Colleen was both anxious and excited to see what Elija had found in the catacombs. While she knew the boys had stumbled onto something unique, she also knew there was danger in visiting the underground tunnels. So as Elija led them deep into the tunnels Colleen kept her worried to herself and tried not to dwell on the awful things that could happen down in them.

Unfortunately, her worse fears came true. When she saw Elija slip intot he small opening that led to the secret chamber he found, Colleen almost reached out to stop him and make him stay with her but she knew she had to let him go. It was important to the boy ad the others as well.

When the ground trembled and more or less buried Elija beneath them, Colleen felt a scream strangle in her throat. Her eyes grew wide and she lunged at the now what appeared to be closed entrance. Colleen just knew the boy had been crushed beneath the heavy stones.

“NO! ELIJA! ELIJA! CAN YOU HEAR ME?”

Colleen was frantic and tried to move the stones herself. Marshall Kallend grabbed her firmly but gently by the shoulders to stop her, trying to be the voice of reason for her. Even over her frantic calls to Elija they could hear and feel what sounded like very large, heavy stones being moved beyond where they stood.

“Colleen…COLLEEN! Stop. Listen. I don’t think he’s hurt at all. Listen….you hear that?”

Colleen had stopped struggling and quieted down to take notice of what William was saying. She heard the sound and gave a hopeful look to both he and Raj.

”By the Gods…please tell me he’s OK.”

William gave her a reassuring smile and nodded.

“I believe so…..”

The minutes seemed to tick by like hours as Colleen waited to see if Elija was indeed alright. With each noise she heard she prayed it was Elija emerging from his underground tomb. When the stones finally parted to allow Elija exit from the inner chamber, Colleen stepped back and watched in awe as Elija emerged from the other side. In his hands was a piece of parchment but Colleen didn’t care one bit about it. All she knew was that Elija was unharmed.

Kneeling down and drawing Elija into her arms, Colleen gave way to her tears for a few seconds. Gathering her composure once more, she slowly, reluctantly released her hold on Elija and sat back on her heels to look into his face. Tears still shimmered in her eyes but she refused to let them free.

Are….are you alright, Elija?”

As the great wings parted once more, Raj who had been carefully inspecting them, backed away. He looked in awe as the boy re-emerged and in his hands he carried that which he had been seeking since he left his home in Tiann. Looking to Marshall Kallend, it became apparent to him that the ancient man had known of his quest all this time, and it suddenly seemed pointless to perpetuate the charade.

"Gallenthdrah's map." Lasekura stated, and the Marshall confirmed his declaration with an all knowing nod. Then he went on to describe that the ruby eyed dragon was the guardian of Miang Dhowja's chamber, the place where the scribe created the dragon runes that captured the words of the great Dragon Queen Gallenthdrah. "I had almost lost hope and began to believe that the map was just a myth but by Gods and Dragons, here it is!" Raj exclaimed, his eyes wide, revering the ancient scroll.

Immediately then Raj placated Colleen's incredulous glare with a gentle staying hand. "Forgive my deception, Mrs. Smith but I suspected how special Elija was from the beginning. The Dragon's of Tiann foretold of a man-child who would find the lost map and unite the Wyr's and now, I believe that without a doubt Elija is the one."

Raj kneeled down beside Elija and gently placed his hand on his shoulder. "You have done well, Elija. Know now that I have been sent from afar to be your guardian. You are only at the beginning of a tremulous path and I alone have been chosen to see to your safety." As ended his words he quickly rose, fearful that his Mother might have a few words to share, but nothing would change the course that had been set that day.



Marshall Kallend knew that Colleen's words were burning her tongue, but begged her to hold them for a moment while he spoke. "It's time now, that you all left Meirathal." he sadly told them. He then moved closer to Elija whose young eyes could not yet fathom why they would have to leave the peaceful place, the first true home he had ever known. Looking down he offered a pleasant smile assuring the boy that he had done nothing wrong. "You are special Elija, and nothing will ever change that, but because your different people will fear you and some will try and control you. Trust in your guardians, " he advised gesturing to Raj and his Mother, "They make you far stronger than you can possibly be on your own."

The boys eyes still did not understand why they had to leave Meirathal, but Raj understood. He knew that now that the boy had entered the chamber of Miang Dhowja, a chain reaction of events had started, one that would bring the Mermadon to the peaceful sea-side village. As strong as the Coven was, they could hide the town forever, nor combat an entire Ta'kun army, all they could do to protect themselves was to remove that which they sought.

William Kallend then turned to Colleen, his eyes saddened that the inevitable parting had come so soon.

Colleen slowly stood in stunned silence when she heard Raj’s words. For some reason she felt…betrayed. While he hadn’t lied to her, he concealed the truth form her and that hurt almost as much as out right lying to her. When her shock wore off, Colleen carefully shrugged out of Raj’s touch and took a small step back away from him. Her dark blue eyes grew stormy and just when she was about to give Raj a piece of her mind, William’s firm but gentle voice kept her from saying anything.

They were now being forced, more or less, from the home she had built with the children. What ever words she was going to say to Raj were quickly swallowed with the reality they would have to pack up everything they now owned and move to a foreign place. While William’s reasoning was completely valid, Colleen still found it difficult to accept, but accept it she did.

Colleen’s eyes searched Williams as he spoke then she blinked and looked to Raj. Both men knew this was coming and yet here now, it had blind sided her. Again. And yet, she knew she was powerless to stop any of this from happening. For the first time in her life Colleen knew she couldn’t fight this. She would have to accept what ever happened from this point forward.

Glancing down at Elija, she saw the look on his face and it broke her heart. He didn’t understand why they had to leave now. He understood he wasn’t just a normal child anymore, but to up and leave his now home was beyond his thinking. The one thing she wanted most to give him had been stripped form him by fate and what other else you wanted to call it. Now, all she could do was, somehow, help him as his life progressed.

Looking up at Raj she knew he would be an integral part of Elija’s life now. Fate, it seemed, had a twisted sense of humor she didn’t care for. Especially right now. But it was when she looked into Williams sad eyes that she felt the lump catch in her throat and stay there. Tears welled up in her dark eyes once more and she struggled to prevent them from slipping down her cheeks.
Taking a few deep breaths, she tried to regain her composure. Her voice was thick with emotion when she spoke, trying to hold William’s gaze.

”I wish we didn’t have to leave, William. I understand why but it still doesn’t stop me from wishing there was another way. We just got here and settled in. Just promise me we will be able to visit from time to time. We…..I would like that.”

Marshall Kallend smiled warmly at Colleen. "You will always be welcome in our homes my dear." he told her as the great bear of man gently placed his arms about her in a fatherly embrace, then he chuckled, "And this is not good bye. Nooooo, " he cooed, "We shall see each other from time to time, 'cause you're headed to Baloc."

He released her then to see her expression and glanced over at Raj then to Elija then back to Colleen. "My last trip to the city really had nothing to do with selling wine." he admitted, "We all suspected that Elija would eventually find the chamber and decided to make arrangements for your departure on that day. In Baloc, a smithy awaits you, " Kallend said to Colleen, "It's not much, but its quaint and it'll keep the rain off your head and provide you with a place to work... and please don't go on about trying to pay us back, we've been acquiring money for hundreds of years. There should be enough room for you and the children, but should you choose they are all welcome to remain here among us."

Kallend then looked down to Elija. "I am very proud of you young man," he praised him, "and there's nothing more I want than to have you stay here but you will be far safer in the great city of Baloc. The Mermadon and Ta'kun will think twice about bothering you there, even the Dragons are wary of their defenses and so that is where you should be."

Colleen blinked back more tears as she heard William’s words. Her pride was telling her to decline the offer of the smithy but her heart was telling her it would be a huge sin if she did. Finally her heart won and she merely nodded slightly, sniffling softly.

“I’m sure it will be just fine, William. I trust you and know you wouldn’t put us anywhere that wasn’t comfortable for us. Nor do I think you would send us away into danger. I know, deep in my heart of hearts, you are doing what’s right for all of us. Including the citizens of Meirathal. We’ll head back and start packing today. Something tells me the sooner we leave, the sooner the threat to Meirathal will cease to exist.”

Looking down at Elija, Colleen gave him a reassuring smile then indicated they should head back to the house and start gathering the few things they had accumulated since their arrival from Fort Glory. With a quick glance at William, she then glanced to Raj and headed back out the tunnel the way she came. She had a busy day ahead of her and she wanted to get as much done as she could before the children got home.

The sad task of packing was well underway. The children slowly gathered their accumulated possessions under the guidance of Mrs. Smith, until the inevitable and most difficult parting drew near.

At the Kallend House, the Marshall had prepared a grand lunch, and they and the Coven gathered in William's dining room. A few of the elders unable to find a place at the table, sat in the parlor, connected to the festivities through the open french doors.



Marshall Kallend began with an inspiring speech that forever solidified the bonds between them all and raised his glass high to the 'honor and preservation of Gallenthdrah'. He then sauntered over to Colleen and Raj and presented them with tickets.

"As fate would have it the riverboat awaits you on the Rathilm, just north of town. She arrived this later this morning and departs in a few hours. The Baloc Belle, journeys straight on back to the city from here and you should arrive in Baloc tomorrow morning." Explained William. He then looked to the children and in an effort to raise the spirits told them about the trip ahead of them, "Have any of you ever been on paddle wheel boat?" he asked them excitedly.

Elija was standing on the porch with Koldothur sitting at his side surrounded by the few pocessions that Coleen, Elija and the rest of the Shoddy End Gang had accumulated during their stay,when the Marshall handed the tickets to Colleen and Raja. Elija rested his hand on Koldothur's head, looked at the Marshal. "Koldothur an me we be mates. He's comin' ta Boloc ain't he?" Elija then looked at Colleen "Hw won't be a bother, Eyezs and me mates we look ta him won't we mates?" And Elija looked at the rest of the Shoody End Gang and the all nodded their heads and ran up to surround Elija and Koldothur.

Colleen actually enjoyed the lavish luncheon with the Coven, Raj and the children. Now that she had resigned herself to the fact there was nothing she could do to prevent any of this from happening, she decided to accept this strange twist of fate and try and embrace it with everything she could give. William, true to his nature, portrayed the host to the hilt and Colleen found he rather enjoyed these sort of gatherings. In fact, she was certain he did this from time to time to somehow honor the memory of his beloved wife.

As things began to wind down and he presented her and Raj with the tickets they would all need, Colleen found her heart sinking a little at the thought of leaving them all behind. She had just gotten to know all of them and understand their strange ways. As she looked to William again she saw that sadness slip into his gaze and knew if she didn’t do something, she would give way to tears yet again. Reaching out she embraced the man who had been kind enough to open his home and heart to her and a bunch of orphaned children.

”Thank you again, William, for all you’ve done for me and the children. I don’t know what we would have done if not for you.”

Her voice was nothing more than a whisper in his ear but the emotion she was feeling couldn’t be hidden. As she released her hold on the big hearted Marshall, she blinked back tears yet again. He next thing she knew, the entire Coven had stepped up and were embracing her, wishing her good luck and offering her words of encouragement. They all told her to come and visit often with the children after she got herself settled and her business up and running.

As she stepped out onto the porch, Elija was there with Koldothor. When the child asked if the large beast was coming with them, Colleen wasn’t sure what to do. How would they get such a ferocious looking beast on a paddle boat full of passengers without causing an out right panic?

”I’m sure he won’t be a bother, Elija…but…..I’m not sure how we would get him to Baloc without causing people to be afraid of him. And I don’t want to upset the life he’s grown to love here. And it won’t be like you’ll never see him again.”

Colleen gave William a pleading look to help her with trying to tell Elija he would have to leave Koldothur here in Meirathal. Or did William have other plans?

"Alrouight Mum, eyez guess ya bees rauight." Elija said with a dejected look, yet ther was just a hint of a devious glint to his eyes and a very faint almost untistiguishable smile of his face. Sam started to protest along with the other boys when Elija gave them a slight glare, that told them to just be quiet.

It was a beautiful day. The sky was a bright blue, clear of clouds and a warm breeze danced across the River Rathilm. Many of Meirathal's folk had gathered at the dock to send off the group whom they all considered to be a part of their tranquil home by the sea, and even those that were met in passing shed a tear with their farewells.

Rajinder Lasekura had not experienced such a caring send off since he had left his home in Tiann, but what made it all the more special was the fact that these people had come to treat them as family after their short time among them. It was all very moving, but the warrior was not one to become sentimental in the face of change. Transformation was part of life, and this new leg of their journey he believed was set long before they ever arrived and it had been only a matter of time for it to come to pass.

"Good journey, m'boy." Wished William as he shook Raj's hand and gave him a manly hug. He then tapped his temple a few times to remind the young 'warlock' to trust in his abilities and to study the manuals the Coven had given to he and Colleen.

Rajinder smiled warmly at the fatherly soul and thanked him for everything he had done for he, Colleen and the children. He then reached across and petted the great Kauldothar, "Thank you, as well." he said to the beast, and the Taerjen looked at him with such intelligent that the man knew his words or the feeling behind them were understood. He then said his farewells to the rest of the Coven and made his way aboard the Baloc Belle, carrying all that he owned in a few bags slung across his back. Crossing the gang plank, he walked across the deck to where he had previously assisted in carrying the possessions of Mrs. Smith and the children and awaited them to join him.

Elija, Sam, Puddin, Frankie, Galley without his signature top hat, Shinner, Daisey, Ferret and Weasle were all standing in a group at the ganplank, huddled closely together, waiting as Colleen, the Marshall and Raja approached. There semi hidden in the mass of innocent looking faces was a large, furry, slack jawed, drooling face with its tounge hanging out and a top hat sitting percariously on his head.

As Colleen looked at them they said in unision " 'ello Mum." grinning innocently.

Playing along with the charade, Marshall Kallend approached the children, "Hello," he greeted then extended his hand to the disguised beast, "I don't believe I've had the pleasure, Mister...?"

His outstretched hand prompted the intelligent animal to raise his massive paw to the Marshall and Koldothaur, made his strange sound which was like the cross between a bark and lion's howl.

"Mr. Ooooow,", the Marshall mimicked, subduing a chuckle as he politely shook the paw, "Pleased to meet you. I see you are on your way to Baloc with these mischievous little devils." he said placing his hands on his hips, then turning to Colleen for support in the matter.

Marshall Kallend wished that the Taerjen could accompany the boy, but a city was no place for such a creature, especially when many unscrupulous hunters would just see it as an opportunity to acquire a trophy.

As the disguised beast stood among the children, Colleen hoped no one saw through the strange disguise and decided to make a scene. But even as nervous as she was, she couldn’t help but chuckle softly as she saw the exchange between the Marshall and Koldothaur. It was hilarious to see to say the least.

When the steam powered whistle on the Baloc Belle rang out announcing it was final boarding call for all passengers, Colleen looked to the children and shooed them aboard, letting Elija take another moment to say goodbye to the large, intelligent beast he had befriended. Once that was done, she turned once more to William and the others as tears stung her eyes. Linking them away, she took a deep breath and nodded.

”We’ll send word once we’ve settled in. Again, I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for us. I could never repay you in this lifetime. I just hope that you somehow know you saved our lives.”

Looking down into the eyes of the Taejern, she saw the intelligence within the deep pools and smiled. Leaning down to speak to his ear, she relayed her thanks to him as well.

”Thank you as well, Koldothaur. No friend could ever be as loyal to Elija as you have been. I promise to send him to visit you often. Just promise me you’ll be by his side the whole time.”

As she spoke to the beast, Koldothaur leaned n closer to her letting his head touch hers. When Colleen asked him to be with Elija when he came back to visit, she actually felt his head nod affirmatively letting her know he would most definitely keep watch over the special child.

When she stood back up, she took a step closer to William and hugged him warmly before stepping back again and smiling bravely.

”Take care, William.”

Turning on her heel, she walked across the gang plank and stepped onto the deck of the boat with Raj’s assistance. Once she was on board, the crew pulled the gang plank back on board and released the ropes that kept the vessel moored to the dock. As the large paddle wheel began to churn up the water, the kids waved good bye as did Colleen.

A new life awaited them in Baloc and until then, they had a lovely boat ride.

The Balco Belle sounded its whistle one last time as it embarked back to the city from whence it had come. The water churned, as the great wheel turned and slowly and steadily the riverboat made it's way down river while those passengers not set to return in a while waved farewell to their loved ones left at the dock.


Raj with the help of Sam and Elija toted the luggage to their quarters. On the top deck, they had four rooms in a row on the starboard side. They were cramped, which was why Marshall Kallend had planned ahead and purchased two for the children, while Mrs. Smith and Lasekura each had the luxury of their very own chambers. Then again it might have been the kid in the old man, realizing that the boys might like some privacy on their first river boat adventure.

Their work done, Lasekura smiled warmly at the boys and asked, "So who's ready for a drink? A root beer perhaps?" he offered, and shuffled them off ahead of them down to the main deck.

They located the dining room and Raj and the eager boys strolled up to the bar where he ordered two root beers and a iced tea for himself. When he saw the boys eyeing the candy in the display, he also couldn't resist each buying them some licorice, giving it to them on the premise that they share with the others. The smiles he received brightened his morning even more, but also saddened his heart a little when he thought of the future in store for Elija.

Wandering toward the patio to the bow of the boat, Raj found Colleen sitting and staring out across the waters as blue as her eyes. He placed a tall glass of iced tea on the small table before her and sat on the opposite side of her, on the bench that ran along the side of the ship.

"A penny for your thoughts?" Raj inquired with a radiant smile across his dark face.

Colleen was brought back to reality when Raj set the iced tea down on the table and sat across from her. Blinking, she looked at the drink then to Raj and offered the handsome man a smile as well. Taking a drink of the tea then setting the glass back down on the table, she looked out over the water for another moment before she looked over at Raj and smiled again.

“I was just thinking about how things have changed. Just a few months ago, I didn’t think I’d live to make it out of Fort Glory and now, here I am, riding on a lavish river boat headed to a city I’ve never seen before. I have an adopted son, and all of his street urchin friends. I’ve met people who I never knew existed. Seen things I would never imagine seeing in a million lifetimes and I’m trying to look forward to a future that, quite honestly, scares the hell out of me.”

Picking the glass back up, she took another drink as she looked out over the water, set the glass in her lap and looked back over at Raj with another smile.

”Bet you didn’t think a penny’s worth would get you that much, did you?”

Colleen had accepted that she and Raj would be nothing more than good friends. Not that she would mind being more, but they were from very different worlds. Somehow they had been brought together by a common thread: Elija. Besides, she didn’t have time for romantic relationships. She had to keep Elija protected, along with Raj. If she let herself get distracted by something or someone else, she took the risk of allowing Elija to get hurt…or worse.

So Colleen had learned to relax around Raj and talk to him like the true friend he was. And she was very grateful for his presence in her and Elija’s life. He was the voice of authority when Elija and the other kids didn’t seem to take her seriously. He was the voice of reason when she would let her fears get the better of her and she started thinking terrible thoughts. He was, in short, the brother she never had.

Colleen knew it was knowing Raj was accompanying her and the kids that made the move all the better for her. If he had not been a part of the equation, she wasn’t sure just exactly what she would have done. Not just for the move, but at any time, for that matter.