Before Lasekura had a chance to respond to Colleen, Marshall Kallend had returned. Still carrying his weapons, he swaggered into the kitchen and upon seeing, Raj cleaning the dishes and Colleen standing off to the side talking and drying his face beamed. Kallend offered no comment, he didn't need to as he had made it quite clear that he did not adhere to all of the traditions of the west.

"I swear one day I'm going to go down to that place and burn it to the ground." Kallend grumbled as he walked out of the room to put away his gear. Then as he returned to the kitchen he finished up what he had to say, "Maybe then they'd appreciate what they had."

The rest of the evening was spent in the parlor, while Elija mainly stayed outside getting to know his new friend, Koldothaur. More comfortable with his new friends the Marshall pushed common etiquette to the side and prompted Colleen to speak her mind on several occasions and even offered her a brandy. As evening turned to night, the Marshall became progressively all the more gregarious and reveled in the stories they shared and one point he made mention that he had long ago left his beloved town for Baloc. He explained that he had dwelled there for many years and should either of them every require assistance in the city that they should come to him first, although he urged them both to stay in Meirathal or as long they wished.

The night dwindled on and the Marshall had started a fire to warm the parlor against the chill of the night air. It was then by the amber glow of the flickering light that the Marshall entrusted both Colleen and Lasekura with a secret, he had carried for a long time. He had brought their attention to the furnishings of his house, gesturing with his brandy snifter at various antiques that were very well over two hundred years old, then he said, "I purchased most of these, items when they brand new." It was at that moment, that Kallend revealed that he was much older than he appeared, probably close to three centuries he admitted, although he quipped that he didn't feel a day over a hundred.

Magic had always been strong in Meirathal, the Marshall had explained to them. Not all had lived or would they live as long as he, but many of the residents had been blessed with magical gifts. Part of the reason they had been so concerned, and still were worried about Payden and the strange company he kept was because whoever the man was his magic had been able to slip under their noses. This foretold of great power, magic that was probably much older even than that of Kallend's. He also went on to tell them, that Meirathal had been built upon the ancient ruins of Tiann city called, 'Luan Chen', the remains of which were still very much intact below the town. Many years ago they had began to excavate some of the remains, working in secret to uncover the mysteries of these People of the Dragon.

Kallend had ended the evening with a promise to reveal one of the entrances to the 'under-city' and true to his word, the next day showed them the way into the catacombs.



They spent morning getting Colleen and the children settled in their new home, and she was surprised to find that the Marshall had also offered Lasekura one the guest rooms in his own house for which the soldier was very grateful. Then come afternoon, Kallend took them to the well in his back yard and asked, Lasekura to fetch a long ladder that he kept at the side of his work shed. With lanterns in hand they descended into the dark shaft and found the bottom to be only a shallow pool, giving the illusion that the well was full. A passage way lead toward the sea, and as they wound their way through a labyrinth of tunnels that Kallend could navigate blindfolded, they eventually stood before an enormous cavern that housed the remnants of ancient structures that been partially uncovered. Kallend explained that with so few of them, they had uncovered very little over the years and much more yet remained buried. He did not know how the city came to be buried beneath so much rock and rubble but whatever happened appeared only to take short time, burying the entire city in a matter of days, then becoming part of the landscape as the ages rolled by.

"Here is where we found ancient texts, written in the script and language of the Tiann. We have only translated a few but you are welcome to them. It is how we learned to use our talents, and we learned even more once we learned the language that I suspect Raj can speak and read. I am entrusting this secret to all of you because I believe that for some reason our fates are intertwined. Feel free to explore, but never reveal what you have discovered to anyone."

Elija shook woke Sam up and said "Get yur arse up Sam, gots sumpin ta have yaz clap your blinkers on mate.”

Sam rubbed his eyes and said “Bloddy ‘ell “L” it ain’t evin daylight yet. Let me get me blinkers open, ‘sfore ya be dragin me body off onta tha floor.” Sam said irritably “What’s the bloody rush for?”

“Come on Sam and keep yur pie ‘ole shut, ya wanna wake the whole damn town?” Elija said as he quietly opened the bedroom door he and Sam shared. Together they crept down the hall in the predawn light. Suddenly the bedroom door that Galley , Frankie , Ferret Puddin and Shinner shared opened and there stood Galley, Frankie,Puddin and Shinner . Shinner said “An’ where you blokes ofta so early in the mornin’?”

“Bloody ‘ell Shinner shut yur pie hole.” Elija whispered “Ya wanna wake up the ‘hole damned house. Me mum wakes up and she be wantin’ ta now where were off ta. Now come on and keep it quiet”

Together the seven boys crept down the stairs, thru the kitchen and out the back door, quiet as a troop of church mice. Once outside, Elija led them running into Marshal Kallend’s garden and to the well. “Frankie yuz an Galley gets that ladder and brings it ovur here and be quiet ‘bout it.” Elija said as Koldothaur came bounding out of the nearby trees. The other boys froze in there tracks as the large lion like dog bounded over to Elija, jumped up putting his paws on Elija’s shoulders, knocking him to the ground and licked his face.

Sam jumped back and looked around for something to use as a club. Bloody ‘ell tha damned things gonna eat “L” right here while we watch.” Sam nearly yelled.

Elija laughed and said “Damn Koloothaur stop it. Naw Sam he ain’t eatin me, me and Koldothaur we be mates. Now keep yur yap quiet. Fore tha Marshall gets up. Elija scrambled to his feet and rested ins hand on Kolodthaur’s Massive head and said “Kolodthaur these be me mates. That be Sam and that be Galley, Ferret, Shinner an Frankie. Kolothaur bowed his head and seemed to bow in recognition of the other boys. “Come on mates slide tha ladder down tha well an follow me.” Elija said.

Frankie and Galley slid the ladder over the edge of the well and the five boys followed Elija down into the well.

Colleen awoke a little longer than an hour after the children decided to go on their grand adventure. Rising like she usually did, she made herself ready to face the day and slipped as quietly down to the kitchen as she could to prepare breakfast for not only the children but Lasekura and Marshall Kallend as well. It seemed like the only natural thing to do. After all, she was already cooking for the children so what was a couple of more mouths at this rate?

Breakfast was fully cooked and waiting for the children to come devour it when Colleen furrowed her brows. Usually by now most of them were making their sleepy way down to the kitchen to eat after the smells of cooking food wafted up the stairs. Finally she walked over to the stairs and called to the children.

“Boys! Daisey! Breakfast is ready! Time to get up, sleepy heads!”

Walking back into the kitchen, Colleen poured three cups of steaming coffee, prepared hers the way she liked it then walked over to the Marshall’s house and knocked on the door softly then called to the gentlemen inside.

“Raj? William? Coffee is ready if you two are in need of some strong drink that doesn’t have alcohol in it.”

Turning and walking back to the house she and the children occupied, Colleen happened to glance over at the well William had shown them and saw the ladder sticking out of the top of it. Slowing her pace until she came to a stop, she stood looking at the ladder filled well for a moment with a puzzled look upon her face. Colleen was CERTAIN they had removed that ladder to prevent someone from discovering the secret within its depths.

Glancing about, Colleen made sure no one else was up and watching when she changed course and slowly started walking towards the well. When she reached the well, she held onto the ladder and leaned forward, straining to hear anything that would give her a clue as to who was down there. Unfortunately, if anyone was down there, she couldn’t hear them now. Just to be sure, she called down the well to see if she would get an answer.

“Hello? Is anyone there?”

Just then the door of the guest house opened and a very sleepy Daisey walked out on the step, still rubbing her eyes.

“Where is ev’ry one?”

Colleen turned to look at the sleepy child and frowned even more.

“What do you mean, Daisey?”

Daisey gave a big yawn and scratched her wild hair.

“The boys….they all be gone.”

Like a splash of cold water, Colleen suddenly knew who was down the well. Turning to look down the well once more, she took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Knowing she had to retrieve the boys, she walked back into the house, took a lantern from a peg near the door then proceeded to climb onto the ladder. She was a few rungs down the ladder when she looked back to Daisey and smiled pleasantly.

“Go back in the house, sweetie. Eat your breakfast. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

Daisey, still groggy, shrugged her shoulders and walked back into the house closing the door behind her. Colleen gave a grumble of some words that weren’t all that audible then made her way down the ladder into the well. Turning the wick up on the lantern and getting a soft glow going, she held the lantern up before her and called out to the boys.

“Elija? Galley? Sam? Boys! It’s not safe down here for you. You need to come back to the house now!”

Nothing but silence greeted her. With another sigh, Colleen started walking into the labyrinth of tunnels hoping she could find the boys quickly.

“Boys! Where are you?!”

Elija took a latern off a peg it had been hanging on, on the side of the well wall and lit it with a match from his pocket. As he adjusted the wick a soft amber glow filled the cavern around the Shoddy End Gang. "Cum on mates follow me an old "L" will be showin yus a site yur blinkers ain't never seed afore." Eljia then started down one of the passageways followed by Sam, Galley, Puddin, Frankie, Shinner and Ferret bringing up the rear. As the twisted and weaved their way thru the passage, they could hear the dripping of water and what they thought was a faint call 'Boys! Where are you?!”. They stopped and listened again, but hearing nothing, almost as one shrugged their shoulders and continued on. After they rounded anoer bend the lite illumunated a a great carved stone moss covered wall with ancient runes and letters in a strange language none of them had ever seen and an other passage way. As Elija raised the latern, a great stone Dragon's head stared back at them.



When the latern illuminated the Dragons head, the boys jumped back and Puddin' exclaimed : "CHRIST ON A CROSS! ........"L" yuz damned shaved ten years off me bloody life."

Ferret snikered.

In the dawn hours of a new spring day Kallend House was a beautiful sight to behold. The porch lights glowed sleepily but there had already been much activity that morning. The children had embarked on their adventure and the ever vigilant Colleen, their guardian had pursued into the ancient labyrinth beneath Meirathal. Even as she searched the dark passages, five of Marshall Kallend's oldest friends had stopped his home, called together by one who bore grave news.



A woman dressed in the garish styles of a more metropolitan setting stood before the portrait of Marshall Kallend's deceased wife. "I still can't believe she's gone." she said, her large eyes sparking with sentiment. She then turned to the Marshall as he entered the parlor carrying a tray of glasses and a bottle of sherry. "How have you keeping William?" she asked the big man, squeezing his arm briefly in gesture of support.



"Oh, I've been fine, Gwyn, just fine." The Marshall told her as he set the tray onto the low table and uncorked the bottle.



"Sherry! This early?" Scolded an older woman, wearing glasses and a large bonnet. She slowly shuffled toward the Marshall, to the eye seeming to be the most aged of the group although they all knew that the Marshall held the title of elder among their long lasting kind. The Marshall, not paying heed to her words merely thrust out a glass before the old woman, who snatched it with a quickness belying her age. They shared a smile as Kallend and they all knew that if any of them were prone to drink in the morning it was Miss Wright then when all six of them had a glass of sherry they toasted to their friendship then to Marshall Kallend's deceased wife. "To Katherine! May she watch over us until we too reach our end." said a dignified looking man in dark formal suit.



Bran Winston, then lowered his glass and took a quick swig. "Well I guess I might as well get on with it and tell you all why I called this meeting." he said. The apothecary was a distinguished man, prim and proper to the end. Everything was overly dramatic with him, but the others indulged his haut monde attitude, especially Gwyndolyn Primrose.



"Yes." Agreed Edith Primrose then gesturing to the garish woman she made mention of the plans that his untimely call for a gathering had made in she and her sister's day. "Gwyndolyn and I were planning on walking the vineyards this morning, do get on with it."

"I assure you, Edith, this is much more important than a walk." Argued Bran who hardly seem perturbed by her remark, merely distracted.



A grey haired, casually dressed man smoothly sat himself down in one of Kallend's grand chairs. "So what is it then?" Piped up Doctor Alistor Mayfair, "Why the urgent summoning?"

"Well, if all of you would allow me to speak, I'll get on with it." Huffed Mr. Winston then when everyone was quiet and attentive he began. "Early this morning while I was tending my garden I saw a very peculiar person steal into town. A very tall dark skinned man, with a cloak drawn partially over his head walked from the direction of the sea and into town."

"So. He's probably a sailor." Said Kallend disappointedly.

"Ah, but no boats came in last night or this morning." Countered Bran. "I made sure of it."

Kallend's interest was then piqued as was everyone else's. "What did you feel?"

"Ah, that's the question William." Bran said shaking his sherry glass as through ringing a bell. "Since we encountered that charlatan that had arrived with Cloud, I made sure my charms were stronger." Explained the apothecary.

"Last night I had a dream." Added Maeve "A dream that a fish crawled onto to dry land and grew legs and arms."

"Then it seems we may have a fish out of water among us." Figured Bran, downing the last of his early morning libation. "I dared not follow him, else I be discovered, but under the cover of darkness he skulked into to the town. I then reacquired him walking about to the docks."

"A scout?" Asked Edith nervously.

"No. I don't think so." Answered Kallend confidently. "I think this rat, is following a trail."

The members of the group were confused. "Who then, other than we six would the Mermadon be interested in?" Questioned the doctor as he proceeded to stuff his pipe.

Marshall Kallend walked to the hearth and stood before the group as though at a formal inquiry. "I had been meaning to tell you all this a few days ago, but we now have among us three others of magical blood."

"Ah, I thought there was something about that soldier." Said Bran, "But who are the other two?"

Gwyn stepped forward from behind Bran, rolling her eyes at the man. "Who else could it be?"

"Yes," agreed Maevis as she crept into the circle, her eyes staring out beyond the room, "the woman blacksmith and the child that is not of her blood have the gift."

"So, what of them." Stated Gwyn, "They are young and inconsequential. Why would the Mermadon care to seek them out?"

"The woman can enchant." Answered Kallend.

The group was silent for a moment, some glancing to the portrait of the late Mrs. Katherine Kallend for a hint of guidance from beyond. 'What it did it mean?', they all wondered, that their beloved mistress would pass on and one with a magic so like hers should come along to fill the void. The doctor began to speak when, Lasekura's voice echoing through the house interrupted him.



"Marshall Kallend!" Lasekura called as he quickly searched the main floor.

"In here." Announced Kallend, and when the flustered soldier rounded the corner into the parlor he immediately apologized for his intrusion and hastened to retreat. "Wait, Raj." Said the Marshall, "I would like to introduce you to the 'others' I told you about."

Edith cast the Marshall an accusing look. "What else did you tell them, William?"

Kallend raised his hand in a calming manner. "It's alright, Edith." he told her, "They can be trusted."

Lasekura quickly realized that these were the other magical people that the Marshall had told he and Colleen about and was humbled in their presence. "I am honored to meet you all." he said bowing.

"Now, we'll have none of that young man." Stated Bran as he approached with an extended hand. "We're just normal folk. Do you understand?" He asked with a serious look to his eyes.

"Yes. I believe I do." Answered Lasekura as he shook the man's hand. Introductions all around then ensued but all the while a question had burning on the tip of Lasekura's tongue and when he was able to finally squeeze a word in he inquired of the whereabouts of Miss Smith and the children. "I have been unable to find them anywhere?" he informed them.

They all looked to Maive Wright, and the seer looked beyond for a few moments then she said with certainty, "They're in the catacombs."

Colleen moved through the catacombs holding the lantern aloft to illuminate her passageway. Several times she thought she heard the voices of the boys and she would stop and call to them only to be greeted with nothing more than the sound of the wind moving through the tunnels.

Was she even on the right path? Did they come this way? Were they just playing a game of hide and seek with her? Several times she looked down to see if there were any tell tale smaller foot prints to follow but all that Colleen could see was a dirt covered ground beneath her feet that had so many different foot prints she wasn’t sure how she could tell which one were the boys or not.

“Boys? Hello!”

Just then Colleen heard one of them exclaim, “CHRIST ON A CROSS…” Needless to say that didn’t do anything to set her mind at ease. If nothing else, it made her worry meter raise a few notches and she once more set out to try and find the boys worried something had happened to them. Again.

“Boys…please answer me!”

Hearing something behind her, Colleen spun around quickly to see what it might be but all she saw was nothing but empty, dark space.

“Bah….I’m still paranoid from what happened at Fort Glory…..come on Colleen…shake it off and find those boys…dammit woman….you’re braver than this…”

Talking to herself was something she had done since she was young in a way to both bolster her courage AND make her feel not so alone. While it worked most of the time there were a few times it lacked its ability to soothe her. And this was one of those times. Especially when she came across the ancient statues and strange carvings that reminded her of something from a nightmare.

“Elija? Sam? Frankie! Your breakfast is getting cold!”

Then adding under her breath.

“Not to mention my coffee….”

Elija laughed and then he heard a voice say “Elija? Sam? Frankie! Your breakfast is getting cold!” Turning to the passage to his right he yelled "Mum? ..... Weeze auver 'ear. Lookin' at the bloody wall." He waved his latern. Sam, punched Ferret, and said "Good job mate. Now were for it, she'll chuck us out straight away now."

Elija said "Shut yur pie 'ole Sam. Mum ain't like them bastards at the orphanage. Mum 'll 'ave Ferrett scrub all the dishes and the lew fur a fortnight." He grinned at Sam.

Puddin' had been starring at a dark passage way under a carved head, intently. He slowly raised his lanter and walked inside.

"Christ!" Elija exclaimed as he followed Puddin in "Whare ya off ta mate? Mum 'll be here straight away" Of couirse Sam followed Elija and told the others "You lot stay planted an wait for Elija's mum."

Colleen heard Elija’s voice finally reach her through the tunnels and when she dropped her lantern a little she could see the bobbing of another lantern. Quickly gathering up her skirts to move a little faster, she muttered under her breath as she furrowed her brows in concern.

“For the love of Pete…why do these boys always get into things they should leave well enough alone? Is parenting always this way?”

When she reached the boys, Colleen gave them all a stern look.

“You boys shouldn’t be down here.”

Looking to Elija, she put her hand on her hip.

“Young man, Marshall Kallend trusted us with this. I don’t think he will find it particularly to his liking that you brought all of your friends down here to see it. We’ll have to wait and see what he says. In the meantime, all of you back to the house. Breakfast is getting cold and you will need to eat up now.”

Looking at the boys as they all made faces.

“Don’t think for one minute you’re going to get away scott free after this ordeal. If you were coming down here the least you could have done was let me know instead of making my heart drop to me feet when I found out you were all gone.”

Seeing them drag their feet, she spoke up again.

“Come on. There’s time for exploring down here later, after all your chores are done. And not a minute before. So let’s go gentlemen.”

The boys reluctantly began to move back through the tunnels away from the wall as Colleen stood and watched each one of them fall in line with the other. When the last one had passed her by, Frankie, she glanced around then fell in step behind him bringing up the rear so she could watch each one of them to make sure they didn’t try to slip away from her.

Parenthood, Colleen was discovering, was a great deal of heart stopping moments with these boys. While she was Elija’s adoptive mother, she felt as though she had also adopted his orphanage siblings as well, which was all well and good as far as she was concerned? But there was no doubt they all had a great deal to learn about each other and this learning period was going to take a little time.

As they turned the corner in the tunnels Colleen thought she once more saw something move out of the corner of her eye and she stopped to hold the lantern aloft to see better. Furrowing her brows, she searched the immediate area but when she realized there was nothing there, she clicked her tongue and shook her head silently berating herself for being so paranoid. This time with just a little more space between herself and Frankie, she started following the boys once more.

Back at Kallend House, while Miss Smith guided the children home, William had found himself on the hot seat for not only had he revealed the secret of his magical companions but had also told the strangers of the ancient Tiannese catacombs.



"Honestly, William I sometimes wonder where your head is at, half of the time." Scolded Gwyndolyn in a tone of voice that was more annoyed than anything else. She placed her hands on her hips and shook her head, almost simultaneously wit her older sister, Edith.

Marshall Kallend, wasn't all to worried by the looks he was receiving, for he knew in his heart he had done the right thing. "I don't blame any of you for being cross with me, I should have assembled the coven before telling them anything, but I can assure you that Raj and the others can be trusted." he told them as he slapped Raj on the shoulder.



Raj was very uncomfortable among the witches and warlocks as they grumbled amongst themselves, and it must have been quite evident since the Marshall Kallend gave him a reassuring smile and a quick wink, letting him know that everything would be alright. William then, waded into the group with his arm raised in a gesture of peace and dowsed their frustrations with gentle waves of his thick hands. "Please, hear me out." he requested and when he had their attention continued, "We have remained in the shadows for far too long. The Dragons of the Pargomoot Weir have waged war upon these lands. How long before they spread further West and reduce everything to ash?" He looked to each one for an answer but they were all silent. "We all know they are coming, and what have we done to prepare but go about with our heads buried in the sand. A mermadon walks our streets. Our streets! And you have all already decided to remain hidden and hope that he leaves peaceably."



"It's our way, William. It's always been our way." Argued the small Doctor as he adjusted his glasses.

"To stay hidden. Yes, I know, Alistor, but we have never been threatened by a force that could destroy us all." Reasoned Kallend. "The time to act is now and we cannot accomplish the task alone."

"We shouldn't be acting at all, William." Retorted Gwyn, supported by her sister's willful nod.

Marshall Kallend grew silent and still as a mountain while the other chipped away at him, until the Korvidian warrior spoke up and diverted the attention. "Now is not the time to bicker among yourselves. I have seen, what these Dragons are capable of... the destruction they have caused for nothing else but sheer pleasure. I was there when the Mermadon and Ta'kun took Fort Glory. I saw people defending their homes without so much as single sharp blade between them and you all have the audacity to abandon hope when all of you alone may have the power to stand against them." Lasekura stared at them indignantly, pacing before them, "A lone, vile Mermadon has entered your village and yet you do nothing? What is wrong with you people?"

"Enough, Raj." Said Marshall Kallend, breaking in. "There is a lot about us that you do not know."

"What else is there to know, that would allow me to understand why a group of 'magic-users' would fear a lone Mermadon?" Questioned Raj.



"He may not be alone, boy." Advised Bran Winston, "We have not existed as long as we have by making rash decisions, things must be done slowly and completely thought out."

"I am sorry but I do not share your patience or wisdom on this matter. Should I see this Mermadon, he will die by my hand." Vowed Lasekura. "Now you will have to forgive me but I have no more time for idle pratter. Good day to you all." Lasekura left the coven to their debate and he quickly walked to the well and awaited the return of Mrs. Smith and the children.

Colleen could see the ladder the boys used to climb down into the catacombs just up ahead. They had all dragged their feet in getting back to the entry point, but she made sure they kept on moving at a stead, if slow, pace. Her anger had subsided some by the time they reached the ladder and when she spoke to them this time, she had a bit softer tone to her words.

“Alright boys. One at a time. Climb that ladder and wait for the next one to reach the top before the next one goes up. Galley. You go first since you’re the biggest. You can steady the ladder and help the others off it when they reach the top.”

Taking the lanterns they had to guide their way, she lowered the wick to extinguish the flame and set them back on the pegs they had been resting on. The sun was now fully up and lighting up the sky with its brightness. The light filtered into the well causing the tunnels they had just abandoned seem even darker.

Colleen glanced up at the top of the well and caught a glimpse of Raj as he stood at the stone wall marking the well on the surface. Glad to see he was there, she gave a smile and called up to him.

“Raj! Thank goodness! Sorry breakfast is a little cool this morning. I had to run an errand first, as you can see.”

Elija turned to Colleen before he started up the ladder. "Ize tha one that brung me mates down here mum. Weren't none a there doin'." He then climbed up the ladder and over the well wall.

Raj smiled broadly as he assisted Colleen out of the well then as he pulled up the children commented, "Not to worry, Miss Smith, I've only just worked up an appetite." in reply to her remark about breakfast. When everyone was out of the catacombs and standing around the Marshall's backyard, Raj thrust a scolding look on Elija but his green eyes softened as he crouched down to look him in the eyes. "You have to be careful, Elija. Those catacombs are dangerous and if something happened to you or any of the other children down there we may not be able to find you in time. Do you understand?"

Lasekura then rose and pointed in the direction of their house. "I need to speak with Miss Smith for a moment. Please excuse us and she will be along shortly." He ordered and when they had finally cleared off Raj began to tell her about Kallend's coven who were in the house at that very moment and he also told her that there was a Mermadon in the town. "Apparently, he is disguised as a man. Tall, with skin darker than my own." Raj explained, then he went on to mention that the others with the exception of the Marshall do not believe in taking any immediate action. "Perhaps, if you have a moment you could speak with them? I — well, I was not so diplomatic." Raj sheepishly mentioned. Then he quipped, "I blame my actions on not having any breakfast."

Colleen found Raj’s smile both comforting and disconcerting at the same time. There was something about that smile that made her feel as though she was much younger than she was now. Perhaps it was just a fleeting thing. It wasn’t like she had time to entertain anything or anyone.

Watching Raj speak to Elija, Colleen hoped between what she said to the boy and what Raj added as well would sink in and let the child know that he wasn’t unwelcome to explore the catacombs but to do so when there were adults with him. But when he told the children he needed to speak to her alone, she furrowed her brow and looked concerned.

As he relayed the events that were unfolding within Marshall Kelland’s home and the Coven that had been gathered, Colleen felt both curious and suddenly very vulnerable. Magic users weren’t foreign to her, but to know there were so many gathered in one place made her wonder why they had decided to settle here. In this small sea side village. What was so special about this place? The catacombs, of course. Was there something down there they hadn’t been told about yet?

But when she heard there was a Mermadon walking around the village looking like a man with dark skin, her eyes quickly drew to Raj’s. There was no hiding the emotions she felt at hearing the news. She heard from Raj the Ta’kun were being led to attack Fort Glory by a Mermadon.

“Didn’t they hear it was a Mermadon that led the Ta’kun to attack Fort Glory? And still they choose to do nothing? Don’t they know what will happen if they turn a blind eye to this fact?”

The look Raj gave her told her he knew all too well what could happen if they didn’t step up and do something now. Colleen had heard, and seen, enough. Raj had just lost his fighting companions at the hands of these foul creatures. The citizens of Fort Glory found themselves refugees once more because of the Mermadon. Only the most horrid of imaginations could consider what was being done to the survivors of the fallen city. And Colleen had been forced to flee her home once more. It was too much.

Furry filled her gaze and she turned on her heel to quickly walk to the Marshall’s home. Her steps were quick and wide helping her cross the expanse in half the time it would normally have taken her. Without knocking or waiting to be invited into the Marshall’s home, Colleen stormed into the parlor where this Coven, and Marshall Kelland, still remained discussing the matter.

“Have you all lost your minds?”

The group ceased talking and looked at Colleen like she had grown a second head. Marshall Kelland grinned while the rest of the group tried to recover and defend themselves against Colleen’s angry glare.

The first one to speak up was Bran Winston

“Mrs. Smith. I don’t think that’s any way to talk in your host’s home.”

Colleen pinned him with her dark blue gaze.

“I don’t give a rats tail WHAT you think.”

The good doctor tried to smooth things down then.

“It’s obvious your upset, Mrs. Smith. Come, let’s discuss this quietly, shall we?”

Colleen snapped her gaze to him now.

“And let you stifle the truth? I don’t think so.”

Gwendolyn rolled her eyes then looked to William with an accusing glare.

“Lovely guest you have here, William. I commend you on your choice.”

Colleen wanted to smack the sarcasm right out of Gwendolyn’s mouth but instead she clenched her hands into tight fists.

“At least I don’t hide what I am.”

“Now look here, young lady….”

Maeve began to try and gain control of the situation but Colleen quickly stopped her by putting her hand out in a stop gesture.

“No. YOU look here. ALL of you.”

Her stormy eyes settled on each and every one of the Coven as the room grew silent. The tension was so thick it could have been sliced with a dull, rusty knife.

“Let me tell you a story. A few years ago, there was a couple who lived a humble life. They both worked hard each day to make ends meet. They didn’t have a lot but they had each other and that was all that mattered to them. News of Dragon’s attacking different villages and settlements drifted their way from time to time. A little at first then more frequently. Travelers from the east began to filter through their small community and each time the travelers came through, the terror they saw in the eyes of these travelers mad e chills run the length of their spines.”

“Don’t look into their eyes, they agreed. It was better to not see it and not worry. So each day as travelers came through, they chose not to look into the eyes of survivors. Business began to pick up for the couple. News of some strange dragon kin creatures floated on the lips of the travelers. Creatures that looked like dragons but walked around on two legs. Cannibalistic animals that thought nothing of feasting on humans like wolves feast on rabbits. Still the couple turned a deaf ear. Business was really taking off so why do anything that could spoil that? But just to be on the safe side, the husband built a ‘dragon proof room’ so he could protect his wife should the dragons ever decide to venture their way.”

“Weeks turned into months and still the stories came. The couple had gotten comfortable in their daily existence and talked about having a child of their own. After all, these stories they heard of Dragons and strange dragon like creatures had given them a nest egg so they could afford a child now. So the couple tried for a few more months to have a child of their own but it seemed as though that wasn’t to be. No worries. Business was still quite active. They would just devote themselves to their trade.”

“And then it happened. Joy of joys. The woman found out she was pregnant and prepared to surprise her husband the next morning. But that morning never came. At least, not the way she wanted it to. You see, in the early hours of the morning, not long after the midnight hour, Dragons and those Dragon like creatures attacked their community. The woman’s husband quickly took his wife and opened a trap door to their ‘dragon proof room’ and thrust her inside, slamming the door down before she could say anything.”

“The woman heard sounds like she had never heard before outside that trap door. Screams of women. Men., Children. The strange grunting and screeching of the dragon kin as they moved through the village. Then she heard the calls of Dragons as they swooped down from the sky. A strange roaring sound soon followed by an intense heat that caused the small earthen pit she was in to heat up quickly. Huddled into the farthest corner she could, the woman covered her ears and tried to block out the horrid sounds, but it was no use. They were permanently etched in her mind and no matter how much she covered her ears, she would always hear them. Casting her tear filled gaze to the door of the secret room she occupied, she saw the hinges slowly take on an orange like glow and she knew…..she knew there was nothing left above but charred ashes.”

“When the door to her secret room stopped glowing, she climbed the ladder to see if she could get out. Pushing on the door she realized it had been sealed shut from the intense heat of the dragons fire. Her secret room had not become her prison. There was nothing to do now but wait for death to take her for surely no one was alive to let any one know what happened here. For several days she waited until she heard the sound of people walking above. Rushing to the ladder, she quickly began to pound on the door to alert them she was below. Hearing the muffled voices call to her, she called back to them. They had a plan for getting her out but they would need her to get as far away from the door as possible. Quickly scrambling down the ladder, she huddled in the far corner once more and waited. Next thing she knew, there was a loud bang and the door to her secret room came crashing down into the room.”

“Coughing and choking on the smoke that filled the room, she slowly stood up to see a rope lowered to her. Without hesitation, she quickly took to the rope and half climbed half pulled herself up out of her would be tomb. Squinting in the sunlight that blinded her, the woman looked around what was left of her home to see nothing but black soot and flattened landscape. There was nothing and no one left. But her.”

“Fast forward a few years. The woman is settled once more into a new place. She’s decided to take up the same trade she and her husband had such success at. And she’s making ends meet. Then she begins to hear stories once more of dragon like creatures attacking people as they travel outside the secure walls of the city she now calls home. The stories grow more devastating each time she hears them and she can’t help but feel a sense of de ja vu. But now, the woman has found a child that needs her and takes the child into her home. Soon after the child comes to live with her, her new home is attacked by dragon like creatures….again. This time, there are soldiers who defend the city with their lives, vowing to fight these foul creatures until the very end. But see, the rules had changed. Now the dragon like creatures weren’t alone. They were being led by another strange creature known as a Mermadon. And this tipped the scales HEAVILY in favor of the Ta’kun.”

“The woman and the child, along with many other children, slip from their home into the sewers to escape the savagery from these two legged dragons only to find themselves trapped beneath the streets with them. Soldiers convey upon the underground network and engage the creatures, but not before they have wounded one of the children trying to escape with the woman. The sewers dump the woman and children out into the sea and after struggling to get to shore, they have to bury the wounded child. With no other choice, the woman urges the children to move, follow the coast line. There they will find a new home. And they do. Only to find their home is threatened once more. But to make matters worse, she already knows an agent of destruction is in their midst’s and people who COULD do something about it, refuse to lift a finger to help. Just like the woman and her husband did. What do you suppose the woman will do now?”

No one said anything.

“To do nothing is to admit defeat”

Colleen’s heated gaze settled on each member of the coven once more.

“I am NOT defeated yet. And neither are you. But if you sit around here like this and ‘discuss’ your future, you will quickly find yourself without one. Or on the end of a Ta’kun spear roasting over a pit for them to feast on your flesh. The choice is yours. You cannot be forced into action. But I for one will not sit around and WAIT for them to attack us. If I have to, I’ll comb every inch of this place and find that Mermadon myself and plunge a knife into his cold heart. If he even has one.”

With a nod of her head, she gathered her skirts then turned on her heel.

“Good day to you all.”

Colleen had to quickly get out of there. The emotions she was feeling were like a dam that had been bulging for far too long. Already she could feel the need to burst and she just wanted to make sure she left the Marshall’s home before that happened.

It seemed as though her feet couldn’t move her fast enough and when she flung the door open, she rushed outside. The morning air was cool but Colleen felt as though she were on fire. Her feet began to move faster and she started running. The emotions were catching up to her and she had to get away from them but the faster and harder she ran, the quicker they caught up with her. When her feet hit the soft sands along the shore line, she collapsed and felt the wave of emotion crash over her.

There was nothing she could do now. Her tears began to fall and Colleen knew they wouldn’t stop until there were no more to cry.

Elija , Sam , Galley , Frankie , Ferret Puddin and Shinner all walked up quietly and stood behind Colleen, as she knelt on the sand, as Elija stepped forward and placed his hand on her shoulder "Ya ain't gots ta worrie none Mum, me and me mates we ain't gonna let them damned lizzies get ya. Weze fightars we is. Weeze kills them slimy scalies jus' as weeze done back in tha sewers. ...... Weeze owes em weeze do .....Weeze owes em big for our mates Cricket an owes em for Basha ......... If them ol' mice be too scared, weeze gets them Lizzies. .......... Ain't that right mates." Elija said and the boys in unison "Damned straight weeze will.....weeze is the SHODDY END GANG ..... baddes' assed gang there be.!"

Colleen tried to collect her composure as best as she could but her tears wouldn’t stop. Blinking them away she looked into the faces of the children that stood around her. These children, all of them, had been through just as much, if not more than she had and here they stood, dried eyed and vowing vengeance.

Reaching up, Colleen drew Elija into tight hug allowing a few more silent sobs to escape her before she slowly released her grip. When the boy was standing back up, she placed a trembling hand on his cheek and gave him the best smile she could.

“I know, Elija. I know.”

Her eyes drifted to the rest of the gang as they stood there then and she nodded.

“All of you are brave. More brave then a lot of adults I’ve met. I know you all are quite capable of taking care of yourselves, but you shouldn’t be the ones to vow protection over anyone. Not when there are others very capable of doing it.”

Feeling another wave of emotions about to break free once more, she clenched her jaw tight and bowed her head as she squeezed her eyes shut to prevent herself from bursting out into tears once more. When the wave passed, she lifted her head, took a deep breath and looked into their faces again.

“If only those people in there could be mo re like you kids….we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”