Queen Mud II (The Sequel)

 Author's note: This is my current work-in-progress. I just have it titled Queen Mud II for now. I am posting it right down to the very sentence I have stopped writing it at. I haven't written on it for months, and may or may not pick back up writing it again. Also, if you haven't read the first one, you may not want to read this one just yet, as it ruins the ending of the first, but do as you please. Again, if you want to contact me regarding this, hit me up on my youtube channel, on one of my videos, and I will see your comment. This is still just as rough and unedited as the original, if not more. It is also unfinished, and just as poorly written:

Queen Mud II

Written By: teh2Dgamer

First Draft

“Oh mother, why do I have to study history? This kingdom , that kingdom, this war, that war, can't I just study more literature instead? I love reading stories, but this dry history book is giving me the biggest of headaches.” Beth asked her mother from the table in the kitchen.

Fifteen years old, and a mind filled with passion for great literature, Beth's curly red-head was constantly in the clouds, dreaming, and reliving portions of the books she had read. Neighbors thought her weird, as they saw this strange light red-haired girl, with deep blue eyes, and a pale complexion walking along, usually talking to herself. Despite her strange quirks, the residents of Joiada were quite kind to her, and would even give her books they had already read.

Outside of her elderly mother, Beth spent most of her time secluded from others. Occasionally, an interesting tenant would stay at The Fishman's Tavern, and engage in deep conversation with her about life, and news of the goings on in the world around her, but she had never left the village of Joiada, not even to the next town up the road. She had spent her whole life in the village, helping her mother at the tavern. Books were her only glimpse into the world beyond the village. Through them she could be anyone she wanted to be, and see the world through other people's eyes. She could be a queen, a pirate, or a great adventurer. Through them, she had discovered love, loss; tragedy, joy; excitement, and adventure.

Beth reading, and always had her head in the clouds. Her mother always encouraged her, asking her were she had just been when Beth would gaze off into the void, daydreaming of different worlds, and different people. Her mother would always take the time to sit, and let her tell her what her daydream was about if she felt like telling it to her mom. To most adults, such things would seem like a silly waste of time, but her mother always wanted to hear. She loved her deeply.

Beth's mother stopped kneeing the dough on the bread she was baking, and turned her attention to her daughter, giving her a warm smile. “I know you would, however, even dry history books have their own important place on the library shelf.” her mother responded.

“I don't see how?” Beth responded, indifferently.

“Do you remember the book I used to read you before bedtime when you were younger?” he mother asked her.

“The one about the brothers?” Beth replied.

“Yes. That was written by King Gaius the Great's favorite author Antithar Emias. Gaius loved his writings that he financed him for his entire life. That book was written because of Gaius' funding of the author.” her mother responded.

“Really?” Beth answered, inquisitively.

“Yes, the book was an allegory on Gaius, and his own bother, Apollos.” her mother responded warmly. She would teach this girl history if it killed her. Perhaps if she related it to the books she loved, history itself would come alive to her as much as the stories she read and loved.

“How do you know so much about it?” Beth asked. Her mother knew everything as far as she was concerned.

“Because it is one thing to know the stories you love, but yet another thing to know the deeper meanings in each book, caused by the history surrounding it.” her mother responded, warmly. “To read a book is one thing, but to search for the deeper meaning in each page of text is yet another. You will get there someday, my love.”

“I think I understand what you mean.” Beth responded.

“Sometimes the stories even teach us history, sometimes better than the dry history books. Not so much in the details, but in the lives and emotions expressed in each character as history unfolds around them.” Her mother said, engaging her daughter's mind deeper into the importance of history, and how it ties in to the stories of each period.

“I think I understand what you mean, mother.” she said, resting her elbows on the table, and putting her hands up to her cheeks. Her mother could tell she had disengaged from her studies, slipping away into some distant world again.

Beth's mother continued to kneed the bread she was baking. Finally she put it in a pan, and was letting it rise as her daughter was gone, off in another world. She glanced over, and watched as her daughter returned to her, looking around the room, then making eye contact with her.

“Where did we go this time?” he mother asked asked as she was, carefully, covering the bread with a cloth.

“I was lost in my newest book.” she replied to her mother, who had started to wash the bowls, and mixing utensils in a basin filled with soapy water, her back to her daughter.

“New book, eh? Is it one from my shelf that I know?' she asked, scrubbing away.

“Oh no, mother, Martha gave me all of Roger's old books.” Beth replied, speaking of another elderly woman in the village who had recently been widowed.

“That was nice of her.” her mother responded.

“Yes, and the new one I am reading, I love it so much already. I can already tell it's my favorite.” she replied.

“Sounds like a wonderful novel, my love. Where did it take you this time?” he mother asked.

“I don't think it's a novel, mother, I think it's a biographical piece, written like a novel.” she replied.

“Really? See, you really do love history, even if you didn't know you love it.” her mother responded, happy her daughter had finally found a way to enjoy the lives of great figures in history gone by.

“Yes mother, but this the one case that history is interesting. I was just sailing on the ocean.” Beth said, excitedly.

“Really, was it on the great ship Archadia with King Claudius, conquering the seafaring Freeman hordes?” her mother asked, her, still scrubbing away at a bowl in the wash-basin.

“No, mother, I was in the deck of a smaller ship, a pirate ship, The Kirin.” she replied.

Beth's mother stopped scrubbing the bowl she had been scrubbing, lifting he head, and turning the gaze of her piercing-blue eyes toward her daughter. He mother moved toward the table, her strands of gray-hair, tied up with a bandanna. Her mother's nearly eighty-year-old face held both a look of grace, and kindness behind her wrinkles, darker complexion, and deep blue eyes; eyes which held deep wisdom, deep kindness, and deep pain behind them.

She made her way to the seat across the table from her daughter, giving her a warm smile. “What book have you been reading, my love?” she asked her daughter, deeply curious now.

Beth pulled an old, dusty book out from her bag of schoolbooks. It was old, worn, but her mother could still read the title: The chronicles of Queen Mud Volume 1. “I had never heard of Queen Mud, mother. What a story. Did you know she was kidnapped as a child, and raised as slave. Her parents named her Loretta, but her captors named her Mud, a name she kept before her people. She was the most beloved queen in history. Have you heard of Queen Mud?” Beth asked, excited to inform her mother of the newest character she had discovered.

Her mother gave her a warm smile, running her hand over the cover of the book. “Yes love, I know about queen Mud. I am old enough to have seen her with my very eyes.” her mother responded.

“Really? You have met queen Mud?” Beth asked, blown away that her mother knew the character she had grown to love through her book. “What was she like?”

Her mother smiled another loving smile at her daughter. “She was a good queen.” she said.

“Did you ever talk to her?”

“Hello! Isabel, Beth, are you in here?” Martin asked, entering the kitchen through the back door, the one that led to the stalls.

“Hello Martin!” Beth said, as he poked his head through the door, a mop of brown hair on top.

Martin had been hired by Isabel as a stable-hand, and maintenance-man, He was in his mid-twenties, and deeply in love with a local beauty, Susan Hawthorne. Isabel knew that Martin would have taken the job a The Fishman's Tavern for free just to be close to Susan, but she paid him a better wage than either the job, or his still as a worker demanded.

“Hello Beth, hello Isabel.” he replied, then looking at Isabel, he fumbled for words as he always did whenever he was going to ask her something. “Well...I cleaned the stable..did...i mean...”

“You are free from work for the night, Martin.” Isabel answered him, warmly. She knew he was going to go spend time with Susan.

“Thank you, Lady Isabel.” he said, with a big smile.

“Shall I save a plate for you two for dinner?” Isabel asked him.

“Not tonight, ma'am. Tonight, we are going star-gazing on cemetery-hill.” he said.

“Be careful, Martin, watch out for any soldiers on the roads tonight.” she said, motherly toward him. “Oh, and give Susan my love.”

“Yes ma'am.” Martin replied.

“Oh, and Martin, have fun.” Isabel replied, warmly. “And I expect an invite to the wedding.”

Martin smiled a big, goofy, smile at the two of them, and then disappeared from the doorway, closing it behind him.

Isabel looked at Beth from across the table after Martin ran off. “Ah, to be young, and in love.” she said with a smile. “One day, you will find out.”

Beth blushed a little. “Do you really think so mother?” she asked, slightly embarrassed at the thought.

“One day, love will knock at your door. But, please, don't be in a hurry for it. Just let it come when it is ready. Until then, read about it in the books you love.” Isabel said.

“Do you suppose I will ever find a love as great as Queen Mud, and Captain Cid?” Beth asked.

Isabel's eyes looked down at the table, as if her mind was a thousand miles away. She then looked back up at her daughter. “I hope so.” she said, sincerely.

“Me too!” Beth responded, cracking a big smile.

Isabel got up from her chair, and walked around the table. She hugged Beth, and then gave her a big kiss on the side of the head. “I am glad you are enjoying your new book so much, my love, but do me a favor.”

“What's that, mother?” she asked.

“Don't ever be seen reading that book in public.” she said.

Beth gave a confused look. “Why not?” she asked.

“You have in your possession a banned book, my dear.” she answered.

“Why would it be banned? It's such a lovely book.” Beth asked looking at her mother.

Isabel looked away to hide a painful look on her face. “Because Queen Mud has been expunged from all records. Her own son banished her from existence, and every known copy of that book, and all the rest in the Chronicles has also been banned. They burn all copies they find. Please, love, don't even mention Queen Loretta to anyone else. Just speaking her name will get you thrown in prison.” she said.

Beth's mouth dropped open. “That's horrible! Why did he banish her?” she asked in surprise.

Isabel still looked away. “Not even she knows why. He had such darkness inside if him that his mother didn't even know was there. A deep lust for power, and a want of his cousin Septimius' lands in the north. She tried to stop him, fighting the darkness inside of him, so he banished her, and started this war we have been since before you were born.” she said, remorse in her voice. “King Cid the second, and his son Gaius pushed her out whenever Gaius became co-ruler.”

“That's awful. Whatever happened to her? Where did she go?” Beth asked.

“No one really knows. They say she just faded away somewhere. The lost princess became the lost Queen.” Isabel answered.

“That sucks! I wish I could meet her. I love Queen Mud.” Beth said.

Isabel finally looked at her daughter, fighting tears in her eyes. “She loves you too, very much.” she said.

“How could she love me, I've never met her.” Beth replied.

Isabel gave her a smile, and then regained her composure. “Queen Mud loved all her subjects. She was known as the servant-queen, and the people were always welcome to bring their disputes before her. She loved children, and had quite a few herself, as did her sister, and Lady Havarti. They all grew up together, and were so close to each other. It was such a good time; for them, and for everyone in the kingdom.” she said casually.

“I wish I could have grown up in Azmoria whenever she was queen, it sounds so lovely compared to where our country is at right now.” Beth said, talking about the grueling two-front war between The Azmorenes and the combined Yakovian, and Northern Kingdom forces.

“I wish you could have grown up in the country I used to know. It was such a good place to live, and you would have loved it. I miss that country. I have no idea which one I live in now, for I don't recognize it outside of a map.” Isabel told her.

“It sounds like a wonderful place. Will it ever exist again?” Beth asked.

“There is always hope, my love. That is why history is so important, it lets us know where we have been as a people, and shines a mirror on ourselves, should we ever think ourselves higher than those who went before us. So we may know that we are just as capable of making those same mistakes, but also just as capable of recreating the world we used to live in as well.” Isabel said. “Now, finish your dry history lesson, and then you may spend your whole night reading about Queen Mud. I must go prepare the rooms and the tavern for dinner, should we finally get a guest tonight.”

Isabel slipped out of the room, leaving Beth alone to her history book. Double checking to see if her mother was really gone, she opened Queen Mud, and started reading it instead. It was, technically, history after all.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Beth sat quietly a the bar in the tavern, reading her book. A heavy rain beat against the old sturdy walls and windows of The Fishman's Tavern as she read in peace. Isabel had eaten dinner with her daughter, and was now upstairs, preparing all the rooms. She told Beth that she had a good feeling they would have some guests tonight. It was the perfect night to sit by a cozy fire, and enjoy a good book.

Isabel slowly made her way back down the stairs, sweating from all the work required to prepare all five rooms the tavern had. “How's your book, my love?” she asked Beth.

Beth stayed glued to her book, completely absorbed within it's pages. Her eyes, suddenly grew big as she read something from her book. “Mother!” she said, looking at Isabel with excitement. “Did you know that Queen Mud has stayed in this very tavern? The Fishman's Tavern is in this book! Prince Cid's own mother used to own it.” Beth was completely blown away, seeing the home she had never thought very important being mentioned with such importance.

“Esther was a wonderful woman.” Isabel informed her.

“You knew Prince Cid's mother?” Beth asked, in more amazement.

“Whom do you think I bought the tavern from, my dear?” she replied warmly.

“My mom knew Queen Mud's mother-in-law....” Beth said, mouth open.

Isabel smiled warmly at her daughter. She loved her. The moment was interrupted by the door of the tavern being swung open, and Martin and Susan running inside, drenched from head to toe.

“I set out dry clothes for the both of you, and saved you both a plate.” Isabel informed them as they shook off, getting out of the chill of the rainy fall night.

“Thank you Isabel, you're the best.” Susan said, as she wrung out her long brown locks. “We should have listened to old farmer Frances. He told us it was going to rain tonight.”

“Perhaps, it is Frances' business to know when rain is coming.” Isabel responded, grabbing two robes she had placed behind the bar for the two love-birds, and walking it over to them.

“Thank you ma'am.” Martin said, tipping his hat to Isabel, who curtsied in response.

“Now, go change out of those wet clothes before you get sick. I will warm your dinner-plates.” Isabel responded.

Martin and Susan giggled together as went off to change into dry clothes, in the separate washrooms the tavern provided. Isabel turned to fetch the two dinner plates she had saved for them, when the door to the tavern swung open again. She turned back around to greet her two guests. “Hello sirs, what can I do for you?” she asked as she approached the two hooded men.

Beth looked up, and found the appearance of the men to be off-putting. They wore black and emerald-green hoods which hid their faces from everyone, and she could see the hilt of the swords they carried protruding from their cloaks. The men, who may have just been traveling merchants for all she knew, captured her imagination. Bandits, or mercenaries she thought to herself as she watched her mother walk up to them, and engage them in a conversation of whispering.

Isabel turned and walked toward the bar. “My dear, two ale's for these men.” she said to Beth, who slowly pulled out two mugs and started to fill them.

The men sat at the furthest table from the door, the darkest corner of the tavern. A place where seedy dealings could go on without drawing too much attention to themselves. Isabel put the two mugs on a tray, and walked it over to them, and stayed there for a few minutes. Beth could, again, hear whispering. What could her mother be discussing with those men?

Isabel returned to the bar. “I need the key for room five.” she said to Beth.

“Those men scare me.” Beth whispered to her mother.

Isabel smiled warmly at her daughter. “Appearances can be deceiving, my dear. They are actually quite friendly.” she said.

Martin and Susan came back, dressed in robes, dry and comfortable. “Oy.” Martin said, noticing the scary-looking men in the corner. “I was not aware we had guests. Do they have horses to attend to?” he asked, eyeing the men suspiciously.

“They came on foot.” Isabel informed him. “I have your plates in the kitchen, Beth, could you take the keys to them while I fetch them their plates?”

Beth, reluctantly agreed, and started toward the very back corner of the tavern with a key in her hand. She began what felt like the longest walk of her life over to the two scary-looking figures in the corner. She could hear them laughing about something as she approached their table.

“While hello, Elizabeth, so nice to finally meet you.” one of the hooded men said, as he had his head turned completely opposite of where she was walking. How did he know she was walking if he wasn't even looking at her she wondered.

The other man stood up, and offered his seat to her, Beth realized the man was over six-foot tall, had a wide chest, and a muscular frame. She could see his piercing green eyes, through the strands of his long, blond hair. She figured him to be in his mid-thirties. “Sit down, visit with us for a minute.” he said.

“I...I...have a lot of chores to attend to, but I appreciate the offer.” she lied. She found the men all the more terrifying up close. “Here is the key to your room.” she said, handing the key to the tall one.

The other man turned to look at her. He looked to be in his mid-twenties, or early thirties, and he had kind-eyes. “See, Ralphie, I told you the girl was scared of us.” he said, smiling, kindly at Beth. “I understand, Elizabeth, I would think us scary too if I were you.”

“How do you know my name?” she asked the man, scared that some dangerous men knew who she was.

He chuckled at her question. “I have known you mother for a very long time.” he said, warmly. “She is the best person I have ever known. None kinder, none more loyal, and outside of me..” he said, glancing and smirking, deviously at the man he called Ralphie, “none better with a sword.”

“That one I can attest to. I have seen it with my very eyes.” Ralphie agreed.

Beth gave the men a look of complete surprise. “Surely, you men have my mother confused with someone else.” she said.

“So what book were you reading?” The man with kind eyes asked her, changing the subject.

“Oh that, just a book. I really can't say.” she said, obeying Isabel's orders not to mention the book to anyone.

The man studied her with his eyes. I was just wondering if, say,” he reached into his cloak, and pulled out two books, “perhaps you would like to read volume two and volume three of the Queen Mud Chronicles.” he said, smiling at her.

Beth's eyes lit up, as she greedily reached for the books he handed her. “How did you know. I thought these books were banned.” she said.

The man smiled at her, and then looked a Ralphie. “Oddly enough, anyone they have sent to take my copies never got through to me.” he said, causing Ralpie to laugh.

Beth was ecstatic. It was one thing to get a book as a present, which she loved, but to get two books she knew she was going to love so much was all the better. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” she said, giddy.

“Are you spoiling my daughter?” Isabel asked from behind Beth. She had been watching for a while.

The man looked at Isabel, and smiled. “Will do her good to learn what a wonderful person Queen Mud was. You never know, she may meet her someday.” he replied to Isabel who gave him a warm smile in return. “It's good to see you, Isabel. I have missed your company, dearly.”

Isabel's eyes lite up in a way Beth had never seen. She could see the tenderness of a deep friendship toward this man in them. “I've missed you old friend. I feared that I would not be able to see you again on this side of life. I'm very happy to see the both of you again, dear Ralph, and Gran..t Grant.” she said, realizing she had slipped up. “How's you mother, Raplh?” she said quickly.

“She passed last winter.” he informed her, sadly.

Isabel looked down, sad for the loss of another friend. “I'm sorry to hear that. Angel was a good woman. True to her name.” she said.

Beth looked at the man with kind eyes. “Did she just call you Gran?” she asked.

The man smiled at her. “Grant, my dear, my name is Grant.” he said. He then looked at Isabel. “We have been meaning to visit you for a while, but, as you may imagine, is is hard for even myself to slip out of the northern kingdom without being missed. It's even harder for Ralphie to escape with the pressure in the Figaro from both Septimius, and Cid to join one side or another. So we figured we would both escape, and hide in Joiada, and Figaros are know the do.” he said.

“Figaro?” Beth said. “I know that name. It's in my book.”

“Aye, my dear, for my name is Ralph Figaro the third.” Ralphie said to her.

“Was your mother Lady Havarti of the House Figaro?” Beth asked, amazed that the book she was reading was coming to life before her eyes.

“She was my grandmother, and she was the best grandmother a man could ever ask for. Outside of my own mother, there is not another person in this world I miss more.” he said, thousand yard stare, reliving the years he had with both women.

Beth looked at her mother with the deepest of surprise. “Lady Havarti is in my book. She was one of Queen Mud's best friends!” she said.

Isabel smile at her daughter. “Ask Grant whom his wife was.” she said, winking at Gran...t.

“Who was your wife?” Beth asked him, incredibly curious for his answer.

“pulling the girl further into her story I see.” Grant said to Isabel.

“This girl will learn history if it be the death of me.” she replied.

“Well, don't keep me in suspense.” Beth said.

“My dearly departed Avey was the love of my life.” he said.

“Avey? I've never heard that name.” she said, slightly disappointed with his answer.

Grant chuckled, knowing what she was thinking by the look on her face. “Princess Averny Azmorene, the mother of King Septimius of the north, and a wonderful woman that I loved dearly.” he said.

“Why do you call her Avey?” she asked.

Grant pointed to the two books Beth held in her hands. “Volume II will explain.” He then looked at Isabel. “Do you remember?”

Isabel nodded. “For the young prince Cid could not pronounce Aunt Averny, he could only call her Avey to the point where she just gave up trying to correct him. She eventually accepted it, and began to love it, and we all called her Avey.” her eyes became tender, as if she was fighting back tears. “I miss her so much. One of my deepest regrets was not being able to see her before she passed.”

“She loved you till the end.” he said, then turned around toward the door. “There's about the be a knock, the one I told you was coming.” he said pointing toward the door.

Beth looked toward the door and then back toward the men, but they had vanished. “Beth, take you books and go into our room.” Isabel told her.

“What is happen...” she started, but was startled by the sound of someone banging on the door.

“Please, love, go now!” Isabel barked, but it was too late.

Ten Azmorene Honor guards entered the Tavern, they were in light chain armor, and carried heavy Azmore-style swords, and bolt-action rifles. They made way for a serious looking guard who eyed the two women with suspicion. Isabel moved to Beth, and put her arms around her from behind. “This tavern is being commandeered for use.” he said.

Isabel rolled her deeply blue eyes. “You are welcome here.” she said melodically.

The serious guard walked up to the two women, he was in his twenties, and had the posture of arrogance about him, overconfidence in his position in life. Chest out, and chin above, as if he was looking down on everyone else. “Who else is here?” the man asked eyeing them with suspicion.

“Just my stable-boy, and his fiance. They are in the kitchen. We have no other guests here.” Isabel responded. She could feel Beth trembling in her arms, the sight of the guards scared her, but her mother's steady grip on her comforted her.

“If we find you are lying...”

“Skip the threats, why are you here? I don't interfere in Azmorene royalty, why should they interfere with me here?” Isabel said, boldly. She had faced scarier men than this arrogant punk that stood before her.

The guard eyed here with curiosity. “Why we are here is not your business, woman. We need a room, and any medicine you have available. You will be paid handsomely for obeying, and not asking any questions.” he said.

“I have no need of Azmorene royal money, nor Azmorene royal secrets.” Isabel snapped. Beth had never seen this side of her mother, standing strong before a scary man.

The man glared at Isabel. “And who says this has anything to do with Azmorene royalty?” he asked, drawing his sword. “Are you a spy.

“Your armor is that if royal honor-guards. From the looks of you, you are too weak to be a battle-hardened soldier, and most of them carry themselves with humility. You, however, carry yourself as one tasked with either secretary work, or one tasked with babysitting a royal. Too young, and too arrogant to have seen battle, but pompous, and puffed up as if you are making up for your lack of experience in battle, by acting much tougher than you are. I have faced much scarier men then you, so, if you would like to drop the tough-guy act, let me talk to the captain, because one of the requirements to become an honor guard captain is real battle experience. You are young, and self-important. I would guess you aren't even guarding the king, or a higher royal. Possibly a child, a royal prince, or princess.” Isabel said, studying the guard.

Martin and Susan emerged from the kitchen, laughing at something, but stopped dead in their tracks at the sight of the royal guards in the tavern. The pompous young guard stared directly at Martin. “Why is this man not subject to the draft? Article seventeen of law two-hundred and thirty-five states that every man of age must be registered and enlisted into the ranks of the army. As a deserter, the punishment is death.” he said.

Martin looked at the guard with terror in his eyes.

“He is article five, and exempt.” Isabel replied.

The guard looked at Isabel curiously. “Who are you?” he asked.

A gray-haired man with the rank of captain on his armor walked into the room, interrupting the conversation. “We don't have time for your endless interrogations, Lucius, would you just get the prince up to a warm bed, and leave our hostess alone.” he said to the young guard.

“But she knew we were royal guards, and guessed that we were guarding the prince. She could be a spy.” he replied.

“Were she a spy, she would not have been so forthcoming, Lucius, and I don't remember giving you suggestions, do as I commanded, or it will be you who faces capitol punishment for insubordination!” The captain barked, sending Lucius and the other guards scrambling to do as he ordered.

Isabel threw a key to the captain. “It's the largest room, and it has a warm fireplace in it. I will have Martin bring you more wood as needed.” she said.

The captain looked at Isabel. “Article five, eh? I did not know you were here. Forgive this intrusion, but your...er...the prince is very sick, and we don't know if he will make it though the night. I have no other option, but I promise you, we will be out of your hair as soon as possible.” the captain said, turning to help bring the prince through the door.

“Johnny.” Isabel said, as the captain started toward the door, causing him to turn back around. “It is good to see you.”

Johnathan nodded, saying he felt the same, and headed out the door. A couple minutes later, five guards emerged through the door carrying a young man in a blanket. He had brown hair, with a slight auburn hew to it, and blue eyes. He was around Beth's age, and he was sweating, profusely, and mumbling to himself in delirium.

“Up the stairs, last room to the right.” Isabel said, not taking her eyes off the prince as the guards took him past. She then kissed Beth on the head.”I love you, Elizabeth, thank you for being brave for me.” she said.

“Mother, is he going to be OK?” Beth asked, also concerned for the young prince.

“Time will tell, my love.” she replied kissing Beth again. “You have a good heart. I want you to know that. Now, lets grab your books, and head to our room. I need to grab some medicine for him.”

Beth scrambled to the bar to grab the first volume, and then threw the books in her apron, and followed Isabel up the stairs. She couldn't help but stare into the room as Isabel escorted her to their room. It was filled with royal guards, and servants, all attending to the prince. The serious guard, Lucius, glared at them, and shut the door stopping Beth from getting a better look.

Isabel opened the door to their room, it was through a secret stairway the led to the hidden third floor. The room was cluttered, but comfy, housing two beds, four large one for Beth, and the other for Isabel, and four large windows to let sunlight in. “I am going to attend to him, I want you to stay here.” Isabel said, making her way to a cabinet in the back corner where she stored all the medicines she had, usually for sick travelers.

“Please, can I come with mother?” Beth begged.

“I would love to have you there, but these people aren't exactly understanding. They may not even let me in the room.” Isabel said, placing various vials of medicine in a sack to take with her.

“Please, mother, this may be the only chance I will ever have of meeting a royal. It is not everyday that a royalty walks the halls of The Fishman's Tavern.” she said.

Isabel looked into Beth's beautiful green eyes. She laughed to herself at something. “OK, my love, I suppose it would not hurt to ask them if you can be there. But, if they say no, that is the end of it. Do not argue with them. Say nothing and return to the room, and wait for me.” she said.

Beth's face lit up with a big smile. “Thank you, mother!” she said, gleefully.

Isabel and Beth returned to the hallway to find Lucius standing guard in front of the door. “What is your business?” he asked them.

“I have brought medicines for prince Octavian.” Isabel said.

Lucius drew his sword once again. “Now I know you are a spy! No one calls him Octavian. No one even knows him by that name. Did you come to poison him?” he said.

Isabel looked at him without a hint of fear in her eyes. “He was born Octavian Augustus Azmorene, and he will be eighteen in a week.” she said.

“LUCIUS!” Johnathan yelled from the cracked door of the room. “Let her pass, and go tend to the horses.”

“I must protest! This woman will poison the prince.” he said.

“Let her pass.” Johnathan barked. “I am not giving out a suggestion.”

“I will obey this command, but, mark my words, should she murder the prince, I will see to it you are tried for treason.” he replied to Johnathan.

“Duly noted.” Johnathan replied.

“What of the girl?” Lucius asked.

“She will have to stay out in the hall.” Johnathan said.

Isabel, quickly, held up her hands, showing them how shaky they were. “She needs to be there, because she has steady hands.” she said.

“Let them both pass.” Johnathan said, giving Isabel a sly smile.

Isabel and Beth entered the room. It was the largest room the tavern housed, often used as a honeymoon suite. It had one large window, an ornate oval rug in the center of the room, in front of the large fireplace, and a king-sized bed with a comfortable mattress. Beth could see the prince laying on the bed, still sweating, and mumbling to himself. The room was filled with guards, and five servant's who were trying, feverishly, to attend to the prince.

“Lori?” a middle-aged servant said upon seeing Isabel. She approached her . The servant-girl had deep blue eyes, darker skin, and beautiful auburn hair. She approached Isabel, and spoke to her in a strange language that Beth could not understand.

To her surprise, her mother spoke the language back to the woman. Beth guessed it was a greeting of some kind. The lady hugged Isabel, and gave her a kiss, tears in her eyes. Isabel pulled away to look at the servant. “It is good to see you Sarai. We shall have to catch up before you leave.” she said.

Beth was curious as to how her mother knew this woman. Had she had time to process, she might have figured out there was more to her dearest, old mother than met the eye, but Isabel quickly ushered her to the bedside of the ailing prince.

“Everyone else out of the room. I will remain here, but let these women work.” he said, kicking all the guards and servants out of the room.

After the room emptied, Beth watched as Isabel slowly approached the bedside of the prince. Neither of them could take their eyes off the boy who lay before them. “Oh bone of my bone, and flash of my flesh, what ales you my little lamb?” Isabel said softly to the boy.

“He has always suffered from ill health, since he was young. The best physicians in the world cannot figure it out. The boy has never been healthy. We were riding home from the Gaius outpost where his father is stationed in the southern front, and this sickness just overtook him on the way. I don't think he is going to make it out of this one.” Johnathan said.

Isabel put her hand on Prince Octavian's forehead, and the boy screamed out in pain at her touch, causing her to take her hand back. “What was that? Has he been sensitive to touch?” she asked.

“No ma'am, as you can see, all the servants were touching him just fine when you entered.” he said.

Isabel put her hand back on Octavian's head. “AHHHHH! Not that hand, not the one that has held it.” he yelled in strange voice. She removed her hand and looked back at Johnathan.

“I've never heard such a sound come out of him.” he said to her, and a mortified Beth.

Isabel looked at Johnathan, and then Beth with a look of discernment. “Go stand by Johnathan, my love, this is about to get ugly, and I don't want him to hurt you two.” she said.

Beth did as told, standing by Johnathan who stood a bit in front of her to shield her if needed. “What's wrong with him, Mother?” she asked.

“Nothing , my love, he is perfectly healthy.” she said turning toward the prince once again. “What is you name?” She asked him.

“A..ag...Augustus.” Octavian answered her.

“My dearest Octavian, I am not speaking to you. The one who just spoke, what is your name. I will not ask again.” she said.

“I don't know what you mean.” the boy answered.

Isabel put her right hand on the boy's forehead again, and he screamed again!

“Not that hand, it burns, it burns! Stop it, please, stop it. Not the hand that has held it. I'm burning!” the other voice said.

Isabel kept her hand on the boy's head as he screamed. “What it your name?” she asked.

“I hate you Queen Loretta. Born as Mud, despicable slave. Remove your hand form me woman, or I will take you great grandson's life before I leave him. Queen of filth! Leave Me alone Loretta Azmorene! Leave me be! The boy was given to me. Your own family has disowned you, and you have no claim to this boy. You aren't even the queen anymore. Leave us be. Stop interfering in our plans. Leave us alone queen of filth.” the voice said, and continued to lobby insults at Isabel.

Beth listened in amazement at what she was hearing, then she watched as Isabel ignored the voice, bowed her head, and started speaking something in that strange language she had heard her mother speak before. She was praying over him, as her mother had done over her many times, but doing it in a different language. Was she speaking Yakovian Beth wondered.

Octavian screeched, yelled, and started convulsing as the evil spirit was leaving him. It kept trying to curse her as it left. “Loretta, the daughter of a Yakovian whore. Daughter of King Augustus, I hate the day you were born, queen of Mud. We took our revenge on you. We caused your family to turn against you. The Dark King had his revenge! Did you really think you killed him? He is unstoppable. How weak of you. We hate you Queen Loretta, queen of Mud. Why won't you just die! How dare you stop us again.” it said, and kept going on and one.

Isabel stared praying loudly. Flames shot out of her hands, and consumed the being off the boy. The shield surrounded a dark outline that left the prince, and then, violently, shot it out of the room, breaking the window as it left, flying across the sky like a shooting star, across the sky.

Lucius burst through the door, aroused by the sound of screaming. “She is killing the prince!” he yelled, dashing at Isabel with his sword. Johnathan, easily disarmed him, planting him on the floor, and then sitting on him.

“Lucius, it is OK. Look, man. Look at the prince!” he said.

Everyone in the room looked at Prince Octavian, who was sitting up in the bed. All color had returned to his face, and he had an energy about him, as if he had been brought back to life. He looked around at everyone.

“Where am I?” he asked.

“Sire, you are at The Fishman's Tavern in Joiada.” Isabel informed him.

Johnathan let Lucius up, and they both approached the prince, and bowed. Beth approached too, and was about to bow to him as well, when Isabel's hand stopped her. “You do not have to bow, my love.” she said.

Beth looked deeply at her mother, the words the spirit had spoken still ringing in her ears. “Mother, why did it call you Queen Loretta?” she asked.

Lucius turned toward Isabel, looking as if he had seen a ghost. “Could it be?” he asked.

“Of course it is, you idiot!” Johnathan said. “Do you really think I would have let her in here were she not?”

Octavian focused in on Isabel. He had only ever heard whispering of his great grandmother, but had never met her, though she had met him as a baby. “Are you Queen Loretta Isabel Azmorene?” he asked her, wonder in his eyes at the old woman who stood before him.

Beth looked at Isabel with the same wonder. “Mother, are you Queen Mud? The same queen Mud who defeated The Dark King, and married Captain Cid, and was trained by Gran of the Tree-People, and maintained peace in the lands for forty years?” she asked, feeling faint; seeing the character she loved so deeply in her book come alive before her eyes.

Isabel nodded at Beth, and then kissed her on the head. “I am sorry for keeping it from you, my love. I just wanted to protect you from the world of royalty; wanted to keep you safe, here in Joiada, where you could grow up and have a fun childhood. This is where Captain Cid grew up; this very tavern. He used to take care of the very stables Martin maintains for us.” she said.

“is this really my great grandfather's childhood home?” Octavian asked, curious about his own history. “Grandfather talks of him all the time, but never mentions you.”

“I suspect he wouldn't, but yes, this is where Cid was raised. This is where his mother, Esther Smith lived. She is even buried in the cemetery, next to her late-life husband.” Isabel looked down at the ground. “Joiada is the port he sailed out of on the night he disappeared.” she said, emotionally.

Octavian stood up, out of bed, finally, out of bed; his whole life was mostly spent in bed, but now he felt better than he had ever in his young life. Even at fifteen, he was as tall as his great-grandfather, though no one knew his real height, because he rarely was able to stand. The sickness kept him bound to a bed, or hunched over in bad posture. Nearly eighteen already, he was now able to stand up with confidence for the first time in his life. He stretched hi long, lanky limbs, and then walked over to Isabel, and gave her a hug. “Thank you great grandmother. I have never felt better in my life.” he said.

“You are welcome, my love. I just wish I had been there to expel that thing sooner.” she said.

Octavian looked at Beth. He stared into her eyes like he had never seen a girl before in his life. Beth stared back at him, she wasn't sure why he looked at her in such a way.

“This is my daughter, Beth.” Isabel informed him.

The Prince broke his eye-contact with Beth to give Isabel a confused look. “Do not take my wondering as an insult, but how could a woman of your age have a daughter so young?” he asked.

“Oh, I know that.” Beth blurted out. “Mother has told me the story of how someone left me on the doorstep of the tavern when I was a baby. Nobody knows where I came from, nor who my parents were, so Mother raised me as her own daughter. I mean, obviously, if you look at us, there's no way we are related, so I guess I'm an orphan. I mean, I have a mother, so it's not like I'm a real orphan, but...you know what I mean....”

“Beth.” Isabel interrupted. “You are doing that talking at a mile a minute thing, my love.” she said, eyeing her blushing, and flustered daughter. She had never seen Beth so obviously flustered around anyone.

“Sorry mother.” she said, blushing more.

“It's OK, my love.” Isabel said, happily. “I have raised her as my own, and I love her more than life.” she said, looking at Octavian.

Octavian looked at Beth who was still blushing. “It must be a great honor to be chosen to be loved by a Queen.” he said.

“She did not know I was a queen. I thought it more important to be her mother, than to be her queen.” Isabel said.

“But you are Queen Mud, aren't you mother?” Beth asked. “Why didn't you tell me?”

“Who I am had never been important to me, my love. I wanted you to grow up feeling valued, feeling loved, and knowing a mother who loved you, and did her best to raise you right irregardless of who she was. I wanted the best childhood for you, one where you would grow up feeling safe, and encouraged; a fun childhood. I was going to tell you after you finished your schooling, and were fully prepared to face the world.” Isabel said. “When I was banned from my own house, cast away from my own family, I fell deep into the bitterness of my own soul. I came to claim my husband's heritage, here at the Fishman's Tavern, but I could not fight the bitterness. I was a broke, angry, hateful old woman. A forgotten widow that had been abandoned, and left to die. But that's when I heard it.” Isabel said to Beth, tenderness in her eyes. “I heard you, my love. You were crying on the porch of The Fishman's tavern. Just outside my door. I came out and picked you up, someone had left a note for me, but I didn't read it till later. I just looked into you eyes, and I loved you. I couldn't not love you, my love. I don't know if I really chose you, or if you chose me in that moment. I just know that you have become the joy in my old age. I praise God everyday for bringing me such a wonderful daughter. Believe me, Elizabeth, I may have fed and clothed you your whole life, but it is not me who saved your life, it was you who saved mine; for I know I would not have survived long in this world without your love. I would have died in my bitterness by now.”

Beth teared up, and gave her old mother a hug, kissing her cheek. “I love you, mother.” she said.

“Is it wrong, madam, that I wish that I had been raised by you instead of my own parents?” The prince said, to everyone's surprise. He looked at Beth. “I envy you if your upbringing has been as she says. My own upbringing had been one of all emotional neglect from my parents. Being the sickly one, my parents withdrew themselves from me, leaving me only to my own servants to be cared for. Well, left alone to my servants, and my books.” he said.

“Books! I love books. I am the biggest book fan I know.” Beth replied, awkwardly.

“Hmm, another book fan. I have no one to discuss my love of books. Lucius, would you go fetch my trunk with my travel collection?” The prince asked.

“Yes, sire.” Lucius said, bowing, and then leaving the room in a hurry.

“I will see if there are any in my collection you have yet to read. Would it be OK if I saw your collection?” he asked.

Beth gave Isabel her best puppy-dog eyes, begging her to allow it. Isabel smiled, she could tell that Beth was quite taken with him. She shrugged, they, technically weren't related, and the worst that could happen for her daughter was gaining a friend who had the same love of books she had. The best that could happen was something that would be forbidden by her son and grandson, but they would worry about that later if it ever came to that. “OK, go show him your collection.” she conceded.

Octavian offered Beth his arm. Shall we, milady?” he said.

Beth giggled at him calling her milady. “While yes, sire.” she said, playfully.

“Thank you for saving my life.” he said to Isabel as they walked by her. “Perhaps we can get to know each other more.”

“You are welcome, my little lamb; and yes, I would like that.” she replied to him.

Beth dragged the prince out of the room, and up the secret stairs to the third floor where her most precious stash of book lined the shelves. The two already got along greatly.

Isabel and Johnathan stood in the empty room together. He couldn't take his eyes off her. He had forgotten her kindness, and grace in the many years of her not being in the royal family. Her very presence helped him realize how far down they had all sunken without her there. Queen Mud was the rock, and without her there to anchor them, the royal family had deteriorated, blown away in whichever direction the wind took them. All six of Mud's children suffered without her there, even if, in their great pride, they would never admit it.

“It is good to see you, My Queen. I had forgotten how deeply I have missed your presence.” Johnathan said, remorsefully.

“I have missed you as well, Johnny. How many kids do you have now? I know you had two before I left.” she said, knowing they both knew she was forced to leave.

“I have four now. Three boys, and the youngest, my dearest daughter.” he said.

“Four older bothers. I bet she's tough as nails.” Isabel said to him.

“She fights with boys older than her and wins.” he said.

“Atta girl.” she replied. “Now, I suppose your men are hungry, and possibly thirsty. I will go try and make some food, and pour some drink for them.” she said, turning to leave.

Johnathan dropped to his knees. “Please, Mud, forgive me. Forgive us all. I miss you, and so do they, even if they won't admit it. Your family still needs you. Your country still needs you. Forgive us all for casting you aside. Please, my queen, can you forgive me.

Mud moved over to Johnathan, and lifted his tearful face with her right hand. “I will not lie, there are few wounds that go deeper than being cast out of fellowship with one's family; being rejected, lied about, and slandered to the point where they tell you to leave. It is one thing to lose a loved one to death, but a whole other kind of pain to lose you loved-ones while they are still yet alive. My most painful days were those I spent here, at this tavern, before my Elizabeth came into my life. However, I have let go of the hurt, I have dropped the bitterness; I gave them to God, and took them from me. I forgive you, I forgive them all. I just wish I could be there to love them. The hardest part of it is that my heart is ready to invite them back into my life, to love them, and be with them; but they aren't there. The door is open again on my end, but it is barricaded shut on theirs. My deepest yearnings will always be for my family, though they reject me still. I will never give up hope of them accepting me back, though it isn't likely. I will always love them, though they hate me, and I will always be there for them, even though they are not here for me. So, please, arise, for I have already forgiven you, and them. Lets forget the past, and make due with what short time we have left. This may be the first and last chance I ever have of seeing my great grandson. I do not know how long you are planning on staying here, you are welcome to stay as long as you wish, but until you leave, I would love to spend time getting to know you all.” she said.

Isabel, Mud, that is, and Johnathan came down the steps of the tavern to see two hooded men serving ale, along with Martin and Susan, to the honor guards. They had a happy spirit about them, and the guards didn't even question who they were so long as the ale kept coming.

“Having fun are you?” Isabel asked.

Grant looked up at her and Johnathan. “We figured everyone could use a lift of their spirits. A celebration and a toast to miraculous healing and old friends.” he said.

“I don't believe it.” Johnathan said, exiting the steps and moving toward the bar to get a better look at Grant. “I remember you sir. It has been a very long time, but I remember you.” he said in disbelief.

Grant eyed Johnathan back. “I remember you too. You were younger then.” he said.

“Aye, everyone was younger then....except you. You haven't aged a day, and I was fifteen when I met you, along with Princess Averny.” he then looked to the tall one. “And you, Ralph, always a pleasure as well. What brings you here?” he asked, curious.

“Old friends.” Grant answered.

“It seems as if everyone has come to visit Queen Mud tonight.” Johnathan said.

Grant looked at Mud with his kind eyes. “She has always been the most loyal companion, and the best friend a man could ask for. Outside of Avey, and my own daughter, there is not other woman I have missed more.” he answered, sincerely.

“I've missed you all so much. It warms an old woman's heart to see old friends.” Mud replied having made her way down to the bar too. “So what are we drinking?”

Grant smiled at her, then pulled out a bottle of royal Azmorene wine. “Do you remember this vintage?” he asked.

She smiled at him. “The same wine we drank at my wedding, and at yours.” she said.

Grant pulled three wine glasses out from behind his back, and served the wine to Mud, Johnathan, and himself. Mud smelled it first, a smell that brought back so many memories; like how the smell of summer in the air can reinvigorate a soul, opening it up to memories they had thought lost forever. So many memories went through her mind as she finally sipped it. The taste also brought back so many memories; memories of the good time, times of love, and times with Cid, her husband. Good friends, and old memories warmed her heart as they sat there, sharing stories of the past, melting away any of the hurt left; for the good times will always make a heart forget it's hurt, if only for a few minutes.

Lucius came back through the door, hauling a big trunk that weighed as much as a chest of gold. To the prince, they were more precious than gold, but to Lucius, they were backbreaking. “Here are the books the prince requested....you don't suppose he wants me to drag them upstairs do you?” he asked, eyeing the ale the other guards were enjoying.

“No, Lucius, please, come enjoy a drink.” Johnathan said.

“Sir, we are on duty.” he replied, rigidly.

“I did not say come get drunk, but come and have one drink with us.” he replied.

“Well, in the interest of being polite in front of royalty, I suppose. I just have one question.” Lucious said.

“What I that?” Johnathan asked him.

“Are we not supposed to be talking to Queen Loretta? Have we not been banned, sir? Will we not face capitol punishment for taking her son in her presence?” he asked, scared for his own future.

“Well, Lucius, if you don't tell, I won't. She did heal the prince, so we do owe her for her kindness toward him. In our oath as protectors, we vow not to repay kindness for evil, so I think our oath makes this OK.” he replied.

“Hmm, I can't fault your logic.” he said, sitting down at the bar.

“Beside, I will be the one they torture to death for this. The rest of you will claim you were just following my orders, and escape with maybe a flogging at worst.” he replied.

Beth and Octavian came down the stairs, carrying books from her collection, ones he had not read yet. “Oh, here is my collection, Beth.” he said, walking toward the trunk. He opened it up, and they bussied themselves digging through it, as if it were treasure.

The two lost themselves in the prince's collection for the night. Pulling volume after volume, and discussing the books they had both read. Characters, plot-lines, and any deeper meanings they got out of the stories they had read. Isabel had to force them to stop so they could eat some bread and soup she she prepared for them. They were lost in fantasy and adventures.

Isabel also fed all the guards, as well as Grant and Ralph. The guards were thankful for hot soup on such a dreary night. Each one thanked her, all knowing it was them who should have been serving her, yet, the servant queen, was happy to do it. It had been a long time since Mud had so many good friends in the same room. Seeing her great grandson, and her adopted daughter getting along so well as well as seeing Gran, Johnathan, and Ralph warmed her heart.

“So let me get this straight, the Azmorene Sword actually exists?” Ralph asked after she told them the story of assaulting Azmorene castle.

“Yes, I have held it in my hands before. A majestic sword in it's full splendor.” Isabel said.

“You wouldn't happen to know where it is ?” Lucius asked, butting in. “The King has been seeking it for years.”

Isabel looked as Lucius kindly. “If he cannot find it, then he is not worthy of it. Perhaps it's hiding itself from him. Unwilling to be used in a war against family.” she said.

“So you don't know where the sword went?” he asked her.

“Perhaps I took it, and dropped it into the middle of the ocean, knowing how it would be used.” she replied, telling him that even if she did know, she would never tell.

Beth came over, hearing them mention the Azmorene sword. “Mother, did you really kill prince Kain with the Azmorene Sword?” she asked, having read about it in her book.

“No, I did not kill him.” she said. “We, actually don't know who did.”

“What do you mean? We know he was defeated at Figaro Manner.” she said.

“Indeed, there is still a charred hole in the wall of the master bedroom there. We keep it there as a reminder.” Ralph concurred.

“The book isn't very clear, it says you all went there to save Averny, but it doesn't give a lot of detail as to how Kain died. It said you defeated him. Maybe you could tell us what happened.” Beth suggested.

Isabel sat back for a few seconds to wonder if she should take the secrets of that night to the grave, or let them know what really happened, something she had wondered about often in the years since it happened; though she had not though about it for a very long time. “The truth is, I did not kill him with the Azmorene sword, and neither did Averny or Uncle Septimius.” she said giving in to the question after so many years of avoiding it. “Someone else was there that night. We don't know who.”

“Someone else?” Octavian asked. He had joined the conversation when Beth did.

“A woman. We don't know who she was, but she protected us from Kain, and ended up killing him.” Isabel said. “Grant was there too, though he does not remember it.”

Grant looked at Beth. “I do not remember anything from that period of time. I have heard the story, many times from my beloved wife, but I don't remember any of it. However, Averny and myself agreed, the woman in the room was definitely Mud.” he said.

“But, I was unconscious under the Wizard's spell. I couldn't have been me.” Isabel said.

“Looked exactly like you, talked like you, and wielded the Azmorene sword. Averny was convinced her whole life it was you; as impossible as it was.” Grant replied as everyone in the room listened intently to their conversation.

“How could you have met us on the road on the way back? You knew things that had not even happened yet. The whole thing seems like a dream, but Kain was defeated. That part is certain.” she replied.

“I do not know, nor do I remember, Mud. At that time, I was still imprisoned within Kain as far as I know. I was not released until you killed him.” he said.

“What do you mean imprisoned within Kain?” Beth asked, now completely fascinated with the conversation.

Grant shot a look at Isabel, who nodded. “You see, my dear, it appears that two strange factors happened. When a Tree-Person shoots their life-force at an opponent, it turns out, they infuse a part of their own soul with whomever they hit with it. I had, unwittingly, fused my own soul and life to Kain's. The other factor that cemented it was the explosion in Dysart Castle. Both of us died in it, and somehow, I found myself inside Kain when he materialized again. It was like being locked inside a dark room, unable to move. I could see what was happening through Kain, but I could not speak, or move. The Azmorene sword freed me.” he said.

Beth took in all that he said. How strange, she thought. Then she realized something. “Wait, if you are Gran of the Tree-People, would you not be around the same age as my mother? Nearly eighty years old by now, and yet, you sir, look to be merely in your twenties. How is it you have not aged?” she asked.

“Another curious side-effect of being fused with the Dark King.” he replied.

“So you are Gran?” Johnathan said, wonder in his eyes.

“I used to be. Now, I'm just a grumpy old man anymore. Not aging sounds like a blessing, until you watch everyone you love grow old around you, and die. I wouldn't wish this on anyone.” he said, solemnly.

Isabel put her hand on Gran's shoulder, comforting him. “Perhaps it's for a good reason. Maybe you are the one who can set things right when I leave this world? Maybe you have been chosen to be the immortal protector of the weak, and a voice for those who have none. Maybe, that which you see as such a curse, is so you can be a blessing to others, and an angel of death for those who would oppress the poor, the needy, the fatherless?” she said.

“Maybe.” he said, still not convinced. “Or maybe I should just find a cave to hide in for the next century.” he said, smiling at Mud.

“Only if you promise to come out once a year to put flowers on my grave.” she replied, smiling back.

“As if Queen Mud will ever die.” he said. “You can put flowers on my grave.”

Isabel smiled at him. She knew she was the last of his close friends he had in the world. She appreciated his presence, and his loyalty. “I'm so happy to see you again, old friend.” she said, emotionally.

Gran nodded. Seeing her again brought him a deep joy he had not had in a long times. It was good to see old friends again.

“I missed you a lot, Mud. I brings me joy...” Gran stopped mid sentence, and listened to something that sounded like gunfire. “There's something wrong in the port; a ship. Mercenaries. Everyone find a safe place, I will be right back.” he said, then disappeared in a flash before their eyes.

Not one second after he disappeared did the door to the tavern burst open, and a group of thirty men burst through the door, catching the whole room off guard. The men came armed with rifles, and had them trained on everyone in the room before they could even react. It was a band of men from the frozen-lands, beyond the desert Isles.

Everyone put their hands up. There wasn't even time for the guards to grab their rifles before the room was filled with a horde of enemies. A pale, black-haired man walked to the head of the crowd of mercenaries. His cold gray eyes taking in the scene of the room. Isabel was standing up before the men, while Prince Octavian and Beth had cowered down in front of the bar, Johnathan rushing to cover them. Martin and Susan hid behind the bar, and all the guards had their hands up. It was a hopeless situation. Ralph kept his rams crossed, and stood tall behind the bar.

“What do we have here?” the man asked, making eye-contact with the Prince who was on the floor. “Could this be Prince Augustus?” he asked with a devious smile.

“What do you want from us?” Isabel asked, still standing tall before a room filled dangerous men.

The man smiled at Isabel. “My name is Ivan, and I am in charge. What do I want? War!” he said, rushing to Isabel, and pushing her to the northern wall of the tavern, putting a knife to her throat. “I've been hired to kill Azmorenes, and I will start with you if you dare ask anymore questions.” he placed the blade on her throat.

“Boss, what do you want us to do with the prince?” one of the men asked him.

Ivan turned his head, and smiled. “Well, we were hired to kill. Take him outside, and kill him.” he said.

Johnathan tried stopping the man from grabbing the prince, but his struggle ended quickly with the sound of gunshot. He lay there, still trying to struggle as he was bleeding out on the floor. The man laughed, as he grabbed the prince.

Beth tried to stop him from taking Octavian, but the man backhanded her off of him. “How cute. She must be in love with you, young prince.” he said talking of how she tried to stop him.

Mud's body raged in anger at the sight of the man laying his hands on her beloved daughter. Ivan looked back at her, giving her a taunting smile. What could an old lady do to stop him?

Octavian stood up tall, before the men who were grabbing him. “No need to use force. I will come quietly. Let me say my goodbyes first.” he said without struggle.

The man who was trying to grab him looked at Ivan, who shrugged. “One last request for royalty.” he said.

Prince Octavian reached his hand down to Beth, helping her to her feet. “It was a delight meeting you. Thank you for the lovely evening. I couldn't have asked for a better final night.” he said smiling. He then hugged her. “Thank you for letting me discuss my passion for books. You made my last night in this life the best I have ever had. I do regret that we shall not be able to do it again sometime, but thank you, Beth. I will never forget it.”

Beth hugged him harder. “Please don't let them take you.” she said.

“Alas, madam, I have spent my entire life laying down, but tonight I will die on my feet; standing proud as an Azmorene royal.” he said.

“How cute.” Ivan said, mockingly. He then looked back at Isabel. “We are going to kill the girl in front of you.” he whispered, bringing his head to her ear as he kept her pinned to the wall.

To his surprise, this old lady showed no reaction to his words. She stood there, like a rock; completely stoic to the words he spoke. “Let them go, or I am going to kill you all.” Isabel said, coldly.

“My dear old lady. I think I will kill you last, for you amuse me.” Ivan said looking at Isabel who looked toward the back of the room.

She smiled at Ivan. “Do you not see that ten of your men are already dead?” she asked him, and then laughed.

The entire room spun around at the sight of a flash of light; someone had just disappeared, stalthily leaving ten mercenaries on the ground, laying in a pool of their own blood. Ivan pushed Isabel back onto the wall, pressing the knife harder on her throat. “What kind of sorcery is them.

Isabel ignored his question. Instead, she looked at her daughter. “Beth, close your eyes, my love. I do not want you to see this.” she said. Beth looked at her mother, who's calmness also calmed her. Doing as her mother said, she curled up on the floor, covering her eyes and ears.

Ivan had had enough. “What are you plotting, lady?” he said, drawing his dagger back, as he was going to thrust it into Isabel's throat.

Without a look of fear in her eyes, Isabel looked toward one of the ornaments she had hung on the wall. There was an old shield, a fisherman's net, a harpoon, and some fishhooks. Hanging in the middle of the display, within arm's-reach of her sat an old, rusty, dingy-looking sword. It was cured, and looked as if an amateur has crafted it; like something a child would make.

Ivan's thrust went straight for her throat, but she sidestepped to the right. Pulling a pearl-handled dagger from behind her apron, she jammed it into Ivan's kidney, and grabbed the handle of the old rusty sword which transformed into a flaming, majestic, sword the second she touched it. Cutting through it's hanger with ease, Isabel the brought the sword around, beheading Ivan in a split-second before a room of shocked mercenaries. She pointed the sword toward the room of evil men, and a flaming lion head shot out of the end, and roared at them; sending a shockwave that knocked hem men down to the floor, and shattering the windows and glasses in the tavern.

Before the men could react, a man with eyes burning with as much fire as the lion's eyes appeared in their midst, he was holding a double-sided spear, and was ducked low to the ground, making eye-contact with none of them. “I am Gran of the Tree-People, and you are all going to die.” he said. One man tried standing up, and Gran spun his spear around, beheading him.

Ralph, suddenly jumped over the bar, sword in hand, and he pounced on the men as they tried to stand back up. The rest of the honor-guards also managed to grab their own weapons, and the fight was on. Mud began cutting through the horde of men with the Azmorene sword, as if she was swinging at the air. Gran began dodging, slashing, and teleporting around the room, killing enemies indiscriminately. Ralph picked up a man, and tossed him into a group of men, causing them to fall over, and allowing Lucius and his group to kill the downed foes. Octavian covered Beth with his body. He had no sword training, because he was too sick to learn in his childhood. He held her closely, shielding her from the violence going on around her. Even Martin joined the fight, grabbing a sword from one of the downed mercenaries, and swinging it wildly.

Ivan's crew didn't know what hit them, as they quickly found themselves outnumbered in a matter of minutes. Ten quickly dwindled down to five, as their opponents attacked with a fury they had never seen before, and five dwindled down to two.

The last two remaining stood back to back, amid a the bodies of their comrades, surrounded by Ralph, Gran, the honor-guards, and an angry old woman, holding a flaming sword. One of the men dropped his sword, and took his helmet off, dropping to his knees before Isabel. “Please, Mud, have mercy on me.” he begged.

Isabel raised the Azmorene sword, ready to strike him down when she paused. She knew this man. “Edward?” she said. “But that's not possible.”

“Yes, my queen, it is me. First-mate to your husband. You remember, don't you?” he pleaded.

“But you disappeared with him that night. You cannot be here. It's not possible.” she said.

“I can't explain it, my queen, but I have come back.” he said.

Isabel dropped the Azmorene sword to the ground. “How? It's not possible for you to be here. The Kirin disappeared before my very eyes. It's not possible...”

“I don't know how, my Queen, but it is me.” he said.

“It has been nearly forty years since that night.” she said, in wonder. “But you have not aged at all. You should be nearly seventy years old by now, but you still look to be in your late twenties. You look exactly as you did the night you left.”

“My Queen, it has only been three months since the Kirin took off. I don't know what happened, Mud, I found myself floating in the frozen seas in the frozen lands. I was picked up by this ship, and brought here on a mission to kill you. I swear to you, My Queen, I have no intention of killing you.” he said.

“My dear Edward, look at me, does it look as if it has been a mere three months since you left?” she said.

“No, my queen.” he answered. “For you, it has been decades, but for me, it has only been three months. That is the part I cannot explain.” he said. “There was a flash of light, like lightning, and then I found myself in the ocean. That is all I know.”

“Did you say that you were sent on a mission to kill Mud?” Gran asked, putting his sword to Edward's throat.

“Yes, Prince Grant. The men who picked me up were hired to kill Queen Mud. It was supposed to look like a Yakovian raid.” he said.

“A Yakovian raid?” Ralph asked. “Why would Yakovian's want Queen Mud dead? Who would believe that?”

“And who hired you?” Gran asked.

Edward looked directly at Isabel. “Your son.” he said. “You were to be a martyr to rally the country into supporting the war effort. If the most beloved queen in history were to be slaughtered in cold blood, the king could use it in propaganda for the war effort. We were also to torture you to find out where the Azmorene sword is. King Cid covets it the most.”

Octavian stood up upon hearing this. Walking past the honor guards that were both protecting him, and patching up Johnathan, and the other wounded ones in their group, he came to face the man. “Is this really my grandfather's hand at work?” he asked.

“Your grandfather? Would you be the young prince Augustus the sickly I have head about? To answer your question, yes, this is King Cid's hand at work.” Edward replied.

Octavian looked at Isabel. “Had I not seen it with my own eyes, I would not believe it. How could a man be so evil.” he said angrily.

“I need to to take Beth upstairs. I don't want her to see this.” Isabel said to Octavian.

Octavian nodded, and then made his way back over to Beth who still had her head covered. He put his arms around her, and told him to come with him upstairs, guiding her, and telling her to keep her eyes shut.

When Beth and Octavian were safely upstairs, Isabel turned back toward Gran. “If this is my son's doing, then no one here is safe. This won't be his last attempt. We have top get The Prince and Beth out of here. Can you go search the village for any more of these men?” she asked her old friend.

Gran nodded. “No mercy.” he said as he disappeared in a flash of light.

Isabel then turned back toward Edward. “I still don't believe it. All these years I believed that Cid had died in a ship wreck, but not even a piece of The Kirin has ever been recovered, not even as I had them drag nets at the bottom of the sea floor where it was last seen. But here you are, a dead man kneeling before me. Unless the door of time has opened, this isn't possible, but here you are, my husband's own first-mate on his final voyage. I don't even know what to say.”

“Is it not possible that a door in time was opened? My queen, I have no explanation for it, for just four months ago, I was preparing for the journey with Captain Cid. He was alive the last moment I saw him.” he replied.

“When did you see him last?” she asked.

“I was standing next to him when the light struck the ship. My queen, three months ago in my life, your husband was alive, and all I remember was a flash of light, and then I was in the ocean. Something, I can't explain what, hit The Kirin, and she disappeared before me.” Edward replied.

Isabel looked at Ralph with a look of wonder, a look of hope; a look she had not had on her face in many years. “My dear Ralph, there is a possibility that Cid is still alive. There is hope that my husband yet lives.”

Isabel became faint, and started to fall, but Ralph ran over to catch her before she hit the ground. This whole ordeal had been too much for her to handle.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Isabel woke up to the feeling of a wet cloth being dabbed on her head. She could hear Beth humming the royal lullaby to her, as she placed the cloth on her mother's head. She reached up and tenderly put her hand on daughter's. “I love you Beth.” she said, opening her eyes.

“I love you too, mother.” Beth said, tenderly.

Isabel looked around, the two were on the third floor of the Tavern, the morning sun filtering in through the windows. “How long have I been out?” she asked.

“You fainted, and slept through the night. Grant and the others cleaned up the mess.” Beth informed her.

Isabel rose from the bed, suddenly.

“Mother, you need your rest.” Beth said, concerned.

“We have to get you out of here, my love. If it was my son, the king who sent those men to kill me, then more will return soon. You aren't safe here.” Isabel said.

“But mother, I'm not leaving without you. Why are you talking as if you won't be coming with me should I leave?” she asked.

Isabel hugged her daughter, and ran her fingers through her hair. “My love, I fear they are only looking for Queen Mud. As long as you are around me, you aren't safe. I can't risk losing you.” she said.

“I can't risk losing you either, mother. I'm not going to abandon you no matter what.” she said, defiantly.

Isabel kissed Beth on the forehead, and hugged her tightly. “It won't be forever, my love. I just need to make sure you are safe. I will visit you again, I promise. I need to get you somewhere safe until my son stops looking for me. It won't be forever.” she said.

“But mother, I can't do it. Please don't make me leave you.” she said, tearing up. “I can't lose you too.”

“My love, I have lived a full life. Many years I have had, some bad, but so many filled with love and kindness. Right now, your life is more important than mine. Someday, when you are a mother, you will understand. My dear Beth, I cannot put you in danger. I want you to grow up into the wonderful woman I know you will be; I want you to find love, and to be loved by a good man; I want your life to be filled with all the good times I had in my life, and better. I have to make sure you are safe, my love.” she said, eyes filled with tears. “Come on, I will send you to Figaro Manner. Ralph is a good man, and will protect you. You will be safe there, and be allowed to finish your schooling, and grow up into that woman I know you will be.”

“Please, mother, I don't want to leave you. I can't lose you.” Beth said.

Isabel pulled back and looked into Beth's eyes. “I promise you, my love, you won't lose me. On my life, and on everything I have, nothing will keep me from visiting you. Nothing but death will stop me from seeing you again, and even then, my last breaths will be prayers for you. I promise you, I will see you again, this life, or should I have to wait for you to join me in heaven. We will see each other again, my love. Right now, I need you to be strong. This is just a parting, I promise I will see you again, soon. Nothing will keep me from it. I know you are strong, I have seen it with my own eyes, and now I need you to be strong for me, my love.” she said, gracefully to her daughter.

Beth sniffled. “OK Mother. I will go to a safe place if you want, but not a day will go by that I will not pray for your return to me.” she said.

Isabel hugged her again. “Words cannot describe how much I love you. I thank you for being in my life, Elizabeth. You have brought so much joy to a hurting old woman's heart by being the most wonderful daughter anyone could ask for. God blessed me with seeing you grow from a baby to the wonderful woman you are today. It is with great sadness that I must send you away, my little lamb, but also with great joy, and thankfulness to Him, because you were the biggest blessing in my life. For I was alone, hurting, drowning, and crying out to God for help, and He heard my cry, He saw my tears, and He answered my prayers with you. Praise be to the God of Yakov, forever and ever.” she said.

“Amen.” Beth said, hugging her mother, listening to her heartbeat. “I love you, Mud.”

Isabel pulled back and smiled at her daughter. “I love you too.” she said, tears of joy.

Isabel and Beth came downstairs in the tavern, to find the room completely clean, and the floors mopped till they shined. Ralph, oddly enough, was a natural at swabbing floors. Perhaps it was in his blood. Gran and Ralph had disposed of the bodies of all the men, and had cleared the village, and the ship they came in on of all the men as well.

Johnathan was alive, but in poor shape. As they came down to the tavern, they saw Gran, Prince Octavian, Ralph, and Martin sitting at a table, Lucius, and the rest of the honor guards sitting at another one. Isabel approached Ralph, and explained her plan to him. He graciously agreed, and vowed to protect Beth with his life, and treat her as his own daughter. They agreed that Figaro Manner was a good place for her to live.

“Shall I be able to visit her there?” Octavian asked Isabel and Ralph, curiously.

“Ralph smiled, so long as you keep your father and grandfather far away, you will always be welcome to visit her there.” Ralph replied. “Just never ask the House Figaro to pick a side in the war.” he warned.

“Deal.” The prince agreed. He saw no point in the war against his cousin, Septimius to begin with.

Isabel looked around the room. She noticed that Edward, and the other remaining mercenary were chained in a corner. She could see the Azmorene sword laying on the ground where she had dropped it the night before. No one, except Octavian could have picked it up, and he saw no need. She picked up the sword, which burst into it's majestic form at her touch.

“Woah!” Beth said. She had not seen the sword in action the night before.

Isabel held the Azmorene sword in her hands. The sword knew she was older, and made itself lighter than a feather to her touch, which she appreciated. She walked over, and cut Edward's chains off, freeing him. “You are free, Edward, you pose no threat. Go, find your family, or make a life for yourself wherever you choose.” she said.

Edward prostrated himself to Mud. “Thank you, my queen.” he said, then stood up and left the tavern. Out to find a new lease on life.

Isabel turned the Azmorene sword toward the other man. “What is your name?” she asked him.

“Vlad.” he said to her, keeping his eyes down.

“Do you have a family, Vlad?” she asked him coldly.

“I was born a poor orphan.” he said.

Isabel nodded. “Why did you choose mercenary work?' she asked him.

“It was either that, or work in the frozen mines. I figured with a couple of big jobs, I could quit with enough money to start a family. It is impossible for a poor man to find a wife in my country.” he said.

Isabel lifted the sword, and swung it, cutting his chains. Vlad knelt there, shaking as she went behind the bar, and opened up a secret compartment. He could hear metal clanging as she grabbed a hefty coin-purse, and brought it to him; throwing it on the ground before him.

“There has been enough bloodshed here. Your life is spared, and your debt, forgiven.” she said to a shocked Vlad. “Take this money, it is enough to get you back to the frozen-lands should you wish, or to start a new life here, or anywhere you wish in the world. My only requirement is that you find a new occupation. No more mercenary work. Go, find a new lease on life.”

Vlad's hand were shaking as he lifted the purse. He looked up at Isabel, almost tearfully. “Do I not deserve death, Queen Mud?” he asked.

Isabel smiled, warmly at him. “Do we not all deserve death for our sins? This is God's grace for us all. Go, friend, find a new way, a new life. Just avoid King Cid or any of the royals, for they will torture you to find out where I went. Now arise, Vlad, a new man, and a new life. Go, friend, and find it.” she said to him.

Tears welled up in the man's eyes. “Thank you, Mud. I will never forget your mercy.” he said, bowing to her, and then exiting the tavern as well.

Isabel approached Martin next. “My dear Martin, I cannot thank you enough for your service to me. The Fishman's Tavern will always be in my family, and in my absence, I now give it to Beth to own. However, in Beth's absence, someone will need run it for us. In our absence, any and all the profits you make from the tavern are yours, so long as you let Beth claim it back from you if she ever chooses to. Weddings are expensive, dear Martin, and so are families, but the Tavern should help you afford both.” Isabel said, then looked at Octavian. “He shall need a letter of exemption from the draft. Article five, those servants still in service to members of the royal family, and being paid by them for their services are exempt from being drafted into military service. Your signature, and your signet. Two letters. One for him to carry with himself, and the other to hang above the bar so he can tell his guests the story.” she said warmly.

Octavian shook his head. “Yes, great-grandmother.” he said.

She then looked at Gran. “I don't suppose I can convince you to go with Beth, and Ralph?” she asked him.

He smiled at her. “Your adventures are the most fun.” he replied.

“I don't know if I am coming back from this one, old friend.” she said.

“Funny, I've said that before.” he said.

Isabel nodded, there was no convincing him. “We need to hurry. My son will send more men soon once he hears the report. I need help packing Beth's things. I need to get her to safety as soon as possible.” she said with concern in her voice. “How are we going to get her to Figaro Manner?” she asked.

Ralph stood up and put his hand on Isabel's shoulder, calming her. “It seems to me that there happens to be a ship in port that is currently devoid of it's crew. We will sail up through Show Low port, and take the land route back to the Manner.” he said, giving her a warm smile.

Isabel put her hand on Ralph's hand, squeezing it tenderly. “Thank you Ralph.” she said. “Will you have enough men to sail.?”

“My Queen, we all know that Joiada is a town of retired pirates. Hiring a crew will be easy.” he responded.

Octavian stood up. “It seems to me that will the help of my honor guards and myself, we could get the ship to sea as soon as possible.” he said, volunteering.

Isabel shook her head. “I could never ask you to help in that way. The land-route will be safest for you. No one will touch an Azmorene Prince. If you get caught helping me, your father may have you killed for treason. I don't want you to risk your life for me.”

“It is a risk I am willing to take, for at least twice, you have saved my life now. The least I could do is make sure your daughter is safe. I owe you, and I will never forget your kindness toward me.” He replied.

Tears formed in Beth's eyes. Everyone was making plans for her, and talking as if she wasn't in the room. This was all happening so fast, and she had no control over it. She did not want to leave her home, she did not want to abandon her mother, and the thought of such radical changes that were out of her control upset her. She sat down and started to cry.

Octavian sat down next to her, and put his arm around her, noticing her tears before the rest of them. “Are you OK?” he asked.

“It's just happening so fast. I don't want to leave, I don't think I can do it. I just want to stay with my mother. Why did this have to happen?” she sobbed.

Isabel knelt down on the floor in front of Beth. “I know it's hard having such a change thrust upon you; having to leave the only home you have never known on a journey to a new life that has no guarantees. To head toward the great unknown is a terrifying feeling.” she said staring into her daughter's eyes. “Sometimes life moves in ways that are beyond our control, and it leaves us feeling helpless. I, certainly did not want us to part so early, but it is the only way I can keep you safe. This, my love, is my fault, unfinished business from my life as queen. I should have stood up, and dealt with my family years ago. I have been hiding, because I was selfish, hoping to live out the rest of my life with no consequences from the life I lead as Queen. I should have known it would only be a matter of time before the demons of my past caught up with me, but I was hoping for you to be grown, and for me to be in the grave before they reached me. Please forgive me for bringing this upon you, my love.”

Beth hugged Isabel. “I forgive you, mother. I just don't want to lose you too. Why can't he just leave you alone?” she asked speaking of king Cid.

“My life is a threat to his power. So long as I still live, he will never feel fully secure as king, for many people still whisper my name in this kingdom. There are many who are still loyal to me, and where there is loyalty to another, rebellion lies. Though I pose no threat to him, for I am full of days, and ready for the next life, he still sees me as the last great threat to his power.” Isabel replied.

Beth giggled. “The most powerful king in the world, scared of an old woman.” she said.

Isabel laughed, as did Ralph, Octavian, and Gran. The whole idea did seem silly to them, but it made sense to the king.

Isabel kissed Beth on the head. “I love you Beth.” she said. “Now, I need to to be brave. I know how this feels, for I was a few years older than you when I had to leave the home I loved, and was thrust into a new life I wasn't prepared for. I had so many doubts, and nearly gave up many times, but with the support of those around me, strengthening me when I was at my lowest, I managed to face everything life has thrown at me. You will have the best support, for Ralph is a good man, and it brings me much joy to send you to the house I grew up in, the home I love.”

Isabel stood up and grabbed Beth's hand, and then led her to Ralph, placing her hand in his massive hand. “Perhaps you are still too young to have a teenage daughter, but, would you be willing to take my daughter as your own?” she asked Ralph.

“It would be my greatest honor to take her in as my own. For I have yet to have any children of my own.” he replied.

Isabel looked at Beth. “I will always be your mother, and I will always love you, however, I must let you go...” Isabel teared up. “I love you.” she said tears streaming down her face. “Beth, behold, your father, and Ralph, behold your daughter.”

Ralph nodded to Isabel, and then turned toward Beth. “It will be my honor to be a father to such a wonderful daughter.” he said to her. “I will protect her with my life, with my everything, and all that is mine, is now hers.”

Beth wasn't quite sure what to think. She remained speechless, everything was happening so quickly. She just nodded to Ralph.

“Now worries, Beth, I know this is sudden, but I will always be there for you in Queen Mud's absence.” Ralph said, compassionately to her, knowing how hard it must be for her.

Isabel hugged Beth one more time, and then pulled back. “May I present to you all, Lady Elisabeth Figaro.” she said.

Everyone in the room clapped, and bowed their heads toward her in courteous fashion. Ralph leaned in toward Isabel. “I have some idea what you are supposed to do with a baby, feed them, let them nap, and change their diapers.....What do I do with a teenager?” he asked.

“Feed them, let them nap, and make them do their history homework.” she replied warmly.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

With Everyone's help, they were able to have all of Beth's things packs in ready to go within an hour. Isabel made sure they took all of her books with them, knowing how much Beth loved them. Ralph was able to hire a few locals to help them sail to Show Low port, and by mid-day, after a good meal, they were ready to go. After more tearful goodbyes, the ship set sail, with Ralph, Octavian, and the crew. They would keep it close to the coastline to sail up to Show Low port.

Isabel soon found herself sitting alone in the tavern with Gran. The place seemed so quite and empty without Beth there. She already missed her so much. Gran sat there, silent, with his oldest friend. He knew Mud was hurting over the decision. This would be the first time in over fifteen years that Beth wasn't there, and he knew that Mud's promise that she would see Beth again may not come true in this life. He understood what she meant, even if Beth did not.

Isabel suddenly burst into tears. “Please Gran, tell me I did the right thing.” she said, as she wept.

Gran put his hand on hers, and looked her directly in the eyes. “You made the right choice.” he said firmly. “I know it isn't an easy choice to send your daughter away for her own safety, but you made the right choice.”

“Forgive me, friend. I forgot that you have had to make the same decision before.” she said.

“You never have to ask me for forgiveness, Mud. Between the two of us, I am the one that needs more forgiveness.” he said, warmly. “Now, Do you remember when you gave me my memories back all those years ago?”

“Yes, it was the only way I could get you to remember who you were.” she said.

“I never told you this, but you did not strain out your own memories when you transferred them back.” he said.

Mud looked at Gran with total surprise. “I didn't?” she said shocked.

Gran smiled at her. “No. But I only mention it, because one in particular sticks in my mind with the revelation that your pirate may still be alive.” he said, though Mud failed to follow.

“Which memory is that?” she asked.

Gran smiled. “South, we are heading south. Where the road from tavern meets up with the coastal road, there is a little beach that has a grove of trees. It seems so out of place, a grove of trees on a beach, but hidden within that grove of trees lies an ancient temple. One you have visited before.” he said.

“my memory is not what it used to be, but that memory seems like a dream. I'm still not even sure if it happened.” she said.

“It happened, and just as you remember it. I just want you to tell me if the light you told me you saw from the shore, the night Cid's ship was lost looked anything like the light that struck the Figaro dagger.” he inquired.

Mud looked back into her memories. She had never put the two together. She gave Gran a look of wonder. “Do you suppose Cid's ship disappeared to the same place the Figaro Dagger did?” She asked, pulling the dagger out from her dress where she always kept it to get a better look at it.

“There is only one place on earth we can find that out. I already have your horse packed. I would have let that Martin fellow do it, but,” he smiled at Mud, “well, Mud, you have always been a charitable woman.”

“What do you mean by that?” she asked. “OK, he's not very good at his job, but I like him.”

Gran chuckled. “Lets get going.” he said.

“At my age, do you really think I can make such a journey though?” she asked, insecurely.

He peered deeply into Mud's eyes. “It's not the journey you fear.”

“No.” she replied.

“There's only one way to ever find out for sure, Mud. Maybe we will get there, and no answers will come of it. That is a good possibility. But what if answers do lie at the time temple, but we let fear keep us from ever finding them out? Can you live the rest of your life with no regrets if we don't at least search for answers?” he asked her.

“Let me grab The Azmorene Sword, and we will go. I don't want to leave it here in case my son comes looking for me. I have kept it safely in my possession for nearly sixty years, and I think it has become fond of me.” she said, walking over to pick up the Azmorene sword off the ground where she had left it again. The sword, knowing her age, became light as a stick in her hands.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“Are you sure the men we hired to do the job are reliable Yuri? I would hate to make it to Joiada just to find the men you hired took our money and fled.” King Gaius the Seventh said. He was mounted on his horse, at the crossroad where the road from Tavern met the coastal road. He had his most trusted adviser, Yuri, and ten of his most trusted men with him, they were taking a break from their travels, so as not to end up in Joiada too soon after the mercenaries had done their job of razing the village, burning it to the ground, and murdering his grandmother.

“My king, as I assured your father, the men I hired were of the utmost quality. Their only loyalty is to money, and their ruthlessness is second to none. By now, your grandmother is dead, and the whole village with her, for these men take much pleasure at the pain of others.” Yuri assured the King.

“Good. I just worry, for my grandmother is a resourceful woman.” Gaius answered him.

“At her advanced age, not even her famed sword skills could save her against those odds. We will ride up to a burnt down village, and the people will scream for Yakovian blood.” Yuri reassured him.

“I almost feel sorry for the old battle-ax, but sacrifices must be made in times of war.” Gaius said, coldly, quite content with their plans.

“Yes, sire, for she is about to die soon anyway, may as well make it a useful death.” Yuri answered.

Gauis laughed a cold laugh. “Indeed, Yuri, for were it up to her, the glory of the Azmorene house would have dwindled down to nothing.....Who is that riding toward us?” he said, noticing what appeared to be an elderly woman riding a horse toward them. She had a darker complexion than Gaius, and gray hair.

Gauis nodded toward his men, who took off toward the old woman. “Halt, in the name of King Gaius!” they yelled as the surrounded Isabel on her horse.

“What is the meaning of this?” Isabel asked them as they surrounded her. “Does it really take ten men to subdue an old woman?”

“Is that you, grandmother?” King Gaius asked as he too rode up to her position, surprise in his voice.

Gaius rode through the encirclement of his men around Isabel, to get a better look at this old woman who sat on her horse before him. Isabel gazed deeply into Gauis' eyes. “Do you intend to kill me too, my grandson?” she asked, not a hint of fear in her voice.

“How could you possibly still be alive?” he asked.

“Perhaps you should have sent more men, dearest Gauis.” Isabel shook her head, and tears came to her eyes, for she will always remember Gaius as her beloved grandson; whom she helped raise, reading him stories, and training him with a sword. They had always had a close bond, which made his betrayal of her all the more painful. “Why?” she asked, fighting tears.

Gaius put his head down. He did not realize the emotions that would hit him, seeing the pain in the eyes of a woman who had always loved him deeply.

“Do you intend to kill me now? I won't resist you, Gauis, for at least it would be someone O loved deeply, and it would be in person.” Isabel said, then dismounted her horse, walking over to her grandson's horse. Gauis was still unresponsive, bowing his head as a wave of emotions flooded his mind.

Isabel reached up, and put her hand on her Grandson's trembling hands. “Come on my love, down from the horse.” she said, helping Gaius off his horse. She then puled the Figaro Dagger, and placed it in his hand, and put it to her throat. Gauis could not say anything, he kept his head down.

Isabel raised his head with her hand. “It's OK, my love, for I would rather it be at the hand of one I love than any stranger.” she said. She could see tears in his eyes.

Gauis dropped the Figaro Dagger to the ground, refusing to kill his grandmother. “What is it you used to say to me before bed every night, grandmother?”

Isabel hugged Gauis, and kissed him on the head. “MY Precious little lamb, I do not know what paths life will take you on. I do not know what joys or pains you will experience, but if were were to part tonight, I want you to know that I will always love you, and I will always be proud of you. May God bless you, and light your route on your journey.” she said to him.

“I don't know if you can be proud of me anymore, grandmother. I am not the man I wanted to become, and not the grandson you once knew.” he said.

“My dear Gaius, you always had such a good heart, my boy. I will always be proud of you, and I will always love you no matter what. Even if you have taken a wrong path, and know you aren't who you want to be, it is OK, for you still have time to become the man I know you can be. You always had such a deep compassion and caring in you, ever since you were a young child. That is the Gauis I knew, and the Gauis I know is still inside of you. Even if you never find him, I will still always love you, and nothing you can do will ever change my love for you.” she replied.

“Can you forgive me for what I have done to you, grandmother?” he asked.

Isabel kissed him on the head again. “I forgave you the second it happened. For my love for you will always triumph over any pain you could ever cause me.” she said, tenderly.

“Sire.“ Yuri said, interrupting. He had dismounted his horse. “Your father's orders must be carried out.” he said, raising his sword toward Isabel. “She must die.”

Gaius stood between Yuri and grandmother. “I don't care about my father's orders, if you have to kill me to get to her, then I will give my life to protect her.” he said, bravely.

Isabel put her hand on Gaius' shoulder. “It's OK, if it must be done, it must be done.” she said, stepping out from behind her grandson. She looked Gaius in the eyes, “Your life is more important than mine, my love.”

“I can't let you.” Gaius responded.

“Get out of the way, Gaius, for your father's orders must be carried out. Queen Mud must die, and even if I have to kill you to carry them out, his will shall be done.” Yuri said, coldly, taking aim at Mud. “For the King and countr....” he started as he started to swing, but a gold-tipped arrow lodged in his throat stopped him from swinging on Mud.

Gaius swung around to see where the arrow had come from as Yuri fell to the ground, trying to gasp for his last breaths. “Uncle Grant!” Gaius said, in surprise.

“Tell your men to stand down, or I will kill every last one of them.” Gran threatened.

Gaius nodded. “Do as he says, for he is capable of it. Return to the crossroads, and wait for me there.” he commanded the ten men with him.

The men did as commanded as Gran approached Mud and Gaius. “I now see quite clearly how you survived.” Gaius said to Isabel.

“Do you want me to kill him?” Gran asked Mud, knowing her answer would be no.

“No, Gran, that won't be necessary.” she responded.

“I can see the time temple from here.” Gran said.

Gaius gave a confused look. “Why should you be headed there?” he asked her.

“It is a long story, my love, but there could be answers there I am looking for, or there could be nothing. Either way, Gran and I came to find them out.” she said.

“I will accompany you, grandmother.” Gaius said.

A short while later, Isabel, Gran, and Gaius found themselves in the middle of the ruins of the temple of time. Isabel looked around at the place in wonder. She could still feel that strange energy coming out of the temple, and her memories of the place came back to her as if it were a dream she recognized.

“I don't know Gran, I have been here before, and I remember the strange energy of this place, but I don't know if the answers lie here.” she said, starting to feel defeated. Maybe they had wasted their trip, and maybe she would never find out what happened to Cid.

“What answers are you looking for, grandmother?” Gaius asked her.

“I am looking for answers for what happened to Cid, my husband.” she said.

Gaius looked at her with sadness, he felt compassion for her. “I'm sorry, Grandmother, but my grandfather is dead. There are no answers here.” he informed her, sadness in his voice. Perhaps she had gone senile. He was sad to see one he loved deteriorate.

“So Havarti was over here.” Gran said. “Reading this inscription, when a flash of light hit.” he said, cutting the vines away from the fallen pillar.

“Yes, but I don't know if her reading the inscription had anything to do with it, the bolt just hit at random.” she replied.

“It hit the Figaro Dagger, did it not?” Gran asked.

Isabel pulled the dagger out, and held it up. “Do you think this had something to do with it?” she asked.

“Worth a shot.” Gran said.

Isabel held the dagger up high in the air, hoping that a flash of light would take it, but after a minute, she lowered the dagger. “This is hopeless.” she said, sitting down on another fallen pillar, despair taking over her.

“We can't give up now, Mud. We just got here.” Gran said, encouraging her.

“It's OK, Gran, this was a silly quest anyway.” she said in her despair.

Gran started running around the ruins, jumping off platforms, and cutting more vines to see if there were any more inscriptions to be read. Even if Mud had given up, his devotion to her made him refuse to give up. “There has to be a way. Try holding up the Azmorene Sword.” he said without thinking.

“The Azmorene Sword?” Gaius blurted out. “You have it with you?”

Mud looked at her grandson, and nodded. He watched as she pulled an ugly, crudely-made sword from her belt.

“I, simply, thought that was a walking stick.” he said, for neither his father or himself had ever seen the sword.

Mud put her hand on the handle of the Azmorene sword, and it shot to life before their eyes. A giant, flame in the shape of a lion's head shot out of the sword, and roared, shaking the ground beneath them. She held it high in the air, hoping it would cause a reaction, but, as with the Figaro Dagger, nothing happened.

“I have never seen such a majestic thing.” Gaius said, the lust of the sword in his eyes. How much power could he attain with the sword in his possession. “I must have it.” he said, walking toward Mud, as if something was controlling him.

Gran jumped between Gaius and Mud, pushing him back. “Back off from Mud, or I will hurt you, my nephew.” he said, protecting her with the fury of the lion in the Azmorene Sword.

Gaius could not take his eyes off the sword. “It must be mine!” he said again, as if something deeper than himself lusted for the sword.

Gran Drew his sword, he would kill Gaius before he let him get to the Azmorene Sword.

“Gran, NO!” Isabel yelled. “Please, not like this.”

Gran looked back toward Isabel, and nodded, running back to her position. “I can't let him hurt you, and we can't let him get his hands on the Azmorene Sword.” he said to her. “Look in his eyes, Mud, he won't stop, as if he has been possessed by something.”

Mud grabbed Gran's arms. Look at me.” she said to Gran, who did as she requested. “I will not kill my grandson. I appreciate you bringing me here, Gran, and your protection over me, but I cannot let you hurt him.”

Gran nodded to his oldest friend as Gaius was approaching their position. “Let's teleport away then.” he said. Mud nodded in agreement, and then hugged onto Gran, for teleportation was harder on the traveler if they were not close.

Gaius began to sprinting at them, as Gran tried to teleport them to safety, but something stopped them. A flash of grayish-green light hit them as they tried to teleport away, sending a shockwave that knocked Gaius to the ground.

Mud looked at Gran. “what's going o..” Gaius watched as they disappeared in a flash of green light before his eyes. He approached their position to see where they went, and to his delight, he saw a crude-looking sword sticking straight up out of the ground. Wherever they had been transported, the Azmorene Sword failed to follow.

“I finally have it.” Gaius said, grabbing the majestic sword by the handle for the first time. “Such beauty.” he said, staring into the memorizing flames of the sword he held in his hands. “With this sword, I will have all the power in the world.” he said to himself.

The head of a lion suddenly came out of the flames of the sword, and the pure flames started to glow black before his eyes. “What is going on?” he asked. The lion moved it's head down to where Gaius' hand held the blade, and bit his hand, trying it's best to mangle his hand a wrist, and Gaius screamed in pain, finally releasing his grip off the sword causing it to fall, harmlessly to the ground once again as Gaius inspected his mangled, burnt, withered hand. The Azmorene Sword had rejected him.

After, feverishly, bandaging his hand, Gaius was careful to pick the sword up by the blade, and carry it on his way back to his men. He knew his hand would never fully heal from this wound, and he was trying to make sense of what came over him when he saw it, but the biggest question he had was, what happened to Queen Mud?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A now twenty-year old Lady Elizabeth Figaro stepped out of her carriage in front of the Fishman's tavern, carefully holding her one-year old Daughter, Ruth in her arms. She was noticeably pregnant with her second child on the way. She gazed around in wonder, had it already been five years since she left. The place still looked the same as it always did, and the smell in the air brought back many memories.

Ralph stepped out behind her, as did a Yakovian nanny. “Are you sure about this, my daughter?” he asked looking around. “I do not expect the villagers to be so understanding.” he said, putting his fingers up to little Ruth, and making her laugh by making funny faces.

Beth leaned over and kissed her father on the forehead. “Yes, father, I am sure about this. I need to find out what happened to her. This was the last place anyone saw her alive, and I need closure. Maybe she is in hiding, or maybe she passed. Either way, there has to be someone who knows something.” she said.

“Well, that, and seeing how the southern war is going, you will be closer to...well, you know.” he said, secretively.

Beth smiled warmly at her father. “Yes, that too.” she replied.

“I wish I could stay here to protect you both.” he said, kissing baby Ruth on the head.

Beth hugged her father with her free arm. “It is OK, father, for you have your own wife to take care of now, and she is due about the time you will be making it back to Figaro Manner. I love you, and I have no way to tank you for your kindness to me over the years, but I we will be safe here, I promise you.” she reassured him.

Ralph gave her a look of concern, he was her father, and wanted to be there to protect her always. “Alright, my little lamb. Lets go talk to Martin and Susan, and get you settled back into the tavern. I will stay a night or two, and then head back to your stepmother.” he said, sad he would have to let his beloved daughter go. He now knew how hard it was for Queen Mud the night she gave Beth to him.

“OK father.” Beth replied. She then leaned in and kissed her daughter on the cheek, and said, “Are you ready to see our new, old home, my love?”

By the end of the night, Beth was settled back into her old home. Martin and Susan had kept the third floor as Beth and Isabel had left it, choosing instead to ad a room onto the kitchen for themselves to stay. Business had been good in the years of war with so many Soldiers coming and going, and taking leave, stopping at Joiada to rest for the night on their way to other places.

She looked around the room, Martin and Susan had moved an old crib they had used for their own child to the third floor so little Ruth had a place to sleep. She laid Ruth down in the crib, and inspected the room. “I do wonder?” she said to herself, remembering there was a lose floorboard that would lift up, a place where she would hide her childhood treasures that no one except her mother knew about.

Beth made her way over to the floor board, and lifted it up, just as she had done so many times as a child. Looking inside her secret place, she found an old necklace she used to wear as a kid, and a few smooth rocks, and seashells she had collected. Something else caught her eye, she had longsince forgotten about the last three items she had stored in there before she left. Hidden in her cubbyhole lay three old, dusty books, ones she had nearly forgotten about.

She reached in, and pulled them out, dusting them off, she could read the titles, “The Queen Mud Chronicles! I almost forgot about these.” she said.

Beth dusted off the second book. She remembered that she had finished the first one right up tot he minute she had to leave the Tavern five years ago. She opened the second at a random page, and started to read.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Averny and Septimius, her son, were settled into the old Calloway Manner. She had purchased it from Maximinus as a nice summer home to get away from the pressure of royal life in Capitol City. Her, now, six year old son instantly took to the manner, searching it's many rooms, and pretending he was looking for burred treasure underneath the many tarps that covered the couches, and shelves throughout the manner.

The two of them had escaped this summer together, taking only ten guards and one nanny with them. Though Averny had taken over most mothering duties, the nanny was more there to keep her company, and sane as Septimius seemed to have endless energy, and was always running around, looking for mischief.

She looked out the window of the master bedroom, the sun was going down, and it was a warm summer evening. The kind that made a person want to stay up all night just to enjoy the warmth. She had decided to have a bonfire, and tell Septimius stories around the fire, roasting various food themselves for their dinner. Averny, often, looked for ways to make even the most mundane of days fun, and adventurous for her son, whom she loved dearly.

“What are you doing Mother?” Septimius asked her as she stared out the window. He had made his way back to the master bedroom to check on her, as he often did.

“Just looking out the window, love. Come here.” she said waving him over. Septimius did as she asked. “Do you see that big stack of wood out there?” she said, pointing to the stack she had had setup to surprise him with.

“Yes, mother.” he replied.

Averny looked back at her son with a goofy smile. “We are going to set it on fire.” she said, excitedly.

“Wow! Really?” he said looking intently a the stack of wood. “We aren't going to burn that naked man on it are we?” he asked.

Averny's face lit up with a look of total surprise when she discovered that her son wasn't using his imagination. Laying on the big stack of wood she had intended to use for a fun summer bonfire for her son and herself was, indeed, a naked man who had not been there just a few seconds ago.

She jumped up. And grabbed a sword. “Stay here, my love.” she commanded, anxiety in her voice. What kind of crazy person could this be?

Averny, and the captain of her guard made their way out the back of the manner, and toward the stack of wood, to the crazy naked man who was laying on it.

She could hear the man groaning as she approached his position. The captain of her guard told her to stay back, as he moved closer to the man to question him further. “My dear Sir, are you OK?” he asked the groaning man.

The man sat up at the sound of the guard talking to him, covering himself with a block of wood. “Where am I? How did I get here?” he asked the guard.

“Sir, are you drunk? I'll have you know you are trespassing on royal property.” the guard replied.

The man looked directly at Averny, who gasped as she realized that she knew him. “I'm not drunk, that I know for sure.” he replied.

“What is your name, sir?” the guard asked him.

The man kept the gaze of his kind eyes at Averny. “I don't....know my name.” he said.

Averny stared back into his eyes. She remembered this man from nearly six years before, for she would never forget. “Your name is Gran. Gran of the Tree-People.” she informed him.

The man looked at her curiously, and then shook his head. “Nope, that cannot be it. I don't even know what a Tree-People is.” he replied, completely confused.

“Yes, your name is Gran.” she replied with a hint of argument in her voice.

“That could not be right, surely that isn't my name.” he replied, arguing back.

“OK, then what is your name if you know better than I do?” she asked.

Gran looked back into his memories, there was nothing there, completely empty. “Possibly Bob.” he said, saying the first name he could think of.

Averny looked at him, why was he arguing with her? “OK, Bob, your name is actually Gran though, so I will call you Gran.” she said.

“Well, my dear Princess Averny, I believe my name is Bob, so I would appreciate it if you at least called me Bob Gran, or Gran Bob.” he said, arguing for no reason.

“Well, my dear Bob Gran...wait, how did you know my name?” she asked.

Bob Gran shook his head, for he had no idea either. “I don't know, it just came to me. Did I guess it right? Your name is Averny, and you are a princess...of some house or another.” he said, still confused.

“Well, Gran, I would say, even if you don't remember who you are, I am pleased to meet your acquaintance....again. We have met in the past, and my sister Mud, will be ecstatic to know you are alive an well. She has been longing to see you again.” Averny replied.

“Mud? Why does that sound so familiar?” he asked her.

“Mud is my sister, you know, Queen Loretta Azmorene.” she said, trying to get him to remember.

Gran Bob shook his head again. “Nope, I definitely don't know her.” he said, keeping his gaze on her.

Averny put her hands in the air, shaking her fists. “Why are you being so difficult and argumentative! I am trying to help you!” she said in frustration.

Gran put his hands up defensively. “Why are you so angry at me?” he asked confused.

Averny giggled as she realized she was arguing with a crazy, naked man. “I'm sorry, Gran.” she said with a smile. “Since you are indeed a good friend of my sister's, you will be my royal guest until I return to Capitol City. Tonight, we were going to have a bonfire, tell stories, and roast various foods in the fire. You are, cordially, invited to join my son, and myself, but I have one requirement.”

“What's that?” he asked, curious.

Averny looked him up and down. “You have to wear clothes.” she said, playfully.

Gran soon found himself, fully clothed, and seated by the fire, intently watching Averny, as she was telling her son a story about queen Mud. He listened just as intently as Septimius to her story. She was good at telling stories, and he couldn't take his eyes off of her for some reason. She made him feel funny, and her love for her son was infectious.

“So there you aunt Mud was, surrounded by undead hordes, dodging attacks, and beheading every zombie she could. I was there too, fighting my fare share of zombies too, we were surrounded, and all hope was lost, when,” Averny looked Gran directly in the eyes. She could feel his gaze on her, and felt, strangely, flattered by it, when she would otherwise have been creeped-out by it, “There was a big flash of light, and Gran, “she pointed at him to get Septimius to look at Gran, “changed into glowing white clothes, so birght it hurt my eyes to look at, and with a scream, he decimated the entire room of zombies, saving us, and allowing me to escape.”

“Did I really?” he asked, just as pulled into the story as Septimius.

“Yes. You saved us that night. Were it not for you, I never would have been able to escape.” she said, gratefully. “Granted, I didn't appreciate it at the time, but have grown to since. If not for you, I wouldn't be here tonight.”

“Oh.” Gran replied, awkwardly. “It was no problem...I guess.”

Septimius walked over to Gran, and gave him a hug. “Thank you for saving my mommy.” he said.

Gran hugged the boy back. Luckily for him, Septimius was too young to notice how awkward a hug is was, for Gran was not much of a hugger, and was not used to affection. Even though he could not remember who he was, he could tell that hugging was not a technique he had practiced much in his life. Averny could tell that he had not been shown much affection in his life, for she knew the signs all to well. Perhaps, in time, he would learn how to give, and accept loving gestures, as she once had to.

Averny looked at the nanny who was also with them. “Anya, would you take Septimius to the kitchen to fetch the mallow?” She asked.

Anya did as told, guiding the boy back toward the manner to fetch the next treat to be roasted on the fire.

Averny moved to the seat next to Gran's as he watched Anya and Septimius walking back toward the manner.

“That's a fine boy you have there.” he said, still looking back toward her son.

“The best.” she replied. “You helped me at least twice. Once at Dysart Castle, the other at Figaro Manner. Do you remember?”

He looked back toward her, as if just noticing that she had closed the distance between them. He shook his head. “No.” he replied.

“You were the first one to call me Avey.” she said, looking at him intently. “You really don't remember?”

He shook his head again. “Avey, seems like a silly name to call you.” he replied, staring into her eyes.

Averny smiled. “I though so too, but it wasn't until a few years later when my nephew Cid was old enough to talk that people started calling me Avey. It was so cute, he couldn't pronounce Averny, so he would call me auntie Avey. It used to drive me insane, until, one day, I just accepted it, but it's like you knew ahead of time.” she said.

“Cid? Your nephew's name is Cid? No offense, but that sounds like the name a dog, or some fothy pirate would have.” he replied.

Averny smiled, and put her hand on his shoulder. “See, Gran, you are starting to remember.” she said to an even more confused Bob Gran.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Mud woke up, feeling groggy, and a bit disoriented. She and Gran were laying on the floor of an ornate temple. The tiles were marble, and shiny, kept in perfect order. Looking up, she saw a statue of some foreign goddess standing on top of a giant pedestal. She moved over to Gran, ans shook him. “Gran, wake up.” she said, her voice sounding so strange to her when she spoke.

Gran turned to look at her, he was just as disoriented as she. “Where are we.....” he stared blankly at Mud, mouth open, no expression, and no words.

“What are you staring at?” she asked him, again in a voice that sounded so strange to her. Mud looked down at her hands, gone were the wrinkles of her advanced age. She reached up, and grabbed her hair, seeing strands of auburn, once again on her head. She looked back at Gran, mouth open, and just as speechless. “I'm...I'm...” she finally managed to get out.

“Young again.” he finished her setence.

Mud turned toward one of the shiny tiles and used it as a mirror, staring back at her was a woman she had not seen in many decades. All age was gone, all gray was gone, she really was young again, and speechless.

Her attention was quickly drawn toward an ornately-dressed priest who was speaking a language she could not place. She looked at him, curiously.

“Yakovian?” the priest asked.

“Yes.” she said in the ancient tongue.

“I would never think to see a Yakovian in the temple of our goddess of time. I thought you only worshiped the God of Yakov. How did you get in here?” he asked in Yakovian.

“I, rightly, do not know sir.” she replied in Yakovian.

“What is he saying?” Gran asked her.

“He wants to know how we got in here?” she replied.

The priest stopped, and gave Gran a look of terror. “Azmorene tongue? You must be spies for Gaius!” he said, in Azmorene.

“Spies? Why would we be spies for Gaius?” Gran asked the man in a tone that dismissed the man as dumb for saying such things.

“King Gaius, and his brother Apollos have crossed the boarder into our lands, and intent to conquer our kingdom, and enslave our people. Have you not heard?” the priest said.

“Which lands are these?” Mud asked the man.

“These are the lands of the Ryuken people. I fear, you have traveled far from Yakovian lands.” he answered her.

“Oh, the Ryukens, I remember reading about this, and yes, Gaius and Apollos conquered these lands in a mere three days.” she informed him, knowing the history of her lands.

“How dare you say that! Now I know you are a spy.” the man said, haling guards over to them.

Gran looked at Mud, then stood up and dusted himself off. “Shall I?” he asked.

She shrugged. “I say we play along, I like this game.” she said.

“My sovereign.” a temple servant said, running toward the priest. “I saw where they came from, your eminence, they appeared through a doorway of time.”

“Doorway of time?” the priest asked.

“Yes, a doorway of time, for this is the temple of time is it not?” Mud replied.

The priest looked at her as if she was a simpleton. “Haha, foolish girl, we only tell people it is a temple of time so loads of foolish pilgrims will come here and donate to our temple. There is no such thing at time travel.” he replied. “however, the information you have given me is troublesome. Did you say he plans to conquer these lands in the matter of a mere three days?”

“Well, assuming we did travel time, and we aren't in some prank, and I am indeed in Ryuken lands as King Gaius the Great is at the door, it will be a mere three days until you are all conquered.” she said.

The Priest looked at the guards. “They know too much. Bring them with, for I might need them for information. We have to start the ritual, now!.” he said.

Gran and Mud followed the priest to secret chambers the lay deep in the temple walls. He took them to a domed room that had a circle, made of gold, and strange markings around it. At the bottom of the circle stoop pulpit of sorts that held an ancient-looking book on it. “It is time to summon him.” the priest said to the other servants in the room as he moved to the pulpit, turning pages in the book, he started to mumble something that sounding like the kinds of mumbling Mud had heard before.

“What is he doing?” Mud asked one of the servants.

“He is summoning Azmonakielem.” he said, casually.

“Azmonakielem?” she repeated, having never heard that name before.

“Yes, he was the greatest king that ever existed.” he replied.

A dark sphere of flames suddenly appeared in the middle of the circle, and Mud could see what appeared to be a human figure inside of the flames. “Which kingdom did her rule?” she asked.

“All of them. He was the greatest king, and the most powerful wizard who ever lived.” the servant responded joyfully.

Mud looked at Gran. “OK, we should have stopped this sooner.”

Grand grabbed the sword out of the hilt, of one of the guards, knocking him upside the head with the blunt end of the handle, and throwing the sword to Mud, who sprung into action, fighting the rest of the guards who surrounded them as Gran dodged a spear, grabbing it, and disarming the guard, using the spear against him. By the time they incapacitated all the guards, stirring up a commotion among the servants, it was too late.

Mud looked to the middle of the circle where a dark figure, with a long gray beard, and tattoo marking all over his face now stood. “This isn't good.” she said.

“Who summoned me?” the dark king asked in a multitude of voices.

The priest moved tot he center of the circle, and bowed to the dark king. “I summoned you, my master. Please, my lord, king Gaius is conquering our lands. Please, my lord, save us from Gaius, regain your kingdom, rule the world again, starting here with your humble servants.” the priest said.

The dark king looked at the priest with utter disgust. Placing his hand on the man, he suctioned his soul right out of him, leaving a dried, dead corpse in his wake, and laughing. “What a fool, for I take orders from no one, and never keep my side of any bargain. Only my will shall be done.” the voices said.

He then looked around the room, and waved his hands at all the servants, suctioning their souls, leaving corpses in his wake. Mud could feel a shiver of cold when, he at last turned his gaze toward Gran and herself. Waving his hands, but to no avail. “What? Why can I not take you tow?' he asked, floating toward them.

Gran jumped at him, but with a wave of his hand, the dark king suspended him in mid air to where he could not even teleport away. He waved his other hand, and Mud felt herself lifting up, and floating toward him, almost incapacitated. “Yakovian. It seems your God is protecting you from me.” he said staring deeply into her eyes. “Tell me, Yakovian, what is your name?”

Mud folded her arms, his pull on her was so minimal, she could still use her arms, ans she floted there. “What do you want to know my name?” she asked, annoyed that she, once again, had to deal with this being.

“Suit yourself, I wanted to scream you name as I choked the life out of you.” he said, as he quickly brought his hands to Mud's throat. Mud reacted by bringing her hands up, grabbing his. When her hands made contact with his, the wizard, began screaming and writhing in pain. She looked down to see the very spot where her hands touched his, his skin was being singed, as if her hands were red-hot pokers on his skin.

“No Yakovian has ever held the Azmorene Sword. That's not possible.” he said, while screaming in pain. Her searing grip on the dark king, released his grip over Gran, who landed on his feet, and casually walked over to Mud, enjoying seeing the wizard in pain.

“I like it when he screams.” Gran said, enjoying the wizard's torment.

Mud whispered a prayer under her breath, and the Dark Wizard was sent, flailing against the wall, bound be a shield of flames that he could not break.

“Yakovian harlot! Release me!” he commanded.

Gran looked at the Wizard as he was stuck to the wall. “I know you know a lot more about decorating than I do, but even you must agree, that is the ugliest wall ornament in existence.” he said, jokingly.

“What should we do now?” Mud asked Gran.

“Hmm, find Gaius, borrow the Azmorene Sword, kill this fool, return Azmorene sword, and make it the victory party for Gaius' conquering of the Ryuken people.” he said.

“Sounds like a plan, I just wish I knew where Gaius first came into battle with the Ryuken army.” she said, looking back into her memories. “Wait a minute, cemetery hill just outside Joiada. There are graves there that date back to King Gaius.”

“Then I suppose we are headed back to Joiada.” Gran said.

“I am the great wizard Azmonakielem. I cannot be deafeted. Release me so I can reign again!” the wizard screamed.

“Gran picked up a dagger from one of the dead guards, and threw it so hard I lodged itself through the wizard's throat, and into the wall, silencing him. “Ah, much better.” he replied with glee.

The two of them made their way back out to the main temple, and removing the barricade on the doors, they made their way back out to the beach, and soon found themselves running up the coastal road in the midday sun. Neither said anything as they ran, for they knew the way back to Joiada, if the village even existed yet.

Gran, finally tired of running, grabbed Mud's hand, and teleported her up the road, and kept teleporting her in order to fast-travel the route to Joiada. As far as he could see, he could teleport the length. This cut out what would be days from their journey. Within a couple of hours, they found themselves on an empty hill, one that would eventually be called cemetery hill.

“look.” Mud said, pointing to the spot the small village would eventually exist. “There is an army that has made camp where Joiada should be.” she said, pointing to thousands of tents that stood where the houses of Joiada eventually would be someday.

“I would assume the big ten in the middle of the camp is Gaius' tent.” Gran said, pointing it out to her.

“So how do we get the Azmorene Sword? Do you think Gaius has it on him? I would assume that every Azmorene King has brought it into battle with him.” she said.

“Stealth, my dear. We sneak in.” he said.

“I have never been much good at sneaking.” she said.

“I can go ahead and scope it out, but I cannot steal the sword for you.” Gran answered her.

Perhaps the answer is walking toward us?” Mud said.

The two of them watched as a group of Azmorene soldiers was walking toward them, they had a mixture of bronze armor, large squared shields, and simple metal helmets with a nose-guard. On their hips, they carried a sword similar to a gladius. Mud marveled at how much armor had advanced since the days of Gaius.

In the middle of the group was a tall, broad-shouldered man, with ornately-designed armor which even had gold-leaf in it's designs. The group of men, cautiously, approached the two, whom they could see from a distance.

“Shall we teleport away?” Gran asked her as the men were getting closer.

“Maybe.” she replied, but curiosity had gotten the best of her. “Let's see if they are hostile first.”

“Halt, in the name of King Gaius!” one of the guards said as they were close enough to make eye-contact.

The group of men halted, and the man in the ornate armor stepped forward. He had dark-brown hair, and greenish-blue eyes that seemed to change colors depending on the light. He peered at Mud. “How Strange to see a Yakovian this far north. I thought the Ryuken's killed any they found wandering their lands.” he said to his men. He then started to speak to Mud in the ancient Yakovian tongue. “Greetings, I am King Gaius of Azmoria. I fear my men take you as spies. Are you hear to report to Kammen Ryuken, king of these parts?” he asked, eyeing Mud and Gran Cautiously.

“No, my king.” Mud replied in Azmorene tongue. “For we are here to wish you good fortune in your conquest of Ryuken lands.”

“Ah, you know our language. What a pleasant surprise. Forgive me if I am not so quick to believe you, for times of war muddy men's judgment of right and wrong. For it seems strange to me that a Yakovian would be here with a..” Gaius looked at Gran. “...strange looking man.”

“My king.” a voice said from the crowd. “I know this woman.”

Gaius turned around to the speaker who stepped forward. “How could you possibly know any Yakovian's Antithar? You have been a slave in my household for over a decade, and I don't remember letting you out. ” Gaius replied to him.

Antithar Emias stepped forward from the crowd. Mud knew him as King Gaius' best friend in history. Not only was he Gaius' favorite author, but became his closest friend. The King would eventually grant him his freedom, and Antithar would amass quite a bit of wealth due to his popular writings. Mud gazed at Antithar, for she also knew him, but by another name.

“Caesarius?” she replied. “How?” she replied at the man whom she had last seen sailing away on The Kirin the night it disappeared.

“I cannot explain, Mud. I ended up here over twenty years ago, and became a servant in my great king Gaius' house.” he informed her.

“Do you know where Cid went?” she asked him, now all the more hopeful of finding her husband.

“No, my Queen, I do not know, for I last saw him right before The Kirin was hit with that strange light. I found myself here, alone, and it took me a while to realize that I had ended up seven hundred years earlier in time.” he replied to her.

Gaius looked at Mud. “Queen? Are you Yakovian Royalty?” he asked her, curious as to what Antithar was discussing with this strange Yakovian woman who stood before him.

She looked back at Gaius, realizing that she had nearly forgotten why she came. “My King, I am not a spy, nor do I wish anything but the best for you in battle. I happen to know you will conquer these lands swiftly. I did, however come to meet with you, for I need to borrow the Azmorene Sword.” she said, pointing to the old, crudely-made sword she had already noticed on his hip.

Gaius looked at Mud and laughed. “My dear woman, whatever would you need the sacred sword for?” he asked.

“Someone in Ryuken territory has released the spirit of the Dark King, trying to use his power to defeat you. The Sword is the only means of destroying him once again.” she replied.

He gave her a curious look, for the existence of the sword was not commonly known about in his day. “I will forego how you even know about the sacred sword, but to my knowledge, there are no Yakovian's in my family, and the sword is useless to anyone who cannot wield it.” he replied.

“May I?” she asked him, pointing at the sword on his hip.

“I find this to be quite amusing, my dear. By all means, if you can lift the sword from my belt, I will let you borrow it.” he said, for he knew that such a thing would be impossible for a non-Azmorene royal.

Mud approached the King, and bowed her head to him. She then, to Gaius' great surprise, she grabbed the sword by the blade, and lifted it out of his belt. He remained speechless, and this strange Yakovian girl held his family sword in her hands.

“Thank you grandfather. I will have it back to you before you ride into battle tomorrow.” she said.

“I don't believe it.” he replied.

“I do not have the time to explain, but, yes, I am capable of wielding this sword.” she said, then put her hand on the handle of the blade, causing it to transform into it's majestic splendor before their eyes. A flaming lion head came out of the tip, and roared causing everyone buy Gaius, and Gran to hit the ground in fear.

“I have never seen the sword do that.” Gaius confessed.

“Oh, yeah, well the sword seems to like me a lot.” she replied. Gaius could see the light of Mud's royal mark shinning through her tattered old dress that she had been wearing when they came through the time portal.

“Who's daughter are you?” he asked, wondering who in his family had had a daughter with a Yakovian woman.

“In a manner of speaking, my king, I am yours, but from a much later time. I will get this back to you.” she said holding the sword up once again. “Also, give my love to your wife, Averny. I have heard of her beauty.”

Antithar stood up, and waved his hands in front of his neck in a motion telling Mud that she had let something slip she shouldn't have.

Gaius looked at her with a curious look. “I'm not married.” he said, confused. “Though, I have heard of the beauty of King Kammen Ryuken's daughter who shares that name.”

“Are you ready Mud?” Gran asked.

“Yes, lets get going.” she said.

To Gaius' great wonder, he watched, as this strange Yakovian girl took Gran's hand and the two of them disappeared before his eyes in a flash of light. “Antithar.” he said.

“Yes, sire.” he replied.

“I think I have seen just about everything there is to see.” he said.

“I think you need to rest, sire. The stress of this campaign is getting to you.” he said, concerned for the king.

Within a short period of time, Mud and Gran found themselves back outside the temple of time. Before they entered, a strange man met them at the door. He was clothed in beggar's clothes, and had a scruffy beard. Mud thought him a beggar, and instantly felt compassion for him.

“Do we have anything to give him so he might eat?' she asked Gran, who was also eyeing the man as he approached them.

The man looked at the two of them, and with pity in his eyes said, “Any alms for the poor?” he asked.

Mus felt awful that they had nothing to give this man. “I'm sorry sir, for we have nothing to offer.” she said, sadly.

“Anything will do, ma'am, that I may eat today, for I have not eaten in a very long time.” he replied.

She looked at Gran as if realizing something. “Did not the goddess statue have a golden crown on it?” she asked.

Gran nodded. “Yes, but how do we get it down?” he asked.

She gave Gran a devious smile. “I have an idea, follow me.” she said to the two of them.

The three of them made their way back into the temple where the goddess statue stood, towering twenty feet above them. Mud grabbed the Azmorene Sword, and jumped up on the platform, and the sword roared again at her touch. “Look out below!” she yelled at the two of them, cutting the statue's legs from beneath it.

Gran and the beggar moved out of the way as the giant statue tumbled over, and hit the beautiful tile floor, smashing both into pieces at it hit. She then made her way up to the crown, and cut it off the statue's head with the sword.

“I never get tired of seeing that.” Gran said, in satisfaction.

“Here, sir, it's not much, but if you scrape the gold off this crown there should be enough to buy food for yourself for a while.” she informed the beggar.

The beggar bowed to Mud. “Thank you, for your compassion toward me though you knew me not has shown me your quality, Queen Mud.” he said.

Both Gran and Mud looked at the man in amazement as his beggar clothes turned into clothes of pure white light, and he transformed into a majestic creature in the form of a man before their eyes.

“Who are you?” she asked, in fear of this being that stood before her.

“Fear not, little Lori, for I am not here to do you any harm. I am a messenger from the Most High. I stand in His presence, night and day. I come from the one who stands outside of time, and sees the beginning from the end. For the past, present, and future are ever-present before Him.” the being replied.

“You stand before the throne of The God of Yakov?” she asked, still scared at his presence.

“He is the God of everything, the most high, who has called the house of Yakov to spread His name to all nations. The one who created everything, and who sees the beginning from the end. Peace be to you, Lori, for He has sent me to answer your questions.” he replied.

“Where is Cid?” Mud asked.

“He too is lost in time, but where I am forbidden to say.” the being answered.

“Will I find him?” she asked.

“Again, little lamb, that is your future, and I cannot tell you, for you must trust God for that answer.” he answered.

“Then what other questions would I have?” she asked, upset that he did not answer.

The man looked at Mud with great compassion, for He loved her. “God has heard your prayers, but He will answer them in His way, my love. However, for the time being, I can only answer questions about your current mission.” the being answered.

“What mission?” Mud asked, feeling discouraged and hopeless that she did not get the answers she wanted.

The being waved his hand, and the Azmorene Sword floated out of Mud's grip, and to his hand. As he held it, the flaming lion exited the sword, in it's full form, and after allowing the man to pet it, it laid down at His feet. “There is something detestable stuck to the back wall of this temple. Human history calls him the dark king, but he is really the inhabit spirit of the fallen ones. Beings that were cast out of the presence of God for rebelling against The Most High. In ancient times, they did, indeed inhabit a man, and allowed him to rule the world, until God allowed the lowly to destroy the king. The being, however, has existed through time, and will exist until the day The Lord comes to deal with him in the flesh. The fallen ones have tried to influence the world throughout history. God knew this from all eternity, and He knew the beings would meddle with you, Lori, after you defeated them.” he said, while patting the lion on the stomach as it lay there.

“What do you mean meddle with me?” she asked curiously.

“It was not by accident that your own son betray you, nor that your great grandson was bewitched by these beings, put on a sick bed. It was no accident that the gates of time were opened on your husband. The dark one has taken revenge on you for vanquishing him. He hates the righteous, and has punished you, my love, for doing the right thing. In truth, he lurks in the shadows, and hated all men, who are made in the image of God. In his great wickedness, he lures men in to worship him, in whatever form he tricks them into worshiping him. He is the father of lies, and his mission is lure as many men away from the One True God as possible before God finally casts him into the lake of fire. However, my dear lamb, God has chosen you for a special mission. He has granted you your revenge, and has blessed your journey. You have been given the honor of traveling through time to vanquish the dark one in all eras he has materialized.” the being answered her.

“I have been chosen for what?” she asked, completely shocked at what He was telling her.

The man smiled at her, a warm, loving smile. “It was no accident that you ended up here, for your future is now the past. Worry not about changing time, for your future has already happened in your past. Go forth, and destroy the dark one, and find him in all eras he has tried to exist, and hunt him, for God has blessed your journey.” the being said.

“So I am supposed to destroy the dark king throughout time?” she asked, still confused. For the only quest she had in mind was finding Cid.

“My love, worry not about Cid. Answers will come in God's time. For now, go forth, and destroy the dark one, and return the sword to Gaius, who God has blessed with the victory over the Ryukens. Worry not about your love for the time being, for answers will come, my little lamb.” he replied with compassion for Mud. He then looked at Gran. “My dear Gran, God has always loved you. You grew strong and fierce before Him, and he has also blessed you with this quest. He wants you to know there is peace between you, and He will grant your prayers. However, first, you must help Lori. The Most High loves you, dearly, Gran, and He yearns for you, but, first, help Lori.”

Gran's eyes teared up, and all he could do was bow to the being. “Thank you.” he said. Never in her life had Mud ever seen Gran so emotional.

The being leaned down to pet the Lion one last time, and then it jumped back into the sword, and the sword floated back to Mud who grabbed it out of the air.

The being looked at Mud one last time, eyes full of love for her. Her heart filled with such joy at his presence, and she could feel the love of God coming out of Him. “Tell your daughter I love her.” he said to her.

“Which daughter?” Mud asked him.

He smiled at her one last time, and them disappeared before their eyes.

Tears were streaming down Gran's face still as he stood there in stunned silence. That God should hear his prayers, when he of all people felt the furthest away for God than anyone else could ever be. He gazed his tearful face toward Mud. “Let's go kill us a demon.” he said.

She nodded, still in awe of what had just transpired, then lead the way back to the hidden chamber that housed the dark being.

“Yakovian harlot, you cannot kill me, for I cannot be destroyed!” the being said, upon Mud entering the room again with The Azmorene sword in hand. “I am the unstoppable dark one, the prince of this world.”

She glanced back toward Gran. “Please kill him quickly, he's already on my last never.” he said to her, playfully.

Mud walked over to the being and looked him in the eyes. “Who are you?” it asked her with many voices.

“My name is Dookie, Mrs Dookie Cakes.” she said to the being.

“Well, Dookie Cakes, you will be my mortal enemy. I will return, and I will take my revenge on you. You will die the most horrible of deaths. I will turn your family and friend against you, and I will destroy you. Your life is over.” the being threatened from behind the shield of flames that bound him to the wall.

“I guess I shall have to take that risk.” Mud said, then jammed the Azmorene sword into the being's chest.

The dark wizard let out a scream of a thousand voices in pain. The flames of the sword consumed him as he slowly disappeared into a pile of ash before their eyes. Flames jumped out of the sword, and onto a book shelve next to where the being was being detained. The shelf burst into flames, setting a tapestry next to it on fire. The flames climbed the tapestry, and up to the roof. And within seconds, the entire room was on fire.

“Oops!” Gran said as he ran up to Mud to grab her. “I think we have to go.”

“Agreed.” Mud said, removing her hand from the handle of the Azmorene sword, and securing it to her belt. She and Gran then booked it out of the chamber, and through the hallways of the temple, they ran back out into the main room, and past the fallen goddess statue, and made for the door.

They ran half way back up toward the road before Mud stopped to turn and look at the time temple. The roof had caught fire, and the whole building was quickly becoming engulfed in flames. She put her hands on her knees to catch her breath for a moment. “Well, I guess that solves the mystery of how the temple was destroyed.” she said.

Gran laughed. “Like I said, you have the best adventures.”

“I suppose it could be worse...” she started, but an explosion at the temple stopped her from finishing. The two watched as the temple collapsed before their eyes after the explosion. “OK, is could still be...” another explosion sent debris halfway up the beach causing Gran and her to hit the ground to avoid being hit.

“Please, stop saying that.” Gran said laughing. He then took her by the hand, and teleported them safely up to the road. “Lets get the sword back to Gaius.” he suggested.

“Strange, really. I was just saying, it could have been....” one final explosion rocked the temple as the entirety of it collapsed to the ground, burning, and falling into the final state it would remain at for the rest of time.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Twenty-three years old now, and Beth was already on her third child. Ruth was nearing three years old and had endless energy. Her son, Elijah, was already walking and getting into any mischief he could. Eight months in in this pregnancy, and Beth was on bed-rest for the last month as the doctor had ordered. Martin and Susan ran the tavern for her, and Rachel, her nanny was taking care of the children so Beth could rest. It wasn't just the pregnancy keeping Beth in bed, for the local villagers had not been very kind to her, for she was on her third child, and was unwed. Susan had informed her that they had started calling “Beth the Harlot” in the village. She had no wish to deal with such people anymore; their stares and whispers as she walked by, and their judgmental attitude deeply hurt her. She wanted this baby to have a healthy birth, so she closed herself off in her room, and took the bed rest.

She was laying in bed when she glanced over to a stack of books she had not looked at for a very long time. She lifted a book she recognized from the stack, one she had forgotten about in the busy life of being a mother. She opened the second volume of Queen Mud at a random page, and started reading, perhaps reading about her own mother's life, she would feel better about her situation.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The summer was nearly over, and Gran still had no memories of who he was. The early morning light was peaking over the horizon as he was out on the back deck of Calloway manner, practicing with a wooden sword he had whittled himself. Though his memories were void, he still felt compelled to practice his sword techniques, something he had done every morning of his life.

With no memory of his years of training, his body, on muscle-memory alone, moved with the wooden blade in his hands as it always had. He knew every technique he had ever learned without remembering them. He would practice them for hours at time, hoping that they would help him remember anything about himself. Averny had shown him utmost kindness, and a lot of understanding in his quest to remember anything. She had him journal any thoughts or memories the came into his mind.

Averny woke up, and moved to the window. It had become her custom to wake up and watch Gran practice from her window. Not only was she trying to pick up some good technique, but there was something comforting to her about watching him in his practice, and helping him with his memories. She, and her son had formed quite a bond with him over the course of the summer at the manner. Unbenounced to Averny, Gran knew she would watch him everyday. He would practice all the harder whenever she was watching, almost as if showing off for her. She thought she was being stealthy in her spying sessions, but as a master of stealth, Gran knew she would watch.

Averny watched as Gran suddenly stopped practicing, and turned toward the window she was watching him at. Her heart raced, she had been caught. Gran was pointing toward the road as she ducked down, trying no to be seen. She could see him pointing toward the road, but she didn't know what he was trying to say. Peering out the window she watched as Gran disappeared in a flash of light.

“There is a carriage coming up the road.” he said from behind her, nearly scaring the life out of her.

Averny sprung up. “You just scared me half to death!” she yelled at him. How did you do that?” she asked.

Gran gave her a confused look. “Honestly, Avey, I don't know. I just sort of did it.” he said, realizing he was just as surprised by his ability to teleport as she was. “Was it something I used to do?”

She smiled a warm smile at him. “Yes.” she said, kindly. “We shall have to write it in the journal. Now, what was it you said to me earlier?”

“Oh yeah, there is a carriage coming up the road. From the sounds of it, a well-built one. Something expensive. Possibly a royal, or a noble.” he replied.

“You can tell that just from the sound?” she asked, amazed by him.

“Yes. The ones poor people own are rickety, and don't sound nearly as solid whenever they hit bumpy roads.” he replied.

Averny looked out the window, as an ornate carriage appeared into view over the horizon. She smiled again, for she knew who's it was.

“What's going on mommy?” Septimius asked Gran and herself, entering the room.

Averny knelt down to her son, and pointed out the window. “Thar be a carriage on the horizon, sire! What shall we do with it!” she said, in a gruff voice.

“Ready the artillery!” Septimius yelled.

“Aye, aye, my king!” Averny yelled, pretending to adjust the elevation of a cannon to aim it at the carriage. “On you word, sire!” she said.

“Fire!” her son yelled.

“Pcheeew!” went Averny, making the sound effect of the cannon. She then made the Psheeew sound of the artillery round sailing through the air. Then went “Pcheeew!” again. “Sire! A direct hit!” she said.

Septimius giggled. “Excellent work mommy!” he exclaimed.

Averny kissed her son, and turned to Gran who was unaware of the fact that he was smiling too. “Now, if you will take Septimius for a couple of minutes, I need to get dressed before Havarti and Rufus get here.” she said.

“Havarti?” Gran replied, with a look of it sounding familiar to him.

Averny smiled a warm smile at him once again. “She loves you Gran. She will be overjoyed when she sees you. Now, let me get dressed so I can meet her at the door like a good hostess.” she said, pushing the two boys out of the room.

A few minutes later Lady Havarti was helped out of her carriage by her husband Rufus. He was holding their five-year old son Ralph Figaro the second in his right arm, and helping his love out of the carriage with his left.

“I wonder if Averny will be OK with us dropping in on her like this. I figured she would like some company on the way back to Mud's birthday celebration at the end of the month.” Havarti said.

“Avey is always happy to see us.” Ralph said. “Even me.”

“I can't wait to play with my friend.” Little Ralph said, speaking of Septimius.

Havarti caressed her son's hair, and gave him a big wet kiss on the forehead as he giggled and wiped it off. She loved doing that to him, because his reactions were always priceless. The Figaro's looked toward the path leading toward the manner, and saw Averny walking toward them, with Septimius running ahead to greet Ralph.

“Ralph, Ralph, I have a new friend. I can't wait for you to meet him!” Septimius exclaimed.

“A new friend huh?” Havarti said, leaning in toward the young prince. “Is it a turtle, or a puppy this time?”

“No, my mommy found him laying on a stack of wood, and he's really cool. His name is Grant.” Septimius said, then grabbed Ralph's hand and hurried his friend back toward the manner to see if he could find Gran.

Averny finally made her way up to the carriage, and threw her arms around Havarti, hugging her tightly. “I've missed you, Havarti. I'm so happy to see you.” she said, then moved to Rufus who hugged her so hard, and lifted her off her feat, nearly bruising her ribs. “R...Ruf...you're killing me.” she chocked out.

“I'm sorry, Avey, I'm just so happy to see you.” he said, putting her down again.

Averny pated him in the shoulder. “It's OK, we all know you sometimes forget your strength.” she said, smiling. She was happy to see them, and Septimius would have someone to play with who was around his age. “Will you be staying long?” she asked the two.

“If it's not too much of a bother to you, we were hoping to head back to Capitol City with you for Mud's birthday celebration.” Havarti said.

“It's never a bother to me.” Averny admitted. The friendship between Havarti and herself had become strong as steel in the years since Mud had taken over as queen. Outside of her sister, Havarti was the second true friend that Averny had ever had. “How's Figaro Manner treating you?”

“Good. Our outside renovations were completed in the spring. We have a beautiful garden out front now, and the roof has been repaired, and you should see how clean the outside looks now that we got rid of all the ivy on the outside.” she replied.

Averny smiled. “So I have a strange surprise for you.” she informed Havarti.

“A strange surprise?” Havarti said, curiously. “You aren't pregnant again are you?” she asked guessing the worst.

“No!” Averny replied in a tone that told Havarti that came out of left-field. “I have found someone, someone lost.”

“Sounds mysterious.” Rufus said, interested.

“Septimius told you already.” she replied to them.

“He said he had a new friend named Grant.” Havarti said.

Averny smiled. “Yes, he definitely has a new friend. I found a man...”

“You found someone? Oh, Avey, I am so happy for you. I'll have to meet him.” Havarti said, cutting her off before she could finish.

Averny did a half-smile laugh. “No, silly Havarti. I was going to say I found a man laying on my wood pile a few moths back. He was half-crazy, and has no memory of who he is.” she said.

Havarti's face changed to a look of bewilderment. “You took in a crazy homeless man? Have you brought him around your son? I'm not sure I'm OK with that.” she said, jumping far toward the other conclusion.

Averny smiled. “Don't be silly, he's really not that bad a guy. His name is Bob.” she said, egging Havarti on more.

“Bob? What kind of a name is Bob?” Havarti asked, nearly hysterical now.

“I thought you said my name was Gran.” Gran said, from behind Havarti and Rufus.

Havarti's eyes lit up as she turned around to see who had spoken, looking face-to-face with a dear friend she had not seen in years. “It's you.” she said, choking up, and running to him, throwing her arms around him. “Gran, I can't believe it. I've missed you so much.” she then pulled back to look at him face-to face. “I'm so happy to see you.” tears of joy streaming down her face.

“He doesn't remember who he is.” Averny informed her.

“It's true.” Gran confirmed to an emotional Havarti.

She wiped her eyes and hugged him again. “Even if you never remember, I'm so happy to have you back. I just want you to know that you are loved, and we have missed you dearly. You're a fierce warrior, the best protector, and a dear friend. I'm so happy you're here. Mud will be so happy to know you are finally back.” she said squeezing him tightly.

Gran hugged her back as best he could. Looking at Averny he said, “OK, you were right.”

“Told you you were missed, but what was that you said again?” she asked playfully.

Gran smiled at her. “You were right.” he replied.

Averny smiled back at him. “And don't forget it.” she said, warmly.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“You know, I've never seen a full-scale battle.” Mud said as Gran and her were watching as Gaius the great's army was making short work of the army of King Kammen Ryuken of the Ryuken people. The two had made it back in time to return the Azmorene sword to Gaius before he lead his army into battle.

“A lot of confusion, a lot of death, a lot of adrenaline, and a lot of strategy. If you've seen one, you've seen what most of them have to offer on the open field.” Antithar said from behind the two. He had also been watching. Being a servant, and Gaius' favorite writer, he was forbidden from partaking in the battle. He was also to write a historical account for the official royal record. “Now, sea battles, those are more fun to see.”

“Hello, Caesarius. It is nice to see you again.” Mud said.

“I've missed you, my Queen, and you too Prince Grant, but I have adjusted to living in this time.” he replied to her.

“I have missed all of you, dearly. Cid the most, but his crew too. You were always fun to have around.” she said.

“Eh, they were OK, for pirates.” Gran conceded, playfully.

“So, what now? I take it that we are all stuck in this time.” Caesarius said.

“Honestly, I don't think we will be here much longer.” Mud said of Gran and herself. “I feel as if a door will be opening soon for us.”

“Are you sure of this?” Caesarius asked her.

“We are on a mission of sorts. I think that, since we accomplished out task, we shall be leaving soon. You are free to come with us, though I have no idea where in time we will end up next.” she replied.

“I appreciate to offer, my Queen, however, I can't help but feel that my place is here now.” Caesarius informed her. “Plus, I have a family here.”

Mud nodded at him. She knew he wasn't going to come, for she knew of the Antithar Emias from history, and his best works of literature were still yet to come. “I did not figure you would be coming.”

A green sphere of energy appeared in front of them all of the sudden, startling the three as they stood there. Mud gave Caesarius a hug. “That is our exit, dear friend. It has been a joy seeing you again. I will never forget you, dear Caesarius.”

“And you will always be my queen.” he replied. “No go, my queen, go find your husband, for I have no doubt, no matter where he is, you are all he is thinking about. Your love for each other is the kind of love I could write an epic about.”

Mud pulled away and looked at him. “Wait, I think you do.” she said.

“Time to go Mud.” gran said, grabbing her by the hand and walking her toward the green sphere. Caesarius watched as the queen he loved deeply, and the prince he respected the second most next to Captain Cid disappeared before his eyes, leaving him to live out the rest of his days in the time of King Gaius the great.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Almost thirty now, and her sixth child on the way, Beth had in the years since, bought and demolished a whole row of houses in the village to build a house for single mothers who had been widowed by the grueling war King Cid had been waging on both fronts. The war had been at a stalemate for years, with neither the Azmorenes, nor the Yakovian's or Northern Kingdom making any gains in land. All they had resorted to was pointless killing on both sides. Years of resentment had turned all sides to hatred, a hatred that had motivated them to keep the war going long after it needed to.

In the war's biggest toll had been felt by the wives of young soldiers who had died in another pointless battle. Beth the Harlot, as Joiada residents had long-since started calling her, saw the great need for a safe-haven for pregnant war-widows, and single, unwed mothers. She built an entire new structure to the south of where the barn for the tavern stood. She still stayed in her mother's room at night, but she had spent most of her days administering the needs of the now fifty single mothers and children now housed in her safe-haven.

Life was still hard for Beth, and the villagers had grown more bold in their insults toward her. She, sometimes felt the whole world was against her, though they gladly took her money whenever she frequented their markets, and bought their houses for way above their worth. She had even taken to helping out the elderly in her village, and providing food and clothes for the poor, making their insults all the more heartbreaking. Especially since they were always nice to her when they needed something from her. They never questioned where she got so much money to afford so much, as the Tavern, while still doing good business, by no means provided the kind of wealth she shared with others.

Beth, again, sat in her bed, before bedtime, the nanny was in the room with her, as Beth needed her there now, helping with so many children. Looking to her nightstand, she picked up a crisp, newly printed copy of the second book in the Queen Mud Chronicles. They were black-market printings, that someone had been reprinting and circulating across the entire Azmorene Kingdom as an act of rebellion against King Cid, but also as an act of remembrance to The Servant-Queen.

“Mother, where are you? I could really use you. You promised me...” Beth said, tears in her eyes. She was overly emotional today, and she dearly missed her mother's love in her life. No one else in the world felt Mud's absence greater than Beth. She really needed her mom today.

Tears in her eyes, she opened the book at a spot she had bookmarked, one she had read many times over during her pregnancies.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“Spetimius, old friend, I am so happy to see you, old friend!” Cid said, extending his hand in a handshake to to his royal uncle by marriage. Septimius and his family were visiting, awaiting Mud's birthday celebration.

“Cid, my favorite Nephew.” Septimius said, smiling at Cid. “I am so glad to see you doing so well in your royal surroundings.”

“Alas, uncle, while luxury seems good, sometimes I think of just jumping on a ship and escaping this environment, maybe for the next month.” Cid said, throwing a hint at him.

Septimius laughed loudly. “Is it that bad, eh? How is Mud doing with child three? What is it, one month to go, estimated?” he asked.

“She threw knives at me this morning. Said she was only aiming to wound, but real knives were thrown my way, sir.” Cid said, looking over his shoulder to see if his crazed, pregnant wife wasn't within earshot. “Luckily, I have had very good practice at dodging knives in my youth.”

Septimius patted Cid on the back. “My dear boy, you know better than to set her off.” he said, understanding.

“All I did was have a bit of onion this morning. She could smell it across the room like a bloodhound. Accused me of purposely doing it, because I knew her pregnancy made her hate the smell. I had only one onion, and I used mouth rinse to mask the smell. She still smelt it twenty feet away.” Cid said, almost frantically.

Septimius laughed again all the louder. “Forgive me for laughing at your pain, meboy, but it is kind of humorous.” he replied.

Cid burst out into laughter with Septimius. “The greatest pirate king in the world terrified of his little pregnant wife. It is quite silly.” he remarked.

“Well, she is the best with a sword when she isn't pregnant.” Septimius reminded Cid.

“What's so funny?” Mud asked the two who stood to attention at her voice. She waddled to Septimius, and threw her arms around him, weeping out of control, tears of joy. “Dear Uncle, I am so happy to see you. I love you so much.” she said, as he hugged her over her pregnant belly.

Mud then turned toward her terrified husband, and caressed his hair. “And I wouldn't blame you if you took off, and sailed away from me, love. I am so sorry for earlier.” she said, weeping harder. “I didn't hurt you did I?”

Cid kissed his hysterical wife on the forehead, and hugged her. “No, my love, you didn't. I love you, Mud, but, perhaps the knife throwing was a little much. Next time, maybe just throw a plate of bowl at me.” he suggested, playfully.

“I'm such a monster.” she said, weeping more.

“No, love, you aren't, but I think we both agree, we need to get this baby out of you soon.” he said, regaining his old swagger.

She kissed her husband on the lips. “Agreed. I am still so sorry.” she said, still crying. “Please don't leave me.”

“My dear, even if you had gutted me straight, my last words would be I love you.” he said, not condoning throwing knives, or her actions, but realizing that that was out of character, even for a pregnant Mud. Luckily, it did not happen in front of little Cid, or their daughter, Esther.

“If I ever do it again, leave me, for your own safety.” she said.

“I promise.” he said, smiling, lovingly at his wife. “As for our new child, any names yet, my love?' he asked, changing the subject, tactfully.

“Perhaps we should name her after Avey?” Mud suggested.

“And should it be a boy?” he asked.

“I'm not sure this time.” she replied.

“I have a good one, a strong name, named after the best man I ever knew.” Cid said, keeping her in suspense.

“What name have you come up with, love?” she, eagerly, asked.

He smiled, a warm, but sober smile at her. “Gran.” he, finally, replied.

She looked at Cid, matching his sober look, and nodded her head. “Gran it is..” she said, drifting off into another place in her mind. She then hugged Cid again. “Forgive me again, no excuses for my actions, love. I appreciate your patience.”

A trumpet blew outside the castle as Mud still hugged her husband, one announcing Avenry's arrival. Mud and Cid made their way to a balcony that overlooked the courtyard of the castle to see two carriages parked there.

“Looks like Havarti and Avey rode in together.” Cid said.

“I missed them both so much.” Mud said, emotionally.

“Mud! Mud!” Averny yelled, racing out of her carriage when she saw her sister on the balcony. “I have a great surprise for you!” she exclaimed, waving her arms at her sister.

“Wonder what she means?” Mud asked, still tearful.

“Hard to say when it comes to Avey.” Cid replied.

“QUEEN MUD!” a man yelled from the balcony behind her. Mud and Cid turned to see a seedy-looking man standing behind her with a crossbow pointed at Mud. “Your stepmother sends her regards!” the man said as he took aim, and fired the bow at her.

Cid tried to step in the way to protect her, but the dart was too fast, and missed him. Cid, Mud and the would-be assassin watched in amazement as the crossbow dart had been stopped in mid-air; caught in a man's hands, a man who had not been there a moment before.

The assassin pulled his sword to a wowed Mud and Cid as they looked at this man whom they recognized, running toward Mud. Gran dropped the dart to the ground, and pulled his sword out of air to face the man. In one masterful stroke, cut the assassin's arm off, causing the man to fall to tumble to the ground.

Cid, Mud, and now Septimius who had raced out to the balcony looked at this strange man in wonder. Septimius had never met Gran, but it's not everyday you see a man appear out of thin air. With their eyes on him, Gran put the tip of his sword to the man's throat. “Who sent you?” he demanded.

“Queen Raminda.” the man said, writhing in pain, and holding his bleeding limb in his left-hand. “Please, I had to. She has my family.” he pleaded.

Gran looked back at Mud. “On your word.” he said.

She held her hand up stopping Gran from continuing. “No, it's OK. Let him go.” she said.

“really?” Cid said, upset. “The man comes in and tries to kill my pregnant wife, and he gets to go free!”

“Yes, Cid. We will send him back with a message to my stepmother.” she said.

“Send him back? She'll just kill him for failing anyway. Evil woman, she will never give up her grudge against you.” Cid replied.

“We're not sending him back to her, we shall be sending him back to her brother, the king, with a very clear message on what her actions may cause between our kingdoms.” Mud said, sternly. “That way he will handle his sister, and my brother.”

“What is going on?” asked a commanding voice from the balcony behind them.

“Hello, Father. Nice to see you up and moving around.” Mud replied to the man who's right arm hung nearly lifelessly at his side.

Mud's father, Augustus, stepped out on the balcony, staring directly into Gran's eyes, which Gran returned without a hint of fear or flinching in his eyes. “I must thank you for saving my precious daughter's life. I don't believe we've met. What is your name?”

Gran looked directly at Mud. “They tell me my name is Gran, but I don't remember. You look so familiar to me, like a face in a dream.” he said, hazily.

Mud walked up, and threw her arms around Gran, tears of joy in her eyes. “I've missed you so much, my friend. I have hoped and prayed for your return to us every day since we last met.” she said.

Gran embraced her back. “I think I remember you. I just knew I had to protect you.” he said, still in a haze.

Cid came over, and placed his hand on Gran's shoulder. “It's good to see you, old friend.” he said, feeling the sentimentality of his wife as she hugged her friend.

Gran looked at Cid with a puzzled look. As if he recognized him, but couldn't place it. “Didn't I have you shine my shoes once?” he asked with a devious smirk.

Cid laughed at Gran. “See, that's the Gran I remember, and no sir, I believe you shined mine.” he said, playing off of it with swagger.

“This is the mighty Gran?” Septimius asked. “I must say, seeing you in action surpasses all the legends I have heard.”

Gran pulled back and looked Mud in the eyes. “I don't know who I am.” he confessed.

“That's OK, my friend, because I do.” she replied.

“What of this would-be assassin?” Augustus asked, walking up and kicking the man as he lay there.

“I have decided to send him back with a message to The King of the Frozen-lands.” she said.

“You should have him tortured to death, and his body sent back to my...eh....beloved wife.” Augutus said.

“Well, I was thinking of sending fifty ships to the frozenlands to carry the message, loud and clear.” Mud said.

Augustus smiled. “I like that. It shows both diplomacy, and strength. A non-threat, threat. Very cleaver, my daughter.” he replied, seeming content.

“As for you my dear friend,” she said looking at Gran, “ I have something for you, something I have carried with me, deep memories I have treasured and kept safe for many years.” she said, pulling what appeared to be a white sphere of light from her temple.

“What is Tha...” Gran started, but her putting the sphere to his temple prevented him from saying anything more. He collapsed into her, and Cid's arms as Mud returned his memories back to him in the way he had transferred them to her to begin with.

Cid looked mortified. “What was that?” he asked, seeing his wife do something he had never seen before.

She smiled. “See, my love, I am still full of surprises. Lets get him to one of the royal guest chambers. He will need a few days to process his memories.” she commanded, causing everyone in the vicinity to grab Gran, and help move him in his unconscious state back into the castle.

“Memory transfer? Now I remember.” Cid reminisced.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“I, truly, don't understand, my son. It is not a hard decision. Just choose a girl, marry her, and give this kingdom heirs. You are almost thirty now, and still have yet to take a wife.” King Gaius, and Prince Octavian were enjoying a meal in the royal dining-room at the Gaius Outpost at the southern boarder of Azmorene lands.

“Father, must you pester me with this again? You and I both know our kingdom has bigger problems than my love life at the moment. This stalemate is wasting precious resources as it is. It would be selfish of me to take a wife for myself when so many other women are losing their husbands.” Octavian answered.

“Selfish? Ha, as if the lives of peasants are of any import compared to the life of a king.” Gaius retorted, annoyed with his son's repeated dodges of the subject of marriage. “You don't even know what the rumors are about you within the royal court.”

Octavian sighed, and rolled his eyes. “I don't have any care in the world for what those scum-suckers in the royal court think of me father.”

“And yet, you care so much for what dirty peasant women think of you?” he replied.

“Yes, actually, for the moral of the common people is what is keeping us going during these difficult times. Unless those in the royal courts are the ones sending their sons to die for your pointless land-lust.” Octavian said defiantly.

“And there you go again, my son, the idealist. Anti war, and what shall we do, end the war, and let all those peasants know their sons dies for nothing? Be cowards, and spit on the glory of our kingdom and give up?” Gaius replied angrily toward his son.

“Their sons have already died for nothing.” Octavian said, standing up from his place at the table. His appetite, already having left him. “Shall more die to gain nothing but bragging rights in my grandfather's pointless war against his own cousin? Or is killing family so easy for us now?”

“I can think of a few good reasons to raise one's hand against their own kin, especially in the face of insubordination, and undermining the sitting King, your grandfather, Cid.” Gaius said threateningly.

Octavian nodded, taking the hint. “Well, father, should you wish to raise your hand against me, make sure it's your left.” Octavian pointed at Gaius' shriveled hand.

“how dare you...”

“And how dare you sit at the feet of your grandmother, Queen Mud, and never learn a lesson on how to rule with dignity, how to show kindness and compassion to your people. You sat at the feet of greatness, and learned nothing, because you hardened your heart. My grandfather's lust for power has consumed you. You have wasted your reign, not that grandfather Cid will ever let you or myself rule until the day he dies. Your entire reign will be wasted by his war.” he replied.

“I should have you killed for speaking like that. Your grandfather surely would, especially at the mention of Queen Mud.” Gaius started, but then signed, tears welling up. “But you are right, my son. I did sit at the feet of greatness, and I have failed the memory of my grandmother. That, my son, is why you must be king. You have her strength, and her courage. Courage I could never have. You will be the one to restore this kingdom to her legacy.”

Octavian's mouth dropped open. Never, in his whole life did he believe he would hear such things coming out of his own father's mouth.

Gaius stood up, and approached his son, embracing him in a hug. “My fate is set, my son, but my hope for the future lies upon you. That is why I pester you so much to get a wife, so your heirs my grow up with the same example set by Queen Mud.” he said, pulling out a reprinted copy of The Queen Mud Chronicles from inside his cloak. “I know we are supposed to hunt down and kill the source of these books, for they have spread in the black markets, and the entire country is reading of her. My father wants everyone involved hunted down and skinned alive.”

Gaius peered deeply into his son's eyes, Octavian not even so much as flinching. “The problem is, no one knows who's involved in their printing, nor their source.” he replied to his father.

“Get ready, for we ride to Joiada.” Gaius said.

Octavian's eyes widened, they finally gave his away. “Why should we ride there?” he asked, noticeably nervous.

“Because, my son, that is where you print them out of, and I want to see your operation.” he replied.

“Oh” Octavian replied, with a sigh of relief. “That's no problem. I will take you to where we print them.”

Gaius smiled a warm smile at his son, a smile Octavian had not seen coming from his father for years. “And that's not all I want to see there.” he said.

Octavian nodded. “You know I take it.”

“I've known from the beginning.”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“Princess Mud, are you OK?” a familiar voice from the past asked a groggy Mud.

“Huh.” she said, lifting her head from the cold stone walkway she was laying on. She could hear outright commotion and confusion all around her. “Where am I?”

“You're at the Gaius Outpost. Do you not remember, princess, Governor Marcus rode with you here.” the soldier said.

Mud sprang to her feet to stare the familiar soldier in the eyes once again, for she had not seen him in years. “What's going on?”

“There is an army of invaders attacking the village down the road. The whole Garrison is mounting up to meet them, but I must get you back to the safety of your room.” he said, trying to take her hand.

She quickly snatched her hand away from the soldier. “Wait, everyone is going to die, you must no go.” she said.

“That is my duty, Princess. As you know, I have no fear of death, for I shall never do anything of note anyway.”he said.

“That's not true, you wrote the most lovely book, and you also wrote my biography.....” Mud suddenly remembered how the being told her that everything she would do was already done in the past. “Right, lets get going, but first, I think I dropped a ring on the ground over there.” she pointed to a spot on the hallway floor of the outpost.

As the guard turned to search for the ring, she took out the Figaro Dagger from her belt, and drove the hilt down on the back of the soldier's head, incapacitating him. “You my not thank me for this in the morning, but your beautiful wife, Celeste, and your children will thank me for this later.” she said to the unconscious man.

“There you are Mud.” Gran said, running to her position. “Do you know where we ended up this time?”

Mud smiled at Gran with a big smile. “You and Avey were right, my dear Gran.”

“What does that mean?” he asked, scratching his head.

“I know where we are, and I know when.” she said, looking back on her memories. “The Wizard is here, but the Azmorene sword may as well be on the other side of the world.”

“Do you know where it is?” he asked.

“It's at Azmorene ca...wait, someone's coming.” she said, hearing the sound of a dozen boots coming close to their position.

Gran grabbed Mud, and pushed through the nearest door to avoid being spotted. The first thing Mud recognized was the musty smell in the room. A wave of memories rushed over her. She had been in this room before.

“I think they have passed.” Gran said, his ear to the door.

Mud walked over to a small cot located at the back of the windowless white room. On it lay a sleeping girl, one she recognized well.

Gran turned to see where Mud was going only to notice the girl as well.

Mud leaned over, and put her hand on the sleeping girl's forehead. She was in a deep trance of a sleep. Something caused by the Wizard's presence. She looked as if she was having a nightmare. Gran, compassionately put his hand on Mud's shoulder as she caressed the girl's forehead.

“Not Gran, please, not Gran, take me instead. Please, don't take my friend. Take me, spare him.” the girl said, tears in her closed eyes.

Mud placed her spare hand gently on Gran's hand. “She kept a strong face, but she took your death so hard. She was so broken over it. I can't describe how much it hurt. She carried on because she had to, but she was distraught. You were a pillar in her life. She admired you, and always looked up to you.” tears formed in her eyes. “but somehow she knew you were there. There were signs that you were with her along the way. It wasn't until she saw you at the old farmhouse that her hurt left, and then she just waited, and longed to see you.” Mud took her hand off her younger self, and turned toward her old friend. “I cannot tell you the joy I felt the day you returned to me.”

Gran gave Mud a hug. “I will give my life to make sure you have an ever greater joy when Cid returns to you. Now, we have to leave her before she wakes up.”

“She doesn't. Not yet.”

He gave her a sly smile. “I forget, you know exactly what happens. So what happens next.?”

“She wakes up to find this place empty, and sees the village is on fire...Wait, the village!” Mud grabbed his hand and started to lead him out the door.

“What's going on Mud? Where are off ot.”

“I couldn't save them from him the first time, but we can save them now.” she said they rushed out the door, and down the hallway, past a few straggler guards who took no notice of them. They ran out to the courtyard. “I need you to teleport me to the local village. First, up on the wall.” she said pointing to the walkway.

“You know, I've never understood why you stopped teleportation yourself.” he answered.

“The Dark Wizard took my ability to teleport away.”

Gran chuckled to her surprise. “Silly Mud. Such things cannot be taken. He can only trick you into thinking he took it...wait, is that why you've never teleported in sixty years?”

“Well, I tried to teleport after he took it, and it didn't work.” she replied.

“Was he touching you at the time?” notice how he did not take it from me.

“Now that I think about it, yes, he was touching me, but he also took my ability to pull weapons from the air.” I couldn't do it after he did this.

“It was a simple hypnosis spell, Mud, and if you are in physical contact with another teleporter, you can block them. You see, he just made you think he took them, and you believed the lie.” he informed her. “Have you even tried since?”

“Well, no, now that I think about it.”

“The easiest way to destroy the lies we believe is to tell someone the truth. Truth is reality, and in reality, you can still teleport, and grab weapons out of the air. He did not take those from you, he just made you believe the lie that he did.”Gran paused to look up at the walkway on the wall. “Now, pull a sword out of the air, and teleport up there yourself.”

Mud gave Gran a look of sheer determination, and nodded. She then grabbed a Katana out of thin air, and disappeared in a flash of white light, reappearing at the top of the wall as Gran had told her to do.

Gran quickly appeared beside her as they peered off in the distance to see the village on fire. “Take it that is where we are going?” he asked.

“After you.” she said.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

“You're awake!” Averny said to a freshly aroused Gran. He had been asleep for two days, and she refused to leave his side the whole time. She didn't know why, but she felt as if she needed to be there.

“Where am I?” he asked, groggily.

“You are at Azmorene Castle. Mud gave you your memories back.” she replied.

Gran sat up in the most comfortable bed he had ever slept in. It was too comfortable for his liking. Too soft. He preferred the hardness of the ground or a tree branch to sleep on. For him, that was comfort. He realized that he was in one of the royal bedrooms. He would later learn it was Averny's room. The windows giant windows were open, and the smell of a late-summer morning was in his nostrils.

“Do you remember who you are?” she asked, pulling him out of his thoughts.

“You have a beautiful singing voice. I remember the first ime I heard it at The Fishman's tavern.”

Averny was taken aback. Not just by what he said, but she knew he was not at The Fishman's Tavern the night her voice was discovered. “I don't think that is your memory.”

“You're right. That is Mud's memory. I remember now. She forgot to strain out her memories whenever she gave me mine.” he replied, still as if in a dream.

“That's unfortunate.” she said.

“I won't tell her if you don't.”

“Your secret is safe with me.” she replied, lovingly. She was happy he was OK. “Are you hungry? You have been asleep for two days.”

Gran looked up to the ceiling as if he was in deep thought. “You know, I haven't stopped to think about whether or not I am hungry yet.” he replied in all seriousness.

Averny laughed at his response. “Why do you have to be so awkward, Bob? Either you're hungry, or you're not. Haha.”

Gran laughed with her, realizing it was a strange response. “Where is Septimius?” he finally asked.

“Oh, he's out having a great time with his royal cousins and nannies. He loves it here with family.” Averny looked down. “I love it here too.”

Gran looked her directly in the eyes with a piercing gaze. “You're just lonely here though. Friends and family don't fill the void in your heart that you are ready for love, because you are a deeply loving soul.”

“How did you know that? Was that something you saw in Mud's memories?” she said, standing up from the royal recliner she had pulled up next to the bed,, crossing her arms, and turning her back to him.

“No that was my honest assessment of you Avey.” he said standing up from the bed as well, turning his back to her to face the door of the room. “You're a deeply loving person, Averny the Kindhearted. I can see it in you. You used to be so unloved and angry, but now that I have spent time with you, I know you love deeper than anyone I've ever known. I apologize if I've upset you. I think I will go find some breakfast.” he said exiting her room, leaving her alone to her thoughts.

How did this man read her so well? How could he tell? She thought to herself.

The truth is, the two of them had similar upbringings in a completely loveless family. Both had learned to stuff their emotions, and be stoic. Both had learned the depths of hatred and anger at it's deepest. Both had learned how love can change a hateful heart to a loving heart. Both had felt the change that kindness can bring to a wounded soul. Averny and Gran were not so different after all. How love can change a broken heart for the better, and heal all the wounds of the past. Was Gran really speaking of her, or of himself? Not even he was sure.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX