Even though it was dark and late at night, Virginia still enjoyed walking through Central Park. There was something about being in natural surroundings that helped to calm nerves frayed by the hustle and bustle of New York. Before traveling to the Nine Kingdoms it had been easy to imagine that she was in a magical forest, far away from the traffic and skyscrapers of modern life.

A small breeze tickled the loose hairs that had fallen from her ponytail and brought the fresh smell of growing things to her nostrils. Virginia took a deep breath and smiled.

"A Wendell for your thoughts," Wolf asked.

"Nothing important." A small laugh escaped her and she shook her head. "I was just remembering how I used to fantasize that Central Park was a magical forest and that some day I would be whisked away by a prince." Virginia suddenly felt Wolf stop as he still held her hand.

"You don't regret being with me?" There was an anxious tone in his voice.

"Of course not." Virginia rolled her eyes then became serious as Wolf studied her face. "Wolf, you know I love you and am very happy. Especially with our baby coming soon." Virginia took Wolf's hand and placed it on her stomach and playfully kissed him on the lips.

Wolf's appetite aroused, he captured her face in his hands and kissed her more firmly. Virginia snuggled closer and laid her head on his shoulder. "Then there is nothing wrong?"

Virginia picked up her head and looked into Wolf's eyes. "Absolutely nothing," she affirmed. "Just a little tired."

"Virginia perhaps... "

"Ah uh uh! Absolutely not. No way." She already knew what he was going to say.

"But Virginia I was just... "

"Wolf, just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I'm crippled." Virginia stared at him pointedly.

Wolf's brow lifted and he looked at her sideways before surrending to her will. "Okay, I just don't want you to get too tired."

Virginia took a deep breath. "I'm fine. Besides you know I'm not the type to stay at home and crochet. I like to stay busy. Having our restaurant and running it with someone I care about is what I've always dreamed. It's just that I didn't count on The Wolf's Den being so successful. Strolling through the park helps me to unwind and relax."

That's when they heard the angry shouts.

In a clearing not too far away, a boy who looked to be about twelve years old with sandy blond hair stood in the center of a ring of four other boys. Virginia could tell by their stance that this wasn't a friendly encounter. Clearly the other boys had hostile intent towards the boy they had trapped. Because of her pregnancy, Virginia's maternal and nesting instincts were in full force and like an angry bear protecting her cubs, Virginia charged towards the boys.

"Virginia what are you doing?" Wolf ran after her.

"Wolf I can't let them hurt him," she said angrily as she got closer. "Hey!" she shouted. "What do you think you're doing?"

The boys all turned their heads, startled. The sandy haired boy appeared both relieved and alarmed by her arrival. The others became unsure and looked guiltily at each other. When they saw that Virginia was not alone, they scattered and ran off, fearing the police would be called. Only the sandy haired boy remained, looking like a scared street urchin who would just as soon have disappeared also if Virginia and Wolf hadn't been so close.

"Are you okay?" Virginia asked, concerned. The boy simply nodded. After the initial adrenaline rush of fear, Virginia finally noticed the rather odd clothing the boy was wearing. It looked like a hodge-podge assortment of different fabrics sewn together by hand. His coat looked like an old blanket. His vest underneath appeared to be a mattress cover. The shoulders, instead of being stitched with thread, were held together by a strip of leather laced through it like a pair of shoes. His boots were also laced and tied over his pants. It was as if he was preparing for a trip in cold weather. Virginia thought that was strange since the temperature was mild. Was he homeless, she wondered?

"What's your name?" The boy glanced hesitantly at Virginia then Wolf. "It's okay. We just want to help," Virginia assured him. Wolf also gave him a reassuring smile.

"Jacob."

"Hello Jacob. My name is Virginia and this is Wolf." Jacob glanced at Wolf oddly. "Where are your parents?" Virginia quickly surveyed the park.

"Uh...I should go home now," Jacob sidetracked and shuffled on his feet nervously.

"Where do you live and we'll go with you," Virginia offered.

"No!" Jacob shot out. "I mean, I can get home myself."

Jacob turned to leave but Virginia grabbed his shoulder. "Wait, you can't go back out there alone. It's too dark and dangerous."

"I'm fine," he insisted.

"You weren't fine just a few moments ago. What were you doing out here by yourself anyway?" Virginia asked sternly. Jacob didn't answer. "Come on. I'll take you to my place and we'll call your parents."

"I...uh, I don't have any parents," he said in a panicked voice.

Suspicious, Virginia looked Jacob in the eye.

"I live with my guardians," he explained further.

"You haven't run away from home, have you?" Virginia still pinned him with her stare.

"No." Jacob shook his head.

"Well, okay, but I can't leave you out here," Virginia insisted.

Jacob sighed resignedly knowing there was no escape. "Okay."

"Such a soft touch," Wolf whispered in her ear.

Jacob stared at himself in the bathroom mirror wondering how he had gotten himself into this mess. After arriving at Virginia and Wolf's apartment, Virginia had wanted to know the phone number of his guardians so that she could call them. But he had insisted on calling them himself in private. Virginia had looked at him even more suspiciously but it couldn't be helped. If he was to keep Father's secret he couldn't let Virginia make the call unexpectedly to his 'guardians'. He had to be able to warn them so that they could keep the secret also. His guardians were really "helpers" who rendered assistance and passed on messages whenever needed. He knew Father would be upset that he had endangered all of them. That's why now he was stuck in the bathroom trying to avoid any more questions and raising any further suspicions. They had been so nice, he felt guilty that he couldn't tell them the truth.

Jacob sighed and took a cursory look at his surroundings. A small apple green throw rug was placed before the bathtub and in the towel ring next to the sink was a peach hand towel. The sink had plenty of counter space and an assortment of toiletries were neatly arrayed on top. There was a floral patterned cup holding two toothbrushes; one purple and one yellow, and a swan shaped soap dish with a bar of Ivory soap next to the sink. The room smelled of roses and he saw a white vase with a single red rose. Next to the vase was a beautiful tin pillbox.

Curious, Jacob looked inside the pillbox and was surprised to see a pearl ring. Jacob picked up the ring to take a closer look and gasped in surprise. The pearl had turned over and a small face was smiling up at him. Then the ring began to sing:

"How I long to linger
On your father's finger.
A former prince unfound
now living underground."

Stunned, Jacob stared in disbelief at the ring. He jumped when Virginia tapped at the door informing him that his guardians had arrived to pick him up.

Jacob, what you did was very dangerous. Not only to yourself but to the rest of us," Vincent admonished him.

"I'm sorry Dad. I just wanted to go outside for a little while. I'm tired of being down here all the time."

They were inside Father's chamber. His "guardians," who were an elderly couple who didn't live too far away, had picked him up from Virginia and Wolf's apartment, thanking them for their kindness. Then they had promptly dropped Joseph off at Central Park and admonished him to be more careful. Jacob had promised he would and waved goodbye to them as they drove off.

Vincent laid a gentle hand on his son's shoulder in understanding. As a boy himself he had grown tired of the boundaries of his existence here and willingly snuck out at night with his best friend Devin Wells and the other boys. Devin had wanted Vincent to experience the thrill of going to a carnival and riding on the merry-go-round. It seemed harmless and no one was around since the carnival was closed. It was an experience that Vincent would always remember. Unfortunately, a night watchman had spotted them and they had nearly been caught. Father had been quite furious with Devin for endangering Vincent and the rest of their secret community.

"Son, we live in a world different than the one above us. Our world is very fragile and we must be careful to protect it."

"Completely irresponsible," Father accused. He was standing next to his desk. He was an older man with graying hair and a trimmed beard and mustache. He could have passed for a professor at a college or a doctor if not for his attire. Like everyone else in the underground community, he dressed with stitched together remnants of warm fabric and a thick overcloak to protect him from the damp chilliness of their subterranean environment. "We all must abide the rules. Each of us depends on the other. None of us lives for ourselves. What if it had been the police that had picked you up?" he addressed Jacob like an unruly student.

Father snapped closed one of his books from his large library and placed the book back on the shelf. Long ago when he had gone by the name of Jacob Wells, he had discovered the tunnels and underground caverns that lay forgotten underneath the gleaming city of New York. Blacklisted by the world above, he had started the underground community and helped set up the rules that governed their society. It had become a sanctuary and a home to many who had escaped from their broken lives above. It had become his family and, like a father, he was very protective of them.

But Jacob and others like him who had been born and raised in Father's underground community knew nothing of the hidden dangers of city life. To them the world above was a strange, compelling curiosity to be explored. Jacob was also special from the other children because of his parentage. After only being in his mother's womb for six months he had been born full term. Catherine, Jacob's mother, had been taken captive by a rich powerful criminal mastermind who had taken interest in her unborn child when he had witnessed Vincent' s miraculous strength in his surveillance cameras as he tried to rescue her. Unfortunately, in the end Catherine had been injected with an overdose of a drug after the birth of their baby and died in Vincent's arms. It had been a devastating blow to Vincent to lose his one true love. But having their child had helped to ease the pain.

Catherine, who was special herself, had been a courageous, caring and beautiful woman who had fallen in love with Vincent when he had found her injured and near death in Central Park and taken her underground to nurse her back to health. Due to mistaken identity, Catherine had been viciously attacked and her face mutilated by a razor. During her recovery underground when her face was wrapped in gauze and she could only hear Vincent's voice, he had read stories to her and comforted her fears with his gentle words. In her life above she had been a socialite and dissatisfied with the aimless superficial life of the elite. Now that she had experienced Vincent's quiet compassion and graceful spirit she was determined to change her life and do something that would make her feel she was accomplishing a worthy goal. That's when she had given up her posh position in her father's firm of corporate lawyers and joined the District Attorney's office. It had meant that she could not be part of Vincent's underground world. As the daughter of a prominent lawyer, her disappearance would put the community at risk of discovery. Likewise, Vincent could not go to her world above. He, most of all, needed the sanctuary of the tunnels.

Due to a cruel twist of fate, Vincent had been born different than other men. Instead of the face of a normal man, Vincent had the facial features and the long mane of a lion. His hands were clawed like an animals and he had fur along his hands and arms. Even though he appeared almost feral, Vincent was kind and patient and had the manner and bearing of a renaissance man. He loved reading the classics like Great Expectations and he enjoyed playing games of chess with Father.

Father was more than a title of respect to Vincent. It was Father who had taken him in when he was abandoned in the streets and raised him as his own son. So Jacob, who was his namesake, was like his own grandson.

"I didn't mean anything," Jacob mumbled looking down and jamming his hands in his pockets.

"Jacob, I know it was not your intention to cause any harm but your actions could have had disastrous repercussions for the rest of us. For Vincent especially. You must think about the consequences of your actions."

"I'm sorry. I won't do it again."

"We know you won't," Vincent reassured him.

"I don't wish to be hard on you Jacob. I just wanted you to understand the importance of keeping our world a secret from above." Father's stern expression relaxed into a patient smile.

"I do. I promise." Jacob moved to hug his father. He forgot that while he had put his hands in his pockets he had slipped his finger through the strange pearl ring. Outside of his pocket, the ring began to sing...

"What's wrong?" Virginia asked. Wolf had seemed strangely quiet after their little visitor had left with his guardians.

"Nothing, just thinking," Wolf answered distractedly.

Virginia had learned to read Wolf's expressions and trust his instincts. "You're thinking about Jacob aren't you?"

"Well, there was something strange about him." Wolf looked like he was trying to remember something just on the tip of his tongue.

"You mean besides his clothing?" Virginia prodded.

"It wasn't his clothing."

"Well, I think his guardians were strange. They didn't even ask why he was out in the park by himself. They didn't even seem worried. If I was his mother, I know I would have been hugging him with relief before I threatened to kill him for scaring me to death."

"I don't think he's human," Wolf suddenly blurted.

"What? Did you say not human?" She was surprised.

"Something has been bothering me ever since we brought Jacob to our apartment but I couldn't understand why. Virginia, it was his scent. It wasn't human. At least not all human." Wolf sounded excited at his discovery.

"You mean he's a half-wolf like you?" Virginia sat next to him on the couch.

"Half lion."

"Now you lost me."

"There was a legend in the Nine Kingdoms about an ancient civilization of lion men who were put under a spell and they mysteriously disappeared."

"And you think the legend is true?"

"I trust my nose." Wolf rubbed his finger along the side of his nose.

"But how can that be? There's no way to get here without..."

"Without the mirror," Wolf finished for her.

"This is weird. What do we do now?"

"You stay here." Wolf got up from the couch. "I'll find out where Jacob lives."

"Wolf, you're in my kingdom now. We'll both go and find out where Jacob lives." Virginia stood up also.

"Oooh! Virginia." Wolf shook his head in exasperation and made a low growl. "You're so stubborn." When Virginia didn't answer and gave him a determined look, Wolf realized he wasn't going to change her mind and relented. "Okay" he acquiesced, "But you must follow me and do what I say."

"Fine."

This was ridiculous, Virginia thought. First, Wolf had instructed her to get dressed all in black like a spy or cat burglar and now she was wandering aimlessly through Central Park making many stops and turns as Wolf tried to follow the scent trail of Jacob. Virginia could feel some of the passerbys in the park staring curiously at them as they made their way from one area to another. They traveled through parts of the park she hadn't been through before and she felt the icy prickles of nervousness go up her spine. Her father had always warned her about not traveling through the park alone at night but she hadn't been afraid because she had traveled it so many times. It hadn't been any more threatening to her than walking down the hallway of their apartment and entering the elevator. But now it seemed more intimidating since they were exploring new areas of the park. She stayed close behind Wolf until they neared a large drainage tunnel. Wolf stopped outside and tried to peer into its dark interior.

"What is it?" Virginia whispered.

"The scent goes inside this tunnel."

"How I long to linger
On your royal finger.
Born in time of danger
Now a Prince no greater," the ring sang sweetly from Jacob's finger.

"What in heaven's name is that?" Father queried.

"Uh...I forgot," Jacob stammered and stared dumbfounded at his finger.

"There's no doubt
and there's no maybe;
Vincent is Prince and heir
to the Kingdom of the Lionnaires," the little voice crooned out again.

"Where did you get that?" Father demanded, stepping closer to get a better look.

Vincent raised Jacob's hand up to inspect the ring closer. "Jacob, you must answer Father. You didn't find this down here?" Vincent asked.

"I found it at the house of the people who took me in. I didn't mean to take it. I just accidentally put it in my pocket when Virginia knocked on the door."

"Jacob, you must return that ring and apologize. We can't afford to have the police involved." Father looked slightly worried.

"I will Father. I was just so surprised when I saw it talk and it said something about a prince living underground."

"May I see it?" Vincent asked.

Jacob slid the ring from his finger and placed it in his father's palm.

Vincent looked at it more closely and was amazed to see a tiny face smiling up at him. "Father, how can this be? This ring has a face and can speak."

"That's impossible. It's some kind of electronic toy," Father reasoned but when he looked closer, he too was baffled. Vincent slid the ring partially on his little finger.

"From the triangle
you will see;
The Lionnaires
you will set free."

"Can you understand my words?" Vincent asked the ring. The pearl face bobbed up and down nodding assent.

"Who are the Lionnaires?" Vincent asked.

"From a kingdom not from here
On an island that disappeared
A spell was cast to stop their quest
to retrieve the mirror stolen at the Queen's behest."

"This is making less and less sense. We must return this ring to its rightful owners," Father concluded.

"Virginia, why don't you wait by that lamppost. I'll go in a little ways to make sure it's safe and then I'll come back for you."

"Wolf, this is New York. Even trolls wouldn't be caught out here alone at night. I'm going in with you."

"Well, okay, but stay behind me," Wolf instructed. Virginia placed her hand at Wolf's waist as they entered the darkened tunnel. Wolf's vision was better than hers in the darkness and she stuck close behind him. She wondered why they hadn't thought to bring a flashlight.

As they traveled her eyes became more accustomed to the dark and they soon reached a dead end. There was an iron gate barring them from entering any further. Wolf was inspecting the lock when suddenly the door started sliding open. They both looked up in shock when they saw a tall golden-maned man with the features of a lion and the boy they had rescued from the park standing in the doorway.

"Cripes! It's true. It's the Lionnaires."

After the initial shock of their strange meeting, Vincent had decided that it would be best to invite Virginia and Wolf back into Father's cavern. There were many questions that needed answers and Father's chamber seemed the most private place to be able to discuss the situation.

"You say that Vincent is actually a Lionnaire from a kingdom in another dimension?" Father looked to Wolf for confirmation. Wolf nodded. "And this ring is a magic ring?" Father looked skeptical.

Wolf nodded again. "Yes, sir." He felt like he was a young cub again answering his teacher.

"And you are half-wolf and also come from this other kingdom."

Wolf could tell that this older man known as Father thought the whole story was a farce. "On my wolf's honor, I'm telling the truth." Wolf made his wolf's oath gesture of curling his first two fingers near his temple.

Father sighed impatiently. "I'm sorry, but I find this all hard to believe."

"Father, keep your mind open to the possibilities. Have you found any other explanation for my abnormal strength and abilities? There have been no others that appear as I do," Vincent argued.

Father looked back at Vincent, and Virginia could see the deep love and affection in his eyes. Father cupped Vincent's hand in his own. "You are very special, Vincent, but that doesn't mean you come from another dimension."

"How do you explain the ring?"

"I'm not an electronics expert but I'm sure computer technology has come a long ways towards making inventive little gadgets like this one." Father looked accusingly at the ring. "I'm sorry Vincent, but I'm a man of science and logic. This is all just fantasy and nonsense."

Virginia suddenly felt defensive at his condescending tone and walked closer to face Father. "That is my engagement ring," Virginia pointed at the ring on Vincent's finger, "and not a gadget. And if you want proof, I have it." Both Vincent and Father turned in slight surprise. "Wolf has told you the truth. He comes from a place called the Nine Kingdoms and he is a half-wolf." Keeping her eyes on Vincent and Father she said, "Wolf, show them your tail."

After a short start of surprise, Wolf stammered, "But Virginia, I don't think..."

Virginia looked over at Wolf, annoyed at his sudden shyness.

"Wolf, this is the only way they'll believe you."

"Virginia it's kind of private." Wolf was reluctant to show his tail to strangers. He had grown up concealing his wolfish nature from others. It was strange now to be the center of attention.

"Oh, for goodness sake! You showed me!" Wolf felt his face flush. He wished they could discuss this in a more private setting. Vincent, Jacob and Father stood quietly observing their strange argument.

"That was different," Wolf hissed through his teeth.

"Young man," Father addressed Wolf, deciding he'd seen enough of this foolishness. Wolf looked back, glad to be interrupted. "I'm a doctor. Whatever you show me I assure you I will keep in strictest confidence."

Seeing that his last avenue of escape had been closed, Wolf slumped his shoulders and admitted defeat. "Very well, excuse me please." Wolf slipped behind a partition. The soft rustling of clothing being adjusted and Wolf mumbling under his breath "Huffity Puffity" could be heard along with the soft tapping of the pipes and the distant sounds of subway trains. After a few more moments, Wolf poked his head around the partition and reluctantly stepped out from behind.

"Whoa! Is that real!" Jacob asked excitedly. Until now, he had been quietly observing everything unobtrusively.

"Of course it's real," Virginia confirmed.

"I've seen costumes with tails just like that," Father discounted.

"It's not a costume, Father," Vincent assured him. Father was surprised at Vincent's certainty.

"Touch it and then you'll know," Virginia demanded.

Wolf looked helplessly up at the ceiling wondering how he'd gotten himself into this mess.

Father couldn't conceive why these people insisted on keeping up this charade even to the point of wearing wolf costumes but he saw the only way to dispel this foolishness was to concede to their wishes and finally get to the truth of the matter. It was disturbing that even Vincent was being caught up in this trickery. "Very well, but I think this entire thing is ridiculous." Father moved towards Wolf using his cane.

"Don't forget to pet with the fur and not against it," Virginia instructed.

Father just sighed at the outlandish suggestion and looked up in exasperation before continuing on his way to Wolf's tail. He reached out, fully expecting to feel the texture of fake fur and wire underneath and instead felt a jolt of surprise when he encountered the luxurious feel of silky fur and the warmth and movement of a living body part. Quickly, Father released Wolf's tail and stammered his apology.

"Forgive me for not believing you. This is all quite strange."

Wolf just apologetically tucked his tail back in and gave him a sympathetic look of understanding.

"Wow," Jacob breathed. "Dad, you really do come from another dimension."

"Well, the question now is what are we to do about this?" Father addressed the whole group. Everyone was seated in Father's chamber pondering over the revelations discovered just moments before.

Virginia had been so determined to prove Wolf's sincerity that the ramifications of the situation hadn't sunk in. If Vincent was from a race of beings that originated from the Nine Kingdoms then how did he arrive in her world? What happened to his people?

Wolf had become strangely quiet, lost in concentration to his own private thoughts. Father's question seemed to break the spell.

"Maybe we can ask the ring what to do," Jacob suggested. The ring had been returned to Virginia and she had placed it on her finger. Now everyone turned to look at her.

"The ring has only given us more questions than answers," Father sighed.

"What did it say?" Wolf asked.

"It spoke to us in riddles. It said that the Lionnaires lived on a island that disappeared. A queen who had stolen a mirror placed a spell on them," Vincent explained.

Virginia gave Wolf a knowing look. She had learned from her experience in the Nine Kingdoms that magic had its own peculiar rules. The magic shoes that made you invisible, for example, could only be worn for short periods of time before they ran out of magic energy. And Gustav the old magic mirror in the Dwarves' Kingdom could only be addressed in rhyme. Her ring was supposed to be a love ring that guaranteed the affections of the one who wore it but apparently the ring had further abilities. It seemed to have the uncanny knack of knowing things about you that you didn't know yourself. If only the ring could speak plainly and not be so irritating with its sing-song voice and its sometimes unexplainable riddles.

"Do you know of something that might enlighten us?" Father asked Wolf.

"Well," Wolf began hesitantly, "There was a legend my parents told me when I was a cub." After a short pause, Father gestured for Wolf to continue. "Long ago there lived a people who lived on an island. They were a noble race of lion men called the Lionnaires. Many kings and queens from the Nine Kingdoms would seek their advice because they were reknowned for their wisdom. The Lionnaires were famous as philosophers, teachers, healers, poets and musicians. But they were also a very private people who wished to remain separate from the Nine Kingdoms. They wanted to remain neutral and not get involved in the politics of the separate kingdoms. But they welcomed all visitors that wished to learn about their culture and increase their knowledge."

"Sounds like Switzerland." Virginia commented.

"Pardon?" Wolf looked at Virginia, puzzled.

"It is a nation in our world that is also a neutral country," Father explained.

"Oh." Wolf nodded understanding.

"Please go on," Father prodded.

"Ahemmm," Wolf cleared his throat.

"Jacob, why don't you bring us some tea and sugar cookies?" Father instructed Jacob.

"But I want to hear the rest of the story," Jacob complained.

Vincent placed his hand on his son's back. "Go do what Father has asked. I will tell you of anything you've missed."

"Oh okay," Jacob relented and then quickly left the room.

Virginia couldn't help noticing how gentle and patient Vincent was with his son and Father. These people who lived here were not like the homeless people she had seen on the streets. They were a community of people who cared for each other like family. Virginia felt a pang of loss and remorse, remembering her mother who had abandoned her when she was seven. She wished she could have experienced the closeness that these people had with each other.

"Well," Wolf continued with his story, "as I said, kings and queens would seek the counsel of the Lionnaires. It took time for the ships to travel to their island and sometimes it would take months for the messages of the kings and queens to be answered. Sometimes the matters of inquiries were too private to be sent by messenger and it was too dangerous for the kings and queens to travel there in person. It became quite a problem since the Lionnaires did not travel to the Nine Kingdoms."

Just then Jacob came back with the tea and cookies. He carefully set the tray on the table. On the tray were five porcelain cups each with a different design. They looked like they were part of someone's collection and should be displayed in a curio cabinet. There was a pot of tea in the center and you could see the steam rising from the top of it. There was also a plate of sugar cookies that looked like they were freshly made.

By now it was getting very late. The smell of the tea, which smelled like cinnamon, and the sugar cookies made Virginia realize that she was hungry. She should have been fast asleep by now so that she would be ready to open their restaurant tomorrow. But somehow time seemed different here. Now all she felt like was enjoying the tea and cookies and relaxing into the worn comfortable chairs of Father's chamber. Wolf telling the stories about the legends of the Lionnaires brought up memories of her father telling her bedtime stories and tucking her in when she was little. Father's chamber with the candlelight and the stacks of books had that same feel of closeness and security.

As soon as the tea and cookies had been handed out and everyone was settled again, Wolf continued on with the story of the Lionnaires. "Where did I leave off?" Wolf questioned himself. "Oh now I know. It was too dangerous for the kings and queens to travel to their island and also it would take many months for them to get answers to their messages, so some of the kingdoms acquired magic mirrors from the Dwarf mines of the Ninth Kingdom. The magic mirrors were traveling mirrors and were very difficult to manufacture because they required a special quicksilver that is very rare and they also had to be careful of the quicksilver dragons that would raid the mines. So there were only a few of the traveling mirrors made and there weren't enough for all the kingdoms.

"One of the mirrors was given to the Lionnaires and the other mirrors were in the Nine Kingdoms. Because there weren't enough mirrors for all the kingdoms, this caused a bit of jealousy from the kingdoms that didn't have a traveling mirror. In the interest of peace, it was agreed that the other magic mirrors would be shared. Just as the kingdoms would pay a price to book passage to sail to the island of the Lionnaires, they could now pay to use the traveling mirror to the kingdoms that owned them. This worked very well and the kingdoms were at peace. But then something happened. One of the mirrors was stolen and could not be found. Shortly after, the Lionnaires and their island disappeared. They were never heard from again, and till this day the mystery has not been solved."

"Until now," Vincent said softly.

"How is that Vincent? You're here but where are the others?" Father questioned.

"Remember what the ring said, Father. It said the mirror was stolen by a queen and the Lionnaires tried to stop her but she cast a spell on them to make them disappear. Since I am here, they also must be here."

"Let's say they are here. Why have we found no evidence of their presence? Why have we not heard anything in the news or the papers? Even if they have somehow eluded detection why would they have abandoned you outside of St. Vincent's hospital?" Father was asking himself as much as he was questioning Vincent.

Vincent rose from his seat and paced the room in thought. "The ring also said that I was born in time of danger and that I am a prince. Perhaps the Lionnaires knew of the danger and were able to bring me here before they were overtaken by the spell. The ring said I was the one that will set them free."

Father frowned in concentration and pressed his right knuckle to his chin. "Something about a triangle."

"From the triangle
You will see
The Lionnaires..." Jacob quoted slowly.

"You will set free," Jacob, Vincent and Father all finished together.

"From the triangle?" Wolf wondered aloud.

"You know something about this triangle?" Father asked Wolf.

"Well, the area where the Lionnaires' island was located is now called 'The Triangle of the Lost.'"

"The Triangle of the Lost?" Vincent queried.

Wolf nodded before explaining further. "After the Lionnaires disappeared, the area where their island used to be was thought to be cursed. Many ships and sailors that have ventured into this triangular area have disappeared, never to be seen again."

"Sounds familiar," Virginia said with a slight frown.

"Bermuda Triangle!" everyone chorused except for Wolf.

Now it was Wolf's turn to look puzzled. "Bermuda Triangle?"

"Wolf! You're a genius!" Virginia said excitedly.

"I am? What did I say? What's the Bermuda Triangle?"

"It's an area in our ocean that's similar to your Triangle of the Lost. It's roughly off the southeast corner of the United States in the Atlantic ocean. There have been a series of unexplained losses of ships and aircraft in an area that is also in the shape of a triangle," Father explained.

"There have been many theories trying to explain the strange disappearances. Some theories say it is natural caused by bad weather and magnetic storms. Others fear it is caused by unnatural or alien forces such as time warps and visitors from other worlds," Vincent added.

"Well, we've come up with an interesting supposition. But I don't see how this solves our problem," Father sighed.

"The mirror. That's the answer," another voice broke in.

All eyes turned to look up and see a young man with blond hair sitting at the top of the stairs.

"Mouse, you shouldn't eavesdrop. It's very rude," Father chastized the blond-haired man as if he was a young child.

"Okay, sorry. Okay, fine. But I still think it's the mirror." Mouse was one of the many people who lived in the tunnels underneath the city. His specialty in the community was figuring out the mechanical needs. Mouse was adept at procuring supplies and cobbling together strange contraptions. But sometimes his ideas and inventions would get him into trouble.

"Mouse, come down here. Explain what you mean," Father ordered.

Mouse scrambled down the stairs and approached Father. His pet raccoon, Arthur, just ambled to a corner.

When they first had discovered Mouse living in the tunnels, he had been like his pet raccoon, scuttling in the shadows and stealing food. It had been Vincent who had captured Mouse, screaming and struggling, in his powerful arms. It had taken some time to win his trust. But even though Mouse had become part of their underground community, he had not lost his habit of 'commandeering' - which Father kept trying to explain was stealing - whatever supplies he needed for his projects. His unique approach at solving problems were also a bit unorthodox and at times impossible or dangerous.

"Well, heard what you said. Need mirror to talk to the Lionnaires."

"First of all, Mouse, we don't happen to have a magic mirror. And secondly, I would imagine when the Lionnaires first disappeared an attempt was already made to contact them from the remaining magic mirrors," Father explained patiently.

"Wait a minute," Virginia shot out. "Wolf, when Dad and I went to Dragon Mountain and were in the Dwarf mines, we asked about the magic mirrors. That's when we found out that there were three mirrors. One of them Dad smashed and the other one my Mother got from Snow White's stepmother but the third one is supposed to be on the ocean floor." Virginia's voice got more excited as she spoke. "The mirror on the ocean floor must be the mirror that belonged to the Lionnaires. And the mirror that my Mom had was the one stolen by the Queen," she finished. Virginia sounded exactly as she had when Wolf was standing trial for Sally Peep's murder and she had reasoned out that the real killer was the man in the wolf's costume.

"If that's the case then that would explain why there has been no contact with the Lionnaires. They no longer have the mirror to communicate," Father reasoned logically.

"Oh," Virginia frowned and slumped back down realizing the flaw in her reasoning.

"Virginia," Wolf squeezed her hand as a thought occured to him. "Do you have the small magic mirror the Dwarves gave you?"

"Yes, it's in my backpack." Virginia looked at him puzzled. "But Wolf, it's not a traveling mirror. It's just for me to get in contact with Dad."

Virginia's father had remained in the Nine Kingdoms under King Wendell's employ to build 'bouncy castles.' Since that required the production of plastic and the closest to a factory in the kingdoms was the Dwarf mines, Tony had commissioned them to produce the needed plastic. In gratitude, the Dwarf Kingdom had pardoned Tony Lewis for breaking the magic mirrors and had given him two small handheld magic mirrors so Virginia and Tony could keep in contact with each other. Virginia carried the magic mirror around as if it were a cellular phone.

"That shouldn't make any difference Virginia. When I was guiding you through the kingdoms, the queen was able to communicate with me on any reflective surface like water and mirrors. Even the moon. We should be able to contact the Lionnaires with your mirror."

Virginia searched through her pack and brought out an old fashioned hand mirror with filagreed edges and beautiful gems encrusted on the back.

"Virginia, you can speak with your father through this mirror?" Vincent queried.

Virginia was slightly leery of Vincent because of his large build and his feline appearance but she was also strangely drawn to his gentle manner and velvety tone of voice. "Um, yes." She hesitated slightly and nodded. "You also have to say something in rhyme to make it work. Uh, a lot of the magic mirrors are like that in the Nine Kingdoms," she explained further as Vincent watched her with his penetrating blue eyes.

Virginia became annoyed at her awkwardness. What was the matter with her anyway? She was acting like a nervous schoolgirl on her first date. It had to be because of Vincent's distinctiveness. Even though she had seen some pretty odd sights in the Nine Kingdoms, everyone appeared to be mostly human. Of course, Wolf wasn't all human. He was half-wolf but he looked human and did quite well adapting to her world of New York. He had even picked up some of the mannerisms and colloquialisms of her culture. But in Vincent's case it was quite apparent that he wasn't human and would be rejected in her world. He was a paradox. Capable of tearing you to pieces but with the gentle disposition of a doctor or poet. It was disconcerting.

Wolf noticed her discomfort and looked at her inquisitively. Virginia just ignored his concern and explained further, "Usually when I want to talk to Dad, I hold out the mirror and I say:

Mirror, mirror
In my hand
Who's the fairest
In the land."

Virginia realized how childish that sounded after she said it. She might as well have said, 'Open Sesame.' In fact that sounded better. "I guess you can change it to something else. I just say that because it's easy to remember," Virginia tried to excuse herself.

Vincent seemed to smile gently at her. "There are so many verses of poetry I could recite but the words you have spoken are surely the most widely known and heard by many."

Father smiled too. "We don't have as many sources of entertainment as the world above. Our main pasttime is reading and telling stories from the classics, including fairy tales. The children enjoy listening to Vincent reading to them before going to bed. He has a way of bringing the characters to life."

"May I see the mirror?" Vincent asked Virginia.

"Sure," Virginia promptly handed it to him.

Vincent looked at the mirror and studied its fine craftsmanship. It looked like an antique but Virginia had said it was newly made. It was beautiful, with the lace-like filagree edges and the jewels sparkling from the candlelight. Vincent positioned the mirror in front of him, staring at his image. He recited the poem that Virginia had mentioned earlier.

Moments passed and the only image he saw in the mirror was his own reflection. He saw his blue eyes staring back at him and his golden mane shrouding his shoulders. His nose and muzzle mimicking that of a beast instead of a man. Long had Vincent been saddled with the burden of being different from other men; his appearance almost a curse that had kept him from living in the upper world. He had had to keep himself hidden in the shadows of nightfall and underground in the tunnels. Now he had learned that he belonged to a race of beings that were admired and respected.

Everyone had crowded closer to Vincent and waited expectantly to see what would happen. Just when Vincent had decided that contacting the Lionnaires would not be possible, he noticed his appearance seemed to change. His mane suddenly had streaks of gray, and signs of age appeared around his eyes and mouth. Vincent almost dropped the mirror in shock.

"Vincent, what it it?" Father asked concerned and looked into the mirror in surprise. Father saw an older version of Vincent staring back at them.

"Mouse was right," Mouse said in triumph.

"Father," Vincent breathed. It wasn't clear if he was addressing Father or recognizing the stranger in the mirror as his parent. Everyone crowded closer to Vincent trying to get a better look.

"Jomar?" the older Lionnaire questioned. Then suddenly he turned and called to someone out of view. "Linessa, look at the mirror."

"Lutawn...that looks..." a female voice gasped.

"Like our son," Lutawn finished.

The female Lionnaire was now visible, standing near her husband. They both stared at Vincent in awe. "It's Jomar. Our son is alive," Linessa sobbed.

Vincent paced back and forth in his chamber. After talking with his parents, Virginia and Wolf had agreed to make arrangements for Vincent, Father and Jacob to go to the world of the Nine Kingdoms in hopes of discovering a way to break the spell that had imprisoned his parents and his people. Since Vincent could not appear in daylight, they had agreed to meet the next night in the park. He had tried to distract himself and keep himself calm by reading a Sherlock Holmes mystery but he couln't concentrate and he put the book aside.

Last night, his whole world had been turned upside down. All his life he had been different from others and had been restricted from appearing in the world above. The joys of sunlight and the colors and sounds of waking day had been denied him because of his appearance. His only freedom to visit the outside world had been under cover of darkness where only the stars were witness to his existence.

He harbored no bitterness or sorrow, though, because Father had taken him in and raised and nurtured him as if he were his own flesh and blood offspring. The people in the tunnels had become his brothers and sisters and aunts and uncles. Love had been abundant in his world underneath the city. But he knew in his heart that he would always be different. There had always been an inner longing to discover his true origins and fill the emptiness that still lingered in his life. Catherine had filled that longing with her beauty and love. The time they had shared together had been the closest he had felt to completeness. When she had died in his arms, part of him had died also. It had taken their son to give him the will and strength to continue, and gradually the pain of loss had been replaced with love for his son.

Now he knew that he was not a human or a freak of nature. He belonged to a race of beings not of this world who had been so sought after and admired that the Nine Kingdoms had competed with one another for the magic mirrors that offered safe and easy access to the Kingdom of the Lionnaires. It had also been disconcerting to realize that as the son of a king, he was of royal blood and a prince of another land.

Vincent suddenly felt as if he were a stranger in his own room. His bed stood against the wall covered with thick blankets and an assortment of fluffy pillows. Above the headboard was a beautiful stained glass window. His journal lay ready on his desk for him to write in. His favorite books lined the bookshelf. The smell of earth, leather and hot wax from the candles filled the room. The candlelight flickered, making shadows dance across the room. The tapping of the pipes as the tunnel dwellers sent messages to each other mingled with the sound of his breathing.

A sudden onset of fear hastened the beating of Vincent's heart. As much as he longed to uncover the mysteries of his origins and heritage, he didn't want to lose his sense of belonging to the world that had become his home.

"How are you feeling?" Father asked him, appearing in his doorway.

Vincent turned towards him still disturbed. "Nervous, torn. Part of me is joyful to learn about my past and be able to meet my parents. Another part of me is apprehensive."

Father approached Vincent and squeezed his arm reassuringly. "I can understand your feelings of nervousness. Meeting your parents for the first time and traveling to another world. Well, that's to be expected. But, there is nothing for you to be anxious about, Vincent."

Vincent smiled. "I know you are right, Father. It is just what my heart feels. I fear being treated differently and becoming a stranger here."

Father gave Vincent a slightly scolding look. He put his hands on either side of Vincent's face focusing his eyes on him. "Vincent, no matter what happens, you'll always be my son and this will always be your home. Don't ever forget that."

Vincent felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from him and was surprised when a tear fell down his cheek. He hugged Father closely to him careful not to exert his full strength and injure the man who had become his father and would always be so.

Father also hugged Vincent tightly before patting him on the back and finally disengaging himself. Father stepped back, straightened himself and sniffled. His eyes appeared moist. "I think this dust and damp is affecting me." He sniffled again trying to cover his emotions and gather his dignity. Father smiled, knowing Vincent could see right through him. "I think it's time for us to make our rendevouz with Virginia and Wolf. We musn't keep destiny waiting."

Virginia sighed. They were finally closing up their restaurant for the night. It had seemed to take an eternity for the day to end. After leaving Father's underground community, Wolf and Virginia had returned to their apartment and tried to sleep. She knew she would need her strength for the day ahead. But sleep had eluded her and the events that transpired in Father's chamber kept playing in her mind.

After the shock of recognition between Vincent and his parents, she had watched, fascinated, as they conversed through her small magic mirror. She remembered Linessa's words of maternal relief: "Jomar. It's Jomar. He's alive. He's safe." Linessa grabbed her husband's arm.

"Forgive us. You do not remember us. You were just a small kit when we were separated. But we know you are our son. You were the only one of our people to escape the spell of the queen," Lutawn explained to Vincent.

"He looks just like you, Lutawn."

Lutawn patted his wife's hand affectionately. "We thought we would never be in contact with the Nine Kingdoms again," Lutawn addressed Vincent. "How are the Kingdoms, my son? I hope they have treated you well."

There was a pause as Vincent looked to Father and Jacob before answering. "I am not in the Nine Kingdoms, Father. I am in a place called New York in a separate reality. In another dimension. I live in an underground community that has become my family, and my name is now Vincent."

"Another dimension?" his father asked puzzled.

"Yes father. You and I have both been sent to another existence."

"When we put you through the mirror we thought we had saved you from the spell."

"And so you have, father. I am not under a spell. I am just in another world. But your island is nested between our worlds. It is not here or in the Nine Kingdoms. The oceans where your island was has become perilous and many travelers have vanished."

The Lionnaires exchanged quick glances. "They are here with us. We thought that the strangers who appeared had gotten too close to our island and had come under the same spell as us. We didn't know we were no longer in the Nine Kingdoms."

"You mean all the missing crewmen and passengers from lost ships and aircraft are on your island?" Father asked abruptly.

Lutawn looked at the newcomer in surprise.

"Lutawn, please let me introduce you to Jacob Wells. He is the one who found me and raised me as his son."

"We are grateful. Thank you for caring for our son." Lutawn and his wife made slight bows to Father in respect. "The ones you speak of are on our island and live in their own colony. It was impossible to send them home because of the spell. Now they live on our island as our neighbors."

"Odd," Father commented to himself. "All these missing ships and aircraft come from different time periods. Some before Vincent was born. Yet you mentioned that Vincent was put here by the mirror before the spell could take effect."

Vincent gave Father a speculative look. "Not all the ships that crossed The Bermuda Triangle vanished. Some just became lost for a short time and when they arrived at their destinations they noticed their clocks were set back for the time that they were missing."

"Thus the theory of time warps. The island must not only be stuck between two worlds but also out of our time," Father surmised.

Vincent nodded his head thoughtfully in agreement before turning his attention back to his parents. "Mother, Father, how may we break this spell that binds you?"

Lutawn and Linessa exchanged searching glances and then Lutawn shook his head and smiled. "There is no need. Our life here has been happy and fulfilled. Our concern was for you and now we can see you are healthy and happy and have a strong bond with your new family." They both smiled gently at Vincent.

"But the magic ring said that as a prince and heir, I am the one to set you free."

"You have set us free, my son," Linessa said lovingly. "You have set us free from the heavy burden of guilt and worry."

"There is one thing you can do for us," Lutawn added.

"Yes father?"

"Find a traveling mirror and come to us."

"But didn't you lose your traveling mirror in the ocean?" Vincent asked, surprised.

That's when Lutawn and Linessa had revealed that they still had their traveling mirror, but it also had come under the spell. Just as their island had been shut off from their world, their mirrors also had become ineffective. The traveling mirror of the Lionnaires only showed the depths of the ocean and they could not step through the mirror or they would drown.

"The queen who stole one of the magic mirrors didn't want anyone to know who she was. She was obsessed with magic and power. So she put a spell on the island and the mirror, imprisoning all of us. But she did not know that we were forwarned by our spying mirror and were able to send you through the traveling mirror before the spell trapped us," Lutawn explained further.

After the shocking revelations they had heard from the Lionnaires, Wolf and Virginia had agreed to make arrangements to visit King Wendell to use the traveling mirror he kept safely in his castle. That morning Virginia had contacted her Dad and Wendell to inform them of the situation. Then they opened their restaurant as usual since they wouldn't be meeting Father, Vincent and Jacob until nightfall in the park. Wolf had tried to convince her to stay home and rest while he took care of business but Virginia knew she wouldn't be able to sleep anyway. But she loved Wolf for his selfless concern for her welfare. He was always thinking of what was best for her even if at times he got a little overprotective. Still it was a relief when darkness finally fell. As they walked through Central Park after work they saw Vincent, Jacob and Father waiting at the pre-arranged location. Until she saw Vincent's leonine features highlighted by the lamplight, it had been easy to think that last night had been a dream.

He was wearing a dark cloak with a hood pulled over his head. Father and Jacob stood next to him, also in their strange attire. Wolf gestured for them to follow and led them in the direction of the mirror's vortex, shimmering magically in the trees. They could see King Wendell waiting patiently on the other side.

"Cool," Jacob said in wonderment.

"Shhhh," Father warned. Then they all stepped into King Wendell's castle.

It's so beautiful, Virginia thought. The sun was just peeking over the horizon, covering the island with an orange and pink tint. The Kingdom of the Lionnaires was spectacular. The island was tropical in climate and was lush with vegetation. An errant breeze of cool morning air carrying the scent of tropical flowers gently caressed her skin. Wolf was beside her with his arm wrapped around her waist, sharing in the quiet beauty of the island. It reminded Virginia of the time Wolf had described the activities of the forest animals while she had slept. It had been just before they had gone on their perilous journey through the Disenchanted Forest. She had been charmed by Wolf's enthusiasm for nature's intricate cycle of life.

She couldn't believe she was in another world. The island of the Lionnaires was strangely reminiscent of the Hawaiian islands except in Hawaii they don't have unicorns. There were so many exotic birds and animals here. It had been a delight to see the mythical creatures she had heard stories about when she was young, browsing in herds next to a stream and waterfall. And many animals that had become extinct in her world were alive and thriving here. It had especially been fun to watch the fat turkey-like Dodo birds that were extinct in her world wandering casually through the brush and going about their business.

Wolf nuzzled her neck and wrapped both arms around her waist. "Don't you wish we could stay here forever?"

Virginia's smile grew and she pressed back against Wolf and put her arms on top of his. "What about our restaurant?"

"We could open one here." Wolf suggested.

Virginia giggled and turned to face Wolf. "I don't think the Lionnaires would appreciate that. They seem to like their privacy."

Wolf kissed her gently and traced the contours of her lips. Just then they heard leaves rustling.

"Would you two stop fooling around. It's time to go in," Tony warned them.

"Okay, Daddy."

Virginia was reluctant to go back into the Lionnaire palace and leave the beautiful palace gardens. It was so beautiful and peaceful with the flowers and water fountains that she wanted to stay forever as Wolf had suggested but she knew she had to go home to New York and reality.

When they had entered the vortex in Central Park and were in King Wendell's castle, Virginia had felt mixed emotions. She was glad to see Daddy and Wendell again. The bond they had forged from their last adventure was still strong. But she was also excited at the prospect of stepping into a new kingdom and meeting the Lionnaires.

King Wendell's reaction to Vincent caused a smile to appear. It was as if he was welcoming royalty or meeting a childhood hero. She supposed it wasn't everyday that legends became reality.

"Welcome to my castle. I am King Wendell of the Fourth Kingdom. It's an honor to make your acquaintance." He bowed formally.

As usual, Father took the lead and introduced Vincent, Jacob and himself, "Thank you for your gracious invitation. We appreciate the effort you are taking on our behalf. My name is Jacob Wells and this is Vincent and his son, Jacob," Father gestured as he introduced them.

Wendell had offered them the use of his magic mirrors and Vincent, after contacting his parents, had been first to step through since he was the only one who could break the spell of the mirror. Then everyone else had followed, including Wendell and Dad.

The Lionnaires were as regal and graceful as Vincent. For all their formidable strength and might they were a peaceful race who preferred their solitude. She could also see evidence from the king's palace of their artistic and intellectual natures. Beautiful oil paintings adorned the walls. There were depictions of Lionnaires, animals, landscapes and seascapes. Various sculptures were located in strategic areas. Virginia liked the one of a mermaid sitting on a boulder and holding a large seashell to her ear. There was a shimmering, glittery effect on the surface and the shell was genuine.

King Lutawn's library had also been impressive. He had leather bound books filling the shelves to the ceiling. The room smelled of paper and old leather from his huge collection. And of course, there were the magic mirrors along one wall, including the one they had used to travel here.

Virginia, Wolf and Tony tried to remain unobtrusive and stay towards the back of the room as Father, Vincent and Jacob greeted the king and queen. King Wendell also greeted them on behalf of the Nine Kingdoms. As royal guests they had been given a tour of the palace and grounds. That's when Virginia had seen the mythical unicorns in real life that she had only heard about in stories. The Lionnaires then had treated them with a magnificent feast that had dishes that were so delicious that Wolf had inquired about the recipes. The meat dishes, especially, Wolf had enjoyed and wanted to add them to the menu of their restaurant. One of the dishes had an ingredient that was impossible to get in New York. Dodo. Unfortunately, in her world they had been hunted into extinction in the 1680's. Undaunted, Wolf decided he would experiment with turkey, chicken and even pheasant when they returned. Virginia couldn't help smiling at his enthusiasm.

During the conversation at the table, Virginia had learned that, true to their word, the Lionnaires still did not want to be rescued from their solitude. They were happy in their island paradise. Virginia could see why. There were no wars here and there were enough resources that no one was in need. There were tropical paradises in her world but they had always been taken over by commercial development and made into playgrounds for the rich. The original natives would have to struggle just to make ends meet.

After dinner everyone had been shown to their own private rooms, except for Vincent, who had been invited to converse some more with his parents in private. King Wendell had also asked for a private audience with them and they had agreed to meet with him in the morning.

The bedrooms were as beautifully appointed as the rest of the palace. Their room was in blues and whites and pinks. The walls were sky blue with more beautiful oil paintings of the majestic unicorns grazing and playing by a waterfall. The bed was a huge bean bag looking mattress thrown on the floor with smaller pillows plumped up at one side. There were four white columns that twisted up to the ceiling like saltwater taffy. The columns held the gauzy white curtains that surrounded the bed. Due to her pregnancy, Wolf helped her lower herself into the bed. It was a lot more comfortable than she thought. It was like a goose down pillow. Over the bed was a sunroof. She could see the stars twinkling above them. It felt like they were camping out.

When they had awakened early the next morning, King Wendell was already at conference with King Lutawn. They felt so invigorated and refreshed that they decided to visit the palace gardens again after breakfast.

"Morning, Dad," Virginia had greeted her father as she joined him at the table.

"Good morning Virginia, Wolf," he answered. He had already finished his breakfast. Virginia still couldn't get over how nice Dad looked. Ever since being employed by King Wendell, he wore expensive tailored suits and abandoned his plaid shirts and jumpsuits that he had worn as a janitor. He was like a whole new person.

"Where's King Wendell?" she asked as she served herself from the buffet at the table.

"He's in a meeting with King Lutawn. Wendell wants to open relations with his kingdom."

"I don't think that will happen," Wolf commented.

"Me either," Virginia agreed.

"Doesn't hurt to try," Dad advised them.

"Dad, are you turning into a diplomat?" Virginia teased. She could remember all his speeches about society falling apart.

Her father leaned down on the table and gave her a loving smile. "Virginia do I detect a tone of irreverance?"

"Sorry Dad," Virginia laughed. "I couldn't resist. No, really I'm proud of you, Dad."

"I'm proud of you, too." Tony caught a glimpse of Wolf looking expectantly at him. "I'm proud of both of you. I hear your restaurant has become a great success."

"You should come and try it," Wolf invited him.

"Well, I've been so busy. You know how it is when you have your own business. But I guess I can squeeze you both in."

"Oh Dad," Virginia scoffed.

Tony arose from the table and bent over and kissed Virginia on the forehead. "You two be good. I better go see how things are going," he said before leaving.

"Want to go outside?" Wolf tempted her.

"Yes." Virginia heartily agreed.

They were all gathered in King Lutawn's Library/Mirror room. Everyone was standing quietly as the Lionnaire king prepared to speak to them.

"I wanted to thank all of you for what you have done. You have saved our kingdom from the isolation that was imposed on us. And provided us with the comfort and peace of mind of knowing our son has been cared and provided for both in his physical needs and in love. That in itself has been a great gift to me and my wife. Last night, I had time to get to know my son again and even though he has chosen not to stay with us, he is always welcome here at any time." Lutawn looked at Vincent.

Virginia took a quick glance at Vincent. He seemed more relaxed than last night.

"We once were part of the world of the Nine Kingdoms," the king began again. "Our people have always enjoyed our solitude and keeping the peace that we have here. So my decision not to return to the Nine Kingdoms still stands. But after discussions with Vincent and Jacob Wells and also King Wendell I have decided to make some concessions. King Wendell has agreed to represent our interest. People from the Nine Kingdoms can still come to visit our island through King Wendell's traveling mirror. And I also have decided that Vincent's people may come to my island as they wish. I have made arrangements with King Wendell to purchase another travelling mirror from the Dwarf mines to be given to Vincent and his people."

Jacob's expression became estatic. Virginia knew that the opportunity to get out in the open and visit a tropical paradise must be very appealing.

Lutawn continued, "The people that have been marooned on our island can choose to return to their previous homes or stay here. In the case of Vincent's world, our existence must be kept a secret and anyone returning there will have to start a new identity."

Then Lutawn looked at Virginia and Wolf. "And of course, you also can visit any time you wish. If not for you we would not have seen our son."

Virginia couldn't help smiling at the king's praise. Wolf also was smiling. This was so familiar, Virginia thought. Just like when King Wendell had awarded them all in his castle.

Virginia was smiling. They were walking through Central Park and the air smelled so fresh and cool. She felt a bit giddy. They had just come from the tunnel community where they had celebrated Jacob's birthday. Virginia had grown up being the only daughter of a single parent. She had not known what it was like to have a large extended family that cared about you and accepted you as part of their own. It was like she and Wolf had been adopted and were no longer alone. She knew she wasn't really alone. She had Daddy, and Grandmother and Wolf as her family. But she had always had to fend for herself and take the burden of responsibility. Her father had always provided for her physical needs and taken care of her as best he could, but she felt she had to take care of him as well. There had always been that fear that something bad would happen and her whole world would crumble. She didn't have the security of knowing that there would be someone to catch her if she fell. Virginia's smile grew.

"A Wendell for your thoughts." Wolf asked her.

Virginia grabbed Wolf's arm and cuddled up close to him. "I was just remembering in Kissingtown when you said that you would catch me if I jumped and if you missed you would nurse me back to health."

Wolf stopped and looked searchingly in her eyes. "And I meant every word I said."

Virginia couldn't resist that sweet sincere look he had on his face. She kissed him softly on the lips.

Wolf gave her a wolfish grin. "Cripes."

Virginia laughed. "Let's go home."