Princess Renesmee runs away from home wearing the Sodal Marble, and Ingeus, a sly goblin, wants the mysterious Sodal Marble for himself.
An E.Q.U.E.S.T.R.I.A Spies story
Dalton’s sister, Princess Renesmee, runs away from home wearing the Sodal Marble. She has no idea of its total immense value or importance. And Ingeus, a sly goblin king, wants the mysterious Sodal Marble for himself. Once again, Lightning Star and the Rainbooms find themselves in Prince Dalton’s world of Merrdom- this time in a desperate race to rescue Renesmee from loathsome pirates and vicious wolves who aid Ingeus in his greedy quest. How will they manage to save her while battling evil forces that want the Sodal Marble at any cost?
~Gold. Lots of shiny bright gold glittered in the flickering candlelight. A fat green goblin sat crossed-legged among his treasures. He ran his bony fingers through the pile of precious stones. The goblin's name was Ingeus and his eyes were greedy with desire.~
"Such pretty things…" he breathed. "So shiny, and so...mine!" He licked his hungry green lips as he drooled over his hoard. "But you are not enough. There is something more that I want- and I intend to have it!" A soft knock on the door disturbed his thoughts. Ingeus glanced up from his treasures. "What is it?" He demanded.
~The heavy door opened, allowing a thin slit of light to fall on the stone floor. A scaly salmon-pink claw held a small lantern.~
"I am sorry to trouble you, your Eminence, but the visitor has arrived."
~The goblin grunted at his servant's message. With a backward glance at his treasure hoard, he rose and went to meet his guest. Ten minutes later, Ingeus granted an audience to his visitor in the topmost room of his island fortress. There were no lights except for the moon, and the cold stone walls were shrouded in heavy black shadows. The air was as still as death.~
"I believe the time is near and soon you shall have your heart's desire." said the visitor.
Ingeus' eyes gleamed yellow in the moonlight. When he spoke his voice was husky. "Good. If what you say is true, your reward shall be great. Tell me your plans." Ingeus nodded from time to time as a dark scheme unfolded.
"It will not be difficult to take her captive." the shadowy guest concluded.
"Excellent, Excellent!" Rubbing his hands together, the goblin paced the room. "Then it will be mine. How I have desired that jewel! You bring good news tonight and I am pleased...thus far." He turned sharply to his guest. "But I warn you, do not fail me. I must possess that magic marble. Failure means death, do you understand?"
"I shall not fail you," the visitor answered. "The plans are all made. Nothing can go wrong."
~Ingeus nodded curtly. The interview was over and the visitor departed as silently as he had come. Far below, the eerie howl of a wolf chilled the night air.~
~Lightning Star was completely lost in thought. She should be learning what the volume of a cylinder was, but she couldn't think about that. Her mind was distracted. She couldn't stop thinking about her last adventure, and Joskye White, the boy she met. She remembered him well. His similar blue eyes, his sweet smile; like his sister, Swift, his brown hair; like his brother, Argie, and finally, his personality in general. She even remembered the kiss. She began to smile.~
"Hmm..."
Karly Crystal, her best friend and partner, sat beside her. "Soooooo…?" she smiled, noticing her mood.
"So what?" Lightning asked, looking up from her maths book.
"What's with the sudden happy mood?" Fierra Mortal, a friend of theirs, said, raising her brow suspiciously.
"Fierra, I'm always happy." answered Lightning.
"But, are you always suddenly happy?"
"That sentence you just said didn't make any sense, Fierra." Karly shook her head.
"I'm talking to Lightning here, Karly!"
~As Fierra went on, the other three Pixels- Arianna Blairet, Jace Donar and Mirus Hallot- arrived on the stone step they were sitting at. They had just finished their detention with their maths teacher, Mr. Says after Mirus accidentally head butted him while trying to get a pen back from Duko Bandit and Palhio Neale, the bullies of Pixel High. Mr. Says, not for the first time in Mirus' experience, had entered the classroom at just the wrong moment. Since it was the late morning, he had given Mirus, Duko and Palhio breaktime detention and made Mirus write a letter for his mother, recommending that when the boy left school, he should consider becoming a battering ram, since he seemed incapable of using his head for anything better! Jace and Arianna got dragged into the mess since they were also fighting and trying to help Mirus retrieve his pen. They all stared down at Lightning and, for some shocking surprise, heard her humming beautifully.~
Arianna bent low. "Lightning, are you feeling alright…?" she breathed. "You do seem distracted and...head over heels."
"Humming too." added Jace.
The young spy looked up and addressed them. "Is it that obvious?" she droned.
"Yeah…" Jace whispered.
"Come on, buddy, pal, amigo, friend…" Mirus giggled, winking and nudging at Lightning uncontrollably. "Give us the sweet gossip!"
~He stretched out his hand and Lightning felt a thrill rush through her. She knew that if she didn't tell them what's happening they won't stop bothering her until the end of time. She could see all their eyes sparkle. Seeing that there was no other choice, she sighed.~
"Alright. Let's move to a more private place." She said, as she stood up and led the way.
"Ooo. It's secretive…" hissed Mirus to Jace from the side of his mouth.
~The Pixels strolled down the cobblestone steps as slyly as they could. It would be wise not to talk where they were since it was full of people and any of them could overhear their conversation and discover Lightning and Karly's secret. They were eyeing the people carefully by the time they reached the nearest door to the school building. Slipping inside, the six walked along the hallways until they spotted an empty classroom with no teachers or students insight. Lightning opened the door, eyes still darting warily as her Pixel friends allowed themselves in the room. The giggled excitedly, impatient to hear what Lightning had to say.~
"Shh. Keep your voices down, Pixels." she commanded. "You never know if someone may come in or, at least, come nearby."
"Right. Sorry." Mirus continued to snicker.
"Sit down, guys…" Lightning pointed to a desk. They obeyed. "Come closer." They leaned forwards. Then, without wasting any more time, Lightning muttered the words. "On my last adventure, I met a boy."
"YOU MET A BOY?!" Fierra screamed.
~In an instant, Lightning leapt on Fierra. She almost slammed her head on the table in shock. Dragging her to her feet and clamping her hand over her mouth, Lightning glared at her.~
"I said be quiet…!"
Fierra pulled Lightning's arm away. "Sorry! I couldn't resist! No need to be violent about it, however!"
~Lightning released her friend. She looked at the rest of the Pixels for their reaction, but all were too shocked to say a word.~
Arianna recovered her voice first. "Oh my god…"
"So, let me get this straight. You actually picked up a boy?!" asked Fierra.
"Technically, he picked me up." Lightning said, blushing hard red. She suddenly snapped back to existence. "Oh, What am I saying?- No, we're not dating! We're just merely acquainted, but...he said he likes me."
"So, do you like him back?" Karly quired, shrugging her shoulders.
"I...I don't know. I have to know more about him before I, you know." replied Lightning.
"Yeah, I get it."
"But, what's he like?!" Fierra smiled, wanting to know.
"Yeah, girl, give us details! But, go slowly…" Arianna grinned. Suddenly, all Pixels began gambling questions all at once.
"Is he totally handsome?"
"Is he tall and strong?"
"Is he kind and sweet?"
"Is he athletic?"
Lightning answered them slowly. "Totally; I say we're about the same height and size; very kind and sweet; and he seems physically fit."
"Wait...do you know his name?" asked Karly.
"Yeah, you gotta know his name!" Fierra exclaimed.
"Yes, of course I do. His name is…" Lightning took a breath. "His name is Joskye White."
~The Pixels gasped. They couldn't believe what they were hearing. They let out quiet cheers and laughs as they hugged around Lightning. They have always wanted her to find a man ever since they turned to high school.~
"This is...This is no hoax. You actually met someone." Karly breathed happily.
"And she's falling in love with him!" Fierra screamed at the rooftop.
"Oh my gosh, shush, Fierra!" shouted Lightning. "Do you want the whole school to know?!"
"Maybe…" she smirked with one hundred percent seriousness.
"Don't tell anyone, okay?! If you do, I will get my memory eraser."
~They piped down and nodded silently. After dismantling from the hug, Lightning's wrist calm began to buzz. Checking it, she saw that there was a voice call from Sunset Shimmer on it. She clicked to it to hear what she has to say.~
"Lightning! We've got an emergency at the beach! Meet us there as soon as you can!" her voice called out from the speaker.
"Well, gotta run! Tell the chief about it for me!"
~Before anyone could speak, Lightning was out the door. The five Pixels raced towards it and waved as they saw Lightning turn the corner.~
"I'll get your English homework for you! I guess!" called Karly. "Still not allowed on any missions, you know?" She then whispered grumpily under her breath.
"It's so...deep." declared Fluttershy.
"Yeah, no fence around it either." observed her sporty friend, Rainbow Dash. "Definitely wouldn't like to be walking across here in the dark."
"Imagine though," exclaimed Pinkie Pie, the hyperactive, bubbly girl of the group, "You could be skipping across the sand chased by a ferocious sea monster and suddenly, you see this in front of you, and you swerve out of the way at the last minute, and the monster goes 'Aaaagh!' Splash! And crashes to its doom!"
"There aren't any sea monsters on the beach," retorted Applejack.
"What about in the ocean?" Pinkie challenged her.
"Not here."
"Wanna maybe bet there are?" Rainbow smirked.
"How much?" Applejack smirked back.
"A million! Or all the apple cider in the world!" Rainbow responded, as she made an unsuccessful swipe at Applejack's arm.
"Oh, pack it in, you two!" cried Rarity, the fashionista of the group. "It's not a competition."
~The seven Rainbooms- Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, Fluttershy, Applejack and Rarity- were on a day off from their secret agent jobs and school, so they decided to go to the beach. It was a warm day, so how could they not? Rarity took out some sun cream from her beach bag and rubbed it onto her arms and stomach between her skirt and purple crop top. Suddenly, she heard commotion not far from where she and the other Rainbooms were sunbathing. The adults were clutching their children's hands and muttering carefully to them. Some were even dragging them away. The Rainbooms barged through the crowd until they came to the problem. That's when Sunset decided it would be best to call Lightning. The seven stared at a broad round hole, which they reckoned was about thirty-five metres across and as many deep. It was sunk into the low, grass covered cliff of the sandy bay. At the bottom of it ran an arched tunnel dripping rock that led to sea. A steep track of grass, mud and rock led to the bottom of the hole. Lightning Star suddenly arrived and joined her Rainboom buddies on the lip of the hole.~
"Hey! Rainbooms! What seems to be the problem?" she puffed.
"This hole." answered Twilight. "The adults state it could be dangerous for their children to play nearby."
"What do you suggest we do about it?" asked Rarity.
Lightning took a peek inside. "We can go into it and check if it's safe." she decided. "Come on, it doesn't look too steep."
~Without further ado, Lightning and the Mane 7 descended into the hole. Lightning went first and slithered rapidly to the bottom. Fluttershy followed the track more cautiously.~
Come on, Fluttershy," urged Rainbow from behind her.
"I'm trying…" she gasped.
"Don't rush her, Rainbow Dash, or she'll fall." Sunset said.
"This feels dangerous…"
"You're doing fine," Lightning shouted, being like the big sister in charge. "Come on, It's all right."
~A couple of minutes later, the Rainbooms slid down the last few metres one by one and joined her.~
"Wow! It doesn't half make you grubby!" said Pinkie, studying her dirty hands and the seat of her costume. "Whoo-hoo!"
"Just mind you don't wipe them on your swimming outfits." Her fashion friend, Rarity, retorted. "You know how I moan about my designs being messed up."
"Let's go through the tunnel," said Lightning, pointing to the split rock ahead of them.
"Come on then," cried Rainbow. She raced off, but soon slowed down when she found out the hard way just how slippery the sea-washed rocks were. "Ow!" she cried as she picked herself up from a pool of water. "Aw man! My shorts soaked!"
~They picked their way along the passage, shouting as they went to make their voices boom off the damp walls, and trying to keep their feet dry- though it was too late for Rainbow Dash and she just sloshed through the pools. The tunnel brought them out to a wild coast if close packed broken rocks between which ran the remains of low tide. Behind them stood the sheer cliff face of the coastline.~
"Oh. I suppose the hole was alright after all." said Lightning.
"Well, that was worth our time." sighed Rainbow in sarcasm.
"Hey, since we now got it out of the way, let's go rock hopping!" cried Pinkie. "The tide's still low, so we've plenty of time!"
~For the next quarter of an hour, Pinkie enjoyed herself clambering over the barnacled rocks. The other desperately tried to keep up. In fact, they were too caught up that not one of them noticed the silent mist seeping across the sea towards them. At least, not until Lightning realised with a jolt that she could no longer see Fluttershy, and the air had turned cold.~
"Hey, what's happened?" she called. "Fluttershy, where are you?"
"Over here." Her voice sounded muffled in the mist.
~It took only a couple of minutes to find one another, but even after such a short time the mist had grown so thick that the cliff was no more than a dim shadow behind them.~
"We'd better head back, I think." Sunset muttered anxiously.
~They groped their way towards the cliff, but discovered to their dismay that they could no longer find the entrance to the tunnel.~
Twilight frowned. "Thats funny. I'm sure it was here," she said.
"Well, we've lost it, haven't we?" Rainbow answered.
"What do we do now?" Applejack pondered.
"Only one thing for it," Lightning replied. "We'll have to follow the cliff round until we come to the beach. Lets just hope the rocks go all the way and we don't have to swim for it."
Rarity began darting her eyes left and right. "Wait, Where did Fluttershy go?"
~They all looked around but Fluttershy was nowhere to be seen. They frantically called her name. She was surrounded by the mist alone and thought.~
"Hello? Girls? This feels really odd, this mist…" Fluttershy said quietly. She shivered, and knew it wasn't just because of the cold.
~Princess Renesmee's private bedroom overlooked the splendid palace gardens of Asteral. Beyond lay the fine white buildings of the capital city of the West, home to the royal family. The distant hills shimmered in the warm summer haze. The scent of honeysuckle was sweet and the flowerbeds were a celebration of bright colours, but this did nothing to lessen the princess' foul mood. She sat on the broad sill on the lattice window kicking her heels against the wall.~
"I mean, look at it all," she fumed. "Same old room, same old days. Get up, get dressed, be on my best behaviour, meet the guests, smile at everyone…I'm sick and tired of smiling! Why can't I do something different?"
~The princess was not talking to herself. Perched on the back of a chair was a large black crow who listened, bright eyed, to everything she said. She dropped down from the window sill and wandered over to the wardrobe mirror where she scowled at her reflection. Renesmee had beautiful golden hair but today she yanked at it impatiently.~
"Look at my hair! Why can't I have it cut short like everyone else? I hate brushing it every day. Same with all these clothes." She eyed the blue brocade gown she wore. "I just want to wear ordinary things sometimes. "
"It sounds as if you don't want to be a princess anymore." the black crow cawed.
She flopped on her bed and heaved a great sigh. "No, it's not that really, I suppose. It's just, well...having to be a princess all the time. I'd like to do something different! You understand, don't you, Crow?"
Crow nodded. "Then why don't you? I mean, if you want adventure, you can have it. What's to stop you?"
"My parents," she shot back. "They won't let me. All they ever tell me is, I must behave like a princess and I'll be happy when I do. Huh!"
~She lay in silence for a few moments, then abruptly rolled on to her front and cupped her chin in her hands.~
She smiled at Crow. "I'll tell you what. Why don't we run away from home for a while? You know, like you said once." Crow gazed at her intently, but said nothing. "You'd come with me, wouldn't you, Crow?" she continued, full of excitement. "Oh, please say you'll come with me! We could have wonderful adventures together, and do all the things you've been telling me about. It'd be so much better than here. We'll have to go secretly, of course. It's the only way. But that will make it even more fun."
"How would you avoid being recognised?" Crow asked.
"That's no problem." the princess replied. "I'll disguise myself as an ordinary girl. I'm quite sure we can find some old clothes in the servants' quarters" She rolled off the bed and returned to the mirror. "And I'll cut my hair." she added firmly. "Then nobody will recognise me. What do you think, Crow?" The bird nodded his head in approval. "Then you agree? Oh, it'll be fantastic!" She turned eagerly towards him. "Come on, where shall we go? What shall we do? Will it be far? I don't want to go too far."
~Crow suggested they aim for the seaside, which she thought was a marvellous idea. So for the rest of that afternoon they plotted and planned their great adventure. It was not until late in the evening that Crow flew silently away into the gathering dark. Princess Renesmee undressed slowly. As she did so, she toyed with the jewel that hung from a slender silver chain about her neck. This was none other than the famed Sodal Marble of Asteral, so named because of the bright blue living sodalite gem star that burned within its depths. The princess had worn it for as long as she could remember. The Sodal Marble was her birth marble, and it made her think of her parents. For a moment she hesitated in her resolve to run away. It seemed as if the marble was gently tugging at her thoughts. But then a determined look came into her eyes.~
"No, I will do it. I've always wanted to, and now I've made up my mind," She declared out loud. "And I don't care!" With that, she prepared for bed.
~Two days later, Princess Renesmee celebrated the arrival of her sixteenth birthday by cutting short all of her golden hair, just as she had determined she would. Crow watched from the windowsill as the locks of hair fell softly to the bedroom floor. Then Renesmee put on the peasant's outfit she had borrowed from one of the serving maids, having pretended that it was for a dressing-up game. She took a last satisfied glance in the mirror and announced to Crow that she was ready. It was five o'clock in the morning. Quiety, she opened the lattice window.~
"Make sure the coast is clear, Crow," She whispered, "I don't want to be caught halfway down the wall."
~Crow assured her that all was quiet, so she let down the knotted sheets that she has already tied to the bedpost. Then she swung a bag across her shoulder, slipped over the sill and slid to the ground. Keeping close to the palace wall and ducking below the ground floor windows, she crept to a long low hedge that ran to the far garden wall. With a quick glance to the left and right, she darted behind it and crouched her way along its length. An old rowan tree that grew by the wall provided the way out. Swiftly she scaled it, she took from her bag a short length of rope that she had brought with her. She tied it to one of the boughs, then slithered over the wall and down to the roadway. In a matter of minutes she was clear of the palace. Her hands were chafed but otherwise she was very pleased with herself. As far as she could tell, nobody had spotted her.~
Crow flapped alongside her. "Well done." He whispered. "That's the most difficult bit over and done with." She gave him a cheerful grin.
~The roads of the city were quiet at this early hour, with only the occasional noise to force the princess into nervous hiding. As often as not, it proved to be no more than a cat searching for breakfast down an alley. After nearly half an hour of weaving in and out of side streets they reached the city gates, just as the watchmen were opening them for the farm labourers to depart for their day's work in the fields.~
"This is your chance," urged Crow. "Get in among them so you won't be noticed."
~Princess Renesmee seized her opportunity, and shuffled unnoticed among the crowd of workers and creatures that busted through the gates. Before long they were alone on the open road.~
"There, we've done it!" cried the princess. "I'm free at last! No more rules and regulations, no more good manners! And no more lessons! I can do what I like from now on. This is what I call a real birthday."
Crow nodded his head energetically. "Yes, but we mustn't dilly-dally. I can't be too long before they discover you are missing and start searching for you."
~The road that ran from Asteral to Custone was well used, but a hundred metres or so to the side lay a long stretch of woodland, and they chose this as the more secluded route. In the warm morning sun, the princess felt she hadn't a care in the world. The rich, earthy smell of the woods delighted her and she picked wild flowers and chased squirrels to her heart's content.~
"I've not felt so happy in years, Crow," she sighed. "This really is the best idea ever."
~The morning passed quickly and, in spite of many stops and starts, they made good progress towards the sea. Renesmee ate lunch sprawled in the shade of an old oak tree while Crow perched on a low branch above her, keeping a sharp lookout. Filled with contentment, she snoozed for an hour or so in the hot sun.~
It was Crow's gentle nudging that roused her. "We must be on our way," he cawed, seeing her stir.
"Oh, Crow...why?" she murmured sleepily. "There's no hurry, is there?"
"No, I suppose not," he replied. "But if you want to get to the seaside we'll have to keep moving. I reckon it's all of four days from the city for you to walk it."
"Alright then." She smiled as she struggled to her feet. "I'm coming. Ooh! Ouch! I do feel stiff. I'm not used to all this exercise!"
~They travelled uneventfully until early evening, when they reached the outskirts of Custone, a small but busy town to the south west of Asteral. The woodland changed to fields, so they rejoined the road. They had scarcely been on it for more than a few minutes when a clatter of hooves made the princess dart for cover behind a tree. A company of soldiers on horseback, royal guards, flashed by in a cloud of dust.~
"They're out looking for me," she muttered. "You better go and spy out the land, Crow."
~The bird flew into the town where, perching unnoticed by an open window,he overheard a soldier's conversation with the mayor. The princess's parents, he learned, had discovered her absence when they entered her room laden with birthday presents at eight o'clock that morning. Once the alarm had been raised, soldiers had been out searching ever since. The King was beside himself with anxiety, and the Queen had been in tears for most of the day. Their first thought was that she had been kidnapped. Every house in the city had been searched. Since then, the search had been extended far and wide. Crow returned swiftly to the princess and reported his findings- although he failed to mention how upset her parents were. As the whole town was on the alert, the princess obviously could not spend the night there.~
"I can't stay in Custone, that's for sure," she said. "No matter, I'll do what I've always wanted to do: I'm going to sleep under the stars!"
~They found a sheltered grassy bank beside a small stream, where the princess lay down under the comforting gaze of the moon. Wearied by the journey, it wasn't long until she was fast asleep. Crow, meanwhile, kept an unblinking watch.~
~Princess Renesmee woke early on the second morning of her escapade, feeling much refreshed. The sun was up and she scrambled down into the nearby brook to wash her face and hands. The cold water made her splash and shout.~
"Not so loud, mistress." Crow cautioned.
"Oh, don't worry!" she cried. "Nobody's awake except me, and I'm so happy!" Just then the princess trod on a sharp stone. "Ouch! That hurt!" She hobbled from the stream to find she had cut the ball of her foot. "Serves me right, I suppose." she grimaced. "Still, it doesn't look bad. It won't stop us having another fantastic day, will it, Crow?"
~Crow didn't answer, and Renesmee put her sandal on, assuring him she could walk without difficulty. Breakfast exhausted the food supplies she had brought, but that didn't dampen her spirits in the least.~
"We'll live off the land, won't we? I mean, that's what you do, isn't it, Crow? Though I'm not eating the things you like. Ugh!" Renesmee made a gesture of disgust at the thought of dining on slugs and worms. "No, I mean, I'll eat fruit and berries. You can tell me which ones are safe."
~It took them about an hour of criss-crossing footpaths to skirt Custone and find their way back onto the little used road. All the while they had to keep themselves hidden from suspicious eyes. As the morning wore on, Princess Renesmee's feet began to ache, especially the wounded one. By lunchtime she was limping quite badly. She was also hungry.~
"Whew! I'll have to rest a while, Crow," she called as she plonked herself on the grassy verge. "My foot hurts so much. Can't you find any food anywhere?" she cried impatiently.
The bird flew off in a wild circle, and was soon back. "Good news," he cawed. "There's a bit of woodland not far away, with water and plenty of berries."
"Then take me to it!" she cried suddenly rediscovering her enthusiasm.
~Sure enough, Crow led her to a beautiful copse thick with yellow berries. The princess ate greedily, but she was still hungry and now her foot was badly swollen. It was just then that a delicious aroma of cooking food wafted towards her, setting her mouth watering. Intrigued, she followed the smell and came upon a gypsy caravan stationed in the clearing. A man and a woman were cooking dinner over an open fire. She edged closer and eyed them cautiously. They looked harmless enough, dressed as they were in simple clothes and stirring their pot of stew.~
"Do you think they would know who I am?" she whispered to Crow, who was close behind her.
"No, I'm sure they wouldn't recognise you," he replied. "Anyway, the gypsies prefer to have little to do with soldiers as they can. News won't have reached them yet."
"Well, what do you think? Shall I ask them for food? And something for my foot?"
"I think you should," he encouraged.
~While Crow remained in the undergrowth, the princess hobbled painfully towards the couple. The looked up at the sound of a twig cracking beneath her feet.~
"Why, 'ello, missy," the gypsy man called out in a friendly manner. "We don't see many strangers in these parts! Are you lost?"
"Um…no, I'm just on my way to the sea," she replied, cautiously. "But I have hurt my foot."
"You're welcome to rest 'ere for a while," the man invited her. "Come an' join us. Were just about to 'ave lunch."
The woman smiled at her. "You look hungry, m'dear. Come an' sit y'self down. We 'ave rabbit stew an' plenty o' bread, so 'elp yourself."
"Ooh, thank you," she replied. "I really am hungry. It's very kind of you."
Think nothin' of it," the woman answered. "We always offer 'ospitality to folks that passes through."The princess tucked into the meal with relish and the gypsies watch her in amusement.
"You were 'ungry, weren't you?" the man chuckled. "Must've been a fair distance ye've come."
"Mmm, yes. All the way from Asteral since yesterday. I-I'm on my way to see my uncle at the seaside." she lied.
~That was the first of many untruths she had to tell in answer to their questions over the meal. Princess Renesmee discovered that, once sown, a lie soon produces a harvest of more lies. Feeling bad about it, she made to get up as soon as the meal was over, but her foot caused her to wince.~
"Why, you've 'urt your foot badly, m'dear." exclaimed the gypsy woman. "Come into the caravan a moment an' Ill see what I can do for it."
"Well, I've never been inside a real gypsy caravan before," replied the princess. She turned to look for Crow, who nodded encouragement to her. "Well, my foot does hurt," she went on. "If you don't mind."
"Of course not." said the woman. "It'll be my pleasure."
~The woman led the way while her husband helped the princess up the steps and through the door. The inside was gloomy and smelt musty. Renesmee strained her eyes to see.~
"Over 'ere, m'dear." said the woman, from the depths of the caravan.
Princess Renesmee stumbled against a table and, all at once, a small globe which stood on it began to glow with an unnatural pale light. She gave a start. "W-w-what's that?" she stammered.
"Why, you're in luck, child." exclaimed the gypsy woman. "My crystal ball 'as somethin' to show you. Take a closer look. Don't be afraid now." The princess hesitated. She had been taught from an early age to avoid strange people with magic charms and crystal balls. "Go on." urged the gyspsy woman from behind her. "It won't 'urt you."
~Nervously, Renesmee held back, but she was drawn by the exotic shapes that passed across the globe. The effect was hypnotic, and strangely attractive. Curiosity tugged at the princess and she couldn't resist peering into the crystal ball. At once, a whirring sound filled her ears and her eyes began to sting. She felt giddy and sick. Summoning all her strength she tried to turn away, but found that she was unable to do so. Then something entered her mind like the stab of a knife. She gave a sharp cry and slumped to the floor, unconscious. A pair of strong hands grasped her limp body and lifted her onto a bunk. Two pairs of eyes glowed with evil satisfaction in the gloom. Crow, meanwhile, was already winging his way southwest towards the sea.~
~Princess Renesmee's head felt fit to burst. She winced at the never-ending clatter of saucepans and crockery, as the horse drawn caravan jolted and jangled its way along the bumpy roads. Time passed like a bad dream in the gloom of her mobile prison. She had no idea how long she had lain unconscious, nor whether it was night or day. All she knew was that her head hurt, she was desperately thirsty and she could not move. In fact, almost eight hours had passed since her capture, and during that time her kidnappers had covered a lot of ground, mostly by means of little known byways. Their direction lay always towards the sea. The princess tested her bonds once more, but nothing gave. Her wrists and ankles were firmly tied by loops of rope running beneath the bunk. There seemed no way of escape. Her thoughts turned again to what had happened. What a fool she had been! The course of events raced through her mind up to the moment when she had looked into the crystal ball. She wondered what happened to Crow: he was her only hope. Perhaps he had gone to fetch help. Her train of thought broke as the caravan rattled to a standstill. She waited with bated breath, At length, the door opened and she screwed her eyes up at the sudden light from a lantern. It was night outside. The gypsy man hung up the lamp and then returned carrying a dish and a mug. Renesmee drew back with apprehension.~
"Food for you, missy." He spoke softly but there was no kindness in his eyes. He loosed her hands and she sat up stiffly, rubbing her wrists. "No funny business now, or else." he threatened and offered her the mug of water.
She drank hurriedly, and felt a little better. "Why have you done this to me?" she demanded, more bravely then she felt. "You've no right to take me prisoner like this. Let me go at once or else you'll be in real trouble."
The gypsy laughed. "Cocky little thing, aren't yer? But it won't do you no good. Now, come on, eat this grub 'cos I 'aven't got all night to waste."
"I don't want it." She said sulkily.
"I said, eat it!" retorted the man angrily.
"I won't!"
~The gypsy drew back his hand and made to strike. Sullenly, she took the plate and ate the food. He watched her carefully.~
"That's better. Do as you're told and no 'arm'll come to yer. Now lie down again!"
~The princess, knowing she could do nothing, obeyed and lay crying quietly as her wrists were re-tied. The man withdrew from the caravan and minutes later they were on the move again.~
"Oh, if only I hadn't run away," she thought miserably. "I'd never have landed in this mess. What do they want with me? What's going to happen?"
~As if an answer to her questions, the door banged open and the gypsy strode in. He released her bonds, but held her tightly by the arm as he dragged her up from the bunk.~
"C'mon," he growled, thrusting her towards the door. "This is where you get off!"
~She stumbled down the steps, wincing with the pain of stiff muscles and because her foot still hurt. Everything was shrouded in mist, except for a vicious looking sailor who stood before them. She looked in vain for Crow.~
"'Ere she is, then." said the gypsy.
"An' not before time either." the other answered. "The Cap'n don't like to be kept waitin', y'know."
The gypsy spat on the ground. "I can't help that. We got 'er 'ere as fast as we could. Give us the gold an' we'll be on our way."
~The sailor scowled and threw a small leather bag to the gypsy, who caught it deftly and shoved the princess forwards at the same time. She stumbled, then caught her balance and made to escape, but the sailor was too quick for her. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards him. With a curse, the sailor dragged her off to a small shack and threw her inside. Bolting the door after him, he left the princess on the floor, crying and scared.~
Chapter 3: Fluttershy and the Pirates at 'The Smuggle Inn'
Chapter 3: Fluttershy and the Pirates at 'The Smuggle Inn'.
"Pinkie Pie, come on! Don't just stand there!" Rainbow snapped. "We've got to find the beach!"
"And Fluttershy!" Applejack added.
"The fog is too deep!"
~She would never admit it, but being stuck on the rocks in fog, and with the sea rising, made Rainbow Dash feel very edgy. The other Rainbooms said nothing but set off scrambling across the rocks, keeping as close to the cliff wall as they could. Applejack went in front. Suddenly, she gave a shout.~
"Hey, y'all! I think I've found it. Look!"
~The girls caught her up. They were expecting to see the beach but instead Applejack was pointing through the mist to a hole in the cliff face.~
"It's the tunnel," cried Rarity. "Thank goodness for that."
"Are you sure?" quired Twilight. "I thought it was somewhere back there."
"So did I." Rarity answered. "But, I suppose we just lost our direction in the fog, don't you?"
"Maybe. Oh, well, At least we're safe now," Lightning replied. "It might not be so foggy when we reach the top of the cliff. Fluttershy could be up there as well. Go on then, Applejack, you found the tunnel."
~Led by Applejack, the Rainbooms sans Fluttershy reached the entrance and began to grope in single file along the tunnel. The mist was so dense that it was impossible to see the other end. In fact, it was billowing towards them like a cloud of white smoke. In a matter of seconds they had completely lost sight even of one another. It was very odd, rather like the beginning of a weird dream. Applejack stumbled blindly forwards. When she thought she should have reached the end of the tunnel, she began to feel for the steep path that would lead up through the round hole to the cliff top. She never found it. Instead, to her amazement, she discovered that now she was tramping across a pebbly beach, yet she knew for sure that the beach at Canterlot was sandy. Feeling thoroughly confused, she turned around to look for her friends. What she saw as they emerged from the fog gave her the shock of her life.~
"Hey, w-whats happened to your clothes?" she stammered. "Where are we?"
~Everyone stopped dead in their tracks. In the thinning mist, All seven stared first at each other then at their own selves. Lightning was now wearing a knitted grey beanie along with a dark green long-sleeved shirt under a black gilet. She had skinny black jeans plus brown fluffy boots. Sunset's outfit was a knitted black cap, a sandy-coloured shirt, a black jerkin, leather trousers and knee-high black boots. Rainbow Dash wore a small green parka and blue jeans with leather boots. Rarity had a coat and skirt combo with brown leather boots. The coat was red and fuzzy while the skirt was cobalt blue. The shirt underneath was black. Pinkie was dressed up in a long-sleeved white shirt. Her outerwear was a denim jacket with tucked sleeves, a pink snood, denim skirt and long socks, complete with boots. Twilight saw that she was wearing a black shirt, a small brown faux-fur coat and miniskirt combo along with knee-high boots. Finally, Applejack was fitted up with dark blue breeches and a leather jerkin over a buff coloured smock. She still had her cowgirl hat but it had a feather sticking out of it and a dark blue stripe around it. A pair of stout boots completed her attire. After everyone was looking at their clothes, they scanned their new surroundings.~
"What happened to us?" asked Rainbow.
Lightning was about to attempt an answer to Rainbow's question, but, first, Rarity let out a scream. "Red?! RED?! Really?!"
"I thought something odd was going on when the mist came in like that." Lightning said, nodding.
"Red coat, high brown leather boots! I can't even! Red is so not my colour! What were they thinking?!"
Sunset gave a frown. "At least it's not green, be thankful about that." she said.
"Don't you think…? It's happening again!" Pinkie gasped.
"Lets try and go back." Sunset said, turning around to retrace her steps.
~The others followed, but each of them knew it was useless. Everything had changed and there was no sign of where they had just come from.~
It was Twilight who said what they were all thinking: "We must be back in Merrdom."
"The Land Beyond the Far Places." Sunset whispered.
"Yes! I knew it! Brilliant!" exclaimed Rainbow.
"No, not brilliant," Rarity wailed. "Please don't say we're going to meet another Hexia. I couldn't stand that! Why have we been sent this time? I don't think I want to be here!"
"Oh, don't start, Rarity." said Applejack. "It was fine last time...in the end, that is. Maybe we'll meet all our old friends."
"There's only one way to find out," Lightning decided, "And that's to take a look around. Come on, let's get off this beach for starters. Maybe if we're lucky, Flutters took the turn down here too. So, keep your eyes open for her, and trouble."
"Hello? Girls?" Fluttershy called. "Where am I? Why have I got different clothes?"
~Fluttershy looked down to see her wet suit gone and replaced with a drab, coarse tunic and light brown breeches, complete with knee-high brown leather boots. Her head swirled and she suddenly felt faint. She leaned onto a rock for support, and until she felt better, she began to tramp up the beach. Eventually, she could make out the dim outline of trees through the mist. She made for them, thinking that it might mark the edge of a forest, where she knew she had friends. But instead, she came across an old inn whose faded, creaky sign proclaimed it to be The Smuggle Inn. She decided to check it out. Creeping around the side of the low stone building, she found herself beneath an open window. Cautiously, she peered into the gloomy, smoke-laden bar room. What made Fluttershy duck down smartly was the fact that two pirates were sitting deep in conversation right by the open window. She could hear every word they were saying.~
"So, ye've got the princess, ave yer, Ged?"
"Aye, Cap'n Sirt sir, that I 'ave. Locked in the outhouse she is. Pretty little thing she be. But got a temper, too."
The other man gave a coarse laugh. "Never mind that, me lad." he said. "Long as ye've got 'er, 'is Eminence'll be right pleased. He'll soon sort 'er temper out an' no mistake!"
"Aye, sir, that 'e will. Tell truth, 'e scares me summat awful."
The captain grunted. "But 'e pays well, Ged. That's what matters. So, soon as I've supped me ale, we'll be off with 'er. Round up the crew, lad. Were in fer a fine reward for today's work."
~Fluttershy had heard enough. Was this why she and the others were transported here? She gasped and turned away from the building to wander a short distance down one of the paths before she was spotted. She didn't notice that the mist quickly thickened behind her. A few moments later she stopped to turn back and realised that she was surrounded. Just then she heard the fluttering of wings and the next moment, a bird landed on her left shoulder, causing her to yelp with surprise. Its plumage was unmistakable, as was it's call, urrr-turrr-turrr.~
"Oh. Why, hello bird." Fluttershy breathed, not wishing to frighten it away. "You're a turtle dove, aren't you?"
~She held out the back of a crooked finger and the bird hopped onto it, but the next instant it began to topple and she had to reach out with her other hand to steady it.~
"Poor thing, are you hurt?" she asked. "Look at you, all bedraggled and...you are hurt! There's blood on your feathers!"
"Turrr it would be a long story turrr." It suddenly spoke. "I was attacked by a hawk. I just about escaped with my life- saved by the mist turrr. I cannot deliver my message."
Only then did Fluttershy notice the scroll fixed to the bird's leg. "What shall I do?" she asked.
"Turrr take it. You must help."
~Fluttershy carefully lowered the dove to the ground and then removed the tiny scroll from the bird's leg. It read: 'The princess has vanished. She has the Sodal Marble. Go west. Suspect the Island of Trekle.'~
"This...is incredible." Fluttershy breathed. "I just heard about a girl being taken. Maybe it's the same person."
"Urrr-turrr pluck three of my tail feathers. They are all I can spare but they will help you when you need them, but you may use each one only once."
"Won't it hurt you?" Fluttershy whispered.
"Urrr- turrr not if you believe. I have come from Queen Teris."
~At the mention of Dalton's mother, Fluttershy's heart leapt. Carefully, she plucks three fine feathers from the turtle dove's tail. To her immense relief they came away easily and the dove seemed to not be harmed.~
"What about you?" she asked.
"Urrr I must rest. Put the message back on my leg and leave me in the hands of heaven. We will see urrr-turrr-turrr…"
~Fluttershy knew now what she had to do. She began to replace the message on the turtle dove's leg.~
"Fluttershy!" She could hear Lightning calling her.
"Fluttershy!" Then Applejack's voice.
"I'm over here!" She called back.
~Quickly, she tucked the feathers into her rose pink jerkin. Then she found her way to where her friends stood, looking lost. They hugged her when they saw her.~
"Fluttershy, you're okay! Where did you go?" Lightning demanded. "We think we are back in Merrdom and- "
"I'll explain later," Fluttershy interrupted. "There's not much time now. We've got to catch up with those pirates."
~She pointed to the left and started off at once, leaving her companions to exchange bemused glances before following her.~
"Oh...okay."
~The E.Q.U.E.S.T.R.I.A. Team hurried to catch up with Fluttershy and while running, she quickly recounted what she had overheard.~
"So that's it!" exclaimed Pinkie. "We're meant to rescue this princess and- "
"So, is this like a fairy tale or Disney movie? If so, I'm perfectly okay with this!" Lightning interrupted.
"Yeah! Let's get on with it then! Where's this outhouse or whatever it is?" Rainbow prompted.
~The mist was thickening again, and it took the girls some time to find their way around, but at last, they spotted the dim outline of a small building. They were just about to creep up to it when a shrill scream pierced the mist, followed by some muffled bangings and scrapings.~
"Over there!" Applejack cried. "Come on!"
~The eight girls raced across to the outhouse, but they were too late. The door hung open and the place was empty.~
"Which way did they go, do you think?" Rarity panted.
Sunset thought for a moment as she looked around. "I suppose it must be towards the sea." She could make out a narrow track through the grass. "We'd better follow that path. It might lead down to the beach."
They stumbled along the track, until they came to a point where three paths crossed. "Now what do we do?" groaned Rainbow Dash. "They could have gone anywhere!"
Lightning shrugged her shoulders. "Haven't a clue," she said looking around.
Fluttershy began to think. Then she got it. "It's that path. Follow me."
~She turned left, then she pointed to the beach where the mist was more patchy. They could see a longship floating close to land with sailors at the ready. Two men on the shore were holding someone who, in spite of her clothes, the girls guessed must be the princess. A number of barrels and boxes stood nearby awaiting stowage. The Rainbooms took their chance. Hoping that nobody would see them, they crept through the mist until they were hiding right behind a pile of cargo.~
"Yeah, okay, I'm ninety-five percent sure that's her." Lightning said firmly, pointing at the princess.
"Me too." Sunset replied.
"Okay, Let's be careful, girls." whispered Twilight. "The men that Fluttershy described will be trouble, and we wouldn't want to get caught by them ourselves."
"Of course. Just how are we going to tackle this?" asked Lightning.
"Maybe we should create a diversion or something." Fluttershy shrugged.
"Well, Whatever we do, we'll have to do it quick. Look, the boat's landing." Sunset noted. "They'll have her aboard next in no time."
~The girls' decision was made for them sooner than they expected. Without any warning, eight pairs of rough hands seized them from behind and dragged them to their feet. Fluttershy and Rarity screamed and the rest yelled with surprise. Each one struggled to break free, but it was no good. They were well and truly caught.~
"Hey!" Sunset shouted.
"Hey, what are you...?! Let go of us!" Lightning grunted.
~From where she stood in the grip of her own captors, Princess Renesmee turned her head to see what the rumpus was about. To her surprise, she saw eight girls being dragged across the beach and she wondered whether they were from royal families as well. However, before she could think further, a man came swaggering out of the patchy mist, dressed in a dilapidated captain's uniform and carrying a walking stick. He strode up to the princess.~
"Well, well! What 'ave we 'ere?" he addressed the princess with mock politeness. "A princess! Allow me to introduce m'self, yer majesty. Cap'n Sirt's the name, an' I be at your service, ma'am. I request the pleasure of your company aboard me ship."
Princess Renesmee turned her head away from the captain. "I do not accept your offer." She said haughtily.
He gave a disdainful sniff. "'Ave it your own way, then. But you're comin', whether ye like it or not!" He turned to see the Rainbooms being hauled before him by his men. "An' who might you be?" He asked, with a gleam in his eye. "Yer friends of 'ers?"
"Found 'em spyin', Cap'n." explained one of their captors, a swarthy sailor wearing a leather jerkin and a black headband.
"Spyin', eh? Fifty lashes each fer that, I reckon. What've yer got to say fer y'selves?" Lightning and the Mane 7 stood in stubborn silence. "Huh! We'll loosen your tongues later. An' if we don't, 'is Eminence certainly will. Tide won't wait for us, now. Take 'em aboard, men."
~With that, the princess and the girls were frogmarched to the water's edge where they were bundled onto the long boat. Lightning peered over the prow as the boat bobbed through the breakers and into open water. Through the mist, she could make out a full-masted galleon riding at anchor in the swell. In spite of their danger, she couldn't help but feel a bit of thrill at the thought of being taken aboard what must be a real pirate ship.~
Rainbow joined her to gaze at the galleon with awe. "Whoa...Look at that!" She breathed. "Can you see what she's called?"
"Not yet. It's still too misty." Lightning answered.
~They hadn't long to wait. With much creaking of oars and grunting by the sailors, the boat soon drew close enough to make out the rigging and the name of the ship quite clearly. Painted in blood-red letters on the prow was the single words King's Wolf. The figurehead beneath the bowsprit reflected the name- a ghastly wolf's head with blood dripping from its fangs. The sight of this filled Lightning and the rest with fear.~
"Yeah, that's blood, isn't it?"
~Once alongside, the sailors quickly transferred their captives to the ship and threw them into a small cabin beneath the fo'c'sle. Almost immediately the sails were unfurled, the anchor hoisted and with a creaking of timbers, King's Wolf was underway.~
"Well, here we are," said Rainbow. "Now what?"
~Everyone looked around the cabin. Apart from the table, a jug of water and some piles of straw. There was nothing else in the room. The only light came from the barred window which was set in the door. It would not be a comfortable trip, they thought.~
Rarity sat down beside the princess. "You're a princess, aren't you, darling? We overheard the pirates speaking, or at least Fluttershy did."
She nodded glumly. "Alot of good it's doing me now, isn't it?"
"Why have they kidnapped you?" Lightning asked, standing over them. "Is it for a ransom or something?"
"I suppose so," she answered. "But I can't understand how they knew who I was. Nobody followed us."
Applejack smiled encouragingly at the princess. "I'm Applejack." she said. "What's your name?"
"Renesmee." the princess replied.
~Applejack introduced everyone else, and Renesmee proceeded to tell them all that happened since she had left the palace.~
"You shouldn't really have run away, should you?" said Lightning when she was through.
"That's my business." she snapped. "I'm a princess so I can do as I please. How was I to know this was going to happen to me? And what's happened to Crow? And...and where are they taking me? They have no right!"
~A sudden stab of pain shot through Renesmee's head, which made her wince. She clutched her head and burst into tears. Rarity glanced up at the girls, and then put her arms around the princess.~
"We have to get her out of here." Sunset stated.
Twilight turned to Lightning. "Lightning, if we escape this cabin, will you be able to fly us back to the shore?"
"There's no way I can carry eight people all the way from here to the shore. And don't give me that excuse: 'Do it one at a time!', it's still going to be a long journey for me. The raccoons don't fly forever, y'know."
Sunset rubbed her neck. "There must be some other way then…"
"I hope so." Fluttershy said as she sat on the other side of Renesmee. "Don't worry, Renesmee. We'll get out of here somehow. I just know we will." There was conviction in her words than in her heart. She looked up to Lightning. "Right, Lightning?"
"Uh, ye- yeah! Of course." Lightning answered, confidently but also unsurely.
~Before anyone could say more, the cabin door crashed open and in strode Captain Sirt with his henchman, Ged. Every girl retreated into the corner, but Ged grabbed Lightning and dragged her before the captain.~
Addressing her roughly, the captain demanded. "Now then, lassie, I'll not take nonsense from yer. What were yer doin' spyin' on us? Answer me now, or Ged's liable to get a bit rough with a rope's end. What's yer business?"
~Lightning remained silent. The captain nodded to Ged who immediately twisted the girl's arm behind her back, causing her to cry out in pain. Sunset and Twilight glared and hurled themselves at the pirate.~
"Leave her alone!" Sunset cried.
"We will tell you what happened." Twilight rebuked, standing strong.
"Um...we will?" Fluttershy asked in shock.
Pinkie sprung forwards. "Yeah!"
Well, y'all are real spitfire's an' no mistake!" He grinned through his dirty teeth. "I like a wrench with a bit o' spirit. Go on, then!"
"We're here because we arrived on the beach and got lost in the mist." Twilight began.
"We ended up at The Smuggle Inn, and Fluttershy heard you had kidnapped a princess." Sunset continued.
"And WE decided to try and rescue her, because…well, just, because!" Pinkie huffed and finished.
Captain Sirt roared with laughter. "So that's it, is it? Well, yer silly brats, ye've got y'selves into a lot of trouble, 'avent yer? 'Cos ye're gonna 'ave to come along with the princess now. Is Eminence will sort out what to do with yer. But I don't fancy your chances much." He motioned to Ged. "Come on. We'll leave 'em to stew. Teach 'em to meddle in thin's that be none of their business."
~With that he went out. Ged let Lightning go and followed him, locked the door behind them, leaving the girls to their own devices.~
"Ow…" Lightning softly began to rub her arm. Fluttershy checked on her.
"Is it really true what you said?" asked Princess Renesmee.
"Well, yes, it is really." Sunset answered.
Princess Renesmee gave them a watery smile. She spoke in a more friendly way now. "Well, thank you for trying. I'm only sorry I got you into all this. Who knows what will happen now?"
"Well, we Can easily break out. It's just that there are so many pirates, I don't think we could take them all out."
~Both Lightning and Rainbow peek through the tiny barred window on the door to see over 30 pirates laughing, drinking and working.~
"Yeah, neither you nor me can handle that disaster…"
Everyone heaved a sigh. For a while they sat in brooding silence, and heard the waves roll by. "Hm...say…" cried Applejack suddenly. "What city did ya say you came from?
"Asteral." replied the princess.
"B-b-but, isn't that Dalton's city?" Rarity stuttered in shock.
"You know Dalton?" asked Renesmee, her eyes widening.
"Well...yes!" chroused the girls.
"We met him once...in the Great Forest of Caisar." Lightning explained.
She sat in silence for a moment, then said quietly. "Dalton...is my older brother."
"Of course!" exclaimed Rarity. "And your mother and father are Queen Teris and King Aron. Now it makes sense!"
~Astounded by the news, everyone started gabbling at once. It took the girls the best part of an hour to recount their previous adventure. The hardest part was explaining how they had come from another realm and have supernatural powers, and they were far from convinced that the princess fully believed them. They found it hard to understand that Renesmee appeared to see very little of Dalton, and that she didn't seem to have a very high opinion of him. Fluttershy, in particular, found this disconcerting. Even so, this newfound connection greatly cheered them up. When Ged came in with food and drink during the early evening, he found his captives in a surprisingly relaxed mood. That night, as they slept on the piles of straw, Lightning stayed awake and pondered.~
"It's always about the gold." she began. "Always. Every single criminal wants gold. It's such a cliche. Or something...similar to gold."
~As she shut her eyes, she had a vision. In her vision, she found herself in a dark cavern piled high with treasures. She walked towards a door that opened to its own accord, and there hung a resplendent gem that entranced her with it's silvery-blue beauty. Then, to her surprise, a green claw grasped the gem, snuffing out it's light. She wrestled to prevent it happening, but was instantly surrounded by a pack of slavering wolves. She could feel the hot breath of the wild creatures. Her heart was pounding fit to burst. Suddenly, one wolf leapt onto her and flew open its fangs at her. Her vision ended and she opened her eyes.~
"Whoa...what was that? That seemed so real? Was that a dream? Or a theory in my mind?"
~It wasn't long before the others woke up and she told them about her vision. They puzzled over the meaning of the theory, until Rainbow smacked her fist into the palm of her hand.~
"I got it!" she cried to Renesmee. "They're after your jewels. That's what it is."
"No," said Lightning softly. "I think it's just the one jewel. Have you got something special, Renesmee?"
~The princess hesitated. Then she drew out the Sodal Marble from where it's hidden, beneath the neckline of her dress. The others gazed in wonder at the jewel. Hardly any light reflected off its many facets. Instead, the light came from within: a vivid blue star shining with radiant splendour from deep inside the crystal clear marble. This star appeared to be suspended in space, as though shimmering in a universe all of its own.~
"Do you think it's this?"
"Awe-struck." Lightning said. "I'm sure that's what it..."
~Just at that moment, there was a sound outside and the door began to open.~
"Quick, sugarcube! Put it away!" urged Applejack.
Ged walked in. "On yer feet," he commanded, motioning to the Rainbooms. Renesmee made to rise with them, but he pushed her roughly down. "No, not you!" he snarled. "Only these girls! Come on! Outside! There's work for the likes of you."
~Reluctantly, they left the cabin. When they took a step outside, a load of brushes, buckets and mops were waiting for them. A sailor pointed down at them for the girls.~
"Scrub." He ordered.
Rarity let out a scoff. "There is absolutely no way, I'm touching that filthy thing!"
~A cutlass swung beside her throat. Rarity's eyes immediately widened in fear and with a flinch, she quickly grabbed the nearest brush and began to work. The others were not too far behind. For the rest of the morning, the girls were busy scrubbing decks and coiling ropes, and they didn't see the princess again. A cry of 'land ho!' from the crow's nest told them their journey was soon to end. Drawing rapidly into view was a small island not far from the mainland. Before long, sailors were scrambling up the rigging and reefing in the sails to the commands of the captain and his bosun. The girls watched as the vessel drew alongside an empty stone quay and made fast. The gangplank dropped with a clatter, and a few moments later, a sailor dragged Princess Renesmee from her cabin to join the others.~
"Come on," snarled Ged. "Off yer get." He pushed all nine down the plank and onto the quay side, Captain Sirt followed.
~Just then, a door opened in a small stone keep at the end of the quay, and before the girls' frightened eyes emerged a grotesque green goblin. Behind him followed a pack of slavering grey wolves. Lightning felt aghast. Her theory seemed about to come true.~
~Ingeus was horribly fat, a monstrosity of squat green flab with sharply pointed ears and cold, calculating eyes that glinted like emeralds. His bald head glistened in the sun, as did the gold chain that hung from his bulging neck and decorated the black caftan that he wore. Time seemed to stand still as he approached the group on the quay side. An oppressive silence hung over everything. No sailor dared venture down the gangplank to join Captain Sirt, for they lived in dread of the goblin.~
"So, you have arrived," Ingeus addressed the captain in a husky voice that carried a barely hidden menace. He looked first to Rarity, then to Sunset, then to Fluttershy and then to Renesmee. "Which one of these is the princess? And who are these other girls?" He demanded.
"If it pleases your Eminence, sir, this one 'ere is Princess Renesmee." The captain answered, pointing to her. "The others we caught spyin'. Brought 'em along for your wisdom to judge. Or shall I 'ave 'em killed now, sir?"
"I shall see what they are worth first." Ingeus gave an oily smile. "You have done well, Captain. Better than I expected." He reached into his caftan and drew out a large ruby which he tossed to the captain. "A Bonus for you, my friend."
"Why, thank you, sir!" The captain grovelled, staring at the gem in his hand.
"When I have departed," the goblin continued. "You can fetch the gold from the keep. I know your miserable crew will not dare come ashore until I've gone."
"Your Eminence is most kind." replied Captain Sirt, still leering over the ruby in his calloused palm.
Ingeus turned to his wolves and addressed the leader of the pack. "Take them away, Ulris. These eight go to the kitchen. And the princess…" He paused. "Take her to the Silver Tower."
Ulris snarled and bared his fangs. "At your bidding, Eminence…"
~The wolf fixed his baleful yellow eyes on the captives and, filled with fear, they had no option but to obey. Surrounded by the rest of the pack, they stumbled off along the quay while the goblin followed at his own leisurely pace. Ingeus' fortress stood on the summit of the island at the head of a long winding track. It looked grey and forbidding, with tall towers and stern turrets frowning over the forest. The trees stretched away in all the directions from the rocky outcrop upon where the fortress stood. The sour stench of the wolves was everywhere and the girls' hearts sank as they passed under the gloomy archway that led into the main courtyard. Here they split up.~
"Don't be scared," Sunset shouted to Princess Renesmee as she was led away. "We'll think of something, don't you worry."
~She turned and smiled weakly. The brief warmth of their companionship made her loneliness feel all the more bitter.~
~The Rainbooms were immediately put to work in the basement kitchens where piles of unwashed dishes and sacks of vegetables awaited their attention. Lizard-like guards, whom the girls later found out were called Zards, watched over them as they worked. The guards had long tails and claw-like hands and their scaly, pinkish brown skins gave them the appearance of being made of jointed seashells. Each one carried a sword, the flat of which hit the girls' shoulders whenever they slacked at their labours or attempted to speak to one another. Rainbow Dash and Applejack scraped and chopped the wrinkled skin off white root vegetables, while Lightning, Sunset and Twilight tried to peel purple things that looked like sprouts and smelt like dirty socks. Rarity tried to hold her breath as she, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie scrubbed at a stinking pile of dishes in the sink. They slaved like this all afternoon, and it wasn't until late evening that they were allowed any food. By the time they were thrown into dungeon for the night, all eight felt ready to drop.~
"I'm completely exhausted," huffed Rarity as they flopped down onto straw filled sacks.
"Me too!" agreed Pinkie. "What a day! I thought it would never end! I've never seen so much washing up in my life! It was more than a dozen cake trays!"
"And don't forget all we did this mornin' on the ship," Applejack added. She rolled over to face the others.
"What are we going to do...?" Fluttershy trembled.
"I don't know," Lightning replied. "But, I don't fancy being a slave for the rest of my life!"
"That's for sure." nodded Rainbow. "Those Zards are revolting! And who knows what those awful wolves have done with Renesmee."
"I do hope Renesmee's alright." said Sunset. "Do you think it's really that jewel they're after?"
"Can't think what else it can be, can you?" said Lightning.
"Then why didn't they just kill Renesmee, or at least knock her out, and steal it?" Twilight quired. "Perhaps it's not as simple as that…" She answered her own question.
~Renesmee, meanwhile, had been taken to a large room at the top of the Silver Tower. She was completely alone and the door was locked. To her surprise, her prison was not what she had expected. Instead of a bare, cold room, the Silver Tower was comfortably furnished with all that was needed to make her feel at home. There were two comfortable chairs, each with embroidered cushions. Against one wall, next to a brass bedstead, stood an elegant oak wardrobe. In the centre of the room was a table laden with plenty of bread, cheese and fruit. She picked up a red apple and sniffed it, suspicious that it might be poisoned. She decided to eat the bread and cheese instead. When she had eaten her fill, she opened the wardrobe. To her astonishment, she found it filled with exquisite clothes, all her size, and of better quality that she had ever seen. With nothing else to do, she tried some on, and particularly liked the look of a silvery-white gown that she decided to wear for a while. Perhaps this adventure was going to turn all right after all. At least she was being treated as a princess should be. Then her mind went back to her newly found friends. What would become of them? Nor could she forget that she was a prisoner herself, however nice the room might be. She paced to and fro across the floor.~
"Why doesn't anyone come for me?" she muttered. "What does that ugly creature want, anyway?" She felt the Sodal Marble about her neck. "Well, he's not having this, that's for sure. It belongs to me and me alone. So there!"
~She gazed out of the windows. The view was stunning. Not only could she see the courtyards and battlements of the castle below, but the whole expanse of the forested island and the blue sea beyond. In one direction, across the sea, she could make out the hazy outline of a distant, mountainous coastline. She wondered where it was. She also wondered what had become of Crow. Why hadn't he come to find her? At long last, as the sun was setting and an ominous green mist was rising from the trees, there came the sudden rattle of a key in the door. She sat on the bed, gripping the covers tightly as the door opened. One of the scaly-faced Zards entered.~
"His Eminence requires your presence at his table," he said briefly. "You are to accompany me now."
~Knowing it was pointless to argue, and curious to discover what was to happen, Princess Renesmee allowed herself to be escorted down the stairs. They passed along many corridors lit with burning torches until they reached a pair of large doors flashed by two guards. At a sign from her escort, the doors were swung open and she was ushered into a spacious hall. Before her stood, Ingeus, and beyond him she could see a table loaded with more food. A fire burned brightly on a massive hearth, casting flickering shadows around the walls.~
"Ah, welcome Princess Renesmee. Welcome to Trekle." His voice possessed a silky huskiness, but she knew it concealed malice. There could be no mistaking those eyes. "I see you have found garments more becoming for a princess. I trust they are to your liking. Won't you please join me for dinner?"
"I don't know who you are," she replied coldly, "but I've been kidnapped, maltreated, and brought here without any explanation whatsoever. I am extremely cross and require you to release both myself and my companions this instant." Her face flushed with anger and she clenched her fists.
The goblin smiled. "Forgive me, dear princess. I will explain everything. First, however, let me introduce myself. My name is Ingeus, and I am the ruler of this island. You will have realised by now that my power also extends far beyond its shores. As to the reason I have brought you here: you have something I want, something I dearly desire." His eyes glittered with unconcealed greed and she shrank back with distaste. "You see," he went on, "I am a collector of beautiful things. I have amassed treasures more than you can imagine, vast caverns of gold, silver and jewels. Works of art that would dazzle you. These bring me great satisfaction...yet, alas, beautiful as they are, they are lifeless. There is no real power in gold. But you have something more," he continued, "You possess the Sodal Marble of Asteral. That is what I most desire."
"The Sodal Marble is mine," she replied in a steady voice, though her heart was thumping hard. "I am not prepared to give it up."
Ingeus smirked. "We shall see. I am very rich, and am prepared to pay a great price for this jewel. You would be an exceedingly wealthy princess. You could wield great power with the treasures I would bestow upon you for this...this trinket. It could be all yours to do as you pleased. Just think of it!"
"The Sodal Marble is not for sale," she replied shortly. "That's all there is to it. Now let me go back to my room while you plan how you are going to return me to the mainland."
The goblin glared at her determined face. "Very well! For the moment, that is how I shall leave it. But first, there is something I must put to the test. Guards!" Two Zards rush in. "You! Seize her!" he commanded one of them.
~Before the princess could move, her arms were firmly pinioned behind her back.~
Ingeus spoke to the other guard. "Remove the marble that hangs about her neck."
~Princess Renesmee fought vainly, lashing out with her feet as the scaly creature approached. His shell coloured claw took hold of the chain and he lifted the marble from her dress. Yet, the moment he touched the Sodal Marble itself, a sigh of endless sadness escaped his jaws, and at once he fell dead at her feet. The other guard released her with a start and sprang back, while the princess stared horror-struck at the fallen creature.~
"Then the rumour is true," muttered Ingeus. "No matter. No matter," To the remaining Zard, he flung an order: "Return the princess to the tower and lock her in securely."
~Princess Renesmee sat in bed an hour later with a certain satisfaction in her heart. She fingered the Sodal Marble with an affection that she had never felt before.~
"Hm," she thought, "he won't try that again in a hurry. I feel sorry about the guard, but that wasn't really my fault. Perhaps there's more power in the Marble than I thought. Maybe things will turn out alright after all."
~With that, she lay down to sleep. Yet, it would not be a pleasant night for Princess Rensmee. The moment her head touched the pillow, it began to throb. Her mind was filled with the image of the crystal ball in the gypsy caravan and try as she might, she could not shut it out. Once again, weird voices began to jabber in her mind. She broke into a cold sweat and tossed and turned in her bed. A cool wind whistled through the windows, blowing the curtains into wildy contorted shadows. Things fell, the room span. At times she thought there were people walking around. She heard strange surrying noises and couldn't tell whether they were in her head or under the felt terribly afraid. Then the wolves began their blood-chilling howls from far below. Shivering, she clutched at the bedclothes and wished for the dawn.~
In his room, Ingeus smiled grimly as he sat, fingertips touching beneath his chin. "Stubborn she may be," he mused to himself, "but we will see what a night in the Silver Tower will do about that!"
~King Dalton was ruler of the Great Forest of Caisar. The son of the High King and Queen of Asteral, he was also brother to Princess Renesmee. It was early morning, and pae sunshine filtered through the oak, ash and pine trees, promising a fine day. Dalton put on his travelling cloak and heaved a brown canvas travelling pack onto his broad shoulders.~
"There! Ready to go." Dalton smiled at those around him, but his eyes were serious and already focused on the journey that lay before him.
~Alongside King Dalton stood Lord Tad, the King's chief advisor, a manticore of great courage and wisdom. It was Tad who had led the forest-folk during the dark year of tyranny under Hexia the Crone.~
"I will accompany you to the ford," Tad told Dalton. "The sprites will travel as far as you wish. Their task is to relay messages back and forward as necessary."
~Dalton nodded. Near him, three sprites were standing to attention. Famed to their bravery, these three sprites were knights of honour in Dalton's kingdom.~
He turned to address them. "I suggest that we aim for you to be stationed a day's journey apart. Fumble, you will travel with me for one day; Mumble, you for two days; Grumble, you for three.
"Yes, sir!" said the three sprites in unison as they saluted, even though Fumble did manage to smack Mumble in the eye by accident as he did so.
Tad raised his eyes heavenwards. "Good speed," He sighed, and with that the company departed, the bright morning sunshine lighting their path through the forest canopy.
~The reason for Dalton's journey had to do with a strange vision he had experienced two days earlier. He had been sitting alone on the bank of the River Dustle, idly, watching a fish feeding in the shallows. His thoughts had drifted peacefully, his eyes half closed. The fish and the river faded, and Dalton became aware in his mind's eye of something else. It seemed that he could see a glistening, transparent jewel, that floated on the dark, storm-tossed sea. So furious was the storm that the jewel kept vanishing beneath the waves. Dalton thought it would sink forever but, just as it seemed lost, the peak of an ice-capped mountain emerged from the raging sea. It bore the precious stone upwards and carried it to safety. The peak rose higher and higher out of the sea. Then the jewel burst into a brilliant blue light that shone like a star, blazing out from the top of the mountain. As unexpectedly as it had come, the vision vanished. Dalton was aware of his surroundings once more, but his mind remained troubled by what he had seen. What did the vision mean, he wondered? There was only one way to find out. He would go to the enchanted glade, to the magical heart of his forest kingdom. The glade held the Islastone, whose power gave life to the forest. As Dalton passed through the sentinel stones that marked the entrance to the glade, the sweet fragrance of the air had cleared his head, but the unsettling images from his vision still remained fresh in his mind. A life-giving energy flowed from the Islastone and it intensified as Dalton drew near to it. The pool lay alongside the Islastone, and it was into its gentle glowing water that Dalton had gazed. For a moment he had seen just his own reflection, but then the water swirled and he saw the face of his sister. She seemed to be in great distress, and was surrounded by howling wolves.~
"Renesmee!" he breathed.
~Dalton was convinced by his vision, and by what he had seen in the pool, that his young sister was in some kind of trouble. Her disappearance had something to do with the Sodal Marble. Did she realise its importance? He had to find her, and quickly.~
~Lightning and the Mane 7 were all awake very early on the morning following their imprisonment on the island of Trekle. Each of them felt extremely stiff after the labours of the previous day and a night on hard wooden bunks.~
"My arms are killing me." Sunset groaned as she tried to stretch.
"Me too," Rarity winced as she gingerly pushed herself upright. "What about you, Lightning, darling?
"Hm, not too bad, I think." She staggered to her feet, and heard a crack. "Doh! Yep! Spoke too soon. My knees hurt."
"It's all that deck scrubbing." said Rainbow.
~They spent the next few minutes stretching and stumbling around their cell trying to ease the aches and pains. The thought of another day in the kitchens made them feel even worse.~
"We've just gotta escape from this place somehow," said Applejack, pacing up and down. "Does anyone have any ideas?" She heaved the bars on the window. "No chance here, these bars are as solid as a rock."
"Well, unless you use your strength. Then we'll be out in no time!" Lightning declared.
"That would be too good to be true," her tech friend, Twilight commented. "We've got to get Renesmee out as well, but we don't even know where to find her."
"That horrible creature said the Silver Tower," Rarity remembered, "wherever that is."
"I wonder if Renesmee's still got that jewel?" said Fluttershy.
"If that's what he's really after," Rainbow challenged.
"Well, I don't think it can be anything else," Lightning retorted. "I'm sure my theory is right."
"How?" Rainbow exclaimed, trying the door.
Lightning looked miffed and Applejack intervened before she and Rainbow could start squabbling. "Come on, you two. Let's not think about that right now. What we really need is to keep our eyes open today and see if we can find an escape route. Maybe we can find some way of talkin' to Renesmee as well."
~Just then, a Zard guard came for them and led them away to the kitchens, where they were allowed to wash and have breakfast before being set to work.~
~That same dawn came as a mighty relief to Princess Renesmee. She had never known a night as bad as the one that had just passed. Though she must have dozed at times, she felt as if she hadn't slept at all. She stared mournfully in the mirror at the dark shadows under her eyes.~
"Ugh, what a sight!" she exclaimed. "I don't want to go through that again." She shuddered at the memory of the past hours. However, the morning light often fills the fearful with fresh courage, and she set her jaw firmly. "Well one thing is for sure," she declared, "He's not going to get the better of me."
~She ignored the dresses in the wardrobe and deliberately donned her old peasant's garb, then sat on the bed and waited to see what would happen. It wasn't long before the guard came and took her again to Ingeus. The goblin looked at Renesmee with half-amusement as she shambled into the room.~
"Good morning. I trust you slept well," he said, sardonically.
"No I didn't, and you know very well that I didn't," she snapped.
"I am sorry to hear that," he lied. "Maybe I can offer you breakfast to make amends?"
~Princess Renesmee hesitated for a moment. In spite of her resolve, she was actually feeling very hungry. She glanced at the table and, with a curt nod, she sat down and helped herself to the food. Ingeus sat near the fireplace, watching her in silence. While she was on her last mouthful of food, he spoke again.~
"Last night, I offered you vast wealth in exchange for the Sodal Marble," he said, "yet you refused to part with it. I must say I was surprised at your foolish reluctance- because if which, by the way, one of my guards died."
The princess flashed him a sharp glance. "I was sorry about that. But it was hardly my fault, was it? You shouldn't have tried to steal it." She stood up abruptly and strode towards him. "Why do you want the Sodal Marble, anyway? You're obviously rich. What's so special about this?"
Ingeus' eyes glittered and seemed to bore right into hers. "You appear to know very little about the treasure you carry," he said quietly, "Deep mysteries and powers are hidden in the depths of its inner light. One such as I could unlock those secrets. That is why I wish to gaze upon it, to understand it, to…"
"You mean you wish to use it for your own ends," she interrupted.
"Oh, yes, if you mean there is power in knowledge," he breathed. "But what is so wrong with that? And after all, you had power when you were a princess."
"Yes, but mine wasn't...isn't evil."
The goblin shrugged. "What is evil and what is good? I treat my servants well and I am generous with my favours. When I possess the Sodal Marble shall be even more lavish onwards those who serve me. Surely you are being evil by not letting me do that?"
The princes did not know how to reply. She was silent for a moment. Then she blurted out, "I think what you're saying is a lot of nonsense. And you're still not having it." She walked over to the fire and stood warming her hands. Without turning she asked, "Why don't you just kill me? Then you could have it, couldn't you?"
"Alas, that is not possible," he replied with a sigh. "The moment you were to die, the Sodal Marble would simply vaporise and be lost forever."
~Renesmee had not known this. It gave her considerable comfort to know that whatever else happened, Ingeus would not dare let her die.~
The goblin decided to change his approach. "Why do you cling on to this jewel? Why is it so important to you? I am not sure you even know why you have it."
"I've been taught never to give it away," she said slowly, "because if I do, I shall cease to be a princess. I shall lose my name."
Ingeus' eyes gleamed. "What utter rubbish!" he cried scornfully. "Superstitious nonsense. As if your name depended on keeping the Sodal Marble!"
Princess Renesmee turned on him hotly. "Well, that's whatI've been told. Why should I believe otherwise?"
"My dear child, has it never occurred to you that your name is simply what you call yourself? Who you really are has nothing to do with either your birthstone, or what your parents have told you. You don't need this...trinket. In fact, removing it would show how grown-up a princess you really are."
His words touched the princess. She felt confused. "I-I don't know about that…"
Ingeus followed through quickly. "Listen I admire your independence. The way you left home to follow your own fortune marks you out as a real princess. You are someone who will make up your own mind." The goblin smiled at Renesmee. "It's time you became the woman you were made to be, a woman of destiny." Ingeus knew that his persuasive tongue was having an effect. He gave Renesmee a wry look, his head tilted to one side. "Of course," he mused, in a fatherly tone, "It's not much use being a woman of destiny without money." He stroked his chin, quietly confident that he found his way through her defenses. "The real value of your Sodal Marble is the fortune that it can bring you. Sell it to me, and I will pay you handsomely."
~Princess Renesmee moved quietly to the window and for a long time stared out the courtyard below.~
~The Zards were not so strict with the Rainbooms on their second day. There were times when they could whisper hurriedly to each other while bent over their chores. They were beginning to get some idea of the layout of this part of the fortress. The kitchens proved to be only one short flight of steps below the main courtyard, which was surrounded by a covered walkway. Many windows and lofty towers overlooked the gravelled square. The Rainbooms observed all this when the Zards marched them up the stone steps into the daylight and across the courtyard to a wooden side gate. Beyond the gate horse-drawn wagons rolled to and fro,carrying provisions from the pirate ship King's Wolf and delivering them to the castle. The girls were ordered to carry sacks, crates and boxes back across the courtyard and down to the kitchens and storerooms. Lightning was finding this heavy work very difficult. After three or four trips she was longing to stop for a rest, but the guards were always watching. Her chance came when her Zard guard was replaced by a new one, who went outside the gate to talk to a wagon driver. Lightning seized her opportunity to rest.~
"I'm going to take a break!" she hissed at Applejack. She was passing her on her way up the kitchen steps as she was coming down, carrying a bulging sack of potatoes on her back.
"Well just be careful!" she hissed back, giving her a wary look.
"Don't worry, I will," she replied. "and I'll try to have a look around at the same time."
~With that, Lightning slipped behind one of the pillars of the covered walkway. She saw that the low wall supporting the pillars ran the entire length of the courtyard. This gave her an idea. Ducking down, she began to creep behind the low wall, keeping out of sight of the guards. She had almost reached the far end of the courtyard when she spotted a movement at one of the first floor windows. To her delight, she recognised Princess Renesmee! Would she see her? Throwing caution to the wind she stood and waved. For a moment there was no response. Then she spotted her. She saw her hand give a tiny, surreptitious flutter in answer. Just then she heard an angry shout of a guard who was striding towards her. Lightning's stomach lurched, knowing she was in trouble. She ran for it. She made it back to the gate, but there's no escaping punishment. As she looked back to see if the guard was chasing her, she crashed into Sunset Shimmer, followed by Rainbow Dash, followed by Twilight, until the whole gang of eight tumbled to the ground. With a snarl, the Zards grabbed them cruelly by the arms and dragged them up to their feet, where they cuffed them round the head before putting them back to work. They all winced in pain, but Lightning knew that this was the price of finding out something very important: that the princess was not kept locked in the tower all the time. Princess Renesmee's heart leapt when she saw Lightning: her eager wave gave her new hope. Although it dismayed her to see her caught so quickly, this only filled her with fresh determination not to give in.~
She turned to Ingeus. "I want my friends released," she demanded. "You have no right to keep them like slaves."
Although he blinked with surprise at her response to the offer he had just made, the wily goblin quickly recovered. "But of course," he replied smoothly. "though 'friends' is rather a grand term for girls you hardly know, isn't it? Commoners at that. Nevertheless, they will be released - the moment you hand over the Sodal Marble. Otherwise, they remain victims of your...um...selfishness, don't they?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "You're wasting your time. I'm not going to let you have it and that's that." She glared at him and put her hands on her hips. "So what happens now? Are you going to lock me up again?"
"Why, no. As a princess you are perfectly free to roam the grounds. You should not try to escape, of course, nor make any contact with those commoners. But I wish you to enjoy my hospitality. It is, after all, the least one member of royalty can do for another." Princess Renesmee shuddered at this comparison between Ingeus and herself. "I will see you at lunch," he went on, "and please," (he gave a disdainful glance at her frock) "do try to dress as is becoming for a princess!"
~Later, she sat alone on a wall in the garden and gazed at the Sodal Marble. The beautiful blue light twinkled from its depths and for a moment she felt strangely comforted by its glow. But then suddenly it seemed that the other lights- sharp and threatening- flashed in her head. Her eyes began to sting. She rubbed them, and the Sodal Marble appeared to have lost it's brilliance. There was no comfort left in looking at it. Heaving a sigh, she replaced it within her dress.~
~Lightning and the Mane 7 were waking up to their third day of captivity, determined to form an escape plan.~
"Right," said Twilight. "First of all, what do we need?"
"Snacks!" Pinkie replied promptly.
Rainbow sighed. "All you ever think about is your stomach."
"She's right, though," said Sunset. "We better start collecting some today. I think we'll have to find water as we go because we've nothing to carry it in. What else do we need?"
"Some way of getting out of here without being noticed," Rainbow offered.
"How about hiding in one of the wagons?" Fluttershy suggested.
"No, too obvious," Lightning replied. "Anyway, they're driven by those Zards. We wouldn't get far."
"Even if we get away from here, we've still got to get off the island. How are we goin' to do that?" Applejack asked.
"I think we've got two choices," the tech girl, Twilight answered. "Either we find a boat and row across to the mainland…"
"Or we stow away on the King's Wolf." Sunset finished her sentence.
"We would also need to get down to the harbour without being seen." Rarity pointed.
"Or getting caught by those wolves," Fluttershy added with a shudder.
~The others agreed wholeheartedly, but before they could say more the guard came to escort them to the kitchens. On their arrival they found the place very busy. The Zards were obviously preparing for a big feast and were hurrying backwards and forwards with pots and pans and platters of food. This resulted in nobody being much concerned about the girls. They were simply sent into a side room filled with sacks of potatoes and ordered to keep peeling until told to stop. It was while pulling the second sack from the pile that Pinkie Pie made her discovery. Set into the floor was an iron ring. She bent down and gave it a tug. To her delight a small trapdoor swung open revealing a cellar beneath. The girls crowded round and peered into the gloom. The floor was only about two metres below and Lightning barely hesitated.~
"Watch the door, girls. I'm going down." she said.
"I'll come too," Twilight volunteered.
"Alright, darlings, but mind how you go." Rarity answered. "And look out for rats."
"How are ya gonna get outta there again?" Applejack asked.
Lightning thought for a moment. "Push a sack of potatoes down and I reckon we can reach if we stand on it."
~Applejack nodded, and the two girls heaved a sack through the trapdoor. It fell with a dull thump. With that, Lightning and Twilight swung themselves over the side and stopped to the floor beneath. They disappeared from their friends' sight but was back again half a minute later looking glum.~
"Not much luck," Lightning said.
Twilight nodded. "It's only a storage cellar. We can't find any other exit." She clambered onto the sack and reached up for Applejack to haul her out.
"Pity there's not a secret tunnel like I read about in books." said Lightning as she climbed out.
"Hmm," Twilight looked about the storeroom. "But, it's given me an idea. Look, grab some empty sacks and see what you can find. Don't forget Renesmee as well. We'll start by hiding it down there. And now, listen…" She unfolded a daring plan to her Rainbooms.
~Much to her surprise, Princess Renesmee was allowed to breakfast alone. In fact, it was not until mid-morning that Ingeus entered the room and found her sitting by the window. She felt him approach, but didn't turn to look at him.~
"So what are you going to offer me today?" she asked, with a sigh.
Ingeus smiled as he replied, "On the contrary. I have changed my mind. I no longer wish to buy the marble."
The princess turned to shoot him a surprised glance, then said warily, "Huh? What do you mean?" To her annoyance she couldn't avoid the feeling that she was in danger of losing a bargain.
The goblin ambled across to the fire and stood with his back towards it, facing her. "You appear surprised," he said, "Yet should you be? Do you not call yourself a princess? Well, I shall allow you to be one. No longer shall I seek to bribe you into selling me the Sodal Marble. Instead, I wish to propose…a partnership. Perhaps even- one day- a marriage."
She stared at him incredulously. "A…a...partnership? Marriage? You have to be joking. How on earth could I ever love someone as revolting as you? Never in a thousand years!"
Ingeus seemed unaffected by her scorn. He came closer. "They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder," he murmured in a sofer tone. "You describe me as revolting, but could it perhaps be that your eyes deceive you?" He stared straight into her eyes. As he did so, he removed something from his pocket. "Look!" he said gently.
~Between his bony finger and thumb he held a small glowing glass ball which he slowly circled between his face and hers. The princess felt her head begin to spin and everything became fuzzy. Then her eyes cleared. She gave a start. Before he stood a handsome young man, suave, smiling and clothed in blue. Of Ingeus there was no sign.~
"Wh-Who are you?" she stammered. "What's happened?"
"I am Ingeus." replied the stranger. The voice was unaltered.
"But you can't be!" Renesmee protested, now utterly confused.
"Did I not say it may have been your eyes that were deceived? Only now are you seeing truly. Before this moment, you were blinded to the truth by your own twisted thoughts. I am indeed Ingeus, and this is how I can appear to you forever."
~The princess sat back weakly in her chair. She didn't know what to say. She rubbed her eyes in disbelief but still the handsome man remained. He spoke again, and the voice was undeniably Ingeus'.~
"Freedom and wealth are yours, Renesmee, but what are they without someone to share them with?" He reached out a hand towards her. "You are growing up before my eyes. Now I wish to invite you to unite with me. Let us build a great kingdom together."
~His eyes were appealing, his voice gently persuasive. Spellbound, Princess Renesmee felt strangely and suddenly quite grown up. An enticing vision of a new life with the now charming Ingeus flooded her imagination. Her distrust faded further as he continued.~
"Just imagine how happy we will be, sharing all my wealth and the power of your Sodal Marble. You as my princess and I as your prince."
Renesmee tried to pull herself together and remember that this was a goblin speaking, but the magic was powerful. "Yet you still want me to give you the Sodal Marble?" she queried.
He drew back in mock horror. "Dear princess, I shall never demand such a thing of you again. All I ask is to gaze upon it from time to time. Should you ever permit me to borrow it, that would bring me great joy. But I would not force you to do so." He gazed earnestly into her eyes. "Say you will stay. Share my wealth. Be my princess."
"B-b-but…" She groped for a reply in the face of his charm. "I-I'm already a princess in my own country." she stammered. "Surely I should return to my home?"
He smiled reassuringly. "Why should you want to do that? After all, didn't you run away to seek adventure? Now you have found it. Why go back?"
"I don't know why I ran away," she replied slowly. "I'm very confused about all that." She looked at him weakly. "I-I must think about what you say."
"Of course, my dear," Ingeus replied. "I shall leave you now to consider my offer." He turned to the door and Renesmee had to stop herself from begging him not to go. "By the way," he said from the doorway. "tonight I have a pleasant surprise for you. Dress well for an occasion." With that he was gone, leaving behind one very confused princess.
~The guards were so lax because of their extra work that during early afternoon, Rarity found time to slip upstairs to the courtyard. It was there that she spotted Princess Renesmee wandering in her direction looking lost in thought. With a couple of quick glances to check that the coast was clear, Rarity sneaked behind one of the stone columns and in a loud whisper called to the princess.~
"Renesmee! Darling!" The princess gave a start and glanced around. "Over here!" Rarity whispered. "To your left. Just act natural and sit on the wall." Princess Renesmee followed the voice and obeyed, looking straight ahead. "It's me- Rarity! Are you alright, darling?"
She nodded, saying, "Yes, but you're taking an awful risk speaking to me. I daren't stay here long."
"I know." said Rarity urgently. "But listen, the girls and I have got an escape plan and you'll have to get ready for it. We're going to do it tomorrow. Can you come here in the morning?" Renesmee gave a tiny nod. "Good!" Rarity continued. "Wear something for travelling in. And make it stylish! I'd better get back before I'm missed."
The princess hesitated. "I don't know whether I want to escape," she said dejectedly.
Unable to see the confused look on her face, Rarity imagined the princess was simply scared. "Don't be afraid," she said. "We'll get away with it, you'll see. Just be here tomorrow. If you can't, we'll wait until another day, but we'll rescue you somehow."
~With that, she darted back to the kitchens, leaving Princess Renesmee even more confused and unhappy.~
~Dalton and the three sprites travelled steadily southwest across the plains. Soon, they left the Great Forest and the River Dustle far behind. Like all small creatures, Fumble, Mumble and Grumble were larger than life. They had little difficulty keeping up with Dalton's powerful strides, but even so, they were relieved when the first day's march ended.~
"Ow, my poor feet ache," groaned Fumble. He tried to rub his left foot but fell over and, in his usual clumsy way, he hit his wing. "Ouch!" he cried. "That hurt!"
"Cor sad us," said Mumble, who was notorious for never speaking clearly. "Yah shed lock a four year bait."
~Grumble muttered something rude about sprites having two left feet and tongues with knots in them. The other two jumped on him and bundled him in the dusty dirt, much to Dalton's amusement.~
"Ah, well, maybe you're not so tired, after all. Perhaps we should carry on for another hour or two?" he suggested.
~Dalton scanned the late afternoon scene. Far to the east, the direction from which they had come, he could see a pink haze, behind which lay the Great Forest of Caisar. He turned to face south. The air carried a faint tang of the sea. But the view ahead was lost in blue haze. To the north and west, however, it was dark. The sun had dropped behind the mountains, casting a cool shadow over the landscape.~
"Scarwood," Dalton muttered. "We shall not be venturing there tonight, that's for sure. Let's make camp right here."
~Wrapped in his cloak, he gazed across the rolling moorland. The moon had not yet risen and the stars shone like diamond dust, their magical light kissing the crest of the dark and distant hills with silver. Further away lay the huggebulk of the southern mountains, and their snow-capped peaks were tinged s blue as the stars themselves. Dalton wondered where his sister might be under this vast sky. Had his mother been right to urge him in this direction? He hoped so, but he had no way of knowing for sure. He sighed and glanced over to the sleeping sprites. It was time to get some sleep himself. Ust as his eyes were closing he fancied he saw a flash of light on the mountains. For a while, he strained his eyes at the dark mass, but then sleep overtook him and he watched no more. Thought he did not knowit, the light flashed again while he slept...and again...~
~The surprise that Ingeus had promised took place that evening when Princess Renesmee was ushered into a great hall. She found it filled with Zards dressed in their best uniforms. The girls were there too, as was Captain Sirt and, of course, Ingeus himself. To Renesmee, Ingeus still appeared handsome, thought to everyone else he was nothing but an ugly goblin. The princess' heartbeat quickened as he approached.~
"Renesmee, you look wonderful!" Ingeus exclaimed as he reached her. "Allow me, please, to explain all this," He gestured around the room, "I have laid on a party for you, to make up for the one you missed on your birthday. I do hope you will enjoy it."
~He turned to the assembled company and gave a signal, at which the Zards gave three cheers and raised their glasses in her honour. Princess Renesmee didn't know what to say and she reddened with embarrassment. Ingeus took her arm and escorted her to a table overflowing with fine food. Musicians began to play and the festing began. Only the Rainbooms looked miserable.~
"What's wrong with Renesmee?" whispered Rainbow Dash. "Why is she looking happy with that disgusting slime-ball?"
"I don't know," replied Rarity. "I just simply can't understand how she couldn't let him touch her. I'd hate it! Ugh!"
"Look, she's joking with him!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "And...and she's showing him the marble!"
"Oh, please don't let her give it to him," cried Fluttershy, hopping from one foot to the other in exasperation.
"She's been entranced," said Lightning grimly, as the memory of her previous experience with Hexia the Crone flooded into her mind. "Come on. We've got to interrupt this." The girls wove their way across to the couple. "Hello, Renesmee," said Lightning loudly. "Happy late birthday. Though it can hardly be happy when we're all kept prisoners here, can it?"
The princess looked irritated at her interruption. "I think it is very kind of Ingeus to do this for me. And actually I'm quite enjoying myself," she said primly. "At least, I was until just now."
Ingeus smiled into her eyes. "I don't think Lightning Star understands, do you? That is the problem with these commoners."
"I think I understand very well," Lightning exploded. "You've got Renesmee under a spell, you...you…"
A flicker of emotion flashed across the goblin's face but he remained smiling. "I do not wish to be rude in the presence of the princess, but it does seem you lack the party spirit, young lady. I think you should depart." He motioned to a nearby Zard. "These commoners are leaving us. Will you kindly escort them to their quarters?"
~A pang of conscience struck Princess Renesmee and for a brief moment she knew the truth. In that instant, she recalled Rarity's words and resolved to meet the others on the following day. But Ingeus' spell was powerful, and she had grown so weak that she could find nothing to say. The girls looked back at her with despair as they were led away.~
"I have a present for you," Ingeus announced as soon as the girls were out of sight. With great charm, he presented her with a large, gift wrapped parcel. "Happy birthday, Renesmee," he whispered, and he kissed her gently on the cheek.
~She opened the parcel with eager fingers, tearing off the silver wrapping to reveal to her sparkling eyes the golden puppets she had wanted so badly the day before. Delighted with the present, she thanked the goblin and thought no more about her friends for the rest of the evening. That night, Princess Renesmee dreamed again, and in her dreams she heard the jabbering voices growing louder and louder. Then she saw accusing fingers wagging at her. The voices nagged on and on and she began to recognise those of her nanny, her teachers and her parents. Their angry faces appeared and it seemed to the princess that all they had ever done was scold her. She pressed her hands to her ears and squeezed her eyes shut tight. All she wanted was to be free of the, and have her own life. Beckoning in the dark was Ingeus, tall and mainly. She found herself running in slow motion towards him, about to fall into his outstretched arms. While she slept, Ingeus had a visitor. It was Crow. He landed upon the table and let fall from his beak a rolled parchment scroll tied with red ribbon.~
"This, master, is all you require," he cawed.
Ingeus took the scroll and unfurled it. "Excellent, excellent," he muttered as his greedy green eyes scanned the contents. "The Sodal Marble is within our grasp."
~Princess Renesmee woke up thinking about the escape plan. Then she remembered Ingeus' offer of fame and fortune. In the cold light of day, she wondered what to do- and what to wear. Should she dress to please Ingeus, or clothe herself for a possible escape? In the end, she compromised, combining an elegant white blouse with a leather jerkin, trousers and boots. She barely registered Ingeus when he walked in. What caught her attention at once was the large black bird he had with him. She leapt to her feet.~
"Crow!" she cried. "Where have you been? What are you doing here?"
"Good morning, mistress." he cawed in response.
Something about the way Crow cocked his head towards Ingeus, and the way Ingeus responded, made Renesmee narrow her eyes suspiciously. Then it dawned on her. "It was you!" she exclaimed furiously to Crow. "You led me into this trap. You horrible traitor! And I trusted you!"
For a moment, Renesmee was beside herself with rage and the bird cowered behind Ingeus, fearing she might tear him wing from wing. Ingeus raised a hand. He spoke gently. "My dear Renesmee, believe me it was necessary. If there had been another way less distressing to you, we would have used it."
"Don't try to get round me like that," she yelled. "I see it all clearly now. Crow was working for you! He was your tool to get me here and persuade me to part with my Sodal Marble. Well, that's that. I shall never give it to you. Do you hear? Never! And I can see you for what you are, you ugly, fat goblin!"
~Sharp pains stabbed her mind at that moment. She sat down clutching her head and burst into tears. Ingeus and Crow waited until her sobbing subsided.~
The bird spoke. "Mistress, what you say is only part of the truth. If I had not acted as I did, something awful would have remained hidden from you. When you found out, it would have been too late."
"What Crow says is correct," Ingeus explained. "When I offered to purchase the Sodal Marble, it was because I already knew it was worthless to you. Yet I felt pity and love for you, and I desired to share my wealth and to reign with you because…" he paused, "because otherwise you would have nothing."
"What do you mean? I don't know what you're talking about," she snivelled. "I have plenty of things at home."
The goblin shook his head with pity, then lifted her chin and looked her straight in the eye. "You have no idea, have you? The truth is, Renesmee, you were not born a princess at all."
~A stunned silence greeted his words. Renesmee's mind whirled. This was the last thing she had expected to hear.~
"You're lying," she eventually whispered, though without much conviction.
"Unfortunately not." Ingeus replied solemnly. He drew from his robe the rolled parchment that Crow had brought him, and laid it on the table before her. "Read this for yourself."
~Hesitantly, she unrolled it and read: 'In the seven-hundredth year from the foundation of Asteral, a girl-child of unknown name and parentage is hereby adopted by their royal persons, King Aron and Queen Teris of the Western Lands, resident in the royal city of Asteral. The child will be henceforth as Renesmee, that is, Star-born.' It was signed by the Clerk to the royal court and had the official seal. There was no doubt that it was genuine. The information hit the princess like a thunderbolt. She dropped the scroll and stared blankly at the table as her world fell apart. She was not really a princess at all. She was a nobody. For all these years she had been made to live a lie.~
Ingeus was speaking again. "You understand now that the Sodal Marble cannot make you a princess when you are not. What value is a Sodal Marble to one who is not really a Star-born?"
"What can I do?" groaned the princess in despair. "I have no name of my own. No real parents. I've lost everything. Oh, why did you have to tell me this?"
"All is not lost," replied Ingeus. "For have I not said you can choose to be a princess? I offer you the opportunity to do that. You may not have been born a princess, but you have shown the qualities of a ruler. By running away from home you have chosen your own pathway and fate has led you to me. I can still give you wealth and power. You have earned this. You need no Sodal Marble. By all means, let us put its powers to other uses, but don't let the marble bind you to a false past any longer."
"You can have it, for all I care," she said sadly. "What's the point of keeping it?"
~Her words were like music to Ingeus' ears. His greedy eyes lit up and he rubbed his spiny fingers together in eager anticipation. His hands stretched towards her neck.~
"Do you really mean it?" he breathed.
~But the evil in Ingeus had gone a little too far. Princess Renesmee glanced up just as his hands reached for the silver chain, and in that fraction of a second she saw the true depths of his greed. His eyes, hard and cruel, were filled only with intense craving. They frightened her and she drew back with a shudder.~
"I-I...do, but not quite at this moment," she stammered. "I need a little time to think, to be alone. This has been a great shock to me."
The goblin quickly hid his disappointment. "But of course," he shrugged. "Though let it be too long. I would like you to enjoy your privileges as my princess as soon as possible."
I'll take a walk now if you don't mind." she replied, rising shakily to her feet. Ingeus and Crow watched as she left the room.
"Do not worry, Master." said Crow. "There is no fight left in her. What will you do with her once the Sodal Marble is yours?"
"I have not decided," the goblin replied. "I may have her killed, or she may be useful to me in some way. We shall see. Either way, it will not be long now."
~Out in the courtyard an anxious Renesmee looked about her. There was no sign of Rarity. Round and round she strolled, until- aware that Ingeus and Crow might be watching from the windows- she made as if it pass through one of the gates leading into other parts of the fortress. At the last minute, she ducked behind the low wall, as Lightning had done, and crept along until she reached the corner. There she got the shock of her life. Rarity and Applejack's faces appeared from the other side of the wall so suddenly that they almost bumped noses. She stifled a scream.~
"Hush," urged Rarity and squeezed her hand. "You made it. Come on, this way." Renesmee hesitated. "Whatever's the matter, darling?" asked Rarity.
"I don't know," Renesmee replied. "I don't know what to do." She tried to explain as quickly as possible what had happened to her.
"Listen, sugarcube," Applejack said when she had finished. "This all too much for us too. All I know is that this goblin, Ingeus or whatever he calls himself, is evil! If he gets his hands on your Sodal Marble, somethin' terrible will happen. Ya mustn't let him have it. Ya gotta come with us, Renesmee."
"I suppose so," Renesmee replied. "But what's the point? I don't know who I am any longer. I feel I want to give up."
"But that's just what he's trying to make you feel," Sunset insisted as she appeared from nowhere. "Now, we need to go, before someone catches us."
~With great reluctance, Renesmee followed Rarity, Applejack and Sunset around the wall downstairs into the kitchens. There, they were met by the others.~
"Quick, in here!" Without any ceremony, Lightning shoved Renesmee into the potato store room and pulled the trapdoor open. "Down you go. It's alright. It's quite safe."
~She hesitated a moment before obeying. Lightning followed and closed the door. They were only just in time, as a Zard came past and demanded from Rarity where she had been.~
"We can't find our friend, Lightning, anywhere," she said truthfully.
The guard uttered a curse. "That little troublemaker has run off again. Just wait till I get my claws on her." He called to the other guard who was on kitchen duty. "Hey, Gurk, the brat's on the run again. Come on, we'd better catch 'er before 'is Eminence finds out." He turned to the other girls. "And don't you try anything funny while we're gone."
~The seven Rainbooms nodded innocently, but as soon as the Zards had left they began to rush about the kitchen. Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Twilight spread old sacks everywhere and scattered firewood while Rainbow Dash and Applejack heaved a large barrel of cooking oil on to its side so that it ran all over the wooden floor. They ladled more oil onto the table and splashed over the walls.~
"This had better work," muttered Rainbow. "You ready, guys?"
~They nodded and ran to the door. Pinkie Pie took a stick from the woodpile. She thrust it into the cooking grate until it was well alight. Then she touched a piece of oil-soaked sacking with the flame. For an instant, nothing happened. Then the oil caught. They watched for a few seconds as the flames spread, then darted next door into the potato room. Applejack wrenched open the trapdoor and Sunset held it at an angle while she manoeuvred a sack of potatoes across the lid so that it would be hidden once it was closed. Then they all slipped down to join Lightning and Renesmee. Above them, flames ran across the floor and licked up the walls. Within minutes the kitchen was a roaring beams crackled and sparks flew. Tongues of fire began to spread into the passageway and the door frame of the potato room caught light. Down in the cellar smoke started to curl through the cracks between the floorboards and the girls could hear a sullen roar as the fire grew in its intensity.~
"Oh dear, what have we done?" wailed Fluttershy.
~The first inkling the guards had of the fire was a cloud of thick balck smoke billowing from the staircase that led to the courtyard. They immediately raised the alarm and other Zards came running from all parts of the fortress. Ingeus himself, accompanied by Crow, hurried to find out the cause of the commotion. As soon as he realized what was happening he braked a series of orders to his guards. His mind leapt to the obvious conclusion. The girls had started the fire as a distraction in order to make their escape. He was consumed with a cold fury that this should happen just as the Sodal Marble was within his grasp.~
"They won't get far," he snarled. "Ulris will see to that. Then they will pay dearly for their folly."
~He called out the wolf pack. A panting mass of fierce grey creatures arrived almost instantly, their open jaws slavering and their eyes hard and yellow as they listened to Ingeus' rapid explanation. With a moment's hesitation, the wolves- led by Ulris- raced through the fortress gates to hunt for the scent. Meanwhile, the guards were doing the best they could to contain the fire. There was very little water available in the fortress so they used axes to hack away all the wood surrounding the exits to the kitchens in the hope of preventing the fire from spreading. It was difficult work, because the heat was intense and the smoke suffocating. An almighty crash signalled the collapse of the roof. A fiery fountain of sparks cascaded over the toiling Zards and threatened to set fire to the adjoining rooms. They had to use what water was available to douse the floors. This may have saved the girls' lives, for some of the water flooded across the floor of the potato store and prevented it from catching fire. Grim-faced, Ingeus watched the blaze from the courtyard above. He would show no mercy to those girls when Ulris caught them. The leader came panting back to his master.~
"There is no scent or trail, your Eminence." he growled. "I do not believe they have left the castle."
"Then they are hiding somewhere," Ingeus answered. "Search the grounds and every room."
~He himself went down the stairs to the corridor that led to the remains of the kitchens. The two guards who had been on kitchen duty were still fighting the blaze, though it was now burning less fiercely. He demanded to know what had happened. In the darkness of their cellar the girls listened with bated breath as the guards recounted the events leading up to the fire.~
"They have tried to thwart my plans. Well, they shall not escape. I shall burn them alive when they are caught." growled the goblin.
"Maybe they've all perished in the fire, sir," ventured Gurk.
The goblin spoke with an icy rasp. "If they have, then you shall undergo the same fate," The Zard shuddered, as Ingeus continued. "But I don't believe they have died. The wolves and guards are searching every room. They will soon be found. As for you, I will decide your punishment when they are caught."
~The Rainbooms and the princess heard the sound of the soldiers' rapidly retreating footsteps, followed by the slow thread of Ingeus.~
"I reckon it's now or never," whispered Lightning as soon as all was quiet.
"What about the wolves?" asked Fluttershy.
"You heard what he said," Rainbow answered. "They're searching the castle. This is probably the only chance we're going to get. We'd better take it."
"Right, then, give me a moment to open the trapdoor," said Applejack.
~She groped around until she found the sack of potatoes they had positioned underneath the trapdoor. Balancing herself on it precariously, she pushed up at the flap.~
"It won't budge," she gasped. "It's stuck or something."
"Here, let me help," Sunset volunteered. She joined her friend on the sack but she was not tall enough to reach. Nor, for that matter, was the rest.
"Oh dear, what are we going to do?" Fluttershy cried.
"Renesmee, you're nearly as tall as Applejack. You'd better give her a hand." said Rainbow.
The princess sat huddled in a corner, shivering. She did not answer. "Renesmee, where are you?" Lightning demanded.
"Over here," she stuttered.
"What's the matter?" Lightning asked, impatiently.
"I'm scared."
"Well, come on, pull yourself together and help us get this open."
~Lightning reached for Renesmee's hand in the dark and pulled her across to Applejack. Somehow, between them they managed to get her onto the potato sack and Fluttershy and Rarity did their best to hold them both steady.~
"Now, push!" gasped Lightning. "Come on, push hard!"
~The trapdoor began to open with their combined efforts and the nine of them were immediately sprayed with a dirty mixture of ash and water.~
"Ugh!" cried Rarity. "I've just got a faceful."
"Well, y'all have to put up with it for the moment," said Applejack. "Now, I'll try to hold this open while ya climb out, Renesmee. Alright?"
~She pressed up with all her might as she released her hold and tried to climb through the gap. She scrabbled for a grip while Applejack gritted her teeth, bearing the weight of the lid and, of course, the potato sack that still rested on top of it. She did not activate her super strength. Her back and arms were in agony, and beads of sweat stood out on her forehead. She couldn't last much longer, but Renesmee just didn't have the strength to haul herself out.~
"I can't do it," she gasped in fright. "I'm slipping."
"Put your feet on my shoulders," ordered Lightning. "Go on. I'll hold you."
~It worked, and somehow she managed to squeeze out. She was barely in time, for Applejack's strength failed and she collapsed on top of Fluttershy and Rarity. Up above, Renesmee heaved the sack off the trapdoor and soon had it open. Moments later, all nine stood in the smoke-blackened room. They were absolutely filthy because of the water and ashes.~
"Well done, Renesmee," said Applejack. "We'd never have got out without you."
She gave her a weak smile through her smudged face. "You'd never have been here in the first place if it wasn't for me." she said, ruefully.
"Never mind all that," Sunset interrupted. "We'd better get a move on. Everyone got a sack? Let's get out of here."
~The nine crept steadily along the corridor. They hardly dared breathe and expected to be seized at any moment. Up the short stairs they were able to spy out the land. The courtyard was empty and the side entrance through which they had lugged provisions was unguarded. Though only a few metres away, the open space between them and the gate seemed terribly exposed as they prepared to make a dash for it.~
"You go first, Lightning, then Sunset," ordered Twilight. "You after that, Fluttershy; Applejack, Rarity, protect Renesmee, and Rainbow, Pinkie and I'll come last."
~One by one, with a quick glance to the right and left, they darted across to the shelter of the archway.~
"So far, so good," Lightning panted.
"Now, let's make for the coast as fast as we can. We'll have to go through the forest. No use going down the track. Let's just hope we don't meet any wolves." said Twilight.
~They began to descend the steep hillside and were soon deep in the undergrowth. Once under the cover of the trees they felt much safer and before long were scampering from tree to tree with ever-increasing confidence.~
"That was a great plan, Twilight," yelled Rainbow Dash. "Did you see the mess that fire made? Wonder the whole castle didn't burn down."
"I wish it had." Lightning called back.
"Any idea how we're going to get off the island?"
"No, not yet. I just hope we can find a boat somewhere."
"Did y'all think we actually got away with it?" puffed Applejack.
"It seems too good to be true." added Sunset.
"Yeah!" cried Rainbow. "They'll still be searching all over the castle. It'll take them ages yet. In the end they'll probably think we've been burnt alive."
~But she had reckoned without Ulris. The cunning wolf was not leader of the pack for nothing. He was intelligent and quick-witted as well as a ferocious fighter. Leaving the others to search the fortress, he padded back to the remains of the kitchen-and there he found what he was looking for. Footprints in the wet ashes. It took him only moments to work out how the girls had foiled everyone. With a snarl, he bounded up the stairs and leapt into the courtyard where he raised a blood curdling howl of alarm. Wolves came leaping down corridors and through doors in answer to his call. Ingeus leaned from a window.~
"What is it, Ulris?" he demanded.
"They have fooled us, Eminence. They were hidden in the cellar and have fled while we looked elsewhere."
"Then after them!" cried Ingeus. "But bring them back alive. I wish to supervise their deaths personally. Away now!"
~The wolf pack tore through the gates at his command and were soon hot on the trail. Far below, the girls heard Ulris' alarm.~
"They've found out," cried Lightning.
"We have to keep moving!" urged Sunset grimly.
Renesmee looked a picture of despair. Fear paralysed her legs and she sank to the ground. "I can't go on," she gasped.
"What? No! Don't be ridiculous!" Lightning screamed. "Come on!"
~She grabbed Renesmee's hand and yanked her to her feet so hard that she had no choice but to stumble down the hillside.~
"Faster!" cried Rainbow. "I can hear them."
~The howls of the wolves smeed to fill the air and terror lent wings to the girls' feet. They fairly flew down the hillside. All at once, they broke from the trees into a board clearing, and the ground fell away sharply before the, into a steep ravine. By now, they were running so fast that it was impossible to stop and one by one they slithered and rolled to the bottom of the gorge. Fortunately, it wasn't too deep and, unharmed, they scrambled to their feet and ran blindly on, headless of their direction. It took them a few moments for them to discover that they were trapped. Straight ahead was a blank, grey cliff wall. They came to a standstill and looked wildly about them. On all sides the gully rose steeply. There was no way out.~
"Now what do we do?" cried Renesmee in dismay.
~Before anyone could answer there was a crashing in the trees above them and the fearsome grey form of Ulris appeared on the lip of the cliff. His yellow eyes glinted as he sighted the girls and his jaws drooled with anticipation. He motioned with his head and the pack spread out. They began to wind their way down the ravine towards where the girls stood cowering in defeat.~
"I told you to leave me behind," Renesmee sobbed. "I didn't want to come with you in the first place. Now look what happened."
"Oh, stop talking like that," Lightning scolded. "We're all in this together, whether you like it or not."
~Huddled together, they watched as the hungry-looking wolves drew even closer. There was nowhere to go. Twilight Sparkle glanced back at the cliff in desperation, and then did a double-take. To her amazement, faintly etched on the rocky face was the outline of a dove.~
"Hey, what's this outline on the rocks?" she cried. The others turned.
Fluttershy gasped. "Of course!" she exclaimed, "I have the turtle dove's tail feathers! He told me they would help me when I needed them! I know what to do!"
~She reached into her jerkin as she ran to the cliff wall. Bemused, the Rainbooms and Renesmee watched as she drew out a long feather and with it swiftly traced the outline of a door on the rock. A moment later, the image of the dove vanished but a faint blue line remained shimmering on the cliff where Fluttershy had drawn.~
"It's a door of some kind!" exclaimed Rainbow as she ran towards it. However, she could see no way of opening it.
"We need Merrdom's magic." Rarity replied. "If only we had the mirror or something."
"We have something," cried Lightning with a flash of inspiration. "Or near enough. What about your Sodal Marble, Renesmee?"
"Oh, that," she sniffed. "All that's done is cause trouble. It won't do any good."
"Get it out, anyway," Applejack urged.
"Well. alright."
~Renesmee reached into her blouse and drew out the jewel. By now, the wolves were little more than a hundred metres away and were advancing on their prey at a steady lope.~
Rainbow was urgent. "Point it at the outline," she said.
Princess Renesmee reluctantly did so, but nothing happened. Lightning was beside herself with exasperation. "Oh, for goodness sake, Renesmee, believe in it, just for a moment."
~They concentrated hard and whether it was the threat of the wolves or something more, Renesmee did manage to believe that the Sodal Marble might have power. At once, a fiery blue beam blazed out from the jewel and struck the faint outline of the door. It sparkled to life with an electric blue flame and before their wondering gaze a stone door swung open. There before them lay a tunnel lit at the far end by a pale ghostly glow.~
"Quick!" cried Lightning. "It worked! Run!"
~Ulris, who was at the head of the wolves and only fifty metres away, saw what had happened. With a snarl of fury, he leapt forwards. The girls sprinted along the tunnel as swiftly as their legs could carry them, but the wolves were gaining. Faster and faster they ran. The howling and panting of their pursuers echoed off the passage walls and they seemed almost at the girls' heels. Hopes that the magic door would keep the wolves out were dashed. The plaelight ahead grew closer and Lightning wondered if it was simply daylight at the other end- in which case all would be lost. But it proved to be more daunting still, for the tunnel came to an abrupt dead end. To their amazement, they saw that the light came from a rapidly whirling pool of water fed by a small waterfall gushing from the roof. There was no way forwards and the wolves were almost upon them.~
"We must have to jump in the pool," gasped Sunset.
"It's no good," screamed Renesmee. "We're trapped!"
"Get in!" snapped Lightning. "It's got to be right. Come on, it's our only hope."
"Hold your breath!" called Pinkie, and with that she jumped without thinking any further. "Wheeeee…!"
~Lightning gave Renesmee a shove and she fell with a cry into the glowing whirlpool, to be instantly swallowed up. The other Rainbooms looked at each other for courage, then plunged in together. Lightning turned to find herself face to face with Ulris.~
"There is no escape for you, girl!"
~Ulris bared his fangs and advanced on Lightning while the other wolves fanned out, which left the girl with nowhere to go. There was only one thing for it. In sheer desperation, Lightning threw herself into a back-flip and plunged into the whirlpool. The water sucked her down at a dizzying speed. She tried opening her eyes for a moment but was dazzled by a kaleidoscope of rushing colours. Her head span in the confusion light and after that she simply lost consciousness. Meanwhile, up above, a defeated Ulris growled with rage and watched as the light went out in the pool. Neither he nor any in his cruel pack dared venture into the swirling black waters that remained.~
~Lightning stirred slightly and smiled to herself. She gave a contended grunt and snuggled into a more comfortable position on the soft surface. She felt warm and relaxed and half-dreamed she was adrift on a sunlit sea. It was Rarity's shout that made her open her eyes. She gave a small start of surprise, for she found herself lying on sand. Jerking upright, she looked about her to find she was on a gently shelving beach and small waves were lapping at the shore. The sound of splashing water behind made her turn to see a stream pouring from the rocky cliff and soaking away into the sand. Not far away lay the other Rainbooms and Renesmee. Rarity was already sitting up.~
"Lightning, what happened to us? Where are we?"
"Haven't a clue." she replied.
"Last thing I remember was being sucked down that whirlpool." Twilight groaned.
"Me too." Rarity staggered to her feet and stumbled across to them. "Are the other girls alright?"
"I'm fine!" Pinkie Pie said as she sprung to her feet. She gave her neighbours a shake. "Sunset Shimmer? Fluttershy?"
"I'm awake. I'm up." Sunset groaned in response.
"Mmm…" Fluttershy smiled and stretched. "I feel so relaxed! Are we in heaven or something?"
"Umm, I hope not. I mean- I don't think so," Lightning replied. "We're on a beach somewhere. I think we somehow got washed down to the shore," she explained, and showed them all the stream.
"Well, thank goodness for the feathers." said Fluttershy.
"You never told us about that feather," said Rarity, looking intently at the shy girl. "Wherever did you get such a precious, magical item, darling?"
Before Fluttershy could explain, Renesmee, Rainbow Dash and Applejack sat bolt upright. "W-where are we? Where are the wolves?" Renesmee asked with alarm.
The Rainbooms laughed. "It's alright, Renesmee," Sunset reassured her as gently as she could. "We're safe now. At least, for the moment."
~They studied their surroundings. The food sacks had been washed down with them and by some miracle the food was dry. In fact, even their clothes showed no signs of having been drenched. As far as anyone could see they were still on the island, for the mainland was recognisable across the straits. None of them had any idea how long they had slept, but their stomachs told them lunch was overdue. So, before exploring further they drank from the stream and ate some food. Suddenly, they heard voices.~
"You know, this is all very nice," said one familiar voice. "but we must look around this island. This is the only place we haven't looked."
"I agree," replied another voice. "For all we know Renesmee could be here and in so much danger."
"Then what are we waiting for?" The third and final voice exclaimed in alarm. "Let's go and find her. I hope she's here."
It was then that Lightning spotted three figures to her left and gasped. "Joskye? Swift? Argie?" she called their names.
Joskye White turned around to face the voice. He froze. "Lightning?" he cried.
"Oh. My. Gosh!"
~Joskye ran forward as Lightning, with her hair flying all over the place, tumbled over to him. They threw their arms around each other and for a few moments they just hugged and squeezed one another for all they were worth. None of them were able to find words to express their relief at being together again. The silence didn't last long and soon they were swapping stories eagerly and asking all the who, what, when, where and how questions they could think of.~
"Lightning! Applejack! Fluttershy! Rarity!" Swift White squealed breathlessly. "It's so good to see you all again!"
"You too!" said Fluttershy with a smile.
"It's been awhile, hasn't it?" Applejack said.
"Wait, what are you doing here?" asked Twilight.
"Dalton sent us," Joskye explained. "He needs help finding his sister Renesmee. She's gone missing, you see."
"You mean this Renesmee?" Pinkie said with a smug, wrapping her arm around the princess.
"You're Renesmee? Oh, that's brilliant!" Swift smiled. "I'm Swift," she then introduced, "And these are my brothers, Joskye and Argie. We are good friends with your older brother, Dalton."
"He has told us a lot about you." Argie White spoke up. "He went out with the sprites to look for you up north."
"You mean, he's looking for me?" the princess asked.
"Of course."
"But, since we've now found you, he will be relieved." Joskye said. He turned to Lightning. "Were you sent here as well then?"
"Yeah." she said. "We haven't seen anybody else though. We just showed up here unannounced and we came across some- It's a long story, we'll explain it all to you later, right now, we have to get off this island. Somehow I don't think Ingeus will have given up the search."
"I agree," Twilight nodded. "For all we know they might be combing this island as we speak. They may even know about this stream."
"Then let's find a boat." exclaimed Pinkie.
~The teeangers cautiously trotted down to the seashore in order to obtain a better view, but this part of the island looked completely deserted. The sand stretched monotonously in both directions until it curved away out of sight. Behind them, above the low cliffs, the forest rose dark and forbidding towards the summit. Somewhere just out of sight must be Ingeus' fortress. The sky was clear, blue and empty. There seemed no hope to escape.~
Argie then spotted something. "Hey, look! Out there!" He pointed across the sea.
~For a moment nobody could see what he was indicating. Then they spied the graceful grey and pink creatures leaping through the waves.~
"They're mermaids!" exclaimed Rarity.
"And dolphins! Look! There's a dozen of them!" Swift added.
"They're coming this way!" yelled Argie with excitement.
~And to their wonder, the beautiful creatures drew right into the shallows. One of mermen, by far the largest, rose out of the water on his tail, as mermaids do, and waved his flippers. The teens laughed. Then he spoke. The voice was unlike anything they had ever heard. They might have expected to hear a high-pitched squeak but instead it was deep and strangely musical and reminded the Rainbooms afterwards of a cello.~
"We have heard your song." he said, or rather he seemed to hum.
"Song? What song?" Sunset called, puzzled.
"Why, the music of the singing marble. Sweet it was, as the sound of the shimmering sea beneath a thousand stars. Haunting were its melodies, as moonbeams caressing a coral strand on a soft summer's night. How could we resist such rapturous harmony? We come to serve its call."
"What is he talking about?" Rainbow whispered to Twilight.
"I'm not sure. Maybe it's Renesmee's jewel." she replied.
As if an answer to the question, the merman spoke again. "Which favoured one bears the marble?"
"Go on, Renesmee," Argie urged. "It must be you."
She stepped forward and spoke with some hesitation. "I am Renesmee. I have the marble." she said.
The merman flipped beneath the waves and re-emerged with his companions only to repeat the action in a series of splendid dives. "Our delight is boundless." he sang, "What service may we bring?"
Renesmee turned to the girls for support. Fluttershy quickly stepped forward. "Um, We need to cross the sea to the mainland," she explained. "but we have no way of getting there. If you could help us in some way we would be grateful."
The mermaids and dolphins leapt together in a glistening fan of sleek bodies, and when they surfaced, the largest one answered Fluttershy. "Our dolphins shall carry you to the shore you seek. Come, sit upon their backs. And I, fair marble-bearer, would have your ride with me, if such privilege I may enjoy."
~The teens waded out into the shallows and soon found themselves astride the backs of these magnificent sea-creatures. The journey was enthralling. The dolphins carved effortlessly through the waves, at times leaping in graceful arcs and weaving between one another in criss crossing paths like playful speedboats. The teenagers, soaked to the skin and covered in sea spray, would not have missed the experience for anything. They laughed and screamed with delight at the dolphins' breathtaking antics.~
"The sea is at one at meeeeee!" Pinkie screamed over the crashing waves.
~Throughout the journey each of the mermaids hummed a continuous note which not only seemed just right for the girl he carried but was also in perfect harmony with that of his companions. The music made the teens feel very safe. The approaching shore proved to be a rugged coastline rising at once to high mountains. There was no sign of habitation and before long they came to the shallow waters of a small pebbly bay where they slowed to a halt. The teen slipped from the dolphins' back and thanked them. The leader of the school looked at them with friendly eyes.~
"Farewell, good speed, my friends. Let her music keep your hearts from fear. Maybe someday we shall meet again."
~With that the dolphins and mermaids were off. The teens waded to shore and waved wistful goodbyes as their friends cavorted northwards.~
"You know, that really is some jewel." Joskye said to Renesmee.
~She gave him a weak smile and nodded thoughtfully. The sun was still high, so the first thing they did was to let their clothes dry in its heat. Most of their food was ruined except some fruit and cheese, but nobody was too worried. To be free from the island and Ingeus was sufficient. They lay back, content to do nothing except chat about the mermaids and dolphins and what it felt like riding them. Suddenly, Renesmee sat up, her face turning pale.~
"What's up, Renesmee?" Lightning asked.
She pointed to the sky at a black speck in the distance. "I have a feeling that's Crow." she muttered.
"Then this isn't a place for us to hang about," Joskye decided. "Let's be on our way. Now!"
~Late that afternoon, Dalton and the sprites reached the wood, at which Grumble insisted they change their direction.~
"We must turn south-east straight away," Grumble said, "That is where we may find both the princess and the goblin."
"This is becoming a wild goose chase," Dalton protested wearily. "We shall be retracing almost half our journey. We still haven't found her."
"I am sorry," said Grumble with a shrug. "But our quarry will be nearer in this direction-and we have plenty of time. They cannot land before tomorrow morning."
"What about the Whites?" Dalton objected. "We still haven't heard from them."
Grumble again shrugged his shoulders. "What's more important to you?" he asked.
"That isn't a question I can easily answer," Dalton acknowledged. "I guess Joskye would say I must stick to the quest to find Renesmee. He would be right, of course, but I still don't like it."
"I believe we have lost track of the Whites in any case," Grumble lied. "They could be anywhere. But at least we now have a clue where your sister is."
~Reluctantly, Dalton agreed and they turned towards the south-east, but he couldn't help feeling that he was leaving his friends.~
~Joskye looked around him and sized up the land. This was mountain country, and all around, great cliffs rose sheer from the sea before disappearing from sight into the misty uplands. The beach marked the bottom of a steep sided ravine where a stream had slashed its wild way down the mountainside, cutting through the shattered rock and tumbling over the mossy stones. The only way through the mountains was to climb the ravine by following the rugged course of the brook.~
"At least we won't be short of water," Argie said cheerfully as they scrunched up the beach towards the lower slopes of the ascent.
~Joskye didn't reply. He looked serious. A little bit of mountain walking had taught him how dangerous it is to lead an unequipped party even in familiar territory, let alone across unknown terrain without a map or compass. He was not even sure if this was the right way, it was just the only way. He tried not to let his feelings show.~
"Come on," he shouted. "Let's keep together and get a move on. It's late afternoon already and we've a long way to go."
~Lightning nodded aside him. A chorus of groans answered him but they did as he said. At first, the journey was quite easy. They were able to tramp up the ravine at a steady pace, accompanied by the cheerful chatter of the stream which wound among the boulders. However, their path began to rise and it wasn't long before everyone was puffing and blowing. The grass gave way to shattered rock and often they were having to use their hands to clamber over the larger boulders. In spite of this, they managed to keep going for about an hour before Lightning called a proper halt.~
"I'm totally exhausted," exclaimed Swift. "I thought you were never going to stop."
"Well, he wanted us to get a good start," Lightning explained.
Joskye nodded. "We won't be able to go so fast from now on. You all alright, girls?"
The Rainbooms' bright red faces smiled back cheerfully. They were fine. Applejack gave a thumbs up. "I'm good. What about you, Renesmee?"
~She smiled a brief acknowledgement but did not look at all happy. The other gave one another knowing glances.~
"Well now, let's have a five minutes' break," Rarity said.
~Lightning shaded her eyes against the sun and stared into the distance. The sea was misty blue and the horizon lost in haze but she could still make out the island, and what Ingeus' fortress on top. As she squinted to see more detail, a movement caught her eye. From around the northern tip of the island a dark shape was emerging. She kept silent and watched. Then it dawned on her. King's Wolf had set sail and was heading in their direction!~
"On your feet, everybody," she said quickly. "They're after us."
~The others followed her gaze and needed no further encouragement to be on their way.~
"I bet that's Crow's doing," said Argie in disgust.
~In spite of feeling a bit stiff after their rest, the desire to increase the distance between themselves and their pursuers urged the teens on. However, the mountain was slowing them down. It was growing very steep and they were having to clamber on all fours most of the time. Lightning hoped they would not reach a point where ropes would be necessary. Their only hope lay in sticking by the brook. Applejack glanced across at Renesmee. She looked very glum and she realised that something was up. It was as they reached a difficult part that the crisis broke. Applejack had just helped Rarity, Fluttershy and Swift over a slippery slab of rock and was waiting as the princess attempted it. Her foot slipped and she stumbled.~
"It's no good." she cried in exasperation. "I can't go on. I want to go back."
The teens were dumbfounded. "You what?" said Rainbow when she found her voice. She couldn't believe her ears.
"I want to go back, did you hear?" she shouted at them.
"But they'll kill you!" Rainbow protested.
"Not while I have the Sodal Marble."
"Ingeus will just take it from you." cried Rarity.
"Don't be stupid! He wants me to share it with him," she responded. Her voice sounded strange as though she were not quite herself.
"Don't you realise it's all a trick?" Lightning asked.
"I shall be a great princess," she exclaimed. Her face grew haughty. "I shall have all I desire if I return."
"But, you're already a princess," Sunset insisted.
Renesmee sat down and tears came to her eyes. "But that's the whole point: I'm not! Don't you see? I have nothing to return to. I'm an orphan. I was adopted. If I go with you, I shall only be pretending to be a princess. If I return to Ingeus at least it will be my choice."
"Surely being adopted by a royal family makes you a real princess?" Joskye persisted.
By now Princess Renesmee was going hysterical. "Oh, stop going on!" she screamed. "You don't understand. I hate being adopted. I hate this mountain. I hate everybody! Now get out of my way. I'm going down."
~She rose trembling to her feet and made to go, but Applejack restrained her. She knew that one of the most important things on mountains was not to lose your nerve. She had to take charge. For a long tense moment, the princess and the cowgirl stared at each other. It was a battle of wills. Then suddenly, Renesmee relaxed ad collapsed into a tearful heap.~
"Oh, I'm sorry," she sobbed. "But...it's these voices in my head. They keep saying things to me. I've heard them all the way up, since we left the beach, and I can't stand it anymore."
"I figured somethin' was wrong." said Applejack.
"Why didn't you say so earlier?" Rainbow Dash asked the princess.
"I don't know," she wailed. "I don't know anything anymore. Why don't you go on and leave me behind? You'll be alright. It's me they want."
"Okay, let's not do this again." Lightning said in a matter-of-fact voice. "Nobody is going back. We're all here to rescue you and so that's what we are going to do. So, come on." Reluctantly, Renesmee got to her feet. "Right, now try that rock again."
~To her surprise the princess managed quite easily this time. She was beginning to respect Lightning. To cheer her up, Pinkie Pie sang her version of 'Ten green bottles' which was, 'Ten green goblins standing on a ball.' She laughed and felt better as they continued on.~
~Ingeus' fury knew no bounds when he discovered the girls' escape through the whirlpool. He roared and raged at the top of his voice, sending Zards and wolves scurrying all over the island to track the girls down, with promises of vast rewards to whoever caught them. Greed for the Sodal Marble consumed him. It had been so nearly within his grasp and now the desire for it burned like a fever within his body. He would do anything, pay any price, to obtain it. A kind of madness took hold of him, and he muttered as he paced up and down the corridors of his fortress.~
"I must have it! I will have it! No one will stop me. It's mine! All mine! I will have it!...I will have it…"
~When Crow came winging back with the news that the girls had escaped to the mainland he made up his mind to follow at once. Gathering all the guards and the whole wolf packs, he boarded the pirate ship and ordered the captain to make for the cove. The pirates, who lived in fear of Ingeus and his forces, did everything they could to speed the ship on its way. There was no knowing what he might do. By sunrise, King's Wolf was anchored just offshore, where the land ran down to a beach. The crew set about landing the provisions and horses and weapons that they had hurried loaded onto the ship.~
"D'yer want us to wait 'ere, yer Eminence?" asked Captain Sirt.
"No," snarled Ingeus, "You are all coming with me. I want every man and beast you have to join the search. The children must be recaptured at all costs. Do you understand?"
"Aye, aye, sir," the captain replied. "But the men won't like it one bit."
Ingeus glared at him. "Tell them, Captain, that I will deal personally with any who complain. And remind them that I reward loyal servants well."
~So, a large party of Zards and pirates, some on horseback along with Ingeus, began to head northwards to meet the wolves. If the girls should escape Ulris, Ingeus reasoned, they would certainly not escape him.~
"I wish I knew where we were going." Joskye muttered.
~The group had reached the lowlands. Ahead of them stretched a landscape of open woodland and grassy moors. They knew which way was east from the position of the sun, but that was about all.~
"Do you know where we are, Renesmee?" Pinkie asked.
She shook her head. "Not really. My home city must be north across the mountains. And somewhere this side must be the Great Forest…"
"The Great Forest! Then that's where we should be heading." Swift cried.
"Aw yeah. Dalton might be there, and he's bound to help us." added Lightning.
~Princess Renesmee looked dubious. She felt uncomfortable every time she thought about her stepbrother. She knew how much trouble she had caused, and didn't like to think about what he would say when they met.~
Applejack seemed to read Renesmee's thoughts. "Hm, I know how ya feel, Renesmee, but I'm completely certain it'll be alright."
Swift nodded. "Of course. He's so...well...I'm sure he won't be cross with you. Anyway, I've had enough of crossing mountains for the moment."
~The others agreed that they must aim for the Great Forest, though nobody really knew what direction to take. Just then, they heard a strange noise coming from behind some bushes. It sounded something like, 'Nurghh! Phew!' They stopped and listened to this odd grunting, which was repeated several times over. Very cautiously, all twelve crept closer and peered through the undergrowth. The most unexpected sight met their eyes. A plump, brown haired, bearded dwarf was busily heaving something out of the ground. For a moment they wondered what on earth he was up to. Then suddenly, the dwarf fell over on his back, clutching a large sparkling gem. Staggering to his feet, he held up his prize admiringly. To Swift's surprise, the dwarf was wearing a big red spotted hat, sheepskin jerkin and leather breeches. She nudged Fluttershy who couldn't help giggling. The dwarf darted his eyes at the sound and they thought he would bolt. Instead, he scratched his head and waddled in their direction. Lightning and Joskye were immediately on their guard, but they had no need to worry.~
"Oh, I say!" exclaimed the dwarf, "There you are!" He rounded the bushes to where the teens crouched. "I wondered where I might find you. Ruffles' the name. Jolly pleased to meet you." He held out a hand.
Lightning shook it awkwardly, muttering. "Pleased to meet you, too?"
"Who are you?" Princess Renesmee demanded.
"I told you. I'm Ruffles." the dwarf said, twiddling his hat. "I say, this is jolly exciting, isn't it! Terrific fun! I've been sent to find you and lead you to Tad. Well, volunteered, really. Felt they needed someone, thought I'd have a go."
"You weren't doing much looking just then, were you?" said Argie, accusingly, thinking this dwarf was a stupid as his name.
"Riches!" Ruffles declared. "You know, the most beautiful gems are located under this part of the world. Best I've seen since...Oh, I don't know when."
"We...might have missed you altogether," said Sunset, irritably. "Then what?"
"But you didn't," the dwarf replied with an airy wave of his hand. "Now, how about breakfast? I, for one, am very hungry. Vegetable soup anyone?"
"He's nuts!" whispered Rainbow.
Fluttershy rolled her eyes in agreement. "He's a bit misunderstanding. But cute." she said, smiling at him.
~Still, they were hungry, and soup was better than nothing. They joined Ruffles in devouring the cups he had with him. Fluttershy had a fit of giggles as she listened to all the slurping sounds.~
Lightning stared at the ridiculous dwarf. "Are you sure it was Tad who sent you?" she queried. The dwarf seemed the most unlikely guide imaginable.
"Oh, yes," munched the dwarf. "Well, more of less. Though to be frightfully honest, I haven't done this sort of thing before, mate. Like I say, I volunteered. Love travelling. Seeing the sights and all that…" Suddenly, he clutched his hands to his head. "Oh, dash it all!" he gasped. "Hope they realise I've gone! Forgot to tell anyone!"
"You're bluffin'!" Applejack exclaimed.
"You mean no-one knows where you are?" Rarity gasped.
"Well, I know where I am, And I know where the Great Forest is." the dwarf retorted.
"Well, how far is it to the Great Forest?" Argie demanded.
"How bright is a brilliant diamond?" Ruffles returned. "It depends whether we stick to the main path or take the scenic route. I rather fancy taking the scenic one myself."
"You do realise we're being followed, don't you?" said Princess Renesmee.
He raised a reassuring hand. "Don't worry your pretty little head, Princess. Too much worry is bad for the digestion. You'll be quite safe with me. Have another cup."
~The princess just glared at the dwarf and she said nothing. Ruffles did not inspire confidence in any of them, and they really did wonder whether he was capable of leading them to Tad and Dalton. However, they didn't seem to have any choice but to follow when the dwarf set off. They soon discovered the reason for his name. The dwarf had the most enormous flat shoes that made a ruffling sound in the grass as he waddled along with his behind bobbing from side to side. Once again, the teens found it difficult not to laugh. They followed a path of sorts, but every so often Ruffles would stop dead and then run on ahead without a word of explanation. Thinking that he had spotted danger the boys and girls kept diving for cover in the undergrowth. But each time, to their annoyance, he came back with either a ruby or an emerald or another diamond. If that wasn't the reason, it was, as he explained to them, because he had seen something 'interesting.' Rarity was the only one that wasn't too annoyed with the dwarf, however. In fact, she was pretty amazed and impressed that he could find all these gems ever so quickly and easily.~
"This is getting ridiculous." Lightning declared. On this occasion they had left the obvious route and were stumbling through brambles and tussocks of long grass. "Hey, Ruffles, can't we keep to the path?
"What's that?" cried the dwarf. "This is much more fun. Don't like paths much. Where's your sense of adventure?"
"I think I've had enough adventure for the moment," Rarity muttered as she unhooked herself from yet another bramble.
~The next instant, they heard an 'Ooh! Ouch! Ah!' and Ruffles vanished from their sight. They looked around in vain until a groan told them where he was. All twelve stumbled across to find the dwarf lying on the ground with his hands waving in the air.~
"Ah, there you are!" he gasped. "Help me up, will you?"
"Are you alright?" Fluttershy asked, gently lifting him to his feet.
"Yeah, What happened?" Pinkie Pie shrugged.
"Oh yes, silly me. I tripped over a dwarf hole." he replied.
"How on earth can a dwarf trip over a dwarf hole?" Swift exclaimed.
"Oh, I do it all the time," he explained. "Someone always leaves them in the wrong place." He shouted down the hole. "Anyone at home? No? Oh, well, thought not."
"That will teach you to keep to the path." Princess Renesmee scolded.
~But, of course, it didn't, and they spent the whole day like this, stopping every so often to explore yet more of the gems that Ruffles found, or to pick him up from yet another fall. If they were not doing that, it was pulling him out of the mud or trying to find the path after he had lost it. On one occasion, they found him stuck upside down in a hole with only his hind legs waving in the air because he had overbalanced and fallen in head first while shouting 'Hello'. They nearly split their sides laughing before they pulled him out. As evening drew on they began to tire.~
"Whew! Can we stop soon?" Joskye asked.
"Not yet." Ruffles replied. "Not here."
"Why not?"
"No gems." the dwarf stated.
"Blow gems," Argie retorted. "My legs ache. I want to rest."
The dwarf came to a halt. "Tell you what, I know a shortcut to gems from here."
"Oh, no, not again!" the teens chorused.
"What do you mean, 'gems'?" Twilight asked.
"Diamonds, of course. It's no use waking up without a diamond, is it? Anyway, I like sleeping in a diamond bed."
The others groaned "You and your obsession!" exclaimed Argie.
~However, in spite of their tiredness and misgiving, the teens agreed to take the shortcut to where the gems are buried. It was one of the worst decisions they could have made. Especially as Crow spied their path from high above. Later that evening, not so very far to the south-west, Ingeus and Ulris met and made camp in a stone hollow. The news from Crow was received with great interest.~
~All night long, Ulris sat in that hideous hollow, the same hollow in which the wraiths dwelt. Never once did the wolf move, yet his bright yellow eyes were always alert, watching and waiting. Dawn broke over the horizon and the blackness turned to a cold, shadowy grey. There, motionless on the ground, lay the form of his master. Ulris rose and loped towards him. Ingeus stirred as though from a deep sleep.~
Ulris gave him an enquiring look. "Have you had success, Eminence?" he asked.
"I have travelled the dark places of the earth and met with kindred spirits," the goblin muttered. "Dark and deliciously foul my paths have been- but no, I have not had success." he spat the words with anger. "So nearly in my grasp, they were! Once again the object of my desire was so close, but they possessed some fearsome power." The wolf growled. "If it were not for those accursed girls, the Sodal Marble would be mine by now," Ingeus continued, "If only that fool of a pirate captain had not brought them to me in the first place. He must pay dearly for his folly!"
"Then the quest is lost?" the wolf asked. "Shall we kill the captain now, before we return to the island, or after?"
"Fool!" screamed the goblin. "We are not going back! I haven't come this far to be thwarted! We shall take up the chase. I must have that jewel! Do you not understand? I see nothing else in my dreams. I long for its power! What couldn't I do if I possessed it! And it is in the hands of a foolish girl who does not have the smallest inkling of its importance. Pah!"
"Yet the girl cannot be far from the Great Forest by now," Urlis protested. "You know what that means, Eminence. We have no power in that place of enchantment."
"Then we shall draw them out," snarled Ingeus. "The captain and his crew will be useful to that end. Then, when their blood is shed in battle it will be a fitting reward for the trouble they have brought upon me."
The wolf's eyes gleamed. "We will take the girl?"
Ingeus nodded. "Together with our revenge upon those companions of hers. I shall see to it that their deaths are slow and painful."
"I, too, shall avenge my dead," growled Ulris. "But, Eminence, what if the princess still refuses of her free will to give you the Sodal Marble? You cannot take it by force."
"Then she must die." blazed the goblin. "If the Sodal Marble cannot be mine, then no one will have it. I have bargained with dark powers to possess it or to destroy it. Whichever way, my reward will be great. Rouse them, Ulris. We march at once!"
~Ominous rumblings from deep underground urged Lightning's band on. Even Ruffles took the threat seriously. In fact, the only time he stopped was when he sensed some emeralds buried in the underground cave walls. The ground trembled beneath their feet.~
"Keep moving, everyone." Lightning yelled. "Come on, Ruffles." Needing very little encouragement, they hurried up a wooded hill.
"It's as though we've woken some sleeping underground giant!" Pinkie panted.
"That's exactly what it is, I reckon." Sunset answered. She glanced behind her.
Rainbow Dash came jogging alongside. "Do you think we're going to have an earthquake? You know, with the ground splitting open and swallowing us up, and all that? I keep getting ready to jump back. Or should I jump forwards?
"Rainbow Dash! This ain't no prank." Applejack snapped. "Renesmee? Fluttershy? Ya comin'?"
"Y-yes, we're trying." Fluttershy said.
"I'm doing the best I can," Renesmee panted. "And I'll thank you to treat a princess with a little more respect!"
"At least she's calling herself a princess again." smiled Rarity.
Yes, I just hope it lasts." added Swift.
"Hm, she's still got to meet Dalton," Joskye replied. "She doesn't seem very keen on the idea."
"I'm not surprised," Swift retorted. "She's expecting to be told off by her big brother. I'd hate that too!"
~The party reached the brow of the hill and before them stretched a vast sweeping valley. Rough grassland tumbled down in rolling slopes to the valley floor, where a sandy brown expanse took over. In the distance a silvery thread glinted in the sunshine.~
"We've reached the Waste Plains." Ruffles explained. "That's the River Dustle over there."
"So, that's the Great Forest beyond it?" Argie asked, pointing to the dark expanse that spread as far as the eye could see.
"That's right," Ruffles acknowledged with a nod, "We're nearly home."
~Just then, the ground gave a sickening heave. A nearby tree toppled with a crash of branches and the skyline seemed to shake. The thirteen companions clung to one another for support and waited in trepidation until the tremor passed. Ruffles clutched his jerkin and wished he hadn't picked up so many jewels.~
"That was a big shake. It's getting worse," said Joskye. "We must hurry. Come on, let's run down this stretch."
~They dashed down the hillside into what they hoped was the safety of the valley. Ruffles curled up into a ball and rolled past everyone else. On and on they ran until the hill was far behind.~
"Hang on, everyone, I've got a stitch." Swift gasped. "Do you think it's safe to stop for a moment?"
"I don't think it's goin' to be safe until we get across the river." said Applejack. "But, alright."
I'm dying of thirst," panted Princess Renesmee. "Is there any water around?"
"As a matter of fact," said Ruffles with the air of one who knows, "There's a stream just a bit further on."
~However, when they reached the spot where the stream should have been, to Ruffles' consternation they found nothing but a dried up bed of stones.~
"Odd," he said. "There's always water here. I wonder where it's gone?"
"Perhaps someone drank it all," suggested Argie.
"Don't be ridiculous," Swift said irritably.
"Looks like we'll have to go without," Twilight said briskly.
Joskye tried to keep them moving. "At least the Dustle's got plenty of water in it- if we last that long."
~The sun blazed hot and the air was sultry. It was very quiet. Just occasionally faint rumblings could be heard in the distance. Nobody spoke much. It was enough just to keep going. Not a drop of water was to be found anywhere. At length, after hours of weary tramping, they came to where the grassland ended. They found themselves at the edge of a sandy cliff that, through centuries of rain and frost, had crumbled back to form dun-coloured madud-flats that spread out a hundred metres below where they stood. Dirty streams, now dried up, had cut deep chasms across the barren landscape so that it looked like something from another planet.~
"Wow! Talk about sore erosion," said Twilight. "This cliff must have been falling to pieces for years."
"Can we get down it?" Princess Renesmee asked anxiously.
"Oh, yes," the dwarf replied. "Get a bit dusty, that's all. Nothing to worry about."
"What about the mud- is it soft?" Applejack queried.
"Not at this time of year. It's fairly dry and you can walk on it," Ruffles reassured her.
"You better be right this time," Joskye warned.
~They began a cautious descent down the shallowest part of the cliff that they could find. It was very slippery with nothing to grab on to, and by the time they had slithered to the bottom everyone was covered in brown dust. Much to their relief, Ruffles was right about the mud. It was quite firm, though squelchy in places, and although they had to jump the cracks they made good progress.~
"Next stop, the river," said Lightning more cheerfully. She was beginning to feel a sense of relief. "I think we're out of trouble now," she said.
~With that they ran for the safety of the river. Suddenly, Argie, who was in front, came teetering to a halt.~
"There's the river," he shouted. "Fantastic!"
~The others cried whoops of joy and crowded beside it. Then, at that moment, a tall, lean figure stepped unnoticed from behind a tree. He stood watching the merriment with a smile.~
"Hail, Friends," he called. The babble stopped at the sound of his voice and all turned to see who spoke.
"It's Dalton!" cried Swift with delight. She raced across and threw her arms around him. "It's to see you again." She whispered.
"You, too, Swift. I have waited for this moment. Greetings Rainbooms, Joskye, and you too, Argie." Dalton turned to look at the dwarf. "Ruffles. I'll see you later!"
~The boys and girls shook hands warmly with their old friend. Then the prince turned and looked at the princess. She came slowly towards him, with her eyes lowered.~
"So! My sister Renesmee!" Dalton breathed. "After such a long time. Come on, don't be afraid. I won't bite you! This is a day for great rejoicing. It is not every day that my sister pays me a visit."
~He held out his hands to her as she approached. The others watched to see how she would respond. She reached him and clasped his hand tight, then looked up earnestly into his face.~
"I'm sorry…" she said.
~Lightning, Joskye and company walked well ahead of Dalton and Renesmee as they entered the beautiful paths of the Forest. On Dalton's orders, Ruffles was leading the way. Everywhere flowers burst from the banks in dazzling displays of colour. Carpets of blue, red and yellow ran riot among the trees. Heady scents wafted in the light breeze, and overhead the dappled sunlight fell through a canopy of fresh greenery. Stolid oaks and steady elms, ladylike birches and sweeping willows graced their path. Countless birds sang welcoming praises in the warm summer air.~
"Oh, this is so gorgeous." exclaimed Swift.
"Even better than when we were here before…" Fluttershy said as a bird landed on her finger and continued to sing.
"Quite a bit different from when we first arrived." smiled Sunset.
"A bit?" Rainbow raised a brow along with a smile. "Do you remember how dead it all was?"
"Yes, and then we got caught and thought the creatures were the enemy." Twilight reminded them.
"We couldn't have been more wrong. Well, neither were they." Lightning laughed.
"Still, that's all changed forever," said Joskye. "Dalton's seen to that."
"What do you think will happen now that we're here?" Argie wanted to know.
"Well, I expect Dalton will take Renesmee back home and we'll go back to ours." Applejack answered.
"I don't know," said Swift. "I've got this funny feeling that it's not all over yet."
"Well, It's certainly not all over for me." Ruffles declared. "Don't forget that I still have to face Dalton...and Tad!" He looked glum. "I'm in trouble."
"Oh, Don't worry, Ruffy!" said Pinkie. "We'll put in a good word in for you! After all, you did get us here in the end."
"Pinkie Pie's right," Rarity nodded. "I'm sure it won't be so bad…"
~So their carefree chatter continued as they wound through the forest paths. Soon they drew near the dwellings of the forest-folk. To the teens' delight, everybody came out to meet them and before long they were surrounded by a hustling, chattering crowd of fauns, trolls, elves, gnomes, cyclops and just about every other fantasy creature imaginable. By the time they reached the centre of the village it was almost impossible to move for the crush. Many of the creatures remembered the Rainbooms and shouted their greetings. The young ones were simply curious to see these strange creatures, of whom their parents spoke in such glowing terms.~
"This is just amazing." Joskye laughed. "What a sight!"
"Indeed." Lightning said, waving at the crowd.
~Suddenly, the hubbub dropped and, with much 'shushing' the crowd drew back so that a way opened before the team. Everyone watched a Lord Tad came to meet them.~
"Tad!" cried Lightning and Joskye.
The manticore stopped and his bewhiskered face broke into a smile. "My, oh, my," he cried as the teenagers ran to join him. "I wondered whether I would ever meet you again, my dear friends. What a delightful surprise it was when I heard that you were in Merrdom once more. Be praised that I have lived to see it."
"It's absolutely wonderful to see you again, Tad." Swift enthused.
"Well, my dears," the manticore went on. "You find me a little older and a little wiser but none the worse for wear. Or Mrs Tad for that matter."
"You look great, Tad," said Sunset. "And we're so looking forward to meeting Mrs Tad again."
"Well, you must come at once. I hardly need to tell you she has prepared a welcome tea for you."
"Yay!" Pinkie Pie clapped.
"Oh, good." said Argie. "So long as it's not a sparkling cake. I think I've seen enough sparkles for the time being!"
"What about Dalton and Renesmee?" Fluttershy asked.
"They will join us soon, I expect. I imagine they wish to be alone for the moment."
~The group made its way to Tad's cottage. Nothing much seemed to have changed, except that the grounds were well tended nowadays.~
"This place is so full of memories." Swift sighed as they crossed the oak-beamed porch.
"Come on now, in here," said the manticore. He led them into the front room.
"Why, m'dears, how lovely to see you again." cried Mrs Tad. "I've had the kettle on ever since I knew you were coming, and there's fresh bread and cakes. We've so much to talk about."
~The boys and girls greeted her with warm hugs and soon they were busily chatting together about old times. They became so engrossed in conversation that they didn't hear Dalton and Renesmee come in.~
"I see you have renewed your acquaintance," Dalton laughed. "A good day, eh, Tad?"
~The old manticore nodded and mumbled something appropriate through a mouthful of biscuit. Dalton and the princess sat down. The young girls were glad to see her smiling.~
"Now," said the prince. "You must tell us all that has happened to you. Some matters I have seen from afar, and some I have gleaned from Renesmee during our walk, but I would like to hear your tale from the beginning."
~With the Rainbooms' help, Lightning told how they had entered Merrdom, and of their capture by the pirates and Ingeus. Joskye then explained how he and his siblings found themselves in the world. The tales continued and the shadows began to lengthen in the golden glow of sunset. Joskye looked out of the leaded window.~
"Can we visit Alaxe's memorial?" He asked.
"By all means," Dalton smiled, understanding. "Then on to the way
"Oh, yes please!"
"I will stay here, if you don't mind." said Tad. "But do return to us and stay the night, won't you? Beds have been prepared for everyone."
"Oh. That sounds lovely. Of course. Honestly, I think the Rainbooms and I are gonna do something else."
"Hmm. I noticed your roof was a tad bit filthy, Tad, so, do ya mind if we cleaned it along with a few other thin's?
"Oh, I have been meaning to get that cleaned." Tad sighed. "It would be ever so kind if you did do it for me though, thank you."
"No problem!" The Rainbooms chroused.
~The Whites thanked Mr and Mrs Tad for their hospitality and then set off for Alaxe's memorial. Joskye, Swift and Argie stood in solemn silence before the statue of the heroic elf who, in the previous adventure, had given his life to save theirs. Shortly afterwards, Dalton ushered the teens away, leading them in the direction of the glade. The Rainbooms waved goodbye through the door.~
On the way out though, Fluttershy quickly had a word with Renesmee. "Oh! Umm, Renesmee? I don't know why, but I feel like I should give you this." From her jerkin, she drew out the last of the turtle dove's tail feathers and gave it to the princess. "You know. For good luck, maybe." She smiled.
~The princess tucked it into the waistband of her trousers but said nothing. A tingling sense of expectancy filled them as they approached the sentinel stones that marked the entrance to the . The air buzzed with life, and when they passed the stones a golden glory momentarily blinded their eyes as the last rays of the setting sun blazed a trail across the glen. The first stars of evening came peeking out from the blue canopy above as the five approached the pool, alongside which rested the framed Islastone. Each one felt the awesome power of the place, and their voices were hushed.~
"It's so special." Swift said. "There's nowhere else like it anywhere." She wanted to say more, but there were no words to express what was in her heart.
"Often I come here to learn the ways." said Dalton. "It's true, Swift. It is a place of wonder."
~Each of the three teens took their turn to look into the enchanted pool but, slightly to their disappointment, they saw only their own faces.~
"It is not for you to see visions this time," Dalton said. "But, Renesmee, you may see much this night by the light."
~The princess did not reply. She was overwhelmed by the enchantment of the place, and gazed in wonder at the pearl-like drops of water that fell into the glowing pool.~
Swift was wistful. "I wish we could stay the night here. I could live forever in this place."
Dalton smiled. "I am sure you could, Swift, but you must not neglect the hospitality of Lord and Lady Tad." He glanced at the evening sky. "Soon it will be dark and the moon will have risen. You must return to their cottage."
"Aren't you coming with us?" Argie asked.
Dalton shook his head. "Not as yet. Nor is Renesmee. We must speak alone of many things and see what we shall see in this place. You will find the way with ease, but you mind your steps now."
~The three teens reluctantly did as they were told and left the glade.~
"Do you think Dalton's going to tell Renesmee off?" asked Argie.
"I doubt it somehow." His brother replied. "I expect he'll sort everything out. That's why she was meant to come here, I reckon."
"Oh well, that's about it for us, I suppose." Swift sighed. "We've done what we were sent for. And the girls. But I can't help feeling that there's..."
~She never finished her sentence. A rough hand clamped over her mouth and she was pulled to the ground by two dark figures. Before Joskye and Argie could do anything to help, several other shadowy shapes darted from the undergrowth and leapt upon them. The teens scuffled and struggled with all their might but without success. Argie tried to wriggle free but he was no match for his assailants and was soon held captive. Joskye put up a good fight and almost managed to pull Swift free, but a blow to the back of the head sent him reeling into unconsciousness.~
Well done, me hearties," hissed a voice. "Tie 'em up and let's be out of 'ere. Reckon Cap'n Sirt and 'is Eminence'll be 'ighly pleased with tonight's little catch."
Quickly, before they began to drag them along, Swift pulled her captor's hand off her mouth. Once she did, she screamed. "Help!"
~Hanging outside Tad's cottage and around the forest, Lightning and the Rainbooms were admiring the scenery, breathing in the cool night air when Swift's scream echoed through the forest.~
"Lightning, Rainbooms, help!"
~Lightning's raccoon ears pricked up, and her eyes darted in the direction of the scream. She turned her head rapidly.~
She raised a concerned hand. "Everyone, stop!" she commanded.
Applejack did as she was told and looked up. "What's wrong, Lightnin'?"
"Listen! You hear that?"
"Help us! Help us, please help us!"
"It's coming from the trees!" said Twilight.
"And it sounds like Swift!" gasped Fluttershy.
"She must be in trouble! Joskye and Argie must be too!" Lightning panicked.
Rarity frowned and guessed who was responsible. "It must be that wretched goblin, Ingeus!"
"I thought he would be comin'." said Applejack, as she glared sharply through the trees.
"He's got Joskye, Swift and Argie!" exclaimed Sunset.
Lightning couldn't believe her ears. "No!" she screamed, holding back tears.
"We need to get Dalton," said Twilight firmly.
"What? No, We don't have time for that, Twilight! Ingeus could be doing unspeakable things to them right at this moment. We have to save them now!" Lightning prompted.
"But, Lightning- "
"Please!"
~Twilight could hear Lightning panting in terror. She has never seen her this worried and upset for anybody in her life. Not wanting to argue, the tech girl reluctantly agreed to begin searching and ordered the others to come along too. With that, they scampered off the road and into the woodland.~
"Find what you can, girls!" Lightning urged. "And, quickly! We don't have time to lose!"
~At once, the loyal friends sped in all directions to search for tracks. It didn't prove difficult to find where the scuffle had occurred, and the information was swiftly relayed to Lightning by Rainbow Dash. A few hours went by, and the eight had no luck. Tears brimmed in Lightning's eyes again.~
"Lightning, we have been searching for hours. I think it's time we tell Dalton. He will know what to do." Twilight assured.
"Alright, alright! We just need to help. I don't want Joskye to die. I...I love him." Lightning brushed her wet pink cheeks.
Sunset could feel her emotions. "...We know you do. And we will get him back. I promise. Let's go get Dalton then." she said.
~Gazing at the others, they raced back down the pathway to Tad's cottage. Lightning glanced up at the sky.~
"We are going to find you, Joskye! Don't worry!" she shouted in the open before racing after her friends.
"See? It has risen!" said Dalton, directing Princess Renesmee's attention to the bright star, which hung low in the sky, outshining it's companions.
~The enchanted glade seemed to become even more alive beneath its brilliance. The pearl-like drops of water that fed the pool from the rock above gleamed in response.~
Dalton spoke solemnly to his adopted sister. "The time has come for you to know the truth about yourself, Renesmee. You are a child of destiny, as I am myself. I gazed into this same river and discovered my fate. It was not easy for me and it may not be so for you."
The princess returned his look. "I don't think I am afraid, but would you hold my hand, please?"
~He smiled and took it in his own. Together they approached the enchanted pool. Princess Renesmee felt a mixture of curiosity and awe as she leaned over the water and looked in. At first she saw only her own reflection. Then, the waters swirled and pictures began to form. A landscape unfolded before her and she heard a rushing noise. Her eye raced over fields and rivers, across plains and mountains, until it came to rest on a stern northern land of craggy peaks and broad lakes. Imposing castles, mighty fortresses and vast cities arrayed themselves before her. This was a rich and powerful kingdom. The waters swirled once more and she could see a fair mother fleeing for her life with her baby clutched tightly, fear and dread filling her face. The journey seemed unending, until at last it brought her to a city that Princess Renesmee recognised as Asteral. Still, the woman fled, twisting and turning among the narrow streets and always glancing behind her. At last, when she came within sight of the palace gates, yet even as she made to enter, two strangely robed figures emerged from the shadows. One was tall and lean, the other short and round. A knife flashed from the hand of the taller figure. Princess Renesmee gasped as she watched its blade plunge between the shoulders of the fugitive woman. The mother cried out and fell down dead, still clutching her baby. The shorter of the two assailants rushed to grab the child. However, before he could do so, the palace guards came running and the two figures withdrew swiftly into the shadows. The baby girl was still alive and Princess Renesmee stared transfixed as she saw the guards carry her into the palace. In a final vision, the King and Queen of Asteral appeared standing before the Lord Chancellor with the baby held in the Queen's arms. The princes heard the adoption order read and saw the Sodal Marble placed around the child's neck. A crow perched nearby. The scene faded until she could see only her own face in the water. Strange emotions filled her heart. Dalton released her hand and drew back. His face was grim.~
"There you are." he spoke gravely. "You know, by rights I should have you slain or at least banished, yet here you stand as my sister. What strange fortune is this?"
The princess was trembling and on the verge of tears. "I don't understand all this," she said. "If only I had not looked into the pool!"
"The revelations of the pool are not always a comfort, but nonetheless they serve great purposes." Dalton answered. He shook his head. "I pity you, princess, for the choice that lies before you."
She appeared perplexed. "So, why does the Sodal Marble like me? Why does everyone want to take it from me?" Princess Renessmee wailed. "I don't even know why I have it. Ingeus said it was worthless to me and…"
"He was lying," Dalton interrupted. "Greed always uses deceit, and he tried to fool you into thinking the jewel was unimportant."
"But he wanted to use it himself," said the princess. "Would it have worked?"
Dalton shook his head. "No. The Sodal Marble only serves the will of this world. It would be useless to Ingeus, but he does not realise this because of the bewitchment, and so he still desires it. You would no longer be protected from the powers he serves." Princess Renesmee was silent. Dalton spoke again. "My parents gave you the Sodal Marble not just to protect you from danger," he said. "They do not know who your parents are. They bestowed it upon you to make you truly one of the royal family, Renesmee. They had no other children besides me, so they looked upon you as a gift from this world and chose you as heir to the throne. Do you see it's importance? It is the very key to the throne." Renesmee nodded, but said nothing.
"You are now sixteen years of age," Dalton continued. "For you, it is the age of decision. You must choose freely whether to accept the Sodal Marble and serve us, or to relinquish it. It will be an easy decision. Many destinies turn upon it and much conflit will follow."
"I must think." the princess replied. "But not in this place. Here I could easily choose to serve, but I cannot say it would be the same when I left."
Dalton nodded. "Then let us depart and return to Lord and Lady Tad's house. There you may consider your decision in private."
~It didn't take Dalton and Renesmee long to reach the manticore's cottage and they were silent all the way. Upon their arrival, they were surprised to see light in the window.~
"Thank the stars you have returned!" exclaimed Tad as they entered. "I could not sleep and I feared some misadventure had befallen you."
"No, we are quite safe." Dalton smiled. "But thank you for your concern, my friend. Have the Rainbooms and Whites arrived back safely?"
"Are they not with you?" gasped the manticore.
~Dalton shook his head grimly. Tad staggered to an armchair. He sat down weakly.~
"Oh, dear." he gasped. "Then something has gone terribly amiss. I knew it! We haven't seen them since they left with you."
Dalton looked sombre. He glances sharply at Princess Renesmee. "I suspect the work of Ingeus. It seems his evil has penetrated even the sacred reaches of the Great Forest."
"Dalton! Dalton, Help!" cried Lightning.
~The royals and manticore turned to the door to where the voice came from and, in a flash, the eight Rainbooms bolted through, their hearts pumping and lungs panting. They were relieved to see them well, but they had no time to check upon them. They were in distress.~
"Rainbooms! What's the matter?" Dalton gasped when he saw them.
"We heard Swift crying for help in the forest!" Rainbow exclaimed, still trying to catch her breath.
"We think Ingeus has captured them!" Rarity continued.
"And he's- he's going to kill them!" Lightning finished. Her voice rang across the whole house.
Dalton stared in horror. He turned to the manticore. "Tad, we must rouse the forest-folk. The Rainbooms and I will do that while you get Tig. You come with me, Renesmee. I don't want you out of my sight!"
~They rushed from the cottage and hurried to the village. It didn't take long to gather a large crowd of creatures. Although there was much yawning and murmuring. Dalton swiftly explained what had happened and the muttering ceased. Minutes later, he was joined by Tig, Fumble and Mumble.~
Dalton filled them in on the night's events. "Tig, you and I will go with the Rainbooms to see what they have found. Fumble and Mumble, you are to stay here with the princess. Do not let her out of your sight and especially do not let her remove the marble she wears around the neck. Is that understood?"
"The matt uh is per fickly clear, ir," answered Mumble.
"It will be our pleasure," smiled Fumble and he saluted smartly.
~A cluster of creatures met Dalton, Tig and the girls when they arrived at the scene. Rainbow Dash pointed a way through the damaged undergrowth.~
"There!" she exclaimed.
"That's where they dragged them," said Sunset.
"We must follow their trail. But keep your eyes open, everyone. The enemy may still be about." Tig ordered.
~Lightning didn't need to be told. She followed the scent with great stealth, keeping alert for trouble. Her sadness contorted to anger and she was eager to beat up Ingeus and his minions to a pulp for taking Joskye and his siblings. Soon the excitement of the chase caught some of the Rainbooms and they hared ahead. However, they were brought to an abrupt halt at the ford in the river and had to wait for the others. A lot of muddy footprints showed that this was where the pirates had crossed.~
"Do we carry on, sir?" puffed Tig as he and Dalton reached the ford.
"Yes, but with greater care," Dalton replied, glancing at the sky. "It is not long until dawn and there is little cover on the other side of the river. Tell some of the creatures to return and fetch weapons. I have a feeling we shall need them before the day is very old."
~Lightning let out an annoyed growl but silently agreed. The creatures sped off to follow Tig's orders while the Rainbooms accompanied Dalton. The glow of a fire told them they were within range of the enemy camp. Dalton motioned everyone to stop.~
"We must wait for weapons," he whispered to Lightning. "The goblin will have wolves prowling the camp. It's no use attacking like this. Let's just hope the Whites are still alright."
The spy girl disagreed. "The Ranbooms and I have powers! And I'm not waiting around while that overgrown green wart does whatever he pleases with them!"
Sunset calmed her down. "I'm sorry, Lightning, but Dalton makes his point. Sure we have weapons, but he and Tig don't."
"Also, we will need a plan to cover this." Twilight added.
Tig the elf nodded. "I suggest we leave the trail and circle round the higher ground on the right. That'll give us the element of surprise. Our folk will find us easily enough when they return with the arms."
~Back in the village, the two sprites sat on the ground with the princess, who looked glum. Fumble and Mumble exchanged glances.~
"Perhaps you should recite some poetry, Mumble." suggested Fumble.
"Wheel, widen you shower summer salts." He replied.
"Personally I would rather be asleep." Fumble answered. "I'm absolutely exhausted."
Mumble addressed the princess. "Er, um, watch shorn amp plus?"
"It is Renesmee." she answered shortly. "But you should call me, 'Your Royal Highness.'"
"Oh, um, yes, earhole-iness." he mumbled, a bit put off.
~That put paid to conversation for a good long while until, suddenly, the princess leapt to her feet. The sprites jerked in surprise and Fumble fell over as he tried to get up too quickly.~
"I don't feel I like the idea of being kept a prisoner, particularly by sprites." She declared haughtily. "I think I shall take a walk."
"Sew we, er, earhole-iness," said Mumble. "But wheel got hour oar ders an where to stu aye 'ere wiv yer."
"I should look over there first, if I were you." said the princess and she pointed with her finger behind them.
~The two sprites fell for the oldest trick in the book and turned. In a flash, the princess was off.~
"Quick, she's making a bolt for it." cried Fumble "After her!"
~Whether it was his fault or not, the two sprites collided in the confusion and fell into a tangled heap on the ground. By the time they had separated themselves, the princess was nowhere to be seen.~
~In the grey dawn, Dalton surveyed the scene from the low, bushy hill where he and the Rainbooms crouched on the north side of Ingeus' camp. They were nearer than he had first thought. He could plainly make out the prowling wolves, as well as the pirates and Zards. However, what immediately caught his attention were three stakes to which three figures were tied. He guessed at once they were Joskye, Swift and Argie. Lightning moved up alongside him to take a look. She gasped at the sight of Joskye. But before the raccoon girl could comment, they heard a disturbance behind them. Fearing the worst, they retreated in haste to rejoin their friends, only to be greeted by the sight of a distressed sprite, desperately trying to catch his breath and stumbling towards them.~
"What is it?" Dalton demanded. "What's happened?"
"The princess has escaped. I'm sorry, sir." gasped Fumble.
Dalton shook his head and groaned. "Where's Mumble?" Lightning demanded.
"I suppose he's tied himself up with his own tongue!" Rainbow groaned.
"No, he hasn't," Fumble replied in defence of his friend. "He's gone after the princess. I've run straight here."
~Ignoring the question as to whether Fumble could run straight anywhere, Lightning asked what direction he thought the princess had taken.~
"I left Mumble to follow her trail after we crossed the ford," said Fumble.
"Then she's making for the enemy camp, I reckon." Lightning said. "Wait...the enemy camp!?"
~Dalton agreed and dashed back through the bushes to his vantage point. From there he could make out the slim figure of Princess Renesmee running straight towards Ingeus' camp.~
"We've got to stop her!" hissed Lightning as she joined him.
Dalton made to rise, but something seemed to check him. "No," he said grimly. "She must choose for herself. I must not force her. Let the princess face the goblin alone and decide her own fate!" Lightning wondered at the seriousness of his voice.
~Joskye, Swift and Argie had fared badly since their capture by the pirates. They had been bound and gagged, then humped roughly through the forest, across the ford and into Ingeus' presence. The goblin had been delighted with the catch and immediately ordered the teenagers to be tied to the stakes. His green eyes flashed in the firelight as he addressed them.~
He spoke smoothly. "I would have preferred the princess herself. But no matter. You will be useful in the bargaining. The Sodal Marble in exchange for your lives, eh? I do not think there will be much resistance."
~The teens were quite helpless and entirely at the mercy of the goblin. Despair engulfed them as he left them for his tent. A prowling wolf brushed against Swift's leg and she gave a muffled scream from behind her gag. Argie stared blankly at the pirates and gathered around the fire. It would be a long night. For Joskye especially, the hours dragged by with agonising slowness. From the moment he regained consciousness his head had not stopped throbbing. He would have one anything just to have been able to rub the bruise. All night long he battled with the sickening pain and a despondency that almost overwhelmed him. He dare not lose heart. Help must come from somewhere. Dawn brought little relief from the discomfort but it made him feel a little better. Dalton, Lightning and the others will find a way to rescue them, he felt sure. After all, this was not the first time they had been in a tight spot. Joskye was just regaining confidence when, to his dismay, he saw Princess Renesmee running alone towards the camp. She could not know she was heading for trouble, he thought. He tried to warn her, but the gag stopped him producing anything more than a muffled grunt. She slowed to a walk, then to his amazement, strode boldly right into the centre of the encampment. Her arrival caused quite the commotion and the goblin himself emerged from his tent to see what all the fuss was about. An oily smile lit up his fat face when he saw who it was.~
"Ah, Princess, so you have come to me at last. You will see that your friends have already joined us." Ingeus glanced towards the Whites. "It has been a long time since we last spoke and I have eagerly awaited this moment." His voice took on a steely edge. "I need hardly tell an intelligent girl such as yourself what my terms are."
~Joskye stared wide-eyed at the princess. He willed her to flee even though it didn't look as if she had a chance. If only he could do something. She glanced coldly in the direction of the bound teens, then back to Ingeus. Only then did it dawn on Joskye that Princess Renesmee may have chosen, after all, to flee the forest and join forces with Ingeus. Dalton would never have sent her unprotected like this. Joskye's heart sank. All the effort that they and the agents had made to bring the princess to a place of safety had been wasted. Just then, he felt an odd movement behind him. Someone was tugging at his bonds. Joskye jumped with surprise and tried to twist his head to see who it was.~
"Kip stile." hissed a voice. "Is me Mumble. Tend no thins up nine an lock street hard."
~Joskye could have shouted for joy and really had to fight hard not to give the game away. Princess Renesmee's mind had been in a whirl since she had looked into the pool. The knowledge of who she really was and the awful choice that lay before her had left her completely dazed. A thousand conflicting thoughts baffled in her head and she really did not know what to do next. It was the discovery of the teens' capture that had helped her make up her mind. The sun was just beginning to light the sky behind her as she entered Ingeus' camp.~
"Give me the Sodal Marble." the goblin demanded. "Let me have it and your friends go free. You may join me or go your way, as you wish. But the Sodal Marble must be mine.
~His eyes glittered with greed and he watched as she slowly drew out the jewel from inside her blouse so that it hung in view about her neck on its silver chain.~
"Ah, how beautiful it is." he sighed. "No use to you, of course, but beautiful to me. Any reward you ask shall be yours, Princess. Only let me possess it."
~At this point Princess Renesmee felt nothing. All eyes were upon her as she reached behind her neck for the clasp. Lightning watched from afar, then, not being able to resist anymore, she leapt. She realised that some sort of enchantment had taken place. She also knew that there was only one chance left. So, without further thought, she took it.~
"Renesmee, Noooooo!" She screamed. "Don't give it to him!"
~She sprinted as fast as she could and hurled at the goblin's legs (for it was, of course, Ingeus after all) and brought him crashing to the ground with a powerful tackle. So unexpected was her action that it was over before anyone could stop her. The goblin howled with rage at the assault. In an instant, Lightning was surrounded. Ulris stood panting over her, his breath foul and his jaws slavering. The wolf glanced at his master who was struggling to his feet. He was waiting for the order to tear out Lightning's throat. Ingeus was breathing heavily as he rose. His eyes were hard with rage but he held out a restraining hand in the wolf's direction.~
"One moment, Ulris," he grated. "Your foolish friend tries my patience, Princess. She thinks she can prevent what must surely come to pass. She has failed, of course. Now, the Sodal Marble, if you please."
~Princess Renesmee was as amazed as anyone at Lightning's sudden attack. On the surface it seemed such a hopeless gesture. Yet it had not been in vain. At that moment, some powerful feeling stirred within her. It was unlike anything she had felt before. Moved by Lightning's courage, she suddenly felt the strength to face Ingeus square on.~
"No! The jewel shall not be yours." Her voice rang out across the dell and her eyes shone a new light. "I, Renesmee, accept the Sodal Marble!"
~An angry rumble of thunder sounded far away in the north, though only the keenest of ears could hear it. At once, an amazing transformation took place before everyone's astonished gaze. The princess seemed to be lost in a bright blue light and the air was filled with a strange music. As the light slowly faded, gone were her tattered travelling clothes and she wore instead a shimmering silver-blue gown. A tiara adorned her golden hair. Ingeus and his evil band looked on in horror. Lightning Star had tears in her eyes as she gazed up at her from where she lay on the ground. Joskye, Swift and Argie would have cheered if their gags lad let them. At that very moment, the sun broke above the horizon and in it's morning glory the princess seemed basked in a halo of gold. The wolves, the pirates and the Zards drew back in dread, leaving Ingeus all alone to face her. Only Ulris dared to stand firm. Dalton and the Rainbooms had seen everything from where they lay hidden on the hillside and now they stood up.~
"Hail, my sister Renesmee!" Dalton waved and started towards her.
Princess Renesmee gazed at him with a dazzling smile. "Hail, my brother, Dalton!" she cried in response.
~She raised her hand, holding the turtle dove's feather. It shone like burnished silver. The air seemed to crackle with life as though some immense energy had been released into the atmosphere. Everyone's hair stood on end. Then, to the amazement of all, a beam of silver flared from hand to hand between Dalton and his radiant sister. Awesome in their united strength, the two turned their faces towards Ingeus.~
~Everything seemed to happen at once. The arc of the light linking Dalton and Princess Renesmee suddenly divided in two. With a rapid whooshing sound, both beams of light shrank and transformed into glittering silver swords in their hands. Dalton reacted immediately. With a triumphant shout, he held his weapon aloft and led the forest-folk and Rainbooms in a wild charge down the hillside.~
Ingeus took one look at the assault. "Attack them!" he screamed. "Don't let them get the princess. I want her taken alive!"
~He leapt forward to seize Renesmee. Lightning, seeing what was happening, reacted at once and lashed out with her feet from where she lay. The goblin stumbled and cursed. His face twisted with hatred.~
"Ulris, kill her!" he commanded.
~Instantly, the leader of the wolf pack leapt towards Lightning, his wild yellow eyes blazing and his terrible fangs glinting in the sunlight as he pounced for the kill.~
"Look out, Lightning!" Princess Renesmee cried.
~Mumble seemed to take ages working at the knots, but actually, it was only a matter of moments before the intrepid sprite succeeded. To Joskye's immense relief, his bonds fell away, and once they did, he sprang forward and faced the snarling wolf as Lightning scrambled to her feet. With a desparte twist of the body, he threw Lightning and himself to one side. The wolf's claws missed by millimetres and Joskye and Lightning felt the brush of fur against their faces. Renesmee joined them. Ulris' hackles rose, his eyes grew slant and every muscle tensed within his lean frame. The princess flicked a glance at the gleaming sword in her hand. It tingled in her grasp. Her heart thumped wildly. She knew one of them would have to die. They circled one another warily, all looking for the moment to attack. The wolf seemed to grow larger and more powerful in Princess Renesmee's eyes. Some terrine spirit glowered from within him and for a second her heart quailed. Ulris sensed it and seized his opportunity. Uttering a soul-destroying howl, he hurled himself at the princess's throat.~
"No!" screeched Ingeus. "I must have her alive!"
~He was too late. The wolf had leapt to kill. A huge shadow seemed to envelop the princess as she felt the full unearthly force of the wild wolf-spirit. She fell back and in one final, desperate gesture she thrust upwards with her sword. Then that blade, surely forged by the magic of Merrdom, and burning with a fiery light, plunged into the heart of the wolf. Ulris gave one last howl, twisted away and fell, to rise no more. Princess Renesmee lay panting on the ground. She looked at the sword then at the dead wolf. A tremor ran through her body as she thought of what might have happened. She wanted to cry, but there was no time for that. Lightning and Joskye were by her side, helping her to her feet. Dalton and his troops were upon their enemies, and already a fierce battle was raging all around them. At once, the princess found herself in conflict with a Zard, but his blade was no match for hers and he fell, mortally wounded. Joskye seized the dropped sword and he and Lightning began to fight alongside her. Altogether, they tried to slash their way through the enemy to where they could see Dalton's sword flashing in the sun. Meanwhile, Mumble had not been idle after he freed Joskye. He had released both Swift and Argie, but being unarmed the three of them stood in great danger.~
"Joskye! Girls! Help!" yelled Swift above the din of the battle.
~The Rainbooms turned at the sound of her voice and immediately began to fight their way across to their companions' defence. Yet they need not have worried, because at that very moment, two elves leapt to their aid, armed with fearsome battle-axes and crossbows. Behind them came a brave and defiant sprite with a scarred ear who cheered them on. The heat of the battle rose. Swords clashed and the cries of the warriors filled the air. Wolves hurled themselves into the fray, intent on avenging their leader's death. Zards thrashed their reptilian tails in deadly sweeps. Their combined forces outnumbered the brave forest-folk almost two to one but, urged on by Dalton, the woodland creatures stoutly stood their ground. Tig wove in and out among the foe. His sword thrusts were deadly and many a Zard regretted having confronted the fearless elf. A cry for help caught his attention. Fumble was in trouble. Inevitably, he had fallen and three Zards surrounded him, intent on his death. Tig leapt to his comrade's aid. His sword sliced through the air and one of the Zards fell.~
"That evens up the score a bit," he cried. "Come on, Fumble. On your feet."
~The sprite leapt up and together they enraged the two remaining Zards. It didn't take long to defeat them.~
"Thanks." puffed Fumble. "I thought I was done for just then."
"All in a day's work," Tig laughed. "Hey, there's Dalton! Look at that sword! Have you ever seen anything like it?"
~They watched for a moment. Dalton's gleaming blade seemed to crackle with fire, scarcely touching his adversaries before they fell. It looked as if nothing could stop him.~
"There's a wolf after Sunset," exclaimed Grumble who had joined them. "We'd better help, she's only got a club."
~They dashed to the fiery girl's assistance, but a deadly purple bolt from Twilight put paid to the wolf before they could reach her. Ingeus stood heavily defended by his guards, from where he continually shrieked orders to his troops. He suddenly noticed that up to now the pirates had held back from the fighting.~
"Come, you cowards!" cried the goblin. He pointed to the figure of Dalton. "A thousand pieces of gold to whoever kills that man! And two thousand to whoever takes the princess alive."
That did it. "Come on, me hearties!" cried Captain Sirt. "Let's kill these landlubbers! Slit their throats!"
~The band of brigands drew their knives and advanced into the fray, full of menace. Hardly had they started fighting when something happened that changed their minds completely. An awesome, multi-coloured laser cut through the air and they saw the mighty Rainbooms sweep into conflict. Huge diamond shields, conjured by Rarity, thrashed as they created havoc among Ingeus' gang. Fluttershy's eye was on the wolves, her fierce stare plunging into one wolf after another, bringing instant fear. The band of pirates halted in their tracks and hearts sank in the faces of these terrifying adversaries.~
"Come on, lads, let's get out o' 'ere!" shouted one of the pirates. "Never mind the gold. I want to keep me 'ead!"
"Hold yer ground!" Captain Sirt commanded his men, but the pirates had seen enough. As one, they turned and fled for their lives.
"Come back, you fools!" screamed Ingeus, but even he could not match the terror of the girls.
~Captain Sirt hesitated for a moment but realised everything was lost. He joined his fleeing crew. Nobody ever knew what happened to those cruel cutthroats. Rumour has it that their flight took them to the marshlands. It may be that the lands claimed the pirates as its victims, but whatever the truth, they were never seen again. The battle was turning in favour of Dalton and his companions. The remaining Zards and wolves were weakening under the onslaught. Soon, even the ones defending Ingeus had endured enough, In spite of his threats they fled the battlefield, though many could not outrun the vengeful arrows of the two elves. It was all over.~
"It's over, Ingeus." Applejack spoke up firmly.
"So, Surrender!" Argie ordered.
~The goblin remained silent. But, then, in the flash of an eye, he ducked down and a Zard behind him threw his blade ahead. It was aiming for Lightning, but in an act of sacrifice, Joskye threw himself forward and took the knife plunge into his chest instead. He fell down like a stone.~
"Joskye!" Lightning screamed.
"Joskye!" Swift followed on.
Argie gasped. "No!"
Lightning dropped to her knees. "He's unconscious. Joskye! Joskye! Wake up!" she lightly shook his shoulders.
"Oh no…" Tad gasped.
"Quick, we need to stop the bleeding!" said Sunset.
"Well, yeah, If we want him to live!" Rainbow replied.
"What are we going to do?" Swift cried in alarm. "He'll die!"
~Lightning tried at once to lift Joskye's head up on her knees but she found to her dismay that she could not do so. In minutes, he'll bleed to death. She motioned urgently for her friends to help, but what could they do? None of them have healing powers. Frantically, her fingers ran across his cheek. No one breathed a word as they gazed upon his pale, perfectly formed features. Swift thought Lightning must surely fall in love with him at once. His skin was becoming whiter.~
"I don't think he's breathing," gasped Argie. "Do something quick!"
Lightning could only stare helplessly. "I…I..."
"Lightning, kiss him." urged Swift. "That's what they do in all the fairy tales."
Lightning gave her a puzzled look. "Okay, First of all, it's supposed to be the other way around. Second of all, I'm not gonna kiss a corpse. Third of all, I'm not a princess and he is not a prince. Fourth of all, and finally, he's not in a magical deep sleep; he's been slashed, so how is a kiss going to work?"
"Oh, just do it, Lightning!" Rainbow cried.
~Lightning sighed, but bent down and gently kissed Joskye's cold lips. She made it last for a few seconds, then stopped. They watched anxiously for signs of life. Nothing happened. He continued to grow even more white.~
It was then that Twilight had another flash of inspiration. "The ring!" she cried. "Use the ring!"
~Dalton took the ring from his finger and handed it to Lightning. She touched it to Joskye's lips, and she kissed him once more for good luck and hope. She felt love. She felt her cheeks spread pink and butterflies in her stomach. She wished Joskye would be alright. The ring glowed and at once, Joskye showed signs of life and began to breathe. The blood gushing out of his chest stopped and his wound magically stitched back up. Slowly, whiteness disappeared and his cheeks began to colour, first pale, and then a delicate flush of pink.~
"He's alive! Joskye lives!" Dalton cried.
~A great cheer arose from all the people and creatures gathered around. Lightning peered anxiously at his face. His eyelids fluttered for a moment- and then they opened. To her immense joy, his face broke into a radiant smile.~
"Lightning…" He whispered. "I always knew you loved me."
~She blushed and nodded. For a moment, she was so overcome with emotion that she had no words to say. Joskye took her by the hand before he leaned forwards. Lightning was about to do the same, until she noticed the crowds' eyes staring at them with big cheeky grins.~
"So, are you two gonna kiss again or what?" Argie smiled.
Lightning drew back. "Not in front of the young ones…" she answered at the fourth wall.
~And with that, she helped Joskye up and returned Dalton's ring.~
As the two stood up, Tig found himself next to Lightning and Joskye. "Just like old times," he laughed. Joskye grinned and wiped the sweat from his brow.
"You were fantastic." raved Argie as he, his sister and the Rainbooms joined them.
"I really thought Ulris or Ingeus had got you." said Swift, putting her arm around Joskye's waist. "I'm glad he hadn't."
Joskye smiled. "So am I!" he said with feeling. He looked towards Princess Renesmee. "Still, it's done now. They're all dead."
"Except for Ingeus," said Argie. "Look, Dalton and Renesmee have got him."
~The Rainbooms, the Whites and Tig picked their way through the fallen bodies to where Dalton and the princess stood with their captive. The goblin was sullen.~
"Well done, all of you." said Dalton. "You have shown great courage."
"Yes," said a grateful Princess Renesmee. "If you hadn't been here I would have lost everything. I really don't know how to thank you enough."
The teenagers felt a bit sheepish all of a sudden. "Oh, it was nothing really," Lightning muttered.
"Nonsense." Dalton declared. "Once more you have come to our aid. Merrdom be praised for sending you."
"Hear, hear," piped a small voice.
"Hello, Mumble." said Dalton. "You too have done well. You were very brave to go into the enemy camp like that. I am proud of you, my friend." The sprite mumbled something in reply. The others laughed. Dalton nodded appreciatively before asking Tig, "Are many of our folk wounded?"
The elf looked around. "Very few, I think, sir, but I'll go and check."
Everyone turned their attention to the defeated goblin. "So," Dalton said, "This is where it ends…and not before time, either." Ingeus scowled. Dalton scanned the battle field, and turned back to Ingeus. His tone was severe when he spoke. "None of this would have happened if it were not for your insane greed. And to what end? The Sodal Marble would have done you no good, for it was never destined to be yours. You were doomed to fail, and fail you have." Dalton gave a deep sigh. "You are finished, Ingeus. Unless, perhaps, you are able to renounce your desire for the jewel."
~This was too much for the defeated goblin. A rattling sound emerged from his throat and his bony hands clenched and unclenched, as a final madness came over him. He stared at Princess Renesmee and his eyes bulged wildly. The Sodal Marble around her neck radiated its blue fire, more beautiful than ever before. The crazed Ingeus seemed to be hypnotised by it's splendour.~
"No! I have come too far! I must have it!" he screamed. "Give it to me! Give it to me!"
~Before anyone could stop him, Ingeus stumbled towards the princess and with one last, desperate cry he flung himself upon her. She gasped as his greedy fingers closed about the jewel. With a savage wrench, he tore the Sodal Marble from her neck and staggered away, clutching his glowing prize.~
"...It's mine!" he gloated. "The Sodal Marble is mine at last!"
~Everyone was stunned by his sudden action. Princess Renesmee could only stare, horror-struck. She clutched at her throat and a terrible feeling of foreboding came over her. At once, Dalton went for the goblin but the evil creature turned on him.~
"Do not touch me!" he snarled. "You were mistaken! You, and your friends. Nobody can stop me...aargh!"
~Ingeus screamed as white smoke began to pour from between his fingers. His face contorted and his body writhed in agony. Desperately, he tried to fling the Sodal Marble from him, but found he couldn't. It seemed stuck to his hand. The smoke gave way to a brillant blue light, which dazzled the eyes of the onlookers. They heard a long, final wail of despair from the goblin, then a dull thud. The light faded and there on the ground lay Ingeus, the Sodal Marble by his side. He was dead. In the silence that followed, a mourningful howl sounded from the north. Everyone spun around to see what it was. To their dismay, they saw the twisted, grey funnel of a whirlwind racing across the waste plains. They were right in its path! A sense of cold, hard evil filled the rushing air.~
"Merrdom's work!" muttered Dalton.
~He strode forwards to where the Sodal Marble lay and touched its broken chain with the tip of his sword. There was a hiss and a bright spark. In an instant the chain was restored- but Dalton did not dare to pick it up. Instead, he turned to his sister. Princess Renesmee seemed to be in a trance. She stared wide-eyed at the fast-approaching whirlwind.~
"Renesmee!" shouted Swift. "Pick up the Sodal Marble! Quickly!"
~She gave the girl a hefty shove that sent her staggering towards it. The princess gazed at the dead goblin and the marble. Everyone waited with bated breath. What would she do? The whirlwind was almost upon her.~
~For an agonising moment, Renesmee hesitated. Then, making her decision, she stooped to pick up the Sodal Marble. To everyone's relief she replaced it about her neck, and smiled. The whirlwind died down almost instantly, and with it an eerie whisper. What remained of the funnel of debris reached them, but instead of going for the princess, it hovered over the dead goblin. They all watched in awe as green smoke streamed upwards from his body.~
~Moments later, the small whirlwind sped away northwards. All that remained on the ground was an empty black robe.~
"Whew! That was close!" gasped Joskye.
"You're telling me!" Swift retorted.
Dalton and the princess were silent, until Renesmee said quietly, "I think I feel safe at last."
"I think so, too." Dalton grinned, and they both laughed. Everyone else soon joined in.
"Hey, where's Lightning?" Pinkie asked. "Did she just leave to find the way home?"
"I don't think so." Sunset answered, her face glued up towards the sky. "Look."
~They didn't have to wait long. The raccoon girl came swooping back, carrying something in her arms, which she dropped at Dalton's feet.~
"Found him circling us from up there." she spoke to him coldly.
"Ah," said Dalton. "Renesmee, come and see this."
The princess turned. "Crow!" she exclaimed. The limp bird groaned as he looked up at the princess, his black feathers were an utter mess. She eyed him sternly. "You're a traitor, Crow. You have betrayed me. You have caused much suffering both to my friends and myself. You are nothing but an evil servant!"
~Lightning towered over the beaten up bird. She waited to deal the death blow to the treacherous creature, but Princess Renesmee held up a restraining hand.~
"Go to your masters," she commanded. "Tell them that Renesmee lives, and she lives to serve Merrdom." Crow nodded meekly. Princess Renesmee continued. "As for you, you are banished forever from our kingdom. Should you ever dare return, you will be hunted down without mercy. Now, leave at once!"
~The last anyone saw of Crow was a small black dot disappearing into the north. Lightning's keen eyes and ears never left him until he passed over the distant mountains.~
~An hour later, The Rainbooms, Joskye, Swift and Argie, together with Princess Renesmee and Dalton, found themselves back at Lord and Lady Tad's cottage. Tad was delighted to hear of 'the successful outcomes of the matters' as he put it.~
"But, tell me, Princess." he inquired. "What made you decide to keep the Sodal Marble after all?"
"You know, I'm not really sure myself." she answered thoughtfully. "You see, the news of who I really am- I mean was- came as a great shock. I honestly didn't know what I would do when I met Ingeus. I suppose it was when he seemed to turn. I knew I couldn't resist and I was about to obey him." She turned to smile at the Rainbooms and the Whites, Lightning and Joskye specifically. "That's when everyone, especially Lightning and Joskye, so bravely came to my help." They fidgeted awkwardly as she continued. "I knew then that I had real friends: people who were loyal, generous, honest, funny and kind, people who would even risk their lives for me."
"Those are the ways of Merrdom." Tad murmured, with a smile.
"And the magic of friendship." Sunset added.
Princess Renesmee nodded. "I know that now." she said. "But there's something else, too. It dawned on me that if I gave in to Ingeus, I would have become like him. I would have turned evil if I lost the Sodal Marble. Suddenly, I saw what that really meant. I would have to kill the Rainbooms to prove I was truly following him…and that would have been just the beginning."
"I'm glad you didn't do that!" gasped Fluttershy with relief.
"So am I." she replied with a wan smile.
"Wasn't that horrendous though?" Swift added. "The way he died?"
"Ingeus was destroyed by his own greed," said Dalton. "But, he very nearly got his chance. I don't think any of us expected that whirlwind. You did well." Everyone smiled.
"I felt so exposed, it was so…" began Princess Renesmee.
"Well, that's all in the past." Tad interrupted gently. "Now, what's next?" he glances in Dalton's direction.
"I think we must get my sister back to Asteral as soon as possible," he answered. "Our parents will be very concerned and we should not delay."
"Ooo! Can we come too?" Pinkie asked.
"And us?" Joskye added. "We've never been to Asteral."
Dalton smiled. "But of course! Indeed, it is a high time I paid to visit myself. We shall journey together."
