it’s too late for that." Said one of the other men. "The leader in this village, Krynyn has already made an alliance with the leader of the other small village……"

"Tomias." Rae finished. The men looked at her a bit suspiciously. Rae explained. "We were there earlier hoping to find people willing to settle this fairly."

"I’m afraid there is too much wealth at stake here to settle any of this fairly, even with your superior fighting skills. No one has the power to stop this now. A battle is inevitable."

"You don’t know Cyan very well then." Olympia muttered under her breath. "Well" Olympia continued aloud. "We need to be meeting up with some friends by tomorrow, so if you would excuse us."

"Of course." Titus said, stepping aside and smiling broadly at the Enforcer. "I hope our paths will one day cross again Miss………"

"Olympia." Rae looked on in shock at the exchange of the Enforcer’s real name. "And I only hope that if we do meet again Titus, that you will give my friends and I the benefit of doubt, and hear what we have to say if ever it should come to that."

Before the man could response Rae and the Enforcer had disappeared into the night.

"Well, I think we have our answers Enforcer. We should leave tonight and get to the Queen first thing tomorrow morning." Olympia nodded and the two headed for the stables to collect their horses.

*****

Corde sat in the middle of the sleeping pallet, watching the fire burn low in the fireplace.

"Falc, did you learn anything this evening?"

"Nikolas's parents my be here tomorrow. I guess they have been to another village near here trying to find out more about where he might have gone."

"So we wait till then and what?" Corde asked.

Falcon stood near the window and looked out. "If they return to the village, we send word back to the island. Now you get some sleep."

"Yes mom." Corde giggled settling into the pallet. A few minutes later she opened her eyes. Falcon was still looking out the window. "Falc, you better get some sleep too."

Falcon smiled and nodded. looking up at the moon she sent a silent prayer to her goddess.

"Artemis please, don't let me lose him, and watch over my daughter, wherever she is. Hey Corde move over. How in the world can one so small take up so much room?"

******