They noticed the steps actually had a flame that lit at either side each time Lady Majyk ascended to the next. As they actually started ascending, they realized just how wide and magnificent the staircase was. It must be at least 10 feet across and rose to a height that they could not yet see.

"This precious stairway was once known as the "Triumph Companionway", Lady Majyk's voice echoed. "As you can see, they are made of the most elegant marble ever found on our isle. The eternal flames were set in the stone by magick to light when ever they are touched by the steps of a true witch. They number 1,313, the number of souls that were lost during the battle that won us our original freedom."

Each step had sigils and unfamilirar words that were engraved deep in the stones. Each comemorated a fallen master of magick that lay within the catacomb. The Lady continued to talk of what she knew as it came flooding back to her mind. "The room we just left is their final resting place. Geode knew that this was not to be uttered by any but the true and pure decedent of the line of the Kings. For to do so would have collapsed the way our for us all." She turned and smiled at Geode knowing that his early line was connected to her own but had dwindled to the outside clans as his own decedents perished many generations past. It was unspoken that they were distant cousins so it was reasonable that Lilly did not know.

"Our ancients have long been here guarding our past and our future." She turned and continued, "This stairway connects to the treasury just outside the Castle Keep. My Grandmother, who passed over before Qyzida was born, told me of this place and opened the door to show me this stairway only one time. She told me that if ever I was in danger, that this was the stairway to safety of the witches. Here , we would always be safe and protected by the magick that is older than time itself, but the steps led much further down than I could imagine so the danger must be real for the staircase to emit the magick of the ancients."

All that was heard was the voice of Lady Majyk as the troop slowly ascended the mighty mountain of finely hewn stone. They knew that one missed step would be sure death if they were to tumble back down the case from where they were.

"The power that is held here will always be guarded and only the most adept have the keys to open this area to safety from the outside. It is invisible to any but our clan and those they have entrusted with their knowledge. We are never to utter the location of this sacred place and I had all but forgotten what had been entrusted to me those many many years ago. Grandmother had told me it would be hidden in my mind until the one day that I would need to recall it as it would be better that I did not have the temptation of idle chatter to reveal such a magickal place.

It all now becomes clear to me as I think about this story she passed on to me in her waning years" Lady Majyk turned again to her companions and sat on the step she was on to rest a bit. "This is quit a climb, I must say!" Grandmother was right, It is further than I could ever have imagined as a child." She bid everyone to rest a bit and looked up knowing that they had another many flights to go.

The others gratefully joined her as they sat in silence for a moment to just catch their breaths. The animals did the same. Instinctively knowing they were not to go ahead of Lady Majyk. "So how do we get out of the treasure room once we get out of this dungeon?" quaried Lilly still a bit edgy for not knowing this secret.

"Do not worry about that,"chimed in Qyzida. "There is a key within the walls. We will be out in no time at all. I know that there isn't much in the Treasure chamber anymore as Uncle really depleted everything so what he did not squander away the marauders took. I fear there will never be the wealth there once was here-"

"Do not say that my Sister!" Lady Majyk growled at Qyzida. "Do not mumble those words as you know that your words are as good as casting a spell...You must mind what you say, most especially in this place of such powerful magick!" The scolding was taken well as Qyzida clasped her mouth and ask the Goddess to disregard the last comment.

Amathiya stood and stretched. "I am ready to continue, I am so ready to get out of here and back to my sweet chamber . I don't want to think of all this doom and gloom...come on please let's go."

Everyone rose in accord and Lady Majyk smiled and continued the ascent. It was not long and they reached the threshold where torches magically lit each side of a massive Oaken door. It sparkled as if there was glittered dust all around it. All knew it was faery dust that glistened . "patefacio foris, expositus ostium, directus -" Lady Majyk uttered the words that would open the door.

They all stood in anxious silence. The door started to glow as a blinding light was ignited by the ancient words . It made an eerie creak and a movement started to strain the ancient barricade that had been shut for so many years. As it opened the troop breathed a sigh of releaf at seeing a familiar area.

As they emerged into the empty room, they heard voices just outside. And Ursa made a deep and foreboding growl and Geode took a defensive stance as the women suddenly were on urgent alert. The outer door was half open and something was going on in the courtyard.

Geode being closest to the half open outer door noticed it was getting lighter outside. They had spent the entire night on their journey from the Inn to the now empty Treasure Chamber. Knowing whom ever was out side couldn’t see in the dark room, Geode ventured near the door to see what was going on outside. He saw the spy, he and Fyre had caught in the forest talking to younger man. The younger man was saying, "Me thinks Lord Valaris has sent us on a wild goose chase. ‘Tis, No witches here and Me doubts if they really exist. Me thinks King Ma’aglinn was just an ol�?fool". With that the spy turned white as a sheet and stated, "Sprenger, Them witches be real, me seen two in the forest. You ran away and they found me". With that Sprenger, roared with laughter. Then he said. "Kramer, you had one pint to many at the Inn. Me thinks it is time to return to Lord Valaris and report that no witches were found". Kramer briefly thinks back to his encounter in the forest with the bear, wolf, dragon and large witch with a glowing staff and shivers. He meekly nodes in agreement with Sprenger and they start walking away, not knowing how close they really were to the truth.

With hearing the name Lord Valaris, Geode and Lady Majyk shiver. Both realize that as long as he is still hunting for witches they have to be careful. Lord Valaris was on of King Ma’aglinn’s closest confidants. He was over zealous in his desire to rid the kingdom of witches and partook himself in many executions. Geode remembers that Lord Valaris was responsible for the loss of his family, as he grinds his teeth, the crystal atop his staff starts to glow. Lilly quickly throws the hem of her cloak over it to conceal the light and whispers. "Shhh, Geode , calm yourself, less we be seen. The crystal goes dark again at the sound of her calming healing voice.

Everyone decided to wait for a while before leaving the Treasure Chamber and going into the Castle. Sitting there they hear Sprenger and Kramer’s voice sounding further away as they walked chatting about their personal lives and what they have missed the most while gone from home. To make sure it was safe to exit, both Hedwig and Kionna were sent out to survey the area. Before either returned Morrin came running into the open door and slammed into Lilly knocking her flat on the floor and started licking her face. Trying her best to stifle her laughter, Lilly attempted to right herself, back into a sitting position. Searching her pockets she found a treat and gave it to Morrin. Morrin had ran off to keep an eye on the witch hunters and followed them out of town. Morrin was so happy that everyone she loved was safe. She kept running around the room trying to lick everyone. Ursa opened one eye and looked at Morrin as if to say, leave me alone, I am trying to sleep. After a while Kionna and Hedwig flew back into the room hooting and shouting that all was clear.

Tired as they were, everyone gathered their belonging and slowly trudged into the castle, hoping to find some well needed rest in their chambers. As they entered the castle they heard booming voices singing in the kitchen. Opening the kitchen door they found Fyre and Sterling butchering the meat that had been gathered in the forest. The singing stopped and both men was delighted to see their friends had made it home safely. Fyre told of how he had plied two men whom were hunting witches with several pints of Ale on the house to divert their attention. Seeing how exhausted everyone was Fyre decided story telling could wait until later. He bid everyone to go rest until dinner time, by then the castle cooks would have a small feast ready for them. Lady Majyk was so exhausted she was getting wobbly on her feet. Only Amathia seemed to sill have extra energy. She took Lady Majyk by the arm and helped her to her chamber as everyone else retired to their own chambers. After seeing Lady Majyk safely to her chamber, Amathia retired to her own chamber to rest.

She walked slowly into her chamber and gently placed her basket on the floor and checked on the small fir balls in her basket. You must be hungry little ones. She turned to take the small rabbits out to the rabbit cage.

"Look Icess, I have brought you some more babbies I hope you will take gentile care for them." She gently placed each rabbit in next to Icess. Ices smelled each one of them and moved her body so they could feed. Amathiya smiled, "Good girl" she kissed Ices on the head and patted her, quietly she turned, rubbed her arms from the chill and stopped.

There was something out past the barn she could see a shadow of something but couldn’t make it out. Quickly she walked back to the castle to the kitchen where she could still hear the men laughing and singing. Coming threw the door she said "There is something, or some one lingering out by the barn." All came to attention and Geode didn’t even have to call to Morrin she fell into step and they both went out side. Geode saw the shadow and Morrin quietly growled. Laying a hand on Morrin’s head. "Easy girl." Slowly Geode walked closer to the crouching shadow keeping Morrin behind him. Quickly he reached out and grabbed the boy as he longed to run away. Morrin barked loudly. Holding the boy’s arm Geode looked at Morrin and she lay down.

Geode looked at the small boy "What do we have here?" "Please sir! " The boy whimpered. "Don’t hurt us. My mother and father have been captured by Lord Valaris’s men." Geode, raising his brow. "Us?" He looked around but still had a firm grip on the boy. He noticed another child hiding behind a stack of hay. "Come to me child." Slowly a small girl creped out, releasing the boy Geode looked at the boy "Where are you from?" The boy reaching out to hug his sister looked at Geode. "We have been traveling for two weeks to come to the castle Chalandor, my mother told me that her aunt lived here and that if any thing was to happen to her for me to take Cassy to the castle Chalandor and that we would be safe here." Geode began to walk back to the castle, Morrin falling into step with him. "Come you must be hungry." Turning his head to see if they followed he asked. "Do you have a name?"

"Thomas, Thomas Magottagal" the boy stuttered.

They quietly walked into the kitchen where the others were setting the table and readying for the evening meal. "Look what I have found" Geode said.

All turning to look, Lilly rushed to the children. "Ho" Qyzida recognized the small girl with the looks of her niece that she had not seen for 4 years Questionaly she said. "Cassy? Thomas? " She rushed and hugged the children.

Geode filled them in on what the boy had told him. Amathiya fixed the children plates of food and milk to drink. Greedily the children ate. Qysida said "Amathiya could you go and fix a pallet for the children in my chambers and I’ll get them some fresh sleeping gowns."

"Ok "and Amathiya was off to fix the children’s beds.

Rounding one of the corners Amathiya almost ran into Lady Majyk. "Amathiya what are you running for?" Amathiya filled her in on what had happened. "We must make a protection spell for our lands. I will go prepare. When you are done and the children are in bed, gather the others and we will meet in the garden. I will see you there." With that Lady Majyk walked towards the exit closest to the gardens

Upon hearing Thomas�?and Cassy’s tale of Lord Valaris capturing their mother and father, Geode got that feeling of dread, the way it’d had been many years ago, during the height of the witch hunters. Sitting at the table opposite the two children, and noticing how much they resembled their Aunt Qyzida, he spoke in a reassuring manner, so as not to alarm anyone to his feelings, "Thomas�?Cassy�?when exactly did this happen?"

The two children both tried to speak at once, but Fyre turned from the stove, putting a hand on each of the children’s shoulders, said, "Slow down children, slow down. One at a time, please, as we need to sort out all the facts."

Young Thomas spoke first, "Well, we were coming home from the village. Mother had sent us to market for a few things for the garden. You know, that new shop, uh�?uhhhhh�?it has something to something with a fox�?I think."

Cassy chimed in, "Thomas, you’re always forgetting something, fetch the note out your pocket!" Thomas dug deep into his pocket, drawing out a crumpled piece of parchment.

Handing it to Geode he said, "This is the list Mother gave us."

Geode looked at the crumpled parchment, but already knew, as did the rest standing around, the children were referring to The Crystal Fox, the newest shop in the village that carried a myriad assortment of magickal and witchcraft items, tools and supplies. As well as magickal items, they also carried seeds, plant seedlings, fresh cuttings and herbal plants. "Isn’t the place I found all you ladies yesterday?" Geode stared at Qyzida, then to Lilly.

"That’s the place, Sterling was there, he gave Lady Majyk a basket that contained a note!" blurted Qyzida, starting to feel ill.

Geode looked up at Sterling, the proprietor of The Crystal Fox, and asked, Sterling, "What were you referring to in the note you gave Lady Majyk?"

At that instant Lady Majyk came around the corner into the kitchen, on her way to the garden. Upon hearing her name, she said "What is this, a note? Which note?"

Sterling now said, "The note I’d placed in your basket warning you of the appearance of witch hunters and spies."

"Oh, that note. Why yes I remember it, as a matter of fact it’s, right now, lying on the table in my chambers" she replied. "But why ask now about the note, I told all of you, well except for Fyre of course, in the room of the ancients, of its contents" she said, now looking puzzled.

"We were just trying to place events together" Fyre said, now vigorously stirring a large kettle of something that had the smell of old leather.

"Ewwww!" cried Qzydia, now pinching her nose closed, "What are you making Fyre?" she asked, sounding quite comical and nasal.

The witches in the room chuckled. "It’s tarring for me tent", said Fyre.

Geode, knowing just what was on his Brother’s mind said, "Fyre, can we speak for a moment?"

"Sure, just lemme move this off the stove" he said, grunting under the effort of lifting the large cast iron cauldron off the stove.

Geode rose from the table, turned to the children and said, "Finish your supper children, and then it’s off to bed with the both of you. Amathiya is now preparing a pallet in your Aunt Qyzida’s chamber." He turned and briskly walked off toward the direction of his chamber.

Upon letting the cauldron down on the floor with an audible "Thumppp", Fyre quickly followed after Geode, leaving the children and ladies in the kitchen to finish supper and talk.

As Fyre caught up with Geode in the hall, Hedwig flew in the window, and seeing Geode, skimmed the top of Fyre’s head to land on Geode’s own. "Oy! Ya bloomin bird, watch where yer a flyin!" Fyre yelled at Hedwig.

Hedwig came to rest atop Geode’s head and started immediately pecking. "Ouch! Hedwig, that hurts! Stop!" said Geode, trying to grab his snowy owl in a vain attempt to stop the persistent pecks.

Fyre reached out, grabbed the owl in one large hand and removed him from Geode’s head. "Here, take this bloomin owl will ya Geode. He’s actin�?a might strange" said Fyre, thrusting Hedwig into Geode’s hands.

"Hedwig, what’s the matter with you? Are you ill or something?" Geode asked as he started to examine his owl. Then he noticed, in the dim torch light of the hall, the tiny roll of parchment tied to Hedwig’s leg.

At this, Geode took off at a trot toward his chamber door, the Dragon thumping along behind him. They entered Geode’s chamber and Geode sat down behind his desk full of stones, crystals and various open books on crystal magick. "Close the door will you. What, were you brought up in a barn?" asked Geode. "No, as a matter of fact it was a cave actually. Such a beautiful cave�? Frye rambled as Geode untied the note from Hedwig’s leg and placing him on the perch next to his cluttered desk.

Hedwig immediately set to eating the bowl of owl treats Geode always kept full for him. Fyre, having never been in Geode’s chamber, was keenly interested in all the crystals and stones of varying shapes, sizes and colors. Each crystal was emitting its own humming, glowing color. There were books and books and books of different sizes, mainly on the subject of crystals, divination and spirit communications. A large table under the window contained a brass telescope and all sorts of whirring gizmos, the likes of which Fyre had never seen. "Fyre!" Geode shouted. Startled by Geode’s sudden outburst, the Dragon almost knocked the telescope off the table. "Leave that and come here, you must hear this�? Geode said, moving the candle a little closer so he could see the scrawled handwriting a little better.

"What’s it say?" Fyre asked, as he settled his large Dragon body into a large rectangular pouf behind Geode’s desk. "Only a dragon would sit on my bed" said Geode shaking his head while gazing at his Dragon Brother, who had made himself quite comfortable.

"It’s from the bartender at the Inn, but I’m having difficulty in making out the manuscript" he said, adjusting his glasses to fit a little better.

Fyre reached over his Brother’s shoulder and said, "Here let me see that." Geode handed the note for Fyre to read. "It’s from Xavier, alright. The bloody fool writes in tongues when he’s upset. Speaks that way too and just gets me fire up sometimes with all that gibberish. Did you know �? Fyre started into one of his long stories.

"Will you just please tell me what he says" Geode exclaimed

. "Oh, Er �?Right. Sorry ‘bout that" said the Dragon apologetically. "Jes the fact the Inn’s full of witch hunters now and they got the poor Magottagal children’s parents in shackles and they’re a talking ‘bout turnin�?‘em to Lord Valaris, an Xavier’s real scared now, and he even thinks the Fae Folk are in trouble, and that’s why he sent this note with Hedwig!" Fyre handed the note back to Geode.

He took it and examined it closely. "You got all that from such a tiny piece of parchment?" asked Geode in amazement. "I must speak with Xavier about this tongue. It sounds quite intriguing." Geode continued, "And again you got all that from this?" Geode said holding up the approximately four inch square of parchment.

"Well, yer gotta know Xavier, he’s one of a kind, he is" beamed the Dragon, quite contentedly.

"So I gathered" replied Geode. "Well we must tell the ladies of this, but mind you, not within the presence of the children. It may cause such a severe shock, our own Lilly may not even be able to heal them" .

"Right! Well, I’ll jest be goin�?now. Lots to do ya know and lots�? Fyre was cut short by Geode. "Yes, and that brings us to another matter that we must speak of now."

Fyre looked quizzically at his Brother. "You know what I mean, what are you up to with tarring for your tent, and all the camp belongings behind the herb cabinets in the kitchen?" said Geode.

"Well, thought I’d get a little help. To fight the witch hunters and all" replied Fyre.

Geode shot his Brother a quick look and said, "And just how long have you known about the witch hunters? When were you planning on telling us of their massive presence"

"We’ll the night I sealed you all in that tunnel�? Fyre started.

"Go on �? replied Geode.

"I came back up from the cellar, with a cask of ale in me arms. Ya know, so I’d looked like the trip down the cellar was needed. I thought maybe Samhain or Yule had come early or sumthin, ‘cause there were lots of people in the Inn." Fyre related, and then continued, "But there was sumthin quite wrong with the crowd and the conversation in all. Kinda dark and foreboding with Xavier dropping pints all over the place. Shaking like a leaf he was".

Geode could sense the coldness in Fyre’s voice now. Hedwig was even shaking. Geode leaned on an elbow, and rubbed his forehead. "Continue please dear Brother" he prompted.

"Oh, yeah, and like I was sayin�?Xavier was dropping pints all over the place. The crowd was talking about witch hunters. Not just they was about, mind you, but they were themselves witch hunters!" Fyre roared, almost toppling Geode out of his chair. "So, I figured help was need from our allies to the north and west" beamed Fyre, a broad smile on his face.

"What allies to the north and west dear Brother �?Wait, you mean the dragons? You really think they’ll come to lend us aid?" Geode asked.

"I’m a Dragon by birth and by right, and when a Dragon asks a’tother Dragon fer help, he gives it!" roared Fyre.

"Shhh! You want to wake the children and alarm the ladies with this?" Geode cautioned. "Ok, I can see you’re dead set on this vision quest to gain help, but walk with caution dear Brother, for we don’t want to loose you" said Geode, now very solemn and concerned for his Brother’s well being.

"And I the same brother Geode, fear not, I will return. Look for us. How long it will take, I can’t tell ya. Sometimes Dragons is hard headed, and down right hard to find" said Fyre, now looking at the stone floor of Geode’s chamber.

Geode knew of the magnificence of a Dragon’s heart, but wondered if it ever longed or broke. "I will miss you dear Brother Fyre. May you travel with the Lord and Lady on your quest" Geode said as he rose, walked over to a shelf, one of the ones with all the humming and glowing crystals that Fyre had been examining earlier. "Here, take this with you. It’s is Amethyst and has great protective and healing properties" Geode said handing the purple stone to his Brother.

Fyre took the stone, examined it carefully, and said, "But us Dragons don’t need no protectin�? and get on fine alone".

"Then take it as my gift to you. In addition it has communicative properties you will come to know" said Geode.

"But�? Fyre was cut off by Geode,

"Just please take it, and don’t loose it either Let’s go and tell the Ladies now, let’s do it together. Our one last thing we do in love and trust" said Geode, now walking toward the door. "And shut the door behind you this time, please" he said with a snicker .

The two Brothers headed back down the hall towards the kitchen to inform the ladies of what had transpired. When they entered the kitchen, Sterling</st1:place was sipping tea with Qyzida, Lilly and Amathiya at the large oak table.

"Where’s Lady Majyk?" asked Geode.

"Oh, she’s out in the garden preparing a magickal defense for the castle" Lilly said.

Geode turned to Amathiya and asked, "Will you go and fetch her please, quickly."

"What’s the urgency Geode?" asked Qyzida.

"Fyre and I will tell you once all are gathered" replied Geode.

Geode took a seat at the table between Lilly and Qyzida. Fyre returned to his cauldron and began to stuff his tent into the already thickened brew, being careful to coat every fiber. Qyzida again looked at the cauldron, and wrinkled her nose in disgust.

Very shortly Lady Majyk bustled through the kitchen door, quickly followed by Amathiya. "What’s the urgency my dears?" she asked everyone present. Everyone, except Fyre and Geode were looking around, just as puzzled. "We don’t know ask them" said Lilly, pointing to Fyre and Geode. "They came in here and sent Amathiya to fetch you from the garden" replied Qzydia, now pointing at Fyre and Geode as well.

Sterling just shrugged, as he continued to stir a cauldron of something good smelling. Lilly was intently staring at Sterling wondering when it was going to be ready, as she was now becoming quite hungry.

Fyre kept his concentration on soaking his tent in the thick, black substance, making the cloth start to glisten. Geode Xavier’s the letter from his pocket, along with his glasses, and unfolded it, smoothing it on the table. "Fyre, do care to translate this again Brother?" Geode asked.

Without taking his eyes off the cauldron, he said, "You already know what it says."

"Ok, then a shortened version then it will be" said Geode.

Lady Majyk stood at the head of the table, tapping her foot impatiently, and staring at Geode waiting for this mysterious message. "Well, Hedwig flew in a short while ago with a note from Xavier, the barkeep at the Inn in the village" he started, and noticed all eyes were focused on him. Upon searching the room for signs of the Magottagal children, and noticing their absence, continued, "Xavier sadly states the Inn has been full of witch hunters and those loyal to Lord Valaris since last night. Fyre has told me they were there after he’d sealed us in the tunnel and had returned up to the Inn proper. However, Xavier says they have been there all night and have James and Madeline Magottagal prisoner, locked in irons�? Geode was interrupted by Qyzida’s sudden squeal.

"Hush your self Sister" said Lady Majyk. "Please continue Geode", she said, hugging Qyzida for comfort.

"Well, to make it short, there is talk of turning them over to Lord Valaris for execution�?

Geode was interrupted again, but this time by Lilly slamming a plate down on the table, causing it to shatter. "Will YOU please be quiet, lest you wake the children, as they do not need to be party to something as horrific!" she said firmly as she stamped her foot.

"Now the final piece of the information, Fyre our dear Brother here is leaving on a vision quest" said Geode, now folding Xavier’s note and returning it to his pocket.

"What! You’re going where! Why!" came several cries and pleadings from around the room.

Fyre stopped stirring, turned to everyone, and raised his hand for silence, then said, "I am going on a vision quest to seek out much need aid for our people" he said.

"What aid?" questioned Lady Majyk firmly, as she was not wringing her hands, wondering how all this could have become so out of control, and off balance.

"The aid of be birth brethren" replied Fyre in a somber tone.

"Dragons!!" squealed Amathyia.

"They’ll eat everything in sight" Lilly shot back.

"They’re wild and not dedicated to our ways, like you dear Brother!" said Qyzida, her eyes starting to well with tears.

"Ne’re to worry my dear family, ne’er to worry" replied Fyre in a confident tone. "They’re me blood kin, and won’t turn me away. They’ll listen to what I have to say, hold council to consider my request and lend down a decision. That’s the way we’ve done for thousands O years, and tis the way it’s still done. Dragons is very true to their words and truth." Fyre finished, as he finally removed the now blackened tent from the cauldron and hung it to dry on a few convenient pegs sticking out of the wall. "Before ye ask, I’m leaving just after this here tent dries" he said, jerking a thumb at the grotesque looking cloth hanging on the kitchen wall. Fyre turned and started to breathe a warming flame onto the cloth, drying it evenly. He then lifted it off the pegs, rolled into what appeared like a large overcooked sausage roll. "I’ll jes fetch me kit and be off then" he said, walking out of the room towards his chamber.

Everyone turned and exchanged looks of bewilderment. Geode just stared at the worn oak table top and remembered the good times they had in hunting, camping, exploring and just learning from each other’s wisdom, different though it may have been.

Lilly leaned her head over onto Geode’s shoulder and was the first on to shed tears. "I going to miss him dearly" she said through a tear stained face.

Geode noticed everyone else was crying as well. He spoke, "Fyre will one day return, this I am assured of, he will return."

Minutes later Fyre stomped through the kitchen, stopped to hug everyone tightly, picked up his tent and turned to Geode, "Will you walk with me to the wood dear Brother?" he asked somberly.

"I would be happy to dear Fyre" Geode said, as he stood and followed the Dragon out the door.

They walked together in silence until the edge of the wood. Geode turned to Fyre, gave him a bear hug, and unbeknownst to his Brother, slipped a clear quartz crystal of beckoning into his kit.

Fyre hugged back with one of his infamous back breaking, bone crushing Dragon hugs. Geode bid his Brother farewell and watched as the dark wood swallowed up his large, Dragon body. He then turned and walked slowly back to the castle, in deep thought of what the future was to bring for their beleaguered family and friends in the village.