tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34182955108349743022024-03-28T20:23:19.476-07:00A Catholic AuthorThe stories, drawings and occasional pictures from a young traditional Catholic woman.Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.comBlogger332125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-9813116332757666382024-03-27T12:16:00.000-07:002024-03-27T12:16:14.909-07:00Academy of the Unknown illustrations part 2<div style="text-align: center;"> A continuation of The Two Master's and the Prince</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Previously: Valin, prince of Perlan is left at the Academy of the Unknown as his father hopes he will turn into a warrior capable of running Perlan with an iron fist. Valin is awakened in the night by a huge monster which he attacks.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwwZNUAGF95cw1J4U36nnGuayVkxeM9-tGOZzS5L5slz2ivZufIRkOLNimWVOUSdLJBCT1SqvK5UqyUPCLdMHWfcthf3gUzEkw22u9KrgmkYdB-lS-27bYx7ZJYB520f47nHMQBrvFhkzrmdsOz8PgWjIXbkeeAb8NlZMDqXQcy05q8YNJCsv6E77C76h/s3591/ua%20pg%2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3591" data-original-width="3091" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwwZNUAGF95cw1J4U36nnGuayVkxeM9-tGOZzS5L5slz2ivZufIRkOLNimWVOUSdLJBCT1SqvK5UqyUPCLdMHWfcthf3gUzEkw22u9KrgmkYdB-lS-27bYx7ZJYB520f47nHMQBrvFhkzrmdsOz8PgWjIXbkeeAb8NlZMDqXQcy05q8YNJCsv6E77C76h/s320/ua%20pg%2021.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Valin ran yelling down the stairs. Gavin grabs his swords and almost impales his master, but Gailin manages to halt him</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcWHeIwIEVWhSddxVf_2VQQB8gFgYUYLXWd0Cg-C0Gy8T1_wvftaIacqhta3WKiquKX3QADf6z-J14w1AI88Ximp372-fp_oATvyKukAS30f7Gxh8KZdkb8oFYa8-w9d4uk66DHB1mG5BnyM_ATAJiUiXme6VGhagkpQzr09rOjoSUB4kDLP0MWhuAM8J/s2022/ua%20pg%2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2022" data-original-width="1495" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcWHeIwIEVWhSddxVf_2VQQB8gFgYUYLXWd0Cg-C0Gy8T1_wvftaIacqhta3WKiquKX3QADf6z-J14w1AI88Ximp372-fp_oATvyKukAS30f7Gxh8KZdkb8oFYa8-w9d4uk66DHB1mG5BnyM_ATAJiUiXme6VGhagkpQzr09rOjoSUB4kDLP0MWhuAM8J/s320/ua%20pg%2022.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The story is only partially believed because of the orange blood on the dagger</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjdxeAwMEyi7U2hqctoLalGm9sarqsc6YWQ82Tle4Ax_ToSGE9IwBwRTO4VH1ifv2qHOahV6ZlEiJU3707md5xaoXVuSoEAnr2HvKEHsRmsSchnXNm0VaEh9kEe6MP7628CxOd64GKGE_GY9moQoa6eHzaMhdwHfMxlQZpEQDo9NFyCRSV85WkWx4VUgL/s4160/ua%20pg%2023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjdxeAwMEyi7U2hqctoLalGm9sarqsc6YWQ82Tle4Ax_ToSGE9IwBwRTO4VH1ifv2qHOahV6ZlEiJU3707md5xaoXVuSoEAnr2HvKEHsRmsSchnXNm0VaEh9kEe6MP7628CxOd64GKGE_GY9moQoa6eHzaMhdwHfMxlQZpEQDo9NFyCRSV85WkWx4VUgL/s320/ua%20pg%2023.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Samuel wraps Valin's knife in a cloth</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgBA5jTpygckihCTFhhNi_4kIskmzKZuyaSjFxyQbrWbCgKncBQk3CQtsM2EywP5ytFhQrJ-gO9s5UTznlCaMQSVap_rrSJyg-KTUHOAjCAA6wgdGb8chc7adru9RcV1RGwk6-pKDp0Rj9HFpU66THpUlIDjd10ftneR_6KH8kEUnV0OkessMHkGdOI35/s2916/ua%20pg%2024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="2183" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgBA5jTpygckihCTFhhNi_4kIskmzKZuyaSjFxyQbrWbCgKncBQk3CQtsM2EywP5ytFhQrJ-gO9s5UTznlCaMQSVap_rrSJyg-KTUHOAjCAA6wgdGb8chc7adru9RcV1RGwk6-pKDp0Rj9HFpU66THpUlIDjd10ftneR_6KH8kEUnV0OkessMHkGdOI35/s320/ua%20pg%2024.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next morning Valin finds Lucas has returned but is injured. Aria watches over him and rocks Bale</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_EylYQck1bZ6EiTI0yB3XB3PxR-ksICw9ffxTbPMl1URhahIPJY8nr-14VNkv9RXkkPoxGX9xSPYjTRdwouu4ZLMP8g0bdCMLBnyQvGHRF09Ca49lUmj9Rjvp-PypE7H8fzcybxAtEOg7OjE-glaraMy8xAOJtuphjhlUH7SWOVrf_9qhp9G8TaiaRvk/s3819/ua%20pg%2025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3819" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-_EylYQck1bZ6EiTI0yB3XB3PxR-ksICw9ffxTbPMl1URhahIPJY8nr-14VNkv9RXkkPoxGX9xSPYjTRdwouu4ZLMP8g0bdCMLBnyQvGHRF09Ca49lUmj9Rjvp-PypE7H8fzcybxAtEOg7OjE-glaraMy8xAOJtuphjhlUH7SWOVrf_9qhp9G8TaiaRvk/s320/ua%20pg%2025.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The students blame Valin for Lucas' injury.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back row: Samuel, Merril (Lucas' cousin), Goldie, Rillian (Aria's son)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Middle row: Gailin, Caleb (Goldie's brother), Simeon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Front row: Gavin, Lilian (Caspian's daughter)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmgkwML_j_Vv-pkgARMnDUaai7IYAiavkwdDGeHcnT_pbk6J878mRP8LkuPvcWfKLGLz9V-Z2gkgC-LPnIjJ243eEMX_OOAZVyqu9SFcCqGfrQU-W4xtFNX3yWkgCOIYlIWjjHCXU-6xIX4rZH_yODUGKxLCTfbRGRlxV8PFxqC_Ot7LMVworggKsy1Qa/s3038/ua%20pg%2026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3038" data-original-width="2324" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmgkwML_j_Vv-pkgARMnDUaai7IYAiavkwdDGeHcnT_pbk6J878mRP8LkuPvcWfKLGLz9V-Z2gkgC-LPnIjJ243eEMX_OOAZVyqu9SFcCqGfrQU-W4xtFNX3yWkgCOIYlIWjjHCXU-6xIX4rZH_yODUGKxLCTfbRGRlxV8PFxqC_Ot7LMVworggKsy1Qa/s320/ua%20pg%2026.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Master Jethro orders Valin to sit in the front row with Lilian and Gavin</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUNWYqMbFcVfd2DNKHHcaieaZd_AP2SDPSH5oLwARFbSl6QKhALkFwIvRZO6t1kN0QW-HATVp_gObOLbkL-7V902KyeglaNFHbREY4CepdZkqAOUrFjMB67Vi2NNNBpAy9LdZZm5_ZKKPyBHaWodVd6G3FVTitRCOJW6D1SDXznDzd7GaRzuE_52tzrnM/s3280/ua%20pg%2027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3280" data-original-width="2455" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUNWYqMbFcVfd2DNKHHcaieaZd_AP2SDPSH5oLwARFbSl6QKhALkFwIvRZO6t1kN0QW-HATVp_gObOLbkL-7V902KyeglaNFHbREY4CepdZkqAOUrFjMB67Vi2NNNBpAy9LdZZm5_ZKKPyBHaWodVd6G3FVTitRCOJW6D1SDXznDzd7GaRzuE_52tzrnM/s320/ua%20pg%2027.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Valin is assigned kitchen duty with Goldie and Caleb. Three nobles who should have zero experience</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtx2xBcDNfjIYgNpl2jhqHseSNh8w6YF32qIbQzxXKBd5rIUqBInNzdDNRGDzKKkDB1Q1W8P4MeUJircQiI_A1vy3XViiEEJEAZwUV6LzVyEKFGDx9z8UgzzI5HJu4a2NFI97UbWLqH8odiVk83DBCSH6-bOyGueMjSqE9zm7T7RNXiDaqpwB6d25thhht/s3451/ua%20pg%2028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3451" data-original-width="2674" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtx2xBcDNfjIYgNpl2jhqHseSNh8w6YF32qIbQzxXKBd5rIUqBInNzdDNRGDzKKkDB1Q1W8P4MeUJircQiI_A1vy3XViiEEJEAZwUV6LzVyEKFGDx9z8UgzzI5HJu4a2NFI97UbWLqH8odiVk83DBCSH6-bOyGueMjSqE9zm7T7RNXiDaqpwB6d25thhht/s320/ua%20pg%2028.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While looking for water, Valin finds Gavin is on goat duty, Lilian is on chicken duty, and Samuel is on garden duty</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqY9uKOPnKEoASfIG4Wnoh87DTqeFcYxBkBmrGAmLUVh6Qe2XhybPX9lOf9JG3J_1yo_iqxbcZatNzisUVqBZ-hXE2jklH49DhI_2ahFf_TR4FPkqhv0GicPUEMZWouk_yd-AQr2vYy-VvuaaDcjZFAsNWIuKjo_qE_Oa-A8KjegbLwA-_emjOFnaiDOKc/s3251/ua%20pg%2029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3251" data-original-width="2415" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqY9uKOPnKEoASfIG4Wnoh87DTqeFcYxBkBmrGAmLUVh6Qe2XhybPX9lOf9JG3J_1yo_iqxbcZatNzisUVqBZ-hXE2jklH49DhI_2ahFf_TR4FPkqhv0GicPUEMZWouk_yd-AQr2vYy-VvuaaDcjZFAsNWIuKjo_qE_Oa-A8KjegbLwA-_emjOFnaiDOKc/s320/ua%20pg%2029.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Valin is unable to get any water out of the pump</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWm3chwlFe9jYtKQyOn_Bv4gAVpxpO-f4ePPrvwt7SC9ZHjeVgGv6ot_SeNsUCRRfStReN8T-WA04vf9HbizeGH-USwK-WMcUexcc5qRpEZ5FdflbAWgI2NPdM0eTSJLfRvb7zkHyuCIKHNb4EBaDYHzTXpyLoEbew_4lsSRMd0lxmNmbV5LV75bB01K6_/s3157/ua%20pg%2030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3157" data-original-width="2293" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWm3chwlFe9jYtKQyOn_Bv4gAVpxpO-f4ePPrvwt7SC9ZHjeVgGv6ot_SeNsUCRRfStReN8T-WA04vf9HbizeGH-USwK-WMcUexcc5qRpEZ5FdflbAWgI2NPdM0eTSJLfRvb7zkHyuCIKHNb4EBaDYHzTXpyLoEbew_4lsSRMd0lxmNmbV5LV75bB01K6_/s320/ua%20pg%2030.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Goldie cracked all the eggs at once</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8MOLDDsnDmFEF2XTdfTP-WCNT4721zDi_jUkQaeXPcBRYxq06r9m_u3gDoxsEDgTf5k8E4hGWdLqTgRGc5z_oyu2Fbf71KcIZAUIWk-LKnFpF-K9mXCTlaD3BQqbgCCEfDQzPt_mgFScYwAXm8yKECrJFXvZp950B5av8m1DOOiOXdLyWOMnBoqsgGGN/s3280/ua%20pg%2031%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3280" data-original-width="2674" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8MOLDDsnDmFEF2XTdfTP-WCNT4721zDi_jUkQaeXPcBRYxq06r9m_u3gDoxsEDgTf5k8E4hGWdLqTgRGc5z_oyu2Fbf71KcIZAUIWk-LKnFpF-K9mXCTlaD3BQqbgCCEfDQzPt_mgFScYwAXm8yKECrJFXvZp950B5av8m1DOOiOXdLyWOMnBoqsgGGN/s320/ua%20pg%2031%20.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Valin fires Goldie and Caleb and has Gavin come help him make a real lunch</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSvwSeIEJQaoC77oIxg9vUjErkRmVoTfe9Wwd_m3T1fmY9MoOPlX-Wu5ou1AfcuKIYhWQzml7e5uHn2rxU_CVUeFIs0cqiEmQYliR_IIt4yiVUfzD2nyB8JTxTtbkQnvvn3L9VOIB8a7OaY4Nox_SRrBpa8PJUdCX20g7UUJA60iXm63TtC_2wy_SjGtp/s3600/ua%20pg%2031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="2661" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSvwSeIEJQaoC77oIxg9vUjErkRmVoTfe9Wwd_m3T1fmY9MoOPlX-Wu5ou1AfcuKIYhWQzml7e5uHn2rxU_CVUeFIs0cqiEmQYliR_IIt4yiVUfzD2nyB8JTxTtbkQnvvn3L9VOIB8a7OaY4Nox_SRrBpa8PJUdCX20g7UUJA60iXm63TtC_2wy_SjGtp/s320/ua%20pg%2031.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rillian warns Gavin that he is breaking the rules by having the students swap duties</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlBjFY-rhof0VnHvFSODMt_fMJPAuN7J7Z6a0jg-_mrKPh9ubxS8-HB-3EOvpnDgwiT4EZb9q2OjzsuKcJCKCHI-djxqvyKeFSA2nhCkDRrHnAfoDVdXIfchRMgjebmYHbHMxdQ9KyD_j0WMp1ZKQwWtDM_J4kuU_Fe-M4ETqz4tADHrn4ECLXt_zsyqR/s3556/ua%20pg%2032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3556" data-original-width="2753" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlBjFY-rhof0VnHvFSODMt_fMJPAuN7J7Z6a0jg-_mrKPh9ubxS8-HB-3EOvpnDgwiT4EZb9q2OjzsuKcJCKCHI-djxqvyKeFSA2nhCkDRrHnAfoDVdXIfchRMgjebmYHbHMxdQ9KyD_j0WMp1ZKQwWtDM_J4kuU_Fe-M4ETqz4tADHrn4ECLXt_zsyqR/s320/ua%20pg%2032.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The steward arrives with the rest of Valin's luggage</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaWCkmjO03xbXx9Ds2CYITrdUZBfjlLOb_flv8qLhtApJbev1w9qF98PmUsSHvYxemB2q1KaDHlIzRPDY4dETOQ6OuIAdLBAx6PSViCoXeaLtTM0GeQ1HiCjqCuYjJM_r_h3_Fp-hwZznkGrVo_zRZ45WzSMxUhfNoyGCoeRRJdJ0wgtCGNFYkePGaey6/s2917/ua%20pg%2033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2917" data-original-width="2183" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzaWCkmjO03xbXx9Ds2CYITrdUZBfjlLOb_flv8qLhtApJbev1w9qF98PmUsSHvYxemB2q1KaDHlIzRPDY4dETOQ6OuIAdLBAx6PSViCoXeaLtTM0GeQ1HiCjqCuYjJM_r_h3_Fp-hwZznkGrVo_zRZ45WzSMxUhfNoyGCoeRRJdJ0wgtCGNFYkePGaey6/s320/ua%20pg%2033.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jethro will let Valin keep one box and refurses to let Gavin help his master</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0wFTTi8vYZYtfqQ8r9lrKX6niFs9ImiMPGxt9HQB2CwAuoAn1ncK9ywrlYxJtDlQJ4fkjB_y4REnqKMjkBNTo1vVxWj6tuVad6QSCGC69hMiefBijv9hbAxtOEmqO9fyiLxhoqhZ-mwmZqaw67EIl9kbLFuQGagJ3SwFZebxVTwkFh-0j3chHkVcyPq8/s2916/ua%20pg%2034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="2183" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0wFTTi8vYZYtfqQ8r9lrKX6niFs9ImiMPGxt9HQB2CwAuoAn1ncK9ywrlYxJtDlQJ4fkjB_y4REnqKMjkBNTo1vVxWj6tuVad6QSCGC69hMiefBijv9hbAxtOEmqO9fyiLxhoqhZ-mwmZqaw67EIl9kbLFuQGagJ3SwFZebxVTwkFh-0j3chHkVcyPq8/s320/ua%20pg%2034.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Valin makes a medicine for Lucas</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-VHJQZpHwuQbCRqMWxKC65rmy6zcXzmBsekV_toHGlu4Ab_Kxds_e6m-tH5OBoRBNwhXSa5lVhu3VA9bOy7tXg6NjP31xlMFvboIr_KqrU_uqL68M2I_26y3hstxmQGb7yCGcZsrYxJQuPQSbQ-6zFM9hO2M0hUn05ZVnoonJ0NumQ4nk8itzbZNp6t_/s2916/ua%20pg%2035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="2183" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ-VHJQZpHwuQbCRqMWxKC65rmy6zcXzmBsekV_toHGlu4Ab_Kxds_e6m-tH5OBoRBNwhXSa5lVhu3VA9bOy7tXg6NjP31xlMFvboIr_KqrU_uqL68M2I_26y3hstxmQGb7yCGcZsrYxJQuPQSbQ-6zFM9hO2M0hUn05ZVnoonJ0NumQ4nk8itzbZNp6t_/s320/ua%20pg%2035.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When screams are heard Valin finds a sword in his new box. He gives the medicine to Goldie</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbz0Gehi9ubXNuPjAmFP7W3PEPVylxILwu1cqkns2_wVHpBb1SE3nT1t1aedku9hdjG0MYPTC6rT7mw1mEPARZ5oC_7EuMTaPvUp08ZGRaY1n60Abi7LGI4aklcRUAbFaj9QNp7oMJeF6mbLCeHexd2uJI9In62mJzSa7nDw0OFDtLNnMCev5hMrC2tkg6/s3355/ua%20pg%2036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3355" data-original-width="2494" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbz0Gehi9ubXNuPjAmFP7W3PEPVylxILwu1cqkns2_wVHpBb1SE3nT1t1aedku9hdjG0MYPTC6rT7mw1mEPARZ5oC_7EuMTaPvUp08ZGRaY1n60Abi7LGI4aklcRUAbFaj9QNp7oMJeF6mbLCeHexd2uJI9In62mJzSa7nDw0OFDtLNnMCev5hMrC2tkg6/s320/ua%20pg%2036.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The same monster is back, this time it has Gavin up a tree</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLyOhb9XheJAGJ7LJn7IyxX635fyLOmasHb7tFozgOs2TlMqYFd1HEM5dirSi5mBafb1gIiYrCwBYj61nAbeftLnw2W6bAiO_SBxOOWyZ7UelP3sL6N9bR6Y2DjZDD61IIPLcZL3iAa7xn8JVNo-jpToRQEi6nwpb-dq9lbERCc3WX3NlPWWgTQbhmPgB/s3732/ua%20pg%2037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3732" data-original-width="2622" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLyOhb9XheJAGJ7LJn7IyxX635fyLOmasHb7tFozgOs2TlMqYFd1HEM5dirSi5mBafb1gIiYrCwBYj61nAbeftLnw2W6bAiO_SBxOOWyZ7UelP3sL6N9bR6Y2DjZDD61IIPLcZL3iAa7xn8JVNo-jpToRQEi6nwpb-dq9lbERCc3WX3NlPWWgTQbhmPgB/s320/ua%20pg%2037.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jethro explodes the monster. Debris rains down on Gavin, Rillian, and Valin</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvH3xqCKHlZy9F4Hqi18AWNZR-cT3h4xl8koC1OEx8Pu2qmpXRQtWg4f5nH2fqZNBV2hkUlY6ILgEuFYxquZ201ENp1mHdnvxjdFBhVGtoKmbRLIG2UZKq3YRXTpUG99I18u_E8rqctGLv7F6Of_WaatvMRb-a50OEbebs9bhLJg5jv8FjMJbcqziPsHVL/s3022/ua%20pg%2038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3022" data-original-width="2297" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvH3xqCKHlZy9F4Hqi18AWNZR-cT3h4xl8koC1OEx8Pu2qmpXRQtWg4f5nH2fqZNBV2hkUlY6ILgEuFYxquZ201ENp1mHdnvxjdFBhVGtoKmbRLIG2UZKq3YRXTpUG99I18u_E8rqctGLv7F6Of_WaatvMRb-a50OEbebs9bhLJg5jv8FjMJbcqziPsHVL/s320/ua%20pg%2038.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rillian, Jethro, and Simeon are mad at Valin</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJXLrDDsk0PHlbbkVBr6KcR2YHe8Bl6a5i3udK_KvaqO2qEE4kwmIIDRq8UczEJtU4jcPaVqokaWnL2ysB0WLED80OkCfiHhO7yWSQEOqIUC7Krx9oGmEJHM0h97-ELuFmamu5jlSwlrY6yGE9DXcUFv3QbJsDgRoc1bg4VikFJ9ipikS-IE4w_a9pSr7/s3367/ua%20pg%2039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3367" data-original-width="2389" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJXLrDDsk0PHlbbkVBr6KcR2YHe8Bl6a5i3udK_KvaqO2qEE4kwmIIDRq8UczEJtU4jcPaVqokaWnL2ysB0WLED80OkCfiHhO7yWSQEOqIUC7Krx9oGmEJHM0h97-ELuFmamu5jlSwlrY6yGE9DXcUFv3QbJsDgRoc1bg4VikFJ9ipikS-IE4w_a9pSr7/s320/ua%20pg%2039.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Valin's medicine works and Lucas is able to share his story. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumoOzz3DPlSZjkmfyAjFMdCfq1_sDI6M1TDqmgOZdwM1xUym90JDJxzl33vx2W9EFdTo-4ILJsQLJMikj8jh8jeUeJNhByy16_v-TlneeZ3WcAeQmHJMboAiXBBrsBmvM0qMydNsLm6LaAUfow0_VronhQ0paV0aKWdovy6LW9k-K-Dg5sSa-WjEn6Wlz/s3021/ua%20pg%2040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3021" data-original-width="2275" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumoOzz3DPlSZjkmfyAjFMdCfq1_sDI6M1TDqmgOZdwM1xUym90JDJxzl33vx2W9EFdTo-4ILJsQLJMikj8jh8jeUeJNhByy16_v-TlneeZ3WcAeQmHJMboAiXBBrsBmvM0qMydNsLm6LaAUfow0_VronhQ0paV0aKWdovy6LW9k-K-Dg5sSa-WjEn6Wlz/s320/ua%20pg%2040.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mendel and the steward are escorted to the pavilion by Simeon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(The steward has black hair, I forgot to color it)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0L155X-GRr6LUyruXob2WxYyUupAJ13rXhtze0pCSzyvBVWKth3Y9UECZzqu57cm_jCq44pzYmtS2uwXZbU_ZCqfBK05rK5l7zcutpEXJy6e0cIrQjrBrvxQcDTUUtnpf3wyQmalXQGs2P1_mQUQQ0ZQWw-AJvYvk3r3u6k2aasdPO-cWIWPeAIom0j3e/s3162/ua%20pg%2041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3162" data-original-width="2376" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0L155X-GRr6LUyruXob2WxYyUupAJ13rXhtze0pCSzyvBVWKth3Y9UECZzqu57cm_jCq44pzYmtS2uwXZbU_ZCqfBK05rK5l7zcutpEXJy6e0cIrQjrBrvxQcDTUUtnpf3wyQmalXQGs2P1_mQUQQ0ZQWw-AJvYvk3r3u6k2aasdPO-cWIWPeAIom0j3e/s320/ua%20pg%2041.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mendel is interested in Aria. She agrees to marry him if he'll find a new cook for the academy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To Be Continued</div>Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-61100002500536924192024-03-25T13:55:00.000-07:002024-03-25T13:55:01.451-07:00Academy of the Unknown illustrations part 1<div style="text-align: center;"> There is nothing better than procrastinating on projects I should be working on. How about writing a fully illustrated book to procrastinate on a different book. :D</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A couple of different cover designs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTJgPJw6FAzkiXvppTK0JMz2tLiOfuVXePRuSp3fYVzG-KTS7w_MswQxLuntK5H3TVdXcuE1GcvH8DQ9KtXaZKSeXy0SCyahfqG0oAngGvHixFJOJ8C1finkKty27b2XU6jQJEhlh224SVGAQLwKtKMkqi6aXk0Wud5wFiO7F4GkMCaJfgPj2IC9aR-7Y/s3059/IMG_20240321_090639848%20(another%20copy).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3059" data-original-width="2101" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTJgPJw6FAzkiXvppTK0JMz2tLiOfuVXePRuSp3fYVzG-KTS7w_MswQxLuntK5H3TVdXcuE1GcvH8DQ9KtXaZKSeXy0SCyahfqG0oAngGvHixFJOJ8C1finkKty27b2XU6jQJEhlh224SVGAQLwKtKMkqi6aXk0Wud5wFiO7F4GkMCaJfgPj2IC9aR-7Y/s320/IMG_20240321_090639848%20(another%20copy).png" width="220" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Top: Master Caspian</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Middle: Master Jethro</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bottom: Crown prince Valin</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4TCoxLTQN5LGS0D5-FHMTjq9B9nMrK8m_-OmD0eS17kdb5c_e3fZXs_BdoInkb82jj-n2k9VCUXEgNC9vdwJIoVEztrBmzSXm79jd1DChN0wpLG8NGrFGr778nkxJpsv8xCRPOWS0mB9pK9Pq103fd7URVzx1RrO6m2EIbYzhFZFpce7D-98QM28ggs8/s3059/IMG_20240321_090639848%20(copy).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3059" data-original-width="2101" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4TCoxLTQN5LGS0D5-FHMTjq9B9nMrK8m_-OmD0eS17kdb5c_e3fZXs_BdoInkb82jj-n2k9VCUXEgNC9vdwJIoVEztrBmzSXm79jd1DChN0wpLG8NGrFGr778nkxJpsv8xCRPOWS0mB9pK9Pq103fd7URVzx1RrO6m2EIbYzhFZFpce7D-98QM28ggs8/s320/IMG_20240321_090639848%20(copy).png" width="220" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWgqRHmjQQQMiqrJQPDPY_HbBh72bbR2wy9K0o6YHy39i4CCa1lgGNeT6lujMzqrkk4yrPQUQGRl3w9Ehy1LWiBOCTIcxTtGOwWmYibqoc73vG4qP2uegCOzK7HeiVoT73K4m4Ab6Dw563LcVGne47Dhhn1bIkbNYZ6Hgy-B7fQAZg4RnanVBa6lpEADj/s3059/IMG_20240321_090639848.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3059" data-original-width="2101" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWgqRHmjQQQMiqrJQPDPY_HbBh72bbR2wy9K0o6YHy39i4CCa1lgGNeT6lujMzqrkk4yrPQUQGRl3w9Ehy1LWiBOCTIcxTtGOwWmYibqoc73vG4qP2uegCOzK7HeiVoT73K4m4Ab6Dw563LcVGne47Dhhn1bIkbNYZ6Hgy-B7fQAZg4RnanVBa6lpEADj/s320/IMG_20240321_090639848.png" width="220" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYefjAGOzAAqfd6q4LXMj4KPJfirnPo7Jz_Hu03HNCRuUjgPZuLABBTdCp3nX_RZeS_Ek9NkPXr7zeUEs1c7YzGOZTHVWAUZJiLYMxPMiYuZyLcxsMttgqGYU9AdOrmu8tgpADFNGrVv-jfKBp1v0fS06R_GAy-CbEFM6NGCtewKjGb0BuSVC9_DKgneYV/s1920/ua%20pg%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYefjAGOzAAqfd6q4LXMj4KPJfirnPo7Jz_Hu03HNCRuUjgPZuLABBTdCp3nX_RZeS_Ek9NkPXr7zeUEs1c7YzGOZTHVWAUZJiLYMxPMiYuZyLcxsMttgqGYU9AdOrmu8tgpADFNGrVv-jfKBp1v0fS06R_GAy-CbEFM6NGCtewKjGb0BuSVC9_DKgneYV/s320/ua%20pg%201.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The kings of Perlan and Fanta were enemies fighting over the control of the great continent</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJ_Mg05JLiyWUaU1MXLNWfmTSTkDRneYP4UB8hyphenhyphenU1jNsclNxcIXN3voKrNG2v3L5kGiUPtIxviPuGHHim5eG3uny5bZf0QljNHgZJgob8WScfiMCSfQwxxpi8pwBftFhST2Xurjpt-hduqbPYgq45WnMySYtDZ4QF5XDYVc8r5yhF3QJfFbE2mldiwLep/s2916/ua%20pg%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="2183" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJ_Mg05JLiyWUaU1MXLNWfmTSTkDRneYP4UB8hyphenhyphenU1jNsclNxcIXN3voKrNG2v3L5kGiUPtIxviPuGHHim5eG3uny5bZf0QljNHgZJgob8WScfiMCSfQwxxpi8pwBftFhST2Xurjpt-hduqbPYgq45WnMySYtDZ4QF5XDYVc8r5yhF3QJfFbE2mldiwLep/s320/ua%20pg%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An unhappy messenger sent to inform King Mendel of Perlan that his invasion of Fanta had failed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35k2G9bXjQlQtO4YLLHo3Wscbhbs6SFgF8fvlsRSeKosDCFQxaOmcLdWdeAbXf1j3H_cqpezSXZ549pl1PmCw-erHkIeFnMSqp68rFP7TNbv3wyPnuICN3ld7nvEB2YMuv6X5minP66jotdPMYBuceXl5B68ZQEZV16ymzo0-5GPmQzT8nzl1EMPEYIKk/s2916/ua%20pg3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="2183" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35k2G9bXjQlQtO4YLLHo3Wscbhbs6SFgF8fvlsRSeKosDCFQxaOmcLdWdeAbXf1j3H_cqpezSXZ549pl1PmCw-erHkIeFnMSqp68rFP7TNbv3wyPnuICN3ld7nvEB2YMuv6X5minP66jotdPMYBuceXl5B68ZQEZV16ymzo0-5GPmQzT8nzl1EMPEYIKk/s320/ua%20pg3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lady Azillia and her youngest child, Veronica. Lady Azillia is afraid her husband and son will be punished for the failed invasion</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidq4rAZ7FY4C3HgJlW9geSJZ4qwuYg9JoTQpAwmcnb3R64W3EGyDC1cFMTNwnNHiH8vXK2yE-pHJFc4-2csGMculzLfUGxMUCOJj98swL_GO4oxAaMNAqXbO1d56tyIkvhRfWAd9bth4pcstX6IEPXGekK7Ug4zXh9WMeqW0htwD5t3OqOLBpVfrNMnpoX/s2916/ua%20pg%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="2183" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidq4rAZ7FY4C3HgJlW9geSJZ4qwuYg9JoTQpAwmcnb3R64W3EGyDC1cFMTNwnNHiH8vXK2yE-pHJFc4-2csGMculzLfUGxMUCOJj98swL_GO4oxAaMNAqXbO1d56tyIkvhRfWAd9bth4pcstX6IEPXGekK7Ug4zXh9WMeqW0htwD5t3OqOLBpVfrNMnpoX/s320/ua%20pg%204.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">King Mendel's long suffering steward</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwPaGmeq22OAyObn8R7_1jc-LCIuVVwvbaJrOjUwBdTZyWXHEaXxKd5TiwPg-bDO-e0uBkDRxuL6Vi0AO7xKfBz-ByfrlRz8QFR428-UAVmHP9f6RBF6c43D9BzQffum6CP4I9o6PWA66bNPmYcSK_hTEjwj6WNZJUwxyNWV-KNH9N3uL-zrnNjLhwUlh/s3728/ua%20pg%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3728" data-original-width="2946" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwPaGmeq22OAyObn8R7_1jc-LCIuVVwvbaJrOjUwBdTZyWXHEaXxKd5TiwPg-bDO-e0uBkDRxuL6Vi0AO7xKfBz-ByfrlRz8QFR428-UAVmHP9f6RBF6c43D9BzQffum6CP4I9o6PWA66bNPmYcSK_hTEjwj6WNZJUwxyNWV-KNH9N3uL-zrnNjLhwUlh/s320/ua%20pg%205.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mendel's nephew, Gailin, oldest son, Valin, and youngest son, Callin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Valin ponders why no one likes him.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91UvdYHHnFmI4a-XKYkjN_o8TySvIfnss40OjJ8fRG2L1iahLCy2ACzS7BImRNorQ4Xcxp2LwsxlJ0YEbNMYh7-5rSecSDi_dmb7DQXOXkVBb7jG2Kg0zmU-zrhSXp_Itd4Gz12A8dNWahN9CT0SMYFI4yK5wf3zKTYD0M0rsH7B2tARb-KF_nhceov5K/s3824/ua%20pg%206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3824" data-original-width="2964" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg91UvdYHHnFmI4a-XKYkjN_o8TySvIfnss40OjJ8fRG2L1iahLCy2ACzS7BImRNorQ4Xcxp2LwsxlJ0YEbNMYh7-5rSecSDi_dmb7DQXOXkVBb7jG2Kg0zmU-zrhSXp_Itd4Gz12A8dNWahN9CT0SMYFI4yK5wf3zKTYD0M0rsH7B2tARb-KF_nhceov5K/s320/ua%20pg%206.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mendel's middle son Jaylan argues with his cousin Gailin and eventually agree to a duel</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMA5-Acr-L8kxImpXdF0zsEmfZRwE717yW_GVzCkYtcGzP94ToFZwh3u0S_UrSEJMuc93qa4WZeWN3KbdpTPfLwshRu_mggcOVftL45dwkOPdBiuJ9ztu4rfViaefaAwdMnQvkSkFZkWxYbQURFjkFlWEM1tEh2j01oeiXodp5BT-pEXPUDk19QtLslVbb/s4160/ua%20pg%207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMA5-Acr-L8kxImpXdF0zsEmfZRwE717yW_GVzCkYtcGzP94ToFZwh3u0S_UrSEJMuc93qa4WZeWN3KbdpTPfLwshRu_mggcOVftL45dwkOPdBiuJ9ztu4rfViaefaAwdMnQvkSkFZkWxYbQURFjkFlWEM1tEh2j01oeiXodp5BT-pEXPUDk19QtLslVbb/s320/ua%20pg%207.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gailin prepares to take on Jaylan while Valin is forced to b his backup</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvU-G879-5lDBsUJVoo-fR06U_zxB1CwATdkWciG9PWqPr2hiMOtAyhRbDTKnv6teyaCV5QGgVjuUWFohxK8sU8ADQOQe5teGJsU4S6OtptShzg4cYwELYnGGi8xUyse2yJ33TO6iibF7XeihRR9q95FHJEhtd3MUDda3jbFBG1OyIsrWrWTS-B7ca7CMx/s4160/ua%20pg%208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvU-G879-5lDBsUJVoo-fR06U_zxB1CwATdkWciG9PWqPr2hiMOtAyhRbDTKnv6teyaCV5QGgVjuUWFohxK8sU8ADQOQe5teGJsU4S6OtptShzg4cYwELYnGGi8xUyse2yJ33TO6iibF7XeihRR9q95FHJEhtd3MUDda3jbFBG1OyIsrWrWTS-B7ca7CMx/s320/ua%20pg%208.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gailin takes Jaylan down in a surprise move while Valin looks on in amazement</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGcZks16g4V8tutNKRv34HP37DYuD0Gleo5ufXuzcpJdlixt97cSTh-RVDDmSvNfI3fLY__ox6RGfB0aThdqvrCwMRB1aaqCx2RCgf7bZHTocVWpPLGVWylUvQ8sIXC8wfp4SeXNHXixQLtH4MFvgVahzJusapXM3Je5N571hFQU_5k2-POz9pLUoNSdU/s4007/ua%20pg%209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4007" data-original-width="2994" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGcZks16g4V8tutNKRv34HP37DYuD0Gleo5ufXuzcpJdlixt97cSTh-RVDDmSvNfI3fLY__ox6RGfB0aThdqvrCwMRB1aaqCx2RCgf7bZHTocVWpPLGVWylUvQ8sIXC8wfp4SeXNHXixQLtH4MFvgVahzJusapXM3Je5N571hFQU_5k2-POz9pLUoNSdU/s320/ua%20pg%209.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mendel watches the fight and gets an interesting idaa, while the steward is afraid that Mendel will have someone executed</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvYydFalZL_y1SQXkfzNuMHEK7iIBdvMoPSasYw5WKi13NC5HIWuE2eBTAYJ4ReoCX0eApHenGsCU-QxtfXqZEpkl9eui_-Vk5AwXUs2e65COu2FUlXKvykp5dX0Kb00n5_5QooI56nqLa_tTlbJfVmP8XEGa2JYDIYVu0RnCkHTLYEn45TQxEDvOgiIZ/s2916/ua%20pg%2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="2184" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpvYydFalZL_y1SQXkfzNuMHEK7iIBdvMoPSasYw5WKi13NC5HIWuE2eBTAYJ4ReoCX0eApHenGsCU-QxtfXqZEpkl9eui_-Vk5AwXUs2e65COu2FUlXKvykp5dX0Kb00n5_5QooI56nqLa_tTlbJfVmP8XEGa2JYDIYVu0RnCkHTLYEn45TQxEDvOgiIZ/s320/ua%20pg%2010.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Simeon, a student at the Academy of the Unknown reluctantly waits to greet the royal family of Perlan</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1LqlbTzch0f0LL11TMNIHIU1s6GzmtPct64qXai1p35REfw6wSSkgopD3FXqXXRCvqevIT3DR7S3-MdmLaRvC525x0pN4QcvdmkDoeKb0wcFbGOE1HE9s2dKWzQJNfCPc269Wuw2_3ewOMq4X3W2mZz1-Sr2_gIU-gFs2XFrU3GgPvEpikrzkA2oY4Pd/s2917/ua%20pg%2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2917" data-original-width="2184" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1LqlbTzch0f0LL11TMNIHIU1s6GzmtPct64qXai1p35REfw6wSSkgopD3FXqXXRCvqevIT3DR7S3-MdmLaRvC525x0pN4QcvdmkDoeKb0wcFbGOE1HE9s2dKWzQJNfCPc269Wuw2_3ewOMq4X3W2mZz1-Sr2_gIU-gFs2XFrU3GgPvEpikrzkA2oY4Pd/s320/ua%20pg%2011.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Master Caspian</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrV-BYPinQhMyf7rWJGU2xYSLoIst9LBXXdr6b1g5vMUGMfX-TBefOy1VDApNo8vvdZgZsUrsdn3T44CYmuhVn6hGRNvFlw982YpkU1gml12rsMsLpCabtxb9wosWHo5AKL1yG_iPS7AcpKfNRRdrsHIoWSpj-lzuYewDodl_fU24A23egBCvI4920iQ-J/s3424/ua%20pg%2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3424" data-original-width="2569" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrV-BYPinQhMyf7rWJGU2xYSLoIst9LBXXdr6b1g5vMUGMfX-TBefOy1VDApNo8vvdZgZsUrsdn3T44CYmuhVn6hGRNvFlw982YpkU1gml12rsMsLpCabtxb9wosWHo5AKL1yG_iPS7AcpKfNRRdrsHIoWSpj-lzuYewDodl_fU24A23egBCvI4920iQ-J/s320/ua%20pg%2012.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aria, Caspian's widowed sister-in-law and cook</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwF2vlbTIZkkmDXhGQ7CffRmnqKwnZXUdVtQQzaRFWNTO_HSHnwndKvVRkuDQGbq6kprTcPnKOj3BwxGvEOskiPI1-8uoiikzpjTIV0-Muex8-qe_uzdL0Ew6CzGhXjuWig3VvqhkTot1KXZeA7_Dhtw76Exe1qVjC1ZJ_EwbXflZqDaSIW0LgCPi4BGp7/s2916/ua%20pg%2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="2184" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwF2vlbTIZkkmDXhGQ7CffRmnqKwnZXUdVtQQzaRFWNTO_HSHnwndKvVRkuDQGbq6kprTcPnKOj3BwxGvEOskiPI1-8uoiikzpjTIV0-Muex8-qe_uzdL0Ew6CzGhXjuWig3VvqhkTot1KXZeA7_Dhtw76Exe1qVjC1ZJ_EwbXflZqDaSIW0LgCPi4BGp7/s320/ua%20pg%2013.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Valin's servant, Gavin, stands on guard. Simeon and his brother Samuel are shocked at the way the king is speaking to their teacher</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcwVZhV7KyBAlluWC2HV75Oo5Q0GwhyRowq1iP-glT2b1Kn8SJN3k8srCCONUVBxV9jUS_L_8l0mtXC4HDXq0F6bh51Y1F2CH5QPwGsEs27Op984n_IzeRb8SZf-qZvscdUohAuZWUAvTdScD77iY8jWlbwF4Eg7LNnnDX0nSnP3NvC_JVLe5tuZe3QmG/s3302/ua%20pg%2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3302" data-original-width="2604" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcwVZhV7KyBAlluWC2HV75Oo5Q0GwhyRowq1iP-glT2b1Kn8SJN3k8srCCONUVBxV9jUS_L_8l0mtXC4HDXq0F6bh51Y1F2CH5QPwGsEs27Op984n_IzeRb8SZf-qZvscdUohAuZWUAvTdScD77iY8jWlbwF4Eg7LNnnDX0nSnP3NvC_JVLe5tuZe3QmG/s320/ua%20pg%2014.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dinner at the Academy, when Mendel announces that Valin, Gailin, and Gavin will remain at the school and study under Caspian.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aria is serving, Valin is shocked, his sister, Tatiana, is horrified, Caspian is thunderstruck, Mendel and Callin showing only their backs, Jaylan is floored, Gailin is dismayed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Note: Gailin is already a student at the school, but prefers to walk ten miles home each night to be with his mother)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssK-I1zAk7jXU6Aj4GFIb_IZgFgsLiudejsTXlyerVAjk1aMGJF15945glv91LMEOBoLQkms6WD3j619YUfDMAvETsw-D8qNf-Vq61MyA9qL4dx0Ez4inX28gsT7Fq9AmE5WbDdI6Ji_Nt9oTp0DUNVd1ZqTneYjevze9YszQAGzVHBAUppjafWLG_aT7/s3070/ua%20pg%2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3070" data-original-width="2376" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssK-I1zAk7jXU6Aj4GFIb_IZgFgsLiudejsTXlyerVAjk1aMGJF15945glv91LMEOBoLQkms6WD3j619YUfDMAvETsw-D8qNf-Vq61MyA9qL4dx0Ez4inX28gsT7Fq9AmE5WbDdI6Ji_Nt9oTp0DUNVd1ZqTneYjevze9YszQAGzVHBAUppjafWLG_aT7/s320/ua%20pg%2015.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Master Caspian loses his temper and throws prince Jaylan out of the pavilion</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nafpaH14h85o1CkQO0JWBIDILQ4Io7ZsE3X5_bapBp6kSdJdOE7E6vTB4i5-tMCNrVSoI8h2BFhlabd_qDAXxWRPTjJAhRUQWoD6RTIs7e-g8gmaizKfoCLdyWlb3ihLB-X0Q6OwzNkjZkFKJ1pPgiQw2Wbqg-mddazy6rkb7sWb1IaIN7bJl17Lxuhm/s2916/ua%20pg%2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="2183" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4nafpaH14h85o1CkQO0JWBIDILQ4Io7ZsE3X5_bapBp6kSdJdOE7E6vTB4i5-tMCNrVSoI8h2BFhlabd_qDAXxWRPTjJAhRUQWoD6RTIs7e-g8gmaizKfoCLdyWlb3ihLB-X0Q6OwzNkjZkFKJ1pPgiQw2Wbqg-mddazy6rkb7sWb1IaIN7bJl17Lxuhm/s320/ua%20pg%2016.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gavin, was not happy to remain at the academy</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUbzIac4Lu19rvImAZZt507W_GivGnwN-HEcfSH2DmijTjPtAVnHHEcZst79cBWECyTLRXWuVKkrkbwsSKp137Gc3ruDCdf5h5Vg45d-BYFoi2ot-V2yPQlfTi4zUkfXbyuJQ-NuliwMOEXp63BFfsvkUCd6f5n_r4BTalDxQl7BKc8JRvAkaKHtEaTZj/s3240/ua%20pg%2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3240" data-original-width="2534" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUbzIac4Lu19rvImAZZt507W_GivGnwN-HEcfSH2DmijTjPtAVnHHEcZst79cBWECyTLRXWuVKkrkbwsSKp137Gc3ruDCdf5h5Vg45d-BYFoi2ot-V2yPQlfTi4zUkfXbyuJQ-NuliwMOEXp63BFfsvkUCd6f5n_r4BTalDxQl7BKc8JRvAkaKHtEaTZj/s320/ua%20pg%2017.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Resident student, Lucas, supports his orphaned nephew</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2FST0Agi9NU98M9GF_XNhyphenhyphenqvZeOKP4-5pTtDbqavBOv6ksDrz3oMesN1en24YU2NETuow0lL07KKMlE3V1LINDYIKPTwhuQ0NIkqGNxKw4cLTv7oiOyIH0izbhPKwOCq6EXCbhVJF7UoxgZ3E9SZXlEp7zc4CfOroxPaZmHTClMV1hdvfRjaFP4vGOyO/s3511/ua%20pg%2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3511" data-original-width="2698" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2FST0Agi9NU98M9GF_XNhyphenhyphenqvZeOKP4-5pTtDbqavBOv6ksDrz3oMesN1en24YU2NETuow0lL07KKMlE3V1LINDYIKPTwhuQ0NIkqGNxKw4cLTv7oiOyIH0izbhPKwOCq6EXCbhVJF7UoxgZ3E9SZXlEp7zc4CfOroxPaZmHTClMV1hdvfRjaFP4vGOyO/s320/ua%20pg%2018.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Master Jethro</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2heET2WibP-yjY5C_q6KENCaq1xxkLOC8yPefZo62z9LonTqQA6hP8XA2T1f86CJFlrpu1He1DmbEs2l76qdEpdJeXDvlGsGJM6Y-EmHOmLZsK9dTMTlzl9gEErUd2-EW5QHTzKQhh0z-x9EoSt3lkU2xWa3dHBs5bxWZJRE-namCZmEfh3OhaLE9Sku/s2911/ua%20pg%2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2911" data-original-width="2183" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2heET2WibP-yjY5C_q6KENCaq1xxkLOC8yPefZo62z9LonTqQA6hP8XA2T1f86CJFlrpu1He1DmbEs2l76qdEpdJeXDvlGsGJM6Y-EmHOmLZsK9dTMTlzl9gEErUd2-EW5QHTzKQhh0z-x9EoSt3lkU2xWa3dHBs5bxWZJRE-namCZmEfh3OhaLE9Sku/s320/ua%20pg%2019.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Valin ponders his unhappy circumstances in his new room</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkHaK3MAeyuVo-d93N6o8A_0PFE_MkTUOJBxOwulLXPIV3wUyYG13cfJO-VjJvo_F2rOqB83YlG1SpqipOIK2Ej0OVdc_8DVWXDeA6-2wNDbyKcQxA_HIa-hSR3-qsdpXGu3_uyj6nlYc9YlvG0QAieBgYEYDkO7BvqF3YV5WY4CvIn_G_X2l191MllGw/s3517/ua%20pg%2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3517" data-original-width="2635" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkHaK3MAeyuVo-d93N6o8A_0PFE_MkTUOJBxOwulLXPIV3wUyYG13cfJO-VjJvo_F2rOqB83YlG1SpqipOIK2Ej0OVdc_8DVWXDeA6-2wNDbyKcQxA_HIa-hSR3-qsdpXGu3_uyj6nlYc9YlvG0QAieBgYEYDkO7BvqF3YV5WY4CvIn_G_X2l191MllGw/s320/ua%20pg%2020.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Valin is awakened by a noise and opens the balcony door, which does not exist, to find a vicious loathsome creature who wants to eat him. To save himself he cuts off the tongue with his knife and throws his torch down the creature's throat.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">To be continued</div>Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-67117259292670525122024-02-19T11:57:00.000-08:002024-02-19T11:57:44.103-08:00300 Writing Prompts (No. 1)<div style="text-align: center;">I received a 300 Writing Prompts journal as a gift, but I decided to finally start using the prompts to write short snippets of conversations between character to help with character building.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Quote: What is your favorite way to spend a lazy day?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrvk7H2uQ3d0x8TBKfzwab2ZxHASzNABtEGyATQuqRT_thlFhpeklFIeDRXPuo2BYpuTMyhafv5v021OwzEI_K8oQp2vDEDR6G-ViR88a8Vv_TOJVwVd76N-hmRzig3CS76kO3_4UYKcWVG6YUx0MwesfLor0QmKUpP8OVPwQLYafOQeC3pBaRnhGaV0g/s1024/E0wTd1jWaG393rdMU3FO--1--zb5ek.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrvk7H2uQ3d0x8TBKfzwab2ZxHASzNABtEGyATQuqRT_thlFhpeklFIeDRXPuo2BYpuTMyhafv5v021OwzEI_K8oQp2vDEDR6G-ViR88a8Vv_TOJVwVd76N-hmRzig3CS76kO3_4UYKcWVG6YUx0MwesfLor0QmKUpP8OVPwQLYafOQeC3pBaRnhGaV0g/w400-h400/E0wTd1jWaG393rdMU3FO--1--zb5ek.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_htpGLLEwsStKh37mmAoM1hXlrS_xsL0oP0X3Yyx32yHv9n8aS89TaxSt3pPVbw913z7tPCxPGUn7fjceTOYQkh9ZSFG8iun-VsoxOcGd8KnXd6bSx6Rmu6R9X8IEXdMPKIoKXQCJWfwtDfaI7R_jKKMESExBuk8nBi924cAuhMr5yxTIg4Ib3oZr1Q-/s1024/D5OplifDO5lMUHCs9F4v--1--q42kr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_htpGLLEwsStKh37mmAoM1hXlrS_xsL0oP0X3Yyx32yHv9n8aS89TaxSt3pPVbw913z7tPCxPGUn7fjceTOYQkh9ZSFG8iun-VsoxOcGd8KnXd6bSx6Rmu6R9X8IEXdMPKIoKXQCJWfwtDfaI7R_jKKMESExBuk8nBi924cAuhMr5yxTIg4Ib3oZr1Q-/w400-h400/D5OplifDO5lMUHCs9F4v--1--q42kr.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Conversation between Priscilla and Gabriel from "Fairy Godmother" series)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Babbling Brook</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"What is your favorite way to spend a lazy day?" I asked Gabe. He stared at the rippling water of the brook. Then he stooped and picked up a flat pebble. With a flick of his wrist he sent it skipping downstream. 1... 2... 3... I counted ten skips before the pebble struck a twig and sank. I thought he hadn't heard my question, so I repeated it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span> "I haven't enjoyed a lazy afternoon until today," Gabe said quietly, "Those years of twiddling my thumbs in prison could hardly be called enjoyable."</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span>"You didn't like being a wizard's apprentice?" I asked quickly, hoping to turn the conversation from the reason for his being in prison in the first place.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span>"Mother would have me join the Society of Wicked Uncles." Gabe said with a wince.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span>"I didn't know you were an uncle." I gasped. I knew none of his brothers were married, which made me wonder if there was a lost sister.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span>"She hoped one of my brothers would provide me with a niece," Gabe explained, "I joined the Wizard Apprentices to stop her plans."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span>"But why a niece?" I wanted to know.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span>"Because a girl cannot inherit the throne of Lower Gingerbread, therefore, according to my mother, she wouldn't be much use for anything else."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span>"I never liked your mother!" I declared vehemently.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span>"Better look to yourself," he reminded me, "When you learn to stop meddling my mother will learn to as well." I turned to glare at me and realized he was teasing me. But secretly I wondered if this was another reason the princes of Lower Gingerbread had sabotaged their mother's attempts to marry them off.</span></div>Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-9501184265237849892024-02-03T08:57:00.000-08:002024-02-03T08:57:23.181-08:00Illustrations<div style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_gpgO50yNVspmoqzprtjX7za46_tmvx6ikPi90iCFRPAsEMwKxGJ5WvL2ebrA81COsYjR8p-lAWWYmqEttssiuT_3GvjS8zIEuABcWpfTHgT8Eoc_D4qsCjHjJKinubMYNqqoyquAG691YaHfs0gK0MSIazuIX8D66p7yMiFQEQeYPQjL24d_pGQ_DKO/s3517/IMG_20240128_130216884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3517" data-original-width="3055" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_gpgO50yNVspmoqzprtjX7za46_tmvx6ikPi90iCFRPAsEMwKxGJ5WvL2ebrA81COsYjR8p-lAWWYmqEttssiuT_3GvjS8zIEuABcWpfTHgT8Eoc_D4qsCjHjJKinubMYNqqoyquAG691YaHfs0gK0MSIazuIX8D66p7yMiFQEQeYPQjL24d_pGQ_DKO/w348-h400/IMG_20240128_130216884.jpg" width="348" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Priscilla, the ex fairy godmother is taken prisoner by the David, the Jack of Clubs, Gillan, the Jack, of Spades, Lancelot, the Jack of Diamonds, and Daniel, the Jack of Hearts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From: The Fairy Godmother and the Maze of Wonder</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9PGo1QlITYmCjxS94FdVaQFECk-pVQOPTDoyCaJG69u0CLV2hpcGKiwaXrWqB3PAaGvjh_WGE4_7MSt5StHnc95pQc6k4_pqkXWGCY5LUCV6mgdDuznOyFSQEiFkWRLDakavBDUbvNhcyZqJpVwS3-zBmcOVEZBWx-xgzDnXnZ6Dm6hNQkKgKx5rL72k/s4082/IMG_20240124_221427023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4082" data-original-width="2516" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9PGo1QlITYmCjxS94FdVaQFECk-pVQOPTDoyCaJG69u0CLV2hpcGKiwaXrWqB3PAaGvjh_WGE4_7MSt5StHnc95pQc6k4_pqkXWGCY5LUCV6mgdDuznOyFSQEiFkWRLDakavBDUbvNhcyZqJpVwS3-zBmcOVEZBWx-xgzDnXnZ6Dm6hNQkKgKx5rL72k/w246-h400/IMG_20240124_221427023.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wanted Poster for Priscilla</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From: Fairy Godmother Academy</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first three illustrations from: A Fairy Tale</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKboG-6jwVNQfHG1mnTyLddz71PSJzqWiSUN8VfQ7NklT-8ayKdTR0sesguf8YPclvpbGU58jATxbRR3VQ0FoDzztwuyFfVxXCwpQ54mV9C0guns5wQ2-4tb-VETZHJabCmksHaGpMmKPl4AH3Nn8jnUwZmnSc8NI_-vwU2HZuZhCEfaB4utoe6iTsb4R/s2578/IMG_20231204_145529073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1756" data-original-width="2578" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKboG-6jwVNQfHG1mnTyLddz71PSJzqWiSUN8VfQ7NklT-8ayKdTR0sesguf8YPclvpbGU58jATxbRR3VQ0FoDzztwuyFfVxXCwpQ54mV9C0guns5wQ2-4tb-VETZHJabCmksHaGpMmKPl4AH3Nn8jnUwZmnSc8NI_-vwU2HZuZhCEfaB4utoe6iTsb4R/s320/IMG_20231204_145529073.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">title page</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJoQYmxLb2eH2MJiEINaa76rwr5NW4_Y08Q0F_Vtt6OkI9UkSagtVQtudvrVCKR36NjEquwVDbvdidCskRK6dTMyeHaP6Y6QOChS2tGvJtdHrZo-oAurVfTxb9dTQsW0IckRBUG031eq1Z5s3UmQeWzTepKYZdFgMoBhz4e9_eYdn51kvRo6N6TDbExOd/s2841/IMG_20231204_145540209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2841" data-original-width="2595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJoQYmxLb2eH2MJiEINaa76rwr5NW4_Y08Q0F_Vtt6OkI9UkSagtVQtudvrVCKR36NjEquwVDbvdidCskRK6dTMyeHaP6Y6QOChS2tGvJtdHrZo-oAurVfTxb9dTQsW0IckRBUG031eq1Z5s3UmQeWzTepKYZdFgMoBhz4e9_eYdn51kvRo6N6TDbExOd/s320/IMG_20231204_145540209.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Page 1</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRXyhd-6JkHCEuDk4zxYnnhcJ8uvot8-7X_TWIqNTcASbIGPBFFXxh9JxPDJX8Bb6uS_vuq0MLcQ5BdHUVO4aSoVr_IMXvIsOgJsaNce9f-FacXzNr2RBBMd6chqudUdL57legIrhCn76KgG6cY40jPP2pUXXKG4giEWvJkgUE2HMRr0wpMvgGZyZ6K7M/s2183/IMG_20231204_145544697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2182" data-original-width="2183" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRXyhd-6JkHCEuDk4zxYnnhcJ8uvot8-7X_TWIqNTcASbIGPBFFXxh9JxPDJX8Bb6uS_vuq0MLcQ5BdHUVO4aSoVr_IMXvIsOgJsaNce9f-FacXzNr2RBBMd6chqudUdL57legIrhCn76KgG6cY40jPP2pUXXKG4giEWvJkgUE2HMRr0wpMvgGZyZ6K7M/s320/IMG_20231204_145544697.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Page 2</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~The Author</div>Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-72436622517264575722023-10-21T08:27:00.001-07:002023-10-21T08:27:33.726-07:00New Illustrations<div style="text-align: center;"> +JMJ+</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Five main characters from "The Color Code"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2P47KvLZSfa6ftgkoG_oTkkpSwk8WaCDav0vWeUieGIiwsAifyN6tt6usJ6VkmHX6kGviOQSzHy2QKlxzhYvvC83HMxIdCfSbs2qM4brGb-t6JcNT7JGLZEz1sGUeDVGDpbhoh3bkgE-z_zt7i8Cuj5rFOUaX9DCDta7Y9Bid-oq8LIFLa-8QPSmwSTA/s3002/IMG_20231018_161424085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3002" data-original-width="2778" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2P47KvLZSfa6ftgkoG_oTkkpSwk8WaCDav0vWeUieGIiwsAifyN6tt6usJ6VkmHX6kGviOQSzHy2QKlxzhYvvC83HMxIdCfSbs2qM4brGb-t6JcNT7JGLZEz1sGUeDVGDpbhoh3bkgE-z_zt7i8Cuj5rFOUaX9DCDta7Y9Bid-oq8LIFLa-8QPSmwSTA/s320/IMG_20231018_161424085.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Egnaro Rang</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 17</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Color: Orange</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLwLE829ircol8C106MpObpbpVTW4Cd6v9D3ka2E_R-JQJ_pOaQpVMmYz0LtpgX8XfLkfVrZDm2idVjl7Q6x0jT_i7wSRfuwIsHri9CYJm6iL2CwfhZHzFGcJ18Z6D1RkZgC6LBPvVR-vPunITgDNV0fMljwi6btcyG825MOhFMd9yukNw-WtFOYUbgfo/s3732/IMG_20231018_161449910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3732" data-original-width="2797" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLwLE829ircol8C106MpObpbpVTW4Cd6v9D3ka2E_R-JQJ_pOaQpVMmYz0LtpgX8XfLkfVrZDm2idVjl7Q6x0jT_i7wSRfuwIsHri9CYJm6iL2CwfhZHzFGcJ18Z6D1RkZgC6LBPvVR-vPunITgDNV0fMljwi6btcyG825MOhFMd9yukNw-WtFOYUbgfo/s320/IMG_20231018_161449910.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kaleb Blake</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 16</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Color: Black</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWcAm7vJSmhX_8GGzP6Fab0iQzib1XHIWiOIZde20faGbPo1SP3DZXb0m1x0PUONQMD_O0QXtSPQ5a4f6JvEO04YWlBmIoyMIjcIfRVFCVHgB_25nYoOGJcNZd8NfPWODKxBzL3Ehr7O1UmSDTd3JfMDBM-yk_KiFO_0963Y7HReuFy098biy54DYizrV/s3670/IMG_20231018_161503974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3670" data-original-width="2722" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWcAm7vJSmhX_8GGzP6Fab0iQzib1XHIWiOIZde20faGbPo1SP3DZXb0m1x0PUONQMD_O0QXtSPQ5a4f6JvEO04YWlBmIoyMIjcIfRVFCVHgB_25nYoOGJcNZd8NfPWODKxBzL3Ehr7O1UmSDTd3JfMDBM-yk_KiFO_0963Y7HReuFy098biy54DYizrV/s320/IMG_20231018_161503974.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lea Welley</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 16</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Color: Yellow</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm32fVpA0YKUjseDuHzUOa06qEw7K-BuPWo7Hp6vpLbCvzV442FTBAQLar-dbr-b038RbGwUp327jnXMfogzCiTT74oo75KjjILs6x0OFq_IOMA0xzB_olk8EVcs0g7r7hmTpC2mlKBHmIGYUIj1ueErOS9yM0e-G5Nv1kzfySbnhhDFvNOikVTyPOxwDj/s2916/IMG_20231018_161515910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="2184" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm32fVpA0YKUjseDuHzUOa06qEw7K-BuPWo7Hp6vpLbCvzV442FTBAQLar-dbr-b038RbGwUp327jnXMfogzCiTT74oo75KjjILs6x0OFq_IOMA0xzB_olk8EVcs0g7r7hmTpC2mlKBHmIGYUIj1ueErOS9yM0e-G5Nv1kzfySbnhhDFvNOikVTyPOxwDj/s320/IMG_20231018_161515910.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Louis Blue</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 18</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Color Blue</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ku0bQiqZCPyjsDs9yubTw6HPYznGL94tG6rcHgFFQt-FFqpEOGfVHPAxxN6fK1mPttcKcIYQuxaQ22nrM7N5zYdMUqt5Ve64PCLpVAZedf0eCVjBbai9_KgmGYVShgDbaikjD_OFpUot6ZqhTlmHk1-719tTGWz9RyWqN3HczPAaB_8_Byz5oxrlIzR9/s2686/IMG_20231018_163710769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2686" data-original-width="1738" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Ku0bQiqZCPyjsDs9yubTw6HPYznGL94tG6rcHgFFQt-FFqpEOGfVHPAxxN6fK1mPttcKcIYQuxaQ22nrM7N5zYdMUqt5Ve64PCLpVAZedf0eCVjBbai9_KgmGYVShgDbaikjD_OFpUot6ZqhTlmHk1-719tTGWz9RyWqN3HczPAaB_8_Byz5oxrlIzR9/s320/IMG_20231018_163710769.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Luke Tigl</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 18</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Color: Light Blue</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pUDpBrYab7sj2TGH9tQQlvM9uNNnAahSXMQi1B5sngohYGxIkDcII1tJ6H6SFLOOOUfxJyEggZFlrlieH3wpyJ1GOX_bxsnI5Xs8B8fY74e3W_c8yai_FmdeyCtgRn9UtuT4_JUP2Kvd7J7PRN6E8-4JdGeeOX36OLi0wEjLiexVPX-OIYBMMBxCdxUT/s2913/IMG_20231018_164816778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2913" data-original-width="2185" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pUDpBrYab7sj2TGH9tQQlvM9uNNnAahSXMQi1B5sngohYGxIkDcII1tJ6H6SFLOOOUfxJyEggZFlrlieH3wpyJ1GOX_bxsnI5Xs8B8fY74e3W_c8yai_FmdeyCtgRn9UtuT4_JUP2Kvd7J7PRN6E8-4JdGeeOX36OLi0wEjLiexVPX-OIYBMMBxCdxUT/s320/IMG_20231018_164816778.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pracilla Knip</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 16</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Color: Pink</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First three illustrations from: "Stone and Ice"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJZV0ZizxP6S-Tn4Kjtjpbetk9ybGIayXJ63FCltvtoQ8VRvwtLZAh75rYW59AaTP85NP7ehBPmNpmb0YRW1P_ENlpt4tgfMvwHWJWGRj_oC_E8Urcz3zibTuGUvC_Lguy7gSUHl1sU4GWkGfo7Bza58cL2vHYbpscWs9z7fKNhyphenhyphentbcF7_5xDhwbKcqf-/s3451/IMG_20230107_103026737%20(copy).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3451" data-original-width="2309" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJZV0ZizxP6S-Tn4Kjtjpbetk9ybGIayXJ63FCltvtoQ8VRvwtLZAh75rYW59AaTP85NP7ehBPmNpmb0YRW1P_ENlpt4tgfMvwHWJWGRj_oC_E8Urcz3zibTuGUvC_Lguy7gSUHl1sU4GWkGfo7Bza58cL2vHYbpscWs9z7fKNhyphenhyphentbcF7_5xDhwbKcqf-/w428-h640/IMG_20230107_103026737%20(copy).jpg" width="428" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi199lbbJ_t-45nZ-Le5qsgMC6cdiLDdvX0ru_0j-_u4GH7oPyCzbl9G1UiCn6s5rPSQUZFn5GkEKheLsxdSP3cAseLGdjmJKhYMPS3sr_6qUqRm0e73owSDdtrmhPXzvliK0ELR-sKsqiWgTmXGqfTLnCXxv7pOpTQZHqL8C2jij3JiVpy5bId4YhzKuz/s3592/IMG_20231018_161549730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2846" data-original-width="3592" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi199lbbJ_t-45nZ-Le5qsgMC6cdiLDdvX0ru_0j-_u4GH7oPyCzbl9G1UiCn6s5rPSQUZFn5GkEKheLsxdSP3cAseLGdjmJKhYMPS3sr_6qUqRm0e73owSDdtrmhPXzvliK0ELR-sKsqiWgTmXGqfTLnCXxv7pOpTQZHqL8C2jij3JiVpy5bId4YhzKuz/w640-h508/IMG_20231018_161549730.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcz_XN1ad_RWu96-62Q_mhlbiL-P9gjxHaUuQPI8bu_Fym5sAwJ4rExwP9hCgJ0NM4klTzFv__WTdB5reKpc42LZvmf2GUapwWaj1KRnvr6laqweiQgNy8t8h6wbCySu2OPD2FrUwN4NXIRi36jb8EdkxUu7UyRCYUdSg36nXMZaM-mqTcsY_HeeOXiivR/s3023/IMG_20231018_161818264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2185" data-original-width="3023" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcz_XN1ad_RWu96-62Q_mhlbiL-P9gjxHaUuQPI8bu_Fym5sAwJ4rExwP9hCgJ0NM4klTzFv__WTdB5reKpc42LZvmf2GUapwWaj1KRnvr6laqweiQgNy8t8h6wbCySu2OPD2FrUwN4NXIRi36jb8EdkxUu7UyRCYUdSg36nXMZaM-mqTcsY_HeeOXiivR/w640-h462/IMG_20231018_161818264.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's all for now.</div>Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-65032170406101622942023-09-29T12:15:00.000-07:002023-09-29T12:15:18.429-07:00Phoenix book 2 illustrations<p style="text-align: center;"> A batch of illustrations from "Second Book of the Phoenix" also called "Book of the Sea."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbk2FQ6ZPbsiiaelHjaeGFrG_sV4Dd-6YbAbGp3omzHCtbvnWC5NXkrhD-B97HoZzepTtAHh4RMZwYp7Gpu1_EMFo7-gwJJc2mBkA3IiQ2apqNoYWCHgt1v6WeQwJ31PIxwHRy9d-6QGAFawCrYmdJdCIJUyCd3VoNir0S4TzJ5PbUqrhVZ2IQCkhTN2f/s1592/IMG_20220905_182138929%20(copy).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="1073" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbk2FQ6ZPbsiiaelHjaeGFrG_sV4Dd-6YbAbGp3omzHCtbvnWC5NXkrhD-B97HoZzepTtAHh4RMZwYp7Gpu1_EMFo7-gwJJc2mBkA3IiQ2apqNoYWCHgt1v6WeQwJ31PIxwHRy9d-6QGAFawCrYmdJdCIJUyCd3VoNir0S4TzJ5PbUqrhVZ2IQCkhTN2f/s320/IMG_20220905_182138929%20(copy).jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Phoenix</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Protector of Xiyu</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeulBx0XLhgzeZmphkhT6bdRoOSHWmXkP_97QPoXEf-FxZFoJk-cDYzv4XkPAljgUTl3NGvZOPkAOObEKvz_5M8iVJ9dn3uLawKWduPRz1AEXpeRemeLCIuMBvmwh1O0y14bR-8F9BdgbCPX96gDSOn06uu3qR6qFSrvNQhjU0u0z2FnJQdsbXcvDkvWv-/s4160/IMG_20230520_111259461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeulBx0XLhgzeZmphkhT6bdRoOSHWmXkP_97QPoXEf-FxZFoJk-cDYzv4XkPAljgUTl3NGvZOPkAOObEKvz_5M8iVJ9dn3uLawKWduPRz1AEXpeRemeLCIuMBvmwh1O0y14bR-8F9BdgbCPX96gDSOn06uu3qR6qFSrvNQhjU0u0z2FnJQdsbXcvDkvWv-/s320/IMG_20230520_111259461.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fang Chen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 28</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Commander of Xiyu</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwBFVAPD4zysdsIJjhxzkK6RPLStWw0dApf3bjgosCPAkoNtOLuKhAqe9daLcAWuCK3sJL5Ih47RKCFLqgQdb4yFUquwOX1bb2V-newbWrEpM9AKggpE6_GLM4YnsmsB1KDzlSAfUjYQjZP4FAuW4cyHy8uUlr75ipecRQgZS3niPSwNA_HLyzG1jXP2g/s4160/IMG_20230520_111305192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwBFVAPD4zysdsIJjhxzkK6RPLStWw0dApf3bjgosCPAkoNtOLuKhAqe9daLcAWuCK3sJL5Ih47RKCFLqgQdb4yFUquwOX1bb2V-newbWrEpM9AKggpE6_GLM4YnsmsB1KDzlSAfUjYQjZP4FAuW4cyHy8uUlr75ipecRQgZS3niPSwNA_HLyzG1jXP2g/s320/IMG_20230520_111305192.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Xinya</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 21</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fang Chen's wife</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2Z3OsQJiwf5enlya_ZhhFjXQXspylRkHrduVpBhyphenhyphenDQOLVjSXqcYHNl6QSuJgoup9gQG1iZtIqx9aV6WEXyUdkxMpfhyphenhyphenRacgt-odGEvhpRYCL6jEmELNSdWENX2zcs7q_51pJpcr1_FtvP2kl6h5lbkziciE3SwnpO-d4Y9PbB67zu6k0ggdSfR0pj0r5/s4160/IMG_20230520_111311289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2Z3OsQJiwf5enlya_ZhhFjXQXspylRkHrduVpBhyphenhyphenDQOLVjSXqcYHNl6QSuJgoup9gQG1iZtIqx9aV6WEXyUdkxMpfhyphenhyphenRacgt-odGEvhpRYCL6jEmELNSdWENX2zcs7q_51pJpcr1_FtvP2kl6h5lbkziciE3SwnpO-d4Y9PbB67zu6k0ggdSfR0pj0r5/s320/IMG_20230520_111311289.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cheng Fen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 16</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A female archer</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_fcw10Ge5WOXmleJ05F9R4zvqUSCyhXW3vUafJ7mygB2z5dYQJoY4DkFeTTFsTXZH6t2goD1_-AqGyi-8COF0Sj2qj3wmHkR1wI24gf-fF2hqWOSCt4II-DKX9Sf-4GRoLxTHZNa2biKQNP2QTRGG3ssca0iiXTIfuwkZlKoMKVAy1KYT_j7rB8BQ7Eg/s4160/IMG_20230520_111315986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_fcw10Ge5WOXmleJ05F9R4zvqUSCyhXW3vUafJ7mygB2z5dYQJoY4DkFeTTFsTXZH6t2goD1_-AqGyi-8COF0Sj2qj3wmHkR1wI24gf-fF2hqWOSCt4II-DKX9Sf-4GRoLxTHZNa2biKQNP2QTRGG3ssca0iiXTIfuwkZlKoMKVAy1KYT_j7rB8BQ7Eg/s320/IMG_20230520_111315986.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Crow</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mysterious keeper of the birds</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhQOs11_6x_TA0M-7T-kgKcotPPoaFDAYa90JNS2sIteV_ytvuLDn-EEN2z7widOQmScrN20vQj_hHh7pKjp3qtZVeg-_KGsAen0qcv630E6sj4LOufj2YDXBJ3GSvt7rbhAY_ntaL_Bhl17yuXQfP6J7pgAXA0ryprYBjNhQ6PmlDUs-OpyDA7IM4I8k/s4160/IMG_20230520_111321366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhQOs11_6x_TA0M-7T-kgKcotPPoaFDAYa90JNS2sIteV_ytvuLDn-EEN2z7widOQmScrN20vQj_hHh7pKjp3qtZVeg-_KGsAen0qcv630E6sj4LOufj2YDXBJ3GSvt7rbhAY_ntaL_Bhl17yuXQfP6J7pgAXA0ryprYBjNhQ6PmlDUs-OpyDA7IM4I8k/s320/IMG_20230520_111321366.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lai Guo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 26</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Master of the Archives</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MDqFuXYBOTstbnYDg5mJCBlwjXpcOJ5pOqcPaV4cOA7bCmnPX0gWuw3yqsOLo8EvoaZVeWFRz07gNXJv-imaUyWRj13JmuTG7Cin4qQNprYY3OhRfdqe3oTLcRlw90jirfyagp31W1ry1parsmqaHWUSSN5KIBwj7lajJ93SPb1kHbu6-qEHalaEzR4J/s4160/IMG_20230520_111325880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MDqFuXYBOTstbnYDg5mJCBlwjXpcOJ5pOqcPaV4cOA7bCmnPX0gWuw3yqsOLo8EvoaZVeWFRz07gNXJv-imaUyWRj13JmuTG7Cin4qQNprYY3OhRfdqe3oTLcRlw90jirfyagp31W1ry1parsmqaHWUSSN5KIBwj7lajJ93SPb1kHbu6-qEHalaEzR4J/s320/IMG_20230520_111325880.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Yong</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 17</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Master of Gu Mansion</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBp6lw1-w2w6W74AB_xpqoV6Y3w7CJOBSfBLy_KmuGi0l8dUIysCX1gw9pMBC58Zua_ATxqF5xdgdJ1iehXQOcrXdhn3EFNNZ5BGhznmy-hjhKaoNpW5xGqH2qclMRqTrJWNEoaoCLgEUt3ekKv4uv5YZq5cXGkDFtrVda7YNTLRlypLPben7LWl8_gIvG/s4160/IMG_20230520_111330834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBp6lw1-w2w6W74AB_xpqoV6Y3w7CJOBSfBLy_KmuGi0l8dUIysCX1gw9pMBC58Zua_ATxqF5xdgdJ1iehXQOcrXdhn3EFNNZ5BGhznmy-hjhKaoNpW5xGqH2qclMRqTrJWNEoaoCLgEUt3ekKv4uv5YZq5cXGkDFtrVda7YNTLRlypLPben7LWl8_gIvG/s320/IMG_20230520_111330834.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yuan Len</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 21</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Female Warrior</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-OlnwAeihxCG5FidFUgOPlFipfXfzsrNLxzAoJReB6QetNv_Y7VtTr13g0C4aUV0-H4Y9WxIFcii1W3vl_mSmCLi34XJ_YDYdZw88FtZr_4tq6IVJScOTJX_fzhK2JgJGrxF4J7qQWZGHLgvHaP0tUT2tg5BaKo4bhpBFOrqmbUiZZDZnU3UhI4eeyl8/s4160/IMG_20230520_111336823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk-OlnwAeihxCG5FidFUgOPlFipfXfzsrNLxzAoJReB6QetNv_Y7VtTr13g0C4aUV0-H4Y9WxIFcii1W3vl_mSmCLi34XJ_YDYdZw88FtZr_4tq6IVJScOTJX_fzhK2JgJGrxF4J7qQWZGHLgvHaP0tUT2tg5BaKo4bhpBFOrqmbUiZZDZnU3UhI4eeyl8/s320/IMG_20230520_111336823.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fang Fan</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 17</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dancer and acrobat</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIsYDNzHlPytXFzc2zAD4Z_MxE15DNMmGQqn6REr_gOmG7hafclizZwLA2_0WloUawIASkr7fdnt2BxawbBqQOJzf5SZKsWrvtXNaemjGOgOXLKmR2UVJVl3LLvOJc3JjW1n_eypL1OSeLdgTTlZIjZeyYwd8DhGGFWMI8kUAbJO5P9eQBExaAR_z30cM/s4160/IMG_20230520_111342118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIsYDNzHlPytXFzc2zAD4Z_MxE15DNMmGQqn6REr_gOmG7hafclizZwLA2_0WloUawIASkr7fdnt2BxawbBqQOJzf5SZKsWrvtXNaemjGOgOXLKmR2UVJVl3LLvOJc3JjW1n_eypL1OSeLdgTTlZIjZeyYwd8DhGGFWMI8kUAbJO5P9eQBExaAR_z30cM/s320/IMG_20230520_111342118.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shen Ru</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 17</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Third princess of Xiyu</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtSLN5YACAsDA2-4nDVe5lU_yhYaNYyugdRxNx5xp71xz08nohUBzdqJZ7CpWaHQnmx-D73QZLYyFoAfWRHcVw1GhoZpYFCOL6JrmziyCK2A_NKezOKC1GglTqwOPrSlJJG1NUXt0ugmy0b2UKEuYLAvT2zRbXvKSpMVNB3qQsffb-sBdzNjbkFdiJxMg/s4160/IMG_20230520_111346907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtSLN5YACAsDA2-4nDVe5lU_yhYaNYyugdRxNx5xp71xz08nohUBzdqJZ7CpWaHQnmx-D73QZLYyFoAfWRHcVw1GhoZpYFCOL6JrmziyCK2A_NKezOKC1GglTqwOPrSlJJG1NUXt0ugmy0b2UKEuYLAvT2zRbXvKSpMVNB3qQsffb-sBdzNjbkFdiJxMg/s320/IMG_20230520_111346907.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Zhan Jiang</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 21</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Soldier at the Third Outpost</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvG7KBsNus5LKa1Iww-HyqUDSmOArH0Ba1UJos5CrZ7Njjd9ghv4r-vY63Jda19RWKJ-4tHZCXujefzrji7lY0Ch0afWu30Y35MCC1prDUdssC6D1S7GJiet71CFryWJwr2_hTeGKG0-o9t1s4gVO8z65lkgJSeuqGQV9M_dSM0xS48CR3my0OycErXUB/s4160/IMG_20230520_113622952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvG7KBsNus5LKa1Iww-HyqUDSmOArH0Ba1UJos5CrZ7Njjd9ghv4r-vY63Jda19RWKJ-4tHZCXujefzrji7lY0Ch0afWu30Y35MCC1prDUdssC6D1S7GJiet71CFryWJwr2_hTeGKG0-o9t1s4gVO8z65lkgJSeuqGQV9M_dSM0xS48CR3my0OycErXUB/s320/IMG_20230520_113622952.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shuren</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 17</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Princess of Beljing</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71K7RVXNpfN33QtggwTxDuvApRTMZTb8yEn7OEpex4KLTWe1BFmPDuTg8pXGyIom2SVTnUlckVjn8dGlsjhyQG7n3U8e1TQcMDw9eUEQXdE1vUrn_CyIaiLLG7GTuyApe5bfm5EkUkiCIQHBBK0_DU-U_OVxOVYeSayOT0vtk17lD2FRVBhB9-Y_zvw-n/s4160/IMG_20230731_211627045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi71K7RVXNpfN33QtggwTxDuvApRTMZTb8yEn7OEpex4KLTWe1BFmPDuTg8pXGyIom2SVTnUlckVjn8dGlsjhyQG7n3U8e1TQcMDw9eUEQXdE1vUrn_CyIaiLLG7GTuyApe5bfm5EkUkiCIQHBBK0_DU-U_OVxOVYeSayOT0vtk17lD2FRVBhB9-Y_zvw-n/s320/IMG_20230731_211627045.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Phoenix and the Pirates</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieATAxwOuIuYpelhkkVfy21CbYc7r-3ghZP-kclWAropgCtSi_zba8UEsA5YUJ6SDeMWzVSWaPpZtikTECJ-9wF4Oc7udfmwM7uuz4s3VCjgRfOMrkpZ_uQe-j_dsgvnEDfdQk0rKYuyV1fVmJfxv9TnB53oLvI2SvGZIH3iZ32X_z-KZ0JxiaXmnP-f_o/s3670/IMG_20230929_132552852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3670" data-original-width="2473" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieATAxwOuIuYpelhkkVfy21CbYc7r-3ghZP-kclWAropgCtSi_zba8UEsA5YUJ6SDeMWzVSWaPpZtikTECJ-9wF4Oc7udfmwM7uuz4s3VCjgRfOMrkpZ_uQe-j_dsgvnEDfdQk0rKYuyV1fVmJfxv9TnB53oLvI2SvGZIH3iZ32X_z-KZ0JxiaXmnP-f_o/s320/IMG_20230929_132552852.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okami/Fang Lang</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 27</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First General of Xiyu</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiol1j7KjyLt6aZ_d2f_sVSbpm-t6N8n4fpayTGfSzvouEdvM2qOg-4RuSAX8uXeS_sr_NTAw0cJ6Hl24gEgVle5cw8WnfoOy69ta8x6MJvTvO0DhqUV-zY58Rh5y0ccU-fi9C4HRuY2HMaG0OHIFeAQGJmeg3bfhftjEcopMBMicnO8zPMI7pTfM4Dn6v5/s4160/IMG_20230929_132601191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiol1j7KjyLt6aZ_d2f_sVSbpm-t6N8n4fpayTGfSzvouEdvM2qOg-4RuSAX8uXeS_sr_NTAw0cJ6Hl24gEgVle5cw8WnfoOy69ta8x6MJvTvO0DhqUV-zY58Rh5y0ccU-fi9C4HRuY2HMaG0OHIFeAQGJmeg3bfhftjEcopMBMicnO8zPMI7pTfM4Dn6v5/s320/IMG_20230929_132601191.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yuan Hai</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 17</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Youngest son of Lord Yuan</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcG16l8iKyyZ6qyRsYcu3fReOdV-Z13DsH27SDqu_ycyL17jUKZdUL_z9XcW3pn6MYc03NRi2gXjm2qssi_fQL2cyGuP9IM4wSmaO2GBb1l3JxW32b6meuLA4LABv0g8vOwFRA6iIK6KqzSk7BFFHISym7tfHXxZSeqRXfEFbCdmUWBlCX_vlZDtDVQbf6/s4160/IMG_20230929_132607765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcG16l8iKyyZ6qyRsYcu3fReOdV-Z13DsH27SDqu_ycyL17jUKZdUL_z9XcW3pn6MYc03NRi2gXjm2qssi_fQL2cyGuP9IM4wSmaO2GBb1l3JxW32b6meuLA4LABv0g8vOwFRA6iIK6KqzSk7BFFHISym7tfHXxZSeqRXfEFbCdmUWBlCX_vlZDtDVQbf6/s320/IMG_20230929_132607765.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Jing</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 27</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Widow of traitor Du Hua</div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-62809916397463430612023-03-02T14:51:00.000-08:002023-03-02T14:51:37.762-08:00Drawings from my books<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_hoGCM0EbRHaWgspIhwZ3V2C0lNnvKILWI7_yqMVIhhxyOwfxSp8rNRQ9MeIM-_7qN9pMuv4mNNsTns5D2Qo2J6dGO9IOnPfHyxfIX_p4WEMsl4rtXR611NeyNAWgdVW1SPUup62sMADkIPcXdLDi2HinKEyy0Ok8NOBr70Funiasl-RfLqlfSdxcQ/s4160/IMG_20230218_140411560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_hoGCM0EbRHaWgspIhwZ3V2C0lNnvKILWI7_yqMVIhhxyOwfxSp8rNRQ9MeIM-_7qN9pMuv4mNNsTns5D2Qo2J6dGO9IOnPfHyxfIX_p4WEMsl4rtXR611NeyNAWgdVW1SPUup62sMADkIPcXdLDi2HinKEyy0Ok8NOBr70Funiasl-RfLqlfSdxcQ/s320/IMG_20230218_140411560.jpg" width="240" /><br /></a>Felix the half-elf is on adventure with his friend the cat and the snow owl, meanwhile a dragon attacks the flying city</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuT_KYjPv17zU0wo0786veGJORhVLCurAhV5wZ288AGervMszrsIiTHiGlXzkU6qtefN8HIhdaTiC59_RuAWj_suH_FjKE2YoD3RukT5CDU-3JJcmcIjIpUhzEtMdS2q_wG1a4vj6KeFLkc8WAgqnInrY7CbSvlu5G_RIWiS_G1QSqUZq_tK4BjX7KWg/s4160/IMG_20230218_140427163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuT_KYjPv17zU0wo0786veGJORhVLCurAhV5wZ288AGervMszrsIiTHiGlXzkU6qtefN8HIhdaTiC59_RuAWj_suH_FjKE2YoD3RukT5CDU-3JJcmcIjIpUhzEtMdS2q_wG1a4vj6KeFLkc8WAgqnInrY7CbSvlu5G_RIWiS_G1QSqUZq_tK4BjX7KWg/s320/IMG_20230218_140427163.jpg" width="240" /><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Felix and his friends return to find the other elves have all lost control of their minds</div><div style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile Princess Tara of the human clan is awakened in the night</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNHIb2oBmenXapEIT2zmzBtbS0BGPt1QfJNZ6k1r1FU5rGX5bwktYbSp4IxsuIFbzBRgLZGwQ06MRaDO-E5zDhwSO28DEzwdqO2ofeTnjr0c9OCNSCjpUurzSFhIsrSbE4FY8Rd_b5bRHlwZvefmE_1HlfOZGdIhqqgzo9-aTFVaVRAPg6ujt2GHmvQ/s4160/IMG_20230218_140433296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNHIb2oBmenXapEIT2zmzBtbS0BGPt1QfJNZ6k1r1FU5rGX5bwktYbSp4IxsuIFbzBRgLZGwQ06MRaDO-E5zDhwSO28DEzwdqO2ofeTnjr0c9OCNSCjpUurzSFhIsrSbE4FY8Rd_b5bRHlwZvefmE_1HlfOZGdIhqqgzo9-aTFVaVRAPg6ujt2GHmvQ/s320/IMG_20230218_140433296.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">She discovers her mother crying. Dr. Bombur explains that the elves have kidnapped her father. Dr. Bombur suggests they seek help from the fairy queen. The following morning Tara decides to take on the mission herself. Meanwhile the Snow Owl tells Felix that the Fairy Queen could help the elves.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCalsxu47j474eXiGmhrpN8DZiZyq-aVZ_XSobX6PrDN9Mk58e_jY2jRG-vgggzMFnvx59ff4mDNdkTOZlciRF80oMIPL4GPwEWHFn3v3vA3dX-_VB6sGcpqqeSr_wdu8R3-doklGH15MMK8jrNP3IU_Kj2_P2TpD9ZuasEpyQMtPKx724JLqQ_56Csg/s3839/IMG_20221112_095029671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="3839" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCalsxu47j474eXiGmhrpN8DZiZyq-aVZ_XSobX6PrDN9Mk58e_jY2jRG-vgggzMFnvx59ff4mDNdkTOZlciRF80oMIPL4GPwEWHFn3v3vA3dX-_VB6sGcpqqeSr_wdu8R3-doklGH15MMK8jrNP3IU_Kj2_P2TpD9ZuasEpyQMtPKx724JLqQ_56Csg/w400-h260/IMG_20221112_095029671.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Map of Xiaoan</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74uPtWyDPV-H1kuBDDptieHBtnBmsBY4PlBW3iumLScnF5kK4VBNN-yrtJqFTXr7e1pyBAfFrCUNJ8O_DvI7-SVzxdOcOYVtfYgqqje-bN0keoI6ML6dFFzt4HVPp_0KyUWGma_Y-j8x6UbwyS5ZrUt4hyVmgKq03VyLjEWDgnNhT8f6gmbicOPmNrA/s1592/IMG_20220905_182138929%20(copy).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="1073" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74uPtWyDPV-H1kuBDDptieHBtnBmsBY4PlBW3iumLScnF5kK4VBNN-yrtJqFTXr7e1pyBAfFrCUNJ8O_DvI7-SVzxdOcOYVtfYgqqje-bN0keoI6ML6dFFzt4HVPp_0KyUWGma_Y-j8x6UbwyS5ZrUt4hyVmgKq03VyLjEWDgnNhT8f6gmbicOPmNrA/s320/IMG_20220905_182138929%20(copy).jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Xiaoan Phoenix</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-49650536682997180022023-01-16T12:20:00.000-08:002023-01-16T12:20:01.286-08:00The Mission of Tao Meng: Part 1<p style="text-align: center;"> The Mission of Tao Meng Pt. 1</p><p style="text-align: center;">an Original Graphic Novel</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjSSj8bY3RPakDYszYHlbxMNy4XKuKKnQbDgIWousZZ_m5HOLuF7UVejBEBcUP7Yt-FtLTMlXXU5edsZXrKFoFvO3i2_IbetisPEWfLil4fzPydwl3ybqxt9-DDlgKUS3xK10esb66sRAzahHOUsFTRKS_MRN76SPWy8oljbSA-a6Jgl-_H-IVoezjg/s3823/IMG_20230107_102958919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3823" data-original-width="2989" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjSSj8bY3RPakDYszYHlbxMNy4XKuKKnQbDgIWousZZ_m5HOLuF7UVejBEBcUP7Yt-FtLTMlXXU5edsZXrKFoFvO3i2_IbetisPEWfLil4fzPydwl3ybqxt9-DDlgKUS3xK10esb66sRAzahHOUsFTRKS_MRN76SPWy8oljbSA-a6Jgl-_H-IVoezjg/w501-h640/IMG_20230107_102958919.jpg" width="501" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Mission of Tao Meng</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Genre: Fantasy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Characters: Su Li (Fairy Godmother), Lang Chi Chung (Prince of Nan State), Zou Chen Jin (lady turned into a goose), Tao Meng, Zi Gu Fen (assassin sent to kill Tao Meng).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Plot: <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><i>Prince Lang Chi Chung of Nan State flees the city when he discovers his guardians are arranging his marriage to lady Zou Chen Jin. A marriage alliance that will place him in the power of the Zou family. He meets the rather lazy beggar known as Tao Meng. The two of them join forces to escape their pursuers. Chi Chung is confused why a desperate female assassin would pursue Tao Meng. Why would anyone care about a drunken bum? Tao Meng's wheedling tongue sweet talks assassin Gu Fen into helping them find the legendary ghost stone. To Chi Chung's horror lady Chen Jin has followed him, even worse she is promptly turned into a goose by pathetic fairy Su Li, who claims to be Tao Meng's fairy godmother.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRYWSzg1VXrfbvArxjLhPv4w6dt1vq26Gl334Dov6PX3p8oJnHOey4sLnpymAVPOtnxsbjF_dDz8c2Dr7dBpoRlkM9LWkV8qFN7M6C7oaf5sDb6xUOx5-VILEFc50FIGdEvBkPGBLe7HZVIoUtjPXyKaZLPhZIp72la4v8Hvt4fWtKbJLBzTISmdAIQ/s3662/IMG_20230107_103026737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3662" data-original-width="2906" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoRYWSzg1VXrfbvArxjLhPv4w6dt1vq26Gl334Dov6PX3p8oJnHOey4sLnpymAVPOtnxsbjF_dDz8c2Dr7dBpoRlkM9LWkV8qFN7M6C7oaf5sDb6xUOx5-VILEFc50FIGdEvBkPGBLe7HZVIoUtjPXyKaZLPhZIp72la4v8Hvt4fWtKbJLBzTISmdAIQ/w509-h640/IMG_20230107_103026737.jpg" width="509" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Xiaoan Empire was divided into the Bei and Nan States, the north and the south. They had been feuding for generations without pause, because of this, the common people suffered greatly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxM2s_VuxrdyvFAinAr4UoIniWhVlrvmeuBGjywDbJA-SqWZqN-IR_c2rJxkqNxWKY3xPi0s7NlCz5dSyk1RLP_Dnp4HCpNlfvDLsks58ZqmP0qTAaFmz9FDlVmGJSPVDzxrZHw27VOrJgOmTEvZrAX_FywuJRD8pmh6ZV3ZPcTf41XqFfLckh-uvsPA/s4004/IMG_20230107_103041553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4004" data-original-width="3064" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxM2s_VuxrdyvFAinAr4UoIniWhVlrvmeuBGjywDbJA-SqWZqN-IR_c2rJxkqNxWKY3xPi0s7NlCz5dSyk1RLP_Dnp4HCpNlfvDLsks58ZqmP0qTAaFmz9FDlVmGJSPVDzxrZHw27VOrJgOmTEvZrAX_FywuJRD8pmh6ZV3ZPcTf41XqFfLckh-uvsPA/w490-h640/IMG_20230107_103041553.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But everything was about to change when the lives of three very different people crossed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[First: Tao Meng lowers himself out of a tower in a barrel]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Tao Meng: What have I done?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Second: Two assassins hold Gu Fen and a child prisoner while an unseen stranger instructs them]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i> Unseen Person: Do as I say or the child dies!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Child: Wha-a</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Gu Fen: Coward!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Third: Chi Chung lowers himself over a wall on a rope]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Chi Chung: Sorry stepfather, I'm not getting married today!</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxoSXam93sm2BvESgSEODf0Bl5xPqCjWzkC2hy2vW5kzn3xuH7hsG1xDZdMqJMbCvjuDoPhX1oiTGkcagcyaewRr2iDUUYiEupjaPgkF_wRbvO5525HjE_M2ENqvvJQsvSAxLVtnnffDXdJ4rxk_tCxXixFybBtyli47wviwRF1m3kSScDPmgw0WqgQ/s3963/IMG_20230107_103052139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3963" data-original-width="2907" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxoSXam93sm2BvESgSEODf0Bl5xPqCjWzkC2hy2vW5kzn3xuH7hsG1xDZdMqJMbCvjuDoPhX1oiTGkcagcyaewRr2iDUUYiEupjaPgkF_wRbvO5525HjE_M2ENqvvJQsvSAxLVtnnffDXdJ4rxk_tCxXixFybBtyli47wviwRF1m3kSScDPmgw0WqgQ/w470-h640/IMG_20230107_103052139.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chi Chung stopped midflight to drink from the river.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Chi Chung is getting a drinking when he hears someone screaming. Tao Meng comes floating by in a barrel screaming for help]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chi Chung: Look out for the falls!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tao Meng: What?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chi Chung: [covers his eyes] I can't look!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Tao Meng's barrel drops over the falls]</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3PPLkiPd8dWos-Ue5JzeiGHKRL3i82UVO9Ldn50xLUY4KQe1n1_avM5TqHkaT8keSmLMpSMa5shZ135UDWRb5YFScWYxhp3pYLM5qxr4_u7pnf60GANcb5YCjedY5teeb17CfcTKRe2b_s9hbI8FBRJl-KBEeXRtwrcbQHq6D142qVfe4qjbN9PsvA/s3854/IMG_20230107_103058931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3854" data-original-width="2853" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3PPLkiPd8dWos-Ue5JzeiGHKRL3i82UVO9Ldn50xLUY4KQe1n1_avM5TqHkaT8keSmLMpSMa5shZ135UDWRb5YFScWYxhp3pYLM5qxr4_u7pnf60GANcb5YCjedY5teeb17CfcTKRe2b_s9hbI8FBRJl-KBEeXRtwrcbQHq6D142qVfe4qjbN9PsvA/w474-h640/IMG_20230107_103058931.jpg" width="474" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Tao Meng emerges coughing from the river and splashes ashore]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tao Meng: Why did I ever leave my nice safe tower?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Tao Meng starts walking only to find himself in a bog]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tao Meng: WATER AND MUD? [He proceeds to force his way through the swamp]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tao Meng: I. CAN. DO. THIS! [An ominous person looms up behind him]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meanwhile...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Chi Chung follows the river and climbs down the rocks hoping to catch up to Tao Meng]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chi Chung: I hope he's alright. [He jumps from rock to rock]<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chi Chung: Where did he go? [He spots footprints in the mud]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chi Chung: Ah Ha! That way!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsncdzGqfCqU9g_Nx9zYQ4Ohk3jJTBbia4atCbbEIo8HdIHLzEVTydSXkaOkyZdQcC-kLxC6cGmjr_Dnkp5qrtp5GS_3yz47pYiPC4YVR0_ruf3uIZcNFFngzqtZ-7dmf65T0vsDvM9LOsoXJxPX87_XqIHaUDtA1JlVemS4L6HcGBrMSwICJfsUGcFw/s3955/IMG_20230107_103109319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3955" data-original-width="3021" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsncdzGqfCqU9g_Nx9zYQ4Ohk3jJTBbia4atCbbEIo8HdIHLzEVTydSXkaOkyZdQcC-kLxC6cGmjr_Dnkp5qrtp5GS_3yz47pYiPC4YVR0_ruf3uIZcNFFngzqtZ-7dmf65T0vsDvM9LOsoXJxPX87_XqIHaUDtA1JlVemS4L6HcGBrMSwICJfsUGcFw/w488-h640/IMG_20230107_103109319.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[As Tao Meng wallows in self-pity Gu Fen leaps towards him not noticing Chi Chung coming up behind her]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tao Meng: I just want to die!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Chi Chung seizes Gu Fen's hair and swings her away from Tao Meng]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tao Meng: Hey?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Fen: Mommy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Gu Fen is tied up while the two boys shake hands]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Fen: Where did that kid come from? I was assured that the target would be alone. If this is a test, someone will pay!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chi Chung: I'm Chi Chung of Nan State.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tao Meng: Er- Tao Meng of Bei State. I think you may have saved my life. That was you by the river too, wasn't it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Upon being questioned Gu Fen reveals a drawing of Tao Meng]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Fen: I'm an assassin. I was paid 1,000 taels to deliver your head.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chi Chung: WHy would anyone want to assassinate a beggar like you?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tao Meng: No idea! Was it something I said?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDI7Dl6NDpb1TY6RUM7xGjrHZM57IH7kNNVg7Hzu5A_Q_qgDvn5eDaSW7v14wjw88NEe-t54E_bmkmP5toURi5BV5xZX-svxzNg2mImJSbv3IpFsvjSTcsSMAThgAKMmvjDxQbxc4WggPBcSU4y25cDhzr07l0Z1EW9vl77byXLhiHuyrY91_cWX4KdA/s3828/IMG_20230107_103121304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3828" data-original-width="2850" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDI7Dl6NDpb1TY6RUM7xGjrHZM57IH7kNNVg7Hzu5A_Q_qgDvn5eDaSW7v14wjw88NEe-t54E_bmkmP5toURi5BV5xZX-svxzNg2mImJSbv3IpFsvjSTcsSMAThgAKMmvjDxQbxc4WggPBcSU4y25cDhzr07l0Z1EW9vl77byXLhiHuyrY91_cWX4KdA/w476-h640/IMG_20230107_103121304.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tao Meng: But if you help me find the Ghost Stone I will come quietly, provided you don't kill me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Gu Fen: What kind of assassin doesn't kill?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chi Chung: Don't trust her!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tao Meng: Name your price!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Fen: Double!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chi Chung: Are you out of your mind?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Fen: We have a deal! [Thinks] Idiot!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tao Meng: Whoo hoo! Ghost Stone here we come! [Thinks] I'll be free!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chi Chung: Ugh! Jangwa is so far away, I better come with you. [Thinks] She's certainly planning on killing him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[The new company starts on their way]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chi Chung: What is the Ghost Stone?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Fen: Blah! Blah! Don't encourage him! [Thinks] It doesn't really exist.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tao Meng: The Ghost Stone will grant a wish to the possessor... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Unnoticed by the company a Ninja from Honokoku watches from the top of a tree]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ninja: There they are.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[The company finds there way blocked by a cliff]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Fen: I know another way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tao Meng: Great!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chi Chung: Don't trust her!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[After a journey of a few hours the two boys collapse]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chi Chung: [Groaning] This looks like a good place to camp.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Fen: Wimps! There is still hours of daylight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tao Meng: It's definitely pitch black.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tao Meng and Chi Chung were the worst adventurers the assassin had ever met.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[The boys quarrel about the right way to cook over a campfire]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tao Meng: Ugh!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chi Chung: That's not how you cook!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Fen: How did I get into this mess?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DZM3tkFLk3qjD6OAzrn3XC33IQolFyiyniLTdxgL9IhIRi0n8O1fZXgjbaTbsXSL1cOChEaIwOWMU3udq_s-6TjedFIvhZFKXcIjQNJ9AeuM7MHJzUcNFiuXjLHu_75wQJxXrmQkNBXup1KTkCkps0i9qrF_kYmKccG1guyUTAFtLMOseinKMgw_Tg/s3986/IMG_20230107_103131025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3986" data-original-width="3078" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DZM3tkFLk3qjD6OAzrn3XC33IQolFyiyniLTdxgL9IhIRi0n8O1fZXgjbaTbsXSL1cOChEaIwOWMU3udq_s-6TjedFIvhZFKXcIjQNJ9AeuM7MHJzUcNFiuXjLHu_75wQJxXrmQkNBXup1KTkCkps0i9qrF_kYmKccG1guyUTAFtLMOseinKMgw_Tg/w494-h640/IMG_20230107_103131025.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One morning...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Chi Chung woke feeling more refreshed then usual]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chi Chung: Rise and Shine!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Chi Chung went down to the river to wash his face when he heard a twig crack. He looks up and spots Zou Chen Jin. They are shocked to see each other]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chen Jin: Lang Chi Chung?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Meanwhile...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Gu Fen realizes she is alone with Tao Meng for the first time]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Fen: [Thinks] Time's up, Tao Meng!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Suddenly without warning Tao Meng throws his food into the air]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tao Meng: [Shouts] We are so close! I can feel it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[His bowl hits Gu Fen right in the face and she drops her sword]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Fen [Angrily] TAO MENG!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[Suddenly Su Li appears]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Su Li: Am I interrupting something? I just saved your life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Fen: Wha-?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tao Meng: Wha-?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Previously...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chen Jin: What are you... um.. er..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chi Chung: So why... well... Miss Zou... I... well...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">[As the two awkwardly try to speak Su Li appears in a flash of light]</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chi Chung: Look out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chen Jin: Ahhhhh</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Che Chung: Miss Zou?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chen Jin: HONK! [Thinks] A Goose? Someone will eat me. Father will kill me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To Be Continued</div></div>Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-26845233168527171962022-09-05T17:42:00.005-07:002022-09-05T17:42:53.818-07:00Finally a new batch of drawings.<div style="text-align: center;"> +JMJ+</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Hopefully most of them aren't repeats. I always forget what I've shared.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4faIC9aI64m8CHTeWv2bAQdnQOo14WlRzQ4zU6til6GX_LA_5Nr7f59VH97apLVstw5LV7_6_yByccVj_DL5l3OMmP0JJ3ERStX1N5VZ3iPLtwotXKoMmTI3FZ_e5S8Y2BTERlgNSRsA_Av5yijPCFFQ7xXIdWehlvrt-QE09ZTeiG4RdB2aYlPU39Q/s3889/IMG_20220905_182106330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3889" data-original-width="2249" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4faIC9aI64m8CHTeWv2bAQdnQOo14WlRzQ4zU6til6GX_LA_5Nr7f59VH97apLVstw5LV7_6_yByccVj_DL5l3OMmP0JJ3ERStX1N5VZ3iPLtwotXKoMmTI3FZ_e5S8Y2BTERlgNSRsA_Av5yijPCFFQ7xXIdWehlvrt-QE09ZTeiG4RdB2aYlPU39Q/s320/IMG_20220905_182106330.jpg" width="185" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Name: Gu Xinya</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 19</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Book: Book of the Phoenix</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Lady of Xiyu, lives with her brother, sister, brother-in-law, and niece</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbju17WQoW2-aKsyYAVVWpdF0HzmFPxVEjiDDeJor4plKtZtYZssh0lf4k-d_q65ul0axB7pJuXreizMnT2XQlO8DCzk8f-qZtHvQf9QsSHwkGN5HyYoIRwNodY4LuY42p_AEvum6jEXP3gjJoaKA6rG5EDQ0ahYXnznYVKmbC-Me-0JtK9o2qvxjpHg/s4153/IMG_20220905_182113778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4153" data-original-width="2249" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbju17WQoW2-aKsyYAVVWpdF0HzmFPxVEjiDDeJor4plKtZtYZssh0lf4k-d_q65ul0axB7pJuXreizMnT2XQlO8DCzk8f-qZtHvQf9QsSHwkGN5HyYoIRwNodY4LuY42p_AEvum6jEXP3gjJoaKA6rG5EDQ0ahYXnznYVKmbC-Me-0JtK9o2qvxjpHg/s320/IMG_20220905_182113778.jpg" width="173" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Name: Fang Chen</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 26</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Book: Book of the Phoenix</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First General and Prince of Xiyu</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptGwxHZylQyJmtaKSggh1f41ZTNlEa43QuqErK3X0_by5bZL3BxpewaZYbZnE_h_doa0qNN5ZoPjdQgJ-Isg_tNZ-KmzAQrl8qaQqamQJipPdHZWywxVOc1s3AhNO90UNnLImhtNMkyv3ymGf1N88ysCse1fBp3voveLpw5KBrFixRumc_uo5nUftMw/s4082/IMG_20220905_182125144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4082" data-original-width="2534" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjptGwxHZylQyJmtaKSggh1f41ZTNlEa43QuqErK3X0_by5bZL3BxpewaZYbZnE_h_doa0qNN5ZoPjdQgJ-Isg_tNZ-KmzAQrl8qaQqamQJipPdHZWywxVOc1s3AhNO90UNnLImhtNMkyv3ymGf1N88ysCse1fBp3voveLpw5KBrFixRumc_uo5nUftMw/s320/IMG_20220905_182125144.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yao Ju</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 18</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Book: Book of the Phoenix</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lady of Xiyu, betrothed to Fang Chen, short tempered</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyi_4tMGSk1xAwL8v2tjSgmmvWU5q2u10cf8YY4QeEo7WohjyL_kkBJzaSg9X3ob-IOyCyl_kMokCeiReB5Sd19Zm7hJETyitNuVVcBJm8VQhv5Rj1Tiqe7nBbEDbyESOVteBmh0AlbuoYSqfVu6aJB7_z8gK8yxvLcsprFUzhMgGoX4v-YQkhR45fNA/s3990/IMG_20220905_182133701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3990" data-original-width="2674" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyi_4tMGSk1xAwL8v2tjSgmmvWU5q2u10cf8YY4QeEo7WohjyL_kkBJzaSg9X3ob-IOyCyl_kMokCeiReB5Sd19Zm7hJETyitNuVVcBJm8VQhv5Rj1Tiqe7nBbEDbyESOVteBmh0AlbuoYSqfVu6aJB7_z8gK8yxvLcsprFUzhMgGoX4v-YQkhR45fNA/s320/IMG_20220905_182133701.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Name: Yuan Len</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 19</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Book: Book of the Phoenix</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lady of Xiyu, betrothed to Lai Guo, friend of Gu Xinya, enemy of Yao Ju</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVf8JqCGkOeS3jdo2FrXHblL6rfERQ-C5wPZ0URvW7NpwkK5tUGl5YRtPp3iVcb76orjAYm8LReYo9DQEHCneQ0E2ddCN8_ZZhvdgrkZ6HVwu08tWHnlNTPQYBLiJRT9MhvfVKqMXOmDlgGFZy3vUEiaXUTx0log10UhMgXfUXO7ZkJvp_QqICz3uMQ/s4131/IMG_20220905_182138929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3019" data-original-width="4131" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVf8JqCGkOeS3jdo2FrXHblL6rfERQ-C5wPZ0URvW7NpwkK5tUGl5YRtPp3iVcb76orjAYm8LReYo9DQEHCneQ0E2ddCN8_ZZhvdgrkZ6HVwu08tWHnlNTPQYBLiJRT9MhvfVKqMXOmDlgGFZy3vUEiaXUTx0log10UhMgXfUXO7ZkJvp_QqICz3uMQ/s320/IMG_20220905_182138929.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sneak Peak at Episode 2</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yuan Len really doesn't want to marry Lai Guo and looks for sympathy from her friend Gu Xinya. Fang Chen and Lai Guo find a painting of the Phoenix and a journal in the Forbidden Archives. Lai Guo has the keys to the archives but he isn't supposed to take other people down.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTBQ4mC6hxocjzrmc_Hg65DNQutTfrPC60GT835qi1Ee4ZCK7CKeWu-BM16wSArtNdRCfWUmA4a9Moy8KW08Pogbc2bvufEe9DVkS9dcAWeD6CcV6Z7CnNfSEWrKquLhFu4sZiD3GIYz1yCGFIzDfSC3-XK6eHCZYbj59BwLooTSrijjPghu57r6f0Q/s3575/IMG_20220905_182146558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2556" data-original-width="3575" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTBQ4mC6hxocjzrmc_Hg65DNQutTfrPC60GT835qi1Ee4ZCK7CKeWu-BM16wSArtNdRCfWUmA4a9Moy8KW08Pogbc2bvufEe9DVkS9dcAWeD6CcV6Z7CnNfSEWrKquLhFu4sZiD3GIYz1yCGFIzDfSC3-XK6eHCZYbj59BwLooTSrijjPghu57r6f0Q/s320/IMG_20220905_182146558.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Working on the title.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8wh1EAA2gwfk6wwLrsILAfxs1ZGheVleqwEk1zzfPJtRcY0XscFpvlq0u3b1SiQeyAqi4y7Vd29Xn6-1Ahd2bpnCVwdNMxI_VTIvq_E22b7u1dSC6vvL-_LzvqbMmLmTUAyw_LjfKf65YKjPNeMT4S-dzhT0Cxj7PQu-JWONn8MS7TnORTEWXFhh1Q/s4113/IMG_20220905_182156366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4113" data-original-width="1934" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8wh1EAA2gwfk6wwLrsILAfxs1ZGheVleqwEk1zzfPJtRcY0XscFpvlq0u3b1SiQeyAqi4y7Vd29Xn6-1Ahd2bpnCVwdNMxI_VTIvq_E22b7u1dSC6vvL-_LzvqbMmLmTUAyw_LjfKf65YKjPNeMT4S-dzhT0Cxj7PQu-JWONn8MS7TnORTEWXFhh1Q/s320/IMG_20220905_182156366.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fang Chen</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgr8NVg9Y0M3gva8Wmdb2_fETqz9T1RbCGV4VcweBgXc5_iaCa_G6EwCqAFw3FLYQoiGmzVAVD3L2178VQfrcP7N6KVuFidYRr8G3ofSBN9Q0WOcjubtycoI5eahcJQ8smnoug0tiMHNEAHAOBfLrtnxgk0Rmm2anbVFtFh7cncpXTgWmXUly1tzehA/s4122/IMG_20220905_182203384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4122" data-original-width="2248" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgr8NVg9Y0M3gva8Wmdb2_fETqz9T1RbCGV4VcweBgXc5_iaCa_G6EwCqAFw3FLYQoiGmzVAVD3L2178VQfrcP7N6KVuFidYRr8G3ofSBN9Q0WOcjubtycoI5eahcJQ8smnoug0tiMHNEAHAOBfLrtnxgk0Rmm2anbVFtFh7cncpXTgWmXUly1tzehA/s320/IMG_20220905_182203384.jpg" width="175" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Xinya</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3VbEm_VHMiu1mlGte_PRh6VzQ0VSitFgTvbjyRKtWwacwCOl9lJm2ArFL4gZlVcKJXoelAFRlEWJZN1_bXemBzCZrAnVH97ShIMu-zoyoFkD_azSfKBtE8ae1p_gVuTZ2ciuMNr_d1q6MXEJZJ1udyfD3xNrwDHqwszGjv_Ef-01MlzGbl8ndW-4kA/s3661/IMG_20220905_182210194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3661" data-original-width="1837" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3VbEm_VHMiu1mlGte_PRh6VzQ0VSitFgTvbjyRKtWwacwCOl9lJm2ArFL4gZlVcKJXoelAFRlEWJZN1_bXemBzCZrAnVH97ShIMu-zoyoFkD_azSfKBtE8ae1p_gVuTZ2ciuMNr_d1q6MXEJZJ1udyfD3xNrwDHqwszGjv_Ef-01MlzGbl8ndW-4kA/s320/IMG_20220905_182210194.jpg" width="161" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Name: Fang Fan</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 15</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Book: Book of the phoenix</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fang Chen's cousin, an acrobat and dancer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Code name: Star</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekVDPaMZrK6XZ5hx-uQPIouE1xQKMDve0RrBDSQe2d7cf1Aqa4ezceVOpACsw2yo7LJy2G_aFiFWOijpPND4gslGPRAEg4gNe367OHVpHynbJLhE5RT0iQZ2VN-e7KdcvLGhSt6_7DcWjm4f31d9FjQeXZ34iWzhfioVd8ju_CBnpQ20EhCkWip5dKg/s3784/IMG_20220905_182215452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3784" data-original-width="1627" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekVDPaMZrK6XZ5hx-uQPIouE1xQKMDve0RrBDSQe2d7cf1Aqa4ezceVOpACsw2yo7LJy2G_aFiFWOijpPND4gslGPRAEg4gNe367OHVpHynbJLhE5RT0iQZ2VN-e7KdcvLGhSt6_7DcWjm4f31d9FjQeXZ34iWzhfioVd8ju_CBnpQ20EhCkWip5dKg/s320/IMG_20220905_182215452.jpg" width="138" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Name: Fang Jun</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 17</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Book: Book of the Phoenix</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fang Chen's brother, guard for the Walkers, prince of Xiyu</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRoJeVZdJmc1EqXmRplWJdB5CHoghISGVpzP9J2bm1xT_ktlxbocjEH4qbZnIK7yNgHL7NJ7KSNzNgmdren7FPquM0cNWAcmhkE87wu2CFJoYxk6GS65mjourzpOZnDDgXE3y2mRk0RXX8_IXoMW1pjgngTlpYh4G2mQGuOCR6Wpie3qt1W6Bb1Pygw/s3709/IMG_20220905_182220942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3709" data-original-width="2249" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxRoJeVZdJmc1EqXmRplWJdB5CHoghISGVpzP9J2bm1xT_ktlxbocjEH4qbZnIK7yNgHL7NJ7KSNzNgmdren7FPquM0cNWAcmhkE87wu2CFJoYxk6GS65mjourzpOZnDDgXE3y2mRk0RXX8_IXoMW1pjgngTlpYh4G2mQGuOCR6Wpie3qt1W6Bb1Pygw/s320/IMG_20220905_182220942.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yao Gu</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAL7gFejAlCK0kWSvUWMTGebxFQmEymGxWI8-wS69I0YkTxppMKdwoIwMvR-M1658R5i_3rwa9O00oKwtSQsuqaCfqcMPs5gR196tdRcHqM0OvoYV8YTLIVooMSaOPB9IUNuyR145ytRWt-3Z0sjqXRKH1fVgdE0oIoCHvvvJfXPpRISSKe0ffPwDKPA/s3770/IMG_20220905_182231215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3770" data-original-width="1355" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAL7gFejAlCK0kWSvUWMTGebxFQmEymGxWI8-wS69I0YkTxppMKdwoIwMvR-M1658R5i_3rwa9O00oKwtSQsuqaCfqcMPs5gR196tdRcHqM0OvoYV8YTLIVooMSaOPB9IUNuyR145ytRWt-3Z0sjqXRKH1fVgdE0oIoCHvvvJfXPpRISSKe0ffPwDKPA/s320/IMG_20220905_182231215.jpg" width="115" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Yong</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 15</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Book: Book of the Phoenix</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Xinya's brother, master of Gu Mansion</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKshTbLhh5bjX4PEbxObcr3f4wuOuozzh30utVSrcFpw9fiUibEIVEet9dC73EWSOIygrGO0v6WmUk3hcaaxCmgAU6k57jno5hmgmvbXgIIqkGarbrA5Uj5OP8_GHV_Fu4loqFOOjeFtrkdBeHuBWuO5UoBZu0f9dg9ZTAKnejgQLmLCrCewEJqz7Qw/s4021/IMG_20220905_182240793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4021" data-original-width="2915" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKshTbLhh5bjX4PEbxObcr3f4wuOuozzh30utVSrcFpw9fiUibEIVEet9dC73EWSOIygrGO0v6WmUk3hcaaxCmgAU6k57jno5hmgmvbXgIIqkGarbrA5Uj5OP8_GHV_Fu4loqFOOjeFtrkdBeHuBWuO5UoBZu0f9dg9ZTAKnejgQLmLCrCewEJqz7Qw/s320/IMG_20220905_182240793.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remake of the Black Horizon cover</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Benjamin Raswel's life is torn apart when soldiers arrive in his village and brand him with the black mark. Ben escapes the island and ends up in Port Royal with a treasure map hidden behind a painting.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfjIeN7GyaXlJc0dFjiku56GNm-SHLMkfUzfrTfaMhDUey8pPsYh4kOVm-hrqoIS1Aw_Qp0Fs2lFruFennDAmVhhkHB-Xpc_wQ9lra9Tx_s6-qdR4TTBkqMVbYQb9EPDg4YQuU0sHHmAwuO8s0j6tsKoo7wi1AF-Lj_wm7oeTV3kWLsqw1PO2nQWQ6w/s3644/IMG_20220905_182246983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3644" data-original-width="2371" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfjIeN7GyaXlJc0dFjiku56GNm-SHLMkfUzfrTfaMhDUey8pPsYh4kOVm-hrqoIS1Aw_Qp0Fs2lFruFennDAmVhhkHB-Xpc_wQ9lra9Tx_s6-qdR4TTBkqMVbYQb9EPDg4YQuU0sHHmAwuO8s0j6tsKoo7wi1AF-Lj_wm7oeTV3kWLsqw1PO2nQWQ6w/s320/IMG_20220905_182246983.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Name: Benjamin Raswel</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 15</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Book: The Black Horion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blacksmith's son</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWS7sGMa51OijcS3DFEctrUu-JRezAJu8ZSF3FzIK5arKa_BDBnmoOpjslBJtuPqeb2x-Htm0Lvv7dlVkmufA_kJp8o6p2wXbZivOMIq1egYOzrNbfiCbDdwjGCLZCcI1bsrkPDzmpciHXgPMVHIm8m2nIymNtYl2-cQ-JpacJB_GcRZY3IqYgZ0WiA/s4029/IMG_20220905_182254823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4029" data-original-width="3113" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWS7sGMa51OijcS3DFEctrUu-JRezAJu8ZSF3FzIK5arKa_BDBnmoOpjslBJtuPqeb2x-Htm0Lvv7dlVkmufA_kJp8o6p2wXbZivOMIq1egYOzrNbfiCbDdwjGCLZCcI1bsrkPDzmpciHXgPMVHIm8m2nIymNtYl2-cQ-JpacJB_GcRZY3IqYgZ0WiA/s320/IMG_20220905_182254823.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sketch of Ben's painting</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back row: Blackjack, Matthew, James, Mrs. Raswel, and baby Lucy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Front Row: Thomas, Philip, Margaret, and Benjamin</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubvEAr_G-kg38OB37nlUxXiD-eRqK0bd82uLEfYmUQS_HdvB7i0uaIhJfeoYiej3NAFP_jII0JJ1MsBj2B0aAw88c5U3z9dLMO4b8nIQHNNPva_PN6PP4ObOtih9ldmUHbRDFBuBbg0UgBGVcC16VXmdjfLKXWmJT3GgDgAkZg_PjwWnT-8Wzh1GLYQ/s3569/IMG_20220905_182302921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3569" data-original-width="2955" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubvEAr_G-kg38OB37nlUxXiD-eRqK0bd82uLEfYmUQS_HdvB7i0uaIhJfeoYiej3NAFP_jII0JJ1MsBj2B0aAw88c5U3z9dLMO4b8nIQHNNPva_PN6PP4ObOtih9ldmUHbRDFBuBbg0UgBGVcC16VXmdjfLKXWmJT3GgDgAkZg_PjwWnT-8Wzh1GLYQ/s320/IMG_20220905_182302921.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"The Lizard's Ball"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back Row: Casmir Vertibray</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Third Row: Ravi Cyriacus, Dominic Smith, Blaze, Leo Howard, Tam Foresight</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Second Row: Charlotte Dentinaro, Lance Greenwood, Frogman, Agent Q, Rezo Foresight</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Front Row: Don't remember which silhouette belongs to who, except Georgie has the tail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, front row in no particular order: Georgiana Cormac, Clarence Dentinaro, Bolk, Katie, Daniel Gardiner, Sylvester Wilder, Miri Foresight, Tristiana Greenwood, Pompeii Cyriacus, Jacobella Cyriacus</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3G3g8UXlt285kmwvUSzUAVJJVd_0VxSXxgjz1rc81Qy55H3C15gA-M9NBrauUrRseed3BnNdRmIjWSkY7xSzq2V3_gCtEqIrif9R_t7Th9UTTguMUqrH8CVQnh_Wh61w_4g5Ph-LipL1lgig49ynSoxP-UanuZiMgPqYwlXsHmBUdnY7Oi1kTWHO-sw/s4060/IMG_20220905_182309582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4060" data-original-width="2144" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3G3g8UXlt285kmwvUSzUAVJJVd_0VxSXxgjz1rc81Qy55H3C15gA-M9NBrauUrRseed3BnNdRmIjWSkY7xSzq2V3_gCtEqIrif9R_t7Th9UTTguMUqrH8CVQnh_Wh61w_4g5Ph-LipL1lgig49ynSoxP-UanuZiMgPqYwlXsHmBUdnY7Oi1kTWHO-sw/s320/IMG_20220905_182309582.jpg" width="169" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Name: Fang Gu Xinya</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 21</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Book: Second Book of the Phoenix</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lady of Xiyu, wife of the commander</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZwr9BWGHjGs8i66xuVkGzrbAvsLMDgTHDKL2o80OQucI97W-lAViG7zM-nKcoEHb0jTzZEvN-urA8q_x3HWmZTkhhVPpjFHESVY5i6Fgd2WIIlCZuHig7uRmDpUbgxBB-jbsJAKc7bQVhSNV7Z37Bxk8SUb5H2nudlzGMFP9QWWtaebbHGqKypYIVQ/s3525/IMG_20220905_182319667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3525" data-original-width="2626" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZwr9BWGHjGs8i66xuVkGzrbAvsLMDgTHDKL2o80OQucI97W-lAViG7zM-nKcoEHb0jTzZEvN-urA8q_x3HWmZTkhhVPpjFHESVY5i6Fgd2WIIlCZuHig7uRmDpUbgxBB-jbsJAKc7bQVhSNV7Z37Bxk8SUb5H2nudlzGMFP9QWWtaebbHGqKypYIVQ/s320/IMG_20220905_182319667.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Name: Tobias Smith</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: (Don't remember)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Book: The Color Code</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Code name: Captain Streak</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jx09Ez0nEJmC5fEHbWuGKKA0rw4T6SAiXO-_YgzGzBSD5AzJrHCwIQALKFkjnM_oRDt1p_KwJPXcCt2vmLVrBcp-jH6gAe6pGfdysux8R5MXN3dlbsV6FFsTAvpw_B6uJ-9YRUdBldxEm5aNzFDkNo6ss3TmoCBnYpd6wjENt0JrISgpmH4zY73U2g/s4061/IMG_20220905_182335659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4061" data-original-width="3042" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jx09Ez0nEJmC5fEHbWuGKKA0rw4T6SAiXO-_YgzGzBSD5AzJrHCwIQALKFkjnM_oRDt1p_KwJPXcCt2vmLVrBcp-jH6gAe6pGfdysux8R5MXN3dlbsV6FFsTAvpw_B6uJ-9YRUdBldxEm5aNzFDkNo6ss3TmoCBnYpd6wjENt0JrISgpmH4zY73U2g/s320/IMG_20220905_182335659.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fairy Godmother Academy</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Priscilla has one chance to prove herself an able Fairy Godmother or be kicked out of the academy. Unfortunately her Cinderella isn't exactly a normal Cinderella and her prince is definitely not her true love. There might also be some other underhand plots going on. Will Priscilla ever be allowed back to the academy?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4yhl2L6MEa66bgrdj8NCwqyQgo5s2y1QOTmc7Y1uBJYiSRHKbW3jFnUMoB0yLUkeftAIR1ADPkEt6gvxokn6Axj0l20x7TDQ9a4gillJGPtW_n4pliPgBcBap5Jl15EOVMpZwC5h6IaJ-XIo9-ulw2Chi3Q8WZzPtmshqPfJe72i-qp1Ub_vEgFCYA/s4157/IMG_20220905_182343524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4157" data-original-width="2976" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4yhl2L6MEa66bgrdj8NCwqyQgo5s2y1QOTmc7Y1uBJYiSRHKbW3jFnUMoB0yLUkeftAIR1ADPkEt6gvxokn6Axj0l20x7TDQ9a4gillJGPtW_n4pliPgBcBap5Jl15EOVMpZwC5h6IaJ-XIo9-ulw2Chi3Q8WZzPtmshqPfJe72i-qp1Ub_vEgFCYA/s320/IMG_20220905_182343524.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Book of the Phoenix</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Xinya only wants to help her friend escape from a prearranged marriage. But she does not expect her brother to be arrested and them both to be kidnapped by the cold first General. Why is he so interested in her stone? Were Zhan Jiang's parents really innocent? What is General Fang Chen up too? And why does he need Gu Xinya and her friends?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJv0AIXk3vp3n0avdC1v_vzJPcw8Y9Cxk1OIZ7r34Yv6kvD7Bf5_gyhbYngnmNJxlh0hvZ9naHDefMrA98X_WX-zVTyOgYvgRRPZzroRvcZ4hm-0RMbtjNe76zPmLHTmACFtEhG_SRPQRAN7XY4WHIG_UmrMINbyyoZj3JlZa95jEGnTUO13NiB5GoVw/s3657/IMG_20220905_182348553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3657" data-original-width="3108" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJv0AIXk3vp3n0avdC1v_vzJPcw8Y9Cxk1OIZ7r34Yv6kvD7Bf5_gyhbYngnmNJxlh0hvZ9naHDefMrA98X_WX-zVTyOgYvgRRPZzroRvcZ4hm-0RMbtjNe76zPmLHTmACFtEhG_SRPQRAN7XY4WHIG_UmrMINbyyoZj3JlZa95jEGnTUO13NiB5GoVw/s320/IMG_20220905_182348553.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Ranger's Bow</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Prince Daniel is sent away to live with his Ranger uncle. He is surprised to discover his father's famous bow and quickly decides to earn it for himself.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyya2RFCgQ49tTTB8afj0by5p8perhgbjxPYcNi_Nbr1K9yVLDZOTOwU5R3KQlRP9eAIoG6wqkbEtqwcdis1SthNENWcW-tH-n07aL5wMav-MRf8zKuQ8pt7qFNajfZr1gbQtGHM25L_nuendxRyHJb41kkV34EGuDPiJrwXS4LrF60Wh2Du4l2NdBNA/s3788/IMG_20220905_182356674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3788" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyya2RFCgQ49tTTB8afj0by5p8perhgbjxPYcNi_Nbr1K9yVLDZOTOwU5R3KQlRP9eAIoG6wqkbEtqwcdis1SthNENWcW-tH-n07aL5wMav-MRf8zKuQ8pt7qFNajfZr1gbQtGHM25L_nuendxRyHJb41kkV34EGuDPiJrwXS4LrF60Wh2Du4l2NdBNA/s320/IMG_20220905_182356674.jpg" width="231" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Xinya</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6q4Tw_yAzM9ArcBppf32_c_0ROJ3b5T0-ia2kZLwjHoOdsd1F2phriGSjhJOCeibgn194TMjjyDHSjLcdYgoNUaXnpB6B3dk0o-XSjJW-c7GXz4hAG3iM-Vqi7A-o6yyUl_PavpRwHghOL3Vfx9hfW-E_2uJ9gNEQceXkX9eIJHOds8WaAhMsrd0Wlg/s4143/IMG_20220905_182405174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4143" data-original-width="2666" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6q4Tw_yAzM9ArcBppf32_c_0ROJ3b5T0-ia2kZLwjHoOdsd1F2phriGSjhJOCeibgn194TMjjyDHSjLcdYgoNUaXnpB6B3dk0o-XSjJW-c7GXz4hAG3iM-Vqi7A-o6yyUl_PavpRwHghOL3Vfx9hfW-E_2uJ9gNEQceXkX9eIJHOds8WaAhMsrd0Wlg/s320/IMG_20220905_182405174.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fang Chen</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-7q3WVTZiqE1cp1j2smpOcPm-Y0qYAqsYoKMAcYy2ETLJzwx0ZyzsJbrP1o2PfK2BQqj1qts61f0zgUpy_fDDNzWV2pxhotUSOeyypcHv7hhJyfMMMN6ez6152EYZNtZ1xE9OI7iy-kFU7BMMfjZG01D4XcT5yxyk8GVodpwmmaPzbJg_k8ZqA0juQ/s3955/IMG_20220905_182412508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3955" data-original-width="2705" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-7q3WVTZiqE1cp1j2smpOcPm-Y0qYAqsYoKMAcYy2ETLJzwx0ZyzsJbrP1o2PfK2BQqj1qts61f0zgUpy_fDDNzWV2pxhotUSOeyypcHv7hhJyfMMMN6ez6152EYZNtZ1xE9OI7iy-kFU7BMMfjZG01D4XcT5yxyk8GVodpwmmaPzbJg_k8ZqA0juQ/s320/IMG_20220905_182412508.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Name: Lai Guo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 24</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Book: First Book of the Phoenix</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Master of the Archives, scholar, Emperor's sparring partner, betrothed to Yuan Len</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkOcCswilT_uIbuDbBFjMmX8jz3RW8xa9a7pKsjDfFNm91s3uXtlqZEekxR8xAiotoHs3BMuRumjniuoGZ7y9Dr1NQDVVHKd4Fc3X15kPfEFPxGxtJsv5ZhVA6PGWRCv7tEhV-RxVbAwDMYswoKcsv-iJTpdaOToPM5q6pbuc6QwzHKBo6FVrBozSLg/s3692/IMG_20220905_182416284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3692" data-original-width="2525" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYkOcCswilT_uIbuDbBFjMmX8jz3RW8xa9a7pKsjDfFNm91s3uXtlqZEekxR8xAiotoHs3BMuRumjniuoGZ7y9Dr1NQDVVHKd4Fc3X15kPfEFPxGxtJsv5ZhVA6PGWRCv7tEhV-RxVbAwDMYswoKcsv-iJTpdaOToPM5q6pbuc6QwzHKBo6FVrBozSLg/s320/IMG_20220905_182416284.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yao Ju</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTZ1uHXbx_cTxwnHrmaD3f7P137c2oB1YF0OUYls1I2jOGxSoZI2JDsOkO1D1dM7pBfLCHvi8p_mEbBe98uJC4b2qgJJAF1spBwwopmo2FS-SvPyAnkDBB1pLx_b9AMROXai0P_hasxjiUbV1AwtHH4NCftFHYlrsoPpQqVx4CAZ-dK-g1ITOkwabqg/s3894/IMG_20220905_182428460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3894" data-original-width="1534" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlTZ1uHXbx_cTxwnHrmaD3f7P137c2oB1YF0OUYls1I2jOGxSoZI2JDsOkO1D1dM7pBfLCHvi8p_mEbBe98uJC4b2qgJJAF1spBwwopmo2FS-SvPyAnkDBB1pLx_b9AMROXai0P_hasxjiUbV1AwtHH4NCftFHYlrsoPpQqVx4CAZ-dK-g1ITOkwabqg/s320/IMG_20220905_182428460.jpg" width="126" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yuan Len</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvy7jY178p1IpbqnXQmCcD0fgJQG2u3arMeGSdpR5PKgL1Re_7LKP97xUFnC2EhN0E9GKYQcunxQx8mBth2_L0bIdrkJzP3T8tJUyzXOeXFwfpX67VysUxKXIymAZy5Sp0qgr4biWdeXX509lhRJyVqKOVtqqVFQICY8dl4oqXULR-hLBsz83lkTVYg/s3846/IMG_20220905_182436043_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3846" data-original-width="1898" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvy7jY178p1IpbqnXQmCcD0fgJQG2u3arMeGSdpR5PKgL1Re_7LKP97xUFnC2EhN0E9GKYQcunxQx8mBth2_L0bIdrkJzP3T8tJUyzXOeXFwfpX67VysUxKXIymAZy5Sp0qgr4biWdeXX509lhRJyVqKOVtqqVFQICY8dl4oqXULR-hLBsz83lkTVYg/s320/IMG_20220905_182436043_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" width="158" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Name: Zhan Jiang</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 19</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Book: Book of the Phoenix</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Xinya's friend, son of two executed traitors, raised by the Gu family</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aLsi-jJaL6881W8PP8zyoPN9dUE3do_XlNDVlOdthRkPbTkmokqWNJXG_zaJ7JExeC3iAxqW7xfX5qG36p1yg4WPgXbLL_cF3TxFxTRL67qaJprRXMgAH9UOHn0AA5YPSrCitXvXjkFGPHv8eUtxKKfAbtRjWzfQK59v2CGqNKq1WBxgWEHBycG3_Q/s3929/IMG_20220905_182441779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3929" data-original-width="1728" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4aLsi-jJaL6881W8PP8zyoPN9dUE3do_XlNDVlOdthRkPbTkmokqWNJXG_zaJ7JExeC3iAxqW7xfX5qG36p1yg4WPgXbLL_cF3TxFxTRL67qaJprRXMgAH9UOHn0AA5YPSrCitXvXjkFGPHv8eUtxKKfAbtRjWzfQK59v2CGqNKq1WBxgWEHBycG3_Q/s320/IMG_20220905_182441779.jpg" width="141" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gu Yong</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiX-96jQKG3othkDKC6fc6PL51M4wjJAKfSKJ6TlxOSHXPCx6hfXpLiqTAuPWS3tXBOjtIGJbVC878jcClKYONUxx8IJnWXoBd2N4BcnBQZ9PdgsgraR63iej63DvvG8toN_wglmmwx0lRmGz7QdqdECk_crLlQhzNuK7aNPNMDLimBv7lqcHynjjsQ/s3617/IMG_20220905_182451253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3617" data-original-width="3099" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiX-96jQKG3othkDKC6fc6PL51M4wjJAKfSKJ6TlxOSHXPCx6hfXpLiqTAuPWS3tXBOjtIGJbVC878jcClKYONUxx8IJnWXoBd2N4BcnBQZ9PdgsgraR63iej63DvvG8toN_wglmmwx0lRmGz7QdqdECk_crLlQhzNuK7aNPNMDLimBv7lqcHynjjsQ/s320/IMG_20220905_182451253.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fang Fan</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIXMwIiC32Pf7CfDyggNXTYKjyGVbYu49E7heOwMw_9RlwOEazOAQkKkx8s6wK9_PV2PS5pHhNEpPEOf1RdB7AgObh4vQowvecWkvwewkxrehVGrwpyCGuh8Kl2M6zR0D-kbjGDMPTwYXze4IT3-Db8AXzJlQFcO7zu55yz4uZ8EyDAKBZ9j0s7JWIg/s3951/IMG_20220905_182457160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3951" data-original-width="2446" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIXMwIiC32Pf7CfDyggNXTYKjyGVbYu49E7heOwMw_9RlwOEazOAQkKkx8s6wK9_PV2PS5pHhNEpPEOf1RdB7AgObh4vQowvecWkvwewkxrehVGrwpyCGuh8Kl2M6zR0D-kbjGDMPTwYXze4IT3-Db8AXzJlQFcO7zu55yz4uZ8EyDAKBZ9j0s7JWIg/s320/IMG_20220905_182457160.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Name: Shen Gongxin</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 19</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Book: Book of the Phoenix</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Emperor of Xiyu, Fang Chen's stepbrother</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQbd0poBo-FCuJivEFlsgjU5Cw5XaetyMXtITz1jjsITAw8UNElCGz_Rju2s7RGKDR8XHzOcf5PYWkqGh3P72kge_qhyTAtKLJHvftDFJ-lAfKJboVuncp_2PAUPpahtvp6STknt6qcp1devWjxTRdpnA30rrRbStE3Ui5SJOGocvu5hSgZJyDqeTIw/s4025/IMG_20220905_182502558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4025" data-original-width="1758" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzQbd0poBo-FCuJivEFlsgjU5Cw5XaetyMXtITz1jjsITAw8UNElCGz_Rju2s7RGKDR8XHzOcf5PYWkqGh3P72kge_qhyTAtKLJHvftDFJ-lAfKJboVuncp_2PAUPpahtvp6STknt6qcp1devWjxTRdpnA30rrRbStE3Ui5SJOGocvu5hSgZJyDqeTIw/s320/IMG_20220905_182502558.jpg" width="140" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fang Jun</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RRMdExWuIX-oZGEvZ6NeefN_ZDsVwdoLiAj-X9PtVcB-8bM8o-bO2hqpvWq6aPwL65RXmuRso5zB-quWmEeDC3kgX9dABzFU97Il9WRTBHNcguY_W9lKZ_OhAnE8rJlzpGXxf_920aGMhgcHowI_jwdhO4nTHCWRfzvqabxUwKe70insuIqGeIH8Nw/s3662/IMG_20220905_182507815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3662" data-original-width="1179" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RRMdExWuIX-oZGEvZ6NeefN_ZDsVwdoLiAj-X9PtVcB-8bM8o-bO2hqpvWq6aPwL65RXmuRso5zB-quWmEeDC3kgX9dABzFU97Il9WRTBHNcguY_W9lKZ_OhAnE8rJlzpGXxf_920aGMhgcHowI_jwdhO4nTHCWRfzvqabxUwKe70insuIqGeIH8Nw/s320/IMG_20220905_182507815.jpg" width="103" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Name: Chang Chang</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Age: 14</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Book: Book of the Phoenix</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fang Chen's devoted servant</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That's all for now,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~ The Author</div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-79080311037436428922022-06-15T11:59:00.005-07:002022-06-15T12:00:35.315-07:00Drawings<p style="text-align: center;"> +JMJ+</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnLaod8vnYnnqK5tUyQmlnhpPfcNWCM4iD3zqdvenY2_NY9EfKrFxWorWgK3lh81Iuxk25MKS2ZmKO1DecIGAzPLP6SSGhKE9mHA_KTYagOKkXEo9cu7pbbH09GhT00WbkCdeCoCjd1RE9EPEdY4I-xJQmUn6G4NOeylFYtbpmja8vlXLUj6kcTfMgA/s1131/IMG_20220614_201543189%20(3rd%20copy).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1131" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnLaod8vnYnnqK5tUyQmlnhpPfcNWCM4iD3zqdvenY2_NY9EfKrFxWorWgK3lh81Iuxk25MKS2ZmKO1DecIGAzPLP6SSGhKE9mHA_KTYagOKkXEo9cu7pbbH09GhT00WbkCdeCoCjd1RE9EPEdY4I-xJQmUn6G4NOeylFYtbpmja8vlXLUj6kcTfMgA/s320/IMG_20220614_201543189%20(3rd%20copy).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">RB and Ossy- 3998</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoG30AhIZMVkSvD4LuWSfFuFHTaSSY59lRP5cFnr8sWG58FKpb4pz3ZP5XHTt6E105PGLWlzUu3tP0wyJ3Vanwe1WNZJ_3GWWenioUVN9VD2uLczYWCGVSQoC8hpfU2FgnD9NVTxL0kI7qZhDf5K4pU4Rv2u_avmyIIWfBXjhNI5lJZHD4ecEQsgXx7A/s1276/IMG_20220614_201543189%20(another%20copy).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1276" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoG30AhIZMVkSvD4LuWSfFuFHTaSSY59lRP5cFnr8sWG58FKpb4pz3ZP5XHTt6E105PGLWlzUu3tP0wyJ3Vanwe1WNZJ_3GWWenioUVN9VD2uLczYWCGVSQoC8hpfU2FgnD9NVTxL0kI7qZhDf5K4pU4Rv2u_avmyIIWfBXjhNI5lJZHD4ecEQsgXx7A/s320/IMG_20220614_201543189%20(another%20copy).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Michael Brider- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAMW0RMe8PrWz6zbL2bYqEOD3qu8sJyvflTZ2LLrRYeZQ7ahVrwXLA4XGNqvpDikyYFTEi7ua7JMggnNe5DmWebUZWfU0vOLf9Rfe5brx4q5-p1txes3ZOOTYNewfV-HlPvyRzLD4wFXZZ7DsJDVPSHtjWJtncvQSlPyLJnCbf3fy7KnDu_Pa5YqmfQ/s2530/IMG_20220614_201543189%20(copy).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1382" data-original-width="2530" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKAMW0RMe8PrWz6zbL2bYqEOD3qu8sJyvflTZ2LLrRYeZQ7ahVrwXLA4XGNqvpDikyYFTEi7ua7JMggnNe5DmWebUZWfU0vOLf9Rfe5brx4q5-p1txes3ZOOTYNewfV-HlPvyRzLD4wFXZZ7DsJDVPSHtjWJtncvQSlPyLJnCbf3fy7KnDu_Pa5YqmfQ/w400-h219/IMG_20220614_201543189%20(copy).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Telemachus Ruegenie's last plane ride- 4016</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyauC0XGoZppBN5CetYhzHdSjGAqe59mq6quPc6p1ARN5vbN1x1NhCT6ux2TywR-_bKU5FUPeo4SqIlOVioJRFp5zB2QvD6Co4PLK-ZHAopMpd1-ld5AAGcRah01vEbALmkkW4i-Pc3Ig7YpdZhwKxDmuf3y1EWumQqrLNWiNLUWGoqoKsdmx-YA2oXg/s1123/IMG_20220614_201543189.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1057" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyauC0XGoZppBN5CetYhzHdSjGAqe59mq6quPc6p1ARN5vbN1x1NhCT6ux2TywR-_bKU5FUPeo4SqIlOVioJRFp5zB2QvD6Co4PLK-ZHAopMpd1-ld5AAGcRah01vEbALmkkW4i-Pc3Ig7YpdZhwKxDmuf3y1EWumQqrLNWiNLUWGoqoKsdmx-YA2oXg/s320/IMG_20220614_201543189.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stanislaus and Samantha- 3998</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNwCtpMviQsFSgTNhPZUVLdXH4dJ_FbpDSazaPIOvGnrUNH2ThSkDlnrEvDzER8v9x5qDKXQdKRn9XDy2QPa5WLnh9TdQzKLWyZK2k7lLl1lF2_4rHv3p9DoN79bnINvDBqws_DcLZUhtcYXSoy34DDwigcG6tt39gdyE_93le_fJpcUr1vYjkcLJ6Q/s3288/IMG_20220614_201556338.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3288" data-original-width="3117" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNwCtpMviQsFSgTNhPZUVLdXH4dJ_FbpDSazaPIOvGnrUNH2ThSkDlnrEvDzER8v9x5qDKXQdKRn9XDy2QPa5WLnh9TdQzKLWyZK2k7lLl1lF2_4rHv3p9DoN79bnINvDBqws_DcLZUhtcYXSoy34DDwigcG6tt39gdyE_93le_fJpcUr1vYjkcLJ6Q/s320/IMG_20220614_201556338.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Giachiano, Pierre, Bess, Ivan and Tao- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGpGjv2J03lqWkiN33HmNtFFopCqjFLj7RrTTFohnWszqUxSg0wBymwURAoXZ0eXAd0erpTzWvNBfhj-pVS02J2DGZPc_pAiLOYXjOvub8OWLZ6jJzBCuqtrp6YW3lbdmae32F_FEZUfR_SygUxbjdE8Z9QunezZX8m4Uu-9uIsa1DfzqyKakoouBIQ/s3095/IMG_20220614_201610304.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2943" data-original-width="3095" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGpGjv2J03lqWkiN33HmNtFFopCqjFLj7RrTTFohnWszqUxSg0wBymwURAoXZ0eXAd0erpTzWvNBfhj-pVS02J2DGZPc_pAiLOYXjOvub8OWLZ6jJzBCuqtrp6YW3lbdmae32F_FEZUfR_SygUxbjdE8Z9QunezZX8m4Uu-9uIsa1DfzqyKakoouBIQ/s320/IMG_20220614_201610304.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mark Anthony, Michael and Oswald- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEPjcedrlEU-s03CWWwfF7ybVdI9SmBRfaqGgwYQqPxztXcrAbn_guIqC9VbaN8HxzYW2DpjDpI1OEQvsWDb0GbpUfqTikzZZUcusmL-MrhQvmq_vF2mzxts0pBQoGCZ3C-zh9mlTTupGw2o1rlyNC6PPn8rBJIajmSVoBc8bKtSt00oDfzLrq70b7Q/s3166/IMG_20220614_201626983.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3166" data-original-width="2985" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEPjcedrlEU-s03CWWwfF7ybVdI9SmBRfaqGgwYQqPxztXcrAbn_guIqC9VbaN8HxzYW2DpjDpI1OEQvsWDb0GbpUfqTikzZZUcusmL-MrhQvmq_vF2mzxts0pBQoGCZ3C-zh9mlTTupGw2o1rlyNC6PPn8rBJIajmSVoBc8bKtSt00oDfzLrq70b7Q/s320/IMG_20220614_201626983.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bess and Menelaus- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhcgyoFzsWUJWQSOwbYWITq7mTxoQ23zXw9sST0KiEFyXcqRDgslR7_1gwAnAWtXEvQI7bv5pwDCqtqCmwW911WiyTdIyKk4L-JVksp7TOJwzdKN3wSzXKuaZvAdl48qnvUOD0s8kDAx36l9eMhDPU8WtdH_qbJ40fwp1mjNp3velrKFo13FMJeD_Ow/s3117/IMG_20220614_201655981.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2806" data-original-width="3117" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhcgyoFzsWUJWQSOwbYWITq7mTxoQ23zXw9sST0KiEFyXcqRDgslR7_1gwAnAWtXEvQI7bv5pwDCqtqCmwW911WiyTdIyKk4L-JVksp7TOJwzdKN3wSzXKuaZvAdl48qnvUOD0s8kDAx36l9eMhDPU8WtdH_qbJ40fwp1mjNp3velrKFo13FMJeD_Ow/s320/IMG_20220614_201655981.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Michael's room- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnESQYcctvQiR5dIrbTWTGKvlWql02lUzKKivX2tOJRhVWbAAW8Q8a5t3rkEca5Zag52VpMN80ZGKjwo4kVkstWr5ISBxCG32qyCQKHl0mdoE9zJyu-lxSwq__oRcMC7h9szNf-07tJXd_pbgs2IoJ7TPYaeloMpewGNnKnfLgRqt7O_ZdCIUnMMA9w/s3780/IMG_20220614_201708449.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="2227" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnESQYcctvQiR5dIrbTWTGKvlWql02lUzKKivX2tOJRhVWbAAW8Q8a5t3rkEca5Zag52VpMN80ZGKjwo4kVkstWr5ISBxCG32qyCQKHl0mdoE9zJyu-lxSwq__oRcMC7h9szNf-07tJXd_pbgs2IoJ7TPYaeloMpewGNnKnfLgRqt7O_ZdCIUnMMA9w/s320/IMG_20220614_201708449.jpg" width="189" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Michael and Juliana- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI02H0zDAh-7XPy6w6KxdHLJrtfQ00fch0lpEr19cwH2OJzImIfIz1YRmRkSRGJNutWTg-pqQn1X9N8XlHalhc5_-Kiaz8iC6mkMpiPh135n824UzENg13CQWbC30EJX6k71IwelTtmN0R6pjJ_hRq8PdPXF-G8Lt0OHCXrI0K2tDSfKwYRDjjWUhbGg/s4160/IMG_20220614_201720818.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI02H0zDAh-7XPy6w6KxdHLJrtfQ00fch0lpEr19cwH2OJzImIfIz1YRmRkSRGJNutWTg-pqQn1X9N8XlHalhc5_-Kiaz8iC6mkMpiPh135n824UzENg13CQWbC30EJX6k71IwelTtmN0R6pjJ_hRq8PdPXF-G8Lt0OHCXrI0K2tDSfKwYRDjjWUhbGg/s320/IMG_20220614_201720818.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Vulture- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWQ4zHE7-X7K-H0cmSoY0vclosDbeCZP1b8Q1-cbe8TwkimZUV1Mv-ns-yllwZXTuptxowzLE71RreDqv7OCuzQkOdwmD3b5gT0_pE0UE5PreTemvEdVB72pesg7OVMcJ7V_iOh_2GrU5Vke-72ADHuExSoiFpuBAYY60FBPtD8faAUINSZ2B3a1tPQ/s3232/IMG_20220614_201741787.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3232" data-original-width="2889" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWQ4zHE7-X7K-H0cmSoY0vclosDbeCZP1b8Q1-cbe8TwkimZUV1Mv-ns-yllwZXTuptxowzLE71RreDqv7OCuzQkOdwmD3b5gT0_pE0UE5PreTemvEdVB72pesg7OVMcJ7V_iOh_2GrU5Vke-72ADHuExSoiFpuBAYY60FBPtD8faAUINSZ2B3a1tPQ/s320/IMG_20220614_201741787.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Medusa gaze- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pfiVxVCTaCObMqNuW8VqXZGn0d8up_zdoB6KFIR-GnXs0Uhdp9a7KgHCOSttypM1KLt6drOGhd21NGCktSiK66cGbOwToyP9p0W0QVRfumZH6It6sdoVDgLK0sEABljcpyQMnBOdjwO3W3uODO1el2u2UtsG9MlXyyBn8dJ2iNOAJVww0soBmbL6Nw/s3583/IMG_20220614_201750940.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3583" data-original-width="3038" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pfiVxVCTaCObMqNuW8VqXZGn0d8up_zdoB6KFIR-GnXs0Uhdp9a7KgHCOSttypM1KLt6drOGhd21NGCktSiK66cGbOwToyP9p0W0QVRfumZH6It6sdoVDgLK0sEABljcpyQMnBOdjwO3W3uODO1el2u2UtsG9MlXyyBn8dJ2iNOAJVww0soBmbL6Nw/s320/IMG_20220614_201750940.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dr. Bolt and assistant- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwig3tOQC5zDD8e2D0UXP-VDbmikTIpWjQZy0uA9HFKvCk7Fz1ALNLHkRkhnOL1QHo9wx-ZSJ7uXv1Z1tfzyfT-3Y4cQLRUmcihY3aA6apBvCnpKNj9ZyL7F_wK0fzqXy2_bq7wK5tdbeNN_wch2WvoSNSwPxFdDzkWuHfhQ0IRCGAlm-5VVjDN5AGxw/s3306/IMG_20220614_201757391.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3306" data-original-width="2758" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwig3tOQC5zDD8e2D0UXP-VDbmikTIpWjQZy0uA9HFKvCk7Fz1ALNLHkRkhnOL1QHo9wx-ZSJ7uXv1Z1tfzyfT-3Y4cQLRUmcihY3aA6apBvCnpKNj9ZyL7F_wK0fzqXy2_bq7wK5tdbeNN_wch2WvoSNSwPxFdDzkWuHfhQ0IRCGAlm-5VVjDN5AGxw/s320/IMG_20220614_201757391.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Frogman and Juliana- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHoDEUqeOZHrgEy_i3VS5Jt90cFESbcYB2Us2GIgiYpHlIDMAdW4KlkVcwzmTlZdtpJQXyp8aH0W6j0DZRuytUV3G3SQwBWmL-u38Ly6FwOXpkKZUGLI0moAs274tLqmsjemMWGrwW47UB8DLx8_ElKecJPpOAAbRjiCebvd8Elqz3SpGY4xpQmDu1Q/s3819/IMG_20220614_201808152.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3819" data-original-width="3117" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHoDEUqeOZHrgEy_i3VS5Jt90cFESbcYB2Us2GIgiYpHlIDMAdW4KlkVcwzmTlZdtpJQXyp8aH0W6j0DZRuytUV3G3SQwBWmL-u38Ly6FwOXpkKZUGLI0moAs274tLqmsjemMWGrwW47UB8DLx8_ElKecJPpOAAbRjiCebvd8Elqz3SpGY4xpQmDu1Q/s320/IMG_20220614_201808152.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Michael and the Hybrids- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEg-E1TLb0yhGLeRydiYvAoxNPzFonI544f8WEnelQbwYMXj3oQkvwWoRnIfaPxUC1q9BnmDvT5pltcMhfI6dA9Izabig4F5Y_6vbq5Qz7Oz4qDY_8eljyYFB_n_Np-Vpw7WWC7qAHTH8FeFYEHPJt-sHgs2DUHUwtrD78mQa8pf3CjZBDuPB20fZw4Q/s3718/IMG_20220614_201817009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3718" data-original-width="3117" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEg-E1TLb0yhGLeRydiYvAoxNPzFonI544f8WEnelQbwYMXj3oQkvwWoRnIfaPxUC1q9BnmDvT5pltcMhfI6dA9Izabig4F5Y_6vbq5Qz7Oz4qDY_8eljyYFB_n_Np-Vpw7WWC7qAHTH8FeFYEHPJt-sHgs2DUHUwtrD78mQa8pf3CjZBDuPB20fZw4Q/s320/IMG_20220614_201817009.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The escape- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rZvtI16gykAUjcg078taZwRg2d7VMXuaK7H-blfwhX3g07uR96tcxfYcxOt01iDF-KwskeEOOaKRMuyio0h7q8ngYhM0dnGjFeWbQ_LHtsryUz_Y48ktgpXDHd8_7PQKFzVHeY8YDDk1ZRp4dxlcfV_9BvD-hn_obB2HJAPBZSBWSY77mWrsxHjoTw/s3117/IMG_20220614_201825815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2995" data-original-width="3117" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1rZvtI16gykAUjcg078taZwRg2d7VMXuaK7H-blfwhX3g07uR96tcxfYcxOt01iDF-KwskeEOOaKRMuyio0h7q8ngYhM0dnGjFeWbQ_LHtsryUz_Y48ktgpXDHd8_7PQKFzVHeY8YDDk1ZRp4dxlcfV_9BvD-hn_obB2HJAPBZSBWSY77mWrsxHjoTw/s320/IMG_20220614_201825815.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Taking down an android- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZaqf2-92SLFZZKxs5o5U2INju52joagi9d6hJLTTxVtWQ-qrY475v2q9UdpIAstcML5qpQYM43DgQmI076SsRHKMuPQwwb6yVvNxKSvjXq-hgz2sG4YSxk5SmkchmsMs0E_srX8scgfM3kmggAte6G1abjUqmyLv9WupPVs1cTmLL1JYFM7W2olbZQ/s2889/IMG_20220614_201839066.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2214" data-original-width="2889" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZaqf2-92SLFZZKxs5o5U2INju52joagi9d6hJLTTxVtWQ-qrY475v2q9UdpIAstcML5qpQYM43DgQmI076SsRHKMuPQwwb6yVvNxKSvjXq-hgz2sG4YSxk5SmkchmsMs0E_srX8scgfM3kmggAte6G1abjUqmyLv9WupPVs1cTmLL1JYFM7W2olbZQ/s320/IMG_20220614_201839066.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sisters- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXUUMdG4RVGifRm_pWb9N3qw7MsYmACLkbFMuKScb-uEXKhcJpRmZbdkE9d03ml1ilOlak42FAaCXeZtcp56NsJFQSlr58YzN27QRTbMdwPEjWQ2NicLSeDBWDiF26IKpCvuj0PzYGwXuI_MTBWgcArmaPobaeNzJbx5jo36O-FbgBBJQQ281rcZgEQ/s3319/IMG_20220614_201845766.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3319" data-original-width="3117" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXUUMdG4RVGifRm_pWb9N3qw7MsYmACLkbFMuKScb-uEXKhcJpRmZbdkE9d03ml1ilOlak42FAaCXeZtcp56NsJFQSlr58YzN27QRTbMdwPEjWQ2NicLSeDBWDiF26IKpCvuj0PzYGwXuI_MTBWgcArmaPobaeNzJbx5jo36O-FbgBBJQQ281rcZgEQ/s320/IMG_20220614_201845766.jpg" width="301" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oswald orders her children and grandson to escape</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALEl1x50ENhFecz4q9Owt_JkWnGDw30TpmKsGSUQJtmfJJag4GFC28hrQyrpmlEGkusPxce1yThO9jguO9rSjkNLuyoPNv_tioYYqTEVn1KlSbVa0G02ZUTCyXuhoyH5nLGoD1Ks_WacOAVkjqPO4BGXChDlj2H7UyxFdkW1Wz3z3KIlUZ2CbMrchSg/s3174/IMG_20220614_201854439.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3174" data-original-width="3108" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALEl1x50ENhFecz4q9Owt_JkWnGDw30TpmKsGSUQJtmfJJag4GFC28hrQyrpmlEGkusPxce1yThO9jguO9rSjkNLuyoPNv_tioYYqTEVn1KlSbVa0G02ZUTCyXuhoyH5nLGoD1Ks_WacOAVkjqPO4BGXChDlj2H7UyxFdkW1Wz3z3KIlUZ2CbMrchSg/s320/IMG_20220614_201854439.jpg" width="313" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Evie's reception- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3CiFzBTKmsjrdsocMce6WBe4LAUHgY-_tMhC7iI9Oruoz8kMHG1fZPLWAkihayVHxrRwr1LAv_uOlFs4TIYcVNd47tIft9XLWa2-WcysY03960EvCECHrX3W41zikJffAPJyPrTnVg3VmPhgUAlHtw7cfBtUAupVjjwsRP3i2FIbWEirmJ1UXjQh3A/s1330/IMG_20220614_201905676%20(another%20copy).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1330" data-original-width="1022" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3CiFzBTKmsjrdsocMce6WBe4LAUHgY-_tMhC7iI9Oruoz8kMHG1fZPLWAkihayVHxrRwr1LAv_uOlFs4TIYcVNd47tIft9XLWa2-WcysY03960EvCECHrX3W41zikJffAPJyPrTnVg3VmPhgUAlHtw7cfBtUAupVjjwsRP3i2FIbWEirmJ1UXjQh3A/s320/IMG_20220614_201905676%20(another%20copy).jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Michael- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwNyB4U1ke9bipctHiMx6cMPwgWEHWuETW7SrgwH8XMHr6INvj_qVsI_dsubw8hbjvH8IpLwu0r2gUbyv_9Hzr2-J5ymhXFgay8Eh4Jzl9PP_D-pj7CO8kn72os6XoDrX1qBp4fCMcVBOkSJWBfHcgsjXJcmtIloVNdk35jTaojmKbRuHIDPBzgtdxg/s1281/IMG_20220614_201905676%20(copy).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1004" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwNyB4U1ke9bipctHiMx6cMPwgWEHWuETW7SrgwH8XMHr6INvj_qVsI_dsubw8hbjvH8IpLwu0r2gUbyv_9Hzr2-J5ymhXFgay8Eh4Jzl9PP_D-pj7CO8kn72os6XoDrX1qBp4fCMcVBOkSJWBfHcgsjXJcmtIloVNdk35jTaojmKbRuHIDPBzgtdxg/s320/IMG_20220614_201905676%20(copy).jpg" width="251" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Juliana- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvhuRBEeiT20QflTjGPPM5-HqwI0IAgQR4TPeN9LJlJ2ggfeZJh_YI-f3lvgvR6BuG44bGDMT-gBdLrfWc2Wcwh7Bo2Io1P4msoEjB91XOjlnOT3iglRrPW8AvMY94ww8CA6sdPkMDbfsXJu2pFsF9fttmQAcktA2b_pfoTtYa1zlqWgUT8fkXMyW0A/s1961/IMG_20220614_201905676.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1961" data-original-width="1837" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvhuRBEeiT20QflTjGPPM5-HqwI0IAgQR4TPeN9LJlJ2ggfeZJh_YI-f3lvgvR6BuG44bGDMT-gBdLrfWc2Wcwh7Bo2Io1P4msoEjB91XOjlnOT3iglRrPW8AvMY94ww8CA6sdPkMDbfsXJu2pFsF9fttmQAcktA2b_pfoTtYa1zlqWgUT8fkXMyW0A/s320/IMG_20220614_201905676.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rodney in the closet- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkzHeW8bmWcR8ebDjj1Hw5qtQbpeX9xXiTg9AUwKUCZ67RtEXRnVBpSN9F9aDrhqbOy0zX3qAQ4rpi3sMrLXPxDqF8ny1ppKEzKmYqY6_4DOb7_7S8JK9MOsh6Yots0coi6xmeG1W-Lzi_q5olqMIq7sJbfrrTdzbqFYAaIhUDjYiS6vypGFLOpCV8A/s3420/IMG_20220614_201913749.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3420" data-original-width="3117" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkzHeW8bmWcR8ebDjj1Hw5qtQbpeX9xXiTg9AUwKUCZ67RtEXRnVBpSN9F9aDrhqbOy0zX3qAQ4rpi3sMrLXPxDqF8ny1ppKEzKmYqY6_4DOb7_7S8JK9MOsh6Yots0coi6xmeG1W-Lzi_q5olqMIq7sJbfrrTdzbqFYAaIhUDjYiS6vypGFLOpCV8A/s320/IMG_20220614_201913749.jpg" width="292" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Michael falls from the window- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJaAXAANBVUB7OGvC82opmUHUnJorIZgAst9hyJnTfuhLeWsjfHfSLGCeVOlmnCYznfPKmxwuYC4PS6gLvk5jbqXo_mZJ3L88ubmiijqHdaRTJOxwDdv2TzSxGjJoaCEuSJ9eNut-XMDAFNHDyMoama-OuoKo3uz5JlJpBiIqrsevjdF2qM5x7wST5A/s3631/IMG_20220614_201923603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3631" data-original-width="3103" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJaAXAANBVUB7OGvC82opmUHUnJorIZgAst9hyJnTfuhLeWsjfHfSLGCeVOlmnCYznfPKmxwuYC4PS6gLvk5jbqXo_mZJ3L88ubmiijqHdaRTJOxwDdv2TzSxGjJoaCEuSJ9eNut-XMDAFNHDyMoama-OuoKo3uz5JlJpBiIqrsevjdF2qM5x7wST5A/s320/IMG_20220614_201923603.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Michael jumps out of an airplane- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzOMNqNMkx2KFWdtSNyN82O-qST49qTuJMVFkVWhMG_BJgranacq_lY1aBLVONiLR_jYpEzHSuSi5bBz4b3TX386HqNIAiLaBos8290Ems-MCaPfsasgKXe9v2ZBxNB_JIUCA8qJUmF8JU_DXFeKRifvz6ZP1gfmReELbM-fyb-oZrpNEvd5O3BCpvw/s3477/IMG_20220614_201930412.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3477" data-original-width="2911" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzOMNqNMkx2KFWdtSNyN82O-qST49qTuJMVFkVWhMG_BJgranacq_lY1aBLVONiLR_jYpEzHSuSi5bBz4b3TX386HqNIAiLaBos8290Ems-MCaPfsasgKXe9v2ZBxNB_JIUCA8qJUmF8JU_DXFeKRifvz6ZP1gfmReELbM-fyb-oZrpNEvd5O3BCpvw/s320/IMG_20220614_201930412.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grief- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlITHzAkDwKa0jrEWIdoFa-azoWkPsomexK2kfhv6nGpcmMjhyIzSvRDCw6ZNX0b35CMdVVjpBg7UKhJ3DLmjO-KlgLpu98PdBcvOsz1JbFD7JcMtWoWqTNeMiCguRsL2CNmZJrbPBdctx7RvY1kRrATk2ScjeI25GQUp2yXIfcgW368yrosix-hHv9g/s3188/IMG_20220615_124752647_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3188" data-original-width="2951" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlITHzAkDwKa0jrEWIdoFa-azoWkPsomexK2kfhv6nGpcmMjhyIzSvRDCw6ZNX0b35CMdVVjpBg7UKhJ3DLmjO-KlgLpu98PdBcvOsz1JbFD7JcMtWoWqTNeMiCguRsL2CNmZJrbPBdctx7RvY1kRrATk2ScjeI25GQUp2yXIfcgW368yrosix-hHv9g/s320/IMG_20220615_124752647_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Michael, Ladislas and Wenceslaus- 4016</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauGe92TTMP1_UbSBiAiNLEkLMUFO_7SsTsjxuy6O2lj0zF0r6T9fk7q7DIBjjbY5i5y79Azw2uuuOASCkYVcNWikBNsq6nlu4y1YS5SAPMCYXfpbgdx_cBljZqWf3bLX6LM-Eaz5hYZzmmWp3dMhK6eyF_U_bzJRf94rb8yh7QAS9ST9NUowbog1jAQ/s3539/IMG_20220614_201953110.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3539" data-original-width="2788" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauGe92TTMP1_UbSBiAiNLEkLMUFO_7SsTsjxuy6O2lj0zF0r6T9fk7q7DIBjjbY5i5y79Azw2uuuOASCkYVcNWikBNsq6nlu4y1YS5SAPMCYXfpbgdx_cBljZqWf3bLX6LM-Eaz5hYZzmmWp3dMhK6eyF_U_bzJRf94rb8yh7QAS9ST9NUowbog1jAQ/s320/IMG_20220614_201953110.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Juliana and Michael- 4016</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgu-soSRnHUFXQLIi8PwFFptshJ4Ql9qOuFxYqNCq0q-bnVtzi06JFEM9_FaLEfjmQ_yS51MAav7j0CSmy3yuNTVtMoJr_P_pAORvY_MbYcR3m1ElMg27FZSfaFTVuiF5b7DjvqFzkWZWPAqqY4Z9gxJ6pgtpg0z3hDYFd8K8JK7tjb0xCNbWgCIH5g/s3749/IMG_20220615_124905823.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3749" data-original-width="3060" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtgu-soSRnHUFXQLIi8PwFFptshJ4Ql9qOuFxYqNCq0q-bnVtzi06JFEM9_FaLEfjmQ_yS51MAav7j0CSmy3yuNTVtMoJr_P_pAORvY_MbYcR3m1ElMg27FZSfaFTVuiF5b7DjvqFzkWZWPAqqY4Z9gxJ6pgtpg0z3hDYFd8K8JK7tjb0xCNbWgCIH5g/s320/IMG_20220615_124905823.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ladislas- 4020</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHrhDXKISAegY782XuTb-RTwtMUu7AVqNagoMVUCI4O2qFHED9hk7HAOr0XNIDeBBCmzHFpb0KuS3Dz891YcU4cdhHocbzlRpT1oKctCQhgp1i2lAbiXuP3TyvZr5tBwIjrYiNpgF9jLh--TiF5H2MHDOaH3ODhFsaI741k3LKsh4kYYZr0O-9aOoQw/s3837/IMG_20220615_124940223.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3837" data-original-width="3025" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjHrhDXKISAegY782XuTb-RTwtMUu7AVqNagoMVUCI4O2qFHED9hk7HAOr0XNIDeBBCmzHFpb0KuS3Dz891YcU4cdhHocbzlRpT1oKctCQhgp1i2lAbiXuP3TyvZr5tBwIjrYiNpgF9jLh--TiF5H2MHDOaH3ODhFsaI741k3LKsh4kYYZr0O-9aOoQw/s320/IMG_20220615_124940223.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Nut twins and Pan</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrVq9ruYzrz9F6mt8X-0d-w4HXHtzOcsJBOQGAkxGxMiXIIPdZbnGSRHwO6P3k2vcTeOyAjHeW1zHuy-Pgs6OA02vlxbqIt-IBTqGy62qFRoyqF-wOJtYPM6S_27X9nl3i1UZb6o3PeXBX8MyEAv_TRNH-gXP3mIImFg7_FS3IMmSwnNOGuUPctUZRA/s4160/IMG_20220615_124949617_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvrVq9ruYzrz9F6mt8X-0d-w4HXHtzOcsJBOQGAkxGxMiXIIPdZbnGSRHwO6P3k2vcTeOyAjHeW1zHuy-Pgs6OA02vlxbqIt-IBTqGy62qFRoyqF-wOJtYPM6S_27X9nl3i1UZb6o3PeXBX8MyEAv_TRNH-gXP3mIImFg7_FS3IMmSwnNOGuUPctUZRA/s320/IMG_20220615_124949617_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Nut twins</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYKt6ANO10FLxeChV8TnDYJEOEfXX2OtxjzoyvTHypFYEtp_D3wt8o0LCEYwFLDcnrRXw46_JZZ5G52ly6m-j0G2LUAGqoe-zECYpCy9sFWGY-WHDs2m_C6AXJ5Yss25mKEbQrt1_ubXLvOlnceG-iqcG55wPIFL03qKz6hi1woBZEJmxaGFGwySxFA/s4160/IMG_20220615_125002191.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYKt6ANO10FLxeChV8TnDYJEOEfXX2OtxjzoyvTHypFYEtp_D3wt8o0LCEYwFLDcnrRXw46_JZZ5G52ly6m-j0G2LUAGqoe-zECYpCy9sFWGY-WHDs2m_C6AXJ5Yss25mKEbQrt1_ubXLvOlnceG-iqcG55wPIFL03qKz6hi1woBZEJmxaGFGwySxFA/s320/IMG_20220615_125002191.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nick and Shooting Star</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NHmOMhwgnN_ZCz8OquIoDvs3EhllinGqxnYrd62D4ORf-ziczzN9Knz566cWCke6-FCzvTaAkRQ93Ucu4Ms5tMGMe57LSWcN7Ka6RZuRZ1E9OiJzLbdghlZPnBkBiNV-HGYldSJOpNFgXefI3gog44luvU9z3qjv0gb1KQfpsuME4X1HSjd0iqp7rg/s4160/IMG_20220615_125016672.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NHmOMhwgnN_ZCz8OquIoDvs3EhllinGqxnYrd62D4ORf-ziczzN9Knz566cWCke6-FCzvTaAkRQ93Ucu4Ms5tMGMe57LSWcN7Ka6RZuRZ1E9OiJzLbdghlZPnBkBiNV-HGYldSJOpNFgXefI3gog44luvU9z3qjv0gb1KQfpsuME4X1HSjd0iqp7rg/s320/IMG_20220615_125016672.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Priscilla and Rose</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdgr85aSkmQBgzqK6xoxorsWmObi2dX4Pag_s8-zSTmi4cIDBSFaTXlrVJR1MGbrbIYKQL-d6JwIMUhDo5FBHhMyXFmFBeubhptrqYIOzEVDtouiTL5Yx2Qusn0RwDGRePkJulXu0wr12nYVMMt5XBmoywEseOqZXznRYOBIgaQmCzosO5vewvkOxJg/s3942/IMG_20220615_125038150.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3942" data-original-width="3108" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdgr85aSkmQBgzqK6xoxorsWmObi2dX4Pag_s8-zSTmi4cIDBSFaTXlrVJR1MGbrbIYKQL-d6JwIMUhDo5FBHhMyXFmFBeubhptrqYIOzEVDtouiTL5Yx2Qusn0RwDGRePkJulXu0wr12nYVMMt5XBmoywEseOqZXznRYOBIgaQmCzosO5vewvkOxJg/s320/IMG_20220615_125038150.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jessica- 4010</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-L_nn6pReg91LyuioIiSMQg74_Q7SOG27KNMim0ScLkpxlh6Spc7AcZud4iE0YLMIwUawT5BDTV7w_J9DEpEXmErwVmxlj9jUnq3M77liAeurfewBfklRWUQzUJJlWT12y7N8zU-7whORUjgIqCmQMKbA5Fvo83ZA2f_TdK-_K6Hv1SXKu0WvDw5Yw/s4160/IMG_20220615_125050699.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-L_nn6pReg91LyuioIiSMQg74_Q7SOG27KNMim0ScLkpxlh6Spc7AcZud4iE0YLMIwUawT5BDTV7w_J9DEpEXmErwVmxlj9jUnq3M77liAeurfewBfklRWUQzUJJlWT12y7N8zU-7whORUjgIqCmQMKbA5Fvo83ZA2f_TdK-_K6Hv1SXKu0WvDw5Yw/s320/IMG_20220615_125050699.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jacobella Grend Cyriacus- 4017</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2Eui8rKQsOnRDnb35BWpdv5Dj1TUSsJBGRXc7VXqqcVgPgQSfrn572wMAJKDgH_Is0VWrcbPhlHWDXxSJZVQYrSl2Cod8KJCmBq2amHJMUDlPjS9C97oD6RA7CPf2IRN4w9AQPEKAlB6MfAZxC5rJZW8RA1XRTVs3R9T40GhaEVpWIx-6l3dlbCufQ/s4160/IMG_20220615_125058832.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2Eui8rKQsOnRDnb35BWpdv5Dj1TUSsJBGRXc7VXqqcVgPgQSfrn572wMAJKDgH_Is0VWrcbPhlHWDXxSJZVQYrSl2Cod8KJCmBq2amHJMUDlPjS9C97oD6RA7CPf2IRN4w9AQPEKAlB6MfAZxC5rJZW8RA1XRTVs3R9T40GhaEVpWIx-6l3dlbCufQ/s320/IMG_20220615_125058832.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Salsa Cyriacus Lockwood- 4017</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJunntJwrmJFKJj2CN-6c58ZSJJqhaw13owjfJh86a2yns8xTPosLmh7w7WC71G_zFv3NM5gmFwDA4_iDngP5QAdRm6Aa0s4JaZrmtZZSdF4EdJqzGQaHGuuTj7K-dqma2yN5OlpUGezLUhJ1fj0LNz9vud1-C6yzBpt5egs4LzHPXmsJuwrqJb-ro_Q/s4160/IMG_20220615_125105372.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJunntJwrmJFKJj2CN-6c58ZSJJqhaw13owjfJh86a2yns8xTPosLmh7w7WC71G_zFv3NM5gmFwDA4_iDngP5QAdRm6Aa0s4JaZrmtZZSdF4EdJqzGQaHGuuTj7K-dqma2yN5OlpUGezLUhJ1fj0LNz9vud1-C6yzBpt5egs4LzHPXmsJuwrqJb-ro_Q/s320/IMG_20220615_125105372.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tortellini Cyriacus- 4017</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTs6S8nuIcvmhFPJ3mr6jMBvnFfJ31BYbalwx1VBCw-ynvLUbg_JexzFxndVkdLTj3lhEW_lOxEdb-gzuqH7je8kSf2uRG73ODccz2pPopwTVwgtLGgvfZmMGNMHZCZd82TBEuFJy_lNancZxY06QAJlfdRoArNxmfj-phEjWkUiQiejGumuAac7hvfQ/s4160/IMG_20220615_125119532.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTs6S8nuIcvmhFPJ3mr6jMBvnFfJ31BYbalwx1VBCw-ynvLUbg_JexzFxndVkdLTj3lhEW_lOxEdb-gzuqH7je8kSf2uRG73ODccz2pPopwTVwgtLGgvfZmMGNMHZCZd82TBEuFJy_lNancZxY06QAJlfdRoArNxmfj-phEjWkUiQiejGumuAac7hvfQ/s320/IMG_20220615_125119532.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Vietnamese Cyriacus- 4017</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg336TcucGIviokU0V-xAFCajUCfM-Cv-PjI6cCf-AV3b44WLd4wDUi-nZWJjisS2c4R8VztHTUUk6dS2-d-4O3Xv3W1F6spjQYzCIBtkvk3NqY3cyVnW5b6J2mto1FjxNY_iEUY6rhZduJObDOaVBbkuIUm6EjeWKOorb5qgUrszTr2dp5MwL_X3WyQ/s4039/IMG_20220615_125129166.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4039" data-original-width="3051" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg336TcucGIviokU0V-xAFCajUCfM-Cv-PjI6cCf-AV3b44WLd4wDUi-nZWJjisS2c4R8VztHTUUk6dS2-d-4O3Xv3W1F6spjQYzCIBtkvk3NqY3cyVnW5b6J2mto1FjxNY_iEUY6rhZduJObDOaVBbkuIUm6EjeWKOorb5qgUrszTr2dp5MwL_X3WyQ/s320/IMG_20220615_125129166.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cassandra Cormac- 4017</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yjspq1YrC6Ybbv_c0zODR_lzJm3pEMvjwhgbfJbNzJCcf6ZK2zqY1VzXyA-JVaWsMDR0YNku1Vh2Vts4Dz45ZkQL3GQ_X8OzeUDQXI4-M5LavqWaRKRCSArkvxo9geYwD7TCtpTHZxmUB5Xdy271CqMijiVCQoyJBoeyUrXa9AtcmHJo7K3J83BTvQ/s4029/IMG_20220615_125141117.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4029" data-original-width="2183" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3yjspq1YrC6Ybbv_c0zODR_lzJm3pEMvjwhgbfJbNzJCcf6ZK2zqY1VzXyA-JVaWsMDR0YNku1Vh2Vts4Dz45ZkQL3GQ_X8OzeUDQXI4-M5LavqWaRKRCSArkvxo9geYwD7TCtpTHZxmUB5Xdy271CqMijiVCQoyJBoeyUrXa9AtcmHJo7K3J83BTvQ/s320/IMG_20220615_125141117.jpg" width="173" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sara Ruegenie Ruedue- 4017</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbW6Cf5aG0niZFnzC6Erk3aVGrNOLA5s5R0AqVmbk5tRiHnM_RrqXFM16CW1k5C7eGF15mBtG9LC7XHFDpZqaXKLO85b5LDmfYZyp2tgFu9LP8qgx8dyQEvQanrhFvAXlF2hynZ5WbEe551vqqqoSYtSHSjHZOoN-reiOh24JBtLpsqI7K4i5eFNHYw/s4160/IMG_20220615_125147969.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbW6Cf5aG0niZFnzC6Erk3aVGrNOLA5s5R0AqVmbk5tRiHnM_RrqXFM16CW1k5C7eGF15mBtG9LC7XHFDpZqaXKLO85b5LDmfYZyp2tgFu9LP8qgx8dyQEvQanrhFvAXlF2hynZ5WbEe551vqqqoSYtSHSjHZOoN-reiOh24JBtLpsqI7K4i5eFNHYw/s320/IMG_20220615_125147969.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pompeii Cyriacus- 4017</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12ggcH8brg62WAMS3rb-9_0jyeA9U2Hnpr514VkVyiUjH5ghKGtuKJTzUw1fDYw2-tc0MJaKR08bHUJhabjL8577iRRhtayODjPK_-5tP4DMukNq6okodaO573wzyos02UkPdvTX4ZFeXuTedwNPsDpWcau4BrtqPZOQrdWLE4pTIWVpTeUoSExzjyA/s4160/IMG_20220615_125153706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12ggcH8brg62WAMS3rb-9_0jyeA9U2Hnpr514VkVyiUjH5ghKGtuKJTzUw1fDYw2-tc0MJaKR08bHUJhabjL8577iRRhtayODjPK_-5tP4DMukNq6okodaO573wzyos02UkPdvTX4ZFeXuTedwNPsDpWcau4BrtqPZOQrdWLE4pTIWVpTeUoSExzjyA/s320/IMG_20220615_125153706.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ben Ruedue- 4017</div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-80666292070839941572022-06-01T12:56:00.001-07:002022-06-01T12:56:13.324-07:00Short story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqDi7Y3w9vkVbpfo7jDlSkcg-qSkOyo-9nYcRDLMjhMW_U94VtDdXhAHninOK-GkugHZmgEoxD_OrzLZA3NVo2lueYuDeq180IWQQQXC_JLr5XYnIQjFSxQAqRsj6kj-WirHgcYRYGK7g9-_gfStKJSP6G_bnCHD_iFiUTKKTsmONu5q7wa1zRJGmIQ/s4160/IMG_20220524_150550875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqDi7Y3w9vkVbpfo7jDlSkcg-qSkOyo-9nYcRDLMjhMW_U94VtDdXhAHninOK-GkugHZmgEoxD_OrzLZA3NVo2lueYuDeq180IWQQQXC_JLr5XYnIQjFSxQAqRsj6kj-WirHgcYRYGK7g9-_gfStKJSP6G_bnCHD_iFiUTKKTsmONu5q7wa1zRJGmIQ/w640-h480/IMG_20220524_150550875.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p> <em>(This expert is part of a series)</em></p>
<p align="left">There was nothing Ladislas Cormac wanted more than to leave the orphanage. There weren't many books in the old building, but he had devoured all of them, drooling over pictures of forests, grass, castles, and knights. He would have given anything to get the chance to escape to a place that wasn't full of smog and threats of rebel attacks.</p>
<p align="left">Ladislas leaned against the wall, which was still vibrating from the last explosion. He felt as if he had been in the stuffy place for eternity. Matron always made the children march into the Closet of Discipline for punishment. Usually, the limit was two hours, but Ladislas had counted three separate rebel attacks from the streets, meaning they had been in the closet for at least five hours.</p>
<p align="left">Ladislas tried to stretch his cramped muscles and accidentally kicked Arthur.</p>
<p align="left">"Ouch!" the older boy protested. When Ladislas tried to pull his legs back, he hit Milio. The oldest boy flailed out in the darkness. The two toddlers, on either side of Arthur, began to protest. Ladislas flung up his arms to block the Milio's blows and struck Arthur. Ladislas didn't like fighting him, even if it was by accident.</p>
<p align="left">"I'm sorry, Arthur." he blurted out, "I didn't mean to hit you."</p>
<p align="left">"Never mind." Arthur mumbled, "It's okay."</p>
<p align="left">"Wimp!" Milio hissed.</p>
<p align="left">Ladislas was sure that it was Milio's fault that they were in the closet. They should have been safely in the basement, but they had been left alone. If only he hadn't tried to help Arthur, he wouldn't have been in trouble now.</p>
<p align="left">"Matron says someone's coming from Cammington to bring us to safety," Arthur said softly. Ladislas sat up straighter and accidentally bumped Milio again.</p>
<p align="left">"What?" he whispered, "We will have real families?" A thrill ran through him. He wanted to have his own family, people who could care about him.</p>
<p align="left">"It's not like you'll be adopted," Milio said as he pushed Ladislas, "No one wants kids older than six."</p>
<p align="left">"I'm three." Blaze said.</p>
<p align="left">"Me three," Timmy added.</p>
<p align="left">"But we can escape this horrible place!" Ladislas burst out, "I don't need to be adopted if I can live outside. Maybe they'll have cats."</p>
<p align="left">"It's going to be our last chance." Arthur said, "The government is pulling out the troops."</p>
<p align="left">"And NYC will become another Rebel city." Milio finished.</p>
<p align="left">Ladislas folded his hands and squeezed his eyes closed. He had never prayed so hard for anything before.</p>
<p align="left">"Please," he whispered, "Please let me leave this horrible place! I promise I'll be good every day, take care of the babies, say my prayers and not go to sleep in church!" Milio elbowed him in the ribs.</p>
<p align="left">"Matron won't let you go," he whispered, "You're doomed to stay here forever. If she knew you wanted to go, she wouldn't let you go."</p>
<p align="left">"No!" Ladislas cried, "I'm not staying here!" He was afraid that his tormentor was right. No one would want him, hadn't Matron said so herself? But surely she wouldn't force him to stay behind out of spite? She just couldn't!</p>
<p align="left">"SH!" Arthur cried, "Listen!" Ladislas held his breath. He distinctly heard the sound of muffled footsteps outside the door. Someone was in the building. Was it the Matron?</p>
<p align="left">"It's a man!" Milio gasped. One of the little boys grabbed Ladislas' shirt and held on. The stranger stopped right outside the closet door.</p>
<p align="left">"Hello there?" a strange voice, "Anyone here? I have a message for Mrs. Pur- uh- Puf- er-"</p>
<p align="left">"It's Par-a-fin!" the Matron's voice drifted towards them, "Spelled P U R A F I N E."</p>
<p align="left">"Sorry, ma'am," the strange voice responded, "I have a message."</p>
<p align="left">"What sort of message?" matron asked sharply.</p>
<p align="left">"I work for Ector Knight." the stranger said, "I believe he phoned last week about an opportunity-"</p>
<p align="left">"If he doesn't have a ticket out of this dump, I don't care or want to know what it is!" Matron snapped.</p>
<p align="left">"Er- very good, ma'am." the stranger said.</p>
<p align="left">"He's British," Arthur whispered.</p>
<p align="left">"It's not like we couldn't hear the dumb accent too." Milio muttered, "Now hold your tongue. I am listening!" Ladislas pressed his ear to the door.</p>
<p align="left">"I've come from Cammington," the Englishman said, "I know Mr. Knight informed you that we would take all five boys, but we've hit a snag. We can only take two now."</p>
<p align="left">"Are you telling me you came across the ocean to a war zone, only to take two miserable orphans?" the matron's voice rose in volume, "What am I supposed to do with the rest of them?"</p>
<p align="left">"Britain is always ready to assist those in need." the Englishman said, "I assure you, ma'am, there are many American children in England now. Everyone is trying to get their children to safety."</p>
<p align="left">"So you broke our contract because someone paid you more money?" the Matron accused.</p>
<p align="left">"I told you, Laddy," Milio sneered, "You are stuck here, just as I predicted. Arthur and I will be saying goodbye to the rest of you."</p>
<p align="left">"Why can't I go?" Ladislas whispered frantically, "I have just as much right as you, maybe more!"</p>
<p align="left">"Yes, but we're both older than you!" Milio explained. Ladislas clenched his fists and blinked back tears.</p>
<p align="left">"If you have two boys that will do well in a country environment, I can pick them up tomorrow." the stranger said, "Preferably boys with strong constitutions. We rise at five and have cows and goats to milk. We also have gardening, mountain climbing, fencing, and other activities."</p>
<p align="left"> </p>
<p align="left">"Milk?" one of the little boys whispered.</p>
<p align="left">"Mountain climbing?" Milio gasped.</p>
<p align="left">"Gardens!" Arthur sighed, "Fresh vegetables."</p>
<p align="left">"He said fencing." Ladislas whispered, "People do that in stories. I want to do that."</p>
<p align="left">"To bad, short stuff." Milio jeered, "Not happening!"</p>
<p align="left">"I happen to have two boys who will do wonderfully at your school." Matron said, "If you'll just sign this document- "</p>
<p align="left">"Bedivere, Jack Bedivere." the stranger said.</p>
<p align="left">"Well, Mr. Bedivere." Matron said, "It's settled. You come and collect Milio Gawain and Ladislas Cormac early tomorrow. I'll have all the paperwork ready for clearance. Oh, thanks for your signature, no backing out now. I despise those two brats! Nasty little boys, both of them! I will be glad to get rid of them."</p>
<p align="left">Ladislas gasped. He was finally getting out of NYC, out of the orphanage, away from everyone except Milio, but he could stand it if only he could get out of the city.</p>
<p align="left">"I'm getting out of here!" Milio whispered. He caught hold of Ladislas and shook him until the younger boy's teeth rattled, "I'm finally outta here!"</p>
<p align="left">"That's great, guys," Arthur said in a low voice, "You'll like the country."</p>
<p align="left">"So long, babies. I'm leaving you all!" Milio cheered.</p>
<p align="left">"Hey Arthur, you'll be here by yourself with the matron," Ladislas said.</p>
<p align="left">"Rotten luck, squirt!" Milio chuckled.</p>
<p align="left">There was a rattling sound as Matron unbarred the door and opened it. The Englishman was gone.</p>
<p align="left">"Alright, children." she said coolly, "Go upstairs and start packing. You'll all be leaving tomorrow. I can finally get out of this crummy dump!" Ladislas looked at Arthur.</p>
<p align="left">"Please, matron." Arthur whispered, "If Milio and Ladislas are going to England, where are the rest of us going?" The Matron looked at him. Her jaw dropped, then her eyes flashed.</p>
<p align="left">"I'll teach you to talk back to me, Arthur Penn!" she seized the boy's thin arm and hurled him back into the closet. Then she turned to the others, "March!" They marched.</p>
<p align="left">That night, Ladislas lay tossing and turning on his thin cot. He was sure that Matron meant to abandon Arthur and the little boys. Nobody would take a weak and skinny twelve-year-old. He would never survive a military school, even if all his classmates were only British. Someone might take the toddlers. They were still cute enough to get attention.</p>
<p align="left">"Bother," Ladislas muttered and sat up. The other four boys were all sleeping peacefully. Suddenly he noticed the boy in the bed next to him was shaking. Was Arthur crying? Ladislas clenched his fists. He wasn't going to let Arthur leave in his place.</p>
<p align="left">"He's older than me." Ladislas thought, "He is four years older than me!" He has to survive on his own! Other kids do!"</p>
<p align="left">Ladislas looked up at the poster which hung on the opposite wall. It was hard to see in the dim light, but he knew every detail. Captain Justice was pointing with his right hand while clenching his left fist. Ladislas mouthed the words to himself.</p>
<p align="left">"Liberty and Justice for All, even the Small. Are you doing your part to save children?"</p>
<p align="left"> </p>
<p align="left">"I am a child!" Ladislas thought rebelliously, "I shouldn't have to save other children." Ladislas squirmed and kicked the blanket. He didn't even like Arthur. He scowled. He wasn't going to give up the chance to leave the country. He had survived in the streets after his parents died. It was someone else's turn to suffer.</p>
<p align="left">Ladislas looked at Arthur, and he looked towards the window. If he ran away, Matron would have to send Arthur to Cammington. Ladislas stood, and took his red cap off the shelf above his cot. It was the only thing he had that had belonged to his parents. A doctor had brought it to him.</p>
<p align="left">Ladislas picked up his backpack and slung it over his shoulder. He had nano tape, a screwdriver, and some coins. What else could he possibly want?</p>
<p align="left">"What are you doing?" Arthur asked. Ladislas jumped and whirled, biting back a scream.</p>
<p align="left">"Cats and crumbs!" he gasped, "Don't ever do that again!" Arthur was sitting up in bed, staring at him.</p>
<p align="left">"You're not supposed to be up!" Arthur whispered, "Matron will be angry!"</p>
<p align="left">"I'm not going to England!" Ladislas said, "I guess that means you can go in my place!" he ran to the window and unlocked it. Arthur scrambled out of bed while the other boys sat up.</p>
<p align="left">"Are you out of your mind?" Milio shouted as Ladislas swung one foot through the window.</p>
<p align="left">"Ladislas, wait!" Arthur cried, "If you leave, you will lose your chance! You have been trying to leave since you came." A siren started to whine, announcing another attack. Everyone was supposed to go to the basement. Ladislas' heart sank. He thought of the forest, park, and those fencing lessons. He swung his other leg out the window and slammed it before he could change his mind. Arthur started to open the window. Ladislas inched his way towards the sparking fence. Far off in the distance, he could see the night light up with the flash of a bomb. The rebels were loose.</p>
<p align="left">Ladislas reached the edge of the wall and climbed down the scaffolding. He knew how to turn off the electricity and open the side gate.</p>
<p align="left">Ladislas stood on the roof of the abandoned garage and stared out over the slums. He had given away his very last chance of escaping the city. Would he be trapped forever? He looked back towards the orphanage. He knew he didn't have a chance to escape. Someone would find him. Rebels, government, or the Aide Society, Ladislas wasn't sure which he dreaded most. But if he did not leave, either Arthur or Milio would have to brave the city. Ladislas turned his back on the orphanage.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHezE7HHBkBipQ4YXaMchAgMbyHL7_x1cEE8hWW6QPNaVmff2Kr9rPvAUYxQvAt352H_LOCWGagUdGboROIXgQoGpCTjKC55F0zH9lM-tN9PyHa1XHfacRCS3pV98YWXwbsy0x_KJicj5tQt09181fPfucm5EEuELi277LExQC0tA8QiS3d3P1Gu3BA/s2916/IMG_20220524_153526364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="2183" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHezE7HHBkBipQ4YXaMchAgMbyHL7_x1cEE8hWW6QPNaVmff2Kr9rPvAUYxQvAt352H_LOCWGagUdGboROIXgQoGpCTjKC55F0zH9lM-tN9PyHa1XHfacRCS3pV98YWXwbsy0x_KJicj5tQt09181fPfucm5EEuELi277LExQC0tA8QiS3d3P1Gu3BA/s320/IMG_20220524_153526364.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p align="left"><br /></p>Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-15336012170618383572022-04-28T11:52:00.001-07:002022-04-28T11:52:36.484-07:00Fairy Tale Retelling<p style="text-align: center;"> +JMJ+</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-3d0SXSJvgaVMBg4LGv73VDZWCvg31vX-onvPHTSwvefXaXwaNfUpzbAbj-5iIbdolIyWpAA-Z1afvFR4zrvZ26cJoS3_MF3Bg5tEv8trV0zb5wJIsHYp5O5QmzB1ZTgl4ot4moSxvLbBMSeSu-XZaVoXhC5jWZocJkaGTg4NhbeQeuyKmTpO50s6g/s3442/IMG_20220323_183256205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3442" data-original-width="2819" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-3d0SXSJvgaVMBg4LGv73VDZWCvg31vX-onvPHTSwvefXaXwaNfUpzbAbj-5iIbdolIyWpAA-Z1afvFR4zrvZ26cJoS3_MF3Bg5tEv8trV0zb5wJIsHYp5O5QmzB1ZTgl4ot4moSxvLbBMSeSu-XZaVoXhC5jWZocJkaGTg4NhbeQeuyKmTpO50s6g/w524-h640/IMG_20220323_183256205.jpg" width="524" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">A retelling of Snow White and Rose Red</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">Qiang gently folded the soft dough around the spicy array of vegetables. She had large pile of dumplings ready for the pot. It had been raining for hours. The bucket under the drip was nearly full now. Chen was supposed to empty it every hour, but she had forgotten, as usual. The two sisters made a strange pair, the one with her gentle, thoughtful manners and pale complexion, the other with her boyish behavior and her rosy sunburnt skin.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">Mother was weaving thread into blankets. She was hoping to sell these to the merchants in the city. With father gone, money was tight. Auntie Ai wanted to help , but mother was not taking anything from the organization until Qiang made her choice.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">Qiang peered out the window. Chen was dancing in the rain. She had gone out to check on the rose bushes and had been distracted. She loved the rain. Qiang shook her head in disbelief. She preferred to stay dry and clean, herself.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Mother, don’t you think-” Qiang was interrupted by a piercing scream from the yard. She dropped her dough ball and sprang to her feet. Mother gasped and clutched at her heart. Chen was running towards them, waving her arms and pointing towards the gate.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">Qiang rushed to the door, flung it open and sprang onto the porch. Her mother was right behind her. A man in a sodden fur cloak was leaning against the post. Chen reached her mother and sister, and clung to them.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“He- he just appeared at the gate and grabbed my arm.” she sobbed, “He’s all covered in blood.” The older girl caught her breath. Surely the organization hadn’t gotten tired of waiting for her response and come.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">Qiang looked at the man. He was swaying. Suddenly, he toppled down into the mud.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Come girls.” Mrs. Hua said firmly, “If the man is hurt, we can hardly leave him out in the rain.” She was about to step off the porch, when Qiang seized her arm.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Wait.” she breathed. She snatched her little white umbrella off a bench and put it up, “It is raining.”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Oh yes.” Chan cried gleefully. She picked up her red rose knife. Their mother smiled and shook her head. Then she selected a large walking stick.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Never mind the rain.” she said.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Mother, what will you do with that?” Chen asked, “It’s far to big to swing in a fight.”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“I thought that the poor man could lean upon it, while walking.” her mother said gently, “After all, it is called a walking stick. Remember, not everything leads to violence.” Her daughter blushed. Qiang smiled virtuously. Chen made a face at her.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">The man was far too heavily wrapped for such a warm summer day. Mrs. Hua pushed back the fur hood to reveal a man, who was at least ten years older than Qiang. His black hair was plastered to his forehead.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“I believe he was struck across the head.” the woman said, “We shall have to take him inside.”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“But, we can’t lift him.” Chen pointed out. Her mother shook the unfortunate man. He groaned and opened his eyes.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Help me.” he whispered, “The Phoenix-” his voice trailed off.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;"> </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Mother!” Qiang cried, as she tightened her grip on the umbrella, “If he is being hunted by the Phoenix, we are in trouble! We dare not bring him inside! He could be an enemy of Xiyu”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Phaw!” Chen scoffed, “As a stranger, we owe him him hospitality.”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“But, if he is wanted by the organization-”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Oh pooh! Qiang, you’re such a worrywart!” Chen said crossly, “It’s hardly treason to aide an injured man.”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Chen.” Qiang said in distress, “We are right on the Dongyuian boarder, any strangers could be spies. Besides, he is a complete stranger. He- he looks like a bear.”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“I don’t think we are going to have a war!” Chen said, “Father used to talk about it all the time, but there hasn’t been a single attempt since grandmother was young.”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Girls.” Mrs. Hua said quietly, “We can’t leave him out in the rain. We shall bring him inside.” Chen clapped her hands. “But, Qiang, you must write to the Phoenix, at once. Whatever choice you make in the future, this cannot be avoided.” Qiang bowed her head.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">Together, the three women helped the man onto his feet and into the house. They laid him on a bed and bandaged his wound. The stranger was very ill for a long time. In his fever, he kept crying out for someone or something called Huli. Several times he sat up and ordered the women to go and save Huli before it was to late. Qiang was sure that Huli, whoever he was, was a prisoner of the organization.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">It was nearing the eighth day, and Qiang was sewing by the bed, when the stranger’s fever left and he awoke.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Where am I” he muttered. Qiang dropped her sewing and sprang to her feet.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Oh, you- you’re awake. I will fetch my mother.” she turned to flee. The man seized her arm. His grip was very weak.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Where is my brother?” he asked.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“I haven’t seen him.” Qiang sobbed, “He wasn’t with you.” The man released the girl’s arm and closed his eyes.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">Mrs. Hua and Chen came running into the room.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“He’s awake.” Qiang said, as she gestured at the bed. Her sister bounced to the man’s side. The stranger opened his eyes and winced.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“I remember you.” he said, “Huli said-” he frowned touched his head, “Where is Huli? He said you looked kind.”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Never mind.” mother said soothingly, “Tell us about yourself.”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Call me- er- Xiong.” the man said hesitantly. Qiang scowled. The name was obviously false.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Is that why you were wearing fur?” Chen asked, “Because you are a bear?” The man stared at her in surprise.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“My daughters are educated in many languages.” Mrs. Hua said, “My husband was a scholar. He believed that all people should be educated.”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Was?” Xiong repeated.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“He- he gave his life defending the Imperial libraries from the Dongyuian raiders.” Mrs. Hua said quietly, “We have been allotted a year to mourn.” She glanced at her older daughter. Xiong flushed and stared down at his blanket. Then he tossed them aside and tried to get up.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Oh no!” Mrs. Hua cried, “You must not get up, you are not well yet.” Only Qiang seemed to notice that Xiong had failed to tell them anything about himself.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">During the following week, Xiong recovered from his injury. As time went by, he spent more and more time out in the yard. Qiang watched him, as she did her chores and studied. Chen had no qualms about running out and chatting with the injured man. But he was very closemouthed.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">One day the two sisters went down to the river to set up a water trap. Suddenly, the girls realized that they were not alone. An old man, in a silk robe, was creeping through the rushes.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Lets go back to the house.” Qiang whispered.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Sir!” Chen cried, ignoring her sister, “Are you lost?” the man let out a yelp, stumbled and fell sprawling. Instantly, he let out a series of enraged howls. The girls ran to his side and discovered that his beard was wedged in a cracked log.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Don’t stand there gawking, get me out!” the man bawled. The girls tugged, first at the beard, then at the man’s shoulders, but to no avail. Through the whole episode, the enraged victim screamed and derided the girls.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Wait, I have and idea.” Chen cried. She slipped her knife out of her pocket.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“No!” the man shouted. Slash! Chen cut the beard free.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“You’ll be sorry!” the man snarled, “Spoiling my beautiful beard!” He stomped away muttering.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">The man had not gone far before he stooped and dragged someone to his feet. A person with a sack tied over their head. The two vanished into the rushes.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Did you see that?” Chen asked. Qiang said nothing. She was planning on writing another letter to the Phoenix. A well dressed old man sneaking through the swamps on the boarder, with a prisoner, was very suspicious. Perhaps it merited an investigation.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">Xiong was healed except for the scar on his forehead. But even that seemed to be fading. He had taken to leaving the yard for long walks. Mrs. Hua told her daughters that he would soon be gone for good. Chen immediately begged the man not to go.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“I have duties which must not be neglected.” he told her sadly.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“You come from so far away.” Chen sighed, “Will we ever see you again?” Xiong made no answer. Qiang looked up from her letter. What sort of duties did he mean?</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">The following morning Xiong was gone. Mrs. Hua soothed her Chen’s concern.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“I’m sure he will be back soon. He wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye.” But Xiong was still not back by evening. Even Chen was downcast when they went to check the water trap before bed. Qiang brought her umbrella to keep the hot sun off of her face.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">The girls were approaching the pond when Chen let out a squeal.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Look!” she cried and clapped her hands.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Where?” Qiang asked, glancing around, expecting to see Xiong. Instead, she found the old bearded man bending over their trap.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Mind your beard, sir!” Chen cried. The man jerked backwards in surprise and tumbled headfirst into the trap. Chen giggled, while Qiang gasped. The man thrashed wildly, but he was stuck.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“He’ll drown!” Qiang cried.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">The two sisters rushed to the trap and hauled it awkwardly out of the pond. The old man was howling in rage. Two large fish were thrashing and slapping his face. The girl’s unhooked the netting, releasing the furious man and the fish.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“You imbeciles!” the man roared, “Are you so incompetent that you delight in torturing old men!”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“We’re sorry, dear father.” Qiang said kindly.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“I’m not your father!” the man snarled. He turned abruptly and whistled. The same figure with the covered face, rose out of the rushes.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Come you, little fox!” the old man snarled. He paused to shake his fists at the girls, then strode off.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Did you hear that.” Chen cried, “That must be Xiong’s brother. Remember huli is another word for fox.”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“What did you say?” the man cried, as he whirled. His face was twisted in an ugly snarl. Qiang took a step back and whistled. Chen cocked her fists.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">Suddenly, a large black crow flew down and circled the girls. Qiang pointed at the old man. The bird cawed than seized the man’s beard in its talons. He howled in pain and rage, as he beat at the crow. It squawked and pecked at his face. Qiang noticed the band on one of its legs. The mark of the Phoenix. This bird must be bringing an answer to her letter.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Get it off of me!” the man cried, as he tried to protect his eyes from the sharp beak.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“How about saying please.” Chen suggested, “Last time we saved-” Qiang pushed Chen towards Huli.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“You take care of him. I’ll get the crow.” The girls parted.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">Qiang seized the crow and pulled it away from its victim. It turned on her with a harsh croak.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Gently now, Phoenix.” she whispered soothingly, “It is I, Hua Qiang!” The bird cocked its head as if it could understand her. She untied the band and took the letter.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“You brat!” the man roared, “You deliberately set your bird on me. I’ll teach you to mind yourself!”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Oh no, it’s not my bird.” Qiang said quickly.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Take that!” the old man snarled and knocked her over. The crow flew at his face again.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">Meanwhile, Chen had taken out her knife and cut the bag off of Huli. She was surprised to see that he wasn’t much older than her. He didn’t look anything like Xiong.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Thanks.” he croaked and took a deep breath of fresh air.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">Suddenly they heard Qiang’s startled cry. Chen whirled with a shriek, just in time to see her sister hit the ground.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“That man pushed my sister!” she yelled. She rushed to Qiang’s side and helped her up.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“I’m alright.” the older girl whispered. She thrust something into her pocket.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">Qiang picked up her umbrella and closed it.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“As for you-” Chen cried, as she turned on the old man. She drew her knife. He let out a hiss, caught Qiang’s umbrella and yanked her in front of himself. Chen screamed and made a leap for her sister.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“No!” Huli cried as he caught Chen’s arm, “Are you trying to get her killed?”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“That’s better.” the old man said, “Now we can all have a little talk.”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“You mean vicious old beast!” Chen cried, “We helped you!”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Did you think you would be rewarded for being nice?” the old man demanded, “How little you know of the world. People aren’t grateful! They bite the hand that feeds them, according to the saying.”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">Suddenly there was a roar and a fur clad figure leaped out of the rushes. The old man whirled, but it was to late. A heavy hand knocked him cold. Instantly, Huli sprang onto the man and bound him with pieces of the sack.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">Chen rushed to her sister’s side and clasped her in her arms.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“I thought he was going to hurt you.” she sobbed. Qiang looked over at Xiong as he flung back his hood.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“I think we found your brother.” she said.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Are you hurt, Hua Qiang?” Xiong asked. The girl shook her head quickly.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“That will teach you!” Huli cried, as he sprang to his feet. The old man remained unconscious.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Should we take him the village?” Qiang asked nervously. The two men exchanged looks. Finally Xiong took Qiang and Chen’s hands in his.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“My name is Zhou Shun. He said, “I am very grateful to you and your mother. I can never thank you enough.” he bowed his head, “But I must go now. Yan Lou must come with us.” he nodded at Huli,</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“But why do you have to go?” Chen burst out, “Can’t you stay?” Xiong shook his head.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“I must return to my home, at once.” He looked down at the old man, “Yan Lou is a Dongyuian traitor. Because of his actions war between the two empires is inevitable.” he looked hard at the two girls, “Promise me that you will take your mother back to a city, as soon as possible. You are all in danger.”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“But why?” Chen asked. Qiang’s heart sank.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“The Dongyuians will attack through these swamps.” Xiong said grimly, “Your soldiers are all on the frontier.”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“You are from Dongyu, aren’t you?” Qiang said quietly. Chen’s jaw dropped.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“We can’t tell you who we are.” Xiong said, “But one day, you will know.” He dropped the girls’ hands, pulled up his hood and stooped over the old man. He heaved him up onto his shoulders and stumbled off without a backwards glance.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Wait!” Qiang cried and darted after him. He paused and waited for her to catch up with him, “Why did you tell us about the war? Won’t that defeat the element of surprise for your people?” Xiong looked at her sadly.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“If you know who I am, why are you letting me go?” he asked.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Why are you warning us?” Qiang asked.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“You and your family saved my life. I will not repay it with death.” Xiong said. He continued on his way. Qiang returned to her sister’s side.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">Huli scooped up Qiang’s umbrella and Chen’s knife.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Your effects, ladies.” he said. He tossed Qiang the umbrella and dropped the knife into Chen’s hands. Then he gave a mock salute and bounded off after his brother. Chen sighed.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“I wish they could have stayed.”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Chen, Huli had a strange accent.” Qiang said carefully. She wasn’t sure how much her sister knew.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Oh posh!” Chen said, “You are just like father, always imaging everything to be more sinister than it really is. I can’t believe that you called him a Dongyuian to his face. That’s pretty rude.”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Xiong said war is coming, I must write another letter to the Phoenix.” Qiang said as she turned away.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“So it was you who sent for that crow.” Chen cried, “You were contacting them all along!” Qiang whirled and scooped up the bird and wrapped it in her coat.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Never mind, Chen.” she said softly.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Can’t I see?” her sister begged. Qiang unfolded the little piece of paper.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">Scroll, Whip discovered that prince Zhou Shun of Dongyu was kidnapped. Return to city at once. Do not bring Xiong. Must be prince. Is hunted by Zhu Yazhu, his stepbrother. Dongyuian ambassador Yan Lou arranged it.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">Signed, Phoenix</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Xiong and Huli are princes?” Chen cried, and turned pale, “Why didn’t they tell us?”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Chen, we cannot stop the war from happening.” Qiang whispered, “The Dongyuians wanted war all along.”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">Six months later Xiyu was plunged into war with the neighboring empire of Dongyu. The Dongyuians seized all the land they could and burned the farm houses. The Hua family was safe in the capital when they heard the news. They had fled the farm, just in time.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“It’s not fair!” Chen wailed, “We didn’t kidnap him! Didn’t Xiong explain about Yan Lou? How did you even know?”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“I told you Huli had a funny accent.” Qiang explained.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“But what about Xiong?” Chen asked, “I thought you were just being paranoid.” Qiang looked amused.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“Why, didn’t you recognize the name? The Zhou family have been Dongyu’s translators for centuries. He probably speaks several languages fluently.”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: start;">“But it’s not fair!” Chen wailed, “Just because he lives on the other side of a canyon we can’t ever see him again. Why he could be fighting our cousins, right now!”</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #242429; font-family: Outfit, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.8em; margin: 0px; text-align: start;">“Life isn’t fair, Chen.” Qiang said, “We can only do our best to do what’s right! Xiong repaid our kindness by warning us. Yan Lou was wrong about gratitude.”</p></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-86817767295175067182022-01-09T09:38:00.003-08:002022-01-09T09:38:57.236-08:00AND a Happy New Year<p style="text-align: center;"> +JMJ+</p><p style="text-align: center;">We wish you a Merry Christmas</p><p style="text-align: center;">And a Happy New Year!</p><p style="text-align: center;">I started this in December, determined to be on time for once, but as you can see it is even past Epiphany now. Oops.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Saint for 2022</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjftiIm7dEOkqIJ4h3O5Yl960blWcga5j2PyLJJkxXPL94UstF4VmV3P1Y6wMNFXqdn6bH0vp-PKTZmXWbPt2IUjozQoVb5lE2yfH4ZGFyqXDs9xxyT2rhTeTXpJdgH_JtfwbR8mSOsSohq2v9hoetr3vrdcUmhp2CTlJjCxn2OOeirBd56j16BrCedWg=s259" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="195" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjftiIm7dEOkqIJ4h3O5Yl960blWcga5j2PyLJJkxXPL94UstF4VmV3P1Y6wMNFXqdn6bH0vp-PKTZmXWbPt2IUjozQoVb5lE2yfH4ZGFyqXDs9xxyT2rhTeTXpJdgH_JtfwbR8mSOsSohq2v9hoetr3vrdcUmhp2CTlJjCxn2OOeirBd56j16BrCedWg" width="195" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">St. Guy of Anderclecht</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Patron against infantile convulsions, against mad dogs, against rabies, patron of bachelors, epileptics, horned animals, labors, protection of sheds, protection of stables, sacristans and work horses.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(I used a saint generator to pick the saint and got this particular saint the day two of our dogs were going in for rabies shots)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Feast Day: September 12</div><p style="text-align: center;">Last year passed really quickly but I'll see if I can actually remember all the books I started or finished.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Books finished</p><p style="text-align: center;">Life is Short</p><p style="text-align: center;">Fairy Godmother Academy book 1</p><p style="text-align: center;">The Right Cinderella</p><p style="text-align: center;">The Sleep Project</p><p style="text-align: center;">J-Dudes</p><p style="text-align: center;">Vietnamese Cyriacus and the Highschooler Killer</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Books started</p><p style="text-align: center;">J-Dudes</p><p style="text-align: center;">The Right Cinderella</p><p style="text-align: center;">The Sleep Project</p><p style="text-align: center;">Intergalactic Politicians</p><p style="text-align: center;">Vietnamese Cyriacus and the Highschool Killer</p><p style="text-align: center;">Fairy Godmother Academy book 1</p><p style="text-align: center;">Diary of Needles and Thread</p><p style="text-align: center;">Book of the Phoenix</p><p style="text-align: center;">~ * ~</p><p style="text-align: center;">Maybe I started and finished more, but my memory is lacking. January 2021 was a long time ago.</p>Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-40918741406030202832021-12-18T09:54:00.001-08:002021-12-18T09:54:06.101-08:00Some new drawings<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">+JMJ+</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh75khTmP7dBGYMRe6vdE2P2B-ak-PD-uI-S0MXEo3zWs3K_3DZ5tQTgak5aIuQw7_qI3gdQ3HRVdSSr4KDyBxWFeyJyE56xCZGGUZdhtJHBbjx-uX8dnwYMAOhTZtJEyv0KwqjLL7dpdU5SDf1qttN-Hc8CsYCubkbYvXcB8g8hcoNWnxo1_EHva97UQ=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh75khTmP7dBGYMRe6vdE2P2B-ak-PD-uI-S0MXEo3zWs3K_3DZ5tQTgak5aIuQw7_qI3gdQ3HRVdSSr4KDyBxWFeyJyE56xCZGGUZdhtJHBbjx-uX8dnwYMAOhTZtJEyv0KwqjLL7dpdU5SDf1qttN-Hc8CsYCubkbYvXcB8g8hcoNWnxo1_EHva97UQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Doodle of the young Justice Heroes I drew in a school notebook.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8bjwrYi0CH92uogIMkbOi40OjMTYnyhY5uSB_MSEgOQvlG7f5KOgf40Q-xDtBfvEGHllA2HBC_JBHk2Q_ZmcuFFzDAexY9NXOfjRn4sMa9nc6GArNmRE51ZPxi44d1j2XKg3yVomOJ82IhLN4_fkFuPS_UdebLjQnUqAjJ20ZjieXON0WF3gkZwXaqg=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8bjwrYi0CH92uogIMkbOi40OjMTYnyhY5uSB_MSEgOQvlG7f5KOgf40Q-xDtBfvEGHllA2HBC_JBHk2Q_ZmcuFFzDAexY9NXOfjRn4sMa9nc6GArNmRE51ZPxi44d1j2XKg3yVomOJ82IhLN4_fkFuPS_UdebLjQnUqAjJ20ZjieXON0WF3gkZwXaqg=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Doodle of Antonio, Vietnamese and Rezo I drew on the back of a school paper.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP8UFW1_ZfJuOXtr4qZqq7U-rnbfcWnoKooy241tN6rdvvcrMcgbfC75ZgIz4I7bFsKcL0W7jNQUJ7QvTpGT9E9mOOCWT4DcPJmR7hj3CjdG351MrzaeZiUYeukWomlKpVdZXpVMNVUvod_-ic_iMV9XSdQ2o2Vsy9yfyDT9L1D49NonNoQ8Fg6oY0ew=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP8UFW1_ZfJuOXtr4qZqq7U-rnbfcWnoKooy241tN6rdvvcrMcgbfC75ZgIz4I7bFsKcL0W7jNQUJ7QvTpGT9E9mOOCWT4DcPJmR7hj3CjdG351MrzaeZiUYeukWomlKpVdZXpVMNVUvod_-ic_iMV9XSdQ2o2Vsy9yfyDT9L1D49NonNoQ8Fg6oY0ew=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mrs. and Mr. Williams A.K.A. giant flesh eating squids.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieNhFjm5pZxgp__X6SqG87ufgO4imHRJEKN_332_s3Tw5QWaz_UFZOUL6wdSpJDXfSSdim8qUoEBmYWCiiB8jbTmilo_-hCjVK8FjMzesr1S3i5-KGx9yRexBGU_NuXUlwLxE1D8f5JLUOIwyVmT0HdKMYxY4P6Cl42TLFau_Ug-P4oMsE6IQZef0sMQ=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEieNhFjm5pZxgp__X6SqG87ufgO4imHRJEKN_332_s3Tw5QWaz_UFZOUL6wdSpJDXfSSdim8qUoEBmYWCiiB8jbTmilo_-hCjVK8FjMzesr1S3i5-KGx9yRexBGU_NuXUlwLxE1D8f5JLUOIwyVmT0HdKMYxY4P6Cl42TLFau_Ug-P4oMsE6IQZef0sMQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tam Foresight defending his brother.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDQ4WWUP5huzhPo5fXygPNkwkBTOdoIM4TcJnTyNCAt8VvrwxUXvEqGPpuhxVWuAKEflFL2XGIphEzBF9jiVVBiytFMjKsDQZvlOcGO25csnOQhst-iWCJC_itve664VHnsoabLjsJy_epqTR4-F3Bye_3V3D8cUQnTeUdoce_fNA1bdQSl2zWNa1O1g=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDQ4WWUP5huzhPo5fXygPNkwkBTOdoIM4TcJnTyNCAt8VvrwxUXvEqGPpuhxVWuAKEflFL2XGIphEzBF9jiVVBiytFMjKsDQZvlOcGO25csnOQhst-iWCJC_itve664VHnsoabLjsJy_epqTR4-F3Bye_3V3D8cUQnTeUdoce_fNA1bdQSl2zWNa1O1g=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Vietnamese Cyriacus.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWXVIVyhAUjydNZeU7Wl-Vbz7v2Nsy8FLgVGEtQfMSOkGBSP58wQVrFcHABl7Pl73VelkOkUltn62FBz0yg_M0iysZq1uHIW-H2I3zqjPNKRuYnTrc4NUWIsdnKWU9vphJrirg3Dc9fU0NXxTNFPG_b3j1W3FrC0uT-LDoTMh0E_li0MBKsv7Sl328ag=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWXVIVyhAUjydNZeU7Wl-Vbz7v2Nsy8FLgVGEtQfMSOkGBSP58wQVrFcHABl7Pl73VelkOkUltn62FBz0yg_M0iysZq1uHIW-H2I3zqjPNKRuYnTrc4NUWIsdnKWU9vphJrirg3Dc9fU0NXxTNFPG_b3j1W3FrC0uT-LDoTMh0E_li0MBKsv7Sl328ag=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tam still defending his brother.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU6PqNQcHWsy-hAZM5m-Dp3J8JmzMqnr8np_ncArYTkb5hkV42NOSfF23PzI5AyngjFA9gJaCLUW4XKdq1vG1TSXyUvhEt3KisxvOPXArHUacW8v_oWI93KyERytpJg59zxX18QEbRmVP-Quxh-i1Ooxq8xaWT0Up7__DVXEXL56uBZX7Wk7SwzhxQzg=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU6PqNQcHWsy-hAZM5m-Dp3J8JmzMqnr8np_ncArYTkb5hkV42NOSfF23PzI5AyngjFA9gJaCLUW4XKdq1vG1TSXyUvhEt3KisxvOPXArHUacW8v_oWI93KyERytpJg59zxX18QEbRmVP-Quxh-i1Ooxq8xaWT0Up7__DVXEXL56uBZX7Wk7SwzhxQzg=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cassandra Cormac</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWtN6yTgZTQdOudAQaiCRoVWUWrbg0f-RajlTMRCwjxl8V_x6RvwFh57lJhQOYihbPWR8aMecRHqACI5FFLlGGLyj6d6uwG5tmdFx-OwHBuKrbVqEB0AlpC1hNDI5s4e1D9QNEznsBUT7n0VqGUPOtWK3e5bs731KGiBELZ9SQsJ0j2abGGF4d7uvUXA=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWtN6yTgZTQdOudAQaiCRoVWUWrbg0f-RajlTMRCwjxl8V_x6RvwFh57lJhQOYihbPWR8aMecRHqACI5FFLlGGLyj6d6uwG5tmdFx-OwHBuKrbVqEB0AlpC1hNDI5s4e1D9QNEznsBUT7n0VqGUPOtWK3e5bs731KGiBELZ9SQsJ0j2abGGF4d7uvUXA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Vietnamese Cormac.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB6IOe8q5CC8Qc5FYKzNuGb9U9I82ye3BkuOlaK9yjq3Fzf_nHcbJvwCwj8WxTFLJVrgYUVgBkJWIghTa20ncL1VQp0Lzjhg5TPIpvMBWnGSRT0aVbkvWJW7Gj7-ksqnlrkbwDDZG_g_cOvyAs6sTFJ33cTdZt-vT0UwUfUy37qARBu1WNIySS3B9N8g=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB6IOe8q5CC8Qc5FYKzNuGb9U9I82ye3BkuOlaK9yjq3Fzf_nHcbJvwCwj8WxTFLJVrgYUVgBkJWIghTa20ncL1VQp0Lzjhg5TPIpvMBWnGSRT0aVbkvWJW7Gj7-ksqnlrkbwDDZG_g_cOvyAs6sTFJ33cTdZt-vT0UwUfUy37qARBu1WNIySS3B9N8g=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Vietnamese, Pompeii, Salsa, Rezo, Cassandra, Tortellini, Dominic, Celery, Antonio and Jacobella.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgK2Rd9Ia0zo4-TDZh29mBMBOFZEDwluyJ8XsHlzcDxrJwHM1ZClX-K6_2yogDUVSpSMkNQT4BSJnHFKxt0v03QO-9lmaGEmImmUgCacIq8f0CZVaKUdNpcZKXKb0fpQGYZfpE20gqKCxtQr5_xc74pQfSSmOqhuXvGTCeqMuwtmJ8kXJyoj3-6utq9og=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgK2Rd9Ia0zo4-TDZh29mBMBOFZEDwluyJ8XsHlzcDxrJwHM1ZClX-K6_2yogDUVSpSMkNQT4BSJnHFKxt0v03QO-9lmaGEmImmUgCacIq8f0CZVaKUdNpcZKXKb0fpQGYZfpE20gqKCxtQr5_xc74pQfSSmOqhuXvGTCeqMuwtmJ8kXJyoj3-6utq9og=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pompeii and Jacobella</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaPQzo7_d-7ldk_ym6Mnxbx4Pz_6KKuf3a6VYmm-aVszoamaF0MAiIx-hTgYz-6V2JvGKwbU7rbcAKOSaHLINE_SoYiJpK5WqscC0bdmc6rC5QYVSybKNKTElX6cg9zjBRjrNKvvjdYgiUb_BLciHqtDM6DqKBI0rZbW2mk5oRElzunR2ZOEZ7KVbvjA=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaPQzo7_d-7ldk_ym6Mnxbx4Pz_6KKuf3a6VYmm-aVszoamaF0MAiIx-hTgYz-6V2JvGKwbU7rbcAKOSaHLINE_SoYiJpK5WqscC0bdmc6rC5QYVSybKNKTElX6cg9zjBRjrNKvvjdYgiUb_BLciHqtDM6DqKBI0rZbW2mk5oRElzunR2ZOEZ7KVbvjA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The victims of the highschool disaster.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Silda Foresight, Tina Caroaway, Hilda Summers, Tam Foreisght, Jason, Flossie and Aquinas</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnIKKCTxf22A5QgQn3uxyLAdQ93R3krpfpKd7gAAQ_ng0gdPSW60LWcqYD9WmXEC9vtFv8kX-H11LN3_2I9KNSbcmL4hW-hdDEjhDZt6FhLI0RfRWroplYrWp68iQTZ7HAVsl3FZLorheBs1kBP32uXgUtqOhkEZREXtLL0jhfrALT5NFGYiot6ZKsgQ=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnIKKCTxf22A5QgQn3uxyLAdQ93R3krpfpKd7gAAQ_ng0gdPSW60LWcqYD9WmXEC9vtFv8kX-H11LN3_2I9KNSbcmL4hW-hdDEjhDZt6FhLI0RfRWroplYrWp68iQTZ7HAVsl3FZLorheBs1kBP32uXgUtqOhkEZREXtLL0jhfrALT5NFGYiot6ZKsgQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ben Ruedue, Pompeii Cyriacus, Jacobella Grend Cyriacus, Salsa Cyriacus Lockwood and baby.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg30DMoundyXkXdeIzhZShfeC-e6zTrjPzsr2zB82K9sv5FFWSPRCF6Hctx8GvZITquyK2FE_ySZ77-YXZOnHR_ga0jIJg_Pa_fe3bAQRNssaxVXld1vE5vS56Vx2A_qMPxpQ0bcF7dDWLFwg8MvM_T4VA_b0P68O9RtIPj5NRYMDK0zpjq8De6QnfpsA=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg30DMoundyXkXdeIzhZShfeC-e6zTrjPzsr2zB82K9sv5FFWSPRCF6Hctx8GvZITquyK2FE_ySZ77-YXZOnHR_ga0jIJg_Pa_fe3bAQRNssaxVXld1vE5vS56Vx2A_qMPxpQ0bcF7dDWLFwg8MvM_T4VA_b0P68O9RtIPj5NRYMDK0zpjq8De6QnfpsA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Four Grend brothers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWQBZOk_5VtFy7bQO844XhcKMy5FQ7IRIQCzD3PEB-33nRyD47Ynmw4tjchcOrW_y1F1Agm3ujmf4h9-9BcjeiAsyS7wHUiQL7XOWqPfB01sklKVbHMGqQz_cRpiQ4DHmhbuF9iVD8mbEU-EQFGp5kfWJZngYQpWdHHzynUmZUqh_hs50Z9vyPdivFuQ=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWQBZOk_5VtFy7bQO844XhcKMy5FQ7IRIQCzD3PEB-33nRyD47Ynmw4tjchcOrW_y1F1Agm3ujmf4h9-9BcjeiAsyS7wHUiQL7XOWqPfB01sklKVbHMGqQz_cRpiQ4DHmhbuF9iVD8mbEU-EQFGp5kfWJZngYQpWdHHzynUmZUqh_hs50Z9vyPdivFuQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Detective from J-Dudes.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjR0Hj2K5R8ys82J7U4-9cQJ580j4WC25YHZRhdkQq7CZrVHDP25gFyLFvaEQwXdVvsS-8BRs6cc6-48ZbLLafuHrhzWbke7iTQ2kgXoT6sGzdmByN74pLFZbbauKUXIlYsrCxRmqEvqvJzs3gjQmFWsqftXs5ErzxMZJozcR-iyiC97h_OP7wym-kAw=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjR0Hj2K5R8ys82J7U4-9cQJ580j4WC25YHZRhdkQq7CZrVHDP25gFyLFvaEQwXdVvsS-8BRs6cc6-48ZbLLafuHrhzWbke7iTQ2kgXoT6sGzdmByN74pLFZbbauKUXIlYsrCxRmqEvqvJzs3gjQmFWsqftXs5ErzxMZJozcR-iyiC97h_OP7wym-kAw=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dominic, Wenceslaus and Leo</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXYQmFsoQvA-fex_bozPzJG4f1-2GRvAW8r4BHLZ3ui29O2tsH89eXHNw8FQa_8h4kGxYivYkcTwhnUMo_ULkm0dogyu2A7r1-z7A53XrvUHEkrJLrosk-yVNjjCT_53yjbmpnRTQxjcAkWhZrLiC-4ykF9n6tmhs1g01OBq1cUbLQJzwQV6iFwIwq7g=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXYQmFsoQvA-fex_bozPzJG4f1-2GRvAW8r4BHLZ3ui29O2tsH89eXHNw8FQa_8h4kGxYivYkcTwhnUMo_ULkm0dogyu2A7r1-z7A53XrvUHEkrJLrosk-yVNjjCT_53yjbmpnRTQxjcAkWhZrLiC-4ykF9n6tmhs1g01OBq1cUbLQJzwQV6iFwIwq7g=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leo and his bodyguard</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz_ZYVczu2HZ2zaxBgNS7LjvJouZ5PAHqGbDlwekgMFENPsLT9xFp48TupTNwPU3Af0ZSPH7RSQ_q7X21zJdig5YIKTwtq4kEVqMl0gDKc5QFkt8I456a4bwh8bpJXPCMfMC4ZKF5ZoRUrGoG_vnX7EvJz0NUPr4DWn6vr9PKo8teIxdm8QToEkSZl6w=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz_ZYVczu2HZ2zaxBgNS7LjvJouZ5PAHqGbDlwekgMFENPsLT9xFp48TupTNwPU3Af0ZSPH7RSQ_q7X21zJdig5YIKTwtq4kEVqMl0gDKc5QFkt8I456a4bwh8bpJXPCMfMC4ZKF5ZoRUrGoG_vnX7EvJz0NUPr4DWn6vr9PKo8teIxdm8QToEkSZl6w=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Flynn, Leo, Dominic, Wenceslaus and Josie.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgvWaPikUq_qE870-ZfKviaRErxGnpcqKgdJ_cq1KpywC_OGFo25CIYptyJHH6GevFOUuxET9Ymx9g8N_E3MoZE-etM5kQBjw24x8MSU38F1VTDVK2GQVBM0dv2Q4sb9ySZWO3kLeWPbw_deoLl_O3RpMYcx-s-B7QN49axWNLc4JyfZ85C_RHuRtjow=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgvWaPikUq_qE870-ZfKviaRErxGnpcqKgdJ_cq1KpywC_OGFo25CIYptyJHH6GevFOUuxET9Ymx9g8N_E3MoZE-etM5kQBjw24x8MSU38F1VTDVK2GQVBM0dv2Q4sb9ySZWO3kLeWPbw_deoLl_O3RpMYcx-s-B7QN49axWNLc4JyfZ85C_RHuRtjow=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Josie<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyISYgSCcbVy6GZPSMXjIq2UoEYRMtO3I2IPf0WIEFlgigShihdftl0dn46y14a3Q4WBQi9AVU4dUJbHWLkoTWfdpI6Z1W7FgQTKRswJn4ZKrp_LyPpk46aUj0jDl8HjQ0bHYoLEXuUnGAZx-5NRrEmhy7QIYo5_gKaKIfahJN7BBBB8hk-W6ZPDUwUQ=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyISYgSCcbVy6GZPSMXjIq2UoEYRMtO3I2IPf0WIEFlgigShihdftl0dn46y14a3Q4WBQi9AVU4dUJbHWLkoTWfdpI6Z1W7FgQTKRswJn4ZKrp_LyPpk46aUj0jDl8HjQ0bHYoLEXuUnGAZx-5NRrEmhy7QIYo5_gKaKIfahJN7BBBB8hk-W6ZPDUwUQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Jessica<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpOUGyYAphxvbEVRHu10ah2ttkma4nQUg_e8R15nhhQZwmfDAkVcb6ACjnDekUvFy40r9pvA3idq1f6AlkGFZ4NDD9JvyffGDNII55qw7JvR4DKlbkBA5Mk0HTtwTBkiVktGnrLT82FFN7KuhDacEPk1SNKOOHzGsn_g8TqLr_WaIUCcv_7Iiq_MN1pg=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpOUGyYAphxvbEVRHu10ah2ttkma4nQUg_e8R15nhhQZwmfDAkVcb6ACjnDekUvFy40r9pvA3idq1f6AlkGFZ4NDD9JvyffGDNII55qw7JvR4DKlbkBA5Mk0HTtwTBkiVktGnrLT82FFN7KuhDacEPk1SNKOOHzGsn_g8TqLr_WaIUCcv_7Iiq_MN1pg=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Jessica's family<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0MFOz2rCVR4FswswhAq49F_Strwdxap5q2rgf-H83uKOAU60u9xv061ZxWnI9PUcq0Q13EkXKSpIt-unxfmKzAfQUPoMNqoOZOXkrXPh29L5UZgnO17cZIS0cWgOw90DP_2yN9YIesNZkibS6-3el7Pl0oCgXUKki9gqB5i3YkB0hZo6aeb5XISzhSg=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0MFOz2rCVR4FswswhAq49F_Strwdxap5q2rgf-H83uKOAU60u9xv061ZxWnI9PUcq0Q13EkXKSpIt-unxfmKzAfQUPoMNqoOZOXkrXPh29L5UZgnO17cZIS0cWgOw90DP_2yN9YIesNZkibS6-3el7Pl0oCgXUKki9gqB5i3YkB0hZo6aeb5XISzhSg=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Jillian, Jessica, Jadan, Jacob and Josie<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0wJO-Q_JDnpXFbcCKu7qZ5T2zvxDK_P5eUqGHpwRUrLB0ogmRDZkz5v2fbILrAwCAg_6laUgebqQbGWTNsAvQWMCU0e0h8by8B199aiFdQTTHhlaipNq9oxBOCYnqRRDmdMJbY1wdsq5k4IpcJNCVE6sOFnt2R5lqqJ45ZEqjP6TgAVnvNaCSq8Mlyw=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0wJO-Q_JDnpXFbcCKu7qZ5T2zvxDK_P5eUqGHpwRUrLB0ogmRDZkz5v2fbILrAwCAg_6laUgebqQbGWTNsAvQWMCU0e0h8by8B199aiFdQTTHhlaipNq9oxBOCYnqRRDmdMJbY1wdsq5k4IpcJNCVE6sOFnt2R5lqqJ45ZEqjP6TgAVnvNaCSq8Mlyw=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Josie's family<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaF9X9S58rUpyW2zrnWL3UAOO_oP4bZkNaPhIx-oqQqsv31_1zoK80tCizGfsw1lv10uJoTzJ9gRfUrkDrsWse6ATKDtpJ9OT_J816bGZqmiUd-KUOr1KJ0uF8vcW4p_GdrwKd76R7Ws4d5YdE_DtQXTgiR2Lc-6nxZMrgBuqi5j8vLRroQAMuOITUgQ=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaF9X9S58rUpyW2zrnWL3UAOO_oP4bZkNaPhIx-oqQqsv31_1zoK80tCizGfsw1lv10uJoTzJ9gRfUrkDrsWse6ATKDtpJ9OT_J816bGZqmiUd-KUOr1KJ0uF8vcW4p_GdrwKd76R7Ws4d5YdE_DtQXTgiR2Lc-6nxZMrgBuqi5j8vLRroQAMuOITUgQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Jillian's family<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdHQ65w9B4AfGT1nkgoquvdvUd1yXgzD9XgS-c9c7m7JEtkb_tV4mXcEeI806qBscK0Xw3VJtma7Ea0osRPr7EocG9vAyoLxNfVVdpmYKbu9Tsbx0XWorw6D0FOV2YzK9vRg9xBpjk_57EK87Zmv4geLPrJcQsTv3vihUe2GO0IWowxxGNii6xBh0PPg=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdHQ65w9B4AfGT1nkgoquvdvUd1yXgzD9XgS-c9c7m7JEtkb_tV4mXcEeI806qBscK0Xw3VJtma7Ea0osRPr7EocG9vAyoLxNfVVdpmYKbu9Tsbx0XWorw6D0FOV2YzK9vRg9xBpjk_57EK87Zmv4geLPrJcQsTv3vihUe2GO0IWowxxGNii6xBh0PPg=s320" width="240" /></a></div>Wenceslaus<p></p><p style="text-align: center;">That's all for now.</p>Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-18737235279071207062021-10-03T12:07:00.003-07:002021-10-03T12:07:42.091-07:00New Book<p style="text-align: center;">+JMJ+</p><p style="text-align: center;">"Life is Short" is finally available. I did say that it was coming out this year and what better month than October.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQGO1G9Ip7sVHlV-avYfh0K6Am2CHbikiJvepvpv0wB_IKf6Qr8g7fsgjsXwU8gU_l9lVqWrh6Wve9kpqJWi6mSsD8tavf-QeE979OaBWR4cQ0c69RcVy_lLVHkhZimniSlr2W1CAwbSM/s576/fds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="384" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQGO1G9Ip7sVHlV-avYfh0K6Am2CHbikiJvepvpv0wB_IKf6Qr8g7fsgjsXwU8gU_l9lVqWrh6Wve9kpqJWi6mSsD8tavf-QeE979OaBWR4cQ0c69RcVy_lLVHkhZimniSlr2W1CAwbSM/w266-h400/fds.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/emily-howard/life-is-short/paperback/product-wgrrpp.html?page=1&pageSize=4" target="_blank">https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/emily-howard/life-is-short/paperback/product-wgrrpp.html?page=1&pageSize=4</a><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgba(10, 16, 26, 0.7); font-family: interface, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><i>When Shannon Mordrock decides to have an abortion it pulls apart her family. But God has other plans for her preborn son. A living miracle, Taylor Mordrock grew up with the clear knowledge that his own family did not want him. But Taylor discovers the treasure of the Catholic Faith and realizes that there is a meaning for life. In spite of setbacks and disappointments Taylor determines to live life to its fullest in the name of God.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">When I uploaded this on the LULU website I was thinking (because of the subject material) that 14 or 16 and up would be better than all readers, but apparently on the website it's eighteen and up. But it is clean. There is nothing graphic. The main topic of this book is abortion.</p><p style="text-align: center;">God Bless You All</p><p style="text-align: center;">~The Author</p>Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-67365719932944463462021-09-18T18:35:00.004-07:002021-09-18T18:41:17.717-07:00Random drawings from one of my sketchbooks<p style="text-align: center;"> +JMJ+</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzuQpVziOFZ7D9cMPzvFK3srCx5NL2corBM-VrHZ-LcCV-V1vlEsxz2ae-0en9J53at8XUVZOOOj_FoY6NUJVh9UTNPlTGiW6P1m7YloPux1gk0KHQlWTvvrJG44XJ31quIEE9ZBkjsWh/s2048/IMG_20210911_133455101.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzuQpVziOFZ7D9cMPzvFK3srCx5NL2corBM-VrHZ-LcCV-V1vlEsxz2ae-0en9J53at8XUVZOOOj_FoY6NUJVh9UTNPlTGiW6P1m7YloPux1gk0KHQlWTvvrJG44XJ31quIEE9ZBkjsWh/s320/IMG_20210911_133455101.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Princess Elaine from the "Prince Charming Diaries."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8JgkLiBGDORhkWL1TcTzm40PQBAQTmplEcQL9h0cyImpL_W2ryTuQ21R3UNEKDCKP7yVyzleTRYahXdkpNDx9FhjnRLBoX5uUlC2re1UKhoJ_eEvxqlZxFhReP_SVkOaM5X2wZqxhcwF/s2048/IMG_20210911_133509859.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8JgkLiBGDORhkWL1TcTzm40PQBAQTmplEcQL9h0cyImpL_W2ryTuQ21R3UNEKDCKP7yVyzleTRYahXdkpNDx9FhjnRLBoX5uUlC2re1UKhoJ_eEvxqlZxFhReP_SVkOaM5X2wZqxhcwF/s320/IMG_20210911_133509859.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jadan as a prince and a frog from the "Prince Charming Diaries."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTM0bOiBnWpialzs8n9_sWEN-4rW1aNpE_SjDmTkyWpBktVHQefXDjsb9gFrj5IOJO2mg1jCf5x_btOZ-iG_zkfk6mAEaMOHoJTcOSeMuWg29LF0S3tcsYtxJgkhdP_yppxqoskonZhib8/s2048/IMG_20210911_133533061.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTM0bOiBnWpialzs8n9_sWEN-4rW1aNpE_SjDmTkyWpBktVHQefXDjsb9gFrj5IOJO2mg1jCf5x_btOZ-iG_zkfk6mAEaMOHoJTcOSeMuWg29LF0S3tcsYtxJgkhdP_yppxqoskonZhib8/s320/IMG_20210911_133533061.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bess and Bet AKS Georgiana and Juliana from "Chronicles of the 41st Century."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jmmalScspIQW49lRQnh9Jh-kEglTgzaBATNSXwVPRDpk9WyYJUSSmSjIcQA5XNVOW9y1gPerZpU7f-ExdPESKEdUkp2-WLYJ5dw_HK83LFneOwDYGJAUJWfrcBYsMvQO_rM7PWVxCGme/s2048/IMG_20210911_133601857_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jmmalScspIQW49lRQnh9Jh-kEglTgzaBATNSXwVPRDpk9WyYJUSSmSjIcQA5XNVOW9y1gPerZpU7f-ExdPESKEdUkp2-WLYJ5dw_HK83LFneOwDYGJAUJWfrcBYsMvQO_rM7PWVxCGme/s320/IMG_20210911_133601857_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Scene from 4020</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wenceslaus Cormac, Marigold, Ladislas and another little Cormac, Moron Ruedue, Blazen Cyriacus, and Melissa "Viper" Cyriacus.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3PFgF56jff_nx8x3qZKg_Zyj_rtswFwYC-cEC7dikBX6zRRAXC4Au1uLlxiEdfjmcC7-RDByPu0UU2RC0MEkswqzQEGTZaf8cw1Bv05rHXm4ewZR-aIS3QFfxO7Bu5iphc4G4hYVk6WO/s2048/IMG_20210911_133618788.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb3PFgF56jff_nx8x3qZKg_Zyj_rtswFwYC-cEC7dikBX6zRRAXC4Au1uLlxiEdfjmcC7-RDByPu0UU2RC0MEkswqzQEGTZaf8cw1Bv05rHXm4ewZR-aIS3QFfxO7Bu5iphc4G4hYVk6WO/s320/IMG_20210911_133618788.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A scene from 4018.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">James "Shadow Man," Louis "Dragon," Ra'negir "Moth," "Leander "Ray."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Half brothers, father, and grandson.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHo1Kq4iL0sfztVgthQIxxIZ5A1kklhiT5CJkX3cpbL8HWwMvBHIQLyu-XldASwk3-MFnsjGEriCbGHqLYi8HEElKolaOMIBQraMSkq8coDGPPZIShOoGKyX5AnRZjBIqZOB-d2F6F-MWb/s2048/IMG_20210911_133654837.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHo1Kq4iL0sfztVgthQIxxIZ5A1kklhiT5CJkX3cpbL8HWwMvBHIQLyu-XldASwk3-MFnsjGEriCbGHqLYi8HEElKolaOMIBQraMSkq8coDGPPZIShOoGKyX5AnRZjBIqZOB-d2F6F-MWb/s320/IMG_20210911_133654837.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ben and Sara from "Alien Hunter."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyh01fPB97ZwucrSGAxrCFFm-z9Bb-1w9fRxVqUU_z_oHhtSqZnjzdBBV8tdCoHvhcTH4wK_oaub5q8i5ioUZXRS5oJdvJkAhupnisjDrtzOEouEDX23Djm87xs929oUYHgUmX_3HGvX9/s2048/IMG_20210911_133702966.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyh01fPB97ZwucrSGAxrCFFm-z9Bb-1w9fRxVqUU_z_oHhtSqZnjzdBBV8tdCoHvhcTH4wK_oaub5q8i5ioUZXRS5oJdvJkAhupnisjDrtzOEouEDX23Djm87xs929oUYHgUmX_3HGvX9/s320/IMG_20210911_133702966.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tam from a "Vietnamese Cyriacus Mystery."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTe6-Iom_a9PkWUK-ZykEvf1hEacyjvpgpVzzne7nxqzgQP0Wyh5_OcdWSSRI2qXbKgoGOppdkblFqp4cDXTud_gwwpaDf20dswdNw5OdbylZ6gPedIWYfIRqg8hyeEAThk7M7ydUq6Wo8/s2048/IMG_20210911_133714280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTe6-Iom_a9PkWUK-ZykEvf1hEacyjvpgpVzzne7nxqzgQP0Wyh5_OcdWSSRI2qXbKgoGOppdkblFqp4cDXTud_gwwpaDf20dswdNw5OdbylZ6gPedIWYfIRqg8hyeEAThk7M7ydUq6Wo8/s320/IMG_20210911_133714280.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Deb Williams and Mr. Williams from a "Vietnamese Cyriacus Mystery."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bfVimrNisfQIsDUS_egN87wcxHl8MnlsOEycKL50nxgt0FfGjWPUXKoKMRFvAyVxqFVprjEfpW9j68X_JaSIEan6-MGPDt20KCw0DrF9WSdc2TJry7rypUCb7H4u-koJAst_OOFIiwhi/s2048/IMG_20210911_133721813.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bfVimrNisfQIsDUS_egN87wcxHl8MnlsOEycKL50nxgt0FfGjWPUXKoKMRFvAyVxqFVprjEfpW9j68X_JaSIEan6-MGPDt20KCw0DrF9WSdc2TJry7rypUCb7H4u-koJAst_OOFIiwhi/s320/IMG_20210911_133721813.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Helen Ruegenie from "Alien Hunter."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKr9NiVdtGKHEWYSHLiO0F7Rb00E-QMmJrneizVgPy8pnhgDYzq7zRU5LNVCWtfKwG_4iL9aSz7zDIuUseoWOoSU1eZeKJlEKE4KA6WfxmJBsp96CZkDrgmOBF01kkGtgPFPnTRUWpxGE8/s2048/IMG_20210911_133726548.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKr9NiVdtGKHEWYSHLiO0F7Rb00E-QMmJrneizVgPy8pnhgDYzq7zRU5LNVCWtfKwG_4iL9aSz7zDIuUseoWOoSU1eZeKJlEKE4KA6WfxmJBsp96CZkDrgmOBF01kkGtgPFPnTRUWpxGE8/s320/IMG_20210911_133726548.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mercury Ruegenie from "Alien Hunter."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTREDwGGonUZXjxvD_0wPP60kvetm9Cj7-mOm2GDoVc96rv_nhGaW3Q9fKZ-n-KOP_TO71alBCTTm0dzRZeVGyGdiMrMecw1yc2afLAV7hkN8nD6QFI7TKYjTfl0JOxX9wIYSCcxQeInz/s2048/IMG_20210911_133733053.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTREDwGGonUZXjxvD_0wPP60kvetm9Cj7-mOm2GDoVc96rv_nhGaW3Q9fKZ-n-KOP_TO71alBCTTm0dzRZeVGyGdiMrMecw1yc2afLAV7hkN8nD6QFI7TKYjTfl0JOxX9wIYSCcxQeInz/s320/IMG_20210911_133733053.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From a "Vietnamese Cyriacus Mystery."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back Row: Vietnamese Cyraicus</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Front row: Pompeii Cyriacus, Salsa Lockwood, Rezo Smith, Cassandra Cormac, Tortellini Cyriacus, Dominic Smith, Katrina, Antono Lockwood, Jacobella Grend.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0amAG2gAvCOIeWcqKVLXE5gAxEPP5XKPJmaYf-7JkF0WEWTfHqFRRi4OcN-4Ulk8yg6SAOHWpTj-s561a_4xe0wEAeG6F5j7a_d7xUI05Q57UkX2hUAZF4H-SSbKAFxw_QxwTWM4MKsPS/s2048/IMG_20210911_133739528.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0amAG2gAvCOIeWcqKVLXE5gAxEPP5XKPJmaYf-7JkF0WEWTfHqFRRi4OcN-4Ulk8yg6SAOHWpTj-s561a_4xe0wEAeG6F5j7a_d7xUI05Q57UkX2hUAZF4H-SSbKAFxw_QxwTWM4MKsPS/s320/IMG_20210911_133739528.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pompeii Cyriacus and Jacobella Grend from a "Vietnamese Cyriacus Mystery."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7unB83pNLfAiGN6jhj6SXCWnOf2NWVr67poWu54yyC7rZPguj3rBLmK7cLXHxMDYQQil4Mh1mojCQJSaphoFSlv_mzD3uup9yvnedu7lj55kmmjlTkYp-P1pKcYZPdXyQV0xG58a42Sq-/s2048/IMG_20210911_133747477.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7unB83pNLfAiGN6jhj6SXCWnOf2NWVr67poWu54yyC7rZPguj3rBLmK7cLXHxMDYQQil4Mh1mojCQJSaphoFSlv_mzD3uup9yvnedu7lj55kmmjlTkYp-P1pKcYZPdXyQV0xG58a42Sq-/s320/IMG_20210911_133747477.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A design for "The Black Horizon."</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7O7XfzGjwE0YS9oru2eso_nyzg-BH5GVx4H9wLHo9jaZmHIBFg9w-jg7P0jRj5tRcq7WM5BhCJkmLGBM-cDzRvAYtMMnjecO3JD695pcEF9KKRqExMl4aZ1xhwOJHA-TS_wnSQ5lk21Wx/s2048/IMG_20210911_133750986.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7O7XfzGjwE0YS9oru2eso_nyzg-BH5GVx4H9wLHo9jaZmHIBFg9w-jg7P0jRj5tRcq7WM5BhCJkmLGBM-cDzRvAYtMMnjecO3JD695pcEF9KKRqExMl4aZ1xhwOJHA-TS_wnSQ5lk21Wx/s320/IMG_20210911_133750986.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pro-Life drawing.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUO0xkPuyxf1UiwlJ50vPALlxSBPhchkSgcfSVbVWUZXvHHOLLVzgt6gQKP9CkPraSaoZq2xnKRS63-zRPX9ND3OCjYsTW159mzVrOPUoC61JfeGUhhijQuHzl0WdiLR1Krq3et2uuij0/s2048/IMG_20210911_133800903.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUO0xkPuyxf1UiwlJ50vPALlxSBPhchkSgcfSVbVWUZXvHHOLLVzgt6gQKP9CkPraSaoZq2xnKRS63-zRPX9ND3OCjYsTW159mzVrOPUoC61JfeGUhhijQuHzl0WdiLR1Krq3et2uuij0/s320/IMG_20210911_133800903.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ben Raswel training from "Pirates of Crescent Island" maybe. I haven't actually started the book yet.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifofSKtP3bb7AO7pkQAegsl3iKrtE71jB372PYVT1kVvCPr8YKnhgMdztvtZu248DkmzUSwQRP7_SQbIVz3oWB8udpgFU8dIpxuzVw2sQsXOKZn8R-igOzNlgTYmLhVtJD00AJ_UhFEY1W/s2048/IMG_20210911_133805080_BURST001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifofSKtP3bb7AO7pkQAegsl3iKrtE71jB372PYVT1kVvCPr8YKnhgMdztvtZu248DkmzUSwQRP7_SQbIVz3oWB8udpgFU8dIpxuzVw2sQsXOKZn8R-igOzNlgTYmLhVtJD00AJ_UhFEY1W/s320/IMG_20210911_133805080_BURST001.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was originally supposed to be the girls from "Chronicles of the 41st Century."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cassandra, Katrina, Astaria, Bess, I cut Snow off accidentally and Bet in the front.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcN1-tFWiB1uf9KIsmLN69EFggJNNTQ2khm6A-l0bgS7Qfp-pVgyFThZtHsk7UG0-YUF06a8sCufp0-spxBsgG7p7yAJ4m5cr9WiOsFgP_bLZaoJqMzMxaSSDfN6mW5VfXbUSBKe9Zo8sg/s2048/IMG_20210912_095237834_BURST003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcN1-tFWiB1uf9KIsmLN69EFggJNNTQ2khm6A-l0bgS7Qfp-pVgyFThZtHsk7UG0-YUF06a8sCufp0-spxBsgG7p7yAJ4m5cr9WiOsFgP_bLZaoJqMzMxaSSDfN6mW5VfXbUSBKe9Zo8sg/s320/IMG_20210912_095237834_BURST003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Somebody snagged a picture of me drawing in Marigold's sketchbook.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nTywtQQfFvowIneumNYSSlYHIKXUXP8AooOylBBfkL-qKQu1P9HXTWzOmlmKm1361eweEjpVqnw-tPUH3Rcbd_515S3CJMQhlWQiqqIhfn2QuNLLI3ua3RJ-5kgsC5phWTGKJFHAulcX/s2048/IMG_20210912_095758822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nTywtQQfFvowIneumNYSSlYHIKXUXP8AooOylBBfkL-qKQu1P9HXTWzOmlmKm1361eweEjpVqnw-tPUH3Rcbd_515S3CJMQhlWQiqqIhfn2QuNLLI3ua3RJ-5kgsC5phWTGKJFHAulcX/s320/IMG_20210912_095758822.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finished product.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Flynn, Leo, Josie, Dominic and Wenceslaus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From the "J-Dudes."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">~The Shield-Maiden</div>Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-65831816803144600722021-04-11T12:18:00.005-07:002021-04-11T12:18:55.438-07:00Life is Short<p style="text-align: center;"> +</p><p style="text-align: center;">+JMJ+</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;">Coming Soon</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWH0DdhFXhjqcgPFTjKTmu4W6Gkur_gRNniNxoBY_dYGEYo8O-EfHe4SyBwMkEJyGHslRyXhcUbUaXXAx4vSvxBPPJWmjn88HnFrY9Km4Ae64BM5JgNE4RLngL6Oi4n5FzacFYe31CVcdh/s1080/Square+2x2%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWH0DdhFXhjqcgPFTjKTmu4W6Gkur_gRNniNxoBY_dYGEYo8O-EfHe4SyBwMkEJyGHslRyXhcUbUaXXAx4vSvxBPPJWmjn88HnFrY9Km4Ae64BM5JgNE4RLngL6Oi4n5FzacFYe31CVcdh/s320/Square+2x2%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Title:</b> Life is Short</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Genre:</b> Catholic Pro-life</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Synopsis:</b> <i>Taylor Mordrock was never supposed to be born at all. He survived the
abortion attempt which severed his family and left his twin dead. Taylor
grew up missing with Faith, Love or Family until a chance
correspondence and a very bad year changed everything. But can his knew
found faith heal the breach in the family and the ache in his own heart.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Expert </b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i></i>
</p><p align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i> “Mrs.
Mordrock.” the nurse said urgently, as she caught up to Shannon,
“The doctor said not to tell you, but I thought you should know.
You have a right. After all I have one of my own and can’t even
imagine-”</i></p><i>
</i><p align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>“Imagine
what?” Shannon interrupted flatly. She stopped so suddenly that the
nurse nearly tripped over her.</i></p><i>
</i><p align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>“The
second baby was alive.” the nurse whispered. A numbness crept over
her.</i></p><i>
</i><p align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>“Was?”
she gasped.</i></p><i>
</i><p align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>“Is.”
the nurse confirmed, “I took him to the NICU. He’s surprisingly
healthy for someone of his age and- and history.”</i></p><i>
</i><p align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>“Take
me to- to the NICU.” Shannon said.</i></p><i>
</i><p align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><br /></i>
</p><i>
</i><p align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i> The
baby was tiny, so tiny that Shannon felt sure that he would never
live. The doctor was comfortably sure that most babies of that age
had a small chance of survival. But Shannon could only see the living
breathing child struggling for life and realize that at twenty-three
weeks it was already a baby. Ransom was right, the fetus had been a
human being all along. She had known this of course. How could she
have been such a moron? A self-centered pig. A sword went through
Shannon's heart. The bigger twin was dead, yet his smaller brother
continued to fight.
</i></p><i>
</i><p align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><br /></i>
</p><i>
</i><p align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i> She
doubted that it would live, but she still filed the child under her
own name. The hospital wanted a name for the birth certificate. So
Shannon wrote her own name down. Taylor Mordrock. Upon arriving home
she found the place deserted. No one was at home. It was all the
better. She settled herself in her bed with her phone nearby and
waited for the inevitable call. The baby comfortable would mostly
likely die within the next couple of hours.</i></p><i>
</i><p align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><br /></i>
</p><i>
</i><p align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i> The
phone rang. Shannon jerked out of sound sleep. She had been home for
nearly three hours. She caught up the phone. It was not the hospital,
but the school. Was the baby still alive? Shannon answered the call.
A very irate principal informed her that no one had come to pick
Jared up. He said nothing about Mary.</i></p><i>
</i><p align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>“Little
Jared has been sitting in my office for over an hour.” the
principal cried, “I’m sorry to trouble you, but I have pressing
duties to attend too.” A cold feeling washed over Shannon. Where
was Ransom and Mary? Who had been taking care of Jared when she was
at the hospital?</i></p><i>
</i><p align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>“I’ll
be right over there.” Shannon said, feeling relieved that the
school was only a couple of minutes away.</i></p><p align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><i> </i></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">~The Author<i><br /></i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i><style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }a:link { }</style></i></p>Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-56207596489074631222021-02-13T11:34:00.004-08:002021-02-13T11:34:50.838-08:00Some more drawings<p style="text-align: center;"> +</p><p style="text-align: center;">+JMJ+</p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCvta8bscQ8y0p1KsRf_tkelTRF4EpB1GWCS_mPcL37H30S8TG7EMlGCJ7tajIGbIb_PO8mNf3tR_egHGXW0XTRkT6C1hhBTymWBdoZeoAcRfJ_nKHuF9gzB75EarY3kURMbcDip9IwOf/s300/IMG_20201029_165739245.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCvta8bscQ8y0p1KsRf_tkelTRF4EpB1GWCS_mPcL37H30S8TG7EMlGCJ7tajIGbIb_PO8mNf3tR_egHGXW0XTRkT6C1hhBTymWBdoZeoAcRfJ_nKHuF9gzB75EarY3kURMbcDip9IwOf/s0/IMG_20201029_165739245.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> I like to have my books printed up in book format. A blogging/author friend of mine told me about this website. <a href="https://www.lulu.com/account/orders?page=1&pageSize=10" target="_blank">LULU</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9riolXgL_ThZWvAL8PZWjaUYyw4lw8weKOVkVFzNPHKF3oDJPW9zFirtM43g6TogtQiNuasgi-N0BQGqQseJYqzuEA3fYeTQb3A1yyTxabfZdwYZU8sZf0YbLc8_1N22h0BnL7AE4PFU/s2048/IMG_20210131_132138794.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1741" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9riolXgL_ThZWvAL8PZWjaUYyw4lw8weKOVkVFzNPHKF3oDJPW9zFirtM43g6TogtQiNuasgi-N0BQGqQseJYqzuEA3fYeTQb3A1yyTxabfZdwYZU8sZf0YbLc8_1N22h0BnL7AE4PFU/s320/IMG_20210131_132138794.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Artwork for "The Black Horizion."<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeHwSwRrOc0KFWGq_YhaRHbz9gSF1qVi1PZyGfPr0Ghm4KLKoaLRVijWtt9DTXvkg_VmRi6lFJwGGeZ1ZzAksy0Q-tzpDW8qMgEXhbX_YjesXa2EOCOOZApZzL8XZg5imkXB2OEvH51vs/s2048/IMG_20210131_132203725.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1509" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPeHwSwRrOc0KFWGq_YhaRHbz9gSF1qVi1PZyGfPr0Ghm4KLKoaLRVijWtt9DTXvkg_VmRi6lFJwGGeZ1ZzAksy0Q-tzpDW8qMgEXhbX_YjesXa2EOCOOZApZzL8XZg5imkXB2OEvH51vs/s320/IMG_20210131_132203725.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZX4PGqa6JhEiEwytEXUaEysRZVY4QmHzGSwYatARg8TZCgzo4_PcsRbWrE01AjGuBGneHt24h0W9lYbHStx_5_gR4fRsXPPcRzSoUxIk3UKBK8NxjD1IC7PxOKfsyDhorJulWJ0caAyM7/s2048/IMG_20210131_132234501.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1578" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZX4PGqa6JhEiEwytEXUaEysRZVY4QmHzGSwYatARg8TZCgzo4_PcsRbWrE01AjGuBGneHt24h0W9lYbHStx_5_gR4fRsXPPcRzSoUxIk3UKBK8NxjD1IC7PxOKfsyDhorJulWJ0caAyM7/s320/IMG_20210131_132234501.jpg" width="320" /><span style="color: black;"></span></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Ben's treasure map<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYegzqzZUuHCuVz5js_-Vi8vXFiRA7zGDPAmDRoC5ysAd0Yk2ysneEeH6ELzmHCgTrSwOCFMB82CEtkE_N5pBdlY3JXSMmnV9cSJJZ1tcJWzlXZUS7PQTUPxU5gxtLwdrK-yGHVBrOR0K/s2048/IMG_20210131_132315733.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1585" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYegzqzZUuHCuVz5js_-Vi8vXFiRA7zGDPAmDRoC5ysAd0Yk2ysneEeH6ELzmHCgTrSwOCFMB82CEtkE_N5pBdlY3JXSMmnV9cSJJZ1tcJWzlXZUS7PQTUPxU5gxtLwdrK-yGHVBrOR0K/s320/IMG_20210131_132315733.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">The strange symbols on the back of the map.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9d7Gf6Kdr-BF396pKL6aeR4SxDVVbz2Vy-hlGsP6WnB3CMtEt2TEZkr9ZhC5xSfj5_VidJF095oleRFbqeLBdVhc22GCGN_ddHVmBJWRsKbx4Zn6YE4jI1dAsUivskt37142HD-Nv9Ku/s2588/IMG_20210131_143726475.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1215" data-original-width="2588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9d7Gf6Kdr-BF396pKL6aeR4SxDVVbz2Vy-hlGsP6WnB3CMtEt2TEZkr9ZhC5xSfj5_VidJF095oleRFbqeLBdVhc22GCGN_ddHVmBJWRsKbx4Zn6YE4jI1dAsUivskt37142HD-Nv9Ku/s320/IMG_20210131_143726475.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">The key to cracking the code.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQi4t1Ln9L359KPeCqOIxOr6tM77_XBWijltCjX1op-3QDUMHfioP3Xb9W0ivrugwY_PGXvUTt16agvpeAPtAt4OqpgA7p1d-nMcbc5Kr1G0XGVirDaiIo69KSDaeRdAqcJSGox9CReEO/s2048/IMG_20210131_173756689.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQi4t1Ln9L359KPeCqOIxOr6tM77_XBWijltCjX1op-3QDUMHfioP3Xb9W0ivrugwY_PGXvUTt16agvpeAPtAt4OqpgA7p1d-nMcbc5Kr1G0XGVirDaiIo69KSDaeRdAqcJSGox9CReEO/s320/IMG_20210131_173756689.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Ben and some character I haven't decided on. I wasn't actually drawing a blind person, but I had trouble with the eye, so I gave him a blindfold. Maybe this will happen in the third book.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81YIDpSj7fezHVKZ6-IdoWs8NL4-wpr1Xh3Fp9okmF8W4w8htyN4EdTWkpqVXIq1-9VubBwHRO1azdCWOkKQGVfQNori3riiCQk_EZLyAxhf-VZExv0olWieW3YjpccdwLhJ-1QDJvXOF/s2048/IMG_20210131_173809444.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1804" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81YIDpSj7fezHVKZ6-IdoWs8NL4-wpr1Xh3Fp9okmF8W4w8htyN4EdTWkpqVXIq1-9VubBwHRO1azdCWOkKQGVfQNori3riiCQk_EZLyAxhf-VZExv0olWieW3YjpccdwLhJ-1QDJvXOF/s320/IMG_20210131_173809444.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">The main girls from my Chronicles books.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Left to right: Cassandra Oswald/Siedmen/Cormac/Rapunzel, Celery/Katrina/Cinderella, Astaria Cyriacus/Jasmine, Unnamed girl from a Princess and the Frog retelling, and Snowball Mushroom/Snow White</p><p style="text-align: center;">Front row: Undecided French girl from a Beauty and the Beast retelling.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QW2KfO2icub68KJms9cm9sholWU1VdORO41xn6fQf3Oy6p8gV5ymhDfmVpPIhgFbV-mqsI-4Y_GjawS89ITuvLb6mIOsR2YnVEWjD3qnO0ZXSXT2LYRdLisj6-JIO5lu-9RikidrciIl/s2048/IMG_20210131_173918843.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1494" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QW2KfO2icub68KJms9cm9sholWU1VdORO41xn6fQf3Oy6p8gV5ymhDfmVpPIhgFbV-mqsI-4Y_GjawS89ITuvLb6mIOsR2YnVEWjD3qnO0ZXSXT2LYRdLisj6-JIO5lu-9RikidrciIl/s320/IMG_20210131_173918843.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">I wanted to draw something so ignoring my 200+ started books I made up a new story on the spot and drew some pictures.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Left to right: Kidnapped Princess, Vinal, Draith.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Front row: Black Guardian.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I even came up with a synopsis.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Vinal is a Dornelian peasant in the vast Ice World. He knows far more about pigs and sheep than adventures. But when the princess of the Capitol goes missing, the royal guards suddenly appear on the farm searching for the Black Guardian and his family, who they believe is behind the disappearance. To Vinal's surprise, the people he believed were his parents suddenly turn him over. They had discovered him when he was a baby. He has the brand of the traitor on his left foot. Vinal is dragged to the capitol and locked in the secret dungeon of the guardians. For three years he sees on light through a grail, then a new prisoner joins them. Draith is a loud mouth prankster. He teams up with VInal and they escape. The guardians are after them. The only way they can return home is to find the princess. But as their journey progresses Vinal begins to question Draith's identity.</i><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mtpMdbr8ewBFjcBMRInwwERC2AH4toteM8j3xJDfrLVPOVLMdhOdXBdUdM1mGx0z5K6L9E0z7miPvMIjJMVoIUWktCICkUowy8svyYuYYHcIYR9sMBTF3BcgKdl7sAxdreHZ4iZuBJ0G/s2048/IMG_20210131_173928927.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mtpMdbr8ewBFjcBMRInwwERC2AH4toteM8j3xJDfrLVPOVLMdhOdXBdUdM1mGx0z5K6L9E0z7miPvMIjJMVoIUWktCICkUowy8svyYuYYHcIYR9sMBTF3BcgKdl7sAxdreHZ4iZuBJ0G/s320/IMG_20210131_173928927.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Vinal finds the princess. Draith, not at all excited, sneaks up behind the princess and scares her. After all, what are brothers for?<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyuNhm9YVj4Z0UdqvjZsDKNA4LqRtkp7gz7-PT0_wUtSW20jYUpkaz0UH_JpwUPhBF33P0AUaUpySIjriF6CjV3Y3DubqZpfX98ybZHOYhIZrC51qFAE4M_-i1NWeQyEIt49YHScXi2vl/s2048/IMG_20210131_173935822.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1936" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyuNhm9YVj4Z0UdqvjZsDKNA4LqRtkp7gz7-PT0_wUtSW20jYUpkaz0UH_JpwUPhBF33P0AUaUpySIjriF6CjV3Y3DubqZpfX98ybZHOYhIZrC51qFAE4M_-i1NWeQyEIt49YHScXi2vl/s320/IMG_20210131_173935822.jpg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">Draith's identity is revealed when the Boarder Guardians capture him and Vinal. As a suspect and a stranger Vinal is bound, but as a prince of the Capitol Draith is allowed to go free. He was far from pleased.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlYOcNbgUkOXCoZDAJsrJy3exTR6wa9oo5iBa000AzNxRWurJALpjBKe-c8gXkeggUdXyPEoLnCrp0NIGhekfbQKyzdfnfFkoWgGb1oGJdPs55i7S6QHx8YntU9SlHabwkynmnuE7ad2E/s2048/IMG_20210213_111342043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlYOcNbgUkOXCoZDAJsrJy3exTR6wa9oo5iBa000AzNxRWurJALpjBKe-c8gXkeggUdXyPEoLnCrp0NIGhekfbQKyzdfnfFkoWgGb1oGJdPs55i7S6QHx8YntU9SlHabwkynmnuE7ad2E/w283-h377/IMG_20210213_111342043.jpg" width="283" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;">More artwork for "The Black Horizon"</p><p style="text-align: center;">~The Author<br /></p>Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-20083073293956936922021-01-31T15:13:00.004-08:002021-01-31T15:13:42.941-08:00Some Drawings<p style="text-align: center;"> +</p><p style="text-align: center;">+JMJ+</p><p style="text-align: center;">Even thought I haven't been posting much I've still been working on writing and drawing. I got some catching up to do on a lot of stuff, but here's some drawings from my books.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fe3DGmSBUpUesurH3vCc1VGwhLOrL0zjPYD7Juv7bxZGRIjOLPFcPc8jaA4jBTLJ9k-Xmt44n6JzyJxx3gY2z3kcjROZV8G-F9qf8bOkiBslai0vU786Pzw2de9aeKXTANy0SlkU_KgD/s2048/Justice.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="2048" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fe3DGmSBUpUesurH3vCc1VGwhLOrL0zjPYD7Juv7bxZGRIjOLPFcPc8jaA4jBTLJ9k-Xmt44n6JzyJxx3gY2z3kcjROZV8G-F9qf8bOkiBslai0vU786Pzw2de9aeKXTANy0SlkU_KgD/w368-h239/Justice.png" width="368" /></a></div>I wonder how many times I've uploaded this drawing.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;">From left to right: Butterfly/Emmy Zinc, Shadow Man/James Cowin, Moth/Ra'negirson, Johnathon Dulzer/Mask, Jeremiah Dulzer/Captain Justice, Alice Douglas Dulzer/Star Queen, Igor Shelman/Sir Historias/Snakeman, Frederick Dulzer/Captain Thunder, Agnes Remy/Shooting Star, Kristoff Disney/Paul Irons/Iron Fist.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFb0tJjzMcwQigS8K2g6jdW6uTJgZHFtFrClyM4EtU3IqiwLSLIx0bzd3BazQ0uCET2aELG66rG4xmK5VkrpUtMy3Jz3vuICEIW1ot4TNihbqjSjZGPh9QF229Dz7dLpLbsHrOuiHcIiQH/s994/Skyline+of+NYC1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFb0tJjzMcwQigS8K2g6jdW6uTJgZHFtFrClyM4EtU3IqiwLSLIx0bzd3BazQ0uCET2aELG66rG4xmK5VkrpUtMy3Jz3vuICEIW1ot4TNihbqjSjZGPh9QF229Dz7dLpLbsHrOuiHcIiQH/s320/Skyline+of+NYC1.png" width="320" /></a></div>Skyline of NYC in the year 4014<p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Top Row is called the upper city: Douglas Tower 7,000 ft, Oswald Tower 6,500 ft, Flork Tower 5,000 ft, Cmyth Tower 3,000, The Vault/Secure Bank 4,000</p><p style="text-align: center;">Second Row is called the lower city where the poor people live: Unnamed but they are all under a thousand feet.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I know my proportions are off. Oh well.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalptLViLiyG3A-V3NEGN_ivvx57KO6cA9hCGbM1BSysmBvVGlr2N5TPWWB_5AGjYKRbSILs8hHzJld0cpndYMbd1jxjpley3M_lrj2BoBErwzanao4Hr86iHRuGjvZf0mSHgzC9eryiFY/s836/Justice+Heroes.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="836" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalptLViLiyG3A-V3NEGN_ivvx57KO6cA9hCGbM1BSysmBvVGlr2N5TPWWB_5AGjYKRbSILs8hHzJld0cpndYMbd1jxjpley3M_lrj2BoBErwzanao4Hr86iHRuGjvZf0mSHgzC9eryiFY/s320/Justice+Heroes.png" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Designs for the Justice Heroes Logo<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowLd4Ysj6mIrot0-d4-vd9BXmnWZqbTOuORQmO3pdzzkW8lNpRBukS1LZMnPh4794DiaICwjKTTqKil6NzS3Eh3ewozGrWc-L73pyEdtPifbYiPi85K4r3lJce-8S9Pma8zE3PAgR27H_/s483/Justice+Heroes1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="483" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowLd4Ysj6mIrot0-d4-vd9BXmnWZqbTOuORQmO3pdzzkW8lNpRBukS1LZMnPh4794DiaICwjKTTqKil6NzS3Eh3ewozGrWc-L73pyEdtPifbYiPi85K4r3lJce-8S9Pma8zE3PAgR27H_/s320/Justice+Heroes1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcleKg_KY4bvcb4SP_T6mr6ZrKiSNQY6ZP9_l3g6ROfCuthhbJC3LlYshxmERIFCwr0tNoD6CUd1lAtvXyUUiqQMKfclUk6R03fVJRPW4TSqO6CakiQxagTu_8kbdVVunQqa2OCsEUe4fm/s1000/Herbermiester+Tower.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1000" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcleKg_KY4bvcb4SP_T6mr6ZrKiSNQY6ZP9_l3g6ROfCuthhbJC3LlYshxmERIFCwr0tNoD6CUd1lAtvXyUUiqQMKfclUk6R03fVJRPW4TSqO6CakiQxagTu_8kbdVVunQqa2OCsEUe4fm/w410-h254/Herbermiester+Tower.png" width="410" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Floor plans for Herbermiester's Academy for the Gifted<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuy4hvGl6cKKHp7QHAaVOF_Q0sdl-Sy9Vh4fv8DaVwxORwOWFdk8IR56H8tWt3z_FejXHJr15QZHr1kowqoLb5Sp_sL5VXe380w-a4Y_-v0Tjg8b0oEl01qKBHG0u8bJZW_DFKaX5odZAV/s1000/Herbermiester+Cottage.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1000" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuy4hvGl6cKKHp7QHAaVOF_Q0sdl-Sy9Vh4fv8DaVwxORwOWFdk8IR56H8tWt3z_FejXHJr15QZHr1kowqoLb5Sp_sL5VXe380w-a4Y_-v0Tjg8b0oEl01qKBHG0u8bJZW_DFKaX5odZAV/w423-h262/Herbermiester+Cottage.png" width="423" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurd5ZJo2U3W2O4GLRz6_PkCrCvpKndYSHniriEIl5ptdhZM0-7VWdnqBCz88_lVWSBcBfz5lopiI9upc73vmbu1Id8Z9be8b8gcu0GZqSfM28JcjN4wYtJrxvAUDJWJDN_AvqeH34EqjO/s1000/Attic+of+Herbermiester%2527s.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1000" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurd5ZJo2U3W2O4GLRz6_PkCrCvpKndYSHniriEIl5ptdhZM0-7VWdnqBCz88_lVWSBcBfz5lopiI9upc73vmbu1Id8Z9be8b8gcu0GZqSfM28JcjN4wYtJrxvAUDJWJDN_AvqeH34EqjO/w380-h235/Attic+of+Herbermiester%2527s.png" width="380" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIgjURfhN-DWHvfv0Dlhju7XlFmNWAXcdAZz_E9jhgIc58DaEBgL8Admt5EclAK1jUWGM7zveuojzlpML51t_OoXu73qu3HLYIaXnzgv9x4D5boIfZxvqOmojDUkTJ3qKxCzhCfJnANAg/s1000/2nd+Floor+Herbermiester%2527s.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1000" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIgjURfhN-DWHvfv0Dlhju7XlFmNWAXcdAZz_E9jhgIc58DaEBgL8Admt5EclAK1jUWGM7zveuojzlpML51t_OoXu73qu3HLYIaXnzgv9x4D5boIfZxvqOmojDUkTJ3qKxCzhCfJnANAg/w386-h239/2nd+Floor+Herbermiester%2527s.png" width="386" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vw_5nsDxYb6XIzRxcZUk8ealG72NDIGAm8rDTjC3enhHeOaHNgZ1k2jk4oS20OmzRrANSOSIZJedUwUfSmdMeFTcIoFf9RNBLnYdnRyEfI98etBv17P_uiHq8aJh2o_M_6KLPhOg7u0b/s1000/Untitled.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vw_5nsDxYb6XIzRxcZUk8ealG72NDIGAm8rDTjC3enhHeOaHNgZ1k2jk4oS20OmzRrANSOSIZJedUwUfSmdMeFTcIoFf9RNBLnYdnRyEfI98etBv17P_uiHq8aJh2o_M_6KLPhOg7u0b/w478-h296/Untitled.png" width="478" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I would upload more, but blogger won't let me upload any of my drawings unless I resave them all as a .png whatever that is. But I guess I'll just leave them for now.</p><p style="text-align: center;">~The Author<br /></p><p></p>Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-1313987081053123132021-01-03T18:44:00.001-08:002021-01-03T18:44:18.660-08:00Happy New Year<p style="text-align: center;"> +JMJ+</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year!</p><p style="text-align: center;"> Before continuing why don't you pause and reflect on the past year and think about history. Was 2020 really the worst year ever? Could things actually get a whole lot worse? Maybe there is a lot more things to be thankful for then you thought.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Wow! I've really been behind in blogging. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> My 2021 Patron of this Blog</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHlnOHmMWk09spXW9gbxyu2e4SmLURGRz5D-XHMboMDqeU4qU6VDxTvfFhVNC8EQeOwbUFuhFak8dw7M7QnTM78k5cm1ooE6t5yCE9-eDu8szZR06vgv5K1V0jPsmI4cLpMDO8EPsh_In/s297/Garard+of+Lune.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHlnOHmMWk09spXW9gbxyu2e4SmLURGRz5D-XHMboMDqeU4qU6VDxTvfFhVNC8EQeOwbUFuhFak8dw7M7QnTM78k5cm1ooE6t5yCE9-eDu8szZR06vgv5K1V0jPsmI4cLpMDO8EPsh_In/s0/Garard+of+Lune.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Saint Gerard of Lunel<span style="font-family: times;"> </span><span style="font-family: times;"><b> </b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b>Feast</b>: May 6</span><span style="font-family: times;"><b> </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b>Patronage</b>: Against Epilepsy; Against Headaches; Epileptics</span><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <span class="js-about-item-abstr">Saint</span> <b>Gerard of Lunel</b>, also known as <i>Roger of Lunel</i> and as <b>Saint Géri</b> was a French saint. Born to the French nobility, he became a Franciscan tertiary at the age of five.
</p><p>From his maternal grandfather, Raymond Guasselin, Gerard received half of the Barony of Lunel,
which consisted of 15 villages. When his grandfather died in 1294,
Gerard received other assets that were administered by his father, since
the future saint was underage at the time. In 1295, when <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_IV_of_France" title="Philip IV of France">Philip the Fair</a> wished to possess a <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean" title="Mediterranean">Mediterranean</a> port, he offered to assume control over Lunel in exchange for the county of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roquefort" title="Roquefort">Roquefort</a>, also situated in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languedoc" title="Languedoc">Languedoc</a>, but in the <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocese_of_Avignon" title="Diocese of Avignon">diocese of Avignon</a> rather than <a class="mw-redirect" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocese_of_Montpellier" title="Diocese of Montpellier">Montpellier</a>. Gerard thus became a count rather than a baron. When he was 18, however, Gerard wished to live in solitude as a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermit" title="Hermit">hermit</a>. He and his brother <b>Effrenaud</b> (Effrendo) decided to live as hermit in two caves for two years.
</p><p>According to his legend, when continuous rains swelled the river
so much that the two brothers remained trapped in their cave and thus in
danger of starving, two snakes carried bread to them. The rain then
stopped, and Gerard and his brother traveled to a distant castle to
receive <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucharist" title="Eucharist">communion</a>. The miracle became known, and many people visited Gerard in his cave.
</p><p>Wishing to escape the fame that they were earning as a result of their apparent holiness, they decided to make a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilgrimage" title="Pilgrimage">pilgrimage</a> to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Land" title="Holy Land">Holy Land</a>.
They spent two years in Rome, visiting its shrines and churches. In
Rome, Gerard learned that there lived a holy man named Liberius at <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancona" title="Ancona">Ancona</a>,
who had visited the Holy Land. Wishing to visit him, the two brothers
began to travel in the direction of Ancona, but Gerard suddenly suffered
a pain in his head.
</p><p>Gerard suffered a collapse at Monte Santo (present-day <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potenza_Picena" title="Potenza Picena">Potenza Picena</a>),<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-San_Gerio_Girio_4-4"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerard_of_Lunel#cite_note-San_Gerio_Girio-4">[4]</a></sup> near <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancona" title="Ancona">Ancona</a>. Effrenaud, leaving Gerard in a cottage, went to get help but by the time he came back, then Gerard had died. </p><p style="text-align: center;">This story came from Wikipedia.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> The word of the year: <b>Silence</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Writing Goals for 2020</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Finish Editing</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">"A Crash in Time" in the next couple of weeks<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">"Skyscraper Prisoner" as soon as I'm done with the last one.<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">"Trident of the Pentagon" volume 1</p><p style="text-align: center;">"The Right Cinderella" before July at the latest<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">and whatever else is in my important editing</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Write</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">"The Sleep Project"</p><p style="text-align: center;">"The Red Helmet"</p><p style="text-align: center;">"The Far Edge Chronicles"</p><p style="text-align: center;">"Intergalactic Thieves"</p><p style="text-align: center;">"Life is Short"</p><p style="text-align: center;">Poppy's story from her last birthday</p><p style="text-align: center;">"Prince Charming Diaries volume 4, The Pauper Princes" <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Publish</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">"Life is Short"</p><p style="text-align: center;">"Rise of the Justice Heroes"</p><p style="text-align: center;">"The Black Horizon" <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>2020 Successes</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">I completed all 50,000 words of my NaNo project after failing last year.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">~The Author<br /></p>Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-17821697557916151492020-07-11T07:41:00.002-07:002020-07-11T07:41:28.139-07:00Prince Charming Diaries vol. 3 DOWP Part 2<div style="text-align: center;">
+</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
+JMJ+</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Diary of a Working Prince </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcxPzQptdSvBp0xhl4jByLOBZLMc26Ax5vZDVNOYz2bMjfyVw1Mg44odcLppczfafChlcZO3dJhJd0Mit5DuRyIOKe52_FvGHkzX9zj9OfDf-XkZoT0SSBY0B7z5-1QcUuQATxYtkYKTH/s1600/hep.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcxPzQptdSvBp0xhl4jByLOBZLMc26Ax5vZDVNOYz2bMjfyVw1Mg44odcLppczfafChlcZO3dJhJd0Mit5DuRyIOKe52_FvGHkzX9zj9OfDf-XkZoT0SSBY0B7z5-1QcUuQATxYtkYKTH/s320/hep.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Part 2</div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Sproutling,
3, Year of the Green Horse</span></span></span></div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Entry
Two,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Why
me” is an excellent way of answering any question, particularly
when it will get a proper response. I never get a proper response. We
were leaving for Olympus today when things hit the bottom. Ares,
Hermes, Apollo and five of Nereus' courtiers started a bloody battle
in the great Hall. Hades of course made things worse by calling them
all names that no one would want to repeat. Aphrodite sat on a chair
and watched the whole thing, with her perfect lips parted in
pretended horror. It took the Sharks to pull them apart.</span></span></span></div>
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</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> “That
is enough!” Zeus flamed up, “Lady Aphrodite comes with me to
Olympus.” If looks could kill Hera would have ended all the trouble
right then and there, by shooting a venomous look at the lady and
shriveling her up on the spot.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We
don't want her in Olympus.” Hera retorted, “Having her there will
make everyone forget themselves. I say toss her back where she came
from.” Aphrodite gasped and fainted lightly against the back of her
throne. Immediately she was beset by eager young men fanning her and
chafing her wrists. </span></span></span>
</div>
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<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Zeus
drew the Thunderer and slammed it into the marble floor. The impact
of the thunder against the density of the water was like a tidal wave
and swept everyone off their feet. No one dared approach Zeus when in
a wrath.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Aphrodite
shall be married and so any this despicable display of manners.” he
roared.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chose
me.” Ares said eagerly, as he sprang to his feet.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You
are not old enough!” Apollo said cuttingly. Ares drew his deadly
rapier. The same rapier that would never let it's master die, and
killed all that it was commanded to kill.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">She
will marry Hephaestus!” Zeus barked, cutting off the early death of
Apollo. </span></span></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Everyone
turned and stared at me. I became aware of the fact that my jaw was
hanging open. I snapped it shut.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What?”
I squawked.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You
cannot give the lady Aphrodite to someone as ugly as Hephaestus.”
Ares wailed, “She should be given to a man who matches her
physically. Ares looked as if he worked out all day to build his body
like one of the statues of the old gods. He worked on his appearance
more than any other man that I knew of. Aphrodite should have been
given to him.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> “You
have no cause to insult, Hephaestus.” Poseidon growled, and took a
step towards Ares. Anger was radiating off of him and turning the
water around me, stale. I winced. This was clearly going to be a hot
topic for a long time. A mental picture of Aphrodite entering my
house, entered my mind. I shuddered. It was far from pleasant. The
idea of someone scorning my little corner of the universe, hurt. I
loved my forge, more than the vast halls of the Underwater Realm or
Olympus.</span></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> It
looked as if Poseidon and Ares were about to come to blows, I hastily
intervened and got between them. Poseidon unclenched his fists and
took a deep breath, obviously trying to relax. Ares on the other hand
tossed his proud head scornfully.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
will fight anyone and anything!” he growled.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then
I will see you locked in a box in the deepest corner of the
Underworld!” Zeus snarled.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
believe that could be arranged.” Hades smirked, as he cracked his
knuckles and eyed Ares. </span></span></span>
</div>
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<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You
will have to fight me first!” Ares roared, and twirled his rapier. </span></span></span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> “I
have no objections if Ares would rather marry the lady.” I said
softly, “I do not want to be the cause of such discord.”</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It
is precisely because of that reason, that I would make you her
husband.” Zeus said sternly, “Giving her to Ares is tempting
fate.” Ares scowled. Everyone else nodded. Clearly, they understood
Zeus' decision. At that moment, I never wished for anything as much
as I wished to be as hot tempered as Ares. I would not be the
peaceable terms to a dilemma. Usually I did not mind being taken
advantage of. But this was ridiculous. But I bowed my head.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So
be it.” I whispered. Aphrodite was staring at me, with a rather
unpleasant look on her face.</span></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">Farewell,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">Hephaestus</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Low
Waters, 1, Year of the Green Horse</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Entry
Three,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">Aphrodite
and my wedding took place on Mount Olympus today. It is a whole
season since she first came to Sea World. I was desperately homesick
for my forge but unable to return there. My business was sadly
neglected. But I had to swallow my disappointment in terms of
diplomatic peace. Even worse I had to spend all my time mingling with
other people, with never a moment to myself. Ares was trying to catch
me alone in a dark passage, I had to make sure he did not give me the
chance. I could never defend myself against him. He could crack me in
two with one hand. Because I was always staying in such a large
company it took my several weeks to notice that I was being followed.
It became apparent when one of Poseidon's sisters-in-law took to
following my every move without even trying to be discreet. I
wondered if Poseidon had put her up to it. The next day one of Zeus'
friends was tailing me and so on. I stopped mingling and took to the
less crowded chambers. There was always someone tailing me from the
distance. But the only time they ever approached me, was if I was
passing Ares. It was rather disconcerting to know that my little
brother was searching for the golden opportunity to kill me.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Aphrodite
made a beautiful bride, of course. She was garbed in white and silver
with her hair cascading down her back like a river of liquid gold.
Unfortunately she looked far from pleased. It made me uneasy to know
that she would have liked Ares to knife me from behind. I felt
incredibly dumpy and foolish up there with her. I was the wrong
bridegroom and everyone knew it. I could never make someone like her
happy. I was a useless cripple. All the fine clothes in the world
could not hide the fact.</span></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">Farewell,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">Hephaestus</span></span></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Low
Waters, 3, Year of the Green Horse</span></span></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Entry
Four,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">Aphrodite
and I started home today. She has been silent all day. I think she
would never speak to me if she could help it. The idea of having to
live with someone who doesn't particularly like you, is not very
pleasant.</span></span></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">Farewell,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">Hephaestus</span></span></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Low
Waters, 4, Year of the Green Horse</span></span></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Entry
Five,</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">I
nearly burst into tears as the horses climbed the last rise, and we
looked down into the valley where my beautiful little cottage and
forge is located. Someone had been weeding my garden. Possibly
Penelope. I am on friendly turns with Midas and his children,
Penelope and Menelaus. I know Poseidon had a lot of trouble in his
territory with Nereus, but I seem to get along fine with everyone.
Midas did not seem to be to bothered by me, but when he accidentally
turned Penelope into a golden statue I had stepped in an intervened.
I had to steal water from Styx at grave personal risk to save her.
This was before Hades came to terms with Zeus being the Overlord of
Sea World instead of him. But Penelope was worth every bit of
suffering. Everyone adored her, nobles and peasants alike.</span></span></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> “Do
not tell me that is where you live.” Aphrodite gasped. She must
have forgotten that she was not speaking to me. I eyed her coldly. </span></span></span>
</div>
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<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes,
that is where I live.” I said, “It has been my home for six years
and will likely be my home for six more.” I was scandalized by how
rude I sounded. It was probably a shock for her to go from being a
great lady to the wife of a cripple who lived in abstract poverty. </span></span></span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> We
rode down into the seemingly deserted valley. I knew that there were
houses scattered everywhere. But I had chosen a place to live where I
could see none of them. But if I walked about five feet from the
front door, I would be able to see two or three my neighbors. I
dismounted clumsily. I had no natural grace. Being a cripple did not
help. Aphrodite dismounted, as if she was trying on purpose to make
me feel clumsier. I did not mind. I knew my limitations and
abilities. I took the two horses by the bridal and stabled them in
the little leanto shed. I made sure they had plenty of hay. I would
cut fresh grass for them later. I filled up their water trough and
took their saddles and bridals off. I rubbed them down with a soft
brush and blanketed them. When they looked suitably comfortable I
decided it was time to see to my own comforts.</span></span></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> On
the way into the cottage, I took a detour to fill two buckets with
water. One for drinking and one for washing. I hoped the place was
not to filthy. I was not always concerned with cleanliness. I could
not remember if I had done anything spectacular before closing shop
for Poseidon's wedding. But it was to late now. How was I supposed to
know that I would be bringing a wife home.</span></span></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> I
hesitated outside the door. It had once been painted a brilliant red.
But now the paint was faded peeling and it looked rather unappealing,
no pun intended. I pushed open the door and ducked through the low
entrance. Aphrodite stood in the middle of the floor, her beautiful
silver cloak gathered around her slender shoulders. There was a look
of utmost scorn on her face.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It
will be warmer when I get a fire going.” I said nervously. It was
unusually cool for the Low Waters season. But not really cold enough
to want a roaring fire, which is what I had in mind for the forge.
What was I supposed to do with her?</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A
fire?” she said acidly, than laughed. I shivered.</span></span></span></div>
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<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> I
carried the two buckets through the forge and into the living
quarters. I hung the drinking water bucket from it's stationary hook
on the beam near the door. Then I hurled the contents of the second
bucket over the dusty table. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What
are you doing?” Aphrodite gasped.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cleaning.”
I said shortly, as water cascaded onto the floor.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's
filthy in here.” she responded coldly.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No
one has been here for a season and a half.” I said. This was not
quite accurate. There was a basket of food on the shelf above the
little cooking hearth. I took it off the shelf and peered inside.
There were two loaves of bread, a pot of Buckletooth Jam, a rasher of
dried bacon, three or four dried fish and some wraps of sharp cheese.
There was a little note from the family of Prince Daedalus. They had
heard I was coming back and hoped I would find the food useful until
I could replenish supplies.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> “Look
Aphrodite.” I cried, “My friends sent food.” I held the basket
out towards her. She turned her perfect nose up at the food. I
flushed. I set the basket on the table and located a cloth to wipe
the table dry. The cloth was dusty and left stains on the table. It
would have to stay that way until I could get the laundry washed. I
used the hem of my cloak to wipe the chairs off. I had three chairs.
A rocking chair in the corner, a stool hanging from the rafters and a
straight backed chair, which I used to sit on at the table.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Aphrodite
picked up the hem of her dressed and picked her way through the
water, dirt and straw on the floor. She entered the bedroom and
looked around. I grabbed the twig broom and swept most of debris from
the floor out the door and into the shop.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This
place is filthy.” Aphrodite said in a chilly voice, “Do you
expect me to sleep on that rat's nest?”</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You
could clean it.” I suggested. She snaked her head out the door,
with a terrible look on her face. I inadvertently took a step
backwards and hit the wall.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You
do not honestly expect me to do work?” she gasped, “I thought you
were the brother of Zeus himself. Surely you have slaves.”</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Zeus
does not have slaves!” I snapped, regaining my composure, “He is
a long ways away from the life of the Star Fathers.”</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> I
thought Aphrodite was going to explode. I did not even have the grace
to feel sorry for her. I continued my haphazard work in the kitchen.
She slammed the bedroom door. I heard terrible noises issuing through
the walls. I shuddered. With every crash, I wondered what she found
to break in there. There was nothing hard in the room, except the
chest where I kept my clothes. I used my cloak to dry the floor, than
found a dry spot to dust the dishes. I set the bread, cheese and fish
on the table and filled two cups with water. I would have to get my
goat back from the neighbors.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Aphrodite
came out of the bedroom. She was a mess. Her clothes were filthy,
which was to be expected with a white dress. Her cloak was gone,
leaving her bare arms streaked with dirt. Her hair looked as if an
animal had been playing in it. There were smudges on her perfect
face. I took a long drink to hide my grin. I had left the straight
backed chair for her. I was perched on the stool. She plopped down in
the chair and folded her arms across her chest.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> “So
how do you like the house?” I asked easily. Her pale face turned
red and she made various choking noises. “Words fail you?” I
laughed.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This
place is the very piggiest sty I have ever been in!” she raved,
finding words at last. I shrugged.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If
I knew I was bringing a wife home, I would have arranged for someone
to clean it.” I said as I finished my food with relish. Aphrodite
just sat and fumed. Maybe having her for a wife would be interesting.
At least I could try and make it as fun as possible. I saw no sense
in moaning over the situation. If you do not find joy in everything
you do, than you are going to be miserable.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> The
rest of the day was filled with work. Everything had to be cleaned. I
gave up starting the forge without lingering on regret. It would not
be fair to any woman to leave the mess to them. So I helped with
everything. To my surprise Aphrodite apparently was not always a
showcase beauty. After sulking for nearly and hour she set to work
correcting me and taking charge. She scrubbed the shelves, walls,
tables, chairs, dishes and washed the dishes. I was kept busy
supplying her with what she needed, and scrubbing. She had nothing
suitable for working. Obviously, whoever had made her wardrobe, had
only thought of her beauty and not of practical use. I had to supply
her with one of my tunics. I doubt that this improved her mood
either.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Overworked,
exhausted with my lame leg aching like fury, I was glad to sink into
the clean bed and sleep. Aphrodite stayed up longer rearranging the
furniture in the kitchen. I did not care. I was not going to let her
kill me with work.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">Farewell,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">Hephaestus</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Low
Waters, 7, Year of the Green Horse</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Entry
Six,</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">I
relit the forge this morning and set to work preparing to get back to
my work. Aphrodite still sulked and was rather bitter, but she did
not skimp on the work. I was a little impressed. She had turned out
to be a good cook and gardener too. I just had to stay out of her way
before she bit my head off. I was melting down a lump of lead when
Aphrodite stormed into the shop and hurled a hoe at my head. I caught
it and was knocked off balance. My brace tightened, then snapped. I
fell sprawling, my legs splayed. I bit back a groan.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> “Your
tools are useless!” Aphrodite roared, “How is one supposed to
take care of this pathetic place and make it livable if you store
junk and don't take care of your tools!” I inspected the hoe. The
blade was so rusted that it was crumbling into pieces. A few hard
whacks at the ground would finish it. I grimaced.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How
many are like this?” I demanded.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">All
of them!” was the curt reply, “Shovels! Rakes!” I shook my head
and tried to stand up. But the brace was stuck. I could not move my
leg without letting the broken metal straps slice into my flesh. It
had to be wareworms. They gnawed on metal.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> The
door of the shop opened and a young man entered. His dark curly hair
was closely cropped and he was wearing leather armor and army boots.
He wore no cape.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hephaestus.”
he cried and rushed into to greet me. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ulysses.”
I cried warmly. We clasped forearms. Ulysses was one of my dearest
friends. His foster father Daedalus, was a prince under the authority
of Midas. He was two years younger then myself. His foster brother
Icarus was my age. I disliked him.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> “When
did you get back?” Ulysses asked, “Father said you were coming
last week, and set supplies from the kitchen.”</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thank
you, we received them.” I said cheerfully, “We arrived two days
ago.” Once more I tried to rise and failed. Ulysses reached down
and jerked me to my feet. I balanced on my left leg, while my right
remained at a 90 degrees angle. It was painful.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We?”
the prince queried, “Father said you were to bring a bride. Icarus
thought that must be posh.” I rested my leg on a stool and
attempted to bend the brace which was poking through my pants.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">She
stands behind you.” I said through gritted teeth. Failing to bend
the brace, I snatched up a hammer and gave it a smart tap. I would
have to take it off. I winced as the metal bent into my flesh. The
brace snapped the rest of the way and I was able to put my leg down.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Meanwhile,
Ulysses had turned and was now facing Aphrodite. Realizing that they
were staring at each other, I liked up. Knowing the power she had
over young men, I felt the first pangs of despair. It was one thing
of my brothers were fools, but Ulysses was to good to be crushed by
the cruel beauty of a women. One look at his face and I new my fears
were groundless. The prince continued to look at no woman without
blemish.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pleased
to make your acquaintance, Hephaestus' wife.” he said dryly, “I
hope your journey was fine.” he turned back to me, “We have a
problem.”</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> We
did have a problem. I do not think Aphrodite appreciated being so
thoroughly discarded from thought. She clenched her fists and took a
threatening step towards us.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lets
sit down.” I suggested, propelling my friend into the cottage and
hopefully away from my wife's wrath. She followed. I collapsed in the
rocking chair and tried to extract the metal from my flesh in the
most unnoticeable way. Ulysses straddled the chair backwards. This
left the stool for Aphrodite. She took it with bad grace.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> “We
have a big problem.” Ulysses said again, “There is a monster
ravaging the city.” I jerked my head up, quite forgetting about my
injury.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Monster?”
I repeated.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What
kind of monster?” Aphrodite demanded, looking a little pale.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Of
minotaur likeness, I think.” Ulysses said hesitantly, “It first
came, about a week ago and took twenty of our children.”</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Twenty?”
I gasped.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It
comes in the night.” the prince cried, “Negations were attempted
with it, and it claimed a tribute of seven youths once a week or it
would devour all the city.”</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If
you keep that up, your city will be devoured in a year.” Aphrodite
said coolly. I had to agree.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> “We
are but a small city.” Ulysses said, his head drooping, “We
cannot hope to supply so many youths.”</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Whatever
you do, do not volunteer!” I said sharply. My friend raised his
head and held it high.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
was the first to volunteer!” he said proudly, “I would be happy
to die for my people!” Only they were not his people. He was
fostered into their care. Blood was thicker than water, but they had
no claim to his blood.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Surely
there will be another way.” I cried.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We
go to Olympus!” I said grimly, “Zeus will know what to do.”</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Finally
we get to leave this dump.” Aphrodite sighed, with ill timed words.
We glared at her.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">Farewell,<br />
Hephaestus</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style></div>
Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-77775795761158353262020-05-23T10:31:00.001-07:002020-05-23T10:31:27.735-07:00Prince Charming Diaries Vol. 3 DOWP, Part 1<div style="text-align: center;">
+</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
+JMJ+</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Prince Charming Diaries Volume Three</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Diary of a Working Prince</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">Hephaestus'
Diary</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Sproutling,
1, Year of the Green Horse</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Entry
One,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">Twins
are a strange breed. It is as if one mind was born into two bodies.
But distance causes the minds to change. Once upon a time, my twin
brother and myself thought so much alike that we could complete each
others sentences. But then we were separated. Father let him go with
the fleet and I remained with mother. But that is now history. I have
seen him only a few times in the next six years. But it would seem as
if a rift had grown between us. Now here I am under the sea at his
wedding to a girl I don't even know the name of. It seems as if he is
a complete stranger. But this morning when we awakened something
happened that changed everything.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> I
was lying on my couch, fingering the brace under my pants. I was born
with a limp, a defect that would keep any girl from ever looking at
me twice. My unfortunate habit of living in a smithy might have
helped. The way I lived would never make anyone think I had noble
blood in my veins, let alone make me resemble my older brother, Zeus,
Lord of Olympus and Sea World. But back to the story. I was fingering
my brace, which I had made myself, when I noticed a disturbance in
the water. The current had turned.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> As
far as I knew, the water always flowed from the North to the South. I
had never studied the flows of the currents, but that was simply how
things went. I certainly had never been as close to it as I was now.
Wearing a cloak of the scales of a Verm Fish was the only way for
land breathers to stay alive underwater. Unless someone invents a way
to bottle air.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> The
currents had changed and started flowing in the opposite direction.
From the South to the North. This is strange, because all of the
streams and rivers would be flowing upwards. I scrambled out of bed,
jamming my brace and nearly wrenching my leg off. I would have
toppled over if the water hadn't been supporting me somewhat. Braces
were never meant to be worn underwater. It was to wet. I had to reset
the brace before I could it to work again. I limped out of the
chamber and bumped into Hades. He was swimming down the corridor
without any dignity at all, and waving his Cap of Invisibility. We
collided and were flung into the wall. I could feel the pull of the
current, trying to push me away.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> “My
cap, it came back.” Hades cried. I had never seen him with so
little dignity, since we were children and he bawled out Ares for
playing with Star Fire. He rarely got excited.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">What?”
I gaped. Hades had already plowed past me. I regained my balance.
What did he mean that his cap had come back? Where had his cap been
in the first place?</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> I
was still awkwardly trying to push my way down the corridor when
Hades came back. This time their was a merboy, Poseidon and his bride
with him.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I
tell it is really strange.” the merboy was saying excitedly,
“Nereus says he never felt such a thing.” They passed me in a
rush. I floundered after them. But braces were not meant for
swimming. More people rushed by. Hestia took my arm and guided me
after the others. She was always the sweetest girl.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> We
surfaced. The sun had just risen on the horizon, turning the waters
gold, red and pink. It was truly beautiful, but I still would prefer
to see the fires dancing on my blackened forge, hear the ring of the
hammer and watch as the pretty sparks showered over the metal. I
smiled and sighed, my eyes closing to thin slits as I envisioned
myself at home. If only I could be back there.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Suddenly,
a great big sigh went up. My eyes snapped open. It seemed as if
Nereus' entire court had surfaced and surrounded me, as well as my
brothers and sisters. But this blaze of color was not what had drawn
attention. Something was happening, much closer to shore. Two
enormous snow white swans with golden beaks had burst out of the
water. My eyes widened. These magnificent birds were harnessed to a
vast pink and golden shell that glowed in the sunlight. Seated on the
back of the shell, with hair like a river gold flowing about her
shoulders, was a tall woman with snapping blue eyes. Her white gown
looked as if it was made of sea foam. My jaw dropped.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> “Now
that is a woman to kill.” Ares whistled. I blinked, the beauty
suddenly marred by horrible reality. I glanced at my brother. He was
leaning forward, his eyes half closed and a look of idiotic stupidity
on his face. I would have sworn he was drooling, except there was so
much splashing water. I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">That
is trouble!” I muttered gloomily. Beautiful women always were
trouble. Had I not seen such things since my earliest years.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">That
is trouble!” several voices echoed. I glanced around. All of the
men had looks of aw on their faces. The women looked annoyed. It was
them that had spoken. Poseidon's bride slapped him hard in the face.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Wipe
that look off your face.” she snapped. Poseidon looked suitably
chastised.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Nereus
ordered several of his Merwarriors to swim out to the lady in the
shell and invite her to the palace. Then he ordered the rest of us to
depart and prepare ourselves for a feast. Hestia took my arm to guide
me back down to my chamber. To my surprise, Poseidon took my other
arm.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The
Amazons still have my trident.” he muttered, “I wouldn't have
even the slightest doubt that they are responsible for this.” For
the first time in years I could feel his thoughts. I could tell that
he was very disturbed.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">You
think she is a spy?” I whispered.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Boys.”
Hestia scolded lightly, “Give her the benefit of the doubt.”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">How
did she get past Nereus' centuries? Where did she come from?”
Poseidon cried, tightening his grip on my arm.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">You
got past Nereus' centuries.” I pointed out. I knew he wasn't very
pleased with my response.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Poseidon's
wife took his arm and pulled him away from me. She looked far from
pleased. In fact, irritation was radiating off every fiber of her
being. I hastily looked away and avoided eye contact with her hair.
There was something creepy about having snakes for hair.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Do
not look to deeply into it, Poseidon.” she was snapping, “Let her
to the unmarried fools.”</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Oh
dear.” Hestia whispered, “That would be ugly.” If even sweet
gentle Hestia noticed a problem, than things were going to be really
bad. </span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Before
I dressed, I removed my brace. On land it was a necessity. I could
not walk upright without it. But underwater, I found it much easier
to maneuver myself about without it. When I entered the chamber of
audiences I found the swan lady already there. The entire court was
ogling her, including most of my brothers. Only my three older
brothers and the women looked worried. Zeus, as the overlord of all
Sea World would have to deal with this problem before she caused a
major war for her hand in marriage. Hades always went against the
normal and refused to be awed and inspired by anything that pleased
everyone else. Poseidon, of course, thought that she was a spy. I did
not blame him. What better way to send a spy, than to make all the
men fall in love with her?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> The
woman's name was Aphrodite and she claimed that she come from the
Unknown Waters and was born of the wind and stars. I thought for
certain that everyone would laugh at her. But apparently her voice
cast a spell over the fools and they could do nothing but drool. I
was disgusted. But it did not matter much to me. It would not be long
before I could return to my little forge and go back to a life of
simplicity, far away from the silliness of court and fools.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> “Lady,
you are most welcome to this humble palace.” Ares said, rising
first and bowing with many little twirls and tosses of his cloak.
Hades snorted. Clearly, he thought Ares' manners pathetic. I agreed,
but did not think I had to voice such things out loud. Especially
not in front of Nereus, as this was his court. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Why
thank you, young man.” Aphrodite said, a sigh went through the
room. Ares sighed long and loudly. Hades snorted again.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">What
a nincompoop!” Hera sneered. This must have been the first time in
six years that Hades and Zeus' wife had ever agreed on anything.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> Now
that Ares had made the first bold step, all of the eligible, and some
ineligible men began to push their way towards Aphrodite. They pushed
and shoved. Ares and a merwarrior even came to blows. Zeus and Nereus
looked frazzled. The women added to the chaos by shouting at the men.
I covered my ears and slunk out of the chamber. It wasn't any of my
business what they did. I could go and pack, to prepare for the
return journey. Not that I had much to pack.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">Farewell,
</span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">Hephaestus
</span></span>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
To Be continued</div>
Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-77822704437945242092020-04-18T14:08:00.001-07:002020-04-18T14:08:58.505-07:00Prince Charming Diaries vol. 3 Diary of a Sea Prince, Part 4<div style="text-align: center;">
+</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
+JMJ+</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Prince Charming Diaries Volume Three</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4deiiYEw1H7QFxIuSAzlXMdxHDtEJkC1tKCab4enQPSeLNifyY-0zcw1L6HwJxYkIWvY493p3cShd8WPzqm9MvUEo05WBYkyjfFgDO9V9tIephSWzimH901LAGG5lVkBag2tFEuOPPuw8/s1600/0fc639253157dad146787b4d05c69515--henry-cavill-story-inspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="378" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4deiiYEw1H7QFxIuSAzlXMdxHDtEJkC1tKCab4enQPSeLNifyY-0zcw1L6HwJxYkIWvY493p3cShd8WPzqm9MvUEo05WBYkyjfFgDO9V9tIephSWzimH901LAGG5lVkBag2tFEuOPPuw8/s320/0fc639253157dad146787b4d05c69515--henry-cavill-story-inspiration.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Diary of a Sea Prince</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Floodway, 20, Year of the Green Horse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 16</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It had been raining steadily. I dare not use Hermes' sandals. We are not supposed to share our special gifts. I could get in a lot of trouble for losing the Trident. Hermes would get in trouble for lending me his hat and sandals. Not to mention the fact that I had lost his hat. I doubted Hades would lend me his hat. We took turns riding Pegasus, the rest of us walked. It was gloomy. There was more water in the air than in the whole Unknown Waters. Of course I am exaggerating a little bit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Army Post was one of the biggest cities in all of Sea World. It was older even than Star City, which had been destroyed. In the six years since than a new one was being rebuilt between the arms of Lakes Greda and Starlight. But that was far away and we were only a few days boat ride from the gates of the Underworld. Army Post was made up of a massive wall, which was a small city all to itself. There were no buildings inside the wall. Instead the lodgings were made up of canopies and tents of various sizes. The very center of the Army Post was the practicing ground. There was a workout center and various ways to practice balance, weapons of all shapes and sizes, not to mention formation, wrestling and obedience. I had only been there once. Ares had tried to get me into the army. For someone as young as he was, it was rather surprising how he had whipped into shape the criminals and bandits who lived there during the reign of the Star Fathers. I hated the place. It was populated by mostly men. Most of the women who lived there, had poor reputations. The respectable army wives lived elsewhere. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The guard met us at the gate and we were escorted inside. I knew the password. Everyone stared at Pegasus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“We could use half a dozen of those.” a dirty soldier said with a laugh and spat between my feet. He was one of the soldiers I had faced off when I had come last time. I had knocked him down. I decided it was wisest to ignore him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“What have we here?” someone shouted, and Ares came running out of one of the tents. He was wearing a training uniform and carrying a large ax. He was soaked in sweat.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Guests, asking for you, sir.” one of the guards said with a bow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Poseidon, Apollo, Amertis.” Ares roared, and wrung our hands with his sweaty ones.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“This is Neptune.” I said introducing my friend.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I see, I see.” Ares cried, “You have come to join the army, at last.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“That ones a girl.” the dirty soldier said, “She ain't gonna be a soldier. The other two look like wimps.” No one could say Neptune looked like a wimp.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“A girl can be a soldier.” Amertis snapped, “Any man that likes can challenge me to an archery contest. After I beat you at that, I'll wrestle you all. Not one of you can hold me down.” she tossed her hair.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Someone give me a bow, I will show this hussy a thing or two.” the soldier growled.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Not here.” Ares barked, “In the ring, after our guests have eaten.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“No now!” Amertis cried, “This buffoon has insulted me.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I'm hungry so you wait!” Ares snarled. My two siblings glowered at each other, both refusing to back down.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“That's enough.” I barked, as I pushed between my siblings, “I'm the oldest and I am starving.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Me too.” Apollo said, “First we eat, than we fight.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“If it was his honor, we would fight first.” Amertis protested.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“But it's not my honor and I'm hungry.” Ares growled.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Our honor was insulted too.” I pointed out, “I will fight and knock down anyone at any time, but not until I eat.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Fine.” Amertis muttered.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The meal that Ares provided for us, was the best food I ever ate. That just goes to show how hungry we were. Army food, as a rule, is supposed to be quite inedible. Red meat, hard olives stuffed with pimento peppers, and greasy broiled fish is the fare for the officers. Soldiers aren't so lucky. They get watery cabbage soup, chunk of stale bread, and if they were very lucky a piece of dry fish or meat. Last time I had been offered that food I suggested we catch some fresh fish and everyone had laughed at me. The Army Post was right on the shores of the Unknown Waters. But no one dared put one foot in the water. Back when I still lived in the old Star palace we caught fish and other creatures from the unknown waters, but we caught them far out. The creatures that lurked near the shore were usually tough little snapper fish with razor sharp teeth. They tasted bad.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“What swill.” Amertis said ungratefully, as she stood up, and wiped the crumbs from her tunic.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“That was officer's fare, that was.” Ares smirked, “Here in the army, we learn to eat bare rock if necessary, we are tough.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Well, it was delicious, thank you for your hospitality.” Apollo said politely. Ares laughed with his mouth full.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Liar.” he jeered, “It's disgusting.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Enjoy the rest of your disgusting swill, I'm off to uphold my honor.” Amertis said and strode out of the tent. The rest of us crammed the rest of our food into our mouths and hurried after her. The soldiers were lined up waiting for us. Three of them stood in front of the others. I guessed they were the ones eager to pound us to mincemeat. Eurystheus was first. He was the dirty soldier who had first challenged Amertis. He seemed to have an overblown ego. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“He claims that the Oracle predict that he would one day be king and have the strongest man in the world for his servant.” Ares told me, as he chewed on a chunk of dry meat. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Well, I predict he is going to lose this match.” Amertis said. She strode forward until she stood eye to eye with him. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The soldiers set up a target. A string dangling from a spear, with a raisin tied to the end. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Eat my dust, sister.” Eurystheus jeered and sent an arrow spinning towards the spear. It brushed against the raisin and left a groove in the spear, which lilted as it past. Ares rushed over to examine the spear.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Well done soldier.” he praised, “That was close.” </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“But not close enough.” Amertis cried and fired nearly straight into the air. The arrow spirled upwards and disappeared. There was a dead silence, than the soldiers burst into loud laughter.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Amertis.” Ares howled, “That was the worst shot I have ever seen.” </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I win, I win, now you must kiss my sandals.” Eurystheus sneered.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kiss that!” Amertis said, as her arrow dropped out of the sky, skewered the raisin and came to a stop right between Ares' feet. Once more there was a dead silence. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Good shot, sister.” I said, breaking the silence. Ares and Apollo clapped.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Oh brilliant.” Ares yelled, “That will show old Eurystheus not to brag about himself.” Eurystheus looked like he was going to explode.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“So,” he snarled, “That was a fluke. Orian here could take her in wrestling any day.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Bring it on Orian.” Amertis yelled, dropping her bow and cocking her fists. One of Eurystheus' companions stepped forward. The soldier was young and slightly built, probably not any older than Amertis herself. But there was a look of steel about him. There was strength in him. I knew Amertis could take down most people in a wrestling match. But I suspected that Orian might possibly be a match even for her. If she lost, things could get ugly. I hastily stepped between them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Surely you are not going to wrestle a lady.” I argued.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Amertis is not a lady.” Ares cried, “Stop messing things up, Poseidon.” </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Step aside, brother.” Amertis ordered. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Not a chance.” I snapped, “We had enough fighting. You won your match, Amertis. There is no need to further prove yourself.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Yes there is.” the third soldier cried.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Quiet, Deucalion.” Orion ordered, “I got this under control.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Step aside, Poseidon.” Ares said grimly, “I am the commander here, and I order you to move, or face the consequences.” He fingered his rapier, which was yet another magic device.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“What are you going to do?” I asked softly. His eyes narrowed to thin slits, than he took a threatening step towards me. Without waiting to see what he would do, I cracked him across the jaw with a front punch. He fell sprawling, completely unconscious. There was a dead silence.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Woah.” Neptune cried suddenly, “Time to move out.” He grasped me with one arm and Amertis with the other. At the same moment all of the soldiers rushed at us, yelling. It did not matter who we were related too. I had just downed their leader. They certainly were not going to stand for the insult.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We were chased out of the city. Apollo leaped on Pegasus and rescued Amertis just in time. Eurystheus was about to slice her clean in two. They flew off into the sky leaving Neptune and I to fend for ourselves. So much for brotherly and sisterly love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poseidon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Floodway, 21, Year of the Green Horse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 17</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now what? The Army Post will not forget my crime. I will be surprised if wanted posters do not appear in all the villages and cities. Nereus would be delighted. I feel totally crushed. I can think of a dozen ways I could have convinced Ares to call a halt to the fight.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I see why the young maiden called you Loser.” was Neptune's only comment. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Maybe you would like the same treatment I gave my brother.” I retorted. He just smiled and let his eyes blaze away. Very unnerving.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poseidon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Floodway, 22, Year of the Green Horse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 18</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A squad of soldiers on horseback just past us. We got off the road and hid in the ditch until they passed. I think we may be in a lot of trouble.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poseidon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Floodway, 25, Year of the Green Horse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 19</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We reached a fishing village today. Thankfully they have no posters hanging up. But we must still be wary. We were sadly out of place. Most of the fisher people were dressed in drab gray and browns. Neptune's brilliant green garments, shining hair and glowing eyes made him look like a splash of color on an otherwise colorless landscape. I was not so noticeable, my cloak being brown. But my scarlet sash and fringed tunic looked just as out of place as Neptune.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There was one Inn in the village. We entered and sat down in chairs. I could not remember the last time I sat down in a chair. Probably several years ago. Chairs were not a necessity in Nereus' Realm. A young girl in a short dress brought us mugs of ale. She had a wide eyed look on her face and kept staring at us. I squirmed in my chair and looked away. She started giggling. Neptune poked me under the table.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Stop flirting with the staff.” he hissed, “Remember our quest.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I am not flirting with the staff.” I hissed back, “She is bothering me.” </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Right.” Neptune said in a disbelieving voice. I scowled at him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A big burly man in a greasy apron, brought us broiled fish. I was ravenous and started eating right away. It was terribly greasy. My stomach protested, but I was to hungry to care.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“So goodman.” Neptune said, pushing his food away, “Ever heard of the Nymphs of the North?”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“They are hidden from the face of man.” the barkeeper said vaguely.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I take it, that you have no maps or directions available, then?” Neptune said. I stopped eating. The barkeeper's eyes narrowed, and he lowered his big head towards us. His breath smelled of sour beer.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Listen strangers.” he hissed, “No one sees the Nymphs. Mind your own business, or you are liable to receive a knife to the throat.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I am minding my own business.” Neptune retorted, “I merely asked you for directions. But why don't you take your own advice?” The barkeeper took a knife from his rope belt and pounded it into the wooden table.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Knife to the throat.” he growled and strode off.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Think we better not stay the night?” I asked the elf. He shrugged. Then the girl started giggling again. I pushed my plate away. “Lets go.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Good idea.” Neptune said. He stood up. Before we could leave the table, the door banged open and several soldiers entered.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Sit down.” I hissed. Neptune sat back down. We scrunched down over our fish.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Those aren't your brother's soldiers.” the elf hissed. I could tell. They had coiled serpents on their copper breastplates. Their cloaks were emerald green. They wore short white tunics fringed with gold. Their sandals were strapped up to their knees. Their swords and shields were strapped to their backs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Medusa's soldiers?” I whispered haltingly. Neptune shrugged.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Looks about right.” he whispered back, “You told me she was about snakes.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I thought she ate human flesh.” I muttered, “Why does she have soldiers?”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Maybe they aren't humans.” Neptune said thoughtfully, “Remember, just because someone looks human, doesn't mean that they are. Some soldiers are not.” I licked my licks. Of course, Zeus had soldiers employed from just about every race and species.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Lets go.” I said standing up. Neptune dropped some money on the table and we slunk towards the door. We were about halfway to the door, when the bartender gestured at us. All the soldiers turned and stared at us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I would keep an eye on those two.” he growled, “They be looking for the Northern ladies.” The captain started, and took a step towards us. We slipped out the door and made for the hills. Who were the Nymphs of the North?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poseidon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Floodway, 26, Year of the Green Horse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 20</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“We could cut off several miles of travel.” Neptune informed me, “If we had a boat.” He gestured at the water, which was swollen with the Floodway Season's usual floods.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Which we don't have.” I said. The fisher village was on the very tip of Uranus' Bay. If we could sail up to the jutting island were the Black Forest was located, we would cut off a few days worth of traveling. I could cross on foot, if I dared to enter the Unknown Waters, but Neptune could not. Maybe it was time that we parted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“It figures that it would be you again.” someone grumbled. Startled, I whirled and groaned. It was Trite. She had a bulging bag draped over her arm.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“If it is not our fair maiden.” Neptune said with a low bow. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Maybe you can help me.” Trite said.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Anything within reason.” Neptune said.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I have a boat.” Trite said, “I need a strong man to row me across. My sister is ill in the Black Forest.” I blinked.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Give me an oar and I shall take you where you want to go.” Neptune said gallantly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“We don't have time.” I told him sullenly. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I thought you wanted to get to the Black Forest?” Neptune pointed out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Not with her.” I growled, refusing to meet Trite's gaze, “She will slow us down.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I think you would slow us down!” Trite retorted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Fine!” I muttered.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I had to do all the rowing myself. Neptune and Trite sat in the bow and talked. My pride wouldn't let me ask for a break. Neither of my companions offered to help. So I rowed until I dropped. My hands were blistered, my back was sore, my face sunburnt, and my throat parched.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poseidon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Floodway, 27, Year of the Green Horse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 21,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We landed on the shore early this morning. I had always thought that it was called the Black Forest because the entrance of the underworld was located somewhere around it. But I soon learned differently. The trees were made of smooth black wood. There was no bark. The leaves were as big as my head, and a dusty midnight color. Some were silky and others were rough.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Where is your sister, fair damsel?” Neptune asked. Trite shook her head.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I'm not sure.” she said in a low voice, “All of these trees look alike, it could take days to find her.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Poseidon?” Neptune said softly. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“We help.” I said sharply. It could take us days to find the entrance to the Underworld.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I thought we were in a hurry.” Neptune protested.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“There was a reason we had to cut through here.” I muttered, “It wasn't to find any doddering females either.” Neptune shrugged.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We decided to take a break before we began our search and have a proper wash and breakfast. Neptune caught a mess of tiny black minnows, which he cooked in the ashes of our fire. Trite took off to find some woodberries and pleg to season them with. I decided to do my own scouting. I climbed up onto a ridge and peered through the trees. It was impossible to see very far. It was like peering into an inky well. I slid down the ridge and wandered aimlessly down to the shore. There was no sign of a cave or a sick woman. Maybe if we made enough noise Hades would find us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I thought about taking a brief swim. I hadn't actually been underwater in a long time. The trees thinned out and I was about to slide down a small hillock to the shore when I noticed something. Trite had come out of the trees, further down the beach. She glanced around. I cowered behind the bowl of a tree. A satisfied look appeared on the girl's face. She set her bag down and began to unlace her coat. Horrified, I skidded back up the hill. But it was to late. I felt my face heat up, realizing that Trite was actually wearing a tunic under the coat. I had to take a few deep breaths. Meanwhile, Trite took off her sandals and started unwinding her turban. Curiosity overcame prudence. What color hair did Trite have?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What spilled out from under the turban was so different than anything that I expected that my hair stood up on end. I wasn't very close to her, but I could have sworn that her hair was made up of writhing snakes. I scrambled to my feet and went taring back through the trees as fast as I could. I didn't stop running until I collapsed in front of our campfire. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“You look as if a sea serpent tried to snatch you away.” Neptune said dryly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Listen, Neptune.” I hissed, “Do you know why I'm seeking the Nymphs of the North?”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Er- probably because you want the secret of immortality.” Neptune guessed. I didn't know they even had that secret.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“No.” I snapped, “I need to know the secret of defeating the Gorgons.” Neptune frowned.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“The what?” he said sharply. I told him everything, beginning with Ion's tale and ending with our meeting. When I finished, he scratched his head thoughtfully.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“And you tell me, why?” he asked. I told about Trite's hair. Neptune sprang to his feet and started pacing, and glancing warily about. I felt a shiver run down my spine. Surely Trite was done with her bat by now. She would be coming back at any minute.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“For now we must pretend we have no idea.” Neptune said quickly, “Treat her the same as we have done all along. Tomorrow, we shall lose her among the trees and make for the Underworld.” he glared at me, “You could have told me you wanted to make a detour. I thought your directions were a bit scattered.” A twig cracked.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Sh!” I hissed, and fell sprawling in front of the fire. Neptune lounged back against the bowl of a tree. I started poking at the ashes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Trite stepped into the clearing and paused. I willed myself not to glance at her face.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Did you find any seasoning?” I asked, a little louder than I had intended. She tossed a small bundle of weeds at me. To late, I tried to catch it and got hit in the face.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Where did you get these?” I asked, rubbing my face. They stung.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I was hunting, remember?” Trite snapped. But she wasn't looking at my face. Her face was turned towards my feet. I glanced at them too and bit back a gasp. Hermes' sandals were covered with already hardening black mud. The mud was splashed all the way up to the backs of my knees, where I had been sliding down the hill. I glanced at Trite's face. It was expressionless. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I dug the minnows out of the ashes, with trembling hands. I had to say something quick.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Girls and dirt!” I snorted, “You look like you have never seen someone who hasn't bathed in months.” She wrinkled her nose up at me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I tend to stay away from such people.” she said coldly, and turned away. I shivered. Remembering what Ion had told me about Medusa, I avoided her eyes. Neptune was doing likewise. Unfortunately, any fool could tell that he was concerned about something. Strangely, Trite did not ask what the problem was. Did she know that I had seen her snakey secret?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poseidon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Floodway, 28, Year of the the Green Horse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 22,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was roughly awakened this morning, by Neptune shaking me and calling my name.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“What is it?” I mumbled.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Trite, she is gone.” Neptune barked, “Get up.” I scrambled to my feet and glanced around. There was no sign of the girl.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“We have to find her.” I cried.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Are you kidding me?” Neptune gasped, “Lets get the heck out of here before she comes back. I don't fancy being turned to stone.” We didn't really have anything to pack, so we simply took off through the trees. We hadn't gone far before we ran right into a patrol dressed in black. They bore no emblems. Most of them looked human but their leader looked like a tall winged woman. Her massive wings were folded at her back. Her skin was the color of ordinary mud. Her wild black hair flew in every directions. Perhaps she would have been considered beautiful, but I was more concerned about her broadsword, which was touching my throat.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Kill them!” someone hissed and stepped out from behind the leader. At first I thought it was small woman, only about five food tall, than I realized that it was a harpy. She had the body of a bird. Her red eyes glowered at me. I grimaced.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“We meant no harm.” Neptune whispered breathlessly. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Listen pointy head, I don't know what kind of creature you call yourself, but it means death to enter the Black Forest.” the winged woman growled. Suddenly it dawned on me. The girl in the tavern had been laughing at Neptune's antlers. I had grown accustomed to them, forgetting they still looked odd to other people.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“We entered on purpose.” I said out loud.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Asila slices his impertinent head from his shoulders.” the harpy hissed. I decided that I strongly disliked her. But I would have to deal with her later.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“We came to see the Lord of the Underworld.” I barked, “I demand you take us to him immediately.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Demand, do you?” the harpy hissed, and poked her face into mine. Her breath smelled like decay.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Tired of living, are you?” the winged woman snapped, “Well, we can remedy that without taking you to his lordship.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Nah, I'd rather see Hades.” I drawled. I received a slap on the face for my disrespect.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We were blindfolded and let through the trees, hopefully to Hades. After awhile the air got cold and the ground rockier. My captors had to stop me from falling several times. As it was my toes felt horribly bruised. I was fairly positive that there was no blood mixed with the mud on Hermes' sandals. It couldn't be helped, he had traded them for a song.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The blindfold was removed from my eyes and I find myself in the dark. There was the sound of gentle lapping water from down at my feet. Several massive animals were breathing down my neck.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Get on the ferry.” a dry voice said in a monotone. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“What boat?” I asked, straining to see something in the inky blackness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“The one in front of you.” the dry voice said again, “I would advise you follow directions. It is a lot more unpleasant when Cerberus does it for you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I felt around with my feet. My left toe slid into cold slimy water. I jerked it back with a loud exclamation. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Times up!” the dry voice grunted. Suddenly, fangs gripped the back of my tunic and I was hurled forward. Slobber dripped down my collar. I landed hard on the ferry. It tilted under the impact of my fall. I sat up quickly, but not before a wave of slimy water slid over me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Where are we going?” I whispered, trying not to cringe. There was no answer. I felt like a lost soul going to the neverworld. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The ferry crunched against the further bank and came to a halt. I was told to disembark. The monster didn't appear to have across the water with us, but I wasn't taking any chances. I wondered where Neptune was, as I stumbled ashore. I misjudged the land and fell sprawling on a steep bank.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“So it really is you.” I familiar voice muttered. I sat up and looked around, but I couldn't see a thing. Someone gripped my right forearm and dragged me to my feet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Hades?” I asked in a questioning voice. I was jerked down the path.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Nitwit!” Hades barked, “You know you aren't supposed to be here. What possessed you?” I tripped, when the rough ground suddenly changed to tiles. My toe hit the rough hard. I winced. I guessed, that I had cracked the nail. We clattered over the tiles for about five minutes before a door slammed and a light appeared. It was Hades. He finished lighting the lamp and thrust it into my face. I blinked in the sudden light. It was a very weak flame, but it still brought tears to my eyes after the deep darkness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“What are you doing here?” Hades demanded sharply. I wiped my eyes on my dirty sleeve.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“A mission.” I said dryly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“In the underworld?” my brother demanded, his voice rising.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I need your hat.” I said sullenly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“You came to steal my hat?” he demanded, his dark eyebrows raising.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“No, no.” I protested, “Look, I need to borrow it. I'll bring it back.” I hesitated. I had lost my trident and Hermes' hat. I would probably lose Hades' hat too. I grimaced. Everything was a disaster. I had to be the worst hero ever.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“You need to borrow my hat?” Hades murmured softly. He cracked his knuckles and scowled, “Why?”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Nereus has some monsters violating his lands.” I said quickly, an image of Trite swept into my mind, I pushed it away, “They can change people into stone.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Ah- so that old water bag finally turned to you for help.” Hades sneered, “Fine, you can have my hat. But if you get it dirty I will personally hunt you down and spear you through the guts.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“It will be cleaner than- than-” I stopped.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Cleaner than you, for sure.” Hades said and wrinkled up his nose, “What the heck were you doing?”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Sliding down mud banks.” I muttered.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“How childish.” was the superior reply. I gritted my teeth.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hades summoned a servant and gave him some whispered instructions, than he made me sit down and give a detailed account of everything that had happened in the Underwater Realm since I had arrived. It made for a long tale. I was glazing over the bits where the courtiers tormented me, but I still had not reached Ion's tale, when the servant returned with a silk wrapped bundle. Hades's cap of Invisibility was small and round with a flat top. The gold and silver colors seemed strangely bright in the shadowy chamber. It was beautiful.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Once it's on your head, no one but Delphi and the Unseen can see you.” Hades whispered. I jerked my head up and stared at him. Unseen?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“What did you say?” I asked thickly. A memory stirred at the back of my mind, but I could not quite reach it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Why look so surprised, little brother?” Hades demanded, “Zeus lifted the ban on the Oracle, we are aloud to use the name of Delphi now.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“No, what was the other word?” I whispered.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Unseen?” Hades said loudly, “Just a little joke.” He was staring at me, his face expressionless. His eyes seemed to be boring straight through me. What were the Unseen, why did that word sound so familiar.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I need to get to the Nymphs of the North.” I said. Hades looked away and the spell seemed to break. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I was escorted back out the Underworld. Neptune was seated on the rocks at the entrance, guarded by a massive three headed dog. Cerberus. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“About time you came back!” he yelled, “Do you realize what I have been through?”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I can't imagine.” I said with a shudder, “But it couldn't have been worse than being grilled by Hades himself.” </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cerberus escorted us down to the channel. A man made stream that cut the Black Forest off from the rest of Sea World. As soon as we reached the water, the dog turned and vanished into the trees.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Well, no offense, but that was a complete waist of time.” Neptune growled.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Not entirely.” I said and patted the little bundle that was tucked into my sash.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“You stole the hat?” Neptune gasped. I shrugged. Let him think that if he would.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I can't believe you stole the hat of the Lord of the Underworld.” Neptune said with a loud laugh. He picked up a pebble and tossed it into the water. Immediately the filmy shape of a small woman exploded out of the water, followed by a second, third and fourth one. We let out undignified yelps and backed up. The four shapes stepped out onto the shore and became solid. Not one of them was over four feet tall. They all had brilliantly blue eyes and long flowing white hair. They looked neither old nor young.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“It has come to our attention.” the first one said in a strange echoey voice, “That you would have speech with us.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Nyads?” Neptune asked hesitantly. But I shook my head. They were not like any other water species that I had ever seen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“We are the Nymphs of the North.” the second one said, her voice was identical to the first one.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Oh that's who you are.” I said idiotically, “The Gray Sisters told me to find you.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“You seek the death of the Gorgons, do you not?” the third nymph sighed, again the voice was identical.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I seek death for no one.” I said nervously, “But I seek peace and safety for those I am charged to protect.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The four nymphs turned and conversed in low voices together. I could not make out the words, indeed they sounded like no tongue I had ever heard before. Finally, they turned back towards us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“You already have the sandals of Hermes and the cap of Hades.” the first Nymph said.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“You must have this wallet.” the third Nymph said. She held out to me an unimposing brown bag, with a long strap. I hung it over my head shoulder.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“And this shield will serve you well.” the fourth nymph said, speaking for the first time. Her voice was different than the other too. It was not echoey, more thick and rich, but still soft. She held out a small silver shield, clean of any device. I took it. Immediately the sun flashed off of it, nearly blinding me. I turned it away from my face. The other side, was polished like a mirror and I could see my reflection clearly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Thank you.” I said, looking up. But the four Nymphs had vanished.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“They left a boat.” Neptune said, pointing to a small silver shaped urn that bobbed up and down in the shallow water.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“We'll ride down the channel.” I said sharply, strapping the shield to my back, “When it's to shallow, we'll carry it.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Where are we going?” Neptune demanded.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“All the way to Lake Midard.” I said dryly, “It's time to face Medusa.” Neptune shuddered, “You can always leave.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Listen Poseidon, we have taken every step of this journey together from the Gray Sister's dwelling, do you think I shall turn back now? No, I intend to see you to the end.” A lump formed in my throat. I couldn't even choke out a thank you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poseidon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hatchling, 10, Year of the Green Horse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 23,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It took us twelve days to get down the Channel to the Sea Kingdom. We had to bypass Nereus' guards. Luckily I knew the way. I had been gone for a long time. Someone was bound to notice that I was missing. The twins, Ares and Hades had said nothing, so maybe the Sea People were keeping quiet. But it was rather disconcerting to think that no one cared to wonder what had happened to me. Surely someone would mention to Zeus that I was wandering over Sea World with an Antlered Elf instead of safely at my post in the Underwater Realm.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We did not sail down Midard as neither of us were very keen on turning to stone. We climbed ashore and hid the little boat among the reeds. I was having doubts. Perhaps Ion had made a fool of me with his story. Maybe he was trying to get rid of me. If this was true, it would be the most embarrassing thing to return to Nereus. He would be able to claim that I had run from my duties and was unfit for my position. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I was walking along, my head hanging down, my hands in the Nymphs' bag. I was fingering Hades' hat. Suddenly, I bumped into Neptune, who had come to a sudden halt.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“What is it?” I whispered. He shook his head and placed a finger on his lips. Then he dropped to the ground and ducked behind a bush. I saw what he had seen. A life sized stone statue, carved in the perfect image of a man stood blocking our way. There was a look of anger on the stone features. His sword was raised above his head. But his free hand was stretched in front of his face, as if he was trying to block something. I gasped and dropped to the ground. It had to be Medusa's work.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“She is real.” I whispered weakly. Neptune parted the bushes and we peered through. Behind the stone warrior were ten more. They must have been a regiment. The devices weren't very clear on their breastplates. I wiggled closer for a better look. I could make out crossed hands. The left held a sword and the right held a bag. The device of the Free People. They were the soldiers of King Midas. Thankfully none of them looked younger than twenty. Zeus would have thrown a fit if anything happened to Midas' son. I guessed Prince Menelaus would be about twelve years old now. At one time Zeus had been his guardian. Hopefully he wasn't as hot blooded as some of the other princes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Are you looking for someone?” Neptune whispered, as he raised himself up on his elbows.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Just checking to see if I recognize anyone.” I said softly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Do you?” the elf asked. I shook my head.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“They come from the court of King Midas of the Free People, but I don't know them. Why Cepheus would allow Midas' men in his territory is beyond me.” I told him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Look out.” Neptune squeaked. I froze, someone was moving through the maze of statues. It looked like a woman, but her flowing hair was made up of writhing serpents. She bore an uncanny resemblance to Trite. My heart sank. There was no doubt that Trite was a Gorgon. One of the snakes turned in my direction, a tiny tongue flickering out of a mouth. I buried my face in my arms. I would not be turned to stone. The Gorgon disappeared through the trees towards a jutting cliff wall. No doubt there was a cave nearby. Once she was gone, I wriggled backwards to Neptune. He was shivering.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I stood up and rubbed the dirt off of my tunic. I grasped Neptune's arm and pulled him to his feet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Lets go.” I said, “In case any of the others are around here.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“How many of those monsters are there?” Neptune whispered, as we tiptoed through the brush.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Ion said there were three.” I said slowly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“So Medusa and Trite, but who is the third?” he demanded. I shrugged.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Maybe the sick one, that Trite was taking medicine too.” I suggested.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“She seemed like a nice girl.” Neptune said sadly. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“She was an evil monster who turns innocent men into stone.” I said sharply, “We need a plan.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poseidon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hatchling, 11, Year of the Green Horse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 24,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe it was not the best plan, but I was going to slip into the cave at midnight, when the Gorgons were undoubtedly sleeping. I would use the shield as a reflection and wear the cap of Invisibility. Neptune pointed out that I wouldn't be able to see any reflection in the dark. I told him that the moon was sufficient. We argued about this for awhile. But when I took the shield out, I discovered that it reflected in the dark as easily as it did in the sunlight. No wonder the Nymphs said I would need it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I strapped on Hermes' sandals and made sure the wings were clean and ready to flap if needed. I put on Hades' cap. Judging by the look on Neptune's face, what little he could see of me in the dark had completely disappeared. I strapped the shield to my left arm and made sure I had the bag.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Better get far away from here, Neptune.” I said softly, “Things could get ugly.” Then I started for the cave.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The closer I got to the cliff face, the more statues I saw. Most of them were Midas' people, but some of them were Star Warriors, Cepheus' men, and even Olympians. I did not know any of them. But than I had been isolated in the Underwater Realm for about six years. Speaking of Underwater Realm, there wasn't so much as a single fish from Nereus' Kingdom. Ion said that the Gorgon's were terrorizing their people, but it didn't appear that any of them had been turned to stone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Suddenly the mouth of a massive cavern loomed up in front of me. It had been blocked by a stone Titan and a centaur. Trite didn't really need anyone to rescue her from the foaltaurs. I shook my head in disgust. Slowly, I flew over the statues and into the cavern. The shield glowed with a pale silver light. Two more centaur statues were further in. One was rearing up as if he was about to trample someone. I flew over him and came upon three sleeping shapes. Three girls with a tangled mass of serpent locks. I was horrified. It looked like the girls were sleeping in a nest of snakes. The middle one was clearly Trite. Her arms were rapped around the smallest girl, who looked very pale. I drew out my knife and bent over. I kept having to tell myself that they were murderers. They deserved to die. They had been killing people. But they looked so much like innocent girls.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Suddenly, the biggest girl sat up, her Snakes flared out hissing in every direction. Neither her nor the snakes appeared to see. She looked right through me. The snakes hissed, flicking out tongues.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“We ssmell blood.” they hissed. I shuddered. They couldn't even see the glowing shield. The Gorgon reached over and shook Trite hard.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Wake up sister.” she whispered, “Something is wrong.” Trite sat up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Amphitrite, Medusa.” the little girl cried, “What's happening?”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Get up!” Medusa barked, “Someone's here.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Not again.” the child wailed, “I wanna go home.” She buried her face in Trite's coat. I winced. I couldn't do it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So there I was with drawn knife, glowing shield, and hovering only inches from fulfilling quest, and unable to do it. I was the loser that everyone thought I was. I lowered my knife. If I fulfilled my quest I would never be able to consider myself anything except the murderer I was. Taking the life of a murderer, in cold blood is never justified.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Amphitrite, there is someone in the cave.” the little girl whispered, “I can feel it.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Me too.” Medusa hissed, “Serpentine girls, prepare for battle.” Her snakes reared up, their eyes glowing red.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Wait!” Trite ordered, she took a step forward. One more step and she would bump into me. I leaned backwards, but I didn't dare move for fear she would detect me. As it was I couldn't even breathe. Her eyes were looking right through me. I looked away.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Poseidon?” Trite said, her voice sounding loud in the cave, “Are you in here?”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Who is Poseidon?” Medusa asked, “Why wouldn't we be able to see him?” she looked around, “If you are in here Mr. Ghost, I will have your bones turned to stone inside your still living body.” I forced myself not to grimace. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Why would he be here?” the little girl, “Isn't he the boy Olympian?”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“You're right, Circe.” Medusa snapped, as she pounded her fists together, “Just let me get my hands on him.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Poseidon, we know you are there, come out!” Trite ordered in a louder voice, “Tell Neptune to stop skulking in the shadows too.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Put your turbans on.” I said. Trite screamed and leaped backwards, knocking Medusa over. Circe cowered into the shadows.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Where are you?” Medusa cried, leaping to her feet. Her snakes were going crazy. I flitted behind her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Put your turbans on!” I ordered.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Trite unwrapped a colorful piece of cloth from around her waist and started tying her snakes up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“What are you doing?” Medusa cried.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Put your serpents away, sister.” Trite ordered, “I know this person.” She didn't really. Circe started tying her snakes away.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“You're all making a terrible choice!” Medusa snapped, “He's here to kill us, just like all those other vermin.” She tied her snakes away.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Show yourself.” Trite ordered. She put one arm around Circe and stared straight ahead. I took off Hades' cap. The three Gorgon sisters screamed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Oh please, you never thought me scarey before.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Not even when you were attacking the warebeasts with your fork.” Trite gasped.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I never carried a fork.” I snapped, “Trident and Fork are very different.” </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“No they are not!” Medusa snapped, and reached for her turban.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Don't you dare!” I snapped, “And yes, they are different.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Is it because one has more prongs?” Circe asked timidly, as she peeked out from behind Trite.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Forks have four and tridents have three.” I said with a smile.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Oh please.” Medusa cried, “As if anyone cared at all.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Anyone with a bit of common sense, would know the difference.” I snapped. We glared at each other.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Poseidon, why didn't you kill us?” Trite demanded, still without looking at me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“What made you think I was here to kill you?” I asked sharply.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“The Gray Sisters warned me.” she said coldly, as she turned and faced me, “I figured we were safe once you were all the way at the other end of the world. How you got here so fast is beyond me.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“We found the Nymphs of the North.” I said dryly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“And the Lord of the Underworld.” she said gesturing at the cap of Invisibility.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“He's my brother.” I retorted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I know.” I snapped. I guess there wasn't a lot she didn't know.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I guested helplessly around. The situation was incredibly awkward. I wished myself somewhere else.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I thought you were monsters, but apparently I was wrong.” I was lamely.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I noticed you spying on me in the Black Forest.” Trite said angrily, “Yet you still came after us.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“How was I supposed to know-?” I stopped, everything I was saying, sounded really pathetic.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Lets kill him.” Medusa grumbled, “Served him right for spying on you and sneaking in on us.” I opened my mouth, than closed it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Suddenly Circe stood up. She glanced around, there was a concerned look on her face.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Someone is coming.” she whispered, “I can feel it. Do you have a friend with you?”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Where is Neptune?” Trite cried, as she sprang to her feet.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“He was on the edge of the clearing.” I protested, “He wouldn't come in here.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“He would if he thought you were being murdered.” Trite said grimly. She peered past me. I stood up and turned around. There was a rumbled and the cave shook. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Water came pouring in, with a deafening roar. The girls screamed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I told you it was a trap!” Medusa cried, and backed further into the cave.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Get out, before it's to deep!” I yelled. Water rushed over my feet. A second wave brought it past my knees. I grasped Circe and pulled her onto my back. Now the water was up to my chest. I forced myself ahead of the current. Trite grabbed hold of my right arm and Medusa my left. Together we kicked and splashed towards the exit. Then the water was over our heads. I yelled, my mouth was filled with water and the force of the current tore me away from the Gorgons. I was sent careening to the back of the cave. My body struck the rock wall and everything went black.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poseidon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hatchling, 12, Year of the Green Horse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 25,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I awoke to find myself lying on my stomach in the mud. I coughed and spit dirty water out of my mouth. The sun was high overhead. I sat up. My whole left side hurt, like one massive bruise. Neptune was leaning over me with a look of concern on his face. The trees which had started budding as they always did in the Hatchling season, were devoid of all by the thickest branches. The stone statues were broken and crumpled. Everything was wet and washed over.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“What happened?” I asked, as I stood up. I grasped my aching side and groaned softly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“You went into that cave.” Neptune said, “Suddenly, I hear this roaring sound and the water came cascading out of Midard and washed right through here and into the cave. It carried you and three people out. I got you and the little one. Some monster she was. Just an itty bitty little thing.” He gestured at what I had thought was his cloak lying on the ground. I realized that it was covering Circe. I ran to her side. She coughed and sat up. There was a gash on her forehead and an ugly darkening bruise on her left cheek. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Circe, are you alright?” I asked softly. She sprang to her feet and flung her arms around sobbing hysterically.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I want Trite and Dusa.” she cried, “I want baba.” I caught Neptune rolling his eyes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“You go to kill someone and they great you like their dearest friend.” he said dryly. I glared at him. But I pushed Circe away.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Can you walk?” I asked. She nodded sniffling.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“come on, then.” I said, and stood up, “Lets go find your sisters.” I held out my hand to her. She took it. It was then that I noticed all of her snakes were flowing lose. I had not turned to stone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Neptune, Circe and I followed the path that the flood had taken. It was very rare to get floods this far into Hatchling. They usually happened in the Floodway season.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“That wasn't an ordinary flood.” Neptune whispered in my ear, “Don't tell the little girl, but I suspect Nereus tried to kill us.” I froze. It had to be Nereus. He was the only one left that could command the floods. Unless it was the Amazons. They did have my Trident. Zeus would kill me if the Amazons attacked him with my trident. I groaned. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Circe had run on a little way, she suddenly fell to her knees and scooped up armfuls of bedraggled water lilies.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Look at the flowers.” she cried excitedly, “Aren't they beautiful? The flood must have dropped them here.” I wasn't watching her, I was looking past her. A group of men and women carrying ropes and torches were walking up the muddy path towards us. I snatched Neptune's cloak and flung it over Circe's head.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The villagers were mostly Star People. I wondered why they were doing in Cepheus' kingdom. They stared at us suspiciously.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“What happened?” I asked them in the Star language. They relaxed a little.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“We sacrificed the Gorgon to the Krakan.” their leader said with a laugh, “Now the Underwater Realm and the Unknown Waters will go to war over blood.” he laughed, “The Star People shall reclaim their birthright.” I grasped Circe's hand and ran past the mob. Who had been sacrificed? Medusa or Trite?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poseidon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hatchling, 13, Year of the Green Horse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 26,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We walked all night. Neptune and I took turns carrying Circe. She was small for her, looking to be about thirteen or fourteen. She was also incredibly light, but that did not mean she was easy to carry. We reached the Southern shores of the Unknown Waters in the late afternoon. We were met by Medusa. She was kneeling on the shore, crying. We ran to her. Circe flung her arms around her sister.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Medusa.” she sobbed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Where's Trite?” I demanded. Medusa pointed. I could make out the shadowy shape of a rock in the distance, but I could not see the third sister.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“They chained her to the rock, so the kraken will take her.” she cried, “I couldn't catch up fast enough.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Surely, you could have swam.” I protested, as I started to unstrap my shield and knife.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“We belong to the freshwater of the Sea World. We will die if we enter the Unknown Waters.” Medusa cried, “Are you really that incredibly stupid?” I probably was.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“In that case, I'll fly.” I said.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Fly?” my three companions repeated. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I restrapped on the shield, and put the knife back into my sash. I started to toss the bag aside.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Wait, did that come from the Nymphs of the North?” Medusa cried, “You can fill it with the Seven Worlds and it will not get any bigger or heavier.” She opened it wide and slid inside, disappearing int the opening. The cloth remained flat. I gaped. Medusa poked her head out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Ugh.” I yelled, jumping back.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Wonder boy, if you fly, take me to my sister.” she ordered and vanished again. I picked up the bag gingerly. It was as light as usual. I hung it from my shoulder.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Circe grasped my arm. There was a pleading look on her face. I shook my head.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“No, Circe. Stay with Neptune.” I ordered, than I leaped into the air. The last thing I heard as I soared off over the water was Neptune and Circe yelling. I smiled. Not all of my secrets had been discovered.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I reached the rock and landed on the top. Trite was chained to ledge, her feet only inches above the water. Whether or not there really was a sea monster, Trite chief danger lay in being consumed by the salt water when the tide covered the rock. I took the bag off and dropped it onto the rock, than I slid down to the ledge. Trite screamed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Oh please.” I groaned, “Please tell me you have gotten used to me appearing out of nowhere.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Just stop it.” she snapped.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I'm trying to save your life.” I retorted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Well you can stop it!” she cried.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I don't expect a thank you, but you don't need to be rude about it.” I said in a grieved voice.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A terrible rumble filled the air. The waters began to churn in a deadly whirlpool. A terrible reek filled the air.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Flee.” Trite gasped, “Or you too will be devoured by the sea monster!”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Never!” I cried, and pulled at the chains. A monstrous creature burst out of the water, looking like next of serpents. Each head was twice as thick as the rock we stood on. It towered into the air, screaming and hissing. Medusa slid down to join us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Woah, that is some serious snake.” she gaped.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“She brought my sister too?” Trite screamed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Try to get the chains off!” I yelled and swooped into the air. The first serpentine head had spied us. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I only had my little knife, but I plunged foolishly down and slice at the head. A narrow stripe of oozing black blood appeared on the scaly skin. The kraken screamed again and all it's heads snapped at me. I flew up out of reach, than dived again, aiming at the eyes. I repeated this maneuver a few more times. But it really wasn't getting anywhere. I needed something longer than a knife. I hurled my small blade deep into one of the serpent mouths. The Kraken reared up screaming then dived into the water, sending geysers of water spurting in all directions. It would be back. But hopefully we would be gone. I flew back to the rock. The two girls were shivering. Salt water was dripping off of them. They looked miserable. I guessed they couldn't breathe in salt water. I wondered if I could.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Did you kill it?” Medusa asked hopefully. Water was lapping at her ankles. The tide was moving in.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Are you kidding me, I only had a knife.” I retorted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Use your trident, you idiot!” Trite screamed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I haven't got it.” I muttered, “The Amazons stole it.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“What?” Trite looked like it was going to explode.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“You mean to tell me that the Amazons could control the water?” Medusa demanded and gnashed her teeth. I scowled.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The water was up to Trite's neck by the time we managed to free one of her hands. I pulled her up on the rock as high as I could. But one hand was still chained awkwardly. Still the water crawled higher. We pulled and tore, but the chain held. The moon was waning when we noticed the tide was going down. Only a few more inches and Trite would have drowned. We let the water retreat several feet before sliding back down to the ledge. We had survived the night.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poseidon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hatchling, 14, Year of the Green Horse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 27,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“You too are insane.” Trite cried, “You should save yourself.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I would never leave you.” Medusa said sharply, “You know that.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“You need to live for Circe.” Trite said with a smile.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Allow me to succeed with something.” I said dryly. Trite smile turned on me. A warm feeling rushed through me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Suddenly, the rock shook and the kraken heads exploded from the water, sniffing at us. We were surrounded. The idiotic beast looked disappointed to discover that we were still alive. Several of the massive heads opened wide and reared up, ready to plunge down and swallow us. I snatched up the bag. A desperate and extremely silly plan began to form in my mind.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Medusa get in the bag!” I yelled, and grasped her arm. She pushed me away.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I'm not leaving, my sister!” she screamed over the roaring beast. The bag was knocked out of my hand. There was only one more thing to try. I unstrapped the shield from my back and flew upwards. I angled the shield so a ray of sunlight was blinding the beast. It screamed and tried to get away from the light. Maybe I could drive it away?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The kraken reared up again, blocking the ray of light. The reflection was cut off. Two heads shot towards me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Medusa!” I yelled, angling the shield again. Her serpents hissed and rose up, exploding out of her turban. Her reflection was perfectly mirrored in the shield. The kraken screamed and veered away from what it must have guessed was the head of a grinning gorgon. Unfortunately for it, as soon as it turned it made eye contact with the real Gorgon. Two heads instantly turned to stone and sank dragging the other seven heads down. The krakan screamed louder and struggled. Medusa climbed onto the top of the stone and let her snakes hiss at the kraken. Another head turned to stone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I flew down to the rock and smashed the rim of the shield against the chain. The shield shattered and burst into thousands of tiny sparkling pieces which fell into water and vanished forever. Trite fell into my arms sobbing. I carried her onto the top of the rock where Medusa was. She was having trouble getting the last four heads to look at her. Gently I untied Trite's hair. Maybe two of them together would be stronger. But if only I had my trident.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The kraken's bloated body emerged from the water and came crashing down on top of us. The three stone heads must have been a terrible pain, but it seemed determined to destroy us. The two Gorgon's screamed and clutched at me, we cowered back ready to die. Red hot anger surged through every fiber of my body. We could not die. I had not wasted so much time trying to save these girls for them to die now. The water began to curl and spin. I willed it to strangle the beast. To my surprise and horror huge waves of water rose out of the water and caught hold of the kraken. He was yanked back. For one terrible second it's four living pairs of eyes were staring at us in shock. Than Trite and Medusa's serpents hissed and the kraken turned to stone. It's massive bloated body was dragged down into the depths by it's seven stone heads.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“We did it!” Medusa screamed and jumped into the air, waving her hands and dancing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“What happened there?” Trite whispered, as she gazed at me. I shook my head, suddenly wary. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Wouldn't it be nice if a bridge appeared out of nowhere.” I joked uneasily. The water hadn't really done what I commanded it to do. That was a simple wave and a coincidence. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Medusa leaped off the rock. Trite screamed and leaped to her feet. I ran after her. I froze. The stone heads had been lined up to make a natural bridge. Rocks didn't float. Medusa was dancing down it towards shore.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“You can command salt water?” Trite accused, “You stopped the beast and made the bridge.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Did not!” I retorted feeling even more uneasy. She shook her head.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Well, you won't convince me otherwise.” she said lightly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“We'll see about that!” I laughed, and scooped her up into my arms. She screamed. I jumped off the rock and glided towards shore. We reached it a split second before Medusa.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Neptune and Circe came running to greet us. There was hugging and kissing all around. The stone bridge sank into the water and vanished. I shivered. It couldn't have been me. Maybe Circe or Neptune had a little secret that saved us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I can't believe you saved our lives.” Trite whispered to me, as we sat down around Neptune's fire.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I cannot believe those monsters tried to sacrifice you.” Neptune snorted. Trite rolled her eyes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I should have been watching our backs. They have been trying to make things sour between all the countries.” she said, “This was purely political.” A sour feeling twisted in my country. Was killing Medusa a political plot? Was I being set up?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“You have been silent, Poseidon.” Neptune said, as he handed me a little flat fish, “What is on your mind?” I shook my head.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Nothing, I think I have to get back- back-” I stopped.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Home?” Circe suggested. I nodded slowly. Home was where the heart was. I had no home.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“We'll come with you.” Trite said with a smile, as she took my arm.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I'm going to the Underwater Realm.” I protested.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“You're what?” Neptune gasped. Medusa and Circe stared wide eyed. Trite frowned at them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“We're still going. You all keep your mouths shut.” she snapped. I nibbled at the fish. Why did I feel as if I was the only one who was missing out on some secret?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poseidon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hatchling, 20, Year of the Green Horse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 28,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So the three Gorgon sisters could breathe underwater. They had to be Nereus' subjects. It was even worse than I thought. Ion must have deliberately tried to get me to murder them, to get me in trouble. We had to say goodbye to Neptune, as we had no sea cloak for him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Good luck Poseidon.” he shouted after us, “Don't let them bully you.” I wondered what exactly he meant.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Four Sea Goblins found us pretty quickly. They didn't seem terribly surprised, but they did force us to accompany them. We were brought to the palace of Nereus. As we entered the city, all of the citizens gathered in the streets to stare. They whispered, pointed and drew after us. I felt even more depressed. Maybe they had noticed my strange absence. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We were brought into the antechamber of the palace and told to wait. The two Sea Goblins swam off. But servants and courtiers peered out from behind doors and pillars at us. Medusa made faces at them. Circe squeezed between Trite and me. She looked scared. Trite took my hand.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Everything is going to be alright.” she whispered. I nodded. But inwardly I knew it was not going to be alright. Even if I survived Nereus, I would not survive Zeus. I had lost Hermes and Hades' hats, the Nymphs shield and bag, and my trident. Not to mention I had probably ruined Hermes' sandals and started several feuds.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>One of the guards came back and jerked his thumb at the door of the conference hall.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“They want you to come immediately.” he drawled. I stood up and started towards the door. The girls followed. The doors were pulled open and the crowded court stared at us. My heart sank to the soles of Hermes' sandals. Zeus was seated next to Nereus. So he had been informed about my strange departure. So much for delaying all of my troubles.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Zeus sprang to my feet as if he had seen a ghost. I took a step and grimaced. I had forgotten about my bruises. I wasn't going to limp. I straightened up.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“You are alive?” Zeus gaped. I glanced around.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I am.” I said stupidly, realizing he was speaking about me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Ares told me the Amazons had your trident.” Zeus explained, “At the same time Nereus told me you were missing.” the Sea King glowered at me. I shrugged.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“When did Ares tell you that?” I asked.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I got the message on the twenty-fifth of the Floodway Season.” Zeus said sharply. Five days after we had left the army post.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“So the Amazons are attacking?” I asked.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“They left a massive slaughter behind.” Zeus said grimly, “Ares said they were lucky to get out of there.” I wasn't sorry for them at all.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Well, right before that Apollo, Athena and I were lucky to escape the army.” I growled. Murmurs ran throughout the room. I had to tell them about our visit. Zeus groaned. I figured Ares had probably glossed over that part of the story.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nereus stood up and cleared his throat. Circe let out a squeal and ran to him. My jaw dropped as she jumped into his arms.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Baba.” she cried. I dropped my head into my hands. The Gorgons were Nereus' daughters. Things were worse than I thought. Nereus embraced his youngest daughter than waved his two older ones over. But he was looking over their heads at me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Tell me, O Poseidon, why did you disappear all of a sudden without warning?” he asked grimly. All eyes were on me. I wished desperately for Hades' cap. But it was lost somewhere in the Unknown Waters.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I stood up as tall as I could and did my finest bow. Than I scanned the room until my eyes rested on Ion. He was staring at me as if he didn't quite know what to think.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“My business is my own.” I said dryly, “I am not your slave, nor your councilor.” A gasp went through the room. Ion cringed. I turned away from him. He got the message. Our business was far from done. Zeus was glowering. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I never made you either of those things, Poseidon!” he growled, “But I would appreciate it if you would try to cooperate. I made Hades lord of the Underworld, because I thought you would cooperate better than him.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I have cooperated just fine!” I growled right back, “I just took a journey down the Belt of Orion, through the Illyrian Forest, and the Great Mire. I spoke to the Gray Sisters inside Mount Gelga. I went through the underground tunnels, the jungles of the Amazons, crossed the Styble and barely avoided Arthenan. I crossed the Dike, been run out of the army, crossed the Bay of Uranus, entered the Black Forest and returned alive from the Underworld. I spoke with the Nymphs of the North, sailed down the Channel, and through this Realm without being noticed, made it to Midard, discovered the Gorgon sisters without being turned to stone, survived two floods, a Krakan, and high tide, don't tell me I should have told someone or got an escort.” I stopped talking and took a deep breath.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nereus' face had suddenly turned as pale as snow. He trembled. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Father.” Trite cried, and helped him sit down, “You're ill.” </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I've been a fool.” Nereus muttered. He pushed his daughter away and stood.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“You went down the Belt of Orion?” he demanded, is that where you met the first flood.” I nodded, “And the second one in Midard?” I nodded again. He sat down again and groaned.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“You started both of those floods didn't you?” I accused.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I had no idea that you were anywhere near those lakes.” Nereus protested with a sideways look at Zeus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Than why did you do it?” I growled.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“We purify the lakes every year.” Nereus muttered.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“During Floodway.” I protested, “Neither time was during the Floodway.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Sometime there are floods during Rushing Water and early Hatchling Seasons.” Ion protested, “You insult his majesty.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“How dare you even speak to me!” I shouted, “You were the one that put him up to those floods.” He recoiled as if I had struck him. Angry murmurs filled the room.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Enough!” Zeus roared. He slammed a thunderbolt against the floor, cracking the smooth marble. The chamber became instantly silent. My brother stepped into the middle of the floor and strode over to my side.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“What?” I asked.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Stop speaking like Hades, Poseidon.” he snarled, “Tell us what's going on!”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Aye sir.” I said saluting. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I stepped into the middle of the floor and looked around. No one moved.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“It is no secret that Nereus dislikes me.” I growled. Zeus looked startled, “Knowing this his courtiers have attempted to gain favoritism by being spiteful, but I that wasn't my problem. I've survived this kind of behavior all of my life. But one day one of the courtiers approached me. He had always been much more pleasant to me than anyone else. Maybe I should have learned to not trust people by than, but I listened to him. Call me a fool if you will. He informed me that the Underwater Realm was being oppressed by monsters.” I hesitated, “Monsters that can turn people into stone.” Gasps ran throughout the room.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Erm- Poseidon.” Zeus said with a cough, “Haven't you ever met Nereus' daughters?” I shook my head.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I didn't even know he had a family.” I protested.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Maybe if you tried a little harder.” Nereus growled. I shook my head.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Maybe I could have tried harder. But I wasn't encouraged either.” I said softly, “The point is, I did it on good faith. I had no idea that this was a setup. Obviously, a plan to start a war.” I hesitated than continued, “If I killed the Gorgons, Nereus would have started a war with Zeus. If the Gorgon's killed me, than Zeus would have started a war with Nereus. Either way it was guaranteed war.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I stopped talking and let a heavy silence sink over the room. Zeus and Nereus were exchanging looks. Than Amphitrite left her father and walked over to me. She put both hands around my neck and looked me right in the face. I met her gaze unwaveringly. I did not care if she turned me into stone or not.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I believe you.” she whispered, “You proved yourself better than any of us. I am sorry that my people made your life a nightmare. I am as guilty as the rest of them.” I wrapped my arms around her waist. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“If you want to keep on doing it for the rest of your life, you may.” I said with a grin.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Is that a formal marriage proposal?” she demanded. I smirked.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“It's probably an informal one, as your father wasn't consulted.” I said, “Last time I talked to him it wasn't friendly.”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“I'm quite old enough to make up my own mind!” she said firmly, and that was the last thing we said for awhile. But I could feel the whole court gaping at us.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poseidon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hatchling, 30, Year of the Green Horse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 29,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is only a few more pages left in this little journal. I saved them for today. Now that I'm getting married to Amphitrite, Nereus' daughter, who incidentally is the oldest, in spite of looking younger than Medusa, Nereus had to make a more formal treaty with Zeus. It was rather a relief for me that he didn't actually apologize or grovel before me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“You might actually turn out well.” he told me in a grudging voice. That, coming from him, was better than all the apologies and praise from everyone else. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I guess there isn't much to say about the wedding. It happened. Everyone showed up, even Hades and Ares. There was a slight scuffle over our special gifts. I thought Zeus was going to explode when he found out. It wasn't pleasant to know that the Titans could take us out at any moment, with my trident. Thankfully Hermes' hat had flown right back to him. But I had to promise that I would spend the rest of my life hunting down Hades' cap, or die in the attempt. I wondered if I could command the waters to bring it back. I would have to give it a try later.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poseidon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sproutling, 1, year of the Green Horse</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 30,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I must record one last thing. I was awakened very early by someone pounding on my chamber. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Lord Poseidon come quick.” whoever it was shouted. Trite said something very pleasant.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Go away.” I said translating it into more appropriate language.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Get out of bed, Poseidon.” Hades roared through the door, “I got my cap back.” Startled, I leaped out of bed and dressed quickly. Trite got up too, looking rather displeased.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I burst out the door and nearly tripped over Hades and a servant. Hades was holding his damp cap.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“How did you get that?” I demanded. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“The tide turned around.” Hades said with a tight voice, “It's flowing North now. It washed right into the palace.” Surely, I had not done that.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“So you got your hat back.” Trite snapped, as she peered over my shoulder, “So what?” Hades glowered at her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“That wasn't the point.” my brother hissed, “I actually-”</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“Lord Poseidon.” the merboy servant interrupted, “There is something weird going on in the water.” He turned and swam quickly back down the hall. Trite and I raced after him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>To my surprise we left the palace and surfaced. It looked like the entire court and all her guests had done likewise. Those not used to living underwater were wearing shining fish scale cloaks that glimmered in the early morning sunlight. Much closer to shore, but still in the water was an enormous pink and gold shell, drawn by two swans. In the center of the shell rested the most beautiful creature I had ever laid my eyes on. A tall woman dressed in white and gold with golden flowing hair that shone like the sun itself. We could see the sparkle of her blue eyes all the way from where we stood on the Nyad's Island.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“That is a woman to kill for.” Ares whistled.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“That is trouble.” Hephaestus muttered gloomily.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“That is trouble!” all the women echoed my twin brother. They glared at us men. Trite even smacked me. But I wasn't noticing this odd dazzling beauty. I couldn't help but notice the way the water foamed and churned about her. Something sinister was at work. Probably something to do with my Trident. If anything, I bet that woman was an Amazon spy. I would have to pay attention and keep my mouth shut.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Poseidon</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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To Be Continued</div>
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with</div>
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Diary of a Working Prince</div>
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Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-7012621234112413662020-03-30T08:16:00.000-07:002020-03-30T08:16:06.834-07:00Camp NaNo April 2020<div style="text-align: center;">
+</div>
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+JMJ+</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, I guess I failed in November, so I'm still working on the same book. But at least I've started writing more. Maybe there is some good in this quarantine business after all. :D</div>
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<br /></div>
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Anyway here's the link. <a href="https://nanowrimo.org/participants/catholic-writer/projects/lords-of-olympus-part-3" target="_blank">https://nanowrimo.org/participants/catholic-writer/projects/lords-of-olympus-part-3</a> The idea is to get through as many of the diaries as possible, because this is "Prince Charming Diaries volume 3, the Lords of Olympus." I'll probably make it through one and a half since my word goal is only 25,000 words. Last time I chose that many, I finished in about week. Maybe that means I'll finish by the end of the month. :D</div>
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Zeus' story, completed- won't be doing this part</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJB49EkkzGUXGTmoarbK6l20WAIIRhth6p0BeCchxDqH2aZ-qDnxq2BTyTPQZTDD_f7Ts1HUhJVTnpKHMpEd6Yv6WqJz-UdQS92hMVoDX53O8WQ5fctZbMGeQdiyoiqRBweTmM5HlsEizf/s1600/d2662e932437e397a81c90bf36919211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1081" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJB49EkkzGUXGTmoarbK6l20WAIIRhth6p0BeCchxDqH2aZ-qDnxq2BTyTPQZTDD_f7Ts1HUhJVTnpKHMpEd6Yv6WqJz-UdQS92hMVoDX53O8WQ5fctZbMGeQdiyoiqRBweTmM5HlsEizf/s400/d2662e932437e397a81c90bf36919211.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
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Zeus has lived all his life with the sea people, venturing into the land of the humans he discovers the terrible secret of his past. Can he avoid destiny and prove himself a good leader?</div>
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Hades' story, completed- won't be doing this part</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMUr1wxxh5xVtV_ejX4YPmWblQW8mHtZ0A4qltPOx_5JmnX8lmIYlTFvzUELmhxd5I4mPFpX8LT7kLj1FsK3kXoXoGZneXp34NwaTQMe3pWlioEpKylS6YNWyS1AIEt8jEISYJ1lRSSTL/s1600/Hades.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1119" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMUr1wxxh5xVtV_ejX4YPmWblQW8mHtZ0A4qltPOx_5JmnX8lmIYlTFvzUELmhxd5I4mPFpX8LT7kLj1FsK3kXoXoGZneXp34NwaTQMe3pWlioEpKylS6YNWyS1AIEt8jEISYJ1lRSSTL/s400/Hades.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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Hades wants to destroy Zeus more then anything. Everything he does is to try and upset his big brother. But when he actually has the chance to get rid of Zeus, will he take it, or is there some goodness left in him?</div>
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Poseidon's Story, completed- won't be doing this part</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUlhfJaxSpGLZbA966M1Br0wcoizb7V8PHaW2KM01zhLW7EYRa5z8KlfVmhhzsETiBu71xXLCoTHWzI_DLAAsv9yp1IV7gZercH6ZZDd0W_4xH6FtTcEYW8CXeJLWuKKxwjgUP-Ur-tl5/s1600/f7c768fc7b2848222eac78264608dd30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1255" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUlhfJaxSpGLZbA966M1Br0wcoizb7V8PHaW2KM01zhLW7EYRa5z8KlfVmhhzsETiBu71xXLCoTHWzI_DLAAsv9yp1IV7gZercH6ZZDd0W_4xH6FtTcEYW8CXeJLWuKKxwjgUP-Ur-tl5/s400/f7c768fc7b2848222eac78264608dd30.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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Poseidon desperately wants to prove himself a friend to the man who he admires, but absolutely despises him. When the rumor of two destructive monsters are whispered in his ear, he eagerly sets out to help the king of the Sea by ridding him of Medusa and her sisters.</div>
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But is Poseidon being set up for a trap to start a war between Zeus and the Sea People?</div>
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Hephaestus' Story, not started- I'll be starting fresh on this one on the first.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAdIQi41LwUxaf2QPAbiHezutgAJTqt3pgVFT38Y6-S7xwWf7GUbKmwr1HLBAGRiUansMZPGn1_NnIK4e2VfOFyvS-rRq1UfahoCCC0JqWgJPr4Qk7c5Wf04FOLvxniA6aV7hY8doaVwQ/s1600/hep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="686" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAdIQi41LwUxaf2QPAbiHezutgAJTqt3pgVFT38Y6-S7xwWf7GUbKmwr1HLBAGRiUansMZPGn1_NnIK4e2VfOFyvS-rRq1UfahoCCC0JqWgJPr4Qk7c5Wf04FOLvxniA6aV7hY8doaVwQ/s400/hep.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hephaestus is not only a cripple, but ugly as well. No wants to be friends with him. But he doesn't care. He leads a simple life, that is until the beauteous Aphrodite appears in Sea World. War for the hand of the lovely creature is inevitable until Zeus chooses a husband for her. Hephaestus is not sure what he thinks of his new wife. Hades and Poseidon think she is an Amazon spy, and the younger boys thinks he shouldn't have married her. When a Minotaur starts ravaging one of the cities in the Realm of the Free People, Hephaestus, Aphrodite and the rest of Arganots set off into the Unknown Waters to discover the heritage of Aphrodite and find a way to destroy the ravaging beast. But is this a trap to take Zeus' best warriors from him and get them where the Amazons want them? The Warrioresses do have a Poseidon's trident.</div>
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Can Hephaestus convince Aphrodite to stay with him, or will he lose her like everything else?</div>
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Apollo's Story</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Q5Z4MgFVsLZSpxG2GPWjBUMJU8_JmySbEUDpbIkqTVvjZWIrgxYrS0WoVDu3tFpYgm174jSGAtFeq6BGmHMkohMbvdL55K3lZitKtGFukQktH0llHMqa5knthkAXbOLNHD1wFB3vshWv/s1600/apollo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="604" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Q5Z4MgFVsLZSpxG2GPWjBUMJU8_JmySbEUDpbIkqTVvjZWIrgxYrS0WoVDu3tFpYgm174jSGAtFeq6BGmHMkohMbvdL55K3lZitKtGFukQktH0llHMqa5knthkAXbOLNHD1wFB3vshWv/s400/apollo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Golden boy of the Star People. Apollo's singing can melt even the hardest of hearts and his music can make even the cruelest dance until they drop. But when he is accused of stealing the Golden Fleece of the Amazons and thwarting hard one peace, he discovers that he is on his own a hunted criminal who must solve the mystery on his own and prove his innocence. Zeus has refused aide, even his twin sister cannot help him. For the first time Apollo must rely on his own wit<br />
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Ares' Story</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VXP2CbLY5c3waWVLgmj2LHxJiLWhJn7__PoE7qHSuEZg6u9FsT-CfsXV8Eus_vZ3MxnqiWJWmyH51cAUcTAfx6t8OGo6FI8ePB57ET3ZGowAf_PVZFvcAWp0Fzeodj2MrCSN6jX8EWA9/s1600/ares.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VXP2CbLY5c3waWVLgmj2LHxJiLWhJn7__PoE7qHSuEZg6u9FsT-CfsXV8Eus_vZ3MxnqiWJWmyH51cAUcTAfx6t8OGo6FI8ePB57ET3ZGowAf_PVZFvcAWp0Fzeodj2MrCSN6jX8EWA9/s400/ares.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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With his love of violence, blood and war, Ares and the half fury Aris sow discord wherever they go, until they are caught and assigned to serve a common lord. Seven impossible labors Ares and Aris must fulfill before they can be freed. If not for the help of the mysterious rebel Hercules, they would have failed. Can Ares and Aris bring peace instead of war or will they be unable to change?</div>
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Hermes' Story</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVNw0TXHpYNHBmuH6dMZTn3CEcUzY_hxbknhbd5NHWJTXfZGOvRJVPtPZKUW3SHaO4dDt0V9ZHxzZq83NzekX3Pd3VlphAc1W0SRfqeNREcfAaHgZRmHgVcyXj_900v9zN7CB4BgEbXGm/s1600/hernes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="601" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVNw0TXHpYNHBmuH6dMZTn3CEcUzY_hxbknhbd5NHWJTXfZGOvRJVPtPZKUW3SHaO4dDt0V9ZHxzZq83NzekX3Pd3VlphAc1W0SRfqeNREcfAaHgZRmHgVcyXj_900v9zN7CB4BgEbXGm/s400/hernes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hermes dearly loves playing jokes, especially on his more serious and gloomy brothers. But when he steals Apollo's cows for a joke, and accidentally loses them all, he realizes he may have gone a tad bit to far. Apollo is ready to kill him. In exchange for his safety he gives Apollo The Box. "Keep it secret, keep it safe." Apollo gives it to Pandora who unleashes a series of events that only Hermes will be able to stop. It may involve some first rate stealing and sneaking.</div>
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Dionysus's Story</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnfb8V0EVRvpsx3RUSLD-WrkJ1a9ipTCOIL-HUb6aOtZL_EczXEi4V8nKOis_VTJyQlh2Yn9BixjI_8E0E4jx0iRdGb3GYiZHnxWOHrKPc9a0fyjsAwjespzmIsaUAW_arn4ktH75R45p/s1600/dionysus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="595" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnfb8V0EVRvpsx3RUSLD-WrkJ1a9ipTCOIL-HUb6aOtZL_EczXEi4V8nKOis_VTJyQlh2Yn9BixjI_8E0E4jx0iRdGb3GYiZHnxWOHrKPc9a0fyjsAwjespzmIsaUAW_arn4ktH75R45p/s400/dionysus.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>
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Passed from one caretaker to the next, Dionysus grew up not really knowing his family, but with a wide range of skills, languages and knowledge. His happy return to Olympus is short lived. Aphrodite has helped Paris abduct the bride of Menelaus. Now all of Olympus is divided over the promising war. The riff widens to all of Sea World. What can possibly be the outcome of so terrible a division? Zeus forbids the Olympians to meddle, fearing it will stem to a battle between even them. But Dionysus cannot turn his back on what is right. To many people are in danger.</div>
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Bonus Story- The Voyage of Odysseus</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3hdt0CaPglq1iQ2I_5uTSzftRuaRB5Q4Rhjtb21V6ueN4SNg_6EgsTsuT1457SZ3lTHqBQdyle8Oaw3X76qvZJoGOhpOp_riEkr-Hsy_OPshF7CXWdYlcIIzddgWgvilapP_wVbfjlcC/s1600/cyclades_couv_finale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1200" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3hdt0CaPglq1iQ2I_5uTSzftRuaRB5Q4Rhjtb21V6ueN4SNg_6EgsTsuT1457SZ3lTHqBQdyle8Oaw3X76qvZJoGOhpOp_riEkr-Hsy_OPshF7CXWdYlcIIzddgWgvilapP_wVbfjlcC/s400/cyclades_couv_finale.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The terrible war is over, many people are dead or brutally injured for life. It seems Odysseus and loyal companions are doomed to sail the Unknown Waters in search of their homes.</div>
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Farewell for now,</div>
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~The Author</div>
Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3418295510834974302.post-17518502686575794522020-03-25T15:31:00.002-07:002020-03-25T15:31:47.732-07:00Prince Charming Diaries vol. 3 Diary of a Sea Prince, Part 3<div style="text-align: center;">
+</div>
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+JMJ+</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Prince Charming Diaries Volume Three</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AlyB0DceTaBafIAwUkd9jzbqtYnTDYitAzh8zuzP0nHkmjCZb0eCsnjp62aehqu2uGTSlPP4qQHtxfoI14EU9iTQDyK9GaeIdzwmo8sltcxjIaKdlitlIiNrXgK9Zm6I0lNwBGCTK2dQ/s1600/Posidon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="1600" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3AlyB0DceTaBafIAwUkd9jzbqtYnTDYitAzh8zuzP0nHkmjCZb0eCsnjp62aehqu2uGTSlPP4qQHtxfoI14EU9iTQDyK9GaeIdzwmo8sltcxjIaKdlitlIiNrXgK9Zm6I0lNwBGCTK2dQ/s400/Posidon.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Part Three</div>
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Rushing Water, 23, Year of the Green Horse</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 7</div>
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When I awoke the this morning, Trite was gone and I was in terrible pain. I felt as if I had been beaten. When I tried to climb out of the tree, I ended up toppling down through the branches to the ground. I lay there a long time before I was able to rise.</div>
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Poseidon</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Rushing Water, 30, Year of the Green Horse</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 8</div>
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Sing praises of joy. I finally got out of that horrible forest with it's evil beasts. But now I'm in a fly beset swamp, wandering to, who knows where. This morning I came upon a village. The houses were made of mud Apparently, the mud at the bottom of the swamp hardens to an impenetrable clay. Unlike anywhere else, the mud goblins, who dwelt there, sold clay jars, barrels and statues for a living. They didn't seem to live off of the sea like all the other inhabitants of Sea World. They called the swamp the Great Mire and lived off the creatures that dwelt in the mud. Worm Stew or Maggot Paste seemed to be quite common dishes there. I nearly gagged, when a kindly old goblin matron, offered me some stew full of wiggling worms.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I finally found a clue to my quest. A great blue mud fire was built every night and the goblins gathered around it and shared stories. I was invited. I inquired about Medusa.</div>
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“Ah, that's bad.” their elder said. The others nodded and echoed him.</div>
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“Ain't a goblin alive who don't shudder at the name Medusa.” the elder said, “The Gorgons who feast on bare rock.”</div>
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“What's a gorgon?” I asked.</div>
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“A creature with the face of woman, the fangs of a serpent and hair like a nest of snakes. One look into her eyes and you are blinded forever. One look into the eyes of any of her serpents and you are changed to stone forever.”</div>
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“How does one go about slaying these creatures?” I asked.</div>
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“Ain't a being alive who could look into the face of the Gorgons and live.” the elder said.</div>
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“I aim to do just that.” I said grimly.</div>
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“Then thou art a fool, stranger.” the elder said.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“I have heard of the Gray Sisters.” another goblin cried, as he sprang to his feet, “There is a legend that tells of the three Gray Sisters who live in a land where the sun never shines and everything is as gray as dusk.”</div>
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“Hence gray sisters?” I asked with a smile. But no one else smiled.</div>
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“This is no laughing matter.” the elder said dryly, “You ever hear of the Spinx?” I nodded. I had even seen it before, but I didn't say so.</div>
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“You will be allowed three questions before you must flee for your life.” the elder said grimly.</div>
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“They say that the Sisters feast on human flesh.” one of the other goblins cried cheerfully.</div>
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“Sh.” another hissed. I felt my skin begin to crawl.</div>
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“What do they have to do with Medusa?” I whispered.</div>
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“The Gray sisters are the only ones alive who know the location of the Nymphs of the North. Legend says they know the secret way to destroy Gorgons.” the elder whispered. The other goblins nodded and murmured in agreement.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Where do you find these Gray Sisters from the sunless land?” I asked, as I stood up. Several flabby hands pulled me down again.</div>
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“You gotta go to the Gray Mountain.” one of the goblins hissed.</div>
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“Not tonight.” another cried.</div>
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“It's a terrible long ways away.”</div>
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“Best forget it all.”</div>
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“Medusa will soon make all the world sunless to you.”</div>
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“Start in the morning.”</div>
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“Best start next week.”</div>
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“Or next summer.”</div>
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“Maybe next year.”</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Where is the Gray Mountain?” I demanded, as I pushed the goblins away from me, “My mind is made up, I must battle Medusa or die in the attempt.”</div>
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“Best die quickly then.” the elder said dryly.</div>
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“Ever hear of Gelga?” another goblin asked.</div>
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“Sometimes called the Orphan?” I asked, “Because it's so far away from the other mountains.”</div>
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“That's her.” the elder said, “They say that if you crack open Gelga, you'll find the Gray Sisters in their dusky world.”</div>
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“I will then.” I said cheerfully.</div>
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“But tomorrow.” the goblins protested. I agreed.</div>
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Poseidon</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Floodway, 1, Year of the Green Horse</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 9</div>
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Goblins are slow to start. It took me a long time to get directions out of the slow creatures. But once I got the directions, I wasn't a lot happier. I have to go back West, over the Illyrian Forest and the Pipe. The Gray Mountain appeared to be between the Pipe and the Reflections Sea. Now I had to backtrack. It really was time to try out the Sandals and hat again.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The second try was nothing like the first one. I soared into the hair and over the heads of the astonished looking goblins. If I was careful about my balance, I remained upright. But every time I tried to turn, I would flip over. I had to throw my weight and shimmy around to the regain my balance. This was tricky. My head wanted to go one way, while my feet went the other. I think I could classify myself as a failure.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Gelga was gray. Her slopes were dull and dreary looking. She was completely barren of life force. Rather a dismal picture. The goblins had told me that the Gray Sisters were exceedingly bad tempered. I would be bad tempered too, if I had to live in such a wretched place. I landed elegantly with a bone jarring thump and promptly collapsed. Tears of pain squeezed out of my eyes, while I clutched at my ankles. </div>
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I staggered to my feet and stumbled up the rocky slopes, limping and groaning. I was a walking disaster. I had only taken a few feet, when the ground opened up underneath my own feet and swallowed me whole. Yelling and swearing, I bounced down a rocky uneven slide. I tried to stop myself, but I only succeeded in loosening more stones. I went faster and faster, and it got darker and colder. I dropped over a twelve foot drop, hit something that gave away underneath my weight, than snapped me back up. I bounced a few times, before coming to a quivering stop. It was pitch black.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Sisters.” a dull voice hissed in the darkness. Shivers ran up and down my back. I held my breath, listening. My heart was pounding so light, I was sure the voice could hear it.</div>
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“I am here, Deino.” an even duller voice sighed.</div>
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“And I.” a third one muttered. The third voice was quite close, in fact it was only a few inches away from my ear. Several wild thoughts raced through my mind. Should I try to run? Should I attack or call out? Every idea sounded worse than the previous one.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Slowly, I started sliding my hand about, hunting for the trident. There was a rustling sound, than a faint glow of light shone down on me. I bit back a scream. The light was coming from and a pale eye, which was hovering over my face. I blinked. Once my eyes grew somewhat accustomed to the light, I realized that the eye was not hovering. It was being held by two ashy colored slender fingers. Perhaps it was just the light.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Ah!” the third voice hissed from somewhere above the hovering eye. I shuddered and looked away. I didn't want to see the horrifying thing.</div>
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“What do you want?” I whispered.</div>
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“You fear Pemphredo?” the voice whispered, “All people fear me. I'm so lonely. You look like a sweet little boy. I want you to stay and be my little puppet.”</div>
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“Give me that!” the first voice snarled. Another hand snatched the eye and the light vanished. I darted forward, brushing against something soft, before crashing into something hard.</div>
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“Quick sisters.” the second voice cried, “The little man is escaping.” the eye began to glow again. I whirled and snatched it. Everything was immediately plunged into darkness again.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“The eye!” the first voice shrieked, “Which one of your fools has my eye?”</div>
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“It's not your eye!” the second voice cried, “It's mine too!”</div>
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“Mine! Give it back to me!” the third voice shouted.</div>
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“I have the eye!” I roared, “It's mine to destroy!”</div>
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“No!” three voices wailed, “Please give it back to us.” </div>
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“We need it so much. Please sweet little man, give it back.” the third voice wheedled. She creeped me out.</div>
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“Turn on the lights, that I may see you.” I ordered, “Or I will destroy your eye.”</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A dull gray light crept over me. I blinked than stared about incredulously. The walls were made of bleak gray rocks. I was in a huge basket of what appeared to be gray leather and steal. Three female shapes were crouching nearby. At first I thought they were made of stone, than they all turned to face me. There eyes were blank. They were all dressed in dull gray, with gray faces and hair, but they didn't look alike. </div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The one who was clearly the oldest, and in charge, was shorter than the others. Her long stringy hair was covered by a tattered gray hood. Gray iron circlets hung from her wrists. A small gray and brown bird perched on her shoulder. The brown was an odd contrast to the rest of the gray. A little bulging bag hung from a long strap over her shoulder. A heavy book hung from a chain to a thick belt around her waist. She was stooped over with a large hunch on her back. Her long bony fingers had sharp blackened nails on them. </div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The second sister had her eyes wide open, but they were empty. Her dark gray lips were pinched together in a hard line. Her hair was several different shades of gray. It was flowing wild all about her head. Her coat and leggings were made from a tight fitting gray leather substance. Her belt hung across one shoulder. Several small knives were hanging from it. A quiver of enormous arrows hung behind her back. Her dark gray boots came up to her knees. The hilt of knives protruded from them. Scars and cracks ran in ribbons down her face. She looked quite fierce. But I didn't see how she could fight and hold her eye.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The third sister and long wavy hair that fell past her waist. It was so light that it was almost white. She was wearing thick fur shoulder pads with spikes in them, over her leather vest. The fringe of the vest came past her thighs. Her long boots came past her knees. A short cape was tucked into the shoulder pads. A massive double-headed ax hung at her wide belt.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Our eye, now.” the old woman hissed. She was the first voice, “We don't argue with little boys.”</div>
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“Give me what I want and you get your eye back.” I said sternly. The Gray Sisters hissed and wailed, but I held my ground. The tallest one, made a rush at me, whipping out two of her knives. I held the eye over the top of the basket.</div>
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“I will rip it from your cold dead fingers.” she shrieked.</div>
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“Then I'll send your little eye tumbling into the abyss.” I threatened.</div>
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“Enyo, stay yourself.” the oldest hissed. My attacker froze, than backed up.</div>
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“That is better.” I said softly, “We are now in agreement.” A cold shiver ran down my back. I sounded exactly like Hades. Was I really as ruthless and coldhearted as he was?</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For a few minutes there was perfect silence. Inwardly I was cringing. What kind of beast steals an old woman's eye. Well, an eye that belonged to three defenseless women. I eyed the third sister's ax. Maybe not so defenseless after all. But I was still being a bully. I realized that I was wavering.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“What do you want?” the oldest sister demanded. I realized that I had been holding my breath. I released it slowly. Maybe this would work after all.</div>
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“You will never get your eye back, unless you tell me where to find the Nymphs of the North.” I said.</div>
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“NO!” the Gray sisters wailed.</div>
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“Then your eye will be gone forever.” I said, and bounced it up and down in my hand. The screamed and wailed. But I held my ground. I knew that they would weaken first. There eye was to precious to lose.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Well sisters, the Star child is determined.” the first sister said, “What shall we do?”</div>
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“Kill him!” Enyo screamed.</div>
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“No.” the third sister sighed, “I'm to young to go blind.”</div>
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“He will soon die, when he goes after Medusa. She does not suffer fools gladly.” Enyo grunted, “Tell him, and she will devour him.” I shuddered. The oldest sister took a halting step towards me. Her owl flapped it's wings and screeched. I held my ground.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“First,” Deino hissed, “You must journey to the underworld and retrieve the cap of invisibility from the Lord Hades.” My eyes bulged. Hades special hat? I had to borrow my brother's hat? Would he even say yes? Maybe I could steal it.</div>
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“Second,” Enyo snarled, “You must journey through the sunless realm to the North, there you will find the Nymphs.”</div>
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“Third,” Pemphredo whispered, “You must obtain the magic bag from the Nymphs and directions.”</div>
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“Thank you for your advice ladies.” I said with a bow, “As in our agreement, here is your eye. I apologize for inconveniencing you.” I held out the little silver disk. Three hands reached for it greedily. I tossed it high into the air. They screamed and leaped for it. I snatched up the trident and sprang over the side of the basket and plunged downwards into space. The wings began to flutter. My fall was broken and started to fly. The hissing screams of the three Gray sisters died away the further down I flew. </div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It took me twenty minutes to reach the the foot of the gorge, than I walked right into a Sea Fork. I jerked the trident around and it clashed with the fork. Sparks lit up the gray darkness.</div>
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“Who are you?” someone demanded. The voice belonged to a man. Grave, but not very deep.</div>
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“Who are you?” I demanded, pushing against the trident and willing my opponent to fall over.</div>
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“I am Neptune.” was the grave response, “Now speak swiftly little boy.”</div>
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“I am not a little boy!” I snapped, sounding very much like a child.</div>
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“Son of man do not waist my time.” was the cold reply.</div>
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“Well, I am seeking the Nymphs of the North.” I said.</div>
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“So have many, but few have found them.” Neptune said.</div>
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“I have directions.” I growled.</div>
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“In that case, I shall follow you.” was the surprising reply. The fork was lowered and I fell sprawling. </div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For several days we journeyed in a Northerly direction. I could not very well ask Neptune to fly off, he had more food than I did. But it was rather disconcerting to have a companion following my every move, when I had no idea what kind of creature he was. The grayness was more impenetrable than the deepest night I had ever experienced. But then the passage veered to west. I realized that the only way to truly get to the North, was to leave the tunnels behind and travel in the light.</div>
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Poseidon</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Floodway, 5, Year of the Green Horse</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 10</div>
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It was wonderful to be out of the grayness and see the beautiful sparkling daylight again. But not everything was wonderful.</div>
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“You are an Elf!” I yelled, upon seeing Neptune in the light.</div>
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“You are a Star Child.” he replied mimicking my tone of voice. The Elves and the Star People never got along. They had been a thorn in the Star Father's side for a long time. Rumors suggested that they would have defeated him too, if they had just worked with the humans. But they would not. But now that was in the past. No one had seen any proper Wood or Mountain Elves in a long time. Of course, I had seen Sea Elves. But Neptune was an antlered elf. They were the most ferocious warriors in all of Sea World. But the hardest to find. He was dressed in gold and green leaf armor, made by the most marvelous of all smiths. A helm pulled his brilliantly shining gold locks away from his face. His eyes were to bright to look at. But his weapon did not fit with his style. He carried a Sea Fork, which was similar to a trident, but with four prongs. Usually Wood Elves carried longbows. </div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Where have you been for the last six years?” I demanded, “Don't you know that the Star People were defeated and the Lords of Olympus rule now.” I decided not to tell him that I was one of those lords. Neptune cocked his head.</div>
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“Never heard of them.” he admitted, “I failed to realize any one lived on Olympus except sheep and ghosts.”</div>
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“You must have been living under a rock.” I said at last.</div>
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“You could say that.” Neptune said briefly.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We stood silently staring at each other, in the mouth of the tunnel. I wondered if I should bid him farewell and go my own way. But all my thoughts were suddenly interrupted again by loud cries.</div>
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“A maiden in distress.” Neptune said, sounding relieved, “Shall we save the damsel.” The cries were coming from the wrong way, but they were a welcome excuse. </div>
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“After you.” I said, and the two us ran towards the cries.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A dozen or so foaltaurs, otherwise known as young centaurs, had surrounded a girl and were proceeding to torment her. Other than Chiron the teacher, most centaurs were evil. They carried the worst attributes of both man and wild horse. The good and honorable ones were few and far between. They especially liked to torment girls and small children, because they rarely fought back. Centaurs were a cowardly herd.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Well, if it isn't Trite, needing to be rescued again.” I said dryly, wondering why she was all the way on the other side of Gelga.</div>
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“I had everything under control, Loser.” she snapped.</div>
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“That is clear.” I retorted, “Wild animals certainly love you.”</div>
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“The feeling is far from mutual.” Trite hissed. The centaurs turned and eyed us. They must have been thought that they could easily defeat us, for they charged in our direction, shouting and yelling, their hooves pounding sparks on the ground. Neptune planted his feet far apart and spit the nearest one on his fork, before I could move. The rest of the Foaltaurs turned and galloped off howling. The injured one hobbled after them, moaning. </div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Neptune bowed and kissed Trite's hand. What a sickening showoff. </div>
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“Thank you for rescuing me.” the girl said with a smile, her cheeks turning slightly pink. I scowled even harder. She should be scared of the elf, not flirting with him. Neptune turned towards me.</div>
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“So your name is Loser, eh?” he said with a smirk.</div>
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“No, it's not.” I scowled.</div>
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“You told me it was.” Trite contradicted. I scowled even harder, and went off and sulked. I should have gone on my quest, and left the two of them behind, but I did not. Maybe I was a fool.</div>
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Poseidon</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Floodway, 6, Year of the Green Horse</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 11</div>
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Neptune insisted that we escort Trite to the nearest village. She only halfheartedly tried to convince him otherwise. Clearly, she was very taken with him. The whole way to the village of Pam, the two of them talked and laughed together, ignoring me. Every step I took, I told myself that I should turn to the North, but I kept following them. I rather hoped that something bigger and more dangerous than a herd of Foaltaurs would attack us. Then I would show Trite and Neptune I was the more valiant fighter. But as my luck would have it, nothing happened.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Trite said goodbye to us on the outskirts of Pam. She thanked Neptune again for saving her. I rolled my eyes. Then she turned towards me.</div>
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“Loser, you are the most unfriendly person I have ever met. Farewell.” she turned and strode off, leaving me fuming. Clearly, she had never met Hades.</div>
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Poseidon</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Floodway, 10, Year of the Green Horse</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 12</div>
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There has not been much to report lately. The Reflections Sea has been blocking our journey, forcing us to travel Westward along the shore. My underwater abilities might come in handy, and I would rather not let Neptune know about them. If anything bad happens I can take off Northward and escape him.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I take it back, there is a lot to report. I had barely finished writing in my journal, when a band of wild women leaped out from behind some boulders and attacked. It was really bad timing. I had my hands in my pack as I returned my writing kit. Neptune was tightening the laces on his boots. We did not even have time to defend ourselves. Of course, it was all the more humiliating because our attackers were women. Not just any women, but Amazon Warrioresses. I had not seen any of them since Hades' trial. Of course there leader was the limping Amazon that Hades had attacked. What did he call her, Hippolyta? I am not sure whether she recognized me or not. Hopefully not. She would probably kill me, just to spite Zeus and Hades.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Neptune and I were blindfolded and led off in the same Westerly direction. My senses grew confused as my captors started to twist and turn me. I wondered if they were leading us in circles. But I knew something useful. The secret Amazon hideout was somewhere by the Reflection Sea. This information would be useful to Zeus. If I ever escaped I would take him the news. Since Hades' trial, the Amazons had been raiding and disappearing all over Sea World. No one could trace them back to their hideout. Hades may have been the only person alive who had seen their Jungle. But things might be about to change. Hades could not give directions, but I would be able too.</div>
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Poseidon</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Floodway, 11, Year of the Green Horse</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 13</div>
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We spend the night in underground cells. Mine was tiny and dark. But if I peered through the grated door, I could make out the door of Neptune's cell. The passage curved just enough for me to see it. He leaned against his door and we talked. </div>
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“We are deep beneath the floor of the world.” Neptune said, “I can feel it in my bones.” That was all very well, but being trapped underground was not part of my plan. I had to get to Mount Olympus. I wondered which was more important. Delivering Nereus' kingdom from the terror of the Gorgons, or providing Zeus with the information to defeat the Amazons.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The passage was so narrow that if I stretched my arm through the grating, my fingertips brushed against the stone wall, It was rough and uneven. Who knew that there were so many tunnels under Sea World. I wonder what the barbarians did with my trident. Hermes' hat was missing too. It must have fallen off in the struggle. But I still had the sandals on my feet. The wings were pressed tightly against my ankles. They looked decorative, not actually magic. But still they weren't much use in an underground cell.</div>
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Poseidon</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Floodway, 12, Year of the Green Horse</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 14</div>
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We were summoned. Four Amazon Warrioresses came to our cells, carrying smoky torches. One unlocked both of our cells. I sat down. Not because I particularly thought being trouble would help anything, but I was annoyed.</div>
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“Come out, man scum.” one of the Amazons snarled in the common tongue. I stood up. With such a pleasant invitation, how could I refuse. I could tell that they did not think much of me. They bound my hands and blindfolded me. Once I was trussed up, they pushed me roughly along the passageway.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We went up and down several staircases and turned and twisted in all directions before coming to a halt. Someone ripped off my blindfold, pulling my hair in the process. Than my hands were released. I grimaced, but held my tongue. I guess you could say that we were in the grand high throne room. Directly in front of me was a flight of tiny polished wooden steps that would up in a gleaming spiral to a small narrow platform. A throne carved out of a living tree and polished to perfect smoothness, was in the center. The stem of the tree came up through a hole in the platform. The branches curled about the seat making armrests and a canopy. Seated on the throne was the tallest woman I ever saw. She dwarfed all the other Amazon Warrioresses and the Titans, both man and women. I suspected that she was at least nine or ten feet tall. Her long blond hair flowed lose about her shoulders. She was wearing an iron vest over a skirt of leather thongs. Her leather pants came down to her ankles. Her feet were bare. Her legs were crossed, and she held a five foot long sword in her hand like a scepter. A lion's pelt was draped over her left shoulder. A brilliant golden belt was buckled around her waist. Her gray eyes seemed to flash with fire.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Bow before the Queen, cur.” one of my captors hissed. I was flung to my knees. I grimaced as the stone floor scraped the skin off of my flesh.</div>
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“Hippolyta.” the Queen said with a wave of her long fingers, “Bring out the invaders weapons.” My eyes narrowed as the Warrioress limped in front of us carrying my Trident and Neptune's fork.</div>
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“Sea weapons.” she said dryly, “Think Nereus sent them?”</div>
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“Nobody sent us.” I said trying to stand up. I was pushed down again, and someone locked their fingers about the back of my neck, choking me.</div>
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“Zimonia, let the man speak.” the Queen said. The grip loosened. I took a deep breath.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Now small man, you were saying something, I believe.” the Queen said to me.</div>
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“Yes.” I said as I rubbed my neck, “No one sent us. We were merely trying to get around the Reflection Sea.”</div>
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“We seek the Nymphs of the North.” Neptune said coolly, “Our business with them is purely our own and does not concern you are the Southern end of Sea World.”</div>
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“Dog!” Hippolyta cried and struck him.</div>
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“It matters not.” the Queen said, “But I rather like the look of them. I think they will make wonderful pets.” My jaw dropped. Pets? I would rather die.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sometimes despair causes people to act insane. Maybe what I did was clearly stupid, but I acted on impulse. Zimonia had removed her hands from my neck. I sprang to my feet and hurled myself at Hippolyta, her yell was cut off she hit the floor. I snatched up my Trident and struck the ground. The whole cavern shook and the steps cracked. The Queen sprang to her feed. A huge geyser of water exploded into the air and rained down on all of us. The Warrioresses tried to draw their swords, but the force of the water hurled them down again. The water subsided and drained away, leaving us sprawled on the floor, looking very wet.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“We have no quarrel with the Sea People, get rid of them.” the Queen hissed, “Before the destroy our realm.” </div>
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“We should slay them.” Hippolyta squealed, “They have tricked us.” the other Warrioresses shouted in agreement. </div>
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“Enough!” the Queen roared, as she banged her sword against the throne, “I am the Queen and I have spoken. Take them to Arthenan. You know what to to do.” What and where was Arthenan? I had the sinking feeling that we were not about to be released. We were bound again. Once more we were led through a twisting passage.</div>
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Poseidon</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Floodway, 15, Year of the Green Horse</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Note 15</div>
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For the past three days we have been journeying in I do not know what direction. along the shoreline. It was an unfamiliar coast. I think it was the shoreline. I believe we were looking out over the coast of the Unknown Waters. I no longer have to wear the blindfold, but my hands remain bound. Besides Zimonia and Hippolyta there are two more warrioresses in our company. One with pale skin and black dreadlocks, called Habella. And a violent red haired one called Katilla. They were all taller than me and bullies. Hippolyta was the worst.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Where are they taking us?” I whispered to Neptune. As we made camp. </div>
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“Silence dogs.” Zimonia barked. </div>
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“Arthenan.” Neptune whispered, without taking his eyes off our captors, “The breeding ground of these savages.” I shuddered. No Amazon Warrioress was going to make me her husband. But what could I do about it? I did not even know what they had done with my trident. Of course, I could always try flying away. But with my arms tied, my balance would be off. Besides I could not just leave Neptune to his fate. We would have to stick together.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Hey stop!” Apollo's voice seemed to come out of thin air. Startled, I looked up. My younger brother and his twin sister were seated astride a great winged horse, which was rapidly flying down towards us. The Amazons looked up.</div>
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“Look out, sisters.” Hippolyta cried and ducked. The hooves skimmed her head.</div>
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“Down Pegasus.” Apollo shouted and winged beast landed daintily in front of us. Amertis leaped off and slid an arrow to the string of her longbow.</div>
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“Halt.” she ordered, “You have something that belongs to us.” Zimonia leaped at her. I stuck out my foot and she went sprawling. Amertis leaped back. </div>
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“Careful, do not underestimate them.” I cautioned, “They are Amazons.” Katilla struck me in the mouth. I tasted blood.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Apollo leaped off of Pegasus' back and raised his gloved hand. It flickered into flame.</div>
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“Stand aside beautiful Amazons.” he shouted, “Otherwise you will die.” I remembered that he had a fire launcher. An iron gauntlet, that spat out bird shaped fire at will. He called them the Apollo birds.</div>
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“I will take care of the cur.” Habella said. She crouched down, drawing her sword, preparing to leap. Apollo fired one of his birds at her. She was engulfed in smoke and flame for a brief second, then the smoke cleared up. She was covered in soot. Her eyes were bulging. She coughed, dropped her sword and keeled over backwards, unconscious. Katilla leaped at Apollo. Amertis put an arrow through her leg. The Amazon screamed, staggered and fell sprawling. Zimonia sprang to her feet. Amertis put another arrow to her string. Hippolyta drew her sword.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Am I ever glad to see you.” I said cheerfully, “Untie us, quickly.” Amertis started to move around the four Amazons.</div>
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“Stop!” Hippolyta ordered. My sister scowled, but she did stop.</div>
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“What?” she demanded, “Why should I listen to the likes of you?”</div>
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“Because you are a warrior maiden.” Hippolyta said, “You belong with the Amazon Warrioresses, not as the slave of men. Shake of the shackles of their slavery and join us.” Amertis hesitated.</div>
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“Amere surely you are not thinking of any such thing.” Apollo gasped.</div>
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“Shut up, let me think.” Amertis snapped.</div>
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“Amertis.” her twin moaned, looking quite crushed, “You go off with them, we can never speak to each other again. I would rather be their prisoner for life, than never see you again.” I was silent. Apollo had the strongest argument.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Maybe, I would like to see other people besides you.” Amertis said with a scowl, “Being an Amazon would ensure that I never have to marry anyone. I would be free of all restrictions of society.”</div>
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“Amertis.” I said, “In doing so you would have to swear loyalty to a giantess who ordered the death of your own brother, who would imprison me for life. These same Amazons are so evil that they would double cross even father. Apollo is right, we would never see you again if you joined the Amazons. You would be our enemy. Zeus would not be able to show you favors if the safety of the rest of the world is endangered. By doing this you force him to destroy you. That would kill him.” Inwardly I wondered how she could be so selfish.</div>
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<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“Silence dog!” Hippolyta snarled, and struck me. I was knocked over.</div>
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“Stop beating up my brother!” Amertis screamed and put an arrow through the Amazon's good leg. Zimonia leaped forward. Neptune tripped her. She toppled over and struck her head.</div>
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“Really?” Apollo spluttered, “You let Poseidon convince you, but not me.” He stomped over to me and pulled me to my feet, than cut my bonds. I released Neptune.</div>
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“I spit on you!” Amertis snarled at the stricken Amazons, “You could have convinced me, but no attacks my family and lives.” She tossed her hair and strode over to Pegasus. As she passed her twin she took his arm. “Maybe you did convince me. I would miss your squeaky voice and ugly head.” she laughed. Apollo was the finest singer in all of Sea World, and his hair literally shone like gold. But he just shrugged and grinned. I rooted through the Amazons' supplies, but I could not my trident. Undoubtedly, their giant queen had kept it.</div>
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“I'm going to miss my fork.” Neptune said with a sigh, “But this will do as well.” He helped himself to Zimonia's spear and Hippolyta's sword. I took Katilla and Habella's swords. I really wished I had my trident.</div>
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“Would you two escort us to the Army Post?” I asked. I did not want them to know I was going to the Underworld.</div>
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“Ugh.” Amertis groaned, “Ares will make me regret my decision.” </div>
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“Sure.” Apollo said, “If you will judge my new ballad.” I groaned. Even though Apollo was a better poet than Hermes, I still did not want to judge his ballads.</div>
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Poseidon</div>
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Eowynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11203141893705613549noreply@blogger.com0