Chapter 8

Like Ryfon, the Wolf clan's healer worked tirelessly to keep the poison from advancing, yet despite his best efforts, it still seemed to progress.

"I have never seen poison like this." Gorwin told lady Zoa, who had come to check on the Woodland King.

"I have seen it once." She told him as she sat on the King's bedside. "It was after the great battle to rid the Mountain of the Goblins that dwelled within it - I was a girl at the time. My Father was the captain of the Guard and had sent a squad to discard any debris left behind and one of the lads accidentally cut his hand on an arrow he had found. The wound was thought to be nothing at first, but soon it began to fester and spread up the lad's arm, turning it black and putrid. My Mother happened to be the healer in our village. I can still remember her working tirelessly throughout the night."

"Did he survive?" Gorwin asked.

Zoa shook her head. "Between the poison advancing and the lads weakened state, he did not have the strength to fight any longer. He was dead by Morning."

"So, you're saying nothing can be done?" He asked looking desperate.

She pondered this a long time.

"Zoa?" He asked again.

"I will think on it. In the mean time we will not give up. Do you understand this?" Gorwin nodded his head. "Good, now get some rest. You must keep up your strength till we can figure this out."

"Yes, my lady." Gorwin said then left the room.

After the elf was gone, Zoa stood up and went to her window and looked out into the distance in the direction of the grove where her friend Rugarth lived unbeknownst to the surrounding world – not even her own clansman knew he existed for sure aside from Filtiarn who had only learned the truth after he took his Fathers place as clan leader. He didn't believe a word of it at first, which was typical of him. He never was one to believe in anything he could not first see with his own eyes. This was probably the reason he spent so much energy trying to sneak into the grove as a child to prove it one way or the other. He probably still had his doubts as he still had no real proof of Rugarth's existence having never see him firsthand, but that was the way of it. Only the appointed Guardian could ever have contact with the Dragon.

"Is that you Mother?" The Woodland King asked her suddenly in his delirious state.

She was afraid to answer at first but then felt too sorry not to. "Yes, my lad." She said as she walked back over and sat on the edge of the bed and placed her palm against his feverish forehead. "Your Mother is here."

"I've just emerged from a most horrible dream." He spoke breathlessly as she reached for the cloth in the basin and wrung it out.

"Yes, well fever can do this to us." She told him gently.

"I feel I am dying."

"Shhh, do not say such things my child. You are not going to die, this I promise." She said, though she knew not if this were true. He was so gravely ill at this point, saving him would take more healing power than Gorwin or Ryfon possessed together. Their only hope at this point would be another healer, which Garok promised to send as soon as was possible, but there was always a possibility that this would not happen. What would they do then, sit by and pray for a miracle? This would never do as it would most certainly mean death for Riandal, and worse for them as such a tragedy while under their care would bring dire consequence, maybe even war as everyone knew of Filtiarn's adherence for the Woodland king. His death would surely be thought on purpose. 'No!' She thought, shaking the thought from her mind. "Rest assured that I will let no harm come to you." She told him as she stroked his golden hair then added to herself, "Even if it means that I do the unthinkable."

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Tyren got up with the sun, dressed quickly then ran down the spiral staircase to the kitchen where he grabbed a few lembas - which he had grown quite fond of over the past months - then ran for the door.

"Good morning." Accalia said from behind him - scaring him half to death. He had no idea she was there until she spoke. She was sitting in the rocking chair in front of the fireplace nursing Alyndra.

"Oh." He said breathlessly, placing a hand on his chest. "You startled me."

"Sorry dear. Where are you off too so early?"

"Just outside to play." He said grinning innocently.

"At this hour, it's barely dawn." She laughed.

"Yes, well - early to bed early to rise." He said giving her a quick nervous laugh.

"You were to bed quite late as I recall. Are you doing something special today?"

"Not really." He lied. "Conall and I were going to play, as usual."

"Oh how nice. I'm glad to see the two of you getting on so well. You won't go far though, I hope?" She asked with a hint of warning to her tone. "With all that is happening, I want you to stay close - no going up on the hill or beyond alone without escort."

"I know. I won't." He said which was of the truth – well sort of. Conall would be with him so he would not be alone and as far as the escort part, well, that would come later – or perhaps not at all at this rate. "I really must go, Accalia. Conall will be waiting." He told her as he inched his way toward the door, eager to get out of the house as quickly as possible so he could get to the hill before it was too late. A day prior, while up in the rafters spying, he overheard Weylyn and a few others whispering about sneaking off to the water fall, which sounded grand. Since the threat of Goblins, Filtiarn drastically tightened security and initiated a strict ban prohibiting anyone from venturing beyond the village – especially the young. Even the sparring hill was off limits unless accompanied by an armed escort.

"Alright, you may go, but I want you back when the guard bell tolls." She said.

"The guard bell?" He repeated, looking aghast.

"Yes." She confirmed.

She was talking about the changing of the guards that stood watch morning, noon and night. Every day and at the end of each shift the bells would toll, signaling the change - which was going to happen approximately two hours from now. "But Accalia that's hardly enough time at all." He complained.

"You can go back out afterwards." She told him. "I just want you to check in periodically to let me know you are safe."

"But no one else has to check in, why must I?" He whined.

"I am not concerned with what everyone else has to do. You are my responsibility and my concern, and I say you will check in at the toll of the bell or not go at all – it is your choice." She spoke sternly letting him know that she had put her foot down on the matter.

"Uhhh. Alright fine, I'll check in for the Valar sake!" He snapped.

She stopped suddenly and looked at him, her expression more intense. "I beg your pardon, but with an attitude like that, perhaps you should return to your bed chamber instead."

He changed his tune immediately. "No, please. I'm sorry. I did not mean to be rude. Please, let me go." He begged though her expression remained unchanged. He intensified his efforts. "Please, Accalia, please? I promised Conall, who is surely waiting for me as we speak - alone. I can't just leave him there. Please. I gave my word."

"Alright!" She said finally, and to his relief. "You may go, but as I said you will return at the bell toll to check in, is this clear?"

"Yes, very."

"I mean it Tyren. If I do not see you back, I will assume the worse and send the guards. Do you understand this?"

"Yes, I understand." He said. "Check in or you'll send the guards. Got it."

"Okay then." She said seemingly satisfied with this. "Have fun – and be careful."

"I will, I promise." He said as he slipped out the door and shut it behind him quickly. Once outside the door, he hurried through the gate wanting to get moving before she changed her mind, which was quite possible for as much as she worried - especially with Garok gone. He was worried a bit himself, he supposed, as he too felt safest when Garok was around, but things were secure enough around here. Maybe even too secure as much as they had to sneak about just to have a little fun.

He ran all the way to the foot bridge, where he and Conall agreed to meet, and found him there pacing. As soon as he saw Tyren, he threw up his hands exasperated. "What the devil took you so long? Surely they would have left by now."

"It couldn't be helped. I'm lucky to have made it out at all with all Accalia's questions."

Conall got a worried look on his face suddenly. "You didn't tell her where we were going, did you?"

"By the Valar, no. Are you mad? I only told her that we were going to play, nothing more."

"Good." He said with a sigh. "I told my Father the same thing, though I doubt he heard me. He did not come home till late last night and apparently got no further than his chair in the sitting room. He groaned when I told him, but then was snoring again by the time I got to the door." He let out a giggle at the mention of this. "He sounds like bear when he sleeps."

"Yeah, Garok too - Anyway, we'd better hurry. I only have till the toll of the bell." Tyren said.

"The toll of the bell? Why only till the toll of the bell?"

"Accalia insists that I check in."

"Check in? Why, there is no point in going at all if that's the case." Conall complained.

"Not if we hurry. Now come on." Tyren said as they both ran off.

When they neared the top of the stairs, they both got down on all fours and crawled the last few to ensure they would not be seen. The hill was empty.

"Drat, they must have gone already." Tyren said very disappointed. He was really looking forward to going to the waterfall, even if it was uninvited. He and Conall had a plan to follow unseen then pop out when they arrived and nothing could be done about their having tagged along. Well, not unless they wanted Tyren and Conall to tell on them, that is. It was a brilliant plan, only now there was no one to follow.

"Oh well, better luck next time I suppose." Conall said with a grin.

"You only say this because you were not keen on going in the first place." Tyren accused as he walked around looking for tracks.

"That is not true. I wanted to go just as badly as you did." He insisted, but Tyren knew better.

Just then, they heard the sound of a horse neigh.

"Duck." Conall yelped as he yanked Tyren into the trees for cover. "Someone's coming!"

It was lady Zoa walking with her horse in tow, talking to Filtiarn who was right behind her looking as annoyed as ever.

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"Pray the Valar, help me…." Filtiarn grumbled as he followed his Mother up the hill. "Is there no one in this clan who will take my instructions seriously? Did I not just give the ordered that no one is to go beyond the village alone?"

"I suppose you could have my dear…." She said with a grin as she continued on. "….I was not paying that close attention."

"Why does this not surprise me?" He spoke in a low tone, but then raised his voice at the fact that she would not take one second to even look at him or stop walking. "Blast it, Mother, can you please stop moving for just one moment and listen to me!"

She stopped then turned around with a great sigh. "What is it, Filtiarn."

"I would like to reiterate to you my newest directive since you were not 'paying attention' the first time around. I do not want anyone going beyond the village without escort till this business with the Goblins is over with and I demand total compliance without question - even from you."

"Oh, my Son…" She said looking on the verge of bellowing laughter. "….how very amusing of you to place such demands opon your very own Mother. Clearly you've forgotten which of us the parent and which of us the child. I do not need your permission to go where it pleases me."

"I am well aware which of us the parent, Mother – may the Valar save my sanity - but being your child does not mean that I have no say in matters that risk your safety, especially during this quandary. Security must be tightened, and every precaution taken, which means no more of these surreptitious rides of yours."

"My rides are not surreptitious." She laughed.

"Then why is it that you make no mention of them to anyone?"

"Because what I do is no one's business but my own, that's why! Now out of the way." She demanded as she went to move past him.

"I said no!" He exclaimed as he reached out and grasped her arm – an action he instantly regretted when she wheeled around and slapped his face. The surprise of it actually knocked him sideways. He was still starring in that direction when she began scolding him.

"I know not who you believe yourself to be, my son, but do not ever presume to handle me like some wayward child!" She snarled in a way that took him back to his childhood. "I am the she elf who bore you into this world and as such, you will show me the respect I deserve, or by the Valar, you will suffer the consequences! Is this understood?!"

"Forgive me, Mother." He said speaking respectfully now. It was true he had no real command over her, not as a leader, not as a son. She was the she elf who had given him life and as such, he could no more rule her than he could the stars in the sky. "I had no right to act in such a manner and for having done so, I am truly sorry."

Her expression softened a bit hearing this and he could see that terrible temper of hers calming a bit. "Apology accepted." She said finally in a more even tone then started walking again.

"I request though…" He spoke quickly - yet delicately - as he continued after her, careful not to touch her. Finally, he had to jump in front of her with hands raised to halt her.

"Blast it, Filtiarn!" She shouted at him.

"It is my request though, Mother - not my command – my request, that you see the reasoning behind the intention, as these lengthy treks of yours, in my opinion, seem a bit impetuous considering the threats that are upon us presently." She opened her mouth to protest this, but his words stopped her. "Please, you are my Mother and I care for you deeply. I would never forgive myself if something happened and I was not there to protect you." She dropped her head and sighed at this point, which meant that his words were sinking in – finally. "All I am asking is that you take precaution and not go off alone till these threats are well behind us. Is this such an outlandish request?"

"Oh, for the love of the stars…" She exasperated. "Fine! I'll not go alone. There, does this please you?"

"Very much." He said looking very satisfied for he had never before been able to make his Mother see reason on anything, she had set her mind to. "…A bit shocked, I must say, for I never imagined the day where you would actually concede to the worries of those around you. Why such an occasion surely calls for a celebratory swig of summer mead."

"Yes, yes, yes." She said with a roll of her eyes. "Go have your summer mead, my exceedingly overprotective son, for I must now go back down the hill and find an escort."

"If you care to wait until tomorrow, I will be happy to accompany you…if it would please you."

"I would not." She said so quickly, it made him laugh. "Besides, you hate the river."

"I do not hate the river. Only to be in, or near it."

"You know, you really must get over this phobia." She suggested. "What happened to you may have been terrifying, but it was a very long time ago."

She was referring to his very near drowning when he was a child – or so was his recollection. His Father always maintained that he was never in any real danger, but Filtiarn sure felt as if he was. He and his Father were returning home by way of the river when a Viper startled his horse which threw him into the fastmoving water that carried him downstream a short way. His Father plucked him straight out, of course, but the damage was already done. He pretty much avoided the water ever since.

"Shall I appoint a guard to accompany you then?" He asked changing the subject.

"No thank you. I will ask Baron." She said speaking of the stable Master.

"Very well." He said turning toward the stairs. "Enjoy your ride, then."

"Yes, I will most certainly." She said as she walked in the opposite direction, but then right at the last minute – and after one last look over her shoulder to make sure Filtiarn had gone - diverted down the very dark, very overgrown, forbidden path to the left.

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As soon as Filtiarn descended the stairs, Tyren stood up and started toward the hill Zoa had disappeared over, which nearly sent Conall into a fit.

"Tyren! Are you mad, where are you going?" Conall whispered harshly. "She will see you!"

"I just want to make sure." He said still moving forward.

"Tyren!"

Tyren got down low to the ground as he approached the edge of the hill and slowly rose up to peek over to see that she was definitely going but she was not there. "She's gone." He told Conall in a harsh whisper.

"What?"

"She's gone. Disappeared." He repeated. Conall came to look for himself. "Where do you think she went?"

"I don't know." Conall whispered as he scanned the area himself. "Not far I'm sure, so I suggest we get out of here before she comes back."

Just then Tyren spotted a path at the edge of the woods he had never noticed before. It was very dark and overgrown and not at all pleasant looking. "Do you think perhaps she went in there?" He said stepping forward to have a look.

"NO!" Conall snapped and pulled him straight back. "You cannot go there. That path leads to the dark side of the mountain. No one ever goes there. Ever! And for good reason, now come away."

"What reason?"

"Why, the spirit of course." He said, careful not to speak too loudly.

"Spirit? What kind of spirit?"

"An evil one that lies in wait for children alone on the path to gobble them whole, that's what kind, now please come away."

"By the Valar first a Dragon and now an evil Spirit – You wolf elves certainly have vivid imaginations." Tyren laughed. "I doubt very seriously lord Filtiarn would allow such a thing within his lands. Surely you were just told this tale to keep you from the path."

"Probably, but tale or no, bizarre things tend to happen in that part of the woods. You don't know the area well enough to know, but I do. It is very creepy and unsafe and…creepy! Besides you have to check in with Accalia, remember?"

"I do not care about checking in with Accalia." Tyren groaned. "It is only because of those ridicules fears of hers that she would insist on something so ridicules anyway, and to this all I can say is that she will just have to get over it."

"Yes, but she said she would send the guards if you did not. If she does this and we are found not only up on the hill beyond the village but down the forbidden path too, we'll get hided – that is, if whatever lurks in there does not kill us first."

Tyren rolled his eyes. "I only want to take a quick look. It's not like I'm asking to go to the grove. I promise we will just step in a few paces, then come straight back out. What do you say? Please."

"Uhhhh." Conall groaned knowing full well he was being manipulated. "If we get caught…"

"If we get caught, I promise to take full blame and any and all consequences. Now come on." Tyren pressed giving him a pleading look. "Pretty please, with a sugar plum on top."

"Alright Fine." Conall sighed. "But just in a little way and then straight out again."

"I promise!" Tyren spoke excitedly as he turned to face the dark path, ready to dart forward, but something stopped him - a feeling, like déjà-vu – and suddenly his nerve wavered a bit.

"Well, what are you waiting for?' Conall asked him impatiently?

"You want that I should go first?"

"Well, I'm certainly not."

"Ok, well..." Tyren said with a slightest tremor in his voice. "Follow me then."

Conall did, as always. "The things you talk me into…." He complained as they moved forward.

"I guess I do have a bit of a knack for it, don't I?" Tyren said grinning back as he stepped forward, not looking where his foot was falling. Immediately something snapped under his boot then all at once a great net closed around the both of them and jerked them screaming into the air.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Unable to sit and worry alone any longer, Accalia bundled Alyndra up and went straight to Shaelle's and Malveron's cottage where she found them in the middle of their afternoon meal.

"Accalia." Shaelle said surprised to see her Sister-in-law – more so by the look on her face. "What's wrong?"

"He promised he would check in with me when the bell tolled." Accalia blurted out as she walked straight in and placed Alyndra into her arms.

"Who dear?" Shaelle asked as she struggled not to drop her poor niece.

"Tyren!" She snapped as fresh tears sprung into her face and began to run down her cheeks. "I told him he must check in with me periodically throughout the day and he promised that he would do so, but here the sun is now at its highest and no one has seen hide nor hair of him."

"There, there now, Accalia, do not cry." Shaelle said gently as she ushered her towards the table to sit. "He and Conall are probably off playing and simply lost track of the time is all. I am sure they are just fine."

"Or maybe something horrible has happened to them?" She sobbed.

"Oh, come now my dear that is very unlikely. Isn't it Malveron." Shaelle said looking toward her husband who never bothered to stop eating.

"Yes. Very unlikely." He agreed with a full mouth. "At least as far as Conall is concerned. We would have felt it if it had."

Accalia's eyes widened. "Oh, by the Valar, he's right. Tyren is not of my blood. I would not know." She said, her voice beginning to rise as she got to her feet looking even more horrified than the moment before. "I would not know!"

Shaelle could have strangled Malveron for planting that seed, now she would never calm her. "Accalia, please you are absolutely coming unraveled." Shaelle spoke firmly as she eyed her husband. "Nothing has happened to them. This I am sure."

"Nothing serious anyway." Malveron added before taking another bite of his food. "They're probably just off on some fool adventure, like last time."

Accalia's hand flew to her mouth.

"Malveron!" Shaelle snapped quite loudly. "Stop saying such things, you are scaring Accalia."

"Oh." He said looking surprised by this. "It was not my intention to scare you Accalia. I was simply saying they…"

"…Are completely fine." Shaelle finished quickly for fear he'd say something else. "Yes of course they are dear, but perhaps we should go look for them anyway."

"Unnecessary in my opinion, but if it will lay your fears to rest - go on then."

"I meant you dear." She told him.

"Me?" He asked looking surprised.

"Yes."

"Right now?"

"Yes."

"But I'm in the middle of eating."

"Yes, I know this my love, but I think finding our children holds precedence over a full stomach, wouldn't you agree?" She retorted as she moved toward the table to help him out of his seat.

"Are you being serious right now?" He said looking a tad annoyed as he tried to fend her off. "This is ridicules. The lads are perfectly fine. You know this Shaelle!"

"Up!" She snapped, not taking no for an answer.

"Uhhh." He groaned as he stood finally then again as he was pushed toward the door – grumbling the whole way over how the two of them were completely overreacting.

Shaelle agreed with him whole heartedly but going out to look for the lads was a far cry better than staying in the cottage listening to Accalia spiral out of control with worry.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hours passed, and still Conall and Tyren were unable to figure a way out of the net they were trapped in. "We are in so much trouble." Conall announced.

Tyren was too busy peering through the net at the path that split up ahead and curved to the left to hear him. "Maybe, she took the fork and traveled up that way."

"There is nothing that way but the Grove." Conall whispered harshly. Tyren looked back at him grinning. Conall scoffed. "Oh please, that's impossible. She would never do that."

"Why not, the rest of you have."

"Yes and each time, the Herilorns have gone completely mental. Just look what they did to you and Weylyn. You're lucky to have gotten out with just a broken ankle. Besides, she is too old and too wise to do something so stupid. She would never risk herself like that."

"No, she wouldn't, which means maybe she found another way."

"There is no other way." Conall insisted with a firm shake of his head. "It's impossible. No one has ever gotten past them. They can't unless…..."

"Unless what?" Tyren asked.

"Unless…." Conall stopped himself from going any further. "Forget I said anything. She did not go there, and that is that, now please, can we drop it? We need to figure a way out of this thing."

"In a minute, but first, tell me what you were about to say - Unless what?"

"I can't tell you. You're an outsider."

"Yes, you can, you just won't, and it's not because I am an outsider. It's because you're a big baby, and you're scared." Tyren told him.

"I am not scared." Conall protested giving him a fierce look that reminded Tyren a little bit of Filtiarn. "You take that back. You know that I am not!"

"Then tell me." Tyren said sat looking a bit smug.

"Fine, I'll tell you. It means nothing anyway as it is just a children's tale, but if you must know, I was going to say, no one but the guardian could get past them."

"The Guardian?" Tyren said looking confused. "But I thought the Heralorn's were the guardians?"

"They are, but there is also another according to legend. Aramog was the first, but after his death the Dragon was all alone, so the Valar appointed another."

"Appointed?"

"Yes, well sort of - My Father told me that it would just come over the chosen one, like a dawning, and suddenly they would just know. Only the Valar knows the logic behind the selection, but whomever it is the chose are said to be extremely gifted and very special."

Tyren looked at him with wide inquisitive eyes. "Do you think perhaps she could be…"

"No, I do not. Don't be ridicules."

"Why is it so ridicules? Why can't she be this guardian? What if she is with the creature right now at this very moment?" Tyren asked, his imagination beginning to run away with him.

Conall was about to answer when they heard the snapping of twigs under foot of a very large angry beast stomping down the path.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Well, well, well." Filtiarn said as he approached the suspended net feeling oddly amused. "Either I've ensnared two of the smallest Goblins I have ever laid eyes upon or some very disobedient children disregarded the explicit command of their elder."

"Grandfather!" Conall shouted, nearly in tears as he peeked through the holes of the net.

"Aye, tis he." He said as he folded his muscular arms over his massive chest. "Which may not fare out so well for you in the very near future. What in the bloody hell are you doing on this path? You know you are not permitted here. "

"I'm sorry Grandfather. I just wanted to show Tyren is all, but I had no intention of taking him any further than this, I promise."

"Did you not also promise you would not go beyond the village or up on this hill unless accompanied by an adult?"

"Yes, Grandfather, but we were just…."

"I don't care what you were just, you were told no and you deliberately disobeyed, isn't that the short of it?" Neither lad answered. "What mischief are you up to now?"

"None." Conall insisted, looking very much like Malveron when he was a boy.

"Baaa." Filtiarn scoffed, recognizing the deception immediately. "I know when you're lying lad, you've got the same look of your Father when he would spin his tales. Now tell me the truth or so help me I'll take a switch to you."

"We were looking for Weylyn and my Uncle." Tyren offered quickly. "We could not find them anywhere and thought maybe they came up here."

Filtiarn scoffed again. "Weylyn and your Uncle are still in their bed chambers, one regretting the very unwise decision to guzzle a barrel of mead and the other nursing a bruised backside for giving it to him – a fate you two may succumb to if you are not careful." He growled as he unfolded his arms and moved toward the tree the net was dangling from. Here he untied the rope and lowered the trap nearly to the ground then let go causing both lads to hit the dirt with a thud. "Do you have any idea how worried everyone has been not being able to find you?" He asked as he dragged them up by their ears.

"Sorry." Conall and Tyren hissed in unison.

"You certainly will be, being where you have no business!" He scolded as he dragged them back up the path to where it met the field then sent them both back into the light of day with a right good swat to the seat of their trousers. "Now get your backsides down that bloody hill and get yourselves home before everyone goes completely mad with worry." The woodland Prince was gone in a flash, but Conall was not so quick to bolt - not just yet. "And what are you hanging about for?"

"You won't tell on us, will you Grandfather?"

'Cheeky little sprite' - Filtiarn thought, cracking a smile before he could help himself. After a long moment, he answered. "No, I won't tell on ye, now get!" He snapped, taking a few sudden steps forward. This got the lads feet moving alright - straight across the field and down the stairs. "Cheeky Sprite, always up to mischief." He chuckled as he stepped back into the woods so he could reset the sprung trap. Filtiarn was no different when he was a child he supposed - a fact that made him feel slightly remorseful for having swatted them, especially on the flipside of having to discipline Weylyn the night before. The whole business still had him feeling a bit nauseous as he never did have the stomach for such things. Neither did his own Father as he recalled being told many years later when he became a father himself. "It was not a pleasant job, my son, but sometimes it was the only way to get through that thick skull of yours." His father would say - which was true. He was pretty stubborn – an attribute he passed down to his own children. Garok especially the way he always challenged the rules. Just look at those bloody tattoos, by the Valar. Filtiarn recalled the day the lad had come to him and Larentia asking permission, to which of course they told him no. Yet the stubborn fool went straight out and did as he pleased regardless. Filtiarn could have killed him, but the tattoos were not even the worst of it. He was always pushing the limits and doing things he was not supposed to – sneaking off, causing mischief, getting into rows, wreaking havoc. Filtiarn thought surely, he would have gone absolutely, mad before the lad outgrew such behavior - which never really happened incidentally. A good example of this being the presence of the Woodland bloody elves, whom of which they were now over run. "It is a wonder I've not gone stark raving mad." He said to himself as he descended the stairs and made his way toward the stable where he found yet another surprise.

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Malveron stopped dead in his tracks when he spotted the lads walking towards him. "And just where under the stars have you two been!? Do you know that we have had the whole bloody village searching for you?"

"Sorry Father." Conall told him. "We did not mean any harm."

"No harm?! You lad's had everyone scared to death. Shaelle and Accalia are going out of their minds with worry."

"Sorry."

"Care to tell me where you were?" He asked causing both lads to look at each other – a hint they were probably somewhere where they shouldn't have been. "Don't look at each other, look at me and answer the question."

Neither lad answered. "Conall?" He warned as he folded his arms over his chest.

"We were on the hill." Conall spoke in such a whisper Malveron could not understand what he was saying.

"Come again?"

"He said, we were exploring." Tyren spoke up.

"Exploring! Exploring what…not the Grove I hope!"

Tyren made a Face. "Of course not."

"Yes, well wherever you were, I'll have you know that Accalia has been spiraling out of control all morning and most of the afternoon, and she has taken my wife right along with her. Do you know what it's like to deal with two hysterical females…ALONE!?"

"We're sorry. It was not our intention to upset them."

"Perhaps not, but it is certainly the outcome, now isn't it? What do you think my Brother would do if he were here right now, knowing you nearly scared Accalia to death with these shenanigans of yours?" Malveron asked with a tilt of his head.

"He'd punish me I suppose."

"Your bloody well right he'd punish you – and deservingly so." He scoffed. "But he is not here right now, is he?"

"No."

"No, he is not, which is lucky for you, but what of Conall? Did you not think of him, or me for that matter? I am his father, which means my wife is going to insist that I remedy the situation in some consequential way and now this whole dreadful business is going to fall solely upon my shoulders when I have not yet even finish my afternoon meal for the Valar sake." He snapped.

"Sorry Malveron."

"Sorry Father."

"I'll sorry the both of you if you're not careful… now get moving, as you now have only the four walls of your bedchambers to look forward to for the remainder of the afternoon."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Accalia was so beyond herself with emotion when Malveron walked through the door with both lads, she could barely speak. Shaelle on the other hand had no problem. "Where have you been!?" She shouted, leaping to her feet.

"It's alright dear, they were just up on the hill, messing about."

"Messing about, with the whole clan searching and calling?"

"We heard no one calling." Conall insisted, which was the absolute truth. They heard no one but Filtiarn and Lady Zoa.

"Never in my days have I been so scared…We thought you were dead!"

"Now Shaelle….no one thought they were dead."

"Accalia did, by the Valar."

"Yes, but Accalia tends to overreact." He said, but then changed tactic when her head snapped around suddenly. "I mean…it was all just a misunderstanding. You know how lads can be. They get into things and lose track of time. They meant no harm."

"Oh, don't 'meant no harm' me Malveron Lycaon, not this time." Shaelle said turning on him now. "I am so exhausted with this 'lads just being lads' mentality, I could scream. You may think light of this, but I do not. Conall! Go to your bed chamber immediately as you have a right good spanking coming to you my youngling!"

"No, please don't punish him." Tyren said stepping forward suddenly. "It was my idea to go onto the dark path. He didn't want to, but I insisted we go to see what it was like, only a few paces in, we tripped some sort of large netted snare. We had been stuck there for hours and would have still if Lord Filtiarn did not come along and set us free."

"Oh, that could not have been good." Malveron chuckled, but no one else shared in his amusement, least of all Accalia who just looked at him.

"He went on the forbidden path." She repeated to Malveron. "I do not see what is so amusing about that."

"It's not, it's just of all the Elves to find you when your…you know."

"What, being naughty?"

Malveron said nothing.

"This is why I worry as I do!?" Accalia cried, nearing hysterics, again. "He is unequivocally drawn to the most hazardous positions one can possibly imagine without fear of consequences or risk. First it was the Grove, now the black path. I shudder to think what is next?!"

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

"No, you will not. To this I will make certain. Now, go to our cottage and wait till I decide what to do with you."

"But Accalia…"

"GO!"

Tyren went

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

An hour later, Tyren heard footsteps approaching his bedchamber door where they stopped. Seconds later there was a knock at his door. "Come in." He said expecting to see Accalia, but it was Malveron

"Hello lad." He said looking reluctant as he stepped into the room and shut the door. "I suppose you're a bit surprised to see me here?"

Tyren nodded. "Did Accalia send you to punish me."

"Me? By the Valar, no." Malveron said as he sat in the chair across from him. "It was suggested, but I told her absolutely not. You are not my child, nor my ward, nor do I have any contract with your Grandfather, the King. In fact, I have no defense what-so-ever to save me from the wrath of the Woodland King should I lay hands on you. No sir, I would like to keep my head right where it is, thank you very much. I told her that if she wanted you punished than she was either going to have to work up the courage to do it herself or find another executioner."

"Executioner?" Tyren repeated nervously.

"A figure of speech - you know what I mean." Malveron told him with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Anyway, I am here to talk to you about what you did today, however. Accalia thought a good talking too was in order at the very lease – though I must preface this dialog by telling you that the days of my youth are not so far back that I do not remember the allure of exploring that which was forbidden. Why I remember when Garok, Argus and I would…I mean…" He stopped suddenly realizing that he was not there to give the child any more ideas, the cleared his throat. "…what I mean to say it that you gave us all a very bad scare today – Accalia especially for she feared the absolute worst had happened to you."

"I know and I'm sorry for that."

"I know you are, but sometimes being sorry does not make amends for the wrong we do. Sometimes we need to pay retribution as well, do you know what that is? To pay retribution?" Tyren shook his head. "It means to pay for your mistake."

Tyren patted his pockets as if searching for coin, but of course he had none. "But what if I don't have anything to pay with."

Malveron's expression turned amused. "No lad. I don't mean with coin…Uhhhh, this is going to be harder that I thought." He said rubbing his hand over his face. "I mean to pay by doing something to atone for what you did wrong."

"What should I do?"

"I don't know, maybe you could work it off by doing some manual labor?"

"Like what?"

"Oh, I don't know - cooking, cleaning, removing the rubbish, chopping firewood, making repairs, taking care of the livestock things like that. Perhaps you could even help care for the baby – you know feed her and change her nappies."

Tyren's face twisted up with disgust. "But I don't want to change her nappies."

"I agree, nappes are at the top of the list of all things unpleasant." Malveron said. "But it would be a wonderful gesture."

"No." Tyren said with a shake of his head. "I won't do it."

Malveron looked taken back by this. "Oh, come now, you have to be chastised in some way."

"Yeah, well I'd rather take a beating, than do that."

Malveron laughed at that. "So would I to be honest. Alright well if not the nappies, then something. I don't care what, just make amends with Accalia. She sees you as more of a son than a ward under her care. She deserves more appreciation than that of what she gets."

"Alright. I'll think of something."

"Good Lad. Well I think I kept my end of the bargain as far as the good talking too goes, what do you think?"

"Yes, you did a fine job." Tyren agreed. "I've learned my lesson!"

"Very well. Now, you are to stay here in your bedchamber till Accalia calls for you." Malveron said as he stood up. "and when she does I would strongly advise a profuse apology for the grief you caused her. You know what overly emotional creatures these females can be."

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Zoastria, my dear." Hogarth said when he saw her coming through the brush. "What a pleasant surprise to see you. I did not expect….."

"I need your help." She said quickly. "I am out of answers and I do not know what else to do."

"Well of course. I would do anything for you, you have only to ask." He told her, and from his very heart, he meant every word. "Now come, tell me what is wrong."

"I want you to heal the Woodland King." She blurted out causing his massive head to jerk back suddenly.

"I beg your pardon?"

She stepped closer and placed her tiny hand upon one of his massive talons. "Please Hogarth. He will die if you do not."

"But I have not healed anyone in over four thousand years, and never anyone from outside the clan. It was always thought to be too dangerous."

"Yes, but without you there is no hope – absolutely none! Can you not see the importance?"

"Do you not see the importance of the oaths that were taken? You swore to keep your silence. You swore to keep my existence a secret. You swore you'd do everything in your power to ensure my safety, and yet here you stand spewing this most outrageous request." He said, his voice growing angrier as he went.

"Yes, I'm sorry, but…."

"Silence!" He roared suddenly, causing her to gasp and stumble backwards to land hard upon her rump. He followed her down with his head, peering at her with one emerald pupil that was nearly as tall as she was. "What you ask is traitorous! Forbidden! Unspeakable!"

"Yes it is, yet here I am to beg you." She said nearly in tears.

He stopped suddenly and raised his massive head high in the air and looked down at her. "Oh please, you call that begging? I say nay." He said then plopped himself down hard enough to make the ground shake. "Try again."

Zoastria just looked at him through tear filled eyes as she sat there on the ground lay there, her chest heaving. "You want me to actually beg?" She repeated.

"Sure, why not?" He said as he watched her.

"Alright then, Hogarth, I humbly beg…." She started, but at this point he could no longer keep a straight face. Seconds later he roared laughter.

She was unsure of what was happening at first, but when she realized he had tricked her, she leaped to her feet and went to pounding on the scales of his chest with her balled up fists. "Oh, you horrible, horrible creature!" She shouted as she struck him.

"I'm sorry." He choked out. "Oh, the look on your face. It was very much like that of the first day I laid eyes on you - priceless."

"Oh, I remember you, old carcass! I thought you were going to eat me alive!"

"Now, now, my dear, you know better than that. I would never harm you and as I have always told you, you have only to ask and the world is yours." He chuckled as he tried to become more serious.

"So, you will help me then."

"Of course, I will. Only I do not think it would be wise that I waltz into your village as large as you please. To do as you ask, you will most defiantly have to bring him here - and quickly as time seems to be of the essence. Will this be a problem for you?"

"I'll think of something." She said as she smoothed her dress. "And I thank you, though you are wretched."

The emerald dragon bellowed laughter.