Chapter Eight

There was a sharp grating sound coming from the crypt. One guard turned to the other momentarily. "It's that lot down the stairs, again," he said with a frown. "I don't like the looks of 'em. Not at all! Can't trust them because, well... you know." The other guard pricked up his ears, "No, I don't. You're foolish to worry about prisoners who have already been locked up. The damned door is a strong metal, and I've done fastened the heavy lock in place with me own hands! There's no way they can get out, now." The first guard had a wary look. "What I speak of, you idiot, is that one of the prisoners is a high-ranking fellow in the Council. The story goes that he has strange powers, magic. You know, that would not be something I want to get mixed up in. I mean, I'm strong enough, all right, and I always when a fight, but in this case the odds would be stacked against me." The other guard assented, "Yes that would be the case. Then come off it, silly Mary, and let's go down there and show 'em who's boss, what? Give 'em a taste of pain to shut their mealy mouths! I'll go with you, since you're so plumb scared of 'em," he said, erupting in laughter. "Magic! Says he, magic and wizardry! Ha ha, that's a good one! A silly fairy story." With that, he tapped the first guard on his shoulder and said "Follow me. They'll stop making noise when I'm about!" The guard opened the outer door to the staircase, and the other guard followed him after the lock was opened, making a loud clanging sound. Winding down the spiral stairs, the grating sound had stopped, and all they could hear was the sound of their boots on each step. It was an eerie silence. When they got to the bottom, there was a flash of red light, brighter than flames, and they were both knocked back and they went into a deep sleep, in a prone position on the pavement. "Come on, you twits! I've gotten us out," said Lord Blakeney with a smile. "LeFleur's plot is foiled. The jig is up! And I have the upper hand, now!" With that, the other members of the Council followed the rather arrogant Blakeney up the staircase. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meanwhile, the boy Pete Draenen followed LeFleur as they made their way through the forest. The sun had risen from the Western mountain range, yet there were mists in the forest that shrouded parts of the forest. It was clear to see the path in the immediate front and to the sides, but the rest of the woods were obscured, so it was somewhat slow going. As they wended their way down the path LeFleur knew by heart, Pete could think nothing of his family he had left behind. He was so fixated on the adventure that lay ahead, that was so exciting to him. He felt that life so far had left him untested, but now that there were so many variables to their journey, that it was rather unpredictable. He thought to himself that even their lives were in danger, and his thoughts then shifted to the strange feeling that they were being watched. Every now and again, he thought he saw an eye, a face in the woods. Then he would look more closely, and the eye had vanished, and he felt that was odd. "Why did we have to go through these woods?" the boy asked the wizard. "I mean, why not take the high road? It would have been much less dangerous." "Because then we would be more open to being caught," said the wizard. "Our plan is very important. If we reach our objective, we could wind up saving the world, you know. It's not every day that you get a chance to do that!" he said with a grin. "Yes. I suppose you're right. Though it seems we are being watched." said Pete. "Well we are, Pete. I told you about that didn't I? But don't worry, though they know we are in the area, the cloaking makes it indefinite, so they can only guess at our actual location. When they rush to attack, we will then clearly see them. Don't be afraid. That's why you have your sword and shield. And what a good gift that was! Old Chalmers is always so kind to anyone associated with me." ------------------------to be continued-----------------------------

Chapter Seven

The boy Pete Draenen awoke and looked about him. He was in Mr. LaFleur's friend Chalmers' house, and he saw Chalmers making some eggs over a small stove.

"Ah, you're awake!" said the wizard LaFleur. "I'm glad. We have a few things to discuss..."

"Er, over breakfast, of course!" said Chalmers with a grin. "I wouldn't have it known that I would let you both run off without it," he said, roaring with laughter.

"I like this fellow Chalmers," said Pete. "He's always in good spirits!" He moved closer and took a plate from Chalmers, and began to eat. "Aren't you going to eat?" he asked LaFleur.

"Well, I already have," said the wizard, "and now, I have important information to share, regarding the next step of our journey." The wizard sat down in a comfortable chair. "First, it is of the utmost importance that we ride out of these woods before nightfall. Were we to risk another night here, we would surely face the evil things which dwell in the forest here. Even though we could hold them off, it is still important also that we move further away. Next, you must know that we may be followed. We must press on, and make haste. Thirdly, we must disguise our trail so that we can shake someone off our trail. I will provide as much cloaking power as I can, but we will need to take additional steps, which I will detail when the time comes."

"I have to admit this is an adventure I never would have thought would happen to me," said Pete. "I am very excited to go along with you, Mr. LeFleur. But what is this cloaking power you are talking about?" he asked with a puzzled look.

"Yes, Pete. I will tell you when the time comes. You must trust me and know that time is of the essence, and that I will let you know once we are beyond danger. Just remember, for now, that things are well in control and I have high hopes for our journey. But be careful. The creatures will be watching, and you must be on your guard," the wizard said, extending a long finger towards the broadsword. "You must act swiftly and surely if anything should come to pass. I needed you for this purpose, and to make sure that I had adequate protection."

"There isn't a man who has ever bested me in my training with the sword," said Pete, elevating his chin a bit. "I'm by your side, through thick and thin, you can count on me should danger come. I'm not too afraid, but I am a little bit," he said with a sheepish grin.

"As you should be," said Chalmers with a cold look in his eyes. "Here me now, Pete! These creatures are ravenous and merciless. Some say they serve a dark master. Minions of his majesty the Dark One. Others don't believe these stories, and think the old ways of the past have died out. But the old magic is still alive, and well even here among the woods-dwelling tribe you saw last night. I have seen the magic used to smite some of the creatures. It is very powerful. But so are these creatures. Be on your guard, at all times, with a careful eye."

With that, Pete had some of the courage drain away, and he thought warily that he must try as much as he could to be strong. He wasn't sure he liked this bit about the magic and the creatures. Their power seemed to threaten him, and his bones were cold within him as he contemplated the future.

"And we go now, Pete," said the wizard, once the boy had finished his breakfast. "We must fly with due speed out of the reaches of this treacherous forest. Come."

They went outside and mounted their horses. Chalmers went up to the wizard and gave him a wink of the eye. "Here I give you two things, LeFleur. The first is a vanishing agent," he said, handing a small vial with a cap at the end to the wizard. "And the second is the Gift of Annuil, which was given to me by the last elf who stayed near here." he handed a small medallion to the wizard. "Use it when you need help the most. Others will hear you then."

Next he stepped to the boy, who was mounted on his horse. "Remember Pete, this broadsword may come in handy, but I have something here within the cabin. He walked inside, and came back with a gleaming shield. "This shield will protect you when the time comes for swordfighting." He handed it to Pete, who was glad to accept it. "Keep my old friend company. Don't stray too far. These woods can swallow a man up. Remember to be on your guide." He winked at the boy.

"Thanks, Chalmers," said the wizard. "And now we ride! Farewell, old friend! With that, he took off on his horse, followed by Pete Draenen on his mount, through the forest.