Cinderfella

Story: Cinderfella 2: A New Life

Chapter: 18 Len Na's Defeat and a Decade

Author: Eric McQueen (mcqueen.richarderic@gmail.com)

Mature Readers only due to sexual situations and graphic sexual content

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They know who their fighting, and more about how, but now to tell everyone. A'Dore, Royal Valley and all of Blethos and Cried.

Len Na's Defeat

Seth was putting Dennis down as I put Toby in his bed. I looked at their precious faces. "I feel there is an end coming. Badly. I just hope they have a world to grow up in."

Seth nodded. "It will end, and it is bad, but we knew there will be an end." He hugged me. "But they and others like our boys will make things better. You heard Demetrius and Dara. They are the future." He kissed me gently then looked at me with a smile. "I'll go light the tank. We could both use some time with just us."

Hugging him tighter, I loved how he felt in my arms. "That sounds good."

Entering the warm water began it's magic as I relaxed. Seth came to my side of the tub and pulled me to relax against his chest. He kissed my neck as he also bathed my chest.

"We've had a pretty exciting life." I said.

Seth chuckled. "Exciting? Sure, eventful most definitely."

"I love you, Seth." I felt his gentle kiss to my neck again.

"I know." He said. "I love you, Erik."

I smiled. "I know."

It was very...different that we could wake up at home, go to A'Dore that morning and be back by nightfall. We got word from Samuel that things were becoming very violent in Blethos' Capital. A thousand miles away in A'Dore, things were also getting violent.

We arrived coming through the mirror/doorway, Seth and I found things very noisy and chaotic from the corridor. The room we worked in was being repaired after the wall had been broken open, but currently, it was empty...of anyone or equipment. We went in the corridor; I saw people moving fast in an almost panic.

I stopped a woman that worked there. "What's happening?"

She looked at me like, how could I not know what's going on? "The snakes! They're everywhere! You had to see them!" She pointed to the village we could see through the broken wall.

I looked at Seth. "We need to find Christian."

We both headed for the throne room where Christian always coordinated things. He was talking with some guards and other men.

"...and we need to find a way to keep them out!" Christian said in a voice that was a little more pressured than he usually spoke in. "They are what are carrying this plague! They won't kill you, but they can hurt us!" He looked up and saw Seth and me coming over to him. "Erik! Seth! Are you having a snake problem in Royal Valley?"

"Snakes? No." I answered.

He shook his head. "Since last night, they came out and are everywhere. They're biting people all over A'Dore. Citizens are getting sick and dying that didn't get the little warriors. The ones that have the little warriors are not being touched!"

Seth looked around as men came and went in a hurry. "What kind of snake? They're poisonous?"

"They carry the plague we're having." Christian said hurried. "A bite brings death in minutes!" He threw his arms up. "I've never seen snakes like them. They're pretty big and solid black. My men have killed a few, but they dissolve to ash after being killed. They must be how Len Na is spreading this plague."

"Where are Ella and your children?" I asked.

"They're in our family room, protected." Christian said. "The snakes don't come after those with the little warriors, I think they're safe, but I have them under guard just in case."

Seth looked at the activity around him. "What should we do? How can we help?"

Christian moaned. "Kill the snakes! As many as you can. I don't know if we can stop them, though. If they come from Hell, they'll just keep coming!"

I turned and shouted. "Demetrius!!" I looked as no one appeared. "This is not for me; this is for everyone. Help us!"

Others were there that hadn't seen Demetrius or Dara or any of these people. There were cries of shock and terror when Demetrius appeared in front of Seth, Christian and me. Many of the men were running out of the throne room in terror.

"I know!" Demetrius said urgently. "This is the attack! It will happen in Blethos, too. Len Na is pushing these snakes to kill."

"Is there nothing you can do?" I asked. "Anything we need to do?"

Dara appeared beside her husband. "We've done all we can." She said. "We've given you the way to stop the deaths."

Seth looked around. "We need swords! We'll help kill them."

The castle was pretty untouched, but going out to the village, we saw the snakes slithering in great numbers, going in homes as we heard screams from both pain and terror. There were people here that hadn't taken the little warriors? I knew we were in short supply, but this close to the source of the warriors? The snakes were long, about three to four feet long and solid black, but the eyes were glowing red! One was right next to me, and I watched as one came up on a man and I saw it open its mouth to strike the man. I swung the sword, cutting its head off. I gasped as I watched the snake literally burn in front of me. I watched as the ash blew away. I pushed the startled man away.

"Find safety! Fight them with whatever you can find." I ordered and moved to the next snake. The weather even seemed to turn against us as dark clouds began to form overhead. Thunder boomed in the distance.

"How can God allow this?" Seth asked. "These are plagues like from the old scriptures!"

"He didn't do this. Len Na did." I said back. "She's human."

"But she is allowed to use magic to do this!" Seth said. "He can't control her? This is almost more than we can handle."

Then I saw a woman. It was her head we'd seen in the room we worked in to get the little warriors and who broke the wall.

"She's here! Demetrius, Len Na is here!" I shouted wondering how they didn't know that.

Len Na carried no sword or weapon but was screaming in fury as the snakes came before her and seemed to spread from her. Her gown, dress billowed in a cold breeze. Her white hair billowed as she came. She screamed. "Die! The children of Eve will die!"

In the pandemonium, not noticed as Demetrius, Dara, Lukus and others just appeared on the street. Then I watched as other appeared around Len Na completely surrounding her. There were over a hundred like Demetrius and Dara. Their hands held out in front of them. They were accessing magic?

"Len Na!" Demetrius shouted. "This stops now!"

"What authority are you using to stop me?" Len Na turned to Demetrius shouted back.

"What authority are you using to kill people? Those snakes are demonic!" Dara shouted back. "Who are YOU?"

"I am judgement, I am bringing an end to the Children of Eve. They destroy everything they touch." Len Na said angrily. "And you support them!?"

Lukus came closer. "We said we will stop you." He held his hand out. "The judgement will be yours."

Now the skies were angry as the clouds got darker and now the thunder boomed and lightening flashed, the wind increased speed. It was fast becoming hurricane strength.

"We are what God intended. Not these Children of Eve. They are cursed." Len Na said angrily. "What I have started, no one can stop!"

The others who were Children of Lilith were posed to do whatever it took, and killing Len Na was the answer.

Then as things looked like all would be destroyed, the clouds suddenly lightened, the wind died. I was astonished as I saw all the snakes suddenly burn where they were and vanish.

"What!?" Len Na shouted looking around her. "Who's doing that? You can't stop me!" She looked at all the Children of Lilith. "Who dares stop me?"

Then, not loud, but clearly heard, a woman's voice came. It was calm and soothing. "I do." Then another woman appeared in front of Len Na. Unlike Len Na, this woman was beautiful and almost radiant. Black flowing hair cascaded below her shoulders. Her age...well, it might have been a mature twenty something, or a youthful forty something. "This must stop." She said smiling at Len Na, but her face held no anger or hatred. "My child, you have lost your way." She said sympathetically.

Len Na looked furious. "Who are you?"

"Search your heart. You know who I am." She said calmly. "You and all these who call themselves Children of Lilith know who I am. I am your mother."

My eyes widened. "Lilith." I said in a near whisper.

"She's real!?" Seth gaped. "The Garden, Adam and Eve all of it real!?"

Lilith, if she heard Seth didn't answer, but kept looking at Len Na. "Your mind is clouded. You have been filled with hatred for centuries. Placing blame and now condemning people for no real cause. Now, it stops." She waved at Demetrius and the others. "Your brothers and sisters were willing to do what otherwise would be unthinkable to stop you. I won't let them do that." She held her hand out to Len Na. "You're going away. You will not be allowed to come back again."

"This world was created for us!" Len Na protested. "We lost the Garden because of Eve and her children!"

Lilith laughed as a mother does to a child that is being stubborn and unreasonable. "I don't recall hearing any stories about you being there. Nor were you considered when this was planned. How do you know what happened?" She shook her head. "How do you know what the plan was? Things happen. Life is change. My children were allowed to access the power to help these children. Do you know what the path for these children are? I don't. Man IS destructive." She nodded. "Both the Children of Eve and Lilith are destructive. We have parts to play to shape the world. You have made decisions and taken actions that were just not right." She waved at Len Na and Len Na vanished. She turned to Demetrius. "Your time is short here on Earth. You have done some good things to help your half-brothers and sisters. You helped to shape minds and given them the means to better themselves."

I walked forward toward her. "The stories...the scriptures...they're true? You're Lilith." I was in awe of her, but I wasn't frightened of her. If she was Lilith, she was the second human to ever be created.

Now she did look at me. "Am I?" She smiled. "I won't answer your questions. Is the story true? You tell me. Or is there something else going on? Man just put the story together to make things make sense. That's true for you and Demetrius, Dara, and the others. You and Seth began a life together and are forging the future for yourselves. Will it be good or bad? Teach your children. Love each other." She smiled patiently. "I am no god. I'm just a woman capable of accessing power, the power that brought you together." She looked at Seth. "To cure." Had she been the one to cure Seth of those scars? She sighed. "What I am, who you are...is up to you to find out. You haven't gotten to the point you can figure that out. I will not confirm there is a God or anything else. I will say, you have the power. You can make the world a better place or destroy it. That choice is up to you." She turned to Demetrius. "Enjoy the life you have left. Continue to access the power..." she laughed. "...what you refer to as magic. Shape them. I see great potential in the Children of Eve." She frowned. "I also see great darkness. You can guide and help them."

Dara walked up to Lilith. "Is that what we're supposed to do?"

Lilith looked at Dara with that smile of patience. "You know the answer to that." She looked again at me. "Len Na has been stopped. This plague; as your brother said it was a plague, has been stopped. Your future can be determined by only you." Then she simply vanished.

Demetrius shook his head. "Well, that was a little anticlimactic." He groused. "No explosions or anything!"

Lukus nodded. "Yes! It was exciting at least!"

Dara huffed. "You two are so embarrassing."

"We are not!" Demetrius said back haughtily.

I touched Demetrius' shoulder. "Does this mean it's over?"

Demetrius shrugged. "The Len Na part yes."

Seth smiled. "We'd better tell Christian. He looked like he was heading for a heart attack." He said pulling me close to him.

Dara smiled. "The struggle continues. There is still some guidance we can do." She looked back as others that came with them vanished. She looked back at us. "Now, get back, console your brother and then go back to raise those two boys." She smiled. "They will tell stories about you two. You'll inspire many out there."

I frowned. "That sounds like a good-bye. Like you won't be around as much."

Lukus looked shocked. "Good-bye!? Heavens, no! We'll be around. You'll see us." He vanished.

Demetrius chuckled. "You can't get away from us. I've gotten very fond of you two." He grinned hugging me and then Seth. "The truth is, you're my two favorite children." He held a finger to his lips to indicate to keep it quiet. "We'll see you later."

Dara hugged us, too. "When you hear the bell; we'll be coming." She warned and then she and Demetrius vanished.

I took a deep breath. "Lukus was right about it being exciting."

Seth grinned bringing me into a hug and kissed me hard. "I love you, Erik."

I laughed. "I know. I love you, Seth."

Seth nodded. "I know." Then he rubbed his stomach. "I'm hungry."

Part II

Twelve years! In the next few days...six when we celibate our anniversary. Twelve years ago, Christian and I came to Blethos, and I had chosen from King Alexander's family and make a choice. Marry them to make them Queen. What I wanted was to find a good man. We would be married legally. I heard about kingdoms in the past doing that for the alliance. Yes, yes, you know that. I'm just reminding you.

I met Seth. He was kind from the first seconds of meeting. At the time, he knew me as David. Only he saw me as me! The magic didn't disguise me as it did with everyone else. I saw he was a beautiful soul. He kissed me! He had nothing to lose. He knew he could get killed. He was scarred on the right hand and face. Being told by Demetrius not to look with my eyes, but see with my heart, I would find the loving I sought. It became as popular as the story of Cinderella and Prince Charming!

Blah, blah, blah. I know you know this, too. I'll move on. I turned eighteen. Tomorrow would be my thirtieth birthday! I say "Yay" with little enthusiasm. A few hundred years ago...until health care improved it was considered a mid-life time. There were diseases and things to end your life. We had the little warriors that we got out of Christian's blood in many people now. They saw the results with the attack with Len Na. They saw the ones that got the little warriors did not get sick! Now after it proved to be a good thing. NOW it was being demanded!? Typical.

As wonderful as these little warriors were. It helped with infections and helped in healing from injury. Which I was going to deal with now. Seth had been in the vineyard but was brought in with the help of three men. I was in my office at the manor, which normally was pretty quiet. So, when I heard urgent and nearly panicked, "Erik!" shouted by someone and heard someone running in hall, I jumped up immediately. Going into the hall, a man waved for me to follow him back the way he'd come, "Seth's been hurt! Come on!" He began to rush back to the side door.

He arrived at the door in time to open the door and let Seth, held up by two other workers who practically carried him. Seth couldn't walk on his right foot. The boot hid the injury, but any weight put on the foot was agony.

"My God!" I cringed seeing his pain. "Can you get him upstairs?"

They helped me get him upstairs and got him on the bed.

"Gently..." I cautioned, "I will probably need your help getting out his clothes." I glanced back and saw Darrin who was checking to see what was wrong. "Is Ryan back from school?" I grinned at Darrin. "He is your husband."

"I'm here!" Ryan said moving around Darrin. "What happened?"

"It was a stupid accident!" Seth growled. He waved down his leg at his foot. "I was replacing one of those heaters for the vineyard." He sighed irritated. "I dropped it on my right foot." Those of us that didn't see it happen now groaned as we understood. "So, did I break it?" Then he grinned. "Doctor Ryan?"

He was now a doctor. He had come here a man of science, but using the doorway, he had gone to the University in A'Dore! Ryan chuckled. "Well, I need to see it." He looked at Seth. Like he did with everyone, explained what he was going to do. "I'll very gently unlace your boot. Remove it carefully remove the boot. Whether it is broken or bruised at the ankle, it will hurt. Right now, the compression of the boot is keeping the foot from swelling. The pain as it will come after the boot is removed..." he shrugged. "I will give you something before I begin with the right foot." He looked at Darrin. "Can you get my medical bag?"

"Sure," Darrin said and hurried to their room.

I slid in next to Seth on his left side. "Can I start on his left foot?" I asked Ryan who nodded. "I will be kissing my husband, don't look if you don't want to see it." I grinned as the other men chuckled. They all saw us kiss before. I did! Letting our lips linger. "I don't understand it, but you keep getting better!"

"At kissing?" Seth chuckled.

"Kissing and other things." I nodded.

"Well, I have a younger husband..." He began to explain.

I held my finger to his lips. "Not tomorrow."

I could see him aging very well as we spent the years, we were together. He really took after his father. King Alexander was a handsome man. I met him in his early fifties. He had black hair! I know he didn't put anything on his head to keep it black. It was only after the medication he was taking quit working and that cancer, which is what they called it now, they said this cancer in his blood ate him from the inside. I regret not having the little warriors weren't found before he got sick or even after. He'd be alive now.

Darrin came with what I thought was a suitcase. No, he came with all that Ryan might need. "Here, Babe." Darrin was putting the medical suitcase down was grabbed by Ryan who kissed Darrin just I had Seth.

"I was inspired." Ryan shrugged and winked at me. He took something and poured a little in a single glass. "Now Seth, This is powerful stuff." He was about to give it to give to Seth but held it back. "There is nothing more powerful in dealing with pain. This is Opium."

I knew there were Asian businesses in A'Dore and Blethos. None in Royal Valley.

"Dad, Daddy!" I heard the call and the rapid approach of our sons. "Dads!" Dennis ran over to the bed and Toby was signing rapidly. Is daddy hurt?

"We were coming home from school..." Dennis started nearly out of breath.

Then Toby was signing to continue. We were told you were hurt.

Dennis nodded looking at how Seth was favoring his right foot. " You hurt your foot! Is there a lot of pain?"

Ryan grinned giving Seth the glass. "Which in fifteen or thirty minutes...he'll be feeling a lot less pain." He chuckled. "And be a lot less lucid."

Seth grinned. "Down the hatch." He raised the glass to everyone. He took the first sip and almost gagged. "This awful!" Seth held the glass away. "Yuk!!"

Ryan chuckled. Touching his right foot gently. Even gently Seth winced from the touch. "I didn't want it good tasting. There are people liking the feel as taking it and want it when not in pain." He grinned. "Are you the last to know that really good medicine has to taste bad to work?"

Seth snorted in disgust. "Another rule?" He looked at me. "We have plenty of those." He muttered.

"Yes." Ryan smiled as he nodded. "The other rule is...you have to drink it all." He smiled sympathetically. "I suggest you toss it back like scotch or whiskey. Then you'll be done."

I swear. Seth growled! He grimaced. Then a look of determination he did it as Ryan suggested. It took two swallows which he did quickly. He said presenting Ryan with the empty glass. "That is revolting." He shuddered and tried to get rid of the taste by smacking his tongue making Dennis and Toby chuckle. "Ew, yuk!"

"It will begin working in a few minutes," Ryan assured. "There is nothing better for pain."

It was only a few minutes when his nasty medicine began working. Seth began blinking a lot.

"What's wrong?" Ryan asked but knew what it was.

"My vision," Seth slurred, "is sort of blurry."

"Because of what you just took," Ryan grinned. "A few more minutes I can take the boot off."

I realized I hadn't gotten his left boot off. I began unlacing the boot. Once done I pulled it off. I had a reaction. His stocking smelled. Our sons didn't bother hiding their adverse reaction, Toby had a keen sense of smell as did his vision. He was fanning under his nose and Dennis just said it. "Your foot stinks, Daddy!"

I chuckled but Seth heard it, "To make sure you have grape juice every day." Seth grumbled.

I patted Seth on the shoulder and arm, "And we appreciate that." I looked at our boys. "Don't we?"

"Oh, yes." Dennis laughed and Toby nodded with a big grin.

"Okay," Ryan said as he moved and was waving everyone out. "Thanks for bringing him home but I need to examine Seth."

There were grumbles but they understood. "Let us know," The one named Alan said. He had only been working in the vineyard about a year. I needed to get to know him and his wife. They had three children. Two boys and a girl and they seemed very nice. Royal Valley was no longer small. I couldn't know everybody, but this man worked with Seth. I would do it...if I could find the time.

"I think you should not expect him for a week," Ryan said and then added with a shrug. "Longer if he broke it."

The man shook his head. "Yes, we work with him in the vineyard. He doubled output after he doubled the vineyard. He's not just our boss but our friend."

Ryan nodded. "I understand. I'll come out there and tell you when I know." Then waved at the door. "Now scoot!"

It took a more than a few seconds to get them out. Now it was just Seth, Ryan, and me. I should have known and not been surprised when Demetrius came from the bathroom. In the twelve years he hadn't changed a bit. Not in his age or body. He smiled at me but looked down at Seth with a lot of love and compassion. "I know you are hurting," He sighed, "You know I can't heal. I can help in other ways. Ryan knows me and what I am. There are things I can do." He stood up. "Brace yourself." He chuckled looking at Ryan and produced the wand from the air and ran it up and down over Seth's body. A brief shimmer Seth was in a fresh nightshirt, and he was clean! Not only Seth but the bedsheets! He even smelled as he did when he used one of those soaps from Parasia!

"Hi, Demetrius!" I greeted. However, I now saw Seth's right foot which with the boot off was swelling. Even without a degree in medicine, I saw it was broken. It was badly bruised and a little misshaped foot, even I saw he'd broken it. It was below the ankle whatever bones connected to his toes.

"Well, I can tell he broke his phalanges," Ryan stated at me. "Those are..."

"I know." I chuckled. "The bones that connect the toes to the ankle. I know. Learning anatomy was very fascinating!" I shrugged. "I couldn't learn fast enough!"

"Well, you have," Ryan stated. "In fact, you have enough knowledge now to go directly to medical school."

I nodded. "I considered it a few times." I cocked my head.

Ryan nodded. "In four or five years you could be another doctor in Royal Valley. We can't have too many, not for illness, but like Seth who broke his phalanges, we need doctors to reset bones and ligaments."

I nodded. "I'll think about it seriously again."

"I need to make a medicinal ointment using the opium and Aspir-willow. It will be able to be adsorbed through his skin. When he recovers enough to understand you, he would not need it internally again...until tomorrow or next week. For...let's say..." he leaned in as if to share a secret, "a birthday and anniversary?"

"Should we cancel tomorrow's party?"

"You could," Demetrius said using voice where the tone said he it wasn't in favor of it. "I don't see that as a good idea."

"But he might not want all the attention!" I protested.

"You have a lot of friends coming, Bent and Garth, Curt and Daryl, Zeke and Gabe, the mayor...they care about you both.. We'll take him downstairs, get him comfortable and watch him."

"We?" I grinned.

"Sure," Demetrius nodded. "Dara and I were coming...unless you don't want us there." He frowned.

I walked over and hugged the man. "Are you kidding!? I'd love it!!"

He chuckled. "We'll be relatives from out of town."

"Kitty!" I heard Dennis coming chasing his little black friend. Only he wasn't a kitten now! He was a small cat only weighed about ten pounds. He jumped on the bed his purr already started. He came over to Seth and to me where he showed his love by rubbing his head on me. He was always a sweet cat. Toby followed his brother.

Toby grinned as he signed to me. He got away from us.

I picked up Kitty making the volume of his purr increase.

"After all those men left he wanted to know what was going on." Dennis shrugged. "He was curious."

"That's a cat's nature," I chuckled "He knows this is HIS house and an important member our family."

Dennis was smiling at Demetrius. "Hi, Uncle Deme!" He hurried over and hugged Uncle Deme.

"Okay," I grinned. "I'm asking. Why are you Uncle Deme?" I asked.

He waved at Seth. "I was named his Godfather when I was three or four years old!?" He shook his head. "When you turn seventy or eighty...I was appointed your godfather before I was even born??" He shook his head. "No! An uncle can be any age."

"We normally don't stay as long with a single family," Dara's voice came, and she stepped out of a wall. She went on. "We usually help the worthy individual to get their what is deserved and desired. Once that's done, we move on. I sort broke that with Ella. She was the one soul that I found truely kind and a very happy person. I really came to love her."

"Then when Dara asked me to help you...I grew to love you, too." He hugged Dara. "We were godparents, but we are family."

"Absolutely you are," I nodded. "Is Lukus coming?" I waved at the house. "He helped us get this, the doorway between A'Dore and Royal Valley." I looked up. "You helped Seth remember his mother...how do I send an invitation?"

"You just did." Another voice I knew came. Demetrius's entrance was subtle. Dara's a little brazen doing the impossible; Lukus wasn't there and then he was. "I heard it loud and clear." He bounced once. "By you. What about him?" He pointed at Seth and his eyes widened seeing Seth condition. "Damn! He broke his foot." It wasn't a question. "Poor guy!"

Ryan nodded. "Thank you for another opinion. Yours confirmed Demetrius' diagnosis, which Erik's which confirmed my diagnosis!"

"Don't be irritating," I griped to Ryan. "You have the treatment. They can, but usually don't." I looked at Demetrius, "Would ice work to reduce the swelling and pain?" I looked at Ryan. "Ryan?"

Ryan was nodding. "Sure but..." Then he stopped. "Never-mind, I forget some things about our friends here." He chuckled. "Ice will be great." He reached over Seth as he asked. "Can I use two of those pillows?" I handed him two we didn't like to sleep on. Why? Because they were goose feathered. I hated when you rolled to a side and feel a prick in your face or neck from a quill or some quills...waking me to find a comfortable position to get back to sleep!? To this day I remember my father telling me there was nothing Christian and I couldn't do if we wanted it badly enough. I wanted a pillow that didn't prick me! I liked the feather softness, no quills. I cut the feather from the quill and put just the feathers in the cloth bag, no sharp quills, and a few little pieces of soft cloth in and I got my "no wake up" pillow. I heard from Christian, that Mom would always ask Dad, did we need a servant to bring what we wanted something? There was nothing we couldn't get on our own. She saw nothing wrong with his legs and could get it himself. Maybe that was why I didn't like to use my title.

"Is it sanitary to have a cat in the room with Seth?" Lukus asked. "I can tell he doesn't have fleas...which I don't understand...but don't people believe that cats," he waved at Kitty, "especially black cats...will steal a man's breath?"

My eyes widened. I knew of many bad omens, of odd and bad luck were believed by the superstitious Children of Eve.

"Not Kitty!" Dennis said defensively moving to block Lukus from doing anything mean to Kitty. Don't threaten an eight-year-old's best friend. The pain you would feel will be in your shin from a kick.

"On your inquiry, I'll tell you. Bent and Garth. Garth practically speaks all things animal. He gave us what he uses with his cat Whiskers. Kitty gets a bath once a week using mild shampoo for infants and small children." I chuckled. "Which Kitty barely tolerates," I pulled Dennis close, "from him. Then we use a special powder Garth uses on Whiskers. It works!" I turned to Lukus. "Now, explain how a Child of Lilith believes in superstition."

Lukus grinned. "Just being cautious."

"This Kitty is a royal cat," I pulled his collar to show him the royal emblem of Blethos on one side and on the other side the emblem of A'Dore. "He's welcome in both palaces! He sleeps with Toby and Dennis every night."

Lukus shrugged. "We all have quirks to make life interesting," he grinned at me.

Ryan waved to get my attention. "Sorry to interrupt your interesting lives. I'll show you what to do tonight and tomorrow." He began to wrap Seth's right foot using the bandage itself to secure it in place. He also stressed not to keep the bags of ice on for more than two hours and an hour off. Demetrius handed him a sealed couple of bags of ice I'd seen him use on Seth after the torture of Deena Thorne, a real insane woman. He used it with the boys when they got the measles. Ryan knew Demetrius and Dara did magical things. He just took a couple of them and tossed one in his hands. "Nice." He grinned. He placed one on both sides of his foot. 'He will get cold, try to keep him warm, just his foot needs to be cold. He'll be under the effect of the opium a few hours more." He waved at the door. "Resume your parts in your interesting life."

"I will." I grinned as I covered Seth with a blanket. The fact that our fireplace burst into a fire didn't surprise me. "If that was someone I suspect...thank you."

"You're welcome," Demetrius said smiling.

"I could use one of you on my team." Ryan chuckled.

Demetrius smiled at Ryan and stated the obvious. "I'm on it now!"

I moved closer to Seth's left ear. "I'll be back to check on you." I leaned in kissing him gently. I frowned. I got just a little of what Seth had swallowed. Seth said it was revolting. Now, I agreed. "I'll be ready with something to drink to get that taste out of your mouth. I'll give milk first to coat your stomach. Then grape juice for flavor. I love you, Seth." I kissed him again. "A lot of juice." I worked my tongue in my mouth and tried to rid it of the taste. Even disoriented he mumbled what was not really understandable. He smiled at me. He said I know you do. I tucked him the blanket around him.

"You really need to become a doctor," Ryan said again. "You have the gift."

"That would be hard." I waved at the house. 'I have a business to run. Even if I use the doorway to go back and forth..."

"Talk to Dr. Warren. I know they'll work with you." Ryan said as we left Seth to rest. "Who is doing fine in his late seventies or eighties."

I saw Dennis holding Kitty. "Would those little warriors work on a beloved animal?"

Ryan's eyebrows rose. "We've been making it for people. We never have done it on animals."

"Now, you can find out," I said. "Before you go back to A'Dore. Take a blood sample from Kitty and test if the little warriors react to the blood. Then make a serum and give it to Kitty."

Ryan chuckled. "I'll do it now. I have a lab here." He stopped. "That means hurting Kitty. If I get Kitty's blood, he'll hate me."

"He'll be mad," I nodded. "Just explain to Dennis and Toby why and have Dennis hold him as you do it, Kitty will forgive you. Eventually."

"Guy's!" Ryan called ahead walking quickly to our sons to begin to explain.

I looked at Seth's and my sons. They were eight and ten. They were beautiful boys that I knew would be breaking hearts soon enough. I knew they were now I knew Sarah, their mother. The size of their feet now hinted what to expect. They would both be large men. Just as I said to Christian to tell Thomas and Edward about their bodies, I did it with Toby and Dennis early to understand their erections happen even with no reason. It was normal. We were male. Royal Valley had become a village, but now closer to a city. It wasn't sure how many now. Our last count put our town was ten thousand! People came and opened new businesses as one man did, buying several houses new and old to rent to others. We needed more guys in the vineyard and winery. Other businesses need employees. Downstairs people were getting ready for tomorrow's party. Grace was in her late thirties when that nasty old Thorne died. Now, in her early fifties, she wasn't slowing down. She had hired more staff for the house. Two to clean and three for cooking at different times. She was the house manager! She even hired a gardener to create gardens around the house to beautify which he did wonderfully. He even had a greenhouse where he raised roses and other plants to add color! He raised herbs.

Grace saw me and asked me instantly. "I heard he broke his foot! I was at the market when he was brought in."

I nodded. "He did."

"My poor boy."

"Do we have milk in the well?" I asked.

She nodded. "Should I bring some up for him?"

"Not for Seth, for me! I kissed him after he took that heavy medicine. I know we have juice in the icebox." I held up my hands. "Don't worry about it. My legs work fine. I'll get it."

"I know you will take care of Seth." She hugged me. "My boys." She kissed me on the cheek. We heard Kitty react angrily at something. "What on Earth!? He only made that sound when someone steps on his tail."

I chuckled "Or gets a needle in a vein. We are giving him the little warriors."

"Will it work on Kitty?"

"That's why we need his blood to test it to see," I said, "I don't believe those warriors just defend the lives of men. Life is what they defend."

Ryan came downstairs in a hurry. "Got it! Now to see if it reproduces in his blood." He hurried to his lab. We had built a room just for that.

Things changed in the world. King Mordor had an accident and was killed. He saw his son Yannick marry Delta. He became a step-grandpa. Delta gave birth to a beautiful little girl. I got word by special courier of King Mordor's death. I felt sorry for Yannick who was now King Yannick and Delta was now Queen Delta. One of his first law change was that law! Where same-gender marriages were not against the law. Ryan and Darrin were married in Creid. The Creid reputation was more difficult to battle. I saw they were not looking very Creid-like. They still wore animal shaped helmets. Gone were the solid black armor. There was black in it, but mostly brown now. I sent Yannick a special note sealed by my ring in the wax. I sent the copper container to be given to Yannick saying "cherish the feelings you feel now. I know you two were very close. The bad feelings are proof that your father meant a lot to you. Be sad, which I know you do. There were many times I saw you having that drink with your father and laughing with whatever you or he said. I challenge you to recall those conversations. Don't worry if that bring tears. I challenge you to remember the last one you had the others. Find the one you think was your favorite one. We need to schedule a visit with you. You can't leave. You're a King! When Delta asks what's wrong, don't say it's nothing. Tell her honestly. She's your wife! I loved your father, too. I'll miss him." I sent it by courier who could ride faster on his horse.

We now had the horse delivery set up. A channel or canal was being built in Blethos and A'Dore to allow ships could bring freight increasing our export and import. There was a large gulf south of A'Dore. It was a a hundred miles from A'Dore to the gulf coast. It was nearly five hundred miles down the eastern oceanic coast of a peninsula to enter the gulf. Then another five hundred miles back up the western gulf coast and an additional few hundred miles to the gulf shore of Blethos. However, a canal would knock off a thousand miles of traffic by water. It was a colossal undertaking. When we first settled here, most of our imports and exports were going to and from Europa! We had ships to ship to and from Blethos and A'Dore, but it saved very little time! The canal would make the peninsula into an island. There were bridges planned to keep the land mass connected. The canal was to be wide enough to allow two ships to safely pass each other. They did great projects in Italia and Greco, why couldn't we do it? A'Dore and Blethos were doing it together! Yes! We liked each other.

There were many rivers that went north and south. We had a really wide one that flowed north and south that was a very brown with mud, but it was rich in whatever that stuff in it made things grow better. Workers from Blethos and A'Dore were helping to get that canal between A'Dore and the gulf. It was almost done. The biggest obstacle was the way was the land mass between A'Dore's capital and Blethos' capital. Some of those rivers just needed widening. Seth, Sam, and Christian studied maps and decided this was the best route. We would build a port in the capital and continued to the ocean to the east. That would help Blethos, too. It would be great!

It wasn't always safe to leave Blethos or A'Dore. There were settlements not part of either. There were some of a people that were here two thousand years ago when we got here! There were settlements founded for religious reasons. Even the criminals had settlements but not really permanent! There were families that liked a life cut off from civilization. I was thrilled when Yannick told in a message that he, Delta and their children were coming for our anniversary. We had three other bedrooms added downstairs. Thus, the need for more staff. Grace had more staff coming for the anniversary. Everybody that came tomorrow was local and would go home after the party.

"It works!" Ryan said hurrying up the stairs. He paused and grinned at me. "There is going to be a really mad cat in a few minutes."

"If he tries to attack you, hide behind Dennis!" I turned to Grace. "Now I'll get the milk and grape juice, then I'm going up to check on Seth." I walked away as I muttered. "Nasty taste. Just awful!"

I got my two goblets of milk. I've always loved milk! I heard people got upset stomachs when they drank it. Not my stomach! I loved the taste, and it coats. I heard those at the University in A'Dore were working out on a way to keep it fresh longer. They have my support!

I drank the milk and had a couple of goblets of juice from the icebox. We live in a vineyard. We would not run out. Once I didn't have that horrible taste I needed to check on Seth. For me. I was now empathic now not just sympathy. I knew the horrible taste myself now. As I was heading upstairs I heard Kitty make that sound again he got when his tail was stepped on. I grinned as Ryan left the room. What was also sweet was what Dennis was saying to Kitty. Assuring Kitty he was fine, and he loved Kitty.

I stuck my head in their room. "You probably don't remember how and why we got Kitty."

Dennis shook his head.

"It's ironic, but the day we got Kitty was for comforting you after you got the little warriors into you." I grinned. "We did something special for you."

"Wow," Dennis said nose to nose with Kitty who started purring again.

"You need to do something special for him."

"Like what?" Dennis asked.

"What!? You know what he likes better than anyone. I'll tell you what my Dad told me. If you want it badly enough you'll figure out how. You are very smart." I chuckled heading into the room Seth and I lived. He was still the most beautiful human being to me. He looked comfortable. He was even doing his little snore. The area we lived in didn't get cold that much. In fact, it could get damn hot. The house was built with the vents high on the wall to let that heat out. A very clever man came up with a mill wheel powered by the river that would turn fans. It worked! The few fans sent a breeze through the house. The ice was still there on both sides of his foot. I knew that was cold. Carefully, I didn't want to wake him. I reached under the blanket to touch him. He was warm. I smiled at that risking my fingers through his hair. That light snore never stopped.

The rest of the afternoon was uneventful. Ryan checked on Seth, too. Telling me he was recovering just fine. Faster with the little warriors in him.

"And when he needs to go to the bathroom, I could give you something to help him go." Ryan offered. "I use it for patients who can't get up. But if he wants to get up, let him. That would be fine if you help him get there. I know some men don't want the help, but you take him to get there, does what he needs to and help him back to bed. Darrin likes privacy when he goes."

I did check on him more often. There was a man in Royal Valley that complained on the nights he drank, which was almost every night, his drunk didn't last like it used to. Dennis did find something Kitty loved to do. He loved to try to get to things dangled his face. Dennis got a stick and dangled the string with little jingle bells tied together with a bright red ribbon. Kitty loved playing this game! He would get it to jingle and did it again.

"That's my brilliant, son."

Dennis shrugged. "Thanks, Dad. He could do this for hours."

I saw Seth was coming out of it, so I went quickly downstairs and fixed him a tray with two goblets of milk and two goblets of juice and a bell. Going back in our room where Seth was gaining his coherency and was smacking his lips. "I'm here and I have the solution." I helped him sit up and held a goblet of milk. "Drink this. It will coat your mouth and stomach."

"Thanks," He said and drank it slowly. "That stuff really was nasty."

"I know that a tiny bit." I grinned holding my thumb and forefinger so close but didn't touch. "I kissed you twice after you took that awful stuff, and I could taste it. That was just a taste!"

Seth chuckled. "I now know you love me. You kissed me once and got the taste. Knowing you'd get more, you did it again! That is love."

"After twelve years you understand that!?" I shook my head chuckling. I leaned toward Seth. "Are you tasting it now?"

"Yep."

I nodded. "Thanks for being honest. I suggest you take a little milk and hold it minute. I think you saturated your taste buds with the medicine and mouth with that nasty stuff. Do that and I'll kiss you." I watched him do as I asked. "Are you hungry or need to go to the bathroom? If you do I have to take you. Doctor's orders." He raised his hand did fingers go toward the bathroom. I grinned. "I will take you to put you on the toilet and give you privacy, then when you are done, I'll take you back to bed." I saw Seth nod and swallow.

"I just need to pee."

"I'll help you up." He let me help him stand and I was his crutch. I'd seen every centimeter or inch on him. He didn't stand to pee, but I heard him go. The only time he closes the water closet's door was when he pooped. He would warn me or use another bathroom to do what I needed to do. "Are you hungry?"

"Not yet." He smiled and drank more milk and held it again.

We heard the purr before Dennis and Toby came in.

"I heard you talking," Dennis said. "Are you feeling better Daddy?" He asked putting Kitty on the bed and Kitty's purr got louder. He walked over to give him the loving head rub. Seth scooped him up.

"He really is a loving cat," Seth said.

"For everyone except Ryan for now." I smiled with the boys. "He sort of hurt him to put the little warriors in Kitty."

Seth looked at Kitty closer. "His eyes are a brighter green."

"We won't worry about him getting distemper or other any other deceases cats and other animals get," I said and then spoke to Seth the boys. Toby could read lips and Dennis could hear. "We added ten or fifteen years to his life!"

'Yes. He would." Seth grinned hugging Kitty.

"I'll risk it now." I pulled Seth to me and kissed him gently but let the kiss linger. "I only taste the milk." I put our foreheads together.

"Are coming to the party Daddy?" Dennis asked he grinned at Toby who grinned back but nodded. "You have to come."

'I'll try," Seth said.

"He'll be there. We will watch out for Daddy." I told them. "Uncle Deme and Aunt Dara, Uncle Ryan and Uncle Darrin, Grace...there are a lot of people to watch daddy."

"Be there!" Dennis said.

He drank a lot of liquids, so he had to pee again. Then he said he was hungry. I knew Grace had something, but she made him a chicken stew almost. Thicker than soap, but thinner than a stew that had small bits of chicken pulled apart, potatoes, onions, little green things. It smelled great. I went back to Seth taking his bowl and mine on a tray. I couldn't leave him. He was my husband and best friend. You think, of course. He was! We took vows in front of our family and friends and God Himself we would do that and do.

Ryan checked on him to showing us Seth's little warriors were working fast as the bruise had faded. It was still there for now.

Seth and I talked as we did every day. Usually in the bathtub, but we could do it fine in bed.

I smiled when Seth took his usual position spooning me which I held his arm and hand closer to me. Night rituals were done, including our toothbrushes and soda to clean. The little stick had short and stiff animal hairs of some animal hairs to scrape the teeth. It worked well and there was the toothpick to get what the brush couldn't get out. We had mouthwash!

The morning started with Seth telling me he had to go to the bathroom. When he said bathroom instead of pee. I got him up and took him. I heard the water from the tank above to flush it out and saw the door crack open I rushed over.

"Not alone!" I said. "I helped Christian when he was attacked medically by those nasty things Len Na gave him."

"I was protecting you from the smell." Seth chuckled as I got him back in bed.

"After twelve years! You don't think I haven't smelled it before!? You've smelled mine." I bent to kiss him. "I'd be really worried if you didn't go." I kissed him.

His arms held me. "Happy Birthday, my love." He kissed me deeper with a lot of love. "I am not ready to restart our connection yet. I don't think there's a comfortable position that will work."

"Restart?" I asked. "It never stopped." I looked at the sky and clock. "I need to dress and be at the mirrored doorway in an hour. I'll go get your coffee." He grinned more when I said that. "I'll be right back after that; I've got change to do that."

I did change and combed my hair and went down for his much-needed coffee. I put a pot of coffee on a tray with his favorite mug. I also put some of Grace's fresh biscuits, butter and jelly on a plate and took it upstairs. Putting the tray down beside him on the bed. "I'll be back after I pop over to A'Dore. Then we will both bath in the tub and get ready for the afternoon."

Seth poured the coffee inhaling the smell. "Yes, you do that." He waved me off.

"I'll leave with your precious coffee." I chuckled and headed toward the door.

"Well, it is!" Seth shouted as I headed to attic stairs.

I came sticking my head in. "Just promise me one thing. Don't ever change!"

Seth grinned. "I won't." Then his face changed as he thought. "I don't think I can." He gave a shrug. "You love me. You know I love you."

"I do know."

I went into the attic and uncovered the mirror. I touched the four crystals and saw the inside the room they had placed it to get it out of their bedroom. Many people in A'Dore had seen unbelievable things and knew something happened that had to be magic. Hell, the villagers saw Len Na's destruction of the palace and appear and disappear right in front of them. The door for the room where all those scientists worked knew, too. Most still worked there where all those Children of Lilith appeared. Ella came in followed by Christian.

"Sorry, we were a little late." Christian greeted hugging me tightly. He was very handsome with the gray in his temples and a few strands through his black hair.

"You're never late, you're a king!" I said as I had done many times in our lives.

I was hugged by Ella.

"You don't usually come without Seth," Christian stated cautiously. "Is there a problem?"

I nodded. "He broke his foot yesterday," I told them.

Ella inhaled sharply covering her mouth with both hands and said, "Oh, the poor man!" Ella said sadly.

I then explained what was being done to help him and his recovery.

"It's your birthday party today," Christian said sadly. "Will he be able to go to the party?"

"Oh, yes," I chuckled. "In fact, Toby and Dennis demanded we be there to get their gift for us." We visited a while longer. They promised to come to Royal Valley tomorrow and see Seth. I invited them to have lunch.

I went back to my house. Going in our room I saw Dennis, Toby, and Kitty keeping their daddy company. Kitty was more interested in the smells he got from the containers of butter and jelly. I chuckled picking up the tray and took it downstairs. Looking for what we would like for breakfast. We had a busy house right now. Grace had help cooking now so she wouldn't be overwhelmed. She made these crapes filled with things from her thick creamed cheese and bits of ham and chicken.

I kissed Grace on the cheek. "How would we survive without you? You don't change either." I demanded softly.

She turned as she finished squeezing a small orange fruit. There were many oranges and lemons and some I saw odd fruits that when sliced it across it naturally looked like a star occasionally. The star fruit was a present from the Asians. There were smaller tangerines were popular in A'Dore and Blethos. We have groves of them and other fruit trees! "How's Seth?"

"He broke his foot, but not his sense of humor," I chuckled. "I'll bring him down when the guests arrive."

"Good." She put a ceramic jug on the tray and held her hand up, got a thin vase, and took a single red rose they had out to decorate the house and dropped the rose in it.

Going up to our room I heard laughter and heard Kitty purring as was getting stoked by Seth. "Okay, your dads need to eat in peace; not keeping a certain cute little nose out of our food."

"We'll take him to our room." Dennis smiled and took Kitty and left with Toby.

I told Seth we'd see Ella and Christian tomorrow. I did get him in the tub I got in, too. As I bathed him and me, I noticed the pain was coming back to Seth. I rinsed our hair of shampoo using fresh water from the pipe I got out getting the drying cloth for both of us. I dried quickly. I held my hand up to stop him from getting out, but he sat on the edge swinging his legs over the side. He dried his hair and face.

"But don't stand without me. I don't want you to break anything else...like your neck." I grumbled.

"I don't need help drying off," Seth shot back. "Not the top half!"

"I only get irritated when you get impossibly stubborn!" I said. "Your father warned both me and Terry you and Sam would both be stubborn."

"You always forgive me." Seth grinned.

"And I always will." I chuckled. "The truth is I like many of the comebacks you come up with."

"I like our disagreements, too." Seth grinned nodding. "You come up with some great zingers."

I dried him and got the stuff from Parisa to stop us from stinking a while and nice cologne we got imported here. It was sold from the shop that sold those great soaps, perfumes, and lotions. He looked at what I brought over.

I sighed and sat next to him, "It's a mixture of Aspri-willow and Opium." I watched his eyes widens so I hurried to explain. "Not to take! I wouldn't dream of asking you to. Ryan said to cover your foot well with it and then wrap your foot. I did it last night! The wrapping part, but he swears you won't taste it. You will be awake downstairs."

"Okay, but if I even get a little of the taste, I'll wring his neck!" Seth stated firmly. "I don't know which was worse; the pain or that taste of medicine to take the pain away!"

I got him ready and helped him in his clothes. Ryan came in carrying what I'd seen others use to get around. It was a crutch. He cautioned us to only use it downstairs. He and Uncle Deme would go in front of him in case he fell forward. He would be using me as the crutch down the stairs. Demetrius headed down the hall where I heard many voices I knew. We even had a small group from Blethos' capital to play nice music while we had a party. Finally, at the bottom Seth grinned at Ryan. "Your neck is safe. For now."

Ryan's eyebrows rose.

"I'll tell you later," I said to Ryan.

Bringing him in the living room where everyone quieted to hear what I or Seth will say.

"I'm sure you all know I broke my foot," Seth said. "Word always traveled quickly here in Royal Valley." He sat in a chair we arranged for him. I moved the cushioned stool where I helped him put his right foot on. "The love from my husband and from some good friends, I'll get better." He chuckled. "This is Erik's birthday." He took the goblet of wine in his hand.

People clapping at that.

Before we went to party mode. Demetrius stopped everyone. "Now, everyone, especially their Dads, pay attention. I suggested they give it to you tomorrow, but they couldn't wait. It's really for both of you. They both worked hard for this. Dennis is about to have a heart attack!" He waved the boys over. He spoke to Toby and Dennis, "You've got the whole room's attention and your Dads."

It had to be a GOOD present.

"We will continue to work on it, but..." Dennis turned to Toby.

Toby put fingers on his neck, opened his mouth and made a humming sound that increased in volume and then... "Happy Birthday, Dad," Toby said. "I wanted to surprise you." It was crisp and almost over enunciated, but it was spoken!!! We heard Toby's voice!

Seth was so shocked he sat up startled and almost dropped his goblet of wine. I was feeling shocked and nearly fainted. Gasps were heard around the room from hearing Toby speak. If Garth wasn't right beside me and held me up I would have fainted! Garth shook me lightly.

"Do you like it?" Toby asked uncertainly.

Seth and I were speechless in shock a few moments, but Toby had asked me a question! Verbally! We HAD to answer. "I love it!" I said incredibly and hugged Toby I said so he could see me say it, "No one has EVER given us a gift I love more. You know what I mean, Seth."

I looked at Seth who was crying as he smiled and waved both sons toward him.

"I coached him on speaking and stopping the vibrations in his neck between words," Dennis said proudly.

"You both did what I thought was impossible." Seth confessed his face stained with happy tears.

Toby spoke again. "As Dad told me if you want something bad enough you find a way. Did everyone hear me and understand?"

Everyone nodded and said yes. Seth pulled Toby to see his face. "We ALL heard you, Toby." He hugged Toby. "That was the most beautiful sound I've ever heard!"

"Our beautiful sons," I said hugging Dennis and kissing Toby. "Angels couldn't sound better!"