The room had a cold chill in it even though the fireplace blazed and it was not unusually cold outside the caste. It seemed almost otherworldly.

The two women of Chalandor seemed to all be connecting to Lady Majyk as she jolted up. Each, after the initial shock, Amathiya and Qyzida looked at each other then, in unison, they saw the aura around Majyk turn a deep violet that shot out all around her, then faded to a blue. As they watched with open mouths, the field again changed to a yellow then it was gone.

Lady Majyk then collapsed and again was motionless. The two women in the room looked at each other, then started talking at the same time. "What is going on...Is she possessed by the book? Is there demons or is it something more?..."

It was Qyzida that put up her hands and shouted , "STOP! We cannot keep making accusations when we do not know what is going on!" She looked around. "Where is that Sprite? She led us all to that library...she knows more than what she let us in on!"

Amathiya gently stroked Lady Majyk's brow and saw that she was breathing normally as if she were simply asleep. There was a peaceful look on her face at last. "She just kind of disappeared when things started happening...I do not know where she is. But she always speaks in riddles. I just am never sure what she is talking about even when she is just visiting..." Amathiya was not really worried about the little faery and knew that her little friend could be very evasive if she knew she was being hunted...especially if it was to be interrogated for results of something mischievous. "I do not think she knew this was going to happen when m'lady touched the ancient text. She is probably quivering in some dark corner."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lady Majyk was in awe of her surroundings. There was not really anything to see other than a swirling mist of color, yet it faded out to no color at all. It was a curious thing and she felt as if she were floating. The book disappeared the moment she touched it. But then, so did everything else. She looked around her and felt the presence of many. This was a strange thing , indeed. Did this book hold such magick to put her into time without time?

She closed her eyes and concentrated as she was taught to do so many years ago. She could now touch all that is...all that was. The feelings were the same that Gram had let her feel when she went to the steps. "Concentrate, Child," she could hear her say. "You are the One to touch all that was...all that can be...You are the one that is the link. Always remember this. Magick has been borne inside you and I know this will only get stronger with time. You may find a time when it is forgotten, but when you are needed, it will be lighted within you. The ancestors of all our beginnings are with you, my Child."

She remembered how excited her grandmother was as she touched her with the words of wisdom. She never understood much of what she said, but the joy she always experienced in her presence was unmatched by anything in her life. She had seen things happen with Gram that no one else witnessed. She had been told that this was only a small part of what she would one day have.

A feeling of heightened pleasure came to her then ebbed as she felt something touch her being. There was no one there when she turned to look, yet voices came to her and told her mysteries that seemed so natural and easy to do. She raised her hand and looked at it. Energy was streaming from her fingers and She could feel a surge of bolt lightening come from within and race upward from her head out to the void then back again. She could feel a slight pain that would turn to prickly surges of dizziness that came and went...

."We are the Light Bearers, Majyk. You are the vessel we will speak from to protect your realm. You are in danger and you must help your people to keep Castle Chandalor alive. For if She dies, the darkness of the ages will rule your lands. The magick you wield must be used with caution as you are a Realmwalker where the age of magick begins. The knights of Chalandor must unite and proceed to show the valor needed. But know , Majyk , that you will wield power along with another. You must be able to correct the rift that the dark lord, Valaris has spun out of control. He manipulates those that think he is of their faith when he is truly their deceiver . He has them do his work to rid his advisories then he will destroy them all through his dark magick. Even he, does not know that damage this will wreak."

Lady Majyk suddenly heard something familiar . The whrrrrrrrrr of silent wings. She turned and saw the one thing she did not surprise her as she held out her arm. "Yes, Dear One, Noctua is also one that travels between the realms. He has been with you for many years and has watched over you as you grew into your power." She grew to expect the voices of the unseen beings before she would speak what was in her mind.

"I am glad there is one familiar to me here." She nodded and allowed Noctua to land lightly on her girded arm. He then hopped to her shoulder to perch without being a burdon. She noticed that he did not have his usual heaviness but was weightless as if she had been brushed by only a feather.

"We are more familiar to you that you really know." The voices of her gandmother and her father combined in unison. "There are many of us here that have been watching and knew that it is now time for you to learn of the ancient mysteries that so few know. Ce contacted those of the faery realm to fetch you."

Lady Majyk understood but was still a bit worried as she was only a single person...a woman with means but not braun. She had no army...only a few friends and none were letting themselves be known if they were friend or foe. The ones within the castle each had their own special gifts of power...She hoped the combination would be useful in this battle that was to be in the making. She worried about what was to come of Fyre on his quest so close to Valaris and his domain...and the many that practiced in secret. How would she know them all. "Do not worry..All will play out and help will be within the gras of the Wise Ones...Rest now, Majyk..."

She felt tired and felt the colors start to swirl once more. Noctua flew as the energy started to agitate. The voices bid farewell but promised to return. This was more than a single bit of magick..it was a full realm and centuries of time..Eons came and went. Time without time. Majyk could not hold all that was being fed into her mind. She wondered why she was the one to be chosen. There were so many more able to fight then she. There would be no running..no turning back..no denying fat and what was her destiny. She would do her best..but for now..she must rest...

The two women where still sitting with Lady Majyk when Lilly walked in. Both women started telling Lilly what they had seen and again wondering if she was possessed by the book or something else. Lilly smiled and told both Amathiya and Qyzida she didn’t think that was the case, but she’d know for sure shortly. Out of a pocket Lilly pulled out some sage and matches and proceeded to smudge Lady Majyk’s body. Then out of another pocket she pulled out a worn narrow wooden box that was almost ten inches long. Amathiya had to get a closer look because this confused her. When Lilly opened the box Amathiya saw it contained seven stones: a quartz crystal, an amethyst, a sodalite, a green aventurine, a citrine, an orange cornelian and a dark almost purple garnet. She asked Lilly what the stones where for and Lilly told her they where Chakra Stones.

They helped her feel the energy in one’s body. Lilly placed the stones on Lady Majyk’s body. Slowly and quietly Lilly moved her right hand over Lady Majyk’s body, stopping at each stone and moving her hand in a circular motion. After what seemed ages to Amathiya and Qyzida, Lilly slowly removed the stones. She turned to the two women and smiled. Lilly said, "You need not worry anymore today about Lady Majyk. As I thought she has had an out of body experience, to where, we will not know until she awakes and tells us. Her body is perfectly aligned and hums full of magickal energy, but her physical energy has been drained. She most likely will not awake until tomorrow morning".

Amathiya and Qyzida followed Lilly out of Lady Majyk’s room and smelled the aroma wafting from the kitchen of dinner. With that Lilly and Amathiya’s stomached rumbled in unison. It broke the tension Amathiya and Qyzida where feeling and they all started to laugh. As they entered the kitchen, the table was starting to look small with all four of the Magottagal’s and Geode seated there eating. Geode grinned to see the women and said, "Grab yourselves a bowl of venison stew and join us". Lilly sat down next to Geode and said, "If any more people join us here, we’re going to have to start eating our meals in the Dinning Hall". They all sat making small talk and joking through the meal. The sound of a whippoorwill was heard singing in a distance, making everyone aware of how late it was. Miguelito and Geode went off to Geode’s chambers to see some interesting crystals Geode had spoken of during dinner. Decassakan and Qyzida ushered Thomas and Cassy off to bed with the promise of a bed time story if they quickly went to bed. After everyone was gone Amathiya and Lilly cleaned up the kitchen. Shortly after they finished Ròidh walked in the kitchen, smiled at Amathiya and asked how Lady Majyk was doing. Lilly decided three was a crowed and left the room and headed for her chambers.

(Amathiya)

Later that night when Amathiya was in her chambers she was awaken to a strange light in her room. Rubbing her eyes to try to focus, she could only make out line of the figure that looked of Lady Majyk with a white mist over her and she looked to have wings maybe even a great owl she just couldn’t focus on the image.

"My Child" Lady Majyk said in an enchanted voice "You have been called to the Unicorns you are to return and learn the Unicorn way."

Amathiya sat up trying to focus but still couldn’t. "No," she said, " I want to stay here. I want to be with Roidh. Oh, please don’t make me leave." Amathiya begged.

"I am sorry my child but you are not of us. You are Unicorn. When you were a colt, your father brought you to me to raise and keep you safe until a time when your destiny be filled.. Your father told me that your mother was killed by Lord Valaris and his men. He was being hunted as well. Together we placed a spell upon you to be human in hopes you would never be found. You are the last of your line and you must see if you can find any other unicorns and call them to combine the sacred magick to combat the eveil setting in. If there are any survivors. We need the unicorn magic to help us defeat Lord Valaris. Come my child we must go". Lady Majyk said and began to move towards the window.

Amathiya scooted out of bed not wanting to, but obeyed. Lady Majyk gathered Amathiya into her arms and flew out the window towards the barn. Upon landing Amathiya began to feel the warm feeling within her and a small sharp pain on her forehead. She began to transform back into her true self.

Roidh was dreaming of a beautiful life with Amathiya, when he was startled awake by a bright light coming form the main room of the stables. Curious, he creeped on his hands and knees to see what was going on. At first he thought it was a fire and rushed to the water barrel. But as he rounded the stable wall where he was sleeping he saw Amathiya engulfed in a purple light and was partly a horse and transforming into a unicorn.

"NOOOO!" Roidh yelled and ran towards Amathiya.

Lady Majyk stepped in front of him and stopped him. "No" he cried again "Don’t take her from me... I love her."

"My dear Roidh "Lady Majyk said "You must let her be her true self. She is not human. She is to find more of her kind and then she will return to help fight Lord Valaris. I do ask you to go with her and protect her form harm. She must learn to become a unicorn. She will be skittish at first but she will rember you. For I know that she loves you, too."

The light dimmed and there stood Amathiya. A Beautiful white filly, in majesty and spirit, with one golden spiraled horn upon her forehead. Roidh walked over to her and she reared and whinnied at him. Immediately, Roidh changed to his horseman skills and calmed her. Soon Amathiya was nuzzling him. Once Roidh had her calm he turned to look at Lady Majyk but she was no where to be seen.

The next morning Lilly was preparing breakfast mumbling to her self "That girl is always on time with the eggs and milk. Where is she?"

The children came bouncing into the kitchen asking for breakfast. Lilly told them "Go to the barn and see if Amathiya has the eggs and milk. She must be talking with Roidh. Please tell her to hurry, every body will be here soon to eat."

Shortly after the children left Geode came in." What you mumbling about"

"Well" Lillly said "The one time that I need Amathiya to be her bouncy and on time self she is no where to be found."

"Oh, I’m sure that she would not be far from Roidh. I think, come Beltane, they will be living together " Geode replied " Remember when we were young? You were always avoiding your chores to be next to me."

Smiling at the memory, she kissed Goede on the cheek "Go and sit, I'll get your coffee."

Qyzida came in with Miguelito and Decassakan. As they entered the room the children rushed in form outside yelling something about a unicorn. "Slow down" Miguelito said "One at a time."

Thomas took a deep breath and said "Roidh has a Unicorn in the barn!"

All the adults looked at each other in question. Geode rose to leave and check this Unicorn out.

Lady Majyk walked into the room "The Unicorn is Amathiya."

All turned and looked at Lady Majyk. Lilly was the first to speak "You’re awake"

"And Very hungry!" Lady Majyk answered with a smile.

During the morning meal, Lady Majyk told of Amathiya and how she must go and find others like her to help protect the Castle. After the meal they all went out to see Amathiya and bid Roidh good will, and safe journey. "Take care of our Amathiya". Qyzita said to Roidh.

(Geode)

As the small group trudged up the steep, winding path that led from the stables to the castle, Ursa came bounding down the slope, quickly followed by Morrin. He made a vain attempt to stop, but slid into the small group, knocking everyone to the ground. Morrin started running in circles, barking furiously as all rose, brushing dirt and moss from their robes. Then they heard it, a low rumbling sound, coming directly from the castle. At once they all started out at a fast clip, up the hill, everyone breathing heavily. "OUCH! OOPF! OWWW!" came their voices as Noctua, Hedwig and Kionna collided with their various heads, brown, red and white feathers wafting through the air.

As they neared the castle wall, it came into view�?it towered above the highest parapet, showing one scaly, clawed hand between the North and East towers. A scream was heard coming from the direction of the stables, and Qyzida turned to see Patrick’s terrified face, frozen with fear at what they could not apparently see, given they were so close to the wall. "Patrick! What is it? What do you see?" screamed Qyzida over the deafening screech.

Lilly, being the first of the group to see the source of the evil sounding noise, almost fainted. She reached back to grab Qyzida, in an attempt to pull her to the ground, but toppled over backward, as Morrin cowered behind her, knocking Qyzida, Cassy and Decassakan over in the process. Miguelito made a vain attempt to grab his son, but Thomas, being a child, was much too quick and darted off to open ground, spun around to get a better look and cried "Father! It’s a dragon, a big one too!"

"Thomas! Get down, quickly!" Miguelito screamed to his son, making a flying tackle, taking Thomas to the ground, and covering him with his own body.

Lady Majyk was fishing in her robes for her wand, remembering just how destructive dragons had been in the distant past. Geode started searching his pockets for a matching crystal, and remembered it was in his chamber, sitting atop his desk. Knowing he would never make it into the castle proper, he turned to Lady Majyk, and grabbing her by the shoulders, said, "Lady Majyk, the power the book imparted on you�?use it!"

Majyk’s mind was reeling under the weight of the last several weeks�?events and she could only stand there transfixed by the creature. Just then Geode caught sight of Kionna circling high over head. "Oy! Lilly! How do you call Kionna?" he screamed.

Lilly rolled off Qyzida, and seeing Kionna circling, gave out a loud hawk cry. "That’s it, send her to me!" yelled Geode.

Kionna swooped once more at the dragon’s eyes and dove right for Geode’s head. Pulling up at the last second, her talons extended, she grabbed onto Geode’s shoulder, drawing blood. "OWWW!" he cried, as he reached up and grabbed the hawk by the legs. "Kionna, fly up to my chamber, bring that shiny crystal sitting on my desk to me�?Now!" he yelled, as he tossed the hawk into the air and fell to the ground, pulling the still stunned Lady Majyk down with him.

Kionna flew past the dragon and around to the South side of the castle, where Geode’s chamber was located. "Everyone, stay exactly where they are, and for the Lord and Lady’s sake�?don’t move!" Geode yelled at everyone over the top of Lady Majyk, who he still held to the ground.

It seemed an eternity, but finally they spotted Kionna flying low around the western wall of castle, something shiny glinting clasped in her talons. "THUUNKK" the crystal went as it landed in the grass near Lady Majyk’s head. Geode, snatched it up, quickly rose, took a few steps away from the wall and turned to face the dragon. At the sight of the miniscule wizard, the dragon commenced to screeching again, smoke started from its nostrils as Geode held up the crystal to the dragon and screamed, "As the power of this energy seeks its mate, so shall its mate seek it in return. Morbadeus Conneticdum!"

The crystal in Geode’s hand started pulsating with a brilliant white light. Instantly, as if the dragon knew, it dropped to all fours and stomped its way around the castle walls and sat mere yards away. Geode rushed toward the dragon, and sat the pulsating crystal on the ground. "What’s happened to him?" Qyzida asked, sounding somewhat concerned. "Shhh, be patient dear Qyzida" Geode said in a quiet voice.

"Be patient?!" Lilly jumped at him, now in the process of righting herself as well.

Miguelito rolled off his son, which wasn’t, in retrospect a very wise move, as Thomas jumped up and ran straight for the dragon. "WOW!" Thomas cried with excitement. Lady Majyk was frozen with fear as she watched young Thomas running toward the dragon. Thomas skidded to a halt and reached out, touching the dragon on a leg. "OOOH! Cassy, come feel, it’s all scaly!" he cried with mounting excitement.

With that, the dragon reached under a large chest scale and pulled an exact duplicate of the crystal Geode had placed on the ground. It too was pulsating with white light. "What the�? came Patrick’s voice from near the stables, but was interrupted by the dragon.

"So, you must be Geode" the dragon said, reaching down and sitting his crystal on the ground next to Geode’s own.

They both started to sing and hum merrily, not a care in the world. "Yep, and you are�?" Geode asked.

"Name’s Lunaris Aluxendarium Bekonesh of Skye" the dragon said with pride and a toothy grin. "PHFFFUUTTTT" came a loud noise from the back of the dragon.

Lady Majyk, who had now risen, heard the noise, turned to see a blackened patch of grass behind the dragon. "For goodness sake!" she cried, flapping her robes. "Must we have these beasts so near our garden?!" she said, through a sour look.

"Sorry M’Lady" apologized the dragon. "Traveling and eating never went well together wit me innards" he continued sheepishly.

With that Cassy’s voice raised, "Ewww! Mother the dragon just�?

Decassakan’s hand clamped over her daughter’s mouth, preventing the rest of the sentence from emerging. "Now Cassy, young ladies don’t speak of such things" warned her mother.

Finally, Lady Majyk resumed her composure and said, "Well, now we are all thoroughly scared out of our wits, and we know your name, that still does not tell us who you are" she said with the voice of her usual High Priestess tone, when questioning someone, or something.

"Excuse me dear Lady, forgive a poor dragon. I am Fyre’s great grandfather" he said with an air of respect.

"Ahhh! How stunning and handsome!" said Qyzida. "I just knew my, or our, Frye would get through to the dragons for help" she said while her face blushed beet red.

The rest chuckled, as they all knew how Qyzida had always felt about Fyre. "Oh, then you must be Qyz" said the dragon with a bow and continued "Fyre sends you his love and blessing".

Turning to Lady Majyk, "My Lady, you most certainly be the indomitable Lady Majyk, Arch High Priestess of Chalandor and queen of this mighty castle." he said bowing, his nose almost touching the ground.

"That I am" said Lady Majyk.

"Geode, I bring you greetings from clan Duncan of the Isle of Skye" the dragon said.

Geode, who had now been studying the dragon, was jogged back into the present�?"Really!" Geode lit up, "In what form?"

The dragon trundled around to expose his right hind flank, and there, protruding from his hip was the hilt and partial blade of a silver sword. "Oh, here, let me take that" Geode said as he rushed over and withdrew the sword from the dragon’s hip.

"AHHH!" the dragon cried and a small amount of flame issued from his mouth.

"Lilly! Quick, he’s bleeding badly" Geode cried and he motioned to his wife to come tend the wound left by the sword.

"It’s deep, but it’ll heal well enough with time." Lilly said as she poured a large portion of white powder that smelt of lemons, onto the wound. She watched as the bleeding started to lessen its flow and applying a bandage said, "That should hold it for now, until it starts to heal".

"Oh, thank you" said the dragon gratefully. "Then you just have to be Lilly, the one that heals all" the dragon said with a thankful smile.

"That is I" said Lilly as she busied herself replacing items into her bag, "but I don’t know much of dragon healing, so we’ll see how it goes".

"Well, let me see�?we have Lady Majyk, Lilly, Qyzida and Geode�?Oh yes, where’s Amathiya?" he said looking around.

"My name’s Thomas Magottagal" said Thomas, tugging on one of the dragon’s leg scales.

"And my name’s Cassy Magottagal" squeaked Cassy, now running to stand next to her brother.

"These are their parents, Miguelito and Decassakan Magottagal. Local witches from the valley." Lady Majyk added, indicating the elder Magottagals. "Decassakan is Qyzida’s sister, and ever since Lord�?

Lady Majyk was interrupted by a mighty fiery roar from the dragon. "Do not mention his filthy name! I know who that be!" said the dragon angrily. "Sorry ‘bout that. He just gets me fire up, he does!" continued the dragon. "Killed half me kith and kin, he done�?that evil one he did nothin�?but evil" he finished.

Lilly spoke up, "By which name do you wish to be called, kind dragon?" "I am known as ‘Bekon�? just plain Bekon" he said humbly.

"Magnificent!" mumbled Geode, studying the sword.

"What are you getting on about Geode?" said Lilly.

Geode didn’t answer, but continued to turn the sword over and over, surveying it from different angles and aspects. Its solid silver blade, adorned with Gaelic engravings. The blackened leather grip terminating into a crescent shaped silver hilt felt well balanced in his hands. "Most magnificent, most magnificent!" he continued.

He gave it a few swings through the air, as it made a "Whoosh" "Whoosh" sound every circle he made. "Magn�?, Lady Majyk had stepped up and grabbed the sword’s blade as it came around and held it firmly. She started studying the ancient Gaelic markings on its blade, and looked up at the same instant Geode looked up. Their eyes met with and understanding and explanation at the same instant. Both set off for the castle without a word, leaving everyone in much bewilderment, including Bekon.

"Now what’s wrong?" said Qyzida in and exasperated tone, looking from Lilly to Bekon and then to the Magottagals, as if searching their assembled faces would lend her the magick answer.

"Don’t know" said Lilly, "But when he’s got something turning over in his head, this is exactly how he acts" she cried shaking her head.

With that a loud "POMP!" was heard, followed by a large cloud of greenish smoke where Bekon had just been standing. "What is going on?" said Decassakan, now flapping the hems of her robes, trying to clear the smoke. "Where’s�? Miguelito started and noticed that Bekon had become definitely smaller, but only slightly larger than Geode’s bear, Ursa.

"Shall we follow?" said Bekon to the astonished witches. "Now don’t tell me a witch has never seen a dragon�?Well, never mind, let’s follow them" he said as he tromped off in the direction of the castle, all the witches in tow.

They entered through the kitchen and could hear Lady Majyk and Geode’s footsteps heading up the stone steps toward the library. "Oh No!" cried Qyzida, "not that book again", and she took off at a run after the two.

"Book?" said all but Lilly in unison.

"Hurry, you’ll soon see" Lilly said, "Quickly, it’s full of magickal power!"

They all started off quickly up the stone steps, Bekon’s heavy footfalls sounding not unlike that of Fyre’s. They all skidded to a halt in front of the open library doors. As their eyes adjusted to the diminished candlelight of the library, they carefully entered.

"This is the book I was speaking of earlier Geode" explained Lady Majyk. "It’s what kept me under an enchanted spell, as I traveled to many different times and places" she continued in a hushed tone, as if the book would hear her tell its secrets.

"Hold this please Dear Lady" said Geode as he placed the sword in Lady Majyk’s hands.

Lilly reached out and put a hand on Qyzida’s shoulder just in time to feel her quiver with fear once again, the same way she had reacted when Lady Majyk had first become enchanted by the ancient book.

As Geode reached out to take the book off its stand, he looked up to the stone fireplace. He looked back to the book and then to the fireplace, back to the book and back to the fireplace.

"See!" hissed Qyzida, it’s got Geode too!"

"Calm yourself sister" said Lilly in a hushed tone as she reached out and put a calming hand on Qyzida’s shoulder.

Geode stepped around the stand, took the sword from Lady Majyk’s hands and walked to the fire hearth. He reached up and placed the sword onto the stone above the place where Chalandor was engraved. He pressed it firmly in place and stepped back off the hearth, as if waiting for something to happen.

Happen it did�?the bookcase to the right of the fireplace started, then scraped and squeaked into an open portal. Qyzida stepped forward to get a better view of the room this time. The hidden room was aglow with the same crystalloid light as it swallowed up the retreating from of Geode.

Lady Majyk hovered near the door, waiting to see what was to become of Geode. Everyone else held their breath and shortly Geode emerged with a translucent crystal the size of a large cantaloupe. It emitted a soft humming noise that was very comforting, but begged to be heard clearly. Apparently Geode could hear it, as he placed it upon the book.

"What now?" whispered Lilly into Qyzida’s ear, as if she knew her exact thoughts.

Qyzida shrugged, "Wish I knew".

Suddenly a piece of parchment, older looking than any stone within the walls of Chalandor, appeared over the crystal. It hovered there motionless, until Geode reached out and gently took it into his hands. He walked over to an adjacent reading lamp, looked to Lady Majyk then read aloud for all to hear�?