Cinderfella

Story: Cinderfella 2: A New Life

Chapter: 27 Meeting Wahkooha

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

Mature Readers only due to sexual situations and graphic sexual content

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They finally meet Wahkooha, the warrior that Tawa, god, speaks through.

Meeting Wahkooha

We concluded our meal and got ready to go to sleep. Ceto had been right, the stew was filling and kept us warm. It also made us all a little drowsy.

I stopped Lukus as we were leaving, "There is a wife for you, isn't there?" I asked carefully. Did the Children of Lilith ever become widows? Did they have illnesses? Can they get killed? When you meet regular people, a tactful inquiry was best to use with a stranger when you first meet one.

"Martha?" Lukus smiled thinking of her fondly. "She's fine. She and I had conflicting things to do." He smiled at Dara and Demetrius, "It's rare enough for two of us to work the same person..." he shrugged a nod, "well technically, I was trying to resolve King Alexander's family issue with Arthur. Dara was working on Ella's issue which was totally unrelated. Then Erik asked for help and they sort of collided." He waved at Ceto. "And now a fourth? I don't recall any one person or family getting four of us." He chuckled. "I guess you want to meet her."

"Is there a quota limit about Lilith's Children we've surpassed?" Seth asked.

Lukus shook his head, "No."

"Maybe she doesn't like the Children of Eve as much as you do," I offered.

Lukus chuckled, "Have you read any Greek Myths?"

I nodded, "I have."

Seth shook his head, "How big is the Library in A'Dore's Palace!?"

"Pretty big," I grinned, "but many of my visiting tutors came with the reading material needed. I was a bit of a bookworm."

"A nearly unbeatable swordsman and well educated," Seth shook his head.

"Sure," I knew Seth hadn't gotten the education he could have gotten because of the imbeciles that taught the Thorne children were skittish with Seth because of his scars, but Seth was damned smart. "Remember, these tutors were coming to A'Dore's Palace to teach the King's two sons. They had to be the best. You know more about the vineyard than I do. You thought of how to minimize frost damage, the irrigation..."

"Okay, okay," Lukus said, waving us down to stop us. "You're both brilliant. My point was about Muses. Do you know who they are?"

"Daughters or sons of Zeus that inspire artists and musicians," Val said casually as the other Creid just looked at him silently. "What? You know by now I like to read and that book was available at the Creid Palace Library. I read it."

Toby and Thomas nodded saying they had read it, too.

"I like the Iliad and Odyssey," Toby said.

I nodded smiling, "I did, too!"

"That poetry Homer used was hard to get used to reading," Toby muttered.

"You're ten," I said smiling patiently, "you kind of have to reorient your mind, before it begins to make sense..." Lukus coughed, but nothing was blocking phlegm but to stop my interruption. "Sorry." I said quickly and mouthed, "Later," to Toby who laughed quietly.

"Martha took that roll on," Lukus explained. "Less one on one magic. She might put something needed on the path of a person, but she really enjoys sending a seasoned artist to discover a promising hopeful. She inspires them to inspire the new artist. She rarely shows herself to the people she helps."

I was nodding with a smile as Lukus was explaining, "That sounds really nice. I'd love to meet her. I promise not to ask her for anything."

Lukus chuckled, "I'll let her know that."

I glanced over to two others with our group I almost never spoke to. Reese and Beau. They held up the rear of our group as we traveled. Reese was trying to hide a yawn that was coming whether he wanted to or not. Their manners surpassed many who considered themselves cultured. These men were a part of the King's Guard and reviled many aristocrats. He tried to cover his yawn up with his hand covering it.

"Excuse me," Reese said lightly.

"No apology necessary for doing what every creature on the planet does," Seth slapped a meaty arm in a friendly gesture. "Hell, even Kitty has a big yawn when he's tired."

The thing with Reese was, he made it into the King's Guard. His ability to fight was not questioned and his manners were honed. I saw him read something and he did that...slowly. He had some schooling, but I didn't know how much. Don't get me wrong, he was a smart man and thought quickly on his feet.

Beau. The man-child. He was an innocent soul. Whoever had raised him did an excellent job. Like when he looked at art with his hands behind his back and never touched anything. I clearly saw that same person had taught him it was impolite to stare. He was looking and quickly away to not stare. Then slowly look again and away. He was more obvious by not staring than just staring. I looked to where he was trying not to stare. He was not staring at Ceto.

I smiled at Beau, "Go say hello, Beau." I encouraged him.

Beau's eyes widened, "Oh, I couldn't do that." He shook his head quickly.

"She's a nice person," Seth grinned. "I can guarantee she'll be nice to you."

"She's pretty," Beau said dreamily and began walking forward and stopped. "What do I say after hello?"

This was important. Beau would never hurt anyone he wasn't fighting. He had feelings. Ceto had been around I know for over three centuries. Even if Beau tried something (and I knew he wouldn't), she could simply vanish and escape. Even if he proposed marriage, I knew she could handle it. She was not one of the Children of Lilith we knew were cruel. Demetrius and Dara knew how smart Dennis and Toby were before Dennis was even born. They had to know about Beau.

"Did you enjoy your stew?" I asked him and got a nod from Beau and he licked his lips showing he enjoyed it a lot. "She made the stew. Tell her how much you liked it. Tell you you think she's pretty..."

"Oh, yes," Seth agreed, "Compliments like those will take you far. Especially with a lady." He turned Beau in her direction and gave him a gentle shove to help him get started. Seth looked at Reese, "They probably had to kill two bears to cover you. Were you warm?"

Reese laughed, "I was," he frowned, "as long as I didn't move too much. It was a Brown Bear, I was told. Over half a ton! I was covered just fine."

Okay, I sort of listened, but I watched Beau. He was in his mid or late twenties and not a bad looking person. The nearly ever-present innocent look he had made him appear younger. I could give examples of many people that got so tongue-tied speaking to someone that attracted them. I can say with confidence there are many that say nothing because they are too shy. The fear that they aren't good enough and rejection was too great. That's why we had that special day set aside for people to express love already there, hinted about, or even from unexpected sources. Garth did it to Bent. Say what you will, but Beau was pretty confident. Again, his hands clasped behind his back so not to appear threatening. I didn't need to hear it. I saw it. She was about to clean up. He tapped her on the shoulder making her turn. Her expression was open, happy, and friendly. Beau commented and she smiled bigger, chuckled and patted her own stomach and pointed to Beau's stomach. He was a big man. Taller by a foot and quite a few pounds more. Then he said something timidly which made Ceto's smile soften and nod. She reached and asked him a question which Beau nodded, then she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him. At first he didn't know what to do with his arms, but slowly his arms circled her waist. It wasn't long, but as she parted from him, I saw her kiss him on the cheek. It was loving in a maternal way. She said something as his eyes widened in delighted surprise, smiled grandly, touching the place she'd kissed and left the hut.

I noticed Val and Max had watched this protectively. Shaking my head, I grinned, "Guys...really?"

Max chuckled and Val looked away at first.

"We're just protective," Max explained with a shrug. "He's one of us."

Val looked at me and sighed, "He was hurt a couple of times by girls when he was a teenager and who wanted someone to claim in the King's Guard. They used him."

"That last one nearly destroyed him," Max pressed. "We promised to watch out for him from then on."

It was hard to imagine anyone being mean to this sweet soul, but there were many women that were mean or just evil. I smiled at Reese and Max. "It's wonderful to see such brotherly love and devotion." My eyes lowered as I looked at them, "but you know what she is and what she can do. I know she won't, but if she did hurt Beau, what could you do?" I turned to Demetrius. "Do any of you die?" Demetrius' eyes grew in alarm, so I nodded, "Yes, you have the secret plan now. We're going to lure you somewhere and kill each of you." Clearly sarcastic and then I instantly hugged him. "I could never hurt you or any of you. I love you. You were immune to measles and even the venom delivered by those demonic snakes that attacked A'Dore couldn't hurt you. You don't get sick."

Demetrius waggled a nod and shrug, "No, we don't." He pointed at me, "And you don't either now."

"But Seth was injured," I reminded him. "If something heavy fell on you, would you be hurt or die?"

Demetrius shook his head again, "No." He smiled. "Nothing can be severed, not that anyone's tried, and healing happens when we vanish and reappear." He grudged a nod, "Every creature dies, but just before it happens we feel it coming," he touched his own chest, "in here. It's peaceful. Most die in their eight hundreds, some in their nine hundreds," he laughed, "I've heard of some that passed a thousand, but not many."

"Damn," I marveled. "That sounds great. These Little Warriors will last another couple of years..."

"Maybe a decade," Demetrius smiled. "The serum with the Little Warriors didn't make it to Europa or Asia, did it?"

"A'Dore and Blethos were going to be attacked," I shrugged, "Creid was a big contributor, so we gave it to A'Dore, Blethos, and Creid."

Demetrius nodded, "You'll miss some of the plagues coming to Europa and Britannia."

"Wait," I frowned, "You know they're coming?"

"It's inevitable," Demetrius shrugged. "Cleanliness next Godliness is unknown in some parts of the cities...like London and Parisia the poor who are living there live in filth. There is vermin and even sewage on the streets. Ella and Theresa have done a wonderful job putting the poor to work to help clean those areas." He thought for a second, "I don't think there is one in Royal Valley."

"I hope not," Seth said grimly. "Horses are essential, but just leaving all that shit lying around is smelly and disgusting..." he grinned, "but great for the vineyard."

"When you and I first went to Creid we commented about the smell when Demetrius took me to speak with King Mordor the first time," I suddenly looked at the surrounding Creid who were looking surprised. I quickly told them about how I wanted to prove the Creid didn't attack King Alexander, but Arthur did. I had to get Mordor's side about things. "You know I love you all. I loved King Mordor. He didn't see me when I visited that time and it was the middle of the night...I don't feel like fighting again to prove that."

Max nodded and gestured when he spoke, "Very few people know that story even in Creid." He looked at me harder. "That was you?"

"Yes," I admitted. "I needed to know. I doubted you were guilty, but you had a violent reputation so I had to be careful. King Mordor was the one to tell me about Arthur Thorne. I loved the man after that. What I was saying was about those wonderful hot springs underground with those tubs that had all that hot water with sulfur in it. That's what I first smelled."

"Yes, fascinating," Demetrius verbally dismissed what I said, "what I was saying was your people here and you bathe every day. We're lucky if some do it once a week! Usually Saturday night so they're clean for Church. That and the rats carrying disease with their fleas and the filth, there will be plagues. Count on it."

"I can't stand feeling dirty," I grimaced. "It's so uncomfortable."

Seth chuckled, "He'll tease me after a hard day in the vineyard. Occasionally, he has me wash off before I bathe."

"Which I usually take with you and the point of bathing is to get clean, not dirty." I took Seth's hand, "Besides, I itch if I don't shave at least every other day at least."

"There's a group of religious people who think that's vanity and false pride," Demetrius smiled, "You had people bring hot water to you. If you've worked hard all day you may be too tired to boil water."

He was right. I shouldn't judge. I've been too tired to even undress before. "But I hate even the idea of going to bed dirty."

We saw Ceto simply look at the table and every place was reset with clean plates and utensils. The large pot was clean and shiny. Everything ready for another meal.

Seth leaned closer to me, but said loud enough for everyone to hear, "I think we should keep this bout with magic from Grace."

"Oh, yeah, that would be cruel. She'll want to be able to do that," I nodded. I turned to the men and honestly I hadn't thought much about it, "I hate lies and secrets, I'll tell Yannick that I was the voice his father heard in the middle of the night. He knows about the Children of Lilith. I should have told King Mordor, but I didn't want to risk upsetting him and it honestly slipped my mind."

"We'll see you in the morning," Seth said.

"Oh, Seth. Erik," Ceto began, "You are in the second one over." She motioned with her hand in a direction, "I hope you'll be comfortable. Yours has a bed for two."

"We should thank you," I smiled. "What you're doing is so kind and totally unexpected, but very much appreciated."

Seth nodded, "Thank you. You made us feel welcome." He grinned more. "You sure made Beau feel welcome. I'd say you'll be friends for life." Then he sobered, "His life, yours will go on a while."

Her whole face softened when Seth mentioned Beau, "Beau's very special. He has a beautiful heart and soul."

I nodded, "I wholeheartedly agree."

Lukus was passing and stopped, "Oh! There's a stove in it that has that special coal. It will burn all night." He chuckled as he folded his arms over his chest, but gestured toward the other Cried, "At least you know about it. There are some over there that will probably wake every couple of hours to check if it's true. I don't think they believe me."

"Probably, but they're Eve's Sons," Seth grinned, "Thanks, Lukus."

It was still cold outside, so we said goodnight and went to our hut/tent. It wasn't big, but that was more to keep the interior warm. The ground was covered with a tarp or something. The bed was smaller than we had in Royal Valley, A'Dore, or Blethos. Not that we used all of those beds as Seth always held me at night. Spooning me. It was off the ground a foot or so and covered with fur skin. It didn't seem to be furry animal friendly around here, but if we ran into a bear or mountain lion in the wild, they would attack us if they were feeling threatened or hungry. Hopefully the bears would be hibernating. Mountain lions did not. They were a danger.

The stove wasn't big. It was shiny red metal with elegant gold colored metal to make it attractive and looked a lot like the little stove in the carriage Lukus gave us for our honeymoon and trip to A'Dore. It looked band new. A bright flame danced inside the metal stove and the metal radiated the heat well. We had changed into clean clothes after bathing, so we crawled in. Our love was alive and well. I knew that, Seth knew that and never doubted. But to make love, clothing had to be removed and was cold. It was warm and comfortable like we were lying in an angel's cupped hands. Maybe we were, because we both fell asleep in mere minutes. We'd make up for it later.

I was in the same position when I woke. Neither of us had moved all night. The dim brightness shining on the animal skin hut/tent told me it was morning. Not that any of you asked, but when nature calls, where did we answer that call? Where do bears respond? We were in the wilderness. So, what do you think? You find a tree, go behind it and do what you need to do. The weather made you want to get it done and get back inside.

We were spoiled. I freely and willingly admit that. Having Godparents capable of magic was something few people had access to, but we did. We had four now! And they liked us! This wasn't a job or duty. They did it because they were good friends that wanted to help us.

We went to where the tubs had been and didn't find tubs now, but large bowls on tall tables and a mirror that helped you see yourself. Demetrius smiled at us giving us the "come here" motion with his hand. Reese was up, bare from the waist up shaving. He greeted us and went back to his task. He did this near a slightly bigger stove than the one where we slept. This hut/tent was bigger. Still red and gold with heat coming off the metal.

"Good morning," Demetrius smiled, still waving, "Come on. I know you like to shave, Erik." He looked at Seth closer. "It's evident you do, too." He waved two of the tables with unused bowls. "I've hot water and soap to offer...even a razor if needed."

I couldn't help it. You know me. I went to Demetrius and hugged him tightly. Hugging is great!! It means so much more than a handshake. "They are simple words, but I owe you so much, I can never repay you. I am grateful to you for this life. You, Dara, and Lukus have done amazing things. I know I'll love Ceto soon; I like her a lot now."

Demetrius smiled at me, "It's a pleasure." He said softly as Val and Toby came in. The others started coming including Chitto.

"You need to shave?" I asked in shock. He was a Human male, but the native men didn't usually shave. Some natives had European ancestors in the family did have some beards, but Chitto's family had married into A'Dore's Royal Family, not the other way around...that we knew of. Chitto's hair was thick and black, but they usually plucked the eyebrows and other facial hair. Their beard was sparse, soft, and thin.

Chitto's eyebrows, which were dark and thick, rose and he said haughtily, "I need to check to be sure and wash my face if you don't mind."

"There are times I wish I didn't have to," Seth grumbled.

Gathering where we had the meal the night before and Ceto was putting something steaming in a bowl and placed it on the table.

"This wild boar meat with green beans sauteed in garlic and peppers. It's flavored with onions and spinach." She placed a large platter of round golden-brown discs in the center, "And this is fried bread. There are many different versions of this recipe. Most aren't sweet. Mine is only a little sweet, but there's butter and jellies to use."

"Like toast?" Max asked looking at these pastries, "Or biscuits?"

Ceto gave a grudging nod and said slowly, "Yes, sort of, but it's not cooked in an oven. Not baked, but fried."

"You're a good cook!" Beau swallowed what he'd chewed of the dish with boar meat.

Ceto smiled at him, "Thank you, Beau. What a nice compliment." She wasn't talking down to him or condescending at all. She did make it because she knew what was in it and made it her way. I don't believe she stood over a mixing bowl and made everything. Like when Demetrius, Dara, and Lukus redid our house. They each added what they saw for our house and it was so the house was very unique. But what did I know? She might have.

Beau was right. Last night's meal and this one were delicious. It had to be; she'd been doing it for over three centuries.

How they cleaned those furs we wore the day before, to me was as magical as when Ceto got rid of our dirty dishes. The furs even smelled good. The horses had been kept in that clearing nearby. There were even four large stoves lit which provided heat for them as well as the fur covers draped over their backs. They had been fed and given water, too.

Dressed like we had been the day before in the fur burka, some of the horses were fidgeting as these furry creatures approached so we were talking to them to reassure them who we were. We had packed the horses and were ready to move on.

"Erik," A voice said behind me.

Turning around I saw Demetrius. He knew who I was. The others on this trip were all large fur-covered creatures. I could only guess the smallest of us was Toby, but that wouldn't last long because he was tall, even for a ten-year old. We were having to get new pants every year. Probably more often after puberty hits him.

"Just so you know," Demetrius began, "I wanted you to be aware. We'll be watching over you."

That statement gave a chill for some reason, "I thought you already did that."

Demetrius nodded, "Yes, but unlike before, if you're in trouble you can't get out of, we'll be there. Call us. Don't be surprised, but we may show up without being asked to help."

It happened other times, but this time I was truly scared. That only happened when Toby and Dennis got the measles and when Christian was going to die. Demetrius wasn't covered in heavy fur, so Seth and Max heard what Demetrius said.

"You sense more now?" Seth stopped putting the saddle on his horse.

"Yes," Demetrius nodded, "We all do. There will be something to come up that will require magic."

I thought of Candor, the thief that Arthur paid to get precious stolen goods to sell. I really remembered that scene Demetrius used with him as an avenging angel and all of the Thornes in the Lake of Fire in Hell!

I had a feeling like a person greeted warmly by strangers where they threw a big party and feast. The overwhelmed guest finds out he's the Human sacrifice to a volcano or something. He was going to die.

"Is there a place we can put Toby and Thomas to keep them safe?" I asked shakily.

"No," Dara appeared next to Demetrius. "They need to be with you," She shrugged. "At least that's what we feel."

"Why!?" Seth bellowed.

"We don't know!" Demetrius and Dara said together just as loud.

I held up my hand to stop Seth, "Abraham and Isaac."

Demetrius and Dara smiled. "Yes."

"What!?" Seth blurted looking at me.

"It's from the old Scriptures," I quietly said. "It's in the very first book." I saw Seth shake his head so I explained. "God spoke to Abraham, promising those born of his seed would number like the countless stars in the sky." I shrugged, "Abraham was ninety-nine years old and his wife Sarah was eighty-nine. They had no children."

Seth's eyes widened, "They were like them?" He pointed at Demetrius and Dara.

I chuckled with a nod, "Maybe a little, but after Noah the life spans began to shrink. You couldn't have anyone giving birth every other year for a century or two." I looked at Demetrius and Dara and remembered the lack of any births for the past two centuries. "Sorry."

"Who decides this!?" Max asked in disbelief.

Demetrius shrugged, "It just is."

Seth shook his head at Max, "Don't bother, Max. All those questions I've asked got answers that really didn't satisfy, so...just let it go."

I shook my head, "Back to what we were talking about. Abraham was over a hundred years old and Sarah was ninety-nine when she gave birth to Isaac." I didn't need to see Seth's whole face to see doubt in his eyes. "I can show you where it says that." I patted Demetrius. "He's over four centuries old!" I won that argument. "Anyway, God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac to him."

Max nodded, "I remember that from Sunday School. He was a mere second from doing it when God stopped him."

"I don't get it." Seth said. "It was a test?"

"Yes," I nodded. "How could Abraham's seed be like the stars if there was no Isaac? His reaction was tested. Abraham knew God couldn't keep his promise without Isaac. He'd get Isaac back." I shrugged. "Don't you see? We were told both of our sons were bringing in a new era for mankind. Both of them." I pointed at Toby who was rubbing his horse's nose affectionately. The horse was nuzzling him, returning the affection. "He will be fine with us." I turned to Demetrius. "And Thomas?"

"He will return home safely," Dara smiled. "We promise."

As we headed back to the road we were taking, we went through a rough clearing. It was the clearing we spent the night in!

"Where did the tents go?" Reese asked in disbelief. "I remember that tree just outside our tent!"

Now the clearing didn't look like anyone had ever camped there. No tents, no stove or any rubbish at all.

I looked back at where we had the horses. There were no stoves at all and also looked undisturbed.

"We didn't forget anything," I shrugged, "The purpose was served and no longer needed. They cleaned up after themselves. It's what they do."

Max turned to the others with us, "Today we will finally meet this Wahkoowah who claims to speak for Tawa." He said loud, "Be ready."

"Dyami told us we'd be welcomed first," Seth stated.

Max nodded, "They might, but we must be nearing a village. Less honest people might live away from them because of what they do." We couldn't see his face, but he insisted, "Are you willing to take the chance?"

We pulled to a stop and I asked, "We'll listen to you. You're the experienced military leader. Should we put on that new armor Yannick showed us?" I pointed to the wagon that carried supplies and that new resistant armor.

Max thought a few moments.

"What do you want to say when we arrive?" Val's voice asked beneath a fur covering. "Are we going in as the King's Royal Guard from Creid?"

Max turned to Val, "That's how we usually enter a village or settlement."

"And scare people half to death," I grumbled, "Like you did with Maria the day you arrived in Royal Valley. Your armor is scary."

"Can you all pull your face covering down?" Toby asked. "I haven't gotten a word of what you've said."

I chuckled, pulling the fur cover down and told Toby. Of course, it was cold.

"Sure," Thomas said, bringing his horse closer after he pulled his fur down. "Dad told me it was also important to go in showing confidence and strength. Let them see we aren't weak or cowards, but open to discussion. It's obvious! Go in as who we are! You're showing unity! Uncle Erik, you were born a prince of A'Dore! Not the son of a prince, but a reigning king and queen. You still are, but also a prince of Blethos! You, Uncle Seth, were born a prince, too. Hell, you WERE a king. A damned good one." He looked at Chitto. "The Native Tribes." He looked at Max, Val, and the other Creid. "YOU are Creid! And still feared by a lot of people!" He waved his hand at them. "Go in as Creid! Not just any Creid, but the King's Royal Guard, meaning you have the support of King Yannick! This isn't just to scare necessarily, but to make them..." he thought about the right words to use, "at least wary."

I smiled at Thomas, "That's a king's thinking."

Thomas looked away, "Well, not counting the decision to follow you," he admitted a little guiltily. "I have to be able to do that one day."

I looked around and said, "Okay, nobody is to listen to what I'm going to say but Thomas," I turned back to Thomas. "I'm speaking from experience about this. As a child growing into an adult." I looked at Toby, "I hadn't expected to go through this so soon with Toby, but..." I saw them at various points in their lives. Thomas as a newborn in his cradle. Toby when he was a little boy not even two years old on the floor. "Your parents love you, Thomas."

"I know that," Thomas said, tired of hearing that..

"Wait," I said. "You've scared them."

"Not to mention the pressure you've put on us," Seth muttered. "If you come back with so much as a bruise, your uncle and I will suffer."

I nodded with a laugh that was sardonic. Seth wasn't trying to be funny, "And not from just your father! From your mother! You will always be her baby!"

"Even when you are fifty," Seth added, "Both of them should be alive and well, but even THEN, you'll STILL be their baby."

"They will not let you get hurt," I said. "Now, when we get back to A'Dore. My advice is to be grown up about it. Tell them why you felt you HAD to come. Approach them maturely, that way and let them get it out. No crying or whining and no tantrums by you."

Thomas chuckled and smirked, "I haven't had a tantrum in quite a while, Uncle Erik."

"Good," I nodded, "accept whatever punishment they give and let it go. I know your father. He will respect you. Your mother will forgive you first...probably. It will end. I promise." I looked at Max, Val and all the others. "No one heard that, right?"

"Heard what?" Max grinned.

Reese leaned forward, "What? What did Erik say?" He patted Beau's arm. "I was having a spellbinding conversation with Beau."

"We were?" Beau asked Reese and his brow came together, "You said not to listen. So, I didn't." The thing was I didn't think Beau could lie very well. He looked as innocent as he normally did. He didn't listen. The more I knew him, the more I loved him.

"That's great," I nodded at them, "Thanks."

"I think it would be better to wait until we see evidence of them to put the armor on," Max muttered and looked at Toby. "I'm sorry, but this cold. I'm covering up again."

"Why is it so cold, Dad?" Toby asked me. "No water is freezing."

"Because one, it's wet and damp up here," I said. "And two, we live in a warmer climate and are not used to it. The cold damp seems to eat through clothes. But not through that bear skin and fur you're wearing." I chuckled, "It is cold, so I'm going back under the fur skin."

"It was boring the last couple of days," Toby frowned. "No one can talk to me."

"Which you wouldn't be if you'd stayed in A'Dore like we instructed," Seth pointed out, giving Toby a hard look. "It's normally much warmer there...even in Winter."

I had to quickly cover up with the fur to hide my smile as Toby rolled his eyes at what his other father said. I'm sure with Toby, he could see the amusement in my eyes.

Going down the road, and it was looking more like a road now. Wagons had traveled here more recently traveled the path as there were worn, parallel grooves with almost no vegetation growing. Hunters probably.

I knew now why they called the area the Forest of Rain. That seemed to be happening. The pathway/road was wet. Even on the road I felt the occasional drop from above, but not from the sky, but from the trees. It sounded like it was raining in the forest. There were some big trees in Royal Valley. Blethos and A'Dore did, too. Giant Oak trees that were hundreds of years old. Pine trees and Palm Trees. We had pine trees that were tall, but these were much taller.

We took turns with the wagon. Each of us drove it every four hours. This was Max' tsurn. He and Chitto had switched, so Chitto rode with us. He must have seen both Seth and I looking up often.

"There are some tall trees!" Seth marveled.

"How tall do you think they are?" I asked. "A hundred feet?"

"More," Seth replied and pointed at one. "That one is anywhere from a hundred and fifty to two hundred feet!"

Chitto chuckled, "Yes, these Sequias are tall, but there is a forest of trees even bigger."

"Bigger!?" Seth asked.

"Oh, yes," Chitto laughed nodding. "If all of us joined hands, we still couldn't get around some of those tree trunks with hands clasped. They are about three-hundred of feet tall."

"No," I said in disbelief. Chitto was like me. He didn't lie. It was just unbelievable. I was waiting on a punchline.

"I've seen them," Chitto said nodding. "I've even climbed one and was scared to death when I reached the top. It was very..." he thought for the word, "humbling."

"I don't doubt that!" I shook my head.

"We'll be coming up on them shortly," Chitto said. "You'll see. You can't miss them."

We went back to looking at the trees.

"I admire you two," Chitto interrupted as we stared at the trees.

I looked at Chitto, "Is there anything in particular you admire?"

"You two have such a great marriage." Chitto said. "I don't think there are two other people better at fitting together." There was a quick laugh under his fur. "Besides Nila and myself, of course." His mentioning his wife had given his voice a touch of longing.

"Of course," I understood that longing having had to leave Seth once for a few weeks before. Our sons were too young to be without us both so long. "The two of you get along well."

"Yes," Chitto said. "You two seem to have read out of the same book! One of you starts something and the other completes it and you don't miss anything. You're like one person."

"Isn't that what a marriage is about?" Seth asked. "Don't you and Nila have a united approach to life?"

"Well, yeah," Chitto said, "but you're..." he slowed down, almost stopping afraid to offend us.

"Both men?" I asked. He was having a problem with that aspect of Seth's and my marriage!? The natives normally didn't!

"No!!" Chitto said instantly, telling me that was ridiculous. "You're both European descendants and white!" He was nodding quickly, "I know you, Erik. You have some of us in you to help," he teased. "The Creator knows what Seth has in him... Do you know, Seth?"

"No," Seth chuckled. "I knew we came here pretty early. Arthur told Darius and Deena several times the family came here at the beginning of the third century. They were part of the original settlers. Since we share the same grandparents, that's mine, too."

"So was mine," I said happily. "Some of my first grandparents here was Cherokee about the same time. I don't know the year, but I heard about the small boat, icebergs, and difficult journey. Are you sure Arthur wasn't just bragging. As you know, he wasn't an honest man."

"This time," Seth began. "He had proof. Among the many family scrolls were written and he had a copy of it."

"He could read it!?" I asked unsure. "It wouldn't be in English."

"No," Seth said. "It was in a Germanic language, Gaelic, and Latin."

I nodded, "That makes sense. Rome occupied the British Isles and tried to take Scotland. Many stayed to fight the Romans. Families with children tried to escape. Many lost a lot of people on the way."

"My family worked with the Romans," Seth admitted reluctantly. Some from Britain considered that collaboration. "They were scribes for them."

"That was over a thousand years ago! That means they were educated!" I said, "That's a good thing. It also explains the Latin. Is there a copy of this in Blethos' Palace Library? I don't remember seeing that."

Seth was nodding and began, "I think it's in the palace vault."

"MY POINT IS," Chitto interrupted loudly at first and then said quieter. "Over a thousand of years or more, who knows who is in your background? I love history, but I see so many couples who think they own the other person like a dog or horse."

"I do belong to Seth," I said. "He doesn't own me and I don't own him."

"He doesn't own me," Seth explained. "Besides," He leaned toward Chitto, "have you seen him with a sword? He bested Creid's champion who is bigger than him. He's quite good."

I shook my head. "You haven't seen the hard work he does," I said. "He's very strong, he could easily hurt ME!"

"Which neither of you will ever do!" Chitto said. "You are an example to be followed."

"There's a reason," I said. "We talk with each other...a lot!"

"And spend time together," Seth finished. "As lovers and friends, practically every day and enjoy it. It keeps us close."

"See!?" Chitto said. "You're doing it even now! Finishing each other's sentences. You're already getting people to see relationships with a greater understanding. There are same gender marriages in A'Dore, Blethos, and Creid is legal now...because of you! Why? Because you're both sons of kings! You're raising two smart sons and no one would dare question either of you on either issue. You were married by the two reigning kings. You European descendants are growing up and beginning to see there is more in this world than just two genders based on anatomy. In a few hundred years, you might catch up with us!"

We made good progress. The road did become difficult in areas where previous wagon wheels on other wagons. Mud had oozed out of the grooves and then hardened and that process was repeated again and again for a long time. I doubt anybody did road maintenance out here. We twice had to add power to the wagon to push it through. Because we needed the horses, we were being careful with them. One of the things we did was let them trot rapidly. Not run. It was a sustained trot. The wagon made us reconsider anything faster. It sped us on to where we needed to be and helped to keep the horses warm. We were cautious about the road, too as there was the occasional hole. We didn't want any horse to trip and break a leg. We had great horses sent from Blethos ' Palace and from Creid. These were choice horses from great stock and part of the Royal Stables for Yannick's Royal Guard. Strong, fast, and I heard descended from horses that predated Yannick's Great Grandfather. They would work well in battle. Chitto's, Seth's and my horse were also from King Sam's Stable. Bred like those from Creid to perform well in battle. The horses we had in Royal Valley were of unknown heritage. Don't get me wrong, they were good horses. Toby had a mare we called Smoky. Toby has loved horses since he was a toddler. Five years ago, Garth and Bent had one of their horses have a foal. A baby horse less than a year old is a foal. Visiting our friends, Toby saw this young, solid smoky grey colored foal frolicking, kicking up her feet and just playing. Just like Dennis and Kitty, it was love at first sight! Smoky followed Toby around in the pasture. At the time, he was just five years old! It didn't take too long for Toby to hold his hand up and stop Smoky, or come to Toby. Who knew what an animal sensed or knew, but Smoky responded well with Toby. You know we bought the foal from Garth and Bent. Toby claimed Smoky was his friend and his horse. They grew up together and Smoky loved Toby. We put a saddle on her and at first only let Toby ride her. That was fine, but she needed to allow Toby's fathers and brother Dennis ride her if necessary. Thomas had one we named Lightning and with the proper enticement lived up to his name. You know? Quick as lightning? Yes, talking about the horses had elements of another rabbit topic. Before anyone says it's Rabbit Season, it is a relevant topic. That assisted us. They were valuable creatures that helped cause the world to not be as large. Distances shortened and humans spread farther on the planet. Alternating the fast gallop with the slower walk and even to rest a bit. There was plenty of water, but finding still water was better. Pools of water were tricky. We would come upon one and scare away other animals in the forest who needed water. We were told we'd meet Wahkooha today, so we weren't rushing too much. The horses had feelings and could get tired, so we made stops. Even had lunch, which we brought with us.

Chitto was right. I knew he didn't lie, but...seeing is believing! We entered a part of the forest where the trees were enormous! Everyone in our party was looking at these monstrosities. They were big at the edge of the forest where the trees were younger, but deeper into the forest the trees were older. The parents of the new trees. The tree trunk was so fat, we couldn't join hands and have them meet. They towered so high, I almost got dizzy trying to see the top.

Again, Beau summed it up, "These are big trees!!" He said in awe.

There were a few "Yeahs."

"That's an understatement," Max muttered.

"I told you they were here," Chitto argued.

"There are different forms of belief," I said smirking at him, but he couldn't see. He heard the tone and got it. "I had belief that you told the truth," I looked up at the tall trees, "and now the belief because we've seen the evidence. I know you don't lie."

When we were at the midpoint of the afternoon, it was warm enough to take our face covering down, much to the relief of Toby who could now see what was being said again. It was still cold, but...oh, you get what I mean. At first, breathing in the air was cold as was the air on my warm face. It took a little while to adjust.

There were just a few hours of daylight left. The road was suddenly well maintained. The groves had gravel on them, so smoother. Coming toward a hill in the road and we were greeted by seven natives on horseback.

"Welcome to Maȟpíya Wókičhuŋze." The man in the center said. The way they were all dressed told us they were part of an organized military. They were natives, but having been exposed to many people from Europa, Scandoval, and even Asia their clothing had changed a bit. They still wore animal skins as nothing was warmer. The style was a little more like Europeans. A lot like Ceto's deerskin dress. There was still the headdress of eagle feathers. I don't know of any tribe that didn't revere eagles. Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles are messengers between people and who created the world. Eagles were prayed to get spiritual counsel and even judgement. They were a connection between the living and the dead. They were given to Chiefs for the position they held. The feathers were used in many rituals and given as a reward to brave warriors following a battle. With these men, no one had less than three. The man next to one in the center right had seven.

The man in the center's headdress had the most and his deerskin was lighter and more elaborate with the fringe, beadwork, and decorative zigzagging patterns from the shoulders. There was the breastplate of bone on his chest.

"This is heaven?" Chitto asked, translating what was said.

The man in the center nodded, "It will be. Gitchi by many. I am Wahkooha." He looked at Seth. "I know you're Prince Seth and the previous King of Blethos." He looked at me. "You are Prince Erik of Blethos and Prince of A'Dore." He moved on, "Captain Maxwell, who is head the King's Guard from Creid..."

"How does he know this!?" Reese hissed a whisper.

"You heard and saw that through Adistan," I said casually and answered Reese's question. "I've sort of done it myself once. I'll never forget it."

At the first meeting, Wahkoowah was proud and confident. I saw that pride and confidence falter a little. His gaze on me seemed to intensify.

"The spirits have touched you," Wahkooha stated. It wasn't a question.

"Almost everyone here has been by this one in particular," I smiled, "but the one that took me like a fast-flying bird across some vast distance wasn't a spirit, good or bad."

"You can say that again," Seth muttered so only I could hear him.

It seemed that Wahkooha was trying to read me. To find out if I was telling the truth? Could he see that?

"It was also because of this being Seth and I were able to marry," I added and grinned at Seth, "It's one of the reasons he became king."

"We too have heard the story," Wahkooha said, still looking at us. "Three of you have been touched a lot. You two and the young one with you have been touched very often."

I looked back at Toby. He was doing what Wahkooha did and looked at Wahkooha intensely. I grinned and turned back. "We have our son because of the magic."

"Can we speak with Tawa?" Chitto asked.

Wahkooha stiffened, "Tawa will speak when he's ready. He sees and hears everything."

"Does he appear to you?" Chitto asked.

"Not in this realm," Wahkooha said. "When he speaks through me, he brings me to his realm and merges with me. I see him there. I bring him inside me to this realm and he does what he needs to. If you'll come with us, I was instructed to welcome you to Gitchi."

"Welcome us!?" Max blurted angrily. "Raids have occurred because of this Tawa! People in all three of our kingdoms are dying! They are being raped and robbed! Supplies to Creid have almost stopped! We were told we needed to be cleansed and worship Tawa!" Max's true feelings were surfacing as spittle came from his mouth. "You want us to feel welcome? The cowards you hired to do this are the worst examples of Humanity driven by greed!"

Wahkooha looked back at Max. "And this verbal attack is supposed to change Tawa's mind?" His voice was calm and he showed no emotion.

"Max!" Seth shouted quickly, then touched Max. "We can talk to him."

The old Creid ways were now coming on his face and his face was becoming the one he used in battle. "The way I see it, there is one person that this Tawa connects with. We kill him and it's over." He was still covered with the fur from the neck down, but I knew the ringing sound of sliding metal as his sword was being pulled from its sheath. The other Creid were getting ready to support their leader.

Wahkooha chuckled, "Tawa will stop you." After he said that, a loud thunderclap sounded in the overcast grey sky and a crackling sound as a bolt of lightning so bright it was white with a touch of blue hit Max's fur where the sword would be. It scared our horses who reared up ready to flee from danger, and the bolt was powerful enough to knock Max from his horse and threw him quite a few feet away. I've seen two lightning bolts hit trees before and knew what damage they could do.

Val, Seth, and I dismounted instantly to go to Max. The other Creid were ready for this battle to continue.

"Tawa will not let you," Wahkooha said simply.

To our relief, Max wasn't dead. We helped him sit up as he shook his head to clear dizziness and confusion. He blinked at us trying to focus. There was the smell of burnt hair as smoke rose from a hole on the right side of the fur covering he wore. I pulled his right hand out and saw it was burned. Only where he'd touched the sword. If the grip hadn't been leather I was sure the burn would have been much more severe. The sword itself had the metal broken an inch from the grip.

I had never seen this sort of magic. Demetrius said he couldn't really hurt or heal anyone. He scared Candor, Arthur's thief, making him think he would, but he never called lightning from the sky to strike anybody. Could he? Surely, Len Na would have used it if she could. She did have an effect on the wind and clouds. She used that several times. Or maybe like Demetrius did, we just saw what she wanted us to.

"Max!" Val shouted, shaking his friend and comrade, but Max looked...stunned. His gaze went to Val as he just blinked. "Say something!"

"Can you understand us?" I asked.

Max looked at me and gave a wobbling nod, but said nothing yet.

"This is a dire situation, I know," I said quietly. "I know the Creid Motto. Whatever it takes. A sudden attack was a bad idea, but I understand." I also shook him lightly. "What it takes now is a plan, but until we know him better. What it takes now is thought and more understanding."

He again gave a wobbling nod. Val and Seth helped Max to his feet. His legs were wobbly, too. He was very unsteady.

"My friend is distraught," I explained to Wahkooha and shrugged. "He is Creid. I'm sure you know their reputation. It won't happen again."

Wahkooha nodded, "Next time, he will die. This was a warning."

I looked again at Toby. He was still just staring at Wahkooha. I knew his vision was sharper than almost any person. I wanted to ask him what he saw; but not now and not here.

Tarasque de Noves