CHAPTER ONE

High above the ground of the planet below, beyond the clouds and distant stars there was a place many had heard of but never visited. Today the Gods sat on their thrones discussing the troubles of the planet below them. There were three. They appeared to be older but you could not know time where they lived it would be impossible.

Today they would change the planet below. They would remove the three books, The Book of Elandor, the Book of Garenon, and the Book of Arisat from their holding place and dispense them onto the new planet they would soon create. They would summon the creatures from above and below and send them to the planet to find the books and alter the world forever. The humans would no longer control the planet. The Gods felt as if they had been given long enough to create something substantial with their world, and had destroyed it. First, the Gods would halt the rotation of the planet, then the Gods would divide the planet into three lands, the Valley Of Illumination, which would remain light and never be dark, the Midnight Mountains which would remain dark and never have light, and the land of gray, the Forest of Shadows, this land would be neither light or dark but neutral. Some of the good creatures that fell from the sky would live in the Valley of Illumination, some of the evilest of creatures from below would be sent to the Midnight Mountains, the rest would be sent to the Forest of Shadows. They would send the creatures back to the planet with the knowledge of the three books but the creatures would have to find the three books themselves. The three books were the most powerful ever written. The Book of Elandor containing all of the spells of the world, the Book of Garenon containing all of the curses of the world, and the Book of Arisat which was the most powerful of all three. It contained all of the spells and curses of the world plus things no one should ever know about the planet and the Gods above.

The Gods would send them all to the planet and watch them closely from above. Today was just another day, tomorrow everything would change.

In the Valley of Illumination lived The Angelic Spirits. When the planet stopped rotating they were the first sent down from the clouds to help keep peace amongst the living. The Angelic Spirits numbered only three. Ademus, Mitral and Aerifus. They were not defined by male or female being Angelic Spirits but rather androgynous. All three were beautiful with long flowing hair of white. They wore wings and halos and brought a sense of peace and calm whenever present. When the Angelic Spirits were brought to the planet they didn’t realize that they wouldn’t be going back to the clouds. They would stay on the planet and not go back until all three books were found. It was a task bestowed upon them from a Higher Power and they would not be brought back until it was complete. But they knew it would not be a short task finding these books and many battles would be fought to finally control the books. They would soon have to go to the Midnight Mountains. But they would first build an army of good to try and defeat the army of evil which was building rapidly.

The Angelic Spirits sat at a great table and spoke to each other to devise a way to find the Book of Elandor.

Ademus spoke to Mitral and Aerifus in a powerful but kind voice. “We must not go into the Midnight Mountains until we are sure that we can defeat the large armies of evil that are building. The witches and warlocks have been collecting soldiers like pieces on a gameboard. They will not unite anytime soon with the ghouls or the trolls. They are in search of the books as we are.”

Mitral stood up and started to walk around the table. “Ademus, I know you are a smart and kindred spirit but I do not think you are thinking about the situation at hand thoroughly. The witches and the warlocks are frightening, they know many spells and curses without ever putting their hands upon the sacred books. We must devise a plan to disable them without them destroying us in the process.”

Ademus placed his hand upon Mitrals. “Do not worry. I am strong and I am thinking about the possibilities at hand. Aerifus what are your thoughts?”

Aerifus looked up. “We were sent here to find the books and return them to their holding place, a place which is not waged by good or evil but neutral. When the planet stopped rotating, the books were misplaced, not by accident though, but for reasons by the Gods. We may never know why they were moved from their sacred spot but now we have been given the task to put them back where they belong. We must stay focused and not stray from our task at hand. We are not above being destroyed in the great war that will ensue to find the books, but we will give the soul of our spirit to fight in the war to gain them.”

Ademus spoke once more, “We will not give up. We will find the books and return them. We will not let the evil in the Midnight Mountains destroy us. We will fight. Agreed?”

Mitral and Aerifus nodded in agreement.

The Angelic Spirits being the kindred souls that they were never realized that they too inhabited the planet at one time. They were human at one point but eventually passed on and went to the Heavens above where they would become the Angelic Spirits.

Mitral, Ademus and Aerifus were all friends in a great war many years before. They met while fighting in the war. They were not known by these names back then but the names Marshall, Arnold, and Anthony.

Marshall was a strapping young man who worked very hard. He had left his family behind to fight the war. He didn’t want to leave his family but did what he was called to do.

Arnold and Anthony were cousins. They grew up together and always felt more like brothers. They were both tall, muscular men. The two worked very hard and were called away to the war.

The three met while training to fight. They never realized the bond they created then would carry them through eternity. They would laugh and tell jokes and talk about their families. They were best friends.

One night while they were all asleep a sound awoke them. It was the sound of a war beginning. They moved quickly to the battlefield and began to fight. The war raged on for weeks and many died including Marshall, Arnold and Anthony. They would meet again and become Mitral, Ademus, and Aerifus. Although they had no recollection of their former lives, they remained friends in death as they were in life.

The surviving humans or myrmidons as they were now known would be given a choice in the great battle. They would fight for good or evil. Many of the myrmidons were not given a choice when the planet stopped rotating. Half ended up in light and half in dark. But, many ended up in the Forest of Shadows living amongst the fairies and the trolls among other creatures. They were not made to be loyal followers but rather must fight to survive the Forest of Shadows. It was a gray area. It was neither light or dark here just gray. No sun, no moon, just gray. Those who had come through the Forest of Shadows and survived had said that it was like being trapped in the murky waters of a swamp. Your only hope was to survive long enough to make it to the Valley of Illumination or the Midnight Mountains but you didn’t want to be trapped in the Forest of Shadows.

The fairies always felt safe in the Forest of Shadows. They could fly keeping them above the rest of the world. They could also go into the Midnight Mountains and report back to the Angelic Spirits in the Valley of Illumination. The trolls hated the fairies. They would rather pull their wings off and eat them then let them live in the Forest of Shadows amongst their kind.

The trolls numbered in the hundreds. The leader was Toumani. Toumani was a vulgar wretched troll, he was green in color and about three feet tall and spent his days feasting on the remains of the dead, not just animals, but myrmidons too. Toumani chose to live in the Forest of Shadows with the other trolls hoping to find the Book of Elandor. He lead with an iron fist, as hairy as it was and was a cruel creature. The trolls were terrified of Toumani, he knew this and used it to his advantage. He gathered the trolls in the forest to discuss their next plan of attack in finding the Book of Elandor. He stood before the trolls and spoke in a strong but very raspy sounding voice.

“We live in the Forest of Shadows for one reason and one reason only fellow trolls. We live here because I believe this is where we will find the Book of Elandor. What about the other two you ask? We must find the first to find the others but we will succeed in finding these books and will one day rule the world. The planet is no more my trolls, it has been set on extended pause, trapped in some form of time warp where it no longer rotates. What kind and loving Gods have put this burden on us? Why take us from below only to bring us to this place, a whole planet of nothing but anger and frustration? We will find the Book of Elandor and begin to change what the Gods have done. We will rule this planet and change it to our advantage, then we will bow down to NO ONE.!” He raised his hands and the other trolls began to cheer Toumani. He was their leader. He was their God.

In the trees above sitting on a small leaf was Princess Fimella. She was the youngest of the fairies in the Forest of Shadows and was often sent to spy on the trolls by her mother Queen Armad who lived in the Valley of Illumination. Princess Fimella was a beautiful young fairy with gorgeous red hair and skin like porcelin.

Princess Fimella would fly into the Forest of Shadows to watch over the trolls and goblins and gremlins. The goblins and gremlins were always much harder to find than the trolls though. They never traveled in packs like the trolls. The trolls were loud and obnoxious and she knew this. Toumani saw her once but was unable to catch her. He did catch her sister Shayon and kept her in a cage for more than a month before ripping off her wings and eating her. She would take the conversation back to her mother the Queen Armad who would the relay the information to the Angelic Spirits. Princess Fimella left the leaf flying high above the ground as not to be seen by the trolls. She flew quickly yet quietly.

In the Midnight Mountains this day sat Grimelda. She was the oldest sister of the four witches, the four horrible harridans. Grimelda and her sisters, Magella, Nevula, and Povina lived in a large castle in the Midnight Mountains. They also lived with their two brothers, the warlocks, Crovis and Trovis. They were a family comprised of pure evil brought back from the dead when the planet stopped rotating. Of all the evils in the lands they were by far the most dangerous. They came back to the planet with all of the powers they were buried with five hundred years before. Grimelda had long, matted black hair, piercing green eyes, and a robust figure. She spent her days casting spells on hopeless myrmidons. Grimelda kept many of them for her personal servants. They were loyal followers but only because of the spells that Grimelda had put them under. Her sisters only warranted time with Grimelda when she needed extra powers for her spells. She never gave her brothers, the warlocks, a moment of time. She found them to be weak. Grimelda always told them that “Men were not meant to be witches nor have the powers of witches and as long she was alive, they would hold no place in her home or her heart.”

The brothers hated their sisters. They spent their days planning and plotting ways to find the Book of Elandor before the sisters and eventually destroy all four of them. Crovis and Trovis would be described physically by most as extremely handsome men. They did not follow in the same line as their haggard sisters. They knew their stunning looks angered the sisters who could only be beautiful when they would perform the spell of glamour which would make gentlemen callers believe they were beautiful women. When the spell would wear off the men would be so terrified that the sisters would cast spells on them instantly sometimes killing them but most times turning them into things such as chairs and tables and small rodents such as mice.

Crovis was walking by Grimelda’s main dining hall where he overheard the sisters talking of what their plans were for the Book of Elandor.

“Sisters,” Grimelda moved closer to the three sisters eventually taking her place at the head of their table. “We must find the Book of Elandor. It is essential to our survival that we find all three books. Without all three we shall meet our demise and be sent back to the depths of Hell to suffer for eternity but with the books, we shall rule this world as we know it. No other shall be as powerful as us.” The sisters laughed. Grimelda laughed in her own head knowing that if she possessed the books she would rule the world not her sisters. She laughed with them.

“Now we must deal with the next problem. We must fly to the Forest of Shadows and find the trolls, gremlins and goblins. We need them on our side. We need all of help of all of the evil powers in the Midnight Mountains and the Forest of Shadows. We will have to convince them to join us. They fear us because of our spells. But, I’m not sure they fear us enough to join us. It will take much convincing my sisters, and if they decide not to join us in our battle, then we will kill them.”

Grimelda stood up. “We will adjourn for now my sisters. We leave at the witching hour.”

Crovis walked away from the door quickly heading down to the lower regions of the castle to tell Trovis the details of his sister’s plans.

In the Valley of Illumination sat the Shaman over a blazing fire. He was watching the fire and also watching the witches in their castle dwelling. The witches were powerful but not powerful enough to know the Shaman was watching their every move. He sat and watched the flames dance before him revealing more of the truth about the witches unveiling itself before him.

The Shaman knew the final battle would come soon. It would not only be the witches against him but all good against all evil. The outcome of the battle is unknown to all at this moment in time, but all would soon be revealed.

In the Midnight Mountains not far from the witches and warlocks sat another castle. This castle was dark and gloomy and surrounded by a large moat. Deep within its’ stone walls sat three grotesque creatures known as the ghouls, Helmog, Slothard and Wagrim. They were three of evilest creatures known to man, the mighty demons. They feared nothing. They had been here for centuries but only awakened once again when the planet stopped rotating. Helmog slammed his fist angrily against the wall bringing life to the eyes of his cohorts Slothard and Wagrim.

“My friends, we have been sent here to find the books, the books that will allow us to rule the world for eternity. But, there are many factors stopping us from doing this. One being those well doers The Angelic Spirits. How I despise those heavenly creatures. How they irritate every fiber of my being. We must destroy them!” He looked at Slothard and Wagrim with hate in his eyes.

Wagrim spoke up. “Helmog, we battled The Angelic Spirits many moons ago right here on this same planet and couldn’t defeat them then. What makes you believe that we can defeat them now in this new century?”

Helmog’s eyes turned a deep red as he looked directly at Wagrim. “YOU FOOL! Have you not heard a damned word I have said to you? The one who controls the books shall rule the world. We find the books and we rule, there is no in between. There is no Forest of Shadows when it comes to the books.”

Slothard stood and spoke softly. “We will find the Book of Elandor. We will find the Book of Garenon and the Book of Arisat. We will not be denied our right to control this planet or its myrmidons. We must not fight amongst each other for we need all three of our strengths now. The Angelic Spirits will try to destroy us once again but they shall not succeed this time. We will make sure of that.” They all nodded at each other and sat quietly back at their table.

Helmog spoke once more, “We must go to the Forest of Shadows in search of the Book of Elandor. There is no possible way it would be hidden in the Valley of Illumination or the Midnight Mountains. I don’t believe the Gods would have set it on either side. But, to put it in the middle would be ingenious. We shall leave in the early hour of the next day. Our search will begin for the books. We will prevail.”

Back in the Forest of Shadows sat the leaders of the goblins and the gremlins. Izasa and Olagh. They were dark green in color and quite hideous in appearance. They were not large creatures but actually quite tiny. Izasa was the ruler of the goblins. Olagh was the ruler of the gremlins. The all lived together as one. As they sat gnawing on a small rodent they had found Izasa said in a cracked voice, “Olagh. We cannot sit here any longer. I am sick and tired of hunting for menial food droppings to survive. If we could find the books we would no longer need to hunt for food but have others bring us our food. We wouldn’t have to hide from the others any longer. We would be the mighty warriors and everyone would fear us.” He snarled.

Olagh looked up from his rodent with a crooked smile upon his face. “Izasa. We have suffered long enough. We will find the books and we will rule this planet in the future but we must make friends with the trolls for we will need them to achieve this. We must go to Toumani and speak to him and make him think that we will be his loyal followers like myrmidons. He is not a bright creature Izasa, he is an idiot. You know this. If we can combine the trolls with our army we can become an unstoppable force.”

Izasa laughed. “Toumani a creature bred from pure stupidity, but we need the help of his hundreds of soliders. We are smaller in numbers but still number in the hundreds. Imagine Olagh, hundreds of goblins and gremlins doing battle with the creatures from the Valley of Illumination and the Midnight Mountains. Wouldn’t you love to finally destroy the witches and warlocks, the Angelic Spirits and then laugh as they suffer below our feet?”

Olagh began to laugh with Izasa. “I am not worried my friend. The fight has just begun, but the battle that lies ahead of us is going to be the best part of all of this. We will go to Toumani in the later hours and reason with him to join forces and then we will find the books, and destroy them all.” They both sat back and smiled evily.

In the Valley of Illumination things were quiet. The myrmidons were traveling the streets in a peaceful manner. The Angelic Spirits sat contently awaiting word from Queen Armad.

Mitral spoke quietly. “Why haven’t we heard from Queen Armad yet? Princess Fimella went into the Forest of Shadows quite a few hours ago. I know she’s a smart young fairy but her youth scares me. I’m not sure she can handle the tasks she will be expected to handle in the future.”

Ademus stood and walked over to the window. “Mitral, Princess Fimella can understand any situation put forth to her. Queen Armad would not bestow these difficult tasks upon the child if she didn’t believe she could handle it. We will hear from the Queen soon Mitral. We must remain calm now. We have much to do.”

Mitral walked over to Ademus and put his hand on his shoulder. “I know, I know. For the first time in many moons my friend I have some doubts but I shall overcome them so that we can keep working towards our ultimate goal.”

Aerifus stood and spoke up. “Mitral and Ademus. We have no room for any doubts now. We must be strong. We will soon be battling some very evil creatures. Do you remember many many years ago when we battled the ghouls the first time? We defeated them, but they almost defeated us. They may not know this today but my dear friends trust me when I tell you the ghouls will not be the only creatures we shall battle for the books.” Aerifus turned and pointed to a myrmidon who was sitting in the hallway. “Come myrmidon.” The myrmidon walked over and bowed.

“Yes sir.” The myrmidon looked up.

“What is your name?” Aerifus asked.

“My name is Micael sir.”

“Micael? That’s an interesting name. I find the names of myrmidons so strange.” Aerifus laughed. “I need you to do something for us Micael.”

Micael spoke quietly. “I’d do anything for you sir.”

“We need you to go and find the Shaman for us. We need him to come here to the castle we need to speak to him. Can you do this Micael?”

Micael nodded his head. “I will do my best to find him sir and bring him back to you.”

“Thank you Micael you may go.” Micael bowed and walked away. Mitral and Ademus walked over to Aerifus.

“We will see what this Shaman is capable of my dear friends.” Aerifus rested his hands on both of their shoulders. “I have heard he is strong and possesses many powers, powers that the witches cannot even sense.”

Mitral spoke up. “The witches will be a huge problem if they get their haggard hands upon those books. Grimelda is the most evil witch on the planet. She knows many curses and many spells and will use them to her advantage.”

“What of this Shaman?” Ademus questioned. “Do you think he will be able to stop the witches? Is he strong enough to defeat them or will he be defeated in the process?”

Aerifus answered. “I only know of what I’ve heard of this great Shaman. He has inherited his powers through the ages from his descendants. The great Indians which once ruled the continent known as North America believed these medicine men to have the powers of some of the greatest sorcerers and also the gift to heal. I only have faith in one thing my dear friends, that faith is in the Gods above but I feel that we can ask the Shaman to help us to defeat the evil doers that now inhabit this planet.”

Mitral and Ademus tipped their heads to acknowledge agreement.

“We shall wait for the myrmidon Micael to bring him to us and once he does we shall sit and question his abilities as a leader. We will also ask him to show us some of his great powers and if he cannot help us in finding the books then we shall not speak of this Shaman again, but for now we must try to gain as much control as possible with as many possible strengths as we can find.” Aerifus sat down at the table. “Join me my friends in meditation. “

Mitral and Ademus sat and all three joined hands and bowed their heads. They would now sit in silence until Micaels return.

In the Midnight Mountains Grimelda sat in her room plotting her next move. She decided that her first move would be to take the sisters to the Forest of Shadows to find the goblins and gremlins. As she sat she thought back to the day when she was banished to the depths of hell by the hunters. Grimelda you see was not always the haggard woman that was before the world today. Grimelda was born a lovely creature many suns and moons before. Her mother and father were from a long line of witches and warlocks. They originally were known as the wiccans. Good witches. They only cast spells that were helpful. They lived a very quiet life in the countryside where they gathered their own food and survived off the land. Her sisters would follow her in birth, Magella, Nevula then Povina. The two brothers would come much later, too late to even realize what was going to happen to them.

One day while hunting their father came across a young family who was living in the back of a covered wagon. He decided that he would make them an offer to come home with him and help his family work the land. The father of the family thanked him and followed him back to the families’ home, everything appeared to be going quite fine in the house until one night the mother of the invited family discovered the family secret. She had crept through the house in the middle of the night and found a book, in this book she discovered spells and curses which she had never seen before. She read one of the spells and was turned into a rodent.

The next day the husband of the invited family realized that his wife was missing. He went to Grimelda’s father and asked if he had seen his wife. Grimelda’s father said no. The husband then went searching for his wife and found the room with the books of spells and curses. He shuddered to think that he was living in a house of witches and ran from the home taking his children and finding a town which was close where he told his story of witches and wizardry. The townspeople were angered and went to the families’ house where they captured the daughters and the parents and hung them one by one but not before the mother cast a spell upon the townspeople cursing them all with horrible things. It was because of this curse that her daughters would return many years later but not the same. They would come back as haggard old women. Their beauty would be no more. What of the brothers Crovis and Trovis? They were found in the woods many days later by a farm couple who thought the boys were left. They were raised by the family and died many years later never knowing their family heritage. They would discover it though when the sisters were brought back from the dead many moons later. The sisters raised the brothers from the dead and they would finally know their family tree. Grimelda would never forget the horrible night but she would rise above and become one of the most powerful witches in the world.

There was a knock at the door. Grimelda sat up and summoned them in. It was her sisters.

Magella spoke. “Grimelda we are ready to travel to the Forest of Shadows in search of the trolls, goblins and gremlins.”

Grimelda stood. “Sisters, many years ago we were banished to the depths of hell only to return stronger. We shall not be defeated this time. We shall stand up to whoever and whatever stands in our way. We shall fly to the Forest of Shadows now. Prepare yourselves sisters for we have much convincing to do with those mutated creatures in the gray area.”

She headed towards the door with her sisters following closely. They found Crovis and Trovis in the sitting room. Grimelda walked over to them.

“Crovis and Trovis doing what they do best which is nothing.”

Crovis looked at Grimelda and smirked. “My hideous older sisters off on another adventure I see. Hoping to find the books and take over the world are we?” He laughed along with Trovis.

Grimelda reached her hideous hand out and wrapped it around Crovis’s neck and lifted him out of the chair.

“My dear brother, do not mess with me. You should be happy I ever brought you ungrateful wretches back from the dead. Don’t forget brothers, I have the power to put you back where I found you.” She dropped him. He looked at her while breathing heavily. “Watch the castle until we return and my dear brothers don’t betray me or doubt me again or you shall suffer the consequences.”

The sisters turned from the brothers and left the room.

Trovis put his hand out to Crovis as they left. “Come brother, we have much planning to do. I’m hoping a large mutant creature will eat all four of the haggard sisters in the Forest of Shadows.” They both began to laugh.

In the Valley of Illumination Princess Fimella finally arrived at Queen Armad’s castle to tell her of the troll’s plans. Queen Armad thanked her daughterand once she learned everything Queen Armad and Princess Fimella flew to the castle of the Angelic Spirits. They entered the castle through the bell tower and flew down into the Angelic Spirit’s sitting room.

Mitral stood up and welcomed the Queen and her daughter. “Queen Armad, Princess Fimella welcome. What news have you brought us today?”

“Angelic friends, I bring you news of Toumani from deep in the Forest of Shadows. Princess Fimella overheard Toumani leader of the trolls speaking of his plans to find the books and take over the planet. He is not a kind creature and very sneaky by nature. He should not be trusted.” The Queen flew close to the table but did not rest while the Princess flew nearby.

Ademus spoke. “Thank you Queen Armad for bringing us this news and thank you Princess Fimella for discovering the impending plans of the trolls. We must find out what the intentions of the goblins and gremlins are. We cannot discover what the ghouls have in store for us yet until we are able to travel to the Midnight Mountains. I would not suggest Princess Fimella going anywhere near the Midnight Mountains until we have all gone to the Forest of Shadows in search of the Book of Elandor.”

The Queen nodded. “I agree Ademus. I agree that we should not go any further for now until we have devised a plan that will not end in the harm of anyone fighting for the side of good.”

Mitral spoke. “Then it is settled we shall sit for now and plan our next move. We are awaiting the arrival of the Shaman. The myrmidon has been sent to find him.”

The Queen looked up. “The Shaman? Why that’s an interesting choice my Angelic friends. He is strong in power and thought. He sees things that most cannot. I will say this to have him on our side would be most helpful to all of us.”

Aerifus stood. “I agree we shall all work together hand in hand to find the Book of Elandor. Good will always diminish evil dear friends. It is the way it has and always will be. Unfortunately, we must fight now. Fight for good and defeat the evil once again. They may think they can defeat us but they won’t. It is just the way it is my dear friends.”

Micael walked along a path which would eventually lead him to the Shaman. Micael one day dreamed of a better world, a world where it was light in the daytime and dark at night once more, where a sense of lunacy was never found. The way things were back then. Micael noticed a small fire burning at the top of the hill and with his back to him, the Shaman. He approached slowly.

The Shaman raised his right hand and waved him forth. Micael moved carefully until he was face to face with him. Micael wasn’t scared once he looked into the Shaman’s eyes. He found something quite serene about the older man.

The Shaman spoke quietly. “I know why you’ve come here young myrmidon. You don’t need to tell me the details.”

Micael looked surprised. “How….how did you know?”

The Shaman smiled slyly. “I know much more than most myrmidons or creatures will ever know my child.”

Micael sat down on the ground. “May I ask you something kindred spirit?”

The Shaman nodded.

Micael grinned. Something about this older man was so calming to him. “I want to know if the world will ever be the same again.”

The Shaman looked at him curiously. “My child, nothing will ever be the same as it was. The world has changed, I won’t say for the better, but it has changed nonetheless. The Gods have chosen this path for all of us here on the planet to teach us a harsh lesson, and before this is all over we will have learned it for better or worse.”

Micael stood up. “Thank you.”

The Shaman chuckled. “There’s no need to thank me my child, I just told you what you were already thinking.” The Shaman stood up. “I guess it’s time for us to get going then Micael.”

Micael looked stunned. “How did you know my name?”

The Shaman turned and began to walk down the hill as Micael followed still asking him the same question but it would not be answered this day.

The witches flew quickly into the trees of the Forest of Shadows this day. Grimelda landed first in the midst of the fog of the wilderness and the three sisters soon followed.

Grimelda set her broom aside and began sniffing like a dog in search of food. She tapped on her wart ridden chin with her long hideous finger.

She spoke loudly. “Sisters, I smell those little monsters. They’re close. They know we are here. I sense it.” The three sisters laughed. Grimelda moved closer to a large tree and saw a hole. “What do we have here sisters?” She reached her hand inside of the hole and yanked it back out holding a gremlin around its neck. The gremlin was shaking violently. Grimelda threw the gremlin to the ground.

“Hello there little friend,” She smiled a big smile showing her rotted teeth. The gremlin stood shaking. “Do not be afraid little gremlin. We have come to the Forest of Shadows as friends.”

The gremlin stopped shaking and spoke. “Witches have never been our friends. What have you come for?”

Grimelda stepped towards the gremlin and kneeled down. “We wish to speak to Izasa and Olagh.”

The gremlin laughed. “I should have known witch, chasing the Book of Elandor are we?”

Grimelda stood. Look here you grimy little beast I’ll make you a deal, you tell me where to find those two heathens and I won’t squash you like an ant under my foot.”

The gremlin stepped back. “You don’t scare me witch. You need me and you know this, so I suggest you start showing a little more respect.”

Grimelda walked forward. “You are a smug little monster aren’t you? You are correct though we do need you to find Izasa and Olagh. But, my fiendish little friend if you try to trick me be warned I will turn you into something this planet has never seen before, something so hideous you would be forced to live a life of lonliness away from everything and everyone.” She grimaced.

The gremlin looked at Grimelda and said quietly, “Agreed. Follow me I’ll lead you to them.”

Grimelda turned to her sisters. “Let’s go sisters, time is of the essence.” The sisters moved steadily.

The gremlin moved swiftly down a darkened path and the witches followed.

In the Valley of Illumination the Angelic Spirits sat waiting for Micael to return with the Shaman. They sat quietly in a circle with their hands folded until a knock came at the door. Mitral looked up.

“Enter.” He stood as the door opened to reveal Micael and the Shaman. Ademus and Aerifus stood also. “Come friend join us at the table. Thank you Micael you are excused.” Micael looked a bit disappointed that he couldn’t stay but knew that they needed to speak privately. He shut the door behind him.

The Shaman walked slowly to the table. Mitral summoned them all to sit. The Shaman smiled at the three angels.

Mitral looked at him. “The great Shaman, we have heard much about you our dear friend.”

“You do not need to tell me why you summoned me here good angels, I know what is happening. I have much to tell you.” The Shaman sat forward as the Angelic Spirits listened. “My friends the planet is in danger of extinction. The battle for the three books has just begun. The Book of Elandor will be found eventually but this will be only the beginning. The witches have already entered the Forest of Shadows in search of the goblins and the gremlins. I do not believe that they will come to any form of agreement. The witches are pure evil as are the ghouls, as you well know. We must enter the Forest of Shadows in search of the Book of Elandor. I do not believe it is hidden here in the Valley of Illumination. I believe the Gods have hidden it in the gray area for now, but I cannot say whether they will move it somewhere else. We must move forward in any plans you have made. We must be the first to find the Book of Elandor.”

The Angelic Spirits all nodded as Ademus spoke. “Great Shaman we believe every word you say but how will we search the Forest of Shadows knowing that the witches are already there soon to be followed by the ghouls.”

“We will not all go into the Forest of Shadows my friends. I will go along with your myrmidon Micael. I trust him. He has a good soul, I can feel it.”

Mitral stood. “It is agreed then. You shall take Micael and go to the Forest of Shadows. We will also ask Queen Armad to send Princess Fimella in case you should run into any serious danger while in the wilderness.”

The Shaman stood and walked over to the window. “My friends, like I said this is only the beginning. the battle hasn’t even begun.

In the Forest of Shadows the witches continued to follow the little gremlin towards Izasa and Olagh’s fortress nestled deep in the woods. Grimelda was getting very impatient while walking the long path.

“You there.” The gremlin stopped and turned to face her. “Why is this taking so long? We’ve been walking for hours.”

“Be patient you haggard old witch we are just a few moments from reaching the fortress but be aware that once we reach the fortress it doesn’t mean Izasa or Olagh will agree to see you and your, how should I say this as not offend anyone, your utterly unattractive sisters.” The gremlin chuckled. Grimelda sneered at the gremlin as did her three sisters.

“Just hurry it up you crusty little beast.” Grimelda nudged him with her foot and they travelled onward. It seemed like at least another hour had passed before they reached the main gate of the fortress. The gremlin went to the door and knocked. A small window opened on the door and a goblin peered through not noticing the witches at first he almost opened the door and let the gremlin in, but stopped suddenly.

“What’s the meaning of this my friend? Why have you brought these horrible witches to our fortress?”

The gremlin moved close to the window and whispered to him.

“I had no choice they threatened me. They are searching for Izasa and Olagh. I told them I wouldn’t guarantee a meeting but I would bring them this far.” He stepped back.

The goblin steadied himself, “I will go the the leaders and ask them if they will see the witches.” He shut the window.

Grimelda spoke. “I will tell you this now gremlin your leaders had better agree to see us or I shall turn this whole fortress into nothing more than burning coals, with no survivors.”

A few moments had passed before the goblin returned. He opened the window. “Izasa and Olagh have agreed to see one of you, not all four. You decide who will enter the fortress witches.”

Grimelda walked forward. “I will enter the fortress goblin. My sisters shall wait here.”

The goblin opened the door. “Follow me.” As they walked through the fortress, Grimelda looked around her. The fortress was quite large, it must have been sixty feet high and there were gremlins and goblins running around everywhere, many of them stopped from their daily routine shocked that a witch had entered their fortress. The goblin brought her to a larger building and walked up to the doors. “Wait here witch. I’ll see if the leaders are ready for you.”

Grimelda stood for a moment or two and the goblin returned and lead her into the building, seated before her on two thrones were Izasa and Olagh. They summoned Grimelda forward.

Izasa spoke first. “Why have you come here witch?”

Grimelda walked a few steps closer to the thrones. “Dear friends of the Forest of Shadows, I have come here to discuss the impending doom that will settle upon all of soon. The Book of Elandor will be found soon. I believe that we must join forces to make sure that those that live in the Valley of Illumination don’t find it before we do. I have come here to ask you to join my sisters and our brothers the warlocks in finding the Book of Elandor.”

Olagh sat up.

“Why should we help you and the warlocks find the Book of Elandor when I believe that you will eventually use it to destroy us?”

Grimelda looked stunned. “Destroy you my friends? Why I’ve only come here because I believe we can help each other.”

Izasa laughed. “Listen witch, we would never assist you in your search for the Book of Elandor, you have come here for nothing. Your trip was made in vain, now leave our great fortress.”

Grimelda turned to leave then turned back. “You will regret this decision and you’re correct you little heathens, when I find the book, I shall destroy you and all of your kind.” She turned and left.

Izasa and Olagh sat for a moment collecting their thoughts. Olagh then turned to Izasa. “The witches are going to be a huge problem for us Izasa. They are powerful beings. If we don’t succeed in finding the book of Elandor before them they will surely destroy us.”

Izasa had a look of worry on his face. “We are in danger and should move the fortress further north my friend. They won’t be the last to come into the Forest of Shadows.”

Olagh nodded. “Agreed my friend, we shall begin moving the fortress further north immediately.”

CHAPTER TWO

The Angelic Spirits castle was quite large. Micael sat quietly in his room. Micael had spent all of his waking moments here since the planet had changed. He missed his mother and father and the rest of his family although he had no real memories of them. He had no idea what happened the day it all changed, the only thing he remembered was waking up here at the castle with the Angelic Spirits watching over him. They had always been very kind to him. He worked hard and believed they appreciated it. There was a knock at his door.

Micael stood and walked to the door. He opened it to find the Shaman. The Shaman entered his room and shut the door.

“To what do I owe this great honor great Shaman?” Micael was in awe, this was the first time anyone had ever come to his room.

“Micael I have chosen you to go to the Forest of Shadows with me to search for the Book of Elandor. We will leave shortly so you must pack what belongings you feel you will need for our journey.”

Micael was excited. This was the first time he was being allowed to go beyond the Valley of Illumination. “Thank you great Shaman. Thank you.”

“Do not thank me yet young Micael. I do not know what dangers lie ahead of us. It will be much different in the Forest of Shadows than here in the Valley of Illumination and you must be aware of this. The Princess Fimella will be traveling with us because she knows the Forest of Shadows better than any of us.

Micael started to pack his things. “I’m not afraid great Shaman. I have seen the much in my young years. I am ready for any adventure whether it good or bad.”

The Shaman opened the door and placed his hand on Micael’s shoulder before leaving. “This young Micael shall be an adventure neither of us shall ever forget. I will meet you at the main gate in one hour.” The Shaman left. Micael shut the door and began jumping up and down excitedly and laughing.

In the Forest of Shadows, Grimelda stormed through the door of the fortress and summoned her sisters to follow her. They walked for at least an hour before Grimelda finally stopped and Magella spoke to her quietly. “Gimelda what happened in the fortress?”

Grimelda said angrily. “Those disgusting little monsters will not help us sisters. We must find another way. I think we should travel back to the Midnight Mountains and begin to plot our next move, for the first time in many years we will have to ask the brothers for their help.”

The sisters gasped. Nevula spoke nervously. “Crovis and Trovis? They’ve always been useless to us Grimelda, they are nothing more than two spoiled rotten brats who continue to act like children. They hate us, they always have. They’d rather see us burned at the stake than help us.”

Grimelda looked to the forest. “It doesn’t matter my sisters, they will help us, they have no choice, and if they don’t, then I shall have no choice but to put them back where they came from when the planet changed.”

The sisters all began to laugh.

In the trolls mainland Toumani sat at his table with a large group. They ate a large meal on this day. Toumani was about to bite into a large leg of animal when he said, “My fellow trolls, word has come that the witches were in the Forest of Shadows looking for the gremlins and goblins.” They all stopped eating after hearing this news and listened intently.

“Yes it seems that the witches are trying to build their own army to find the Book of Elandor. I find this very strange that these great sorceresses need to build an army when they are almost as powerful as the Angelic Spirits or the ghouls. We must be very careful now my fellow trolls. I am going to send a group of you to the Valley of Illumination and the Midnight Mountains to keep an eye on things for me for now. You shall leave immediately but you must be very careful and not be seen. You will return here once you have learned of any news from either land. I will take a large group and begin to scour the Forest of Shadows for the Book of Elandor.” He took a large bite out of his animal and smiled. “We shall defeat them, do not worry, we shall defeat all of them.” He sneered.

In the Valley of Illumination Micael met the Shaman at the main gate of the Angelic Spirit’s castle. Princess Fimella was flying closely to the Shaman. Micael smiled at the sight of the small fairy. Princess Fimella flew up to him as he approached.

“Who are you?” Princess Fimella questioned.

“I am Micael, a myrmidon.” He smiled.

“It’s a pleasure to know you Micael. I expect our journey will be long but eventful. Try not to worry yourself. I will always be flying overhead to tell you what is to come next.” She smiled back.

Micael opened the main gate and the Shaman and Princess Fimella went through. Micael stopped for a moment and looked behind him at the great castle, then he shut the gate behind him.

As they walked down the road, Princess Fimella fluttered everywhere. The Shaman was silent. It seemed he only spoke when necessary. Micael was in awe of the whole moment. He couldn’t believe he was actually being allowed to leave the castle and begin this journey, this mystical journey. He was a little apprehensive which was understandable, the unknown always makes one a bit nervous. They walked for quite a long while before Micael looked beyond and noticed a dark gray area of wilderness ahead of them.

Micael spoke. “Is this it great Shaman?”

“Yes Micael. This is the entrance to the Forest of Shadows. Be not afraid my friend. We will be cautious on our journey so that we will make it back to the Valley of Illumination.”

Micael was scared. The Forest of Shadows looked terrifying. It was gray and gloomy and looked dangerous to him.

Princess Fimella flew down close to the Shaman and Micael. “This is where we enter. It appears to be much more frightening than it is trust me. Once inside of the Forest of Shadows you will discover it is nothing more than trees and swamps but we must be careful of the trolls and goblins and gremlins one never knows what these creatures will do next.” She smiled and flew ahead waving her hand for the Shaman and Micael to follow.

Micael followed the Shaman and the Princess Fimella into the wilderness there was no turning back now the journey had begun.

They had walked about two hours into the forest when the Shaman decided it was time to rest. Micael sat across from the Shaman. The Princess Fimella flew down and landed in Micael’s hand. Micael smiled knowing that the Princess trusted him enough to rest there. The Shaman sat in a trance for quite a long time before speaking.

“The witches have already come to the Forest of Shadows and have already left. The gremlins and goblins turned them down. They came here to try and build an army but were defeated by their own questions.”

Micael looked at the Shaman. “Shaman, how do you know these things?”

The Shaman smiled. “You are so young and so naïve. I’m sure it is hard for a myrmidon to understand any of this. You are not used to seeing the unknown. You must look beyond what is in front of you my friend. You must look through the third eye, only then will you know the truth.”

Micael looked confused. “I’m not sure I understand any of this Shaman but I am willing to learn from the master.” He smiled and the Shaman smiled back.

“We must go now. We must keep moving. It is not safe to stay in one place too long. There are too many eyes in this great forest watching.” The Shaman stood and Micael and Princess Fimella followed.

In the Midnight Mountains the witches entered their castle. Grimelda stormed through the castle to Crovis and Trovis’ room and didn’t knock on the door before entering. The brothers looked stunned to see their sister.

Crovis looked at her. “You’re back soon from the Forest of Shadows.”

Grimelda sneered at him. “I’ve come to your room to inform you that beginning now you will join us in our fight for the Book of Elandor. I shall stop threatening you and belittling you. We must join forces in order to defeat the others.”

Trovis began to laugh. “Grimelda. You need us now? All of these years you have pushed us aside like commoners and now expect us to help you and the sisters?”

Grimelda moved forward. “You will help us Crovis and Trovis because you really have no choice in the matter. If we die, you die. It’s quite simple.”

Crovis and Trovis looked at each other. They were the mirror of each other and always knew what the other was thinking. Crovis and Trovis smirked at each other then Crovis spoke.

“Fine my sister we shall help you overcome these other creatures to gain the Book of Elandor but keep in mind we are not helping you because we want to, we are helping you to help us.”

Grimelda smiled then left the brother’s room. After she left Trovis began to laugh.

“What’s so funny my brother?” Crovis questioned.

“We will help them to help ourselves brother, once we find the Book of Elandor we shall use it to destroy our sisters and then we shall rule this planet.”

The brothers began laughing loudly.

The ghouls were beginning their journey into the Forest of Shadows when Helmog decided what they should do first.

“Slothard and Wagrim, we must find the Mystagog in the Forest of Shadows. I believe he shall be the one to give us all of the answers we’re looking for. There’s only one thing about this strange creature. He speaks in strange riddles so that he will confuse you.”

“Why should we ask the Mystagog what to do? What would this creature know that we don’t already know?” Slothard seemed bothered.

“He is a teacher of religious mysteries and I’m hoping that through his riddle we will discover the exact location of the Book of Elandor. He will either tell us the truth or not. We will have to decipher it for ourselves.”

Wagrim stood silently for a moment then uttered a few short words. “It sounds like a perfect plan to me Helmog.”

“Thank you Wagrim. So it shall be. We will find the Mystagog and then figure out his riddle to find the Book of Elandor.” Helmog began moving quicker now with the two ghouls close behind.

Deep into the wilderness on the other side of the Forest of Shadows the Shaman and Micael continued on their Forest of Shadows adventure. Princess Fimella flew high above them making sure nothing horrible would be coming their way. Micael was walking along not really paying much attention to what was happening around him when he glanced out of corner of his eye and noticed a cave.

“Look there Shaman, a cave, shall we go inside?” Micael asked.

The Shaman stopped for a moment and looked over at the cave. “I don’t see why not Micael. This is an adventure and we must see everything.”

Micael called upward. “Princess Fimella fly down, we’re going to go into the cave and take a closer look.” The Princess flew down and landed on Micael’s shoulder.

“Do you think this is a wise decision Shaman?” The Princess asked.

“What’s wise Princess? The only wise thing we can all do in this life is to discover the unknown so we will explore this cave of Micaels.”

The three walked slowly to the entrance of the cave. It was very dark inside. The Shaman walked over to a large tree and pulled a branch off, he then placed the end of the branch between his two hands and rolled it back and forth, and what Micael and the Princess Fimella saw next amazed them. The branch began to smoke and then lit on fire. The Shaman smiled slyly at them and walked into the cave. They followed him.

Once inside the cave the Micael felt something come over him. It was a calming feeling. He wasn’t quite sure what it was but he was beginning to feel a bit sleepy. He looked down and saw the Princess asleep in his hand.

“Shaman, I am feeling extremely sleepy. I’m not sure why.” Micael sat down on the ground of the cave. “I have to rest.”

The Shaman stopped. “What is it Micael?” When he turned around he found Micael and the Princess Fimella asleep on the ground. The Shaman looked a bit further into the cave and noticed a pair of eyes looking back at him. He spoke loudly. “You there! Come out of the shadows. Show yourself!”

The eyes moved slowly towards the Shaman until the creature came into the light. The creature was tall and lanky and very hairy and quite grotesque. The Shaman stepped back.

“What have you done to my friends?” The Shaman asked harshly.

“Don’t worry Shaman your friends shall be fine in a short time. They were not meant to hear what I will tell you. Follow me deeper into the cave Shaman I have much to show you and much more to tell you.”

The Shaman followed the creature. As they walked they spoke.

“What is your name creature?” The Shaman asked.

“I am Morvax. I am not much more than a simple cave dweller Shaman but I came down when the planet changed just like you. Unfortunately I was sent alone, therefore I choose to live quietly here in this cave in the Forest of Shadows. I possess many powers as do you Shaman but nothing so strong that I would ever want possession of the Book of Elandor. That is what you come in search of isn’t it Shaman?”

“Yes Morvax. We come to learn but mainly to try to find the Book of Elandor.” The Shaman continued to follow Morvax.

“Long ago Shaman, there were many more like me. We were all destroyed by the hands of the myrmidons many years ago. The great warriors came and destroyed all of my kind they did not know much better. The myrmidons are taught differently than most and this is why I am concerned for you Shaman.”

The Shaman looked a bit perplexed. “Why would you be concerned for me Morvax? I don’t even know you, why would you care what happens to me or the the fairy or even the myrmidon for that matter?”

“I am on your side Shaman, you must know this. I cannot do much to help you on your journey to find the Book of Elandor but I can direct you to someone who may be able to help you.”

The Shaman seemed interested. “Who would this be Morvax?”

Morvax continued walking forward into a well lit room and once inside of the room he walked over to a large cauldron on the floor. “The creature is known as the Mystagog. He is a riddler but he may know where to find the Book of Elandor but my friend, he is not so easy to find. It will be a long path and you will not be the only one searching for him. Look here in the cauldron. Watch closely.”

The fog cleared from the cauldron and the Shaman looked down into it and saw the three ghouls. They were floating quietly through the forest but the most interesting part was that he could hear what they were saying to each other.

Morvax looked at the Shaman. “You see Shaman there are some things that I have control over including this. Listen closely because you may be surprised what you hear.”

The ghouls didn’t know that they were being watched and they continued with their conversation.

“What of this Mystagog Helmog? How will we find him? We don’t even know where to begin.” Slothard questioned.

“The strange thing is Slothard when you’re looking for something it happens to come upon you. What you think is so hard to find is actually right in front of you. This is the best part though, the part I forgot, after the Mystagog tells us his riddle and we discover where the Book of Elandor is we will capture him and bring him back to the castle in the Midnight Mountains. We cannot let this creature help the others.” Helmog grinned.

In the cave a fog came back over the cauldron. The Shaman wondered why the fog came over it so suddenly.

“I’m very sorry my friend. I cannot always control how long the cauldron will let me see into it. Luckily it let us look long enough for you to see what you needed to see.” Morvax stepped away from the cauldron and over to a large chest on the floor, he opened it and pulled out an amulet.

“This will give you protection when you need it Shaman, just wear it around your neck.” Morvax handed the amulet to the Shaman.

“Thank you friend.” The Shaman smiled. “How dangerous do you think the ghouls actually are?”

Morvax took a very deep breath. “As you know Shaman, many suns and moons ago they were defeated by the Angelic Spirits, those who sent you here. They are angry. They are also very strong, you would not want the Book of Elandor to fall into their hands, they would use it for the further destruction of this planet.”

“So what you are telling me Morvax is that we must find the Mystagog before the ghouls?”

“Yes Shaman. You must find the Mystagog before the ghouls for one reason. If the ghouls find him first they will take his riddle to find the Book of Elandor and also take the Mystagog but one thing you must know about this Mystagog, he doesn’t always tell the truth, he likes to tell riddles which can make absolutely no sense. There is no solving some of the riddles he tells and I feel he will try to trick you and trick the ghouls.”

“Where can we find him Morvax?” The Shaman questioned.

“I do not know where he hides Shaman but I do know where he was last found. This is the only piece of information I can offer you at this time.”

“I appreciate any information you can give us Morvax.” The Shaman said thankfully.

“You are now at the southern tip of the Forest of Shadows. You must head north. It will take days possibly even a week to find the last location of the Mystagog. You will have to happen come upon him. He is sometimes not visible to the eyes. You will have to use your powers to sense him once at this location. You will have to travel through the swamps of the Forest of Shadows. You will be searching for a large mountain. He lived at the top of this mountain not long ago. I feel he may still be there.” Morvax started to move out of the room. The Shaman followed.

“How do you know where the Mystagog was last seen Morvax?” The Shaman questioned.

“He helped me when I needed it most. He directed me to this cave and told me where I would be safe away from all of the dangers of the Forest of Shadows. He did it in riddle but he was truthful. I am grateful to him for this.” Morvax brought the Shaman back to Micael and the Princess Fimella.

“I can only say thank you Morvax for helping us on our journey.” Shaman stretched his hand out and Morvax reached out and they touched. Morvax smiled.

“Thank you Shaman I wish you much luck on your journey. I must go now. Your friends will awaken soon and they will remember only entering the cave. Please don’t tell them of me my friend.”

“I won’t my friend. You’ve been most friendly and helpful.” The Shaman walked over to Micael and the Princess when he turned back Morvax was gone. He shook Micael and he slowly opened his eyes.

“I must apologize great Shaman I didn’t even know I had fallen asleep.” Micael slowly woke up.

“You slept for only a moment Micael. We must leave this cave now. Wake the Princess it’s time to continue on.”

Micael woke the Princess and stood up then began walking out of the cave. As he walked out the Shaman turned. “Thank you Morvax. You will always be a friend to me.”

Morvax hiding in the shadows smiled and disappeared into the darkness.

Back in the Midnight Mountains Grimelda sat at her dining table with her sisters. The brothers Crovis and Trovis were called to join them this evening.

Grimelda spoke to them like a leader this evening. “Sisters and brothers we must put our minds together to find a way to get the Book of Elandor. We went into the Forest of Shadows only to be locked out by the goblins and gremlins, who in the end, will be destroyed for their extreme stupidity. I looked into the crystal ball and discovered that the ghouls have entered the Forest of Shadows in search of the all mighty Mystagog. We too will go back into the Forest of Shadows in search of this Mystagog but not before we enter the castle of the ghouls. You see sisters and brothers we will set a trap for them in their own castle while they roam the Forest of Shadows. We will capture these ghouls and keep them in our dungeon until we can find a use for them.”

Crovis spoke. “Sister, how do you imagine we should capture three ghosts? That’s what they are. We cannot hold them in shackles and chains. This will be most difficult.”

The others nodded in agreement.

“I have made a potion which will turn them into nothing more than a simple dust. All we have to do is gather them up with a broom and put them in a bottle and leave them in the dungeon until we need them, which may be never.” Grimelda laughed.

Povina who was normally very quiet spoke. “Grimelda, I think only three of us should go into the forest in search of the Mystagog. If something should happen at least we know there would be three remaining to carry out our battle in the end.”

Grimelda sat back in her chair. “I agree with you and since you thought up this brave idea little sister you shall be one of the three to go, you, Nevula and Trovis.”

Trovis looked up shockingly. “Me? Why would I want to go into the Forest of Shadows with the sisters? I want to stay close with Crovis.”

Grimelda rebutted. “You will go with the sisters into the forest in search of the Mystagog Trovis. You will not be in danger. The sisters know many spells which can protect you.”

Crovis spoke. “Brother, I know you are fearful but you needn’t be. I will make sure nothing will happen to you.”

Grimelda stood up. “Then it is agreed, Povina, Nevula and Trovis will leave this evening and while you are gone we will search the castle of the ghouls and prepare for their return.”

They all stood and left the room except Magella who walked over to Grimelda.

“Dear Sister. What have you done? You know Povina, Nevula and Trovis are not experienced enough to battle the Forest of Shadows. They may never come back.” Magella looked oddly at Grimelda.

“My sister. You are the only one who has the potential to fight this battle. You are skilled, not as skilled as I but skilled nonetheless. The brothers are and always will be useless to us but if one should die, the other would be more willing to fight the battle with us.” Grimelda smirked.

Magella smiled. “You are so wise my sister. I’m assuming the other sisters know that Trovis will not be returning to the castle with them?”

“Of course Magella, they were informed of the events well before they took place. They know exactly what to do with Trovis once in the Forest of Shadows. They will take him deep to the center of the gray area and leave him there. He is not skilled enough to find his way back here. The creatures will destroy him eventually and that will leave Crovis. He will be so distraught over losing his mirror brother that he will want to fight with us. Once we have him on our side the witches and warlock will be indestructible.” The sisters laughed.

The ghouls continued onward through the Forest of Shadows. They found the old fortress of the goblins and gremlins. They went inside expecting to find something but they found nothing.

Slothard spoke. “Where have they gone Helmog? I smell those grimy little tree dwellers. Were they here recently?”

Helmog looked around. “The goblins and gremlins have left here recently. But they are not the only ones. Those haggard creatures were here also.”

“The witches?” Wagrim spoke up.

“Yes Wagrim, the witches, the hideous four. I sense things didn’t go as planned for them.” He smiled. “We must go further in search of the Mystagog.”

They left the fortress and began traveling north not knowing that not far from them were the Shaman, Micael and the Princess Fimella.

Princess Fimella flew high above the trees again. Micael followed the Shaman. He felt as though he’d been walking for days. His legs were heavy and he was thirsty and hungry. He knew he had to keep moving though. He was part of something greater than he could ever imagine.

The ground seemed to be getting soggier as they moved along. The Shaman stopped.

“We’ll rest here Micael. We are getting closer to the swamp. Once we reach the swamp it will be more difficult for us to travel. We must be prepared.”

Micael was relieved at the thought of stopping. He was also fearful of what laid ahead.

Once they settled in for their rest Micael began to talk to the Shaman.

“Shaman, may I ask you a question?”

The Shaman nodded his head. “Of course you can Micael. That’s why I am here to answer questions.”

“Thank you. The one question I have for you is this. Where did you come from Shaman? Do you know?” Micael looked at him with much interest.

The Shaman sat back and looked up at the sky. He then looked down into the fire and began to tell his story.

“Many many years ago I was part of a great Indian tribe. My father and brothers were warriors. We were powerful people. I had a grandmother who told me when I was young that when I grew older I would possess the powers I carry with me to this day. When the evil people came and destroyed our villages and killed our people my powers grew stronger. I have seen much death and destruction young one. I never expected to be brought back to this land again. The Gods have called upon me for a reason and I shall help in any way I can. We must rest now. We have a long journey ahead of us.”

Micael smiled and laid his head down on the ground. The Princess Fimella flew above them. She would be the watchful eye while they slept.

At the castle of the witches and warlocks Povina, Nevula, and Trovis prepared for their movement into the Forest of Shadows. Grimelda readied Magella and Crovis for their sneaky trip into the ghoul’s castle this night. She stood over her large cauldron chanting a spell that would turn the ghouls to dust and enable her to carry out her plans.

“In this night and in this hour, I call upon the dark powers. Take this liquid and make it so, the ghouls will have no place to go. Once spread upon them dust they’ll be and forever more this shall be.” Grimelda took three small bottles and filled them out of the cauldron pulled them out, corked them and put them in her pocket. “It will not be soon enough before I put those ghouls back where they belong.” She laughed loudly.

In the main hall Povina, Nevula and Trovis said their farewells to their sister and brother. Magella hugged Povina and whispered in her ear. “I will see you and Nevula upon your return dear sister.”

Povina nodded and gathered the other two and left the main door. Crovis seemed a bit curious and stopped Magella before she headed back down the main hall.

“What are you up to dear sister?” He asked.

“Why whatever do you mean dear brother?” She stood emotionless.

“I just find it very strange that the two idiot sisters were sent into the Forest of Shadows with Trovis don’t you?” He questioned.

“Dear brother it was Povina who arrived at the idea of going to the Forest of Shadows. Grimelda just thought it best that three stay here and three go.” She was very nonchalant and started to walk away.

“I’m not sure I agree with the decision to send Trovis though. I would have been the better choice of us two. I am stronger and better to handle situations that may arise.” He called after her.

Magella continued to walk down the hall with a smirk on her face. She didn’t bother to answer Crovis.

Outside of the castle Povina, Nevula and Trovis began their flight to the Forest of Shadows. Povina and Nevula held close to each other and let Trovis languish behind them. They flew for quite some time and were almost to the center of the Forest of Shadows when Povina began her descent to the ground. The others soon followed. She would wait to rid herself of Trovis for at least one day she thought. She didn’t want it to become to obvious. Once Povina and Nevula were convinced Trovis was asleep they would take his flying object and leave him to fend for himself. Povina wanted to make sure he wouldn’t wake up so she had Grimelda make her a deep sleep potion before she left the castle. She would sprinkle it over him before they left. He would sleep for at least three days and not even realize what had become of his sisters then they would continue on to try and find the Mystagog.

“We should rest here I believe,” Povina croaked.

Trovis walked towards her. “My dear sister Povina, rest is for the weak. We should move forward with this task to find the Mystagog. What do you think Nevula?”

Nevula sat. “I think Povina is right. We should rest here and continue on later. It will be easier to think with a well rested mind brother.” She smiled slyly at Povina.

Povina and Nevula laid down on the ground next to each other. Trovis wandered close to a large tree and then sat and closed his eyes. Povina and Nevula never fell asleep they waited for hours until they heard Trovis snoring. At that moment Povina moved closer to her brother and slowly pulled the potion out of her pocket and sprinkled it over his head.

“Goodnight and goodbye brother.” Povina smiled back at Nevula. “Grab his flying object and let’s go, when he awakens he won’t even know what’s happened.” The sisters laughed as they left their brother to die in the Forest of Shadows.

Three days had passed before Trovis would wake up, he opened his eyes and tried to stand but he felt too groggy. “Sisters?” He called but no answer. “Povina? Nevula? Where are you?” There was still no answer. Trovis finally managed to brace himself on a tree. It was then he realized what the sisters had done. He became very angry and started to hit the tree with his fist. He stopped when his hand became bloody.

“You damned witches! When I find you I shall destroy you!” He stormed off and down the only path he could see.

Not far from where Trovis laid for three days Micael, the Shaman and the Princess Fimella continued through the swamps of the Forest of Shadows.

“How close are we Shaman?” Micael asked.

“We have a long way to go yet young Micael. You must be patient. I am seeing through the third eye and trying to find the home of the great Mystagog. The Forest of Shadows is very large and once in the swamps, even larger and harder to find things. We must continue on and not wonder but find what we are looking for.” The Shaman continued to walk.

The Princess Fimella flew down and landed on Micael shoulder.

“What is it Princess do you see something?” Micael wondered.

The Shaman stopped as did Micael.

“I do see somebody not far from where we are at Shaman and Micael. I’m not sure if it’s a creature or a myrmidon yet. Should I try to fly closer to get a better view while you two hide?” She fluttered about now.

The Shaman spoke. “Yes, I believe that’s the best idea right now. Don’t get too close though Princess we cannot chance something happening to you.”

As the Princess flew off, Micael and the Shaman found a large tree and huddled behind it. She was not gone long before she came down and fluttered before Micael and the Shaman. She looked terrified.

“What is it Princess?” The Shaman asked.

“You will never believe this but it is one of the warlocks from the Midnight Mountains Shaman. He is wandering through the swamp alone.” She looked shocked.

The Shaman sat back. “What would one of the warlocks be doing all alone in the Forest of Shadows? Let me sit and meditate a moment my friends. I may discover why this is.” The Shaman slipped into a trance.

Micael and the Princess Fimella were very close but very quiet. Micael was a bit worried never having dealt with anyone from the Midnight Mountains. The Princess seemed quite scared also. At least an hour had gone by before the Shaman came out of his trance with an answer.

“My friends, it seems the witches have pulled quite an evil trick on their brother. They brought him to the Forest of Shadows with dreams of finding the Book of Elandor but left him to fend for himself and eventually, they hoped he would die.”

Micael and the Princess gasped in horror.

“Why would your own family do something such as this Shaman?” Michael didn’t understand.

“The witches are evil women. They do not care about their brothers, either of them. They know that if they destroy one of the brothers the other will be more apt to fight with them in any battles that should arise.” The Shaman stood now.

“If we run into the warlock what should we do?” Micael stood also.

“Unless we choose to run into him we won’t. The warlock is confused. He’s not quite sure what part of the Forest of Shadows he’s even in. He is being overtaken by rage right now but not towards us or anyone else just his sisters.”

On the other side of the Forest of Shadows swamps the ghouls were still moving along swiftly. Helmog was definitely the leader of the three. He was also the leader of the three many years ago when they were companions as young children. As the Angelic Spirits were of human form many years ago so were the ghouls. They were of course not known as Helmog, Slothard, and Wagrim then but Herman, Stanley and Walter.

Herman was always a difficult child as were the other two. Herman was always getting into trouble but the trouble that would send these three to the fires below was nothing by comparison. They spent their days together usually playing outdoor games or spending time in their special hiding places in the woods. Stanley and Walter were always followers that’s why they looked up to Herman the way they did. One day while in the woods they met a young man. His name was Christopher. Christopher was a quiet kid and just wanted to make friends. He was much smaller than the other three boys. Herman told Christopher that he could be their friend but he would have to perform some tasks before they let him into the club. The first tasks were simple. The next task would be much more difficult. Herman told Christopher that he would have to climb the great cliff by their homes and jump to the waters below. Stanley and Walter knew this was dangerous but they went along with it anyway. The four boys headed up the great cliff and to the edge. Christopher looked over the edge and decided that he couldn’t do it. The other boys taunted him. Christopher began to cry. Herman, Stanley, and Walter moved closer to Christopher pointing and laughing at him. Christopher moved back slowly from the boys until he had moved one step too far and fell over the edge of the cliff.

The three boys stood in silence as they walked slowly to the edge. They knew that Christopher was not coming out of the water. Their taunting had driven him over the edge, literally. They vowed on that day they would never tell a soul what happened on the cliff that day. They took the secret with them to their graves and their evil souls with them.

Helmog stopped moving and turned to the other two ghouls.

“I’m not sure but I feel we may be getting closer to the Mystagog.” Helmog said calmly.

“What makes you think that Helmog?” Slothard questioned.

“It’s just a feeling I get. I’m not sure why. It’s either the Mystagog or something else of power. Let’s move a bit further it seems that the eye is not seeing all that is here.” Helmog began to move around slowly.

The three ghouls began to swirl in a circular motion. They chanted as they spun around suddenly great walls of wood began to grow around them. They slowed down until they came to a standstill. They realized that they were in the new fortress of the goblins and gremlins. Helmog moved to the center and said in a strong voice. “Goblins and gremlins we know this is your fortress. Come out and show yourselves! We will not harm you. We just want to ask you some questions.”

It was as if the fog had lifted when the creatures began to appear before the ghouls. Many of the goblins and gremlins sneered and snickered at them for disturbing their new fortress. Izasa and Olagh appeared at the front of their newly built home.

“What have you summoned us for ghouls?” Izasa shouted to them.

The ghouls moved closer to them. Izasa and Olagh stepped forward. Helmog stood in front of Slothard and Wagrim and spoke softly.

“We have not come here to cause any problems creatures. We found your fortress by mistake. We were looking for the home of the Mystagog.” Helmog smiled at them as if to show a sign of friendship.

“What would three ghouls be doing in the Forest of Shadows looking for the Mystagog?” Olagh questioned.

“We have come to ask him a few simple questions. You wouldn’t happen to know where we might find him would you kind creatures?” Helmog said inquisitively.

Izasa moved very close to Helmog now. “Look here ghoul you and your invisible friends are not welcome here in the Forest of Shadows you should know this. We won’t help you, just as we wouldn’t help those haggard sisters that came before you. Forget you’ve ever seen us for now ghouls and remove yourself from our fortress immediately.” As Izasa turned to walk away Helmog spoke once more.

“You foolish little beasts, you will no doubt be destroyed once the three books are found. I will watch as your little worlds crumble before you and laugh.” Helmog said smugly.

Izasa turned back to Helmog once he reached Olagh. “You should hope that happens ghoul.” Then just as suddenly as the whole fortress appeared it disappeared around the ghouls.

Helmog stood before Slothard and Wagrim. “Let’s move north, I am not worried about these horrid little creatures. In the grand scheme of everything that will happen, they mean nothing to us or our fight.”

The three ghouls left and began moving further north in search of the Mystagog.

In Midnight Mountain Grimelda prepared to enter the castle of the ghouls. She wouldn’t wait for them to come back assuming that they would be gone for quite some time in the Forest of Shadows. Grimelda moved slowly down the road to the castle. The bridge was lifted over the moat but she knew this wouldn’t be a problem she would fly to their tower window and enter there.

Grimelda flew quietly through the air to the window and landed inside of the tower. She stepped quickly down the staircase and into the main castle. She was amazed at the size of the castle. It was dark and dingy. There were large paintings on the walls. Grimelda walked through the hall to the library and was trying to figure out the best way to capture the ghouls upon their arrival home to the castle. The tower would obviously be the fastest way for her to come into the castle. She would enter through the tower then hide until she could catch them off guard. If she couldn’t capture all of them she would capture Helmog the leader. The other two would be lost without him.

She wandered through the castle a bit longer and left a small piece of magical rock lying on a table in the main hall. Once the rock was touched by any creature or myrmidon she would be summoned, then she would carry out her plan. She headed back to the tower and flew out the window and back to her castle.

In the Forest Of Shadows Micael and the Shaman walked softly so they would not alert the warlock to their presence. The Princess Fimella was still flying overhead. As they walked they heard a crackle not far from them and then a voice called out to them.

“You there.”

The Shaman and Micael turned expecting to see the warlock, but when they turned they saw a troll standing behind them.

The Shaman looked down at the scary creature. “What is it troll?”

The troll grimaced. “What is it? Is that anyway to talk to someone?”

“Look here troll. We are on a long journey and don’t have time for fun and games right now. What can we do for you?” The Shaman asked.

“I am looking for someone to travel through the forest with. I have been out here all alone ever since Toumani banished me from our village.” He bowed his head. “I would be forever grateful if you would let me join you.”

The Shaman questioned, “Why would we let you join us troll. We don’t even know of you. You could be trying to trick us. How do we know this Toumani you speak of didn’t send you to find us and gather information for him?”

“I promise you kind sir I am after nothing more than companionship. I am lonely and have no friends.” The troll looked at them.

Micael whispered into the Shaman’s ear. “We should not trust this creature. The trolls are known to be troublemakers and liars Shaman.”

“I know this Micael but we should always accept someone until they prove themselves otherwise. We will take this troll with us on our adventure but if he shows anything other than kindness and compassion we shall make sure we part ways with him.” The Shaman stepped towards the troll. “What is your name troll?”

“My name is Ovit kind sirs.” He bowed to them.

“There is no need to bow here Ovit we are not royalty. We will take you on our adventure under one condition Ovit. You mustn’t do anything to distract or destroy any plans we may have. We will consider you to be our friend unless you prove otherwise. Also, you must be very quiet while on the journey because there is a warlock close and I’m sure witches and ghouls too.” The Shaman spoke sternly.

The troll looked around and was a bit tense. “You two are very kind, very kind indeed.”

Just then the Princess Fimella flew down. “You mean three troll.”

The troll looked at the Princess Fimella. “Hello, little fairy.” He held his hand out to the Princess. “I am Ovit.”

The Princess observed the troll then looked over at the Shaman and Micael who looked at her as if to tell her what was happening. She smiled down at the troll. “Nice to meet you Ovit I am Princess Fimella.”

The troll smiled back with his blackened teeth, but it seemed heartfelt. The group carried on to the north in search of the Mystagog.

The witches Povina and Nevula felt very tired and decided to rest. Nevula sat close to her sister and began talking.

“I cannot believe that Grimelda sent us here to perform this duty for her this is the most awful thing we’ve ever done. Leaving our brother to die in the Forest of Shadows was bad enough, but now we have to wander through these swamps to find the Mystagog?” She spoke with annoyance.

“Nevula, our sister entrusted us with this task because she knew we could do it. Don’t you think that should mean something to us?” Povina asked.

“My dear sister Povina you think we would have learned by now that Grimelda only does things that will benefit her in the end. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful but I believe she sent us into the Forest of Shadows to rid herself of us as well as Trovis.”

Povina thought for a moment. “You know sister, in some strange way I believe you, but in my wretched soul I want to trust Grimelda.”

Nevula stood up. “This is what we shall do then Povina. We shall find the Mystagog and hear his riddle. Once we realize if he’s told us the truth or not we will bring the information back to Grimelda in the Midnight Mountains. I believe we will realize what her true intentions were when she hears our news from the Forest of Shadows.”

Povina nodded. “Agreed.”

The sisters stayed for a while then continued onward into the swamps.

In the castle of the Angelic Spirits back in the Valley of Illumination the three friends sat with the Queen Armad discussing strategies.

The Angelic Spirits sat as the Queen Armad spoke to them.

“I trust that my daughter and the Shaman and the myrmidon have successfully made it into the Forest of Shadows by now. Although I am worried about my daughter I know her strengths and her weaknesses. I can only hope that they will return safely with good news for us. I do not expect that they will find the Book of Elandor but I do believe they will find some very useful information for us.”

“I believe the Shaman will find many answers for us Queen Armad,” Mitral said calmly. “Going into the Forest of Shadows is dangerous but I believe they will travel safely. It is a long hard journey though my dear friends and we should not expect their return anytime soon.”

The Queen looked out through the window. “I guess I never believed that the world would come to this. I never thought that we would all be sent back to this planet in this type of situation looking for the three books. The Gods should have left the books where they were. I know this is being done to teach the world some great lesson, but I still think it’s very dangerous when you are playing with the lives of so many.”

The Angelic Spirits looked at the Queen Armad and Ademus spoke.

“Queen Armad, the Gods did not do this to hurt us. They sent us back here to help. Although it is possible that lives may be lost, it will be no different than it ever was on this planet. It is the circle of life. You are born, you live, and you die. It’s a harsh but simple fact.”

The Queen smiled at Ademus. “I know this my friends. I am grateful for the chance to help the Gods in any way I can. I am but a humble servant to them.”

The Angelic Spirits smiled and Aerifus stood. “As are we Queen Armad. We are also humble servants of the Gods, so we understand.”

Mitral stood and walked to the window. “I will pray for our friends in the Forest of Shadows that they come back to us safely.”

They all looked at each other and smiled lightly.

Deep into the Forest of Shadows Toumani lead his troop in search of the Book of Elandor. They had been moving slowly but surely for weeks now to the north. They had no idea that the others were in search of the Mystagog at this point and not the Book of Elandor. Toumani halted his troop when he sensed there was danger.

He silenced them and stood quietly for a moment then turned to speak to them.

“My fellow trolls we are not the first to walk this path today. I smell the scent of a warlock. Could it be that the witches have left their brother in the Forest of Shadows alone?” He smirked, “Of course! The witches are ridding themselves of one of the warlocks to get the other to help them.” He began laughing. “They’ve just made their first huge mistake I do believe my soldiers if I am correct. They will need the power of both the brothers in the end even though they may not know this yet. The warlocks, as it was written many years ago would one day rise above the witches in powers. Those stupid hideous moldy messes have created a huge problem for themselves. Once the Book of Elandor is found I will laugh directly in their faces.”

The troops began laughing with Toumani as he motioned them to move forward. In his mind Toumani knew that if he could somehow find the warlock brother and convince him to join them they would be much stronger.

At the very northpoint of the Forest of Shadows sat a great mountain, at the top of this mountain sat a very old man, the Mystagog. He was sitting looking out over the land of the Forest of Shadows. He knew that within a matter of days the first group would arrive to ask him about the Book of Elandor, the decision to tell any of them the truth would be one he would contemplate. The Mystagog was a very lonely old man who was sent into a state of confusion when the planet stopped that day. His mind was no longer as strong as it once was which lead him to speak in riddles. The Mystagog felt he had a direct link to the Gods which was why he was a teacher of religious mysteries. The biggest mystery of all would be to know who he once was. He would ponder this for weeks at a time. He sometimes believed he remembered having a family but he could not think of their names or see their faces. Living on the mountain was very lonely and quiet and also fed into his insane behavior. He looked once more over the land then retreated back into his cave awaiting the arrival.

Micael and Ovit walked close to each other but still a few steps behind the Shaman. Ovit had a tendency to talk too much but Micael didn’t seem to mind.

“Tell me myrmidon why would you be sent on this journey with the Shaman?” The troll asked.

“I believe it’s because the Angelic Spirits trust me and because the Shaman believes I can be of some assistance to him.” Micael smiled down at their new found friend. “Tell me Ovit why would the trolls banish you from the village?”

Ovit struggled with the thought for a moment before answering. “The leader Toumani didn’t care for me too much. I was part of his army he was building. One evening he summoned me to his quarters to discuss strategies. I told him that I didn’t think we should get involved in the battle for the three books and this angered him and he had me thrown from the grounds and told me never to return again.”

Micael looked at Ovit who seemed sad. “Why are you so sad Ovit? I would think you would be happy to not have to fight any battles or do something you don’t believe in.”

Ovit looked up at Micael. “I am happy that I won’t fight but it’s very hard to leave your kind behind when it’s the only life you have ever known Micael.”

Micael understood for he too had felt this way many times.

Princess Fimella flew down from the sky quickly and fluttered in front of the Shaman and Micael and Ovit.

“My friends, my friends, I feel we may be close to the Mystagog. There is a large mountain den ahead. This may be the home of the Mystagog.” She smiled feeling they were near.

The Shaman walking a bit faster now said “Come my friends if we are close we must reach him before the others do.”

CHAPTER THREE

The ghouls continued on their journey, Helmog was still very angry with the trolls for treating him so badly but he knew he would make them pay for their mistakes once the Book of Elandor was found. Slothard and Wagrim trailed a few feet behind Helmog and spoke to one another quietly.

“We must take more control of this situation Wagrim we have given Helmog too much power over us. In the end, he will destroy us.” Slothard said.

“Slothard you know he has always lead us, we put him that position many years ago.” Slothard stalled a bit.

“Wagrim, all I am saying is we must keep a watchful eye on Helmog for I feel that if we are the first to find the book we will also be on the edge of destruction because of him.”

“I agree with you we’ll keep a watchful eye.” They continued to move along with Helmog.

In the center of the Forest of Shadows Trovis still walked along angrily in search of his two deceitful sisters. He decided he wouldn’t be able to find them this day they already had such a huge lead ahead of him, so he sat down to take a rest. About an hour had passed when he thought he heard something. Looking around him he saw nothing.

He decided to call out to see if anyone answered back.

“Who’s there? Is there anyone there?” He called. There was no answer. He stood and began looking around. He had turned to look behind him when he felt something at his feet and then suddenly he was on the ground on his back with his arms being pulled to the right and the left along with his legs. Trovis then felt something come across his neck and hold him tightly to the ground. Trovis was completely terrified until he noticed through blurred eyes something sitting upon his chest, when he managed to finally make the creature out he realized it was a gremlin.

“What say you warlock?” The gremlin moved closer to his face so that Trovis could see his big yellow eyes.

Trovis looked at the gremlin. “What is the meaning of this gremlin? What do you intend to do with me?” He asked.

The gremlin tapped the top of Trovis’ head with his long gangly finger. “Hmm what do you think I should do with you warlock? I’m more interested in why you are out here wandering in the Forest of Shadows. What’re you after warlock?”

“I don’t have to tell you anything gremlin.” Trovis spit in his face. The gremlin began jumping up and down on Trovis’ chest. Trovis was gasping for breath and finally agreed to tell the gremlin what had happened, but, he left out the part about the Book of Elandor and the Mystagog. The gremlin finally decided to let him off the hook and released him from the stronghold. Trovis stood up.

“Stupid gremlin, I could crush you like an ant underneath my foot right now. Why would you do such a thing?” He was very bothered with the gremlin.

“I am sorry warlock I am just protecting my part of this great forest. I had to make sure you were not here to destroy my home.” The gremlin pleaded knowing he had set the warlock free and could be harmed.

Trovis turned and walked away from the gremlin. “I am not here to harm anyone but my grotesque sisters. They will be lucky to ever make it back to the Midnight Mountains once I get my hands on them.”

The gremlin went back to his routine and ignored the final words of the warlock just being grateful that he hadn’t killed him.

The Shaman continued forth while the Princess Fimella flew overhead, he thought to himself as he walked that he felt very good about his traveling companions. He wasn’t too sure about the troll yet the trust must be built amongst all four of them. Micael had taken a liking to Ovit which made the Shaman more comfortable. The Shaman walked quicker now upon seeing the mountain den ahead of them.

“Come my friends we are close. The den is just ahead of us.” The Shaman kept walking faster and then all of them began to run laughing a bit along the way and a bit excited.

As they neared the den the Shaman began to slow down. He started to feel a bit more leary about the den. The Shaman turned to his companions.

“We must stop my friends. This is not the home of the Mystagog.” He shuddered. “This is the home of Chiao.”

Micael and Ovit stepped back and the Princess fluttered with them.

“Chiao? What is a Chiao Shaman?” Micael asked.

The Shaman quieted his voice. “The Chiao is a giant mythical creature with the head of a dragon and the body of a serpent and covered in scales. It lives here in this swamp and that is its home. It is dangerous and could kill all four of us with the snap of its mouth.”

They gasped. Suddenly, a look of horror came over the face of the Shaman’s companions. Micael pointed past the Shaman. The Shaman knew what he was about to see and turned to come fact to face with the Chiao. The Shaman looked back at his friends quickly.

“Run my friends! Run!” The Shaman turned back to face the the Chiao.

Micael and Ovit began running backwards watching the Shaman and the Chiao. The Princess flew as they ran. They ran far enough way to where the Chiao could not see them any longer but they could see the Shaman.

The Shaman stood back from the Chiao. “Let us pass Chiao. We have not come to destroy you we’ve come in search of the Mystagog.”

The Chiao slithered around the Shaman eventually wrapping itself around him and coming face to face with him once again. The creature was hideous, it was large and red and full of scales. Its eyes were blood red and its teeth were like giant swords. It thrust its head upwards and then pulled itself down quickly into the Shaman’s face.

“Why do you come here seer?” The Chiao said with a slithery voice.

“I have come in search of the Mystagog Chiao.” The Shaman stood solidly not showing fear to the great swamp dragon.

“What would a seer want with the magical Mystagog?” Chiao questioned.

“I am not afraid of you dragon, either you can let us pass through here this day or you can kill me now.” The Shaman stood firm.

“For being so old my friend you are very brave.” The Chiao slowly released him. “I am not an evil dragon seer I just protect the land which is rightfully mine here in the Forest of Shadows.”

“Please understand dragon, we have not come to destroy your land or try to take anything from you, we are in search of the Mystagog nothing more.” The Shaman stepped back from the dragon now. “May I summon my friends that it is safe?” He asked.

“Do not worry seer. I will not harm you or your friends, and I will let you pass with one request, that you and your friends stay here and speak for a short while with me.”

The Shaman smiled. “Yes my friend.” He waved to the others letting them know it was safe to come closer now. They were still a bit fearful but came and met the dragon.

Once inside of the dragon’s mountain den they began to chat. Micael felt very strange being inside of the dragon’s den and was still a bit nervous but inquisitive nonetheless about the dragon.

Micael sat and drank a cup of water and laughed at a joke Ovit had just told. “Tell me Chiao how did you come to live in the swamps of the Forest of Shadows?”

The dragon raised his head and smiled. “How did you end up where you are today young myrmidon? Just like you when the planet stopped rotating I was sent here. I made the best of what was put before me.”

Micael grinned. “Don’t you get lonely here all alone in the middle of the swamp with no one to talk to?”

“Of course I do, but as I said I have made the best of it.” He slithered slowly to the entrance of his mountain den. “If given the choice my friends I wouldn’t even be back on this planet today but the Gods have sent all of us here for a reason unknown. I never question the Gods I just do what I am sent to do.”

The Shaman stood and walked to the entrance. “What is it you were sent to do Chiao?”

Chiao smirked and slithered back to the center of the cave. “I thank you for coming to see me today here in my home friends and although I don’t believe friends should have to do things for each other to remain friends I want to do something very special for you today. Come sit in the circle Shaman.” The Shaman sat down next to Micael and Ovit and the Princess sat quietly on Micael’s shoulder.

The dragon spoke as quietly as he could now so that no one would hear him. “My friends I will tell you how to find the Mystagog. You see my friends this is one of the entrances to the paths to the Mystagog and normally I would have killed you upon entering but this day, you were quite lucky.”

They all smiled knowing this was the truth, and they were quite grateful. The dragon continued on.

“The path to the Mystagog is not an easy one you will have to go through some difficult areas in the swamps. Please, whatever you do, don’t stray off of the course I am sending you on. There is an area of the swamps controlled by mutant myrmidons, half human and half creature, the day the planet stopped rotating they were affected by the blasts and somehow mutated. They are hunters, killing anything and anyone in their paths, anger drives them. This is not the end though my friends, once you bypass the mutant myrmidons you will have to travel through a desert area that not many know about, this desert is full of creatures I don’t even know about. You may have to fight which is why I am going to arm you with weapons of those who came before you that met an untimely demise.” Chiao smiled slyly. “Once you reach the edge of the desert it will appear there is nothing more than forest ahead of you, but do not be fooled my dear friends it is but a mirage. Look past what you are seeing because the forest is actually a mountain range. You will travel far into the mountains but when you come to the highest mountain you will have found the Mystagog. Now, this is the most important part. Do not be fooled by the old man’s riddles. Rarely does he ever tell the truth, and I’m sure if he knows you have come for the location of the Book of Elandor he will be even more deceitful.”

“How did you know we were looking for the Book of Elandor?” The Shaman inquired.

“Why else would you come to the Forest of Shadows?” Chiao turned his monsterous head and smiled.

Chiao gave them weapons to travel with. The tiniest being a bow and arrow for the Princess Fimella. Micael was given a sword and Ovit a crossbow. The Shaman opted not to carry a weapon saying the only weapon he needed was his mind. They thanked Chiao and told them they hoped they’d meet again one day under different circumstances. He agreed. They were on a new adventure now, one more dangerous, but inevitably reaching their goal of finding the Mystagog.

Povina and Nevula were moving a little more slowly into the swamps. They had always been the lazy sisters letting the two older sisters Grimelda and Magella handle everything. Povina sat on a rock and Nevula joined her.

“Nevula I am sick of walking maybe we should fly.” Povina wondered loudly.

“We cannot fly in the swamps sister we do not know the swamps and I would be fearful of something happening to us. We must continue on foot.” She sighed.

They were sitting for a short time when they heard something. Povina and Nevula ducked behind a rock and quietly looked over the top to see what was there. They didn’t see anything but stayed hidden for a while longer, when they felt it was safe they came out from behind the rock. This would be their first mistake on their journey because as soon as they appeared a large dark creature with huge wings and the eyes of the devil himself grabbed them and lifted them into the air as they screamed.

“Put us down this instant!” Povina demanded. “Put us down before I cast a spell on you that shall kill you instantly.” The creature laughed loudly.

“Stupid witches, how dare you find your way into my swamps. You are not wanted here and the chances of you leaving here alive are not in your favor.” He smiled quite big showing his razor sharp teeth of steel.

Povina and Nevula were afraid for their lives. They knew they didn’t have the powers of Grimelda, they didn’t even know too many spells to help them in this situation so instead they decided to try to make a deal with the creature.

“Demon!” Povina called to him. “Demon we wish to make some sort of a deal with you.”

The creature seemed somewhat interested at this thought. “Speak witch! Tell me of this deal you wish to make.” He set them down on the ground and stood grandly before the cowering sisters.

“Why kill us when you could destroy one of the most powerful warlocks in the world who will soon travel this way.” Povina smiled coyly.

“What would I want with a warlock when I can kill two witches?” The creature demanded an answer.

“The warlock is our brother and we lost him some time ago in the forest. He will find us though. You must understand demon he is the most powerful warlock in the Midnight Mountains or the Valley of Illumination. Why kill us when you can defeat that kind of power?” Povina winked at Nevula knowing she would convince the demon creature.

The creature stood for a moment and thought and then said, “Why couldn’t I kill you and him?”

Povina thought quickly. “Because if you kill us he will know what you have done and come to defeat you and he can. We will help you trap him like an animal in a cage. You agree to our deal and we shall fulfill our agreement.”

The creature pondered for a few short minutes and looked down at them. “We are in agreement witches, you ensure that the warlock is brought here and I will set you free.”

Povina and Nevula smiled now they would have to cast a spell to get Trovis to come to them in the swamp.

Nearing the swamp Toumani and his troops moved steadily along. Toumani was in search of Trovis the warlock. He was determined to find him. Toumani stopped his troops before entering the swamps.

“Fellow trolls. We must find the warlock. It is essential to defeat the witches and find the Mystagog. Keep a watchful eye while we travel through the swamp for him.” The strange thing about this situation was that Trovis was only a matter of feet away from the trolls sleeping. Trovis didn’t quite know what came over him as he slept but he felt something magical happening in his mind. It was his sisters Povina and Nevula calling him to join them. He knew it was a trick and would block out their spell. Povina and Nevula didn’t realize that he and Crovis had spent much time working on ways to block the sister’s spells. He decided that he would get up and head into the swamps, he had rested long enough. Trovis would do his best to avoid his sisters now. As he rose up from the ground Trovis looked over and saw the trolls. He fell back to the ground quickly hoping they hadn’t seen him. His luck had just run out though, for Toumani came quickly to him.

Toumani poked him on the shoulder. “You there, raise your head and let me see what kind of creature you are.”

Trovis slowly raised his head and a huge smile came across Toumani’s face.

“Well, well, what do we have here? It seems that we have found the warlock.” He grinned.

Trovis wasn’t sure how the troll knew who he was he got up from the ground, brushed off his cloak and began asking questions.

“How is it that you know who I am troll?” He asked.

“Poor warlock you have become the laughing stock of the Forest of Shadows. We all know what your evil sisters did to you, leaving you here to die in the woods.” He said sneakily.

“Everyone knows what they’ve done?” He seemed surprised.

Toumani knew he had grasped onto something now, he would set his plan in motion now before he lost his interest.

“If you would like warlock we will help you find your sisters and teach them a very valuable lesson.” Toumani tapped his chin with his long finger.

“What kinds of lesson troll?” Trovis asked.

“Why we shall do to them what they planned to do to you warlock. We’ll kill them.” He smiled.

Trovis smirked back at Toumani. “So then troll, it shall be. We shall find the sisters and kill them.” They laughed and shook hands.

Deep in the swamps and long past the serpent dragon Chiao the Shaman lead Micael, Ovit, and Princess Fimella.

Micael called to the Shaman. “I don’t want to annoy or bother on this journey but I should tell you now that I have never used a sword in my life, Ovit has never seen a crossbow and the Princess Fimella has no idea what to do with her bow and arrow.”

The Shaman stopped and turned around. “Then I guess it’s time you were taught how to use these weapons young Micael. We are a small army of four but powerful no doubt. We shall stop here for a time and practice with the weapons. I will show you how to use these weapons, although I am hoping you won’t have to.”

The Shaman decided he would teach Princess Fimella first so she could continue to watch above them while he trained Micael and Ovit. He taught her how to hold the bow first then guided her through how to shoot the arrows. She had much difficulty with it at first but eventually she figured it out. She told them she needed more practice and would continue to do so high above in the trees so she could watch for enemies lurking.

Although Ovit had never handled a weapon before he seemed to take a liking to the crossbow. The Shaman showed him how to use it once and he understood what it could do and by the time he had finished practicing with the Shaman he was shooting the arrows straight. He sent Ovit some feet away to practice and then turned to Micael.

The Shaman knew this would be harder but he knew his young apprentice could handle it. The Shaman motioned Micael forward.

“Young Micael you must become one with the sword you were given. You will have to spend time learning to do this.” Micael was nervous about wielding the sword but knew if he had to protect himself and his friends he would have to learn to do it. The Shaman first had him hold the sword out in front of him.

“You must know your sword Micael. Study it. You must make it your best friend. In my day, swords were used by the great warriors. They were their soulmates. Do you understand this?” Micael nodded. “You see young Micael this sword will become your new best friend.”

“Thank you Shaman.” Micael began to practice with the Shaman. They had only planned on staying where they were for a matter of days but ended up staying almost two weeks. In this time, Micael, Princess Fimella and Ovit learned how to use their weapons quickly and accurately. They were not experts by far but with more practice they would become the leaders of the army the Valley of Illumination so needed.

Once the Shaman was convinced that they had learned enough to move on they did. They would next go through the Forest of Shadows and try to avoid the mutant myrmidons village.

Toumani and Trovis travelled forth in the swamps in search of Povina and Nevula. They spoke as they walked with the troops.

“So do you have a name troll?” Trovis asked.

“It’s Toumani and you warlock?” Toumani said a bit snidely.

“It’s Trovis.” He rolled his eyes a bit.

“Tell me Trovis, what do you think would possess your sisters to do such a thing to you? I’ve always been taught that witches were not the kindest creatures but this seems a bit extreme even to me.” He wrinkled his mouth.

“I believe it’s because they want to gain control of my brother Crovis, my mirror brother, who they believe to be smarter and stronger than me.” He huffed.

Toumani heard nothing after he heard him speak of his mirror brother Crovis because he knew that if he could figure out a way to get both warlocks on his side they would be virtually unstoppable.

Toumani walked along with a bit more energy now. “Move along troops we have much ground to cover.”

The ghouls slowed for a moment to discuss what they would do next.

Helmog spoke quietly to avoid ears that may hear them. “Slothard and Wagrim this journey to find the Mystagog is becoming long and quite boring. I do not understand why the Mystagog is so difficult to find, there must be another way.”

Slothard moved in closer. “I agree Helmog we must find another way this is taking much too long.” Just as Slothard finished his sentence a voice came from nowhere.

“Maybe I can help.” The voice sounded close.

The ghouls looked around and saw nothing.

“Who’s there? Show yourself.” Helmog demanded.

The voice came again. “I am showing myself. I’m right next to you.”

All three of ghouls looked down to see a large frog sitting on a rock next to them.

Helmog laughed. “A toad? A toad can help us find the great Mystagog?”

“Why couldn’t a toad help you find the great Mystagog? I live in these swamps I know everything about them.” The toad rolled his eyes. “My name is Esor and you are?”

The three ghouls looked at each other and looked down again. Helmog proceeded to reach down and pick Esor up with his ghastly hand.

“I am Helmog. This is Slothard and Wagrim. Now, tell us Esor is it? How do we we find the great Mystagog?” He stared deep into the toads eyes.

“Long ago my family lived very close to the edge of the swamp. You see Helmog, the swamp doesn’t continue as far as most think it does, eventually it turns into a desert believe it or not. Once you cross the desert you’ve come to the mountain range where the Mystagog can be found.” Esor said knowingly.

“How do we know you are not telling us a fable Esor?” Helmog asked.

“Why would I lie I don’t even know you. You and your friends seemed lost and so I’m just helping you along your journey.” Esor grinned.

The three ghouls chuckled.

Helmog set Esor back on the ground. “Could you do us one more favor Esor?”

“Surely anything for a friend,” Esor smiled.

Helmog knelt down now. “If anyone else shall come along asking for the way to the great Mystagog could you do us a favor and not tell them anything? There are some very evil creatures traveling in the Forest of Shadows and we wouldn’t want to see any harm done to you by them.”

Esor looked at them with concern. “Don’t worry my friends I won’t tell a soul.” With these final words Esor jumped away.

The three ghouls knew they had just inherited some very valuable information and would use it very wisely now. They moved a bit more swiftly now to the north in search of the Mystagog.

Povina and Nevula sat while the demon creature watched over them. The demon was quite scary but Povina and Nevula knew they had the advantage in the situation, what they didn’t know was that Trovis had blocked their spell and was searching for them with Toumani.

“When will the warlock be here witches?” the demon snarled.

“Soon demon.” Povina reassured herself and the demon. “We called him and he should be here soon.”

Nevula whispered to Povina. “He should have been here by now sister. What’s taking so long?”

“I don’t know my sister. I agree he should have been here by now, something has happened and I’m not sure what but it can’t be good. We must be prepared for anything when we meet with our brother once again.” Povina asserted.

The demon looked over at the sisters talking wondering what they were chattering about. He wouldn’t concern himself with it though because he was after one thing and one thing only, the warlock. The witches meant nothing to him.

“Did we do the spell correctly Povina?” Nevula was quite concerned.

“Of course sister, I can’t imagine that we would have messed it up. We made sure it was worded perfectly. I’m not sure why it wouldn’t have.” She stopped short of her sentence.

“What is it sister?” Nevula said nervously.

“That dirty little brat, he was blocking us. He knew we cast a spell on him and he blocked it.” She grinned. “It seems Nevula that Crovis and Trovis have been learning more than we thought they have. Trovis felt the magic of the spell and blocked us.”

Nevula cackled a bit. “Grimelda would be surprised to learn of this news, I can’t wait to get back to the Midnight Mountains and tell her the tale.”

Povina wondered aloud. “Nevula, we need to cast a spell on ourselves to protect us from Trovis now. I feel he is coming, but not alone. He is after our blood and won’t stop until he feels it on his grubby hands.”

The sisters sat and pondered their spell, when they thought they had come up with a spell that would block Trovis from doing them any harm they cast it quietly on themselves. Now, they would wait.

The darkness of the Midnight Mountains was sometimes very frightening. You could barely see outdoors most of the time. Grimelda had set forth her plans to capture the ghouls upon their return. Grimelda, Magella, and Crovis were seated in the living area of the castle drinking a flask of wine. They did this sometimes after dinner. Grimelda was looking into the fire of the fireplace when she felt a bit strange. She stood up and walked to the outdoor terrace Magella soon followed.

“What is it Grimelda?” She asked.

“The sisters are in trouble Magella. I can feel it deep down. They have cast a spell recently which was strong enough for me to sense it.” She walked further away from the doorway to avoid Crovis overhearing them.

“What do you think it is sister?” Magella followed.

“It’s Trovis. Those idiots haven’t destroyed him. He’s still alive and well, we have to go to the altar and look to the crystal ball. We must find out what’s happening in the Forest of Shadows before it’s too late for the sisters.” Grimelda and Magella left the terrace and headed through the living area past Crovis who looked a bit bewildered and into the altar room.

The altar room was quite large. It was almost the biggest room in the castle. There were books and potion bottles everywhere. The crystal ball was quite large also. Grimelda stepped up to it and began to chant.

“Great crystal ball, I have come to you for answers. I must know what is happening in the Forest of Shadows.” The crystal ball clouded over a deep blue and soon an image of Povina and Nevula appeared. “It’s the sisters Magella they live, but there is also a demon keeping them hostage somewhere in the marshes of the forest.” Grimelda looked even closer. “Danger is near though sister. Trovis is coming for them with a large group of trolls lead by that ghastly little beast Toumani.”

Magella gasped. “Whatever shall we do sister?”

Grimelda walked away from the crystal ball and began pacing the altar room. She wasn’t quite sure what to do. This could ruin everything. She stopped and turned to Magella and smiled.

“No worries sister. Povina and Nevula will have cast a spell by now to protect them from Trovis and his magic. I just hope the spell is strong enough to keep them out of harms way.” Grimelda sat down in a chair and took in a deep breath of air.

Magella came and stood close to her. “Don’t worry sister everything will be fine.”

Grimelda looked up at her. “It’s not that sister. I was thinking about the day we were all sent back here I don’t remember much of that day but waking inside of this castle. I just wonder what really happened and why we were all sent back here to search for the three books.”

Magella knelt down and put her head on Grimelda’s lap. “We may never know sister just be happy we have each other.” Grimelda placed her hand atop Magella’s head and smiled.

Reaching far north of the swamps The Shaman, Micael, Ovit and the Princess Fimella continued on their journey. They were nearing the village of the mutant myrmidons and were being much more careful now. Chiao had warned them to be most cautious when traveling through here.

Princess Fimella flew down and fluttered in front of the Shaman.

“Shaman, the village is near, I can see it from above. We are probably a matter of minutes from reaching it.” She said anxiously.

“Don’t worry Princess. We won’t disturb the village. We must be very quiet and move slowly so that we don’t get caught. Fly high above and make sure that you’re not seen we can’t take any chances.” The Shaman slowed Micael and Ovit while the Princess flew back to the tops of the trees.

“How close are we Shaman?” Micael asked.

“We are a matter of minutes from the village Micael and Ovit. We have to be silent and move as if we were invisible through the mutant village.” The Shaman spoke strongly to get his point across.

Ovit spoke quietly. “Friends, I think I can enter the village and create a bit of confusion so that they will not notice you at all. They would expect a creature such as myself to come through once in while, it is the way of the Forest of Shadows.”

The Shaman and Micael looked at each other.

“What do you think Shaman?”

The Shaman thought for a moment. “Just be careful Ovit. You must use every precaution when dealing with these mutant myrmidons.”

Ovit grinned widely. “Thank you for allowing me this opportunity Shaman and Micael. Watch closely for I am going to go right to the center of the village and stir up quite a ruckus. Once you notice the myrmidons coming closer to me, move swiftly to avoid them. Don’t worry about me I will find you shortly afterwards.” He began to walk away and turned back. “It will be fine my friends don’t worry.”

With those words Ovit began his descent into the village. Micael and the Shaman began creeping quietly behind trees. The Princess Fimella was not far overhead moving along with them as they went.

Ovit skipped into the village and acted as if he didn’t know where he was. There were at least twenty mutant myrmidons looking curiously at Ovit.

Ovit skipped along right to the center of the village and began dancing around. The mutant myrmidons came closer to him and looked a bit bewildered. One of the mutants walked up to Ovit. The mutant myrmidon had only one eye centered in the middle of his head which was completely out of proportion with the rest of his long, slender body.

“What are you doing in our village troll?” He asked.

“I’m lost friend. I happened upon your village and thought you might be able to help me find my way out of here.” Ovit smiled.

“No creature is welcome in our village troll. You’re quite lucky we haven’t killed you and eaten you by now.” The troll seemed a bit outraged.

“Please don’t eat me kind myrmidon. I have only come here by mistake I would never bother your village for any other reason.” Ovit pleaded with the mutant myrmidons. As he did this, Ovit signaled the Shaman and Micael to move past the village. Once on the move, Ovit began dancing again and singing trying to distract the mutants.

The large headed mutant myrmidon wondered what the troll was doing. “Troll, why do you sing and dance in the face of danger?”

“Because mutant I am not afraid of you or your kind.” He jumped onto a barrel and proceeded to climb onto the roof of one of the mutants homes.

The mutant looked up at him. “Come down from there troll. Come down from there this instant!” The mutant myrmidon demanded.

Ovit laughed at him. “Come and get me mutant, if you can.”

While all of this was taking place the Shaman and Micael, and the Princess Fimella managed to bypass the village unseen and continue upwards. They hoped and prayed Ovit would come out of the village unharmed.

They traveled almost an hour before coming to a standstill.

“Shaman do you think Ovit survived the mutant village?” Micael asked.

“Don’t worry Micael, Ovit will be fine. He is a troll, a forest creature. Survival is what he does everyday.” The Shaman reassured Micael.

They waited for almost two hours when they saw Ovit come skipping through the trees. He was singing. The Shaman, Micael and the Princess Fimella laughed.

Micael stood as he approached. “Ovit, my dear friend, you survived.”

Ovit smiled. “Of course I did Micael. Although, I almost didn’t make it out of there because the large one with one eye managed to grab me but I wriggled free.”

“Good to have you back Ovit.” The Shaman was very happy he survived. “Now, we are onto our next adventure friends. We will be venturing into the desert. Unfortunately, not all of us are going through the desert.”

They all looked at the Shaman.

“Princess Fimella I need you to fly back to the Angelic Spirits and update them on what’s happened thus far.” He was a bit sad having to tell the Princess this but knew she’d understand.

She shrugged a bit but then smiled. “Its fine my friends, this has been the most exciting adventure I have ever been on. I am just happy to know all three of you and I wish you much luck and much safety on your journey. I will see you when you come home to the Valley of Illumination.” She fluttered around for a moment then flew off.

Micael seemed a bit sad at losing the Princess Fimella he considered her a dear friend and cohort. Ovit came and stood next to him.

“Don’t worry my friend the Princess will be fine. She will be missed yes, but we have a much bigger journey ahead of us now.” He grinned.

The Shaman readied them for the next phase of their journey. They would rest for now and then travel into the desert. The real journey was about to begin.

CHAPTER FOUR

Povina and Nevula were lying on the ground near the demon when they both opened their eyes at the same time. They knew Trovis was coming but it sounded like he would be arriving with an army. They stood up.

“Demon!” Povina yelled to the demon creature.

He looked over with his blood red eyes. “What is it witch?” He snarled.

“The warlock is coming but not alone. We hear the sounds of many, possibly an army. Are you prepared for that?” Povina questioned.

“Do I look worried witch?” He snickered.

Povina and Nevula smiled at each other and proceeded to hide behind a large rock which was near them. They waited almost an hour until they saw Trovis coming close to them. Trovis was with the trolls. They couldn’t believe it. Trovis and the trolls appeared not knowing that the demon creature laid in wait for them.

Toumani halted the troops.

“I smell witches.” He looked up at Trovis.

“They are here troll this I know.” Trovis began to wander around when suddenly the demon creature dropped from a tree above. The troops held up their weapons and Trovis jumped back from him.

The demon came very close to Trovis. “Ah. What do we have here? It looks as though a warlock has lost his way in the woods and has asked the little tree monsters to help him find his way home.” He moved slowly around Trovis. Povina and Nevula poked their heads above the rock slightly just to see the events.

“What is it you want demon?” Trovis asked.

“Isn’t it obvious warlock I want you. Actually, you were given to me by two very evil witches.” He smirked.

“Povina and Nevula? You’re correct about one thing demon, they are definitely evil but they never do anything unless it will benefit them. Did they also tell you that for you to take me would be almost impossible?” Trovis grinned.

“What do you mean impossible?” The demon looked him in his eyes.

“I have cast a spell that will keep me from any harm demon. Come now, do you think I’m a fool? Try anything you’d like to you can’t harm me.” He stood back.

The demon raised his dark hand and swung it down upon Trovis, but just as his hand was about to hit him he was zapped and thrown many feet backwards.

He stood up. “Those damned witches tricked me! For this, they shall pay the price!” The demon walked over to the rock they were hiding behind. “Look here warlock. You want the witches here they are!”

Povina and Nevula stood from the behind the rock and smiled at Trovis.

Povina walked out and near him. “Dear brother it seems you have found us, but, just like you we have cast a spell to protect us from your magic.” She laughed in his face. Just as she was walking away Trovis called to her.

“Yes dear sister you cast a spell to protect you from me, but not the trolls.” He smirked slyly. Just as Povina was about to turn back to answer him Nevula yelled to her.

“Povina! Watch out! The trolls!” Just then the trolls began to use every weapon they had on Povina and Nevula. The two witches dropped to the ground in defeat.

Trovis walked over to his sisters and gave them both a kick to insure that they were indeed dead. He turned to Toumani and grinned.

“Well now, I believe it’s time to continue on.”

Toumani called upon the troops and continued onward, they left the demon creature to feast on the bodies of the witches.

Back at the castle of the witches in the Midnight Mountains Grimelda clutched her chest and fell to the floor. Magella ran to her.

“What’s wrong Grimelda are you alright?” She pleaded with her for a response. Grimelda raised her head with tears in her eyes.

“It’s the sisters Magella. They’re dead.” She laid her head back to the floor.

“Dead?” Magella stepped back stunned. “How do you know this?”

“I can feel it Magella. They are dead. We must go to the Forest of Shadows and find Trovis and destroy him.” She said angrily.

“What about the ghouls Grimelda?”

“To hell with the ghouls for now, we must travel to the Forest of Shadows and kill Trovis before he reaches the Mystagog. We will tell Crovis he must remain here in case anything should happen. We will tell him that the sisters are in trouble and nothing more. We leave within the hour.” She left the room.

In the Forest of Shadows the goblins and gremlins were plotting their next move. They had moved their fortress and would now go in search of the Book of Elandor. Olagh and Izasa sat in their throne room speaking about what plans needed to be made.

“All of the creatures have gone in search of the Mystagog. I don’t believe we will take this same path Olagh.” Izasa stood and began to pace the room.

“Why do you find this such a bad idea Izasa? If everyone is searching for the great Mystagog it would be for a reason. We have already fallen behind.” Olagh stood with him now.

“I feel that there could be many problems if we should happen upon the other creatures. If we know where they are at I think it would safe to say we could travel unbothered through the forest in search of the Book of Elandor.”

“I think you may be wrong Izasa. I think that you should take the gremlins and travel the forest. I will take the goblins and travel north to the swamps.”

“Olagh, we should stick together now. We cannot take any chances at failure. We need both sides to do this.” Izasa said forcefully.

“As I said Izasa, I will take the goblins to the north and you travel the forest. We will meet back here a month from today. It will take us at least that long to find the great Mystagog I’m sure. If we cannot find him, we will find you and the troops and rejoin you in the hunt for the Book of Elandor.”

Izasa stepped to him. “Agreed.”

Olagh smiled and left the throne room. Izasa hoped this plan would work but had his reservations about the whole situation.

In the Valley of Illumination, Princess Fimella flew to the Angelic Spirits castle to update them on the events of the past weeks. The Angelic Spirits and the Queen Armad sat silently as she told them of everything that had happened. They were concerned to think the Shaman and Micael were now traveling with a troll but would not question the Shaman at this point.

“Tell me Princess Fimella, do you think that these three can make it across the desert to find the Mystagog?” Mitral asked.

“Yes. I believe they should have no problem traveling the desert. My only worry is that the Mystagog will send them on a wild goose chase with his riddle.”

Mitral, Ademus, and Aerifus moved their heads in closely and began to discuss privately what their next move would be.

The Queen Armad and the Princess Fimella waited for their reply. It was some time before Mitral finally spoke.

“We have decided it would be best if the Princess Fimella flew back to the Forest of Shadows and waited for the Shaman, Micael, and Ovit to come back from the Midnight Mountains.”

The Queen Armad spoke. “I will join my daughter on her adventure into the forest this time.” The Princess was shocked.

“Mother you cannot go into the forest you are needed here.” The Princess pleaded with the Queen.

“Don’t worry my daughter just like you I know the forest very well. We shall be fine, and just think of what a wonderful adventure it will be when you’re not traveling alone.” The Queen smiled.

The Angelic Spirits were very concerned with this but knew that they could not change the Queen’s mind.

“So it shall be then.” Mitral said softly.

The Princess Fimella was still very concerned with her mother joining her but smiled at her with disguised feelings.

The three ghouls moved closer to the end of the swamp. They traveled quickly now knowing they were nearing the desert. Helmog spoke to Slothard and Wagrim as they went along.

“We will be nearing the desert soon. I can almost taste victory. When we find the Mystagog we will capture him and put him in our dungeon for safe keeping. It’s a plan which can have no flaws.”

Slothard spoke up. “Helmog do you honestly believe that we will be able to capture this great Mystagog. It will be a burden to drag him with us. Why don’t we just find out where the Book of Elandor is and then rid the world of the great mystic.”

Helmog shot Slothard a look that could kill someone. “Why must you try to defeat every plan that I have? I always know what’s best for us. We will do exactly as I say in this situation.”

Wagrim chimed in. “That’s the problem Helmog we always do exactly what you say. Maybe we should do what we want for a change.”

Helmog came closer to both of them now. “It seems that something has happened here that I wasn’t aware of. It seems to be that you two have been conspiring against me.”

“No Helmog we just want more say in the actions that take place. You are not our leader although you seem to think you are. We were all sent here together and we will make these decisions together from now on.” Slothard stood firmly.

“So it is then Slothard and Wagrim, my own kind standing in arms against me in time of battle amongst the creatures.” Helmog turned and started moving forward. Slothard and Wagrim followed him with sly smirks on their faces knowing they had finally put Helmog in his place. He knew where he would stand from now on.

Upon wakening Micael and Ovit noticed the Shaman standing at the edge of the swamp looking over the desert that lay before them. They both walked over to him.

“What is it Shaman?” Micael asked.

“It’s nothing young friends. I was just looking out over the desert realizing just how beautiful the world really is. It’s sad that we must all live in this new world now with all of this despair and hatred towards one another. I don’t want to say anything ill towards the Gods but sometimes it really angers me that they sent us all back here to live on this new planet created once more by them.” The Shaman shed one tear this day for humanity and creatures of all kind before gathering up his belongings and his friends and leading them into the desert.

Once in the desert they realized how much more difficult this was going to be for them. The heat alone could kill them. There was no water to be found anywhere just sand and its dunes. They would have to keep a watchful eye for any enemies that may be lurking.

Ovit didn’t seem too bothered by the temperatures or the walk of the desert, he just seemed happy to be with his new friends. Micael was having a harder time of the desert never having left the Valley of Illumination. Although he didn’t remember much about his life before the planet stopped rotating, he missed the solitude of his room in the castle of the Angelic Spirits.

The Shaman always walked ahead of Micael and Ovit, this gave Ovit and Micael time to learn more about each other.

“Tell me Ovit do you have a family somewhere in the Forest of Shadows?” Micael walked along.

“Of course Micael, but when I was banished from my home I was told I would never see them again.” Ovit looked down sadly.

“Well, maybe once we find the Book of Elandor maybe we can find them once more.” Micael smiled.

“What about your family Micael. Do you miss them?” Ovit inquired.

“I don’t remember them Ovit. The day the planet stopped rotating I lost all memory of anything that happened before that day, as did everyone. I know I have a family but whether they’re living or dead I couldn’t tell you. I hope and pray that one day they will come looking for me but until the world changes again that won’t happen.” Micael spoke solemnly.

“Don’t worry my friend. Your family will find you one day.” Ovit smiled at Micael and he smiled back.

The Shaman stopped suddenly. Micael and Ovit almost bumped into him. They wondered what would make him stop and looked where he was and saw a large creature headed towards them.

“Micael and Ovit prepare yourself you may need to use your weapons.” The Shaman beckoned.

The creature got larger and larger the closer it got. The creature came barreling towards them to knock them over it appeared to have the head of a wild boar and the body of a lion. It also had large tusks and was snarling at them and grunting loudly. The creature missed them by inches but all three of them still ended up on the ground to avoid being hit by it. The creature stopped and turned around grunting at the three of them. The creature stood looking at them for a moment then kicked its back legs and started to run at them once again. This time Micael was ready for the creature as was Ovit. Just as the creature was about to hit them once more, Ovit shot his crossbow hitting the creature in the head with his arrow knocking it to it’s feet, then Micael ran over to it and drew his sword and pushed it down into the creature killing it instantly. All three of the friends sat looking at the creature for a long time not trying to grasp the full reality of what just happened to them.

The Shaman looked at both of them and smiled. “It looks like you’ve caught us a very large dinner my friends.”

Micael and Ovit looked at each other and began laughing. They would stay here and rest but not before eating a full meal.

Micael was proud of himself as was Ovit. They protected their tiny army when they had to which was the sole reason the Chiao had given them the weapons. As they sat near the fire built by the Shaman eating Micael tried to think back to a time he had no recollection of, but he couldn’t. It frustrated him.

The Shaman came and sat next to him. “Micael, I know what you are searching for but you may never find it. Sometimes it’s best to leave things in the past where they belong. It may just be that the Gods have chosen that you don’t remember your life before this for a reason. You must accept it, and move on.”

Micael looked into the fire. “I know this Shaman. It’s just that I feel like a part of me is missing and that part must be my family. I may not remember them, but I feel them. They are still with me somehow.”

The Shaman understood because he felt this way many times himself.

In the Midnight Mountains the witches prepared themselves for their journey back into the Forest of Shadows. Grimelda and Magella walked into the main hall. Crovis was not far behind.

“Where are you off to sisters?” he called to them.

Grimelda turned. “We must go back to the Forest of Shadows Crovis. The sisters are in a bit of trouble and Trovis is nowhere to be found. We saw it in the crystal ball.”

Crovis looked at them strangely. “What do you mean trouble? What aren’t you telling me sister?”

“We will discuss this when we come back from the forest Crovis, time is of the essence now. Watch the castle while we are gone. We shall be back as soon as possible brother.” With these words they left the castle and Crovis standing in the hallway entrance.

Deep in the swamps of the Forest of Shadows Trovis walked with Toumani and his troops. They seemed to be getting nowhere fast.

“Troll. We need to find someone to direct us to the Mystagog this is getting ridiculous. I feel like we are walking in circles.” Trovis complained.

“I find it very odd that someone as powerful as a warlock would complain so much.” Toumani griped.

“I will keep complaining until we think of another plan troll. I am going to try to cast a spell to help us find our way to the Mystagog. I’m not quite sure it will work, but I will try.” He walked over to a tree and pulled off some leaves set them on the ground closed his eyes and began chanting. He stood there for a few minutes and then smiled. “We must go north troll. I don’t know exactly where the Mystagog is but my insight is telling me to travel north.”

“Are you sure warlock or are you just saying this to get me to do what you say?” Toumani seemed a bit irritated by Trovis.

“Look troll, either you can follow me or go on your way but I am going north.” Trovis began walking north, Toumani stood still.

“Go north warlock we no longer need you.” Toumani called upon his troops and headed south into the Forest of Shadows.

Trovis smiled knowing he had rid himself of the trolls.

Up in the desert region of the Forest of Shadows the Shaman, Micael and Ovit continued on. The heat was almost unbearable but they had enough water to make the journey. Micael and Ovit were still gloating a bit about destroying the creature would have surely killed them.

“How long do you think it will be before we reach the mountains Shaman?” Micael asked.

“I am guessing that we should reach these mountains within a few days, the desert is large but not insurmountable.” The Shaman said positively.

Ovit perked up. “Tell me Micael what if this Mystagog doesn’t tell us the truth. What if he lies?”

Micael looked down at Ovit. “Don’t worry friend, if he lies then he shall suffer the same fate as that creature we destroyed earlier.”

The Shaman overhead Micael talking and was a bit worried, he didn’t want his young friend thinking that he could destroy anything that got in his way. He wanted him to think clearly at all times and logically. The Shaman realized this was a youthful response but would keep a watchful eye on his young apprentice.

The ghouls had reached the desert, avoiding any enemies that may have come their way. The ghouls were about a week behind The Shaman, Micael and Ovit and didn’t really have a chance of reaching the Mystagog before them.

“We have arrived in the desert.” Helmog smirked.

“Do you think we’re the first to reach the desert Helmog?” Wagrim asked.

“No. Someone or something has been here and are a ways ahead of us. I don’t believe we can get the Mystagog before them, but I can hope that the Mystagog tells them a tall fable and sends them in the wrong direction looking for the Book of Elandor.” Helmog looked over the desert.

“This will be a difficult journey Helmog and Wagrim, we must be very careful in our movements. We cannot afford to make mistakes now.” Slothard moved into the desert from the murky swamps now, Helmog and Wagrim followed.

“So, we shall move on in search of this Mystagog.” Wagrim said emphatically.

The ghouls moved forward into the desert not far behind the others.

In the Valley of Illumination the Queen Armad and the Princess Fimella readied themselves for their journey. The Princess was still very nervous about her mother going with her.

“Mother, I still believe it would be best if you stayed here in the Valley of Illumination, if anything were to happen to you what would our kind do? The Princess said calmly.

“Don’t worry Fimella I became Queen of the fairies because I am a strong fairy. I have been here for a very long time daughter and I will be here long after this whole battle ends, but, if anything were to happen to me I also believe you are strong enough to take the throne and lead our kind.” She flew close to her daughter now. “You are my beautiful daughter and a Princess. You possess the same strengths I have, you want to know why, because, you inherited them from me.” She smiled and kissed Fimella on her forehead. “We must leave now and head into the forest. Time is upon daughter.”

With these words, the Queen and the Princess flew away out of the Valley of Illumination and into the Forest of Shadows.

Grimelda and Magella landed in the Forest of Shadows swamp area just as the Queen and the Princess entered the Forest of Shadows on the opposite side. Grimelda sniffed around for a moment then turned to her sister.

“That little heathen was here Magella, but left. The sisters were here also but are no more. They were devoured by a great beast.”

Magella shuddered. “Sister, if they were devoured why couldn’t we be?”

Grimelda laughed. “I would love to see this beast try. I am much too powerful for the average creature. The Gods didn’t send me back here because I am weak I am one of the most powerful evils in any of these three lands.” She paused. “Now, our first plan of attack is to find Trovis and kill him. The sisters failed, we will not, and if we happen upon this great Mystagog along the way, we shall kill him too.”

Magella began to cackle. “I would hate to be a warlock or a Mystagog right now sister.”

Grimelda laughed with her sister and they moved north.

Izasa gathered his army of gremlins and was also in pursuit of the Mystagog to the north, he didn’t realize that two of his most bitter enemies were not far from him and his army. Izasa knew this would not be an easy journey, because he had no idea where he was going to find the Mystagog. As he moved along quietly he noticed the witches not too far from him, he turned and silenced his army.

Izasa was watching them closely he knew they were in the Forest of Shadows for a reason and assumed it was to find the Mystagog, he would take his army and stay a ways behind them but follow them closely.

In the Midnight Mountains Crovis sat in his chair in the living area close to the fire, he knew something was going on but wasn’t sure what it was. He decided he would pay a visit to the crystal ball in the sister’s altar room. Crovis walked down the long hallway and down the long staircase into the altar room. Once inside, he moved slowly to the crystal ball and began gazing into it. He didn’t see anything, knowing this he knew he had to find a way to discover what was happening. He began searching through the sister’s altar room until he found their book of spells.

“Well sisters, it seems you are too trusting leaving this lying around with a naughty warlock in the castle to find it.” He laughed to himself.

He opened the book and began looking at spells, but couldn’t find one to try and read the crystal ball, but, what he did find was a spell which would help him make a mind connection with his brother Trovis. Crovis sat down in Grimelda’s chair and began to read the spell.

“Eye to eye, mind to mind it’s Trovis that I must find. Bring us together in mind not eye hear me now hear my cry.” Suddenly, he slipped into a slight trance. Trovis who was walking along also fell to his knees in a trance. At this moment, the brothers realized they were somehow connected through their minds.

“Trovis?” Crovis knew he had his brother.

“Crovis?” Trovis seemed a bit bewildered at this idea but felt very good knowing he could tell his brother what had happened.

“Trovis. Where are the sisters?”

“Brother, I have much to tell you, please leave the Midnight Mountains and find me here in the swamps of the Forest of Shadows. The sisters have perished at the hands of the trolls, although, I would’ve rather have done it myself. We were tricked Crovis, the horrid sisters planned this all. They are evil and we must join forces and destroy Grimelda and Magella.”

“Trovis, the sisters left the castle and are on their way to the Forest of Shadows. They told me that you were all in trouble so I thought nothing of it, I’m assuming they know the sisters are dead and they are coming to kill you next.”

“Crovis, you must leave the Midnight Mountains and come to the swamps. Once you are flying cast the spell again and I will fly you to me. I believe it can be done. We will move quickly forward to the north I believe this is where the Mystagog is.”

Just then, Grimelda’s large black cat jumped into Crovis’ lap breaking the connection. Crovis got up from the chair dazed but very angry. He knew the sisters were up to something and now it had been confirmed. Crovis ripped the spell out of the book and ran out of the altar room and up the stairs to the main door where he flew off into the dark sky.

Grimelda and Magella had no idea where they were going but continued north. They couldn’t be that far from the edge of the swamps, they also had no idea that there was a small army of gremlins not far behind them trailing their every move.

“Magella, we will reach the edge of these swamps soon. We will continue to travel north.” Grimelda said astutely.

“I sense something Grimelda. We are not alone.” Magella looked around but saw nothing.

Grimelda stopped and looked to. “What do you think it is sister?”

“I’m not sure but it’s not myrmidon. It’s a creature.” Magella started to walk slowly now.

Not far behind them Izasa and his army wondered what was slowing the witches. He decided to move in a little closer.

Grimelda caught a glimpse out of the corner of her eye just as Izasa moved in. She whispered into her sister’s ear. “It seems that we have a creature following us sister.” She grinned.

“Shall we catch it?” Magella asked.

“No need to run after it, when I can just bring it to me.” Grimelda stepped out and raised her hand and pointed her finger to Izasas exact spot. She started to chant and suddenly a large stream of light came from her finger and wrapped itself around Izasa pulling him closer to the witches. Izasas armies stayed back unnoticed.

“Well, well, well. What do we have here sister? It seems the leader of the gremlins has decided to join us on our little adventure.” Grimelda pulled him closer to her before dropping him onto the ground in front of her.

“What do you want gremlin?” She demanded.

Izasa gathered his senses before speaking. “I was just traveling through the forest witch in search of the same thing you are looking for I’m sure.”

Grimelda moved closer and knelt down. “And, tell me gremlin, did you find it?”

Izasa shrugged his shoulders. “No.”

Grimelda then grabbed him around his neck and pulled him face to face with her. He was a bit scared at this moment but tried not to show it.

“You are a leader, you would never travel alone gremlin, where is your army?” She scowled at him.

“I don’t have an army with me witches. Would it seem so impossible that I would travel alone in this forest which I live in?” He asked.

Grimelda motioned Magella to move towards Izasa’s army of gremlins. The army held themselves as long as they could, but their nerves got the best of them, and when Magella came within feet of them they all began to run.

Izasa looked at Grimelda with fear. Grimelda pulled him very close to her face now.

“You were right gremlin you don’t have an army with you.” She grinned. “Sister, what should we do with this gremlin?”

Magella came closer. “I’d say it would teach the goblins and gremlins a lesson knowing one of their leaders was killed by a witch don’t you think so Grimelda?

Grimelda smiled at her sister. “I agree sister, anything you want to say before I destroy you gremlin?” She asked.

“There’s one thing witch.” Izasa thought quickly. “I know where the Mystagog is.” He smirked. The witches didn’t know Izasa knew nothing about the Mystagogs location.

Grimelda dropped Izasa to the ground and spoke to Magella quietly. It was a moment before she looked down again at Izasa.

“We have agreed to spare your life gremlin, but in return, you will lead us to the great Mystagog.”

Izasa knew his plan had worked. “Yes, of course, thank you kindly witches for sparing my life. I will lead you to him.”

Grimelda and Magella smiled. Grimelda looked down at him. “Lead on then gremlin, but be warned if this is some sort of trickery we shall kill you the first chance we get.”

Izasa began walking north hoping that eventually he would find the Mystagog. The thought of traveling with the two most fiercesome witches in all three lands terrified him but in order to survive he had no choice.

Olagh had not yet left his fortress when Izasas’ army came through the main gates. Olagh was confused at the sight of them, he didn’t see Izasa anywhere. He stormed up to the army who had stopped moving by now.

“Where is Izasa?” He looked at them until one of them spoke up.

“Sir, he’s been captured by the witches.” The gremlin cowered.

“You fools! You let them capture your leader? What kind of army are you? You should all be so happy to be standing before me right now and not lying dead in the Forest of Shadows being devoured by creatures!” Olagh turned his back to them and moved quickly towards his battalia of goblins.

“Battalia! We must move north quickly. Izasa has been captured by the witches. His own troops failed him in the forest, we shall not is this understood?” His words were met with a resounding yes.

Olagh turned and moved his battalia outwards to the main entrance. He would find the witches and kill them once and for all.

Perched high above in the mountains of the Forest of Shadows the Mystagog sensed that there were others close now. He would decide now if he would tell them how to find the Book of Elandor or not. Good or evil, evil or good didn’t matter to the Mystagog. He would tell whomever he felt where to find the Book of Elandor or maybe not tell anyone where to find it. He laughed to himself, knowing he controlled the next move in the search for the Book of Elandor.

The Shaman, Micael and Ovit had reached the edge of the desert and only having to fight one creature along the way. The Shaman stood for a moment and waited for the picture to become clearer to him. Micael and Ovit waited in silence. Suddenly, it all began to open up and the mirage disappeared, standing before them was a huge mountain range.

All three of them stood in awe looking at the many mountains before them. This was going to be a long trek for them. They would have to climb mountains just to get to the next mountain. They would rest at the foothill of the first mountain, and begin the journey again.

All three sat at the foothill talking while resting their weary bodies.

“What is our next plan Shaman?” Micael asked.

“We shall begin the climb to the top of this smaller mountain when we are rested. I believe once we reach the top of this mountain we should be able to see the mountain inhabited by the Mystagog. Friends, I will not lie this is going to be most difficult it will take every ounce of strength we have to reach the mountain of the Mystagog. We must rest for a few hours.” The Shaman laid his head to the ground and closed his eyes.

Micael and Ovit sat for awhile longer.

“Micael are you scared?” Ovit wondered.

“I’m not scared Ovit. You should never fear the unknown. I am a bit nervous though, I’ll admit to that.” Micael smiled.

“Can I tell you what I believe Micael?”

“Of course Ovit.” Micael was paying close attention.

“I believe that everything happens for a reason Micael. I believe the Gods sent us here and already know the outcome. I believe that you were brought to the Shaman because you had to help him along this great journey. I also believe that we were meant to meet and become friends because we will need each other at some time along this adventure.” Ovit grinned.

Micael nudged Ovit a bit. “I’ll tell you what I believe Ovit. I believe we should get some rest now.” They both chuckled and laid down.

Inside of the Forest of Shadows now the Queen Armad and Princess Fimella flew overhead watching the trees and ground below. They couldn’t be seen flying so high and that made them feel much more comfortable. Queen Armad motioned to the Princess Fimella to land on one of the trees ahead of them so that they could rest for a while.

Once they both had landed and were able to lie down for a moment the Queen began laughing.

“What’s so funny mother?” Princess Fimella giggled.

“I just realized how old I am. I have been sitting too long daughter. I am really enjoying this little journey of ours it’s made me very happy.” She smiled.

“Mother, you are still a young fairy full of energy. I wish to be as active when I’m your age.” The Princess said reassuringly.

“You’re sweet young daughter. Let’s rest for a moment before flying any further north.” The Queen rested her eyes.

Princess Fimella realized how proud she was to be a fairy this day, thanks to her mother.

Grimelda, Magella and Izasa travelled further north for many hours and finally reached the edge of the swamp.

“What is this gremlin?” Grimelda demanded.

Izasa had heard of the great desert before but thought it was just a myth.

“It’s the great desert witch, and I believe this is the right path to be on to finding the Mystagog.” He looked behind him hoping that his army had come to rescue him but they hadn’t. He muttered under his breath. “Cowards.”

Grimelda and Magella walked into the desert slowly. They were almost amazed by the size of it, for it looked like it would never end if you entered it. Grimelda knelt down to the Izasa.

“You better know where you’re going gremlin, you’ve already been warned.” She sneered.

“I know exactly where I’m going witch you have no need to worry. If we continue going north we will come directly to the Mystagog.” He gave her a crooked grin as if to mock her.

“You think you’re so smart don’t you grimy gremlin? There is a reason you live here in the Forest of Shadows and not in the Midnight Mountains or Valley of Illumination, because you and your kind are filthy little creatures and no one would want you to inhabit their lands.” She chuckled.

Izasa looked at her and laughed. “Yes witch I’m sure you must feel welcomed with open arms by everyone yourself.”

She rolled her eyes at him and walked ahead huffing and puffing. Magella pushed Izasa to move forward.

“Come now gremlin, your job is no where near finished yet.”

The three headed into the great desert and onto their next quest for the Mystagog.

The Shaman, Micael, and Ovit had begun their climb to the top of the first mountain, it wasn’t a large mountain but breathtaking nonetheless. The Shaman lead the other two upwards by use of ropes, luckily, there were many ledges for them to take breaks on. As they were nearing the top of the mountain, Ovit slipped pulling and ended up hanging off of Micael and the Shaman. He seemed a bit scared but they moved on.

They climbed for at least four more hours before reaching the top, but didn’t expect to see what they were about to see. Lying before them, there were at least twenty more mountains to climb. They saw the largest snow covered mountain at the back of the rest. They looked at each other in shock.

“Shaman how will we ever climb all of these mountains? I don’t know if we’ll have the strength to carry onward. The first mountain was small, and I thought it was difficult climbing.” He breathed heavily.

“Micael you must search within your heart and your soul to find the courage and strength to continue. You have to realize that what we are doing is not just for ourselves but for the whole world.” The Shaman smiled.

Ovit was sitting nearby listening to them talk.

“There has to be an easier way to make it through this mountain range.” Ovit stood. “One thing I’ve learned living in the Forest of Shadows is that there is always another way.” He began looking over the edge of the mountain and down below. He didn’t see anything right away but then noticed a small path out directly below them.

“Look! Look!” Ovit began pointing to the path below.

The Shaman and Micael stood at the edge with large grins on their faces.

“Thank you Ovit for finding another way.” The Shaman patted him on the back. “Well, my friends it’s time for us to move along. I believe we’ll take that path down there.” They all began laughing amongst each other.

Trovis sat on a tree trunk in a trance guiding Crovis into the swamps of the Forest of Shadows. Crovis floated in quietly and landed not far from his brother. They ran up to each other and embraced.

“Trovis, I am so happy to see you brother, and in one piece.” Crovis laughed.

“Crovis, I am glad to see you also brother. Unfortunately, the sisters are not in one piece as I am, but in pieces.” Trovis laughed with his brother.

“We must discuss our next plan of attack Trovis. We have to figure out a way to find Grimelda and Magella before they reach the Mystagog. Can you imagine the powers they would possess if they were the first to find the Book of Elandor? It would be awful, and trust me we would be the first people to suffer their wrath.” Crovis sat down of the ground and Trovis sat back on the tree trunk.

“We must go north Crovis. The Mystagog is surely north of us. That is where everyone has been going. I believe that most of the creatures have at least a week or two lead on us. We’ll have to move fast.”

“I believe that we will find the Mystagog just as the others will, but I also believe the chances that he tells any of us the truth about the location of the Book of Elandor it will be a great surprise.” Crovis intertwined his fingers and rested his head upon his hands now.

“I think that Grimelda and Magella have underestimated us brother. I believe that they will learn a very difficult lesson for what they have done in the end.” Trovis stood now. “We must go Crovis. We’ll have to make the journey by foot, but we are strong and we can do it.” The brothers embraced. They were not only mirrors of each other but almost one mind.

Olagh had readied the battalia of goblins and was heading north in the Forest of Shadows. He was so angry with the troops of gremlins for leaving their leader that he left them at the fortress under the watchful eye of many of his goblins. Olagh realized that the chances he would ever see his friend alive again would be very slim. He wouldn’t give up hope of finding Izasa though.

Izasa and Olagh had become good friends many suns and moons ago. They had never realized they were even different until they were older. They spent many of their youthful days together doing childhood things. It wasn’t until their elders realized how close of friends they were that they tried to make them understand the differences between goblins and gremlins. They refused to end their friendship instead choosing to leave the village and start a new life. They were eventually destroyed by their own kind, but upon returning to the planet they would oversee a larger group of goblins and gremlins and rule them with an iron fist.

Izasa was like a brother to Olagh, and just like someone in your family, you don’t give up on them no matter what price you had to pay.

Olagh rushed his battalia more now trying to move north of the swamps as fast as he could. He would find Izasa.

Descending the mountain was a lot easier than climbing it although the Shaman, Micael, and Ovit took their time so that they wouldn’t fall into harms way. Once they were at the bottom of the mountain and reached the trail they stopped for a quick rest and to catch their breath.

“We must move a little more quickly now Micael and Ovit. The others are not far behind us I can sense them coming.”

“The path to the large mountain is long Shaman but I believe we will make it to the Mystagog before any of the others do.” Micael grinned. “I’m not sure how honest he will be with us once we arrive, but we will find him first.” He chuckled a bit.

“Don’t worry Micael, the Mystagog will tell us a riddle it’s what we do with the information he gives us that’s important.” The Shaman said assuringly.

“Shaman, I believe he will tell us the true path to the Book of Elandor but deciphering his riddle will be a bit more difficult I’m sure.” Micael said.

Ovit stood as they chattered back and forth for a while more until he finally stepped between them. “Excuse me friends but we should probably go now.” He smiled.

The Shaman looked down and laughed. “Yes, you’re right Ovit it’s time to go.”

The three gathered their things and started their first steps on their path to the great Mystagog.

The ghouls had just reached the edge of the desert and had no idea what was happening. They didn’t see anything beyond the desert.

Helmog looked angrily at the other two. “We’ve been tricked I do believe by that stupid toad.”

Slothard and Wagrim were frustrated as well. Slothard moved around a bit and then turned to Helmog and Wagrim.

“I’m beginning to think that maybe this isn’t the way to the Mystagog. Where is this mountain range the toad spoke of? Do you think that we should be traveling south instead of north? I mean why would someone who holds information to something so powerful be living here in this desert? It would be ridiculous.” Slothard said tempestuously.

Wagrim spoke. “I do believe we were lead on the wrong journey. I think we should forget about this Mystagog creature and find the Book of Elandor ourselves. I mean even if we were to find him, who’s to say he would even tell us the truth?”

Helmog was still very angry. “We’ve travelled this far we can’t stop now. We will travel south this time. This desert has brought us nothing but agony and frustration. We must find another way.”

With these words, the three ghouls turned and began moving south. They were blinded by the mirage of the desert. They had no idea that what they were looking for all along was directly in front of them the whole time. The toad had not lied.

In the Valley of Illumination Mitral, Ademus and Aerifus sat quietly awaiting any information.

Ademus broke the silence. “Do you think we should go to the Forest of Shadows?”

They all looked at each other. Mitral was a little stunned to think Ademus would want to go to the Forest of Shadows.

“I think it’s best for us to stay in the Valley of Illumination. If we were to leave it would leave it completely unguarded. At this point, we are the only thing here to protect it.” Mitral looked at Ademus and Aerifus.

Aerifus spoke quietly. “I feel as Ademus does Mitral. I feel we should be doing much more than what we are doing. I don’t believe that sitting here waiting is helping anything.”

“Aerifus, I know in your soul you feel we should be there helping because it’s part of our nature but trust me when I tell you this, it is better for us to be here protecting all who live in the Valley of Illumination from enemies. If we left the myrmidons and the other creatures to fend for themselves against the enemy the Valley of Illumination would be in ruins by the time of our return.” Mitral reassured them.

Ademus stood and walked over to the door of their meeting room. “I am going to the reading room. There may be something in one of our many books which will lead us to some answers about the three books.”

As he was leaving the room, Aerifus stood and began to walk to the door to join him. Upon seeing this, Mitral smiled and stood and went with them. They knew they may not find anything in any of the books but at least they would not feel as if they were doing nothing to help.

Back in the Forest of Shadows, Grimelda and Magella were fast moving. Izasa had some trouble keeping up with them because his legs were much smaller than theirs. Grimelda and Magella were talking as they walked through the desert.

“So what of Trovis should we be worried?” Magella asked.

“Trovis won’t be a problem sister, its Trovis and Crovis that will be the problem. Let me assure you that they have found each other by now, I’m sure of it. They will be after our blood, but once we find the Mystagog and the Book of Elandor we’ll have no worries.” Grimelda smirked.

“So where do we go now gremlin?” Magella demanded.

“Just keep going north witches, although you may not want to believe me, you should.” Izasa grinned.

Grimelda looked down at Izasa. “If you lead us to the Mystagog unscathed gremlin we shall set you free, that will be your reward for helping us.”

Izasa rolled his eyes at her. “Reward, you will reward me after you capture me and drag me through the desert against my will? Please witch save your breath.”

“You should be grateful gremlin I could have killed you a long time ago.” Grimelda clenched her teeth mumbling as she walked away from Izasa.

He giggled quietly knowing how angry his words had made her.

North of the desert in the mountain range, the Shaman, Micael and Ovit were walking the path to the Mystagog’s home, it was a long journey but one made shorter by finding the path. As they walked along Micael felt as though someone or something was watching them, he walked closer to the Shaman and began whispering quietly to him.

“Shaman,” he got his name out just as the Shaman cut him short.

“I know young Micael, I feel it also, someone is watching us but I’m not sure who or what yet.” They continued to walk on pretending as if they didn’t know what was going on. As they moved a bit further, they began to hear voices. They weren’t sure what it was. Finally, they stopped.

The Shaman stepped away from Micael and Ovit and raised his voice.

“We know you’re there come out of hiding and show yourself.” He stood silently and waited.

Voices began talking on the right and left of them. All three stood there confused at what was happening.

The Shaman demanded once more. “Come out of hiding and show yourself. We are not here to cause you any harm, we are adventurers on a journey to find the great Mystagog.”

A voice came from the right of them.

“We would like to come out of hiding to meet you kind travelers but we were not meant to walk only sit still for eternity.”

The Shaman walked closer to the mountain wall and realized that it was the voice of the mountain itself talking to them. He looked closer and slowly faces began to appear on the side of the mountain wall, one after the other. The Shaman stepped back to Micael and Ovit.

“What is this Shaman?” Micael questioned.

“Young Micael I believe this mountain sees and hears everything we say and do.” The Shaman was just as surprised as Micael and Ovit.

The voice came again. “Don’t worry weary travelers we are not here to harm you either. We are just the voice of these mountains.” The face looked at Micael who was in awe. “I take it you’ve never seen a talking mountain before young myrmidon?” All of the faces laughed quietly.

Micael walked closer. “No I haven’t. I’m not afraid, just amazed really.”

The face smiled at Micael. “I am amazed that you and your friends have made it this far young myrmidon. Nobody has ever gone this far into the mountains. Don’t let this path fool you it was made by the Mystagog when he first made his home here in the mountains.”

“I don’t understand why you would choose to show yourselves to us.” The Shaman was questioning their intentions.

“We decided to welcome you to the mountains. We don’t see anyone travel through here and decided we’d make ourselves seen and heard for a change.” All the voices rumbled.

“We won’t be the first or the last you will see trust me.” Micael told them.

The face in the mountain wondered what the young myrmidon was talking about.

Micael offered the information to them willingly. “You see, we are all here to find the Mystagog because we believe he holds the answer to the location of the Book of Elandor, and if you’ve never heard of the Book of Elandor, believe me it’s one of the three most powerful books in the world.”

The face in the mountain looked at him and smiled. “We know of the book young myrmidon, it is one of the reasons you are talking to a mountain today.”

Micael walked back to the Shaman and Ovit.

Ovit was still amazed at was he was seeing. He knew strange things happened in the Forest of Shadows but he wasn’t quite prepared for this.

“Thank you kind faces, and voices. You’ve been most gracious and hospitable hosts in welcoming us to your beautiful land.” The Shaman smiled.

“We wish you much luck on your journey adventurers. The Mystagog is not far from here. You must keep your energy up. There are many streams of water running that you can drink from to refresh yourselves. Be careful kind travelers.”

With these words, the faces disappeared and the three continued forth.

CHAPTER FIVE

Crovis and Trovis moved northward out of the swamps and into the desert not knowing just how close they were to their sisters Grimelda and Magella. They knew that every move they made would have to be perfect any mistakes could cost them their lives.

“I say when we find the wretched sloths we run to them give them a big hug and ask them to pull the daggers out of our backs for us that they put there to begin with.” Crovis laughed.

“Better yet let’s ask them to pull them out then put them through their wicked little hearts, but wait dear brother, that wouldn’t work because I don’t think they have one.” Trovis guffawed.

The two brothers walked ahead in the desert. Crovis was a very arrogant warlock, Trovis was not as arrogant he looked up to his brother to learn his ways, even as a child Crovis was always the stronger of the two. They would have to combine their strengths now to destroy the sisters. Trovis may have masterminded the deaths of Povina and Nevula but destroying Grimelda and Magella would prove to be the hardest task of all.

“I’ve never been in a desert before Trovis. I find the heat quite enjoyable. Maybe after we find the Book of Elandor we should build a castle in the middle of the desert.” Crovis appeared serious.

“No brother, I find the heat unbearable myself. Finally, there’s a difference between us.” Trovis laughed as did Crovis.

They walked on laughing not knowing what dangers laid ahead for them in the Forest of Shadows.

In the desert two of the fiercest evil forces in the lands were about to come face to face for the first time. The witches and the ghouls were about to cross paths, the ghouls who were continuing to head south and the witches who were headed north with the gremlin in tow. As they got closer, the witches noticed the ghouls first.

“Prepare yourself Magella, the ghouls are upon us.” She grimaced. “It’s too bad I don’t have the potion with me to destroy these invisible idiots.”

Magella slowed herself as the ghouls neared them. The ghouls noticed the witches as they got closer not knowing who it was.

“Watch yourself the witches are directly in front of us.” Helmog warned them.

The ghouls and the witches were now standing face to face in the middle of the desert in the Forest of Shadows. There was complete silence until Helmog finally spoke.

“What are you doing in the desert witches and with a gremlin no less?” He asked.

“What business is it of yours ghoul?” Grimelda smirked.

“Did you lose something witch?” Helmog smiled slyly.

“No ghoul why would you ask?” Grimelda looked him directly in the eyes now. “Why are you in the desert ghoul?”

“That would be no business of yours either witch.” Helmog motioned Slothard and Wagrim to follow him. They passed the witches without saying another word and continued on.

The witches went a little farther north before stopping.

“Do you think they know what were up to Grimelda?” Magella was concerned.

“Of course they do sister. We must watch our backs on the rest of this adventure.” She spoke astutely.

The ghouls stopped further south but had a new plan in mind.

“We must follow the witches Slothard and Wagrim they know where the Mystagog is.” Helmog said to his fellow travelers.

“Yes, I agree Helmog but we must stay enough paces behind them where they won’t see us.” Slothard said quietly.

Wagrim spoke up. “I don’t trust those witches they could be up to something, but I agree we have to follow them.”

Back in the Forest of Shadows moving south Toumani and his troops marched onward. Toumani was still angry with the warlock. As he moved swiftly with his troops behind him Toumani forged ahead unknowingly as he did this his troops were disappearing one by one behind him until he was walking alone. He couldn’t hear the footsteps of his troops behind him and stopped. He knew something was wrong and was almost scared to turn around to see what had happened, but knew what he had to do.

As Toumani turned he saw he was alone now. He looked around terrified about what had just happened.

“Who’s there? What have you done with my troops?” He demanded an answer from a stranger.

He began walking back the way he came and felt as if someone was watching him. As he walked he felt as if the ground was getting closer and before he had a chance to realize what was happening Toumani was sucked into the ground leaving no trace behind him. It seemed the leader of the trolls had just been defeated by an invisible force. Toumani was no more.

In the mountain range The Shaman, Micael, and Ovit moved closer to the mountain of the Mystagog.

The Queen Armad and the Princess Fimella had rested long enough and would fly further north into the Forest of Shadows. The great thing about being a fairy was that they could fly and cover ground very quickly. The Queen Armad told the Princess Fimella to take her to the area where she left the Shaman, Micael and Ovit. Once they arrived they settled down on a large tree high above looking down at the desert below.

“I do hope they’re in no danger mother.” The Princess Fimella spoke nervously.

“Don’t worry daughter, the Shaman is a powerful seer, they will be safe as long as he is around.” The Queen Armad assured her.

“Do you think we should go into the desert mother?” She asked.

“No. We must stay here and await their return.”

“It’s very frustrating mother. I feel like we should be doing more, but I realize we can’t.”

“Don’t worry daughter our journey is far from over.” The Queen Armad placed her hand atop her daughters and smiled.

Back in the mountain range of the Forest of Shadows the Shaman, Micael, and Ovit were at the end of the path and the mountain of the Mystagog laid directly in front of them. They would have to climb to the very top which would be a difficult but reachable task. The Shaman decided it would be best to begin the climb to the top of the mountain immediately because he knew the others would be behind them shortly.

The Shaman would lead them, but they would connect a rope to each of them just as before so in case any of them slipped on the way up they wouldn’t fall. Ovit being the lightest was placed at the end.

“Shaman, I’m very excited about finally finding the Mystagog.” Micael said anxiously.

“I know young Micael, whenever you come to the end of a hard task it’s very fulfilling indeed.” The Shaman grinned.

“Shaman, do you think the Mystagog will tell us the truth?” Ovit asked.

“I’m not sure friend, all I am sure of is that he will give us a riddle and we must try to decipher it.” The Shaman struggled a bit up the mountain but continued on.

They had no problems getting past the first half of the mountain although it took them many hours. They knew the snowcap would be the most difficult, and they would have to be very careful climbing it.

They rested once they reached the snow and looked above them. It would take a few more hours to reach the peak.

Olagh and his battalia had moved quickly and reached the edge of the swamp. He called his battalia to a standstill so that they could rest. The sounds of movement below grabbed the attention of the Queen Armad and the Princess Fimella who were resting directly above them.

The Queen and the Princess looked at each other, the Queen made sure they were very quiet as they listened.

“Battalia, the witches have taken Izasa into the desert in search of the Mystagog. Our main goal is find Izasa and defeat the witches who took him. We will rest her for a few moments then continue on into the desert.” He was firm yet positive.

The Queen Armad looked at her daughter and spoke quietly. “Daughter when they leave we will have no choice but to fly north into the desert, I’m fearful that the witches will find them.”

The Queen Armad and the Princess Fimella waited for hours until Olagh and his battalia left the swamps then they too, flew into the desert on their way to the great Mystagog.

The Shaman, Micael and Ovit finally reached the peak of the snow covered home of the Mystagog. There was a cave at the top of the mountain and they could see a fire burning inside, they walked slowly into the cave and noticed an old man sitting on the floor. The cave was quite empty except for a small stream of water and some pictures that had been drawn on the walls. They moved closer to the old man now.

“Stop.” The Mystagog looked up at them. “Why have you come here?”

The Shaman spoke. “Great Mystagog we have come very far to find you. We have come in hopes that you could help us find the Book of Elandor.”

The Mystagog stood and walked over to them. He was quite scary looking with rotten teeth, white matted hair, and eyes that seemed to stare right through you.

“I knew you were coming.” The Mystagog walked past them now and outside.

The Shaman, Micael and Ovit followed him. Once outside, the Mystagog stood before them.

“Listen closely. I will only say this once.” The Mystagog moved closer to them now. “Within a dark mountain there lies a brook, its water will make you look, look you will for the thing you need, and you will have completed your deed.” He smiled with his rotted teeth and walked back into his cave.

The Shaman called to him. “Thank you Mystagog.”

Micael and Ovit looked at the Shaman in confusion.

“Shaman, what does this mean? I believe the Mystagog is crazy.” Micael began to walk towards the ledge to journey back down the mountain.

The Shaman walked over to Micael and spoke softly. “Think about what he said young Micael. He said within a dark mountain there lies a brook, there’s only one place the Book of Elandor could be, the Midnight Mountains.

Micael looked at him with fear. “The Midnight Mountains? We would truly be killed venturing into the Midnight Mountains Shaman.”

“Don’t worry Micael if we are careful we should stay out of harms way.” The Shaman said assuringly.

The Shaman walked away slowly preparing himself for their journey to the Midnight Mountains.

Ovit looked at Micael, “The Midnight Mountains? I’m terrified of the Midnight Mountains. The witches, warlocks and ghouls live in the Midnight Mountains. They would truly kill us if they discovered us in their land.”

Micael looked down at Ovit. “We must trust the Shaman, he has lead us this far, he wouldn’t do anything to put either of our lives in danger.”

“The Midnight Mountains it is then Micael.” Ovit smiled.

The three of them gathered up their belongings and began their trip to the Midnight Mountains.

The witches were nearing the edge of the desert. Izasa was frustrated being pulled along by them. Grimelda stopped walking.

“This is taking forever gremlin. Are you sure this is the way to the Mystagog?

She scowled.

“Yes witch, this is the way to Mystagog. How many times do you need me to tell you this?” Izasa responded with irritation in his voice.

“Then where is he?” She began to look around. “All I see is an endless amount of sand and that’s it.”

While she was griping, Magella had wandered a bit further ahead. She saw the mountains.

“Grimelda,” she called to her. Grimelda was still complaining so Magella walked back to her and tapped her on the shoulder. “Grimelda?”

Grimelda swung around, “What is it Magella can’t you see I’m busy here.” She said angrily. As she was saying this Grimelda looked up and saw the mountains. She grinned widely.

“It seems you have brought us to the right place gremlin.”

Izasa was surprised that this even existed. He never even knew there was a mountain range in the Forest of Shadows.

“Where do we go now gremlin?” Grimelda demanded.

“We keep going north. We’ll have to travel into the mountains to find the Mystagog.” Izasa didn’t know where they were going but hoped that when they got there, there’d be a Mystagog waiting at the end.

Grimelda, Magella, and Izasa began their climb into the mountains in search of the Mystagog.

The ghouls watched as the witches and gremlin began climbing the first mountain. They would wait until they were out of sight before they too would begin their climb. Helmog gave a victorious smile knowing that the witches were about to lead them to the Mystagog.

Crovis and Trovis were not far from their sisters or the ghouls but far enough where they wouldn’t meet one another in the desert. They continued their journey onward. Flying overhead the fairies Queen Armad and Princess Fimella looked down and pointed to the warlocks.

“Warlocks.” Queen Armad said softly to her daughter. “I wonder what they’re up to.”

“I don’t know mother but we should definitely not fly any lower we wouldn’t want to be discovered.”

“I think we should go a bit faster and try to get ahead of them.” Queen Armad fluttered her wings a bit harder now as did the Princess Fimella. Hopefully, they would find the Shaman, Micael, and Ovit before the others did.

The Shaman, Micael and Ovit moved quickly down the Mystagogs’ mountain and were almost at the bottom. The path was visible to them. They were nervous about trekking into the Midnight Mountains but knew they had to if they were going to be the first to find the Book of Elandor.

“Where will we go first Shaman?” Micael asked.

“We will start at the beginning Micael. We don’t know the Midnight Mountains as well as the witches, warlocks and ghouls but I’m sure that even though it’s their land they don’t know everything there is to know either. It will be a difficult task, but I’m sure you’re aware of this.” The Shaman continued downward until he planted his feet firmly on the flat ground.

“Do you think this path will lead us all of the way out of here without having to go up and down the first mountain again Shaman?” Ovit asked.

“When we get to the faces of the mountain we’ll ask them for a shorter way out of here. If anyone would know, they would.” The Shaman unhooked his ropes from the others and they continued walking down the path.

The faces of the mountain were not far from them, but reaching the top of the mountain just as they were at the bottom of the Mystagogs’ mountain was the witches and the gremlin. If there was ever a moment for intervention, this would be it.

The Shaman, Micael and Ovit neared the faces of the mountains and heard them whispering as they came to them.

The Shaman spoke to them. “Hello friends.”

The face they had spoken to on the way to the Mystagog appeared before them in the mountain wall.

“Hello kind travelers. We see you made your way to the Mystagog. Hopefully, he was helpful to you.”

“He was most helpful thank you. My friends and I were wondering if this path would lead us out of here and back into the desert. We’re trying to get to the Midnight Mountains as quickly as possible.” The Shaman smiled.

The face looked at all three of them. “I’m sorry friends but this path ends at the edge of the first mountain.”

The Shaman, Micael, and Ovit looked disappointed until the face spoke again.

“Don’t be sad my friends, I said that path ends at the mountain but there is another way.” The face smiled and suddenly the mountain began to open showing a secret passageway. The Shaman, Micael, and Ovit were very excited.

“Thank you friends.” The Shaman grinned.

“We know you are here for the act of good friends. We are willing to help anyone who is willing to help the world.” The faces looked upward. “You must move fast my friends there are more coming. I sense evil has entered the mountains. Go now.”

With those words, the three entered the secret passageway out of the mountain range. The walls closed behind them as they went into the passageway, but luckily there was enough light for them find their way.

On the path, the witches and the gremlin began walking. The faces in the mountains disappeared and wouldn’t make themselves seen until they knew the evil doers were gone.

The Shaman, Micael, and Ovit managed to make it through the passageway and found themselves back in the desert. They were extremely happy to know they would be able to reserve their energy for the trip to the Midnight Mountains.

They sat and rested for a moment and tried to figure out what the Mystagog was trying to tell them.

“The only meaning I can gather from it Shaman is that the Book of Elandor is hidden somewhere in the Midnight Mountains near a lake, or water of some kind.” Micael said with confusion.

“I don’t see much more than you do Micael. I’m not sure what mountain or what body of water we should be looking for.” Ovit shrugged.

The Shaman sat for a moment then spoke.

“I believe we are looking for the darkest mountain in the Midnight Mountains. I don’t know where that would be but I’m sure with much searching and a little luck we will find it before the others do.”

“What if he lied to us Shaman?” Micael asked.

“He may have lied to us Micael but we have no choice at this time but to believe him. I don’t believe that he will tell the evil dwellers the truth, but then one never knows.” The Shaman looked up into the sky.

He began pointing at something. Micael and Ovit were wondering what he was pointing at and began looking up also. Just then, something came flying down to them. It was the Queen Armad and Princess Fimella.

The three of them smiled when they saw them.

“Didn’t think we’d find you did you?” The Princess Fimella giggled.

“We certainly didn’t expect to see you, but it’s a wonderful surprise, but why are you here Queen Armad?” The Shaman asked.

“I couldn’t sit forever and wait to see what happened Shaman, so I decided to join you on your journey.” She smiled and he smiled back. “Now, we have more pressing matters at hand. The warlocks are in the desert and not far from us. In order to avoid them, we’ll have to move down the left side of the desert.”

“That works much better for us Queen Armad because we are going to the Midnight Mountains in search of the Book of Elandor.” The Queen Armad seemed stunned as did the Princess Fimella.

“Are you sure we must go to the Midnight Mountains Shaman?” The Queen asked.

“Yes, the Mystagog told us that the Book of Elandor was in a dark mountain near a brook, and there are no mountains in the Valley of Illumination so we are traveling to the Midnight Mountains.” The Shaman was looking around to make sure nobody could hear them or see them.

“So the Midnight Mountains it shall be then Shaman. Come daughter we’ll fly above to keep a watchful eye for enemies.” The Queen and Princess flew into the sky.

The Shaman, Micael and Ovit began moving to the farthest left of the desert readying themselves for the Midnight Mountains.

Inside the mountain range of the Mystagog, The witches and the gremlin walked up the path. Something seemed strange to Grimelda as she walked the path. She felt as though she was being watched but couldn’t figure it out. Magella looked at Grimelda knowing she felt the same thing. Izasa was a bit nervous walking the path but didn’t say anything he just walked along.

“Sister, there are eyes and ears upon us.” Grimelda whispered.

“I know sister I feel them too. We must move quickly up this path and find the Mystagog.” Magella began walking faster. Just then, the mountain walls ahead of them closed in creating a blockade. The witches walked quickly to the wall and realized that something powerful was happening. The face of mountain appeared before them.

“What is it you want here travelers?” The face asked.

“We wish to see the Mystagog.” Grimelda said arrogantly.

“I’m afraid the Mystagog will see no one else today travelers come back another time.” The face was trying to delay them to protect the Shaman, Micael, and Ovit.

Grimelda grew angry. “See here keeper of the mountain, I suggest you open your doorway to us before I cast a spell that will destroy your blockade.”

The face laughed at Grimelda. “Silly travelers, magic doesn’t work here in the mountain range. You have no powers here. You will wait until I decide when you shall pass. Threatening me won’t help you get there any faster.”

The face disappeared and Grimelda, Magella, and Izasa slumped to the ground in defeat to rest.

The ghouls had waited till the witches went over the top of the mountain with the gremlin before beginning their climb to the top. It was less difficult then they thought at first. They knew they couldn’t possibly find the Mystagog before the witches but would follow them as best they could. When they reached the top of the first mountain they too realized how many mountains there would be to climb. Unfortunately for them, they didn’t see the path and chose to take the long route.

“Slothard and Wagrim do you realize how long it will take us to climb all of these mountains to find the Mystagog? Do you also realize that we have no idea which one of these mountains he’s on?” Helmog was frustrtated.

“They are in a row Helmog we shall just look at each one as we climb it, until we reach that large one at the end.” Slothard reassured him.

Wagrim was bothered at the idea of traveling even further through the mountain range to look for the Mystagog. He just wanted to go back to the castle in the Midnight Mountains and find another way, but he knew this was two against one, him being the one so he continued with the other two.

In the desert and nearing the edge of it Crovis and Trovis walked on. They didn’t know about the mountain range in the mirage and continued to just walk forward.

“How do we know we’ll ever find the sisters Crovis?” Trovis asked.

“Where else would they be Trovis? They went north to search for the Mystagog. We will find them eventually.” Crovis kept walking. As they walked Crovis began to wonder how much longer the desert could possibly be.

“Let’s stop and rest Crovis.” Trovis stopped and sat on the ground.

“Trovis, if we want to find them we have to stop resting. We must keep going.” Crovis wanted to continue on.

“Crovis, why are we chasing the sisters anyway? Why don’t we fly back to the castle in the Midnight Mountains and wait for them. They’ll have to come back eventually.”

Crovis sat for a moment and listened to Trovis. He may be onto something. Why should they struggle with this long journey when they could just wait for the sisters to come back to the castle?

“You know brother I agree, I am tired of walking and I’m ready to go back to the castle. But, when we get there we better prepare for the return of the bitter sisters. I’m sure they’ve realized by now that we’re onto them. We will have to create a spell or potion to destroy them if we should ever stand a chance against them.” Crovis spoke quietly.

The brothers decided to rest for awhile before going back to the Midnight Mountains.

The witches in the meantime were still waiting for the mountain to open its blockade to let them through. They must’ve waited for at least twelve hours before the face in the mountain appeared before them again.

“I have decided to let you pass now travelers. You may go.” As the words were spoken the large mountain blockade began to open and the witches and the gremlin were able to walk through.

Once inside Grimelda realized that the largest mountain must be the home of the Mystagog. It’s the only thing that made sense to her.

“We must climb that great mountain in front of us to find the Mystagog I hope you know.”

Izasa looked at the mountain and spoke exhaustively. “I have traveled with you long enough witches, it is time for you to keep your promise and set me free.”

Grimelda cackled. “We don’t need you any longer gremlin. I don’t believe anybody needs you honestly.” She walked towards him. “But, we haven’t found the Mystagog yet which means I’m not done with you yet.” She grabbed him and put him up against a tree. “Magella take the rope and tie him to this tree. Once we come back down this mountain and have spoken to the Mystagog we will set you free gremlin.” She frowned at him.

Magella walked over to them and began tying Izasa up.

Izasa just stood there tied to the tree looking at both of them angrily. He could hardly wait to see the day when the witches were finally destroyed.

Grimelda and Magella began climbing the mountain while Izasa stood below ready to escape from the ropes that bound him.

The Shaman, Micael, Ovit walked rapidly through the desert. The Queen Armad and Princess Fimella flew overhead.

“We must come up with a plan in case we are attacked in the Midnight Mountains Micael and Ovit.” The Shaman spoke with much concern.

“We can defend ourselves Shaman. You taught us well. We may be useless when it comes to magic but we are warriors when it’s weapon to weapon.” Micael was becoming a young adult on this journey. When they left the Valley of Illumination, he was still a child, but the tasks laid before him were turning him into a young man.

The Queen Armad flew down and fluttered before the three of them as they walked.

“My daughter will be flying back to the Valley of Illumination to tell the Angelic Spirits what is happening. We will find our way back to her when our task is complete.”

The Shaman looked at the Queen Armad with seriousness. “I think you should go back to the Valley of Illumination Queen Armad. I mean no disrespect, please understand, but the fairies need you.”

“I have talked this over with my daughter Shaman. We both agree that I possess the skills necessary to help you along your journey. She is wise for being so young, but she’s not strong enough to defend herself. I possess magical powers as you know hers have not yet been honed.” The Queen Armad smiled. “Don’t worry my friends, it will be fine. I’ll tell her you said to travel safely.” With these words she fluttered upward into the sky.

“Having the Queen Armad with us makes me very nervous Shaman.” Micael looked to him.

“She has made her choice Micael and it’s not likely that we will change her mind.” The Shaman knew the Queen Armad was a pillar of strength in times of crisis and he felt better knowing she was above looking down.

“It’s not that I don’t think she can handle our journey Shaman, it’s just I’m worried that something may happen and she could get hurt, what would the fairies do if that were to happen?” Micael asked.

“The Princess Fimella was brought to this world to carry on the Queen’s legacy. If anything were to happen to the Queen the Princess would carry on the throne.” The Shaman knew that this may ease Micael’s mind a bit.

Ovit kept walking but spoke quietly. “I think it’s a great thing the Queen is doing for the Princess. She’s protecting her from harm and protecting her legacy at the same time. I think she should be honored for her bravery in the face of danger.”

The Shaman and Micael looked at Ovit as he kept walking along minding his own business.

“You know for a troll you surely are wise.” Micael laughed.

“You’re not so bad yourself Micael, for a myrmidon.” Ovit smiled.

The Shaman looked over at both of them and grinned. “Alright you two, it’s time to get serious.” He began laughing with them.

Grimelda and Magella were approaching the peak of the Mystagogs home quickly. Grimelda felt over anxious at the prospect of knowing the whereabouts of the Book of Elandor. She knew that with the Book of Elandor she would possess some of the greatest spells ever written, and combined with her magic, she would be extremely powerful.

At the peak, Grimelda and Magella climbed over the top slowly. They saw the cave in front of them with a light flickering on the inside. They walked slowly into the cave and saw the old man lying on the floor.

As they got closer he sat up and raised his hand motioning them to stop.

“We have come to find out the location of the Book of Elandor.” Grimelda spoke softly to the Mystagog.

“I know why you’re here witches, but don’t be fooled you aren’t the first to arrive.” He smiled at them.

Grimelda and Magella acted calmly. They just wanted to hear his riddle and be on their way. Knowing their magic didn’t work in the mountains made them a little nervous.

The Mystagog walked out of the cave and looked into the sky. Grimelda and Magella were close behind him.

“Listen very closely witches, for I will only say this once. A great circle of light in the sky, shall show you where the book does lie, find the tree with leaves of red, to find the object to which you’ve been lead.” With these words, the Mystagog walked past them and back into his cave.

Grimelda stood thinking about what he had just said. “A great circle in the sky.” She looked at Magella with fear in her eyes. “We must go to the Valley of Illumination sister.”

Magella gasped at the thought of it. “The Valley of Illumination Grimelda? That would be asking for death.”

“Don’t worry sister we’ll be safe as long as we have our magic. It may not work here in the mountain range of the Forest of Shadows but once we leave here we are powerful once more.” Grimelda began climbing down the mountain. “Come Magella we have no time to waste. We must find the Book of Elandor before the others.”

“What if he lied to us sister?” Magella asked.

“Then we shall come back and find the Mystagog, and destroy him.” She smiled.

They moved as quickly as they could down the mountain.

At the bottom of the mountain Izasa was almost free of his ropes and ready to escape. He just needed to get one more knot out of the rope, he managed to use one of his claws to cut it and freed himself just in time to look up and see the witches were not far from him coming down the mountain. He would hide further up the pathway until he knew they were gone, then, he too would climb the great mountain and speak to the Mystagog and bring the information back to Olagh at the fortress. He moved quickly up the path and found a hiding place where the witches would never look to find him.

Hours had passed when Grimelda and Magella reached the bottom of the mountain. They walked over to the tree and realized that Izasa had escaped.

“Don’t worry sister he’s not needed any longer. Once we have the Book of Elandor, we’ll destroy all of the gremlins.” Grimelda began to laugh loudly. Izasa heard what she said and muttered to himself. “Not if I find it first witch.”

CHAPTER SIX

The ghouls continued to climb the mountains one by one. They still had at least ten more to climb when they decided to stop.

“Helmog, I truly hope this is worth our time and effort hunting down this mysterious Mystagog.” Slothard was irritated.

“We will find him Slothard and Wagrim. We will find him and then find the Book of Elandor.” Helmog smiled.

“I do hope you’re right Helmog.” Wagrim looked at him wearily.

“Why do you continue to doubt me Wagrim? Why must you always doubt me?” Helmog didn’t like the way Wagrim spoke to him sometimes.

“I try not to doubt you Helmog but I am concerned for my own well-being. I’m sure you can understand this.” Wagrim smirked.

“Of course I understand this Wagrim, just trust me for once and let’s continue on to the Mystagog. The information he gives to us could be vital to our survival.”

Slothard and Wagrim nodded to agree with Helmog and they continued on.

Once the witches had disappeared up the trail Izasa began his climb to the top of the mountain. He moved much more quickly than the witches because he was smaller and didn’t carry as much weight as the witches. He managed to climb to the top of the mountain in a matter of hours. He was nervous about meeting the great Mystagog. He saw the cave with the light streaming out of it and entered the cave.

The Mystagog was standing facing the wall drawing pictures on the wall. He didn’t turn around at first. “Be seated.”

Izasa sat on the floor in front of the fire and watched as the Mystagog drew his pictures.

“I came to find out.” The Mystagog cut him short.

“Silence, I must have silence.” He continued to draw. Izasa sat on the floor for what seemed to be hours before the Mystagog finally spoke to him.

“There’s no need to tell me why you’ve come. I know why, The Book of Elandor. Unfortunately for you creature, there will be no more riddles this day. I am tired. I must rest now. Come back another time.” The Mystagog laid down on the floor and closed his eyes.

Izasa stood up. “Do you know what I went through to get here Mystagog do you even realize the anguish I suffered to find my way to your cave?

The Mystagog sat up. “I will offer you this gremlin then be on your way. Listen closely for I will only tell you once. A mountain lion, a billy goat, a darkened castle with a moat, search the halls and you will see, the book that shall set you free.”

When he was finished the Mystagog laid back down and closed his eyes. Izasa was confused. He didn’t know what to make of the riddle he just heard. He left the cave and began his way back down the mountain. He would tell Olagh the riddle and they would figure it out together back at the fortress.

The Shaman, Queen Armad, Micael and Ovit continued on. They were almost back into the swamps of the Forest of Shadows now. They decided to stop and rest when they reached the swamps.

Micael began to make small talk with Ovit and the Shaman.

“So what will we do when we find the Book of Elandor Shaman?” Micael asked.

“We will bring it back to the Angelic Spirits in the Valley of Illumination and let them decide what to do with it.” He answered.

“Maybe, we could cast a few spells to make me appear larger and scarier.” Ovit laughed.

They all laughed.

Micael got serious and looked to the Shaman. “I want to remember my past Shaman. Do you think there’s anything in the Book of Elandor which can help me achieve this?”

The Shaman stared straight ahead and continued to walk. “You don’t remember the past for a reason Micael. You are not meant to remember your past right now. Maybe in the future the Gods will give that back to you, but for now you must live in the moment at hand.”

Micael wished he could remember anything about his past, but knew the Shaman was right. He was given this task and would complete it.

“What about the other books, when will those be found Shaman?” Micael asked.

“I’m not sure Micael. You must find each of them to find the other. We can use the Book of Elandor to find the Book of Garenon but that won’t be an easy task either. You are on the journey of your life Micael, something that will ultimately change the world.” The Shaman was trying to make Micael understand the importance of their journey.

“I know Shaman, I know.” Micael walked on.

In the desert on the other side of the Forest of Shadows Grimelda and Magella were walking along.

Grimelda had a smile on her face.

“Why are you so happy sister?” Magella asked.

“Because dear sister, we are embarking on something of greatness. When we find the Book of Elandor do you realize the things we can do with it? We could bring the sisters back from the dead I’m sure.” She grinned.

“Why would we want to bring them back? They were foolish witches. They never did anything right.” Magella shrugged.

“We may need them in the battle that will be upon all of us soon Magella. I’m sure Trovis believed when he left them for dead that they would be dead forever, but, we were left for dead many times and look at us standing here today.” She cackled.

“You are right we may need the idiot sisters when the battles begin, but for now, it’s working fine just the way it is.” Magella followed Grimelda a few more steps until Grimelda stopped.

“Why do you think we haven’t come across the brothers yet Magella?” She was beginning to wonder aloud now. “We should have surely come in contact with them by now. I think we should go back to the Midnight Mountains to the castle before we go to the Valley of Illumination. We must know what they’re planning for us.”

“We will waste valuable time if we go back to the castle now, sister. We should go to the Valley of Illumination first.” Magella added her thoughts.

Grimelda thought for a moment. “Maybe you’re right sister we should go to the Valley of Illumination first. If we don’t find what we’re looking for though, we must leave and go back to the castle in the Midnight Mountains. We can’t let the brothers have too much time to plot and plan against us.”

Grimelda and Magella began moving quickly again through the desert following the words of the Mystagog to find the Book of Elandor.

Izasa had left the mountain range and was back in the desert. He still didn’t know what to make of what the Mystagog had told him. He walked along trying to figure it out.

As he walked he heard a voice call to him. He looked further up and saw a large group of creatures coming towards him. He realized it was Olagh and ran to greet him.

They hugged and smiled.

“Olagh, my friend.” Izasa was extremely happy.

“I’m glad to find you well Izasa.” Olagh grinned widely. “Did the witches harm you in any way?”

“Those haggard beasts? They tried to, but didn’t succeed. They did succeed in finding the Mystagog though Olagh as did I.” He smiled slyly. “Come let us discuss this away from the battalia.”

Olagh and Izasa walked away from the battalia and Izasa told Olagh what the Mystagog had told him.

Olagh thought for a moment and then smirked. “Of course Izasa, I have it. It’s the castle of the ghouls. I’ve seen it.”

Izasa looked surprised. “What do you mean you’ve seen it?”

Once, I decided to go into the Midnight Mountains. I was looking for a new place to put our fortress. I realized once inside of the Midnight Mountains we wouldn’t be very safe so we ended up staying in the Forest of Shadows. I saw the ghoul’s castle though. It was surrounded by a huge moat with alligators. It’s a very frightening castle to look at in the dark Izasa but if the Mystagog says this is where the Book of Elandor is then we shall go there and find it.

The two shook hands and smiled glad to see each other once more.

The ghouls after climbing over almost twenty mountains reached the largest of all of them. It wasn’t until they reached the bottom of the largest one that they saw the path stretched between the rocks. Helmog, Slothard, and Wagrim were disgusted to think they had traveled over every mountain when they could’ve walked down the middle of them. They had wasted much valuable time.

They began the climb to the top of the mountain slowly. They were weary from their journey to the Mystagog. They spent hours climbing the mountain before reaching the top. Once atop the peak, they walked into the cave of the Mystagog. They were shocked to find the Mystagog to be an old man just lying on the floor of a cave.

“You there.” Helmog spoke sternly.

The Mystagog woke up. “Yes.”

“Wake up. We are here in search of the Book of Elandor. We need to know where it is.” Helmog walked towards him. The Mystagog stepped back this time and put his hand up.

“Please stop there. I will tell you how to find the Book of Elandor.” The Mystagog walked past them and to the outside of the cave. He stood at the edge looking at the sky for quite some time before turning around. The ghouls had followed him out and stood quietly waiting for him to saying anything.

“Listen closely travelers for I shall say this only once. In a castle not far from here there lies a ball that’s crystal clear, look inside and you shall see the answer that you truly need.” The Mystagog walked slowly towards them.

Helmog stood in his way. “What in the world does that mean Mystagog?”

“I’m sorry I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The Mystagog had lapsed into some kind of trance and wasn’t even sure what he had just said.

“Tell me what it means Mystagog or suffer the consequences.” Helmog grew angry. Slothard and Wagrim stood behind him grinning.

The Mystagog tried to continue onward to his cave but they wouldn’t let him pass. They began pushing him further until finally they had him on the ledge. Helmog, Slothard and Wagrim moved forward towards him. Just then a flash came from the skies above and soon a memory of the past hit all three of them at once. They were stunned and moved backwards. They weren’t sure what they just saw but they knew it was sent from the Gods above. They allowed the Mystagog to pass them and go back to his cave.

“What happened just now?” Helmog was still bewildered.

“I’m not sure Helmog I felt it too, so did Wagrim.” Slothard was nervous.

“We must leave this mountain and never return. We have the information we came for now let’s leave here.” Helmog began climbing down the mountain with Slothard and Wagrim not far behind.

In the cave the Mystagog laughed to himself knowing what he had just done. He created his own magic to scare the ghouls who seemed to be fearless. There would be no others coming in search of the Book of Elandor. He sat on the ground and began looking at the fire waiting for the next chain of events to take place.

Crovis and Trovis arrived back at the castle in the Midnight Mountains about a day later. Flying was so much faster than walking that was for sure. They could’ve flown through the desert but decided it best not to considering that they could have been seen easier by the enemy.

Once inside of the castle they began to search through the sister’s altar room for anything they believed would help to defeat them. They read their book of spells but couldn’t find anything that would do them any harm. They would have to join forces with the ghouls. They believed this would be their best choice, but they weren’t sure if the ghouls would be so willing. They left the altar room and headed for the main door once more, they would go to the ghoul’s castle and speak with them.

Crovis and Trovis walked quickly until they reached the moat to the castle of the ghouls. The bridge was drawn which meant either they were hiding in the castle or they weren’t in the castle. The brothers looked at each other knowing what they would do next. They flew to the tower just as Grimelda had done and entered the castle of the ghouls uninvited.

They searched around for quite some time and didn’t find much. They decided to sit down and talk believing the ghouls wouldn’t return anytime soon.

“It’s going to be very difficult to destroy the sisters Trovis. We must devise a plan that will enable us to do it.” Crovis rubbed his chin.

“We could always pretend that we had no idea what happened in the Forest of Shadows. We’ll say that when nobody returned you came to the forest to find us. Once there, you realized that the sisters were dead but you found me and brought me back here to the castle.” Trovis grinned slyly.

“I’m not sure the sisters would believe it Trovis. They probably already know what we’re up to.” Crovis stood and thought for a moment.

“Let’s go back to the castle and look into their crystal ball and try to find out where the sisters are and we’ll go from there.”

Crovis and Trovis left the castle of the ghouls and hurried back to their castle.

The ghouls were slowly leaving the mountain range in the Forest of Shadows, they were confused at what the Mystagog had told them on the peak. Helmog thought about it very deeply but still didn’t understand. Wagrim was in deep thought also when a huge smile came across his face.

“I’ve figured out the riddle. Think about it, a crystal ball, who would have a crystal ball besides the witches? We must go back to the Midnight Mountains and look into their crystal ball as the Mystagog said and the answer shall appear to us.”

“Very good Wagrim, I’m surprised we couldn’t figure it out.” Helmog began walking up the path in front of Slothard and Wagrim.

Slothard looked at Wagrim and smirked, “Once again, the great leader wonders why he couldn’t decipher the riddle.”

Wagrim smiled back at him.

Flying high above the Princess Fimella was on her way back to the Valley of Illumination when she looked down and saw the witches headed in the same direction. “This cannot be good, what would the witches want in the Valley of Illumination?” She was questioning there antics aloud.

Down below Grimelda sensed that someone was watching her so she stopped and whispered to Magella. The Princess fluttered in the air above waiting to see what they would do next.

Suddenly, the Princess felt her wings stop working and she began falling out of the sky. She landed in the middle of the witches below. They both looked down at her and smiled.

Grimelda leaned down and picked her up. “What do we have here? It’s a little fairy Magella.” The Princess was unconscious from the fall and had no idea who had just found her. “I’ll just put her snuggly in my bag until I can figure out what to do with her.” She took the Princess Fimella and put her inside of her bag.

“What do you think the fairy was doing Grimelda?” Magella asked.

“A little spy sent from the Valley of Illumination I assume.” Grimelda smirked.

“I guess it’s good we caught the little bug then isn’t it?” Magella laughed.

“Yes I believe it’ll work to our advantage to have her. We’ll make her help us find this tree the Mystagog spoke of.”

Grimelda and Magella continued on through the Forest of Shadows preparing to enter the Valley of Illumination in search of the Book of Elandor.

The Shaman, Micael, Ovit and the Queen Armad walked further into the Forest of Shadows. The Queen Armad flew high above them to warn them of any danger but so far there had been none.

“Where will we go once we enter the Midnight Mountains Shaman?” Micael asked.

“I’m not sure Micael. There are many mountains in the Midnight Mountains but I believe that we can find the one the Mystagog spoke of. There aren’t any large bodies of water in the Midnight Montains only one large lake that surrounds a group of mountains.” The Shaman walked side by side now with Micael and Ovit while they chatted.

“I am not afraid of the Midnight Mountains.” Ovit chimed in.

“I’m not either anymore Ovit. I am excited about it. It’s definitely a necessity that we find the Book of Elandor before the others do.” Micael smiled.

“And we shall Micael, we shall.” The Shaman walked ahead of them now.

Not far behind the four travelers from the Valley of Illumination was Izasa, Olagh and the battalia. They were also moving quickly so that they could search the castle of the ghouls. Olagh wasn’t sure he believed the Mystagog’s words but trusted what his friend Izasa had heard.

“We will have to be very careful once we reach the castle Olagh.” Izasa said in a concerned voice.

“Don’t worry Izasa the ghastly ghouls won’t discover us.” Olagh smiled.

“At the pace we’re going we should be entering the Midnight Mountains within a day or two. We have to ready the battalia to be prepared for any enemies.” Izasa walked steadily.

“We will leave the battalia at the base of the Midnight Mountains and adventure north into them ourselves Izasa. We wouldn’t be able to bring this many creatures into the mountains without someone noticing.”

“I agree Olagh the less attention we draw to ourselves the better.”

Olagh and Izasa continued onward with the battalia to the Midnight Mountains.

In the Valley of Illumination, the Angelic Spirits wondered what had happened in the Forest of Shadows. They hadn’t received any word yet from the Queen Armad or the Princess Fimella. The Angelic Spirits were unaware that the witches were about to enter the Valley of Illumination with their hostage the Princess Fimella.

The witches entered the the Valley of Illumination carefully. They were surprised at the amount of light that was readily available considering they had never been here before.

“We must be careful now sister.” She whispered to Magella. “We must try to go unseen; therefore I think we should cast a spell of glamour and make ourselves look like myrmidons.”

Magella nodded and then moved in close to her sister. They both began chanting a spell, when they turned back to face the light they looked nothing like they did a few moments before. Grimelda had become an amazingly beautiful younger woman with long blond hair and blue eyes. Magella was a raven haired beauty with memerizing hazel eyes. They laughed when they looked at each other.

Princess Fimella was waking from her slumber and poked her head out and looked around. She spoke softly.

“Excuse me.” She said.

The witches looked down and smiled. Grimelda pulled her out slowly and held her in her hand.

“Hello there little fairy how are you? You’re very lucky that my sister and I found you when we did.” She smiled.

The Princess Fimella was confused the last thing she remembered was falling out of the sky in the Forest of Shadows.

“I’m sorry but how did you find me?” She asked.

Grimelda held her close to her face. “My sister and I were foraging for food in the Forest of Shadows. We were walking along when we saw you lying on the ground. We picked you up and made sure nobody harmed you. Do you have a name fairy?”

“It’s Fimella. Princess Fimella.” She said groggily.

Grimelda and Magella looked at each other and grinned.

“Princess Fimella?” Grimelda asked aloud. “We are honored to make your acquaintance. I am Gardenia and this is my sister Marigold.” They smiled at her. “We live here in the Valley of Illumination also.”

The Princess Fimella felt there was something very strange about these two sisters but they appeared myrmidon and harmless. She would be very careful until she felt strong enough to travel to the Angelic Spirits.

“You can travel with us until you feel better Princess Fimella, and possibly show us some areas of the Valley of Illumination we have never seen.” Grimelda smiled and the Princess Fimella was slowly placed back in her pocket.

The sisters looked at each other smirking knowing that they had found something that would only help their journey be much easier.

A bit further north the Angelic Spirits sat in their garden.

“I wonder why we haven’t been informed of anything yet.” Mitral spoke.

“We must relax and wait for the Queen and the Princess to return Mitral. We must be patient.” Ademus stood and began smelling the flowers in the garden.

“I think that we should try to join our minds as one, and sense where they could possibly be.” Aerifus sat forward.

“I agree. We should try to locate them and it will take all three of us to find them.” Ademus came to his chair and sat. The three of them joined hands and their eyes went completely blank as their minds became one.

At least two hours had passed before they came out of the trance. Mitral, Ademus and Aerifus looked at each other with concern.

“They are not near. I sensed that they may be going to the Midnight Mountains and that truly can’t be a good thing.” Mitral spoke with concern.

Ademus spoke. “The Princess Fimella is not with them. The Queen sent her back to the Valley of Illumination but I sensed that she is not safe. Something has happened.”

“I felt that too. We must leave the castle and search the Valley of Illumination to look for the Princess Fimella.” Aerifus stood.

Mitral and Ademus joined Aerifus as they left the garden gate and walked into the Valley of Illumination a land they normally didn’t enter unless necessary. The sanctity of their castle behind them, the Angelic Spirits wandered on.

On the opposite side of the Valley of Illumination sneaking quietly into the darkness of the Midnight Mountains were the Shaman, Micael, Ovit and the Queen Armad. Micael was walking quietly behind the Shaman who waved the Queen Armad to come from above. She flew down and fluttered around him.

“I think we can find our way through the Midnight Mountains easier if you stay above at all times. Don’t fly down unless you see something that looks as though it could harm us.” The Shaman spoke softly.

“Don’t worry friends I will make sure nothing happens to you.” The Queen Armad flew back to the sky.

“Where should we go next Shaman?” Micael asked.

“We will move as carefully as we can along the edge of this land hiding behind trees, rocks and houses. We must avoid the witches, warlocks and ghouls at all costs. We don’t want them hurting any of us.” The Shaman began creeping along the edge. “Follow me.”

Ovit was excited about his adventure. He pulled on the back of Micael’s cloak.

“Micael, I’m finding this journey to be quite fullfilling aren’t you?” He smiled.

Micael looked down at him and raised his finger to his lips to quiet Ovit. Micael grinned at him afterwards to let him know he wasn’t angry just being cautious.

There were a few stone houses not far from them and you could see the light flickering in the windows. They wanted to avoid the creatures of the Midnight Mountains. Micael knew that if he needed to he could question other myrmidons in the land. That was one good thing about being a myrmidon you didn’t really stand out amongst each other. You were all the same in the creature’s eyes and easily disposable.

The Shaman was moving slowly with Micael and Ovit not far behind. Micael was amazed at the darkness of the Midnight Mountains. He was a bit scared but tried not to show it. He was worried about the ghouls and the witches and warlocks, but he would stand brave in the face of danger now in search of the Book of Elandor.

The light was almost unbearable to Grimelda and Magella walking through the Valley of Illumination. They knew holding the Princess Fimella would be helpful to them in the long run.

“So what should we do with the fairy Grimelda?”

Grimelda smiled. “We’ll hold onto the little bugger for now, find out what she knows, and when we’re done with her, we’ll dispose of her.”

Magella smirked.

As they continued walking the noticed up ahead of them three large figures walking towards them dressed in white. The closer they got, Grimelda realized that it was the Angelic Spirits.

“Magella stay on your toes sister. The Angelic Spirits are just ahead of us.” They were trying to remain quiet as they walked past them. They smiled and the Angelic Spirits smiled back at them.

Mitral slowed down after passing the sisters and finally stopped.

“Ademus, Aerifus did you sense that when we walked past those two myrmidons back there?” Mitral questioned.

“Yes, something wasn’t right about those two. I sensed evil, but that seems odd considering they’re myrmidons.” Ademus looked at the two sisters as they walked further up the path and finally out of their sight.

“Maybe it’s been so long since we’ve ventured outside of the castle that our senses are off.” Aerifus chimed in.

The three of them looked at each other and began to laugh believing that was all that it was. They didn’t know that the two myrmidons were indeed pure evil.

Grimelda and Magella cackled as they disappeared up the path.

“They’re so great they couldn’t even figure out that two of the most evil witches in the world just crossed their paths.” Grimelda laughed loudly.

“I was a bit scared for a moment I won’t lie Grimelda, but once they passed us I couldn’t believe it either.” Magella grinned.

“Never be scared sister, not as long as I’m around. You have nothing to fear. I know more than you can imagine. The Angelic Spirits are powerful beings, but they can be destroyed just as easily as any of the other creatures, all we need is the Book of Elandor to rule the world.”

The sisters continued walking up the path not knowing that the Princess Fimella wasn’t resting but quite awake. She would have to devise a plan to get away from the two sisters as soon as possible and find the Angelic Spirits to warn them. She would wait until she knew what they were up to first before getting away from them.

The ghouls were moving quickly through the desert and headed into the Forest of Shadows swamplands, they were trying to get back to the Midnight Mountains to find the crystal ball hidden in the witch’s castle.

Helmog spoke as they moved. “We will go to our castle first in the Midnight Mountains and hatch our plan to get into the witches castle. I’m not afraid of them or the warlocks but I want to be careful so that they don’t find the Book of Elandor before we do.”

“That is if you believe what that crazy old myrmidon told us Helmog.” Slothard looked at him and smirked.

“He may have lied, he may not have Slothard but we won’t know until we actually go to their castle, but trust me, if he did lie, I will climb back to the top of that mountain and kill him.”

Wagrim laughed. “I don’t think that’ll be necessary Helmog. We knew the circumstances of the situation going in. The Mystagog is a strange being. He did something to us up on that mountain peak that I will never understand and personally I don’t want to ever see him again.”

“I said I would climb to the top of the mountain peak Wagrim. I didn’t say we.” He pushed past Wagrim and began moving forward again.

Wagrim and Slothard looked at each other and then at Helmog disgustingly. They knew the time would come when they would be up against Helmog and his insanity and they would be prepared.

In the Midnight Mountains the Shaman, Micael, Ovit and the Queen Armad continued on with their search for the Book of Elandor, all four of them moved quietly through the night without being discovered. It would be a long path to the main mountain range but they were determined to make it as quickly as they could.

The Shaman found a clearing in the trees and waved the other three to him.

“We are making good time my friends. We should be able to reach the main mountain range within a day. We should rest a couple of hours and then move forward.”

The Queen Armad flew close to the Shaman now. “I do hope that my daughter made it to the Valley of Illumination safely. Is there any way you could sense her Shaman?”

“I’m afraid not Queen Armad. There is a dark cloud that hangs over the Midnight Mountains which blocks my senses somewhat. I could try but I’m afraid it would be futile.”

The Queen Armad smiled at him. “She’s strong like me I’m sure she’s fine.”

“Shaman, do you think it would be wise to find the castle of the ghouls and the witches and warlocks to try and discover what they’re up to?” Ovit asked.

“I think it would be a good idea, my only fear would be getting caught.” The Shaman sat down to relax.

“You’re right, it would be very dangerous.” Ovit slumped back onto the ground.

Micael sat next to him.

“Do you think the Mystagog told everyone the same thing Shaman?” Micael asked.

The Shaman sat back for a moment pondering the thought. “The Mystagog is an odd creature. We’re not even sure he told us the correct location yet. I think he may have told only one of us the real location of the Book of Elandor.”

The Queen Armad fluttered about. “I think the Mystagog told us the correct riddle, it’s just the wording of it. I believe that he wants good to prevail over evil in this search for the Book of Elandor.”

“I agree Queen Armad, but like I said the Mystagog is an odd creature we’re not sure what he really wants, if he wants anything at all. He may just be some crazy myrmidon who has been built up through time to be a great keeper of the world’s secrets.” The Shaman grinned.

“Like us Shaman?” The Queen laughed.

Micael and Ovit sat listening to the Shaman and the Queen Armad intently. Micael wanted to go to the castles of the ghouls and the witches and warlocks. He wanted to help defend the world against these evil creatures. Micael knew that he couldn’t go alone and would talk to Ovit privately.

The Queen Armad flew down quickly and warned them that someone was coming. They all backed further into the woods and hid behind some large tree trunks. As they peered carefully over the tops of the trunks they saw a group of creatures coming towards the clearing. They were silent hoping not to be seen.

The creatures all gathered in the clearing and began talking in a language not even the Shaman could understand. They watched for hours as the creatures laughed and drank themselves to a silent slumber, when the Shaman thought it was safe he hurried the rest of his group out of the woods and back on the path to the mountain range in the Midnight Mountains.

As they walked away Micael was still thinking of going to the castle. He slowed his pace so that he could talk to Ovit without the Shaman over hearing him.

“Ovit, I want to go to the castles.” Micael said.

Ovit looked at him stunned.

“Come now Ovit, deep down inside don’t you want to go also? I mean think about it. The adventure would be even more exciting knowing we’d gone to the castles don’t you agree?” Micael grinned.

“I know you feel that you could do more Micael, but I believe that we are on this journey for a reason and if we stray from our intended quest we could destroy our chances of ever gaining control of the Book of Elandor.”

Micael shrugged his shoulders. “It was a thought Ovit, nothing more than a thought I guess.”

They walked into the night sky.

In the beautiful sunlight of the Valley of Illumination the two haggard sisters continued on their adventure to find the tree with the red leaves the Mystagog had told them about. The Princess Fimella pretended to wake up and poked her head out of Grimelda’s pocket.

“You are so kind Marigold and Gardenia to take care of me the way you have.” She pretended to speak groggily.

“You are a treasure Princess Fimella.” Grimelda smiled down at her. “Come out of my pocket and join us on this glorious day.”

The Princess Fimella climbed out of her pocket and onto her shoulder.

“Is there anything I could help you with?” The Princess asked.

The two sisters looked at each other and grinned slyly having no idea the Princess Fimella was tricking them.

“Actually, there is something you could help us find Princess.” Grimelda smiled at her sweetly. “We’re looking for a tree with red leaves. Are there any of those around here?”

The Princess paused for a moment then spoke quietly. “I’ve heard of such a tree but it’s only been seen by a few. Why would you want to find such a tree may I ask?”

Grimelda stopped walking and looked at her sadly. “It was my mother’s dying wish that I find this tree Princess, she told me that if I could find this tree once she moved on to the other side it would be as if I were finding her again. It was her way of letting me know that she’d made it.” Grimelda pouted.

The Princess did everything she could to stop herself from laughing knowing the witch was undoubtedly trying to trick her. She would go along with her foolishness for now and when the time came she would escape and go to the Angelic Spirits and let them take care of the witches.

“That’s so sad Gardenia. My mother told me of this tree you are looking for. It’s the largest tree in the Valley of Illumination and its leaves are bright red, like fire.”

The sisters listened closely as Princess Fimella continued to tell her tall fable of a large tree. She knew there were many trees in the Valley of Illumination with red leaves and she would lead them to every one of them to bide time. She would make a game out of tricking the witches.

“Take us to this tree young, kind Princess.” Grimelda smiled at her but the Princess could see the evil in her eyes.

“I would love to.” The Princess smiled and sat back on Grimelda’s shoulder ready to have an adventure of her own.

Into the darkness of the Midnight Mountains, Crovis and Trovis sat in the castle devising their next plan of attack. They knew the sisters would be back soon and they had to make sure they protected themselves now from them.

Crovis was pacing the sitting room. “We must figure out how to get the ghouls to turn on Grimelda and Magella.”

Trovis sat back in the chair smoking a pipe.

“Why don’t we just tell the ghouls that the sisters have the Book of Elandor and are hiding it and really on a search for the Book of Garenon.” Crovis looked at Trovis for approval.

“No, that won’t work the ghouls aren’t that stupid. They know that nobody has the Book of Elandor yet.” Trovis put his chin down on his hand. “Why don’t we tell the ghouls that the sisters are plotting to destroy them once they get the Book of Elandor.”

Crovis walked close to the fireplace then turned around. “Better yet Trovis why don’t we concoct a spell to capture the ghouls ourselves. If we do this we can act as if we were helping the sisters. They will believe us, I’m sure. Once we have their trust back again we’ll destroy them with their own magic.”

The brothers looked at each other and began laughing loudly. They thought they had just come up with a perfect plan of attack.

The Forest of Shadows seemed unusually quiet today. It was as if the trees were hiding their own secrets. The Angelic Spirits came calmly to the entrance of the wilderness.

“My friends we have arrived at the opening of the Forest of Shadows. We have never ventured here and will begin our journey today in search of our friends who are risking their own lives to save the world and find the Book of Elandor.” Mitral nodded at his two friends.

“We have to move into this forest with our eyes directly in front of us ready for anything my friends.” Ademus smiled.

“We don’t need to worry ourselves, we will survive and we have to make sure the others survive with us. I’m sure we can get some answers from the Mystagog.” Aerifus looked at them waiting for approval.

“I believe you’re right Aerifus we should go to the Mystagog and ask him what he told the Shaman and Micael. We should find out what he told them and then follow them wherever they may be as best we can.” Mitral smiled and they all nodded in agreement.

“So it shall be.”

The Angelic Spirits walked cautiously into the Forest of Shadows and onto their adventure to meet the Mystagog.

In the Midnight Mountains the Shaman, Micael, Ovit and Queen Armad moved through the dark skyline. They came upon a myrmidon village and the Shaman told Micael that if he wanted to he could go into the village and see if anyone knew a shortcut to the mountain range. Micael was excited because the Shaman was actually giving him a task to perform and it made him feel like a stronger man for it.

The Shaman and Ovit sat in the wooded area and watched as Micael went into the village. The Queen Armad flew overhead watching for danger.

“Tell me Ovit since we have a moment to chat are you enjoying this adventure?”

“Yes very much. I never imagined when I was banished by Toumani that this would ever happen to me, meeting new friends and having an adventure to speak of for the rest of my life.” Ovit smiled.

“Perhaps when this quest for the Book of Elandor is over you can join us and live peacefully in the Valley of Illumination for awhile.” The Shaman grinned.

“I would like that very much Shaman, but I think once we find the Book of Elandor we’ll be required to find the Books of Garenon and Arisat also. I don’t mind believe me. I feel quite lucky to have found all of you and have you accept me into your circle.” Ovit smiled again.

“I like you Ovit. I never thought I would consider a troll a friend at any time in my existence but you’ve proven yourself to be an honest creature and a helpful hand on this journey.” The Shaman patted him on the back.

They sat back and waited for Micael to come back from the village. The Shaman decided to pull out a peace pipe and offer some to Ovit. Ovit took the pipe and took a large puff on it. He choked a bit and the Shaman had to hush him. They began laughing as they smoked but not loudly enough to draw attention to themselves. It was almost an hour before Micael came back to them.

“You’ll be happy to know that we are on the right path but there is no shortcut Shaman. “ He looked down at them. He noticed that Ovit was looking at him with an odd expression.

“Are you alright Ovit?” He asked.

Ovit smiled and fell back on the ground laughing. Micael looked at the Shaman who was holding the peace pipe in his hand. The Shaman shrugged and smiled at Micael who began to laugh.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Olagh and Izasa stood at the entrance to the Midnight Mountains prepared to begin looking for the Book of Elandor. They were quite a ways from the ghoul’s castle and would take no risks in getting there safely.

“I’m going to leave the battalia behind Izasa we may need them but there would be too many of us.”

“Olagh are you sure about this? What happens if we get captured we will need them to help defend us against the ghouls.” Izasa was frightened.

“We’ll be fine Izasa. If anything were to happen it was meant to be. We can’t control what happens to us in this world but we can take precautions to make sure that we are safe.” He put his hand on Izasa’s back to reassure his friend.

Olagh turned to his battalia. “You are to stay here and wait for our return. We will go into the Midnight Mountains in search of the Book of Elandor alone. If we’re not back in three days you can go back into the Forest of Shadows under the assumption that we are dead.”

The battalia looked at each other and then at their leader. Olagh turned around and he and Izasa began walking into the Midnight Mountains, not knowing that only a few hours behind them the ghouls were ready to make their entrance back into the Midnight Mountains themselves.

The Angelic Spirits walked through the Forest of Shadows looking around in amazement. It was a scary land but quite calming at the same time. They knew that if they didn’t find the Mystagog the others could be in a lot of trouble. Mitral, Ademus and Aerifus slowed as they passed the cave that the Shaman had originally entered.

“Should we go inside Mitral?” Ademus asked.

“No. We should never go anywhere we’re not invited. I can’t imagine there would be anything of importance in that dark cave. We should move north.”

Aerifus spoke up. “I’m not too sure we should pass this cave Mitral. I’m sensing something about this cave and we should go inside.”

All three of them looked at each other then began walking towards the cave. Once they got to the entrance they looked inside and found nothing. It seems that sometimes creatures want to be seen and sometimes they don’t.

“You see my friends sometimes it’s best to leave things as they are.” Mitral smiled at them.

They walked away from the cave and didn’t look back, but if they would have they may have seen the eyes watching them leave from behind.

The Valley of Illumination was quiet today. Grimelda, Magella and the Princess Fimella walked slowly on the pathway.

“Where is this great tree with the red leaves Princess?” Grimelda inquired.

“Don’t worry Gardenia. We will find it soon enough. I have only seen it once but it’s such an amazing tree. The leaves are so red.” The Princess grinned knowing she had no idea what she was talking about.

“Where do you live Princess?” Magella asked.

“I live in a small castle with my mother the Queen Armad. Have you heard of her?” They both shook their heads.

“Where is the Queen now?” Grimelda asked.

“She’s on a journey with a group of friends. She will return to the Valley of Illumination soon enough.” The Princess played along.

“Maybe we can meet the Queen when we bring you home Princess.” Magella looked at her slyly.

“Yes that would be nice.” The Princess looked away from the witches. She thought of her mother and hoped she was alright.

When she was a young Princess in the Valley of Illumination she learned quite a lot from her mother as did her sister. She missed her sister greatly and it still angered her that she was gone. She grew stronger from the experience though. Losing someone special to you always makes you stronger.

The three of them walked along and the Princess knew the castle of the Angelic Spirits was directly ahead of them. Grimelda and Magella stopped in their tracks.

“Who does that castle belong to Princess?” Grimelda asked.

“I’m not sure Gardenia. I’ve always thought it to be the quite beautiful.” The Princess was young but very wise not to tell them anything they didn’t need to know.

“Maybe we should stop and find out Grim I mean Gardenia.” Magella hoped the Princess hadn’t caught her slip of words.

Grimelda shot Magella a look. “Yes maybe on the way back from the tree we’ll stop and have some tea with the owners.”

The Princess was worried about the Angelic Spirits with the witches being in the Valley of Illumination. She knew the Angelic Spirits were powerful beings but she wasn’t sure if they were so powerful that they could destroy the witches if they were attacked by them. She would try to keep the witches away from the castle as long as she could.

The Shaman, Micael, Ovit and the Queen Armad continued on their journey after their rest. They weren’t sure how long it would take them to reach the mountains they were looking for but trudged onward with thoughts of the Book of Elandor in mind.

The Queen Armad was still flying high above them.

The Shaman walked ahead of the Micael and Ovit who lagged behind. They were still a little weary from the whole adventure.

“It felt good to be around myrmidons again Ovit.” Micael smiled.

“It always feels good to be around your own kind Micael. It’s a comfortable place to be. I miss my friends and my family so I understand.” He smiled back.

“We will never experience anything like this again as long as we live Ovit. We should cherish every moment we spend together.”

“I agree Micael and believe me I do. We are friends for life.” Ovit pushed against Micael knocking him a bit and they both began laughing. The Shaman looked back for a moment and started to chuckle to himself. It made him happy to know that they had all become such good friends.

When the Shaman turned back he noticed a large castle coming up quickly ahead of them. He stopped and Micael and Ovit almost bumped into him. The Queen Armad flew down from the sky.

“It’s the castle of the ghouls. We should change direction now and go a differen’t way.” The Queen spoke nervously.

The Shaman looked at all of them.

“I think that you may get your chance after Micael to see the castle of the ghouls. What do we have to lose here? We should at least try to see what the others are up to here in the Midnight Mountains don’t you agree?” He smiled.

All of them looked at each other as if to agree.

“So who’s going to attempt going into the castle Shaman?” Micael asked.

The Queen flew into the middle of them. “I’m the smallest I will go.”

They looked at her with concern.

“Don’t worry my friends I won’t be seen. I’m not afraid of the ghouls, but in case anything should happen to me, please tell Fimella that I loved her.” She smiled at them.

The Shaman, Micael and Ovit were a little nervous about letting the Queen go into the castle but they knew they wouldn’t change her mind about it. They would just be extremely careful and try to protect each other.

They moved quietly to the outside of the moat and studied the castle for a moment. The Queen looked up and saw the tower above her. “I will fly into the tower to reach the main castle. It’s the easiest way.” She began to fly upward.

“Good luck Queen Armad and be safe we’ll be waiting for you to get back.” The Shaman watched her fly into the window then he sat with Micael and Ovit in the shadows and waited for her return.

The Queen flew inside of the tower window and flew into the hall. She didn’t see much. The castle was quiet and she assumed at this point that the ghouls weren’t even there. She flew to the main entrance and looked around. There was really nothing. She flew back up and out the tower window and down to her friends.

“They’re not even there.” She smiled.

“That means that they will be soon enough though friends, we should leave here quickly.” The Shaman hurried them along.

They moved quickly back into the dark night sky and never looked back.

The ghouls approached the entrance to the Midnight Mountains and looked relieved as they saw the darkness.

“We’ve made it home, finally.” Helmog sighed.

“Now, we have much plotting and planning to do. We have to figure out a way to get into the witch’s castle.” Slothard moved along talking quietly.

“The first thing we need to do is get back to the castle, the rest will come to us in a short time trust me.” Helmog once again playing leader lead them up the path towards their castle.

About an hour ahead of them Olagh and Izasa walked briskly along. They had no idea the ghouls were as close as they were but their main objective was to get into the ghouls castle to find the Book of Elandor.

“I’m assuming that once we arrive at the castle we can enter through the moat without any difficulty. We could probably hide in the dungeon for quite awhile waiting for the ghouls to leave.” Olagh breathed heavily becoming winded from how quickly he and Izasa were moving.

“We won’t have any problems Olagh we just have to make sure that they don’t catch us because if they do they’ll torture us and kill us. The ghouls are evil, as evil as those witches and warlocks who we also have to stay far away from.”

“The main thing Izasa is to go into the castle quietly but quickly and not be noticed.” Olagh was stern about their plan.

“Agreed.” Izasa nodded his head.

They continued into the Midnight Mountains hoping their brush with the castle of the ghouls wouldn’t mean losing their lives.

Grimelda and Magella followed the directions of Princess Fimella in the Valley of Illumination, for being so strong and powerful the Princess found them to be very naïve. She chuckled to herself quite a few times while wandering through the Valley. She would take them to every tree she saw with red leaves until there were no more to look at.

“How long Princess? How long until we find this tree?” Grimelda was growing impatient.

“Don’t worry Gardenia we’ll come upon it soon. I just hope that it’s the right tree there are quite a few you know.” The Princess smiled.

The sisters stopped and looked at each other.

“What do you mean quite a few Princess I thought there was only one.” Grimelda looked at her with clenched teeth.

“There is more than one Gardenia, I thought you knew that.” She looked at her coyly.

“So, what you’re trying to tell me is that we need to visit many trees with red leaves?” Grimelda looked at Magella.

“This could take forever.” Magella scoffed.

“Then we shall look forever Marigold.” Grimelda began stomping up the path angry with what she had just heard.

“Don’t worry I will help you find the tree you’re looking for. We’ll find the perfect one I promise.” The Princess held on as Grimelda and Magella pushed on.

Back in the Midnight Mountains the Shaman, Micael, Ovit and the Queen Armad continued on. They had passed the ghouls castle and would soon come in close contact with the witch’s and warlock’s castle. They wouldn’t stop this time they would sneak past it in the shadows without being seen.

“Where do you think the ghouls have gone Shaman?” Micael asked.

“I believe that you may not find anyone in their castles now Micael. Everyone is in search of the Book of Elandor. We weren’t the only ones to meet with the Mystagog trust me.”

“I just hope that we are on the right path Shaman. I know we have to find the Book of Elandor but it would be horrible to think we’ve traveled so far just to be fooled by some old man sitting on top of a mountain.” Micael seemed a bit bothered.

“You must remember Micael that everything we are doing we are doing for the greater good of the whole world. You will be completely satisfied in your life knowing that you could’ve helped save the world.” The Shaman smiled.

“I think that we will find the Book of Elandor, and then we’ll find the other two.” Ovit interrupted. “I think we’re the greatest team of adventurers that ever traveled the planet.”

The Shaman and Micael smiled at him and chuckled.

“I think you might be right Ovit.” The Shaman patted him on the head. “We just might be the greatest adventurers this world has ever seen and we should be grateful that the Gods have sent us on this journey.”

They kept walking and talking while the Queen flew overhead.

Olagh and Izasa were walking very fast through the Midnight Mountains and eventually found their way to the castle of the ghouls. They sat for a long period of time outside in the shadows of the castle until they decided what would be the best way to enter without being caught. They noticed there were no candles or anything burning in the windows so they were almost positive that the ghouls weren’t even there. They would have to act fast and get inside before they returned.

“I think that we should go in through the back of the castle through the moat. We have to be careful of the alligators. One wrong move and we might not even make it to the castle wall but rather into the belly of an alligator.” Olagh knew his plan couldn’t fail.

“I agree Olagh we should go through the moat in the back and through the hole that’s quite visible from where I’m sitting.” Izasa pointed to a hole that they could both squeeze through easily.

“What’re we waiting for let’s go.” Olagh stood up and walked to the water and looked closely making sure there were no alligators. Izasa followed him closely as they both went into the water and began wading towards the hole.

Half way to the wall Olagh stopped suddenly.

“What is it?” Izasa whispered.

“Stay very still. There’s an alligator directly in front of us. I don’t think he’s seen us yet but if we move he’ll attack I’m sure of it.”

They stood still for a long time before they saw the alligator swim away. They breathed a sigh of relief and moved quickly to the hole and entered into the lower region of the castle.

Once inside the castle, they shook the water off themselves and began looking around. They were obviously in the dungeon of the castle.

“What is this some sort of stone cage?” Izasa asked.

“This is where they store their myrmidons I’m assuming Izasa.”

“We should find the main hall as fast as we can Olagh. We’re wasting valuable time down here in this cold, damp hole in the ground.” Izasa walked fast until he found the stairway to the rooms up above the dungeon. Olagh was following him now.

They reached the upper region after a very long walk up the staircase. They stopped and took a breath of air before searching for the main hallway. The castle seemed endless to them. It would take them a long time to find what they came for and they knew it.

As they walked through the first hallway they searched for paintings of billy goats and mountain lions anything that would make sense of what the Mystagog had told them.

They saw one painting that looked somewhat like a mountain lion so they pulled it off the wall but found only wall behind it.

“This is insanity Olagh. I can’t believe we’re even in the castle of the ghouls searching for something that seems impossible to find.” Izasa was frustrated.

“We will look until we find something Izasa. Stay calm. We have to be patient now. If we let ourselves go we definitely won’t find it.”

They were chatting back and forth when they heard a loud noise coming from the outside of the castle. They weren’t sure what it was so they went to a window and peered over the ledge. They saw the bridge being lowered to the ground and then the ghouls.

“We have to get back to the dungeon and hide Olagh!” Izasa began running down the hall.

Olagh followed Izasa and neither of them noticed that they didn’t put the painting back on the wall.

They made it to the dungeon and opened one of the doors and hid in the room. They were terrified that the ghouls would find them and kill them.

Helmog, Slothard and Wagrim entered their castle through the main door and went to their sitting room.

“We can’t waste any time. We must begin planning how to get into the witch’s castle.” Helmog spoke sternly.

“Let’s just go over there and hit them over the heads with a broom.” Slothard began laughing.

“This is not the time for your foolishness Slothard.” Helmog scolded him.

Slothard rolled his eyes and Wagrim cracked a smile.

Helmog started pacing the room. He stopped suddenly and began looking around the room.

“Someone has been here.” He said.

Slothard and Wagrim stood up and began looking around the room.

“Why would you say that Helmog?” Wagrim asked.

“Look over there. My chair is out of place as if someone had been sitting in it.”

They walked out into the main hallway and started walking down it together making sure to search every dark corner they could find.

They finally reached the painting that Olagh and Izasa pulled off the wall. Helmog bent down and picked it up and looked at Slothard and Wagrim and spoke quietly.

“Someone has dared to enter our castle and when we find them we’re going to destroy them.”

“We must look everywhere Helmog, the creature could be anywhere.” Slothard began walking slowly down the hall.

They reached the stairway to the dungeon and Wagrim pointed at some wet footsteps on the stairs. They knew whoever it was had come from the dungeon.

“Let’s go.” Helmog lead the way down the stairway into the dungeon. Olagh and Izasa heard the footsteps and cowered into the corner of the room they were in hoping the ghouls wouldn’t find them.

They heard a loud voice bellowing as the footsteps reached the bottom of the staircase.

“We know you’re here creature and when we find you we’re going to destroy you. You can’t hide forever so come out and show yourself.” Helmog warned.

Olagh and Izasa sat shivering knowing that if they left the sanctity of that corner they would surely be killed.

“Have it your way then!” The three ghouls continued searching the dungeon room by room until finally they reached the room with Olagh and Izasa.

“Slothard go in there and check the room.” Helmog yelled.

Slothard didn’t like the tone of Helmog’s voice and turned to him. “Quit yelling at me like you’re my leader Helmog. I’m not sure who you think you are but you’re no better than us so quit treating us like we’re your myrmidons.”

Helmog walked closer to Slothard and put his face in his.

“Fine then Slothard, if you and Wagrim feel I control you too much we should just go back up the stairs and continue working out our plan to get into the witch’s castle. Obviously, there’s nobody here and we’re wasting valuable time.” Helmog turned and began walking away from the room. Slothard and Wagrim followed him after a short time. Olagh and Izasa knew that they had survived and had better stay where they were until they knew it was safe to keep searching the castle.

CHAPTER EIGHT

The Forest of Shadows was completely differnt than anything the Angelic Spirits had ever seen. It wasn’t as if it was beautiful but it had a strange aura around it. There wasn’t any happiness around them. The air seemed stale and dead. They had managed to pass through the swamps very quickly and were already in the desert moving north.

“I’m more than positive we will find the Mystagog where the desert ends my friends.” Mitral spoke positively reassuring Ademus and Aerifus.

“I only hope that when we find him that he tells us what we need to know Mitral.” Ademus smiled.

“I am worried about our friends. We have to move faster than normal and find the Mystagog.” Aerifus spoke calmly.

“I agree. We can’t waste anymore time we have to find the Mystagog, find our friends, and go back to the Valley of Illumination hopefully with the Book of Elandor in tow.” Mitral turned away and they all began moving very fast over the desert.

Grimelda, Magella and the Princess Fimella came to the end of a path in the Valley of Illumination and there before them stood at least one hundred trees with red leaves. Grimelda and Magella looked at each other then at the Princess with a disgusted look on their faces.

“Look at all of the trees with red leaves Marigold aren’t they beautiful?” Grimelda said cattily.

“Yes Gardenia have you ever seen something so amazing?” Magella grimaced.

“So what are we looking for exactly?” The Princess questioned.

“We’re looking for the most special tree with the red leaves. It has to be perfect Princess.” Grimelda smiled at her.

“Alright then let’s start looking shall we?” The Princess grinned.

All three of them walked up to the first tree. The Princess couldn’t wait to see what they would do next. Grimelda began banging on the bark of the tree, Magella kicked it as if they were waiting for something to fall out of it.

They looked at each other.

“This isn’t it.” Grimelda walked to the next one and Magella followed her.

“I have an idea Gardenia. Let’s split up and begin searching every tree it’ll be much faster.”

“Good idea Marigold you go that way and I’ll take the Princess and go this way.” Grimelda and Magella walked away from each other. The Princess sat on her shoulder choking back laughter. She knew they were looking for the Book of Elandor but she doubted they would find it here.

They continued to search every tree and found nothing. They were down to the last twenty trees and they decided to take a rest and sit down.

“We’re never going to find it I feel Gardenia.” Magella breathed heavily.

“Don’t worry we’ll find it, I know we will.” Grimelda laid back on the ground with the Princess still on her shoulder.

“I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news friends but this isn’t the only area where we’ll find these trees with the red leaves. There is another area of land not far from here and there must be at least three hundred more trees.” The Princess smiled.

“You mean this isn’t the only batch of trees for us to find in the Valley of Illumination?” Grimelda was getting angry now.

“No. There are many of these trees here.” The Princess flew off Grimelda’s shoulder and in between the two sisters.

“I will destroy him, that wretched creature on top of that mountain!” Grimelda stood up.

“He lied to us didn’t he?” Magella stood also. The Princess knew it was time for her to make her escape. While the sisters huffed and puffed between each other she managed to get away and begin flying off without them noticing her.

When they finally did realize she was gone they didn’t really care they were more angry with the Mystagog for lying to them.

“We must return to the Midnight Mountains as fast as we can. We will deal with the Mystagog later. We have to find the Book of Elandor and we have to do it before the others get to it.” Grimelda stormed off and down the path with Magella close behind her.

“We’ve wasted so much time Grimelda. The others are so far ahead of us. How will we ever make it up?” Magella asked.

“When we get back to the Forest of Shadows we’ll fly. We won’t waste time on our feet walking. We’ll fly quickly and should make it back to the castle in a matter of a day or so. Don’t worry Magella we won’t fail on our search for the Book of Elandor. We have just been delayed.”

They kept moving quickly. It wouldn’t take them too long to get through the Valley of Illumination and back to the Midnight Mountains. They had no idea what Crovis and Trovis were up to. They also had no idea that the ghouls were planning on getting into their castle. The search was only getting more interesting now.

The Princess Fimella flew very quickly back to the castle of the Angelic Spirits and flew through the main gate to the window of their sitting room. Once she got inside she noticed how quiet the castle was and she knew that they must not be there. She got nervous and realized they must have gone in search of the Shaman, Micael and her mother. She wasn’t sure if she should wait at the castle or go looking for them. She decided on the latter and flew out the window and headed towards the Forest of Shadows.

In the meantime, the Angelic Spirits had reached the end of the desert and didn’t understand why there was nothing else there but the desert.

“I’m not quite sure what is happening here but there should be more than sand in front of us. We’ve been traveling for a long time here.” Mitral was confused as were Ademus and Aerifus.

“Let’s close our eyes and try to sense the Mystagog Mitral.” Ademus took their hands in his and they stood in a circle. When they opened them the mountain range of the Mystagog lay before them. They all began to laugh knowing it had been nothing more than a mirage.

“Isn’t it funny that the Gods sent the most powerful creatures back to earth to find the Book of Elandor and here we are not even able to see something as easy as a mirage?” Mitral laughed again.

“I will assume that the largest mountain is the home of the Mystagog Mitral and we must find a fast way to get there.” Aerifus looked closely at the mountains now searching for an alternate entrance. “There!” He pointed to a small opening in the mountains.

They walked up to it and realized that it was a path.

“We are much closer to the Mystagog than you think.” Mitral squeezed through the opening with Ademus and Aerifus following him closely. Once inside, they knew it wouldn’t take them long to reach the largest mountain but they had to be careful because they had no idea what was inside of the mountain range awaiting them. They moved forward cautiously but quickly.

The darkness of the Midnight Mountains was sometimes irritating to the Shaman, Micael, Ovit and the Queen Armad. They were used to living in the light of the Valley of Illumination and the dismal gray of the Forest of Shadows.

“We must be very careful now friends the witch’s and warlock’s castle is very near. If you look closely through the fog you can see the lighted candles in the windows.” The Shaman spoke quietly.

“We should just sneak through the wooded area here until we pass it then Shaman.” Micael felt comfortable enough now to offer advice.

“I think that’d be a safe bet Micael. We mustn’t let on that we’re anywhere near their castle we don’t want to wake the hags.” The Shaman chuckled.

The Queen Armad flew down from above.

“We have to stop for a moment. The warlocks are on the rooftop of the castle. I’m not sure what they’re up to but I’m more than sure it’s not good. We should stop back here and wait for awhile I will fly high above where they can’t see me and keep an eye on them. When they’ve gone back inside I’ll let you know.” She flew off and the three of them seated themselves in a dark area surrounded by shrubbery.

At least an hour had gone by and the Queen Armad hadn’t returned yet.

“What could be taking her so long Shaman?” Micael asked.

“I’m not sure Micael I would’ve assumed the warlocks would’ve gone back inside by now.” The Shaman stood up.

They looked above them and saw no sign of the Queen Armad. Suddenly, a fireball shot through the sky above them and then exploded. The Shaman, Micael and Ovit ran as close to the edge of the woods as they could to see what had happened. They saw the warlocks on top of the castle laughing and drinking, then they disappeared back into the castle. The three of them waited for a moment for the Queen Armad to fly down but she never came.

The Shaman moved cautiously forward and looked around but didn’t see anything until he heard something, a moaning sound. It was very quiet. All three of them heard it now and began to look.

Micael was walking next to the Shaman when he looked down and saw the Queen Armad lying on the ground below him. He rushed over and picked her up and put her in his hand.

“Queen Armad! What’s happened to you?” Micael began to weep a bit. She looked at all of them and raised her head slowly.

“My friends, I am sorry I will not be continuing on the rest of the journey with you. My time has come and I must go now. Please tell my daughter I love her and that she will make a great ruler for the fairies. I will miss you all.” She then laid her head into Micael’s hand. Micael and Ovit began sobbing loudly, almost too loudly. The Shaman had to hush them although he didn’t want to.

“We must leave my friends, we have to get out of here before the witches or warlocks find us.” The Shaman began running and they followed. Micael held the Queen in his hand as they ran crying into the night sky.

Once they felt it was safe to stop they fell to the ground just staring at the lifeless body of the Queen Armad.

“I don’t understand Shaman. I don’t understand why she had to die. She never hurt anyone.” Micael cried.

“I don’t know Micael. I can’t explain why these things happen but they do. She was a strong creature. She knew this would be dangerous and she was willing to take that chance. Ultimately, it ended with her life. We have to go on my friends. We will have to mourn for the Queen when our journey has ended. We must stay focused now. She wouldn’t have wanted us to give up.” The Shaman said calmly.

“It’s just not fair Shaman that’s all I’m saying. We have to keep her body with us Shaman and give her a proper burial back in the Valley of Illumination. I refuse to leave her here in this awful land she deserved more.” He wept softly now.

The Shaman took the Queen Armads body wrapped it in a cloth and placed it into his bag.

“Don’t worry young Micael. We will give her the proper burial she deserves.” The sky seemed even darker to all three of them now. The Queen Armad was gone and there was nothing any Gods could do to help them now.

The witches had made it quickly into the Forest of Shadows and were flying back to the Midnight Mountains. They spoke to each other as they flew.

“So what will we do with the brothers when we return Grimelda?” Magella asked.

“As much as I want them dead we will keep them for now and use them in the search for the Book of Elandor. They’re idiots as you well know.” Grimelda laughed.

“How will we find the Book of Elandor Grimelda? We have no clue to where it is. The Mystagog, the fable teller, lied to us.”

“I know this sister. Don’t worry so much, we’ll find the book eventually and rule the world. Everything will go as planned.” Grimelda flew faster now into the sky with Magella not far behind.

Flying quickly on the other side of the Forest of Shadows to the north was the Princess Fimella in search of the Angelic Spirits who themselves were moving quickly up the path to the great mountain home of the Mystagog. She would go to the desert and then onto the mountains hoping to find them.

On the path in the mountains the Angelic Spirits came to the foot of the large mountain and realized they would have to climb it.

“No better time than the present my friends.” Mitral grinned and began climbing.

“What do you think this Mystagog will think Mitral? Do you think he’ll be afraid of us? Do you think he’ll tell us one of his riddles and send us on our way to find the Book of Elandor?” Aerifus smiled.

“I’m trying not to think what he’ll tell us Aerifus I just want to know where our friends have gone and hopefully he’ll tell us the same thing he told them.” Mitral kept climbing.

They reached the top of the mountain peak after a short time and saw the cave with the flickering light inside. All three of them walked into the cave and saw the old man sitting on the floor by the fire rocking back and forth.

“Excuse our intrusion Mystagog but we have come a long way from the Valley of Illumination in search of our friends who I’m sure you’ll remember.” Mitral walked closer. The Mystagog looked up at them.

“What can I do for you? You are the Angelic Spirits. Why would you need my help finding your friends you should already know where they’ve gone.” He grinned.

“Our powers are not the same anymore Mystagog you should know this. None of the creatures were given full use of their powers that’s why we’ve come to you to ask you to tell us where they’ve gone.” Mitral sat now face to face with the Mystagog.

“I told them where to find the Book of Elandor and for some strange reason they scurried off and down the mountain maybe I scared them off I’m not sure.” The Mystagog stood up now and walked outside.

The Angelic Spirits followed him closely. He turned around.

“I’m not going to tell you a riddle if that’s what you were hoping for. I will tell you this though. They have gone to the Midnight Mountains in search of the Book of Elandor. Now, leave me alone.” He walked past them and back into his cave.

The Angelic Spirits looked at each other.

“The Midnight Mountains?” Mitral said nervously.

“We must go now Mitral. We have to go back to the Valley of Illumination and wait for them, we have no choice. We can’t leave the Valley of Illumination unprotected. It’d be too dangerous for all of the creatures that live there.” Ademus was solid in his tone of voice.

“I agree Ademus we must go back to the Valley of Illumination and wait for any word from anyone.” Aerifus put his hand on Mitral’s shoulder.

“I know what we must do my friends as difficult as it is. I just hope that our friends are safe and come home in one piece.” Mitral moved slowly to the edge of the peak then began to climb down with Ademus and Aerifus close behind.

Crovis and Trovis were sitting in their sister’s altar room laughing and drinking and decided to have a look into their crystal ball once again. This time they decided to try and peer in on the ghouls.

“Let’s see what those ghastly ghosts are up Trovis.” Crovis laughed.

“Yes, let’s see what those invisible idiots are planning.” Trovis laughed loudly.

They looked into the fog of the ball and eventually were able to tune into the ghouls castle and overhear what they were planning. They listened closely.

“We will go to the witch’s castle tonight and find the crystal ball it’s the only way we’re going to get our hands on the Book of Elandor.” Helmog was still pacing the room something the other two had come accustomed to.

Upon hearing this, the brothers looked at each other in a state of confusion.

“What does he mean? Do those fools actually think the Book of Elandor is in this castle somewhere?” Crovis fell to his back laughing now. “Those idiots! They’re going to play right into our hands tonight.”

Trovis stood up. “We must come up with a potion to throw on them when they enter this room in search of the book. We will blow all of the candles out in the castle and make them believe that there is no one here. When they enter the altar room, we will throw the potion on them and turn them to dust and sweep them up and put them neatly into three little bottles, when the sisters arrive at the castle we’ll tell them we have a huge surprise for them and hand them the ghouls as a welcome home gift, earning their trust so that we can destroy them once the Book of Elandor is found.”

“You are getting so much wiser with age brother.” Crovis hugged him. “Let’s get busy we have a lot of work to do.”

The brothers opened Grimelda’s spell book and began making a potion that would surely turn the ghouls to dust. They worked for hours and finally came up with something that wouldn’t kill the ghouls but capture them.

They put the potion into three small bottles and hid in the room waiting for the ghouls to come.

At the bottom of the largest mountain in the Forest of Shadows the Angelic Spirits moved quickly up the path. They were about half way through when they heard the voices.

They looked around until they heard someone say, “You there.” The Angelic Spirits turned to the wall and finally saw the faces of the mountain. “Yes you, the angels.”

The three of them walked closer to the wall.

“You’re looking for your friends aren’t you?” The face said.

“Yes we are.” Mitral walked closer. “Have you seen them?”

“It’s been quite a while but yes we have. They were in quite a hurry when they left so we let them go through the shortcut. Would you like to go through the shortcut also?” The face smiled.

“Yes and thank you very much.” Mitral smiled. The mountain opened revealing the secret way out. The Angelic Spirits entered it and went through it very fast. They found the light at the end and also found the Princess Fimella flying above them.

She flew down and fluttered in front of them. “I thought I’d find you here.” She laughed.

“It’s so good to see you again Princess Fimella.” Mitral sat and Ademus and Aerifus joined him as she told them the whole story about the witches.

They listened intently for quite some time and then stood back up.

“All of us must go back to the Valley of Illumination, even if the witches are no longer there, it just makes me realize that it’s too dangerous for us to leave the Valley unattended to. We will have to have faith that they will reach their destination and bring the Book of Elandor home safely.” Mitral began walking.

“I think I should go to the Midnight Mountains.” The Princess flew in front of them now.

“I’m afraid that isn’t such a good idea Princess. You must come back with us. If anything happened to your mother, and I hope it doesn’t, you would have to take over the fairy kingdom. Be strong Princess Fimella.” Mitral smiled at her.

“We really should hurry Mitral. We need to get back to the Valley of Illumination before any other unsavory creatures decide to come in and take over.” Aerifus patted him on the back.

“Don’t worry everything will be fine, I’m sure of it.” Ademus smiled at the Princess Fimella.

They walked away slowly readying themselves to go back home. The Princess flew above them but felt as though something was wrong. She didn’t know what, but something.

The Shaman, Micael and Ovit were a trio now and it was a lot harder on them not knowing what was ahead of them. They missed the Queen Armad already. They were close to the mountains because they could see them from a distance, not clearly but the outline in the night sky made them somewhat visible to the naked eye.

“What will we do once we reach them?” Micael asked.

“It’s going to be harder once were in the mountains Micael and Ovit. We will have to search long and hard to find the Book of Elandor. Luckily we are looking for water which will make it easier. There isn’t that much water running through the mountain range.”

“Although the Queen Armad is gone, I still feel like we’ll succeed my friends.” Ovit smiled at them.

It was the first time anyone had smiled since the Queen had been killed by the warlocks. They knew they had to stay strong to survive now, but they would find the Book of Elandor no matter what the price.

The ghouls were putting the final pieces of their plan together not knowing that Olagh and Izasa had snuck up the stairwell and were listening to their whole conversation. They got excited when they realized that the ghouls were leaving their castle and going to the witch’s and warlock’s castle.

“We will leave now and go to the castle. We will enter the easiest way possible, the front door.” Helmog chuckled. Slothard and Wagrim looked at him as if he were crazy.

“We’re going through the front door Helmog? That’s insanity.” Slothard grimaced.

“We will act like we have come to pay them a visit, and once we get inside one of us will keep them busy while the others make themselves scarce to search the castle for the crystal ball.”

“It’s almost crazy enough to work Slothard, I think he’s right.” Wagrim spoke calmly.

“Agreed.” Slothard stood up and headed for the door. “What’re we waiting for we have a book to find.”

The ghouls left the main door of their castle walked down the bridge and into the night air headed to the witch’s and warlock’s castle.

Crovis and Trovis were waiting for the ghouls in the altar room making jokes and laughing until they arrived. They could hardly wait to see the ghouls faces when they walked through the door and over to the crystal ball.

Crovis and Trovis waited for some time and nobody came. They decided to go to main sitting room and watch out the window for the ghouls. They waited for awhile before they saw the ghouls heading up the path to their doorway. They ran out of the sitting room and back to the altar room and waited.

Outside the castle the ghouls looked up at the windows and saw no lights flickering.

“It looks as if nobody is home.” Helmog grinned.

“I don’t know Helmog, I feel like something is wrong here. Something is strange.” Slothard stepped back from the door.

“I agree with Slothard, Helmog, something is definitely wrong here. I sense something I just can’t put my finger on it.” Wagrim stood next to Slothard.

“You two have been plotting against me since the beginning of time. I don’t care what you two think I’m going into this castle and I’m going to find the Book of Elandor with or without you.” Helmog turned away angrily and walked into the castle. Slothard and Wagrim stayed outside of the castle and waited.

Helmog walked into the sitting room and saw nothing. The castle wasn’t very large and he knew he could find the crystal ball quite easily but he’d still have to check every room until he found it. He started with the closest rooms to him but found nothing. The castle was dark but not dark enough where he couldn’t see where he was going.

He moved slowly and quietly down the hallway searching each room. He tried not to disturb anything because if he did he knew they would know he had been there. He reached the end of the hallway and found a staircase. He took the stairs and found the altar room. He grinned from ear to ear as he walked over to the table where the crystal ball sat he picked it up and held it in his hands. Just as Helmog was about to set it back down he heard a noise behind and turned around to find the brothers staring at him with smiles on their faces.

“Stupid ghoul, did you honestly think you could come into our castle and find the Book of Elandor?” Crovis laughed at Helmog.

“Where are the other two?” Trovis asked.

“I’m not afraid of you warlocks. You scare me about as much as your beastly sisters.” Helmog laughed at them.

As he stood there laughing, Crovis pulled out the bottom of potion and smiled at Helmog.

“Tell me something ghoul, when you came into the castle did you ever imagine you would be here for eternity?” Crovis cocked his eyebrow and Helmog looked down at the bottle in his hand. “Ashes to ashes ghoul.” Crovis threw the bottle at Helmog’s feet and within moments all that was left was a pile of dust. Crovis and Trovis looked at each other and started laughing again.

“We have to find the other two now Crovis. If they get away Grimelda and Magella will know what we were up to.” Trovis turned to leave the room and saw Slothard and Wagrim staring back at them holding fireballs in their hands. They walked into the room.

“Why it looks to me like Helmog has become a pile of dust Wagrim.” Slothard moved closer to Crovis and Trovis who stood with their bottles of potion staring blankly at them.

“I’m warning you ghouls leave this castle now or suffer the same fate as your friend!” Crovis warned.

“We don’t want to harm you warlocks. Actually, we’re quite happy about what you’ve done to Helmog. We never liked him anyway.” Wagrim smirked.

Crovis and Trovis looked at them confused.

“We’ve been trying to get rid of him for years, you just helped it along. Do you honestly think that we didn’t know what you two were up to? Don’t forget we can sense almost anything that happens in the Midnight Mountains warlocks so don’t be fools put the potions down and let’s talk.” Slothard and Wagrim put out their fireballs and Crovis and Trovis put down their potions.

“Let’s talk ghouls.” Crovis lead them out of the altar room and into the sitting room. Trovis sat close to Crovis in disbelief over what had just happened.

“You want to rid yourselves of the horrid sisters. We will help you. We feel like you got rid of our problem so we’ll help you get rid of yours.” Slothard walked over to the window. “We always knew we’d be much better off without Helmog just as you feel you will be much better off without your sisters.”

“Why did you think the Book of Elandor was in our castle ghoul?” Trovis spoke up.

“The Mystagog told us it was here. Wagrim and I knew it wasn’t but Helmog being the fool that he is decided it was and we went along with him.” Slothard grinned slyly.

“So what now, what can we do to rid ourselves of the sisters?” Crovis said looking at them.

“It will take some time but you mustn’t let them know that we’ve become alliances. Tell them you destroyed our leader and that has weakened us. Convince the sisters that we should all band together and once we find the Book of Elandor we will destroy them and share its’ power.” Slothard walked towards them and put out his hand.

“How do we know you’re not lying to us ghoul?” Trovis asked.

“That’s the beauty of it warlock, you don’t.” Crovis and Trovis shook hands with both of them and they all sat back to discuss the rest of the plan.

Back at the ghouls castle Olagh and Izasa were searching every painting of the great hallway searching for the Book of Elandor. They couldn’t find anything that resembled a mountain lion or a billy goat and it was beginning to frustrate both of them.

“We should go back to the Forest of Shadows and discuss our next plan of attack.” Olagh stated.

“I think that’s a good idea. The Mystagog obviously lied to me about the whereabouts of the book.” Izasa slumped onto the floor.

“Don’t let it bother you so much Izasa, you and I both knew that it may or may not have been here in the castle, but at least we looked for it.” Olagh smiled.

“I just wanted to be the first to find it Olagh. We have been suppressed for so long living in the Forest of Shadows that I just wanted us to have the glory of finding the book before the other creatures did.” Izasa put his head against the wall.

“Who’s to say we won’t.” Olagh pulled Izasa up on his feet. “Now let’s get back to the battalia before they decide to storm this castle and get us all killed in the process.”

The two of them walked out the front door this time hoping the ghouls wouldn’t see them.

The Shaman, Micael and Ovit were well into the mountain range searching every nook and cranny for the Book of Elandor. It would take weeks to search every mountain in the range and they knew it.

“Can we stop and rest Shaman?” Micael sat down on the ground wearily. “Ovit and I are exhausted. We need to sleep and eat something.”

“Of course we can Micael.” The Shaman sat down next to them.

Micael laid down on the ground and closed his eyes he was asleep in a matter of minutes. He started to dream after a short time.

“Micael wake up sweetheart.” He heard a voice say to him. Micael looked up and saw the shadow of a woman standing above him. He couldn’t see her face.

“Who are you?” He asked.

“What do you mean who am I? It’s me your mother.” She smiled.

“My mother? But, I don’t even know you.” He tried wiping his eyes but her face was still a shadow.

“Of course you know me Micael. I just wanted you to know that I’m watching over you on your journey and I wanted to tell you that we will be together one day soon. I am waiting for you, so is your father. Be strong Micael. I’m sorry but I must go now I’m out of time.” The voice grew distant as the woman slowly disappeared. Micael began calling to her. “Please don’t go mother! Please don’t go!” He woke up sweating.

Micael looked around him and realized that it was just a dream. The Shaman was smoking his pipe looking over at him when he woke up.

“Sometimes Micael your dreams can tell you many things.” The Shaman puffed on his pipe.

“How did you know I was dreaming Shaman?” Micael asked.

“I know many things Micael. In my time we had dreamcatchers to catch the good and bad dreams. The dream you had was good though, I sense that.” The Shaman smiled at him.

“It was very good Shaman. I dreamnt of my mother and she told me that everything was going to be alright and that her and my father were waiting for me on the other side.” Micael was still groggy from his sleep.

“I’m glad she came to you Micael. I feel that you’ll see her again one day. When the world changed many memories were taken from the myrmidons and I feel sorry for that. I think the Gods are letting them slip back into your minds slowly and eventually you will remember everything.” He put his arm around Micael’s shoulder.

“Thank you Shaman.” Micael lay down on the ground. “I better get some more rest if we ever plan on finishing this journey for the Book of Elandor.”

“Rest Micael, you’ll need all of your energy for tomorrow.” The Shaman kept smoking his pipe as Micael fell back to a deep sleep.

Not very far from the three weary travelers the witches flew back into the Midnight Mountains with a vengeance. Grimelda and Magella were still seething over the lies the Mystagog had told them and were out for anyone’s blood. They flew down to the front door of the castle and pushed it open.

“Brothers?” Grimelda yelled at the top of her lungs. “Where are you?”

Grimelda and Magella went into the sitting room to look for them and didn’t see anything but some glasses lying on the tables full of a bright green drink. Grimelda rolled her eyes.

“Some things never change do they sister?” She grimaced.

Not too long after their arrival Crovis and Trovis entered the sitting room and stood in the doorway. Grimelda walked over to them and stood directly in front of them.

“What have you two been up to?” She sniffed them.

“Whatever do you mean dear sister?” Crovis said arrogantly.

Grimelda turned slightly and looked at Trovis. “What happened in the Forest of Shadows brother?”

“Povina and Nevula are no more by their own mistakes sister. I was lucky to live.” Trovis said slyly.

Grimelda turned and walked back into the sitting room to her chair. The brothers walked closer to them and stopped a few feet from her chair.

“We have something for you sister. Actually, we have someone for you.” Crovis smiled.

Grimelda sat up. “What do you have there Crovis, what are you hiding behind your back?”

Crovis pulled the bottle out and handed it to her.

“A bottle of dust?” She looked at him confused.

“It’s not just any dust sister it’s the remains of one of the ghouls.”

“One of the ghouls?” Grimelda stood up and walked closer to the fireplace then turned to them. “How did you get this?”

Crovis walked over to her. “It seems that the ghouls, being the silly fools that they are, thought the Book of Elandor was hiding in our castle and when they came to get it, we turned one of them into dust.”

“What about the other two? Where are they?” She demanded.

“This is the funny part sister, they hated him. They were happy we destroyed him and have offered to help us find the Book of Elandor for sparing their lives.”

Trovis held back his laughter over the sneakiness of it all.

“Where are they now Crovis?” Magella asked.

“We let them go back to their castle. They aren’t going to be a threat any longer. As long as there aren’t three of them their powers are much weaker.” Crovis grinned.

“My anger has been replaced by a little bit of happiness. I can’t believe you actually managed to capture one of the ghouls.” Grimelda was ecstatic.

“We should celebrate with a victory drink don’t you think sister?” Crovis walked over and grabbed a flask of the bright green liquid.

He poured four glasses and handed them each one. They raised their glasses to the air and took a drink.

“We will go to the ghoul’s castle in a short while and discuss our next plan.” Grimelda balked.

They all stood their chuckling.

Olagh and Izasa had escaped the ghoul’s castle and were almost back in the Forest of Shadows. They walked along slowly feeling somewhat defeated on their adventure.

“We can’t let this get to us Izasa. We may still find the Book of Elandor. It’s only a matter of time before the Gods allow it to fall into one of our laps don’t you agree?”

“Yes Olagh, I realize that the Book of Elandor will be found soon, but I was thinking how funny it would be to try and find the Book of Garenon first.” He looked at Olagh’s face to see his reaction.

“I never thought of that Izasa. That would be a very good idea. The Book of Elandor would be useless to them if they couldn’t find the Book of Garenon.” He began laughing loudly.

“We should go back into the Forest of Shadows with the battalia. We’ll let them battle each other for the first book because without the second it’ll be useless.” Izasa moved on.

In the mountain range of the Midnight Mountains the Shaman, Micael, and Ovit continued on. Ovit seemed to skip through the mountain pass on this night. He seemed almost jovial.

“You’re extremely happy this evening Ovit.” Micael looked at him and grinned.

“There is no time for sadness right now Micael. We have to keep our spirits up for this journey to be successful. We have to keep moving forward until we find the Book of Elandor. We will have time to mourn our losses later.” Ovit smiled.

“I’m very proud of both of you.” The Shaman spoke up.

“Thank you Shaman.” Micael slowed down a bit.

“The two of you have become fighters. You have defended yourselves in the face of danger and survived. You are warriors.”

Micael and Ovit felt very high spirited now knowing the Shaman thought so much of them. They were all walking along feeling very cheerful when they noticed a light in front of them. It looked like a small fire on the ground. They slowed down a bit.

“What do you think it is Shaman?” Micael said nervously.

“I’m not sure. Let’s get a closer look.”

The three of them walked slowly forward and saw an old woman sitting in front of the fire. She had her eyes closed and opened them when she realized someone had come.

“What can I help you with travelers?” She creased her wrinkled lips.

“May I ask who you are?” The Shaman stepped forward.

“I am the Prophet.” She nodded at them.

The Shaman, Micael, and Ovit sat in front of her fire. They were amazed by her calmness.

“What do you see Prophet?” The Shaman asked.

She slipped into a trance. She sat for a long time before opening her eyes which had turned as white as snow. The Prophet began speaking in a deep voice very unlike her own.

“I see danger. I see destruction. There will be a great battle soon. I cannot tell you if good or evil will prevail for it would change the face of this war. I will tell you this though there will be many deaths in the final battle. The world will change once more.” She stopped speaking and closed her eyes. She opened them again slowly and looked at all of them.

“You will continue on this journey and never speak of me again is this understood?”

They all nodded their heads. They were very scared at what she had just told them. They heard a noise behind them and jumped up and turned around to find a rabbit had jumped out of the brush, when they turned back around the Prophet had disappeared.

“Those things she said Shaman, is she correct?” Micael was shaking.

“The Prophet doesn’t lie Micael. She saw a fierce battle on the horizon. We must take her words and continue on. We can’t stop the future from happening but we can do something to protect ourselves from the destruction she spoke of.” The Shaman picked up his belongings as did Micael and Ovit and they started walking.

“She scared me Micael.” Ovit said nervously.

“She scared me to Ovit. We will be fine my friend, I promise you.” Micael put his arm around Ovit and they followed the Shaman into the dark mountains.

The light of the Valley of Illumination was a welcome sight to the Angelic Spirits. It seemed like their moods became lighter as they entered their homeland. The Princess Fimella flew overhead watching closely.

“I’m not sure what we should do next.” Mitral spoke with a bit of confusion to Ademus and Aerifus.

“We will go back to the castle and wait. We have to prepare for anything at this point. We don’t know what evils have entered our land so we have to protect ourselves and the myrmidons from any danger.” Aerifus walked along.

“We have to protect the Princess Fimella and the fairies from any danger. If anything were to happen to the Queen Armad she would have to rule the fairies.” Ademus spoke softly.

“I feel as though something quite awful has already happened my friends.” Mitral was quiet now. “I sensed it when we were in the Forest of Shadows. Something has happened and I’m not sure what.”

“We will go to the castle and wait, it’s the only thing we can do right now.” Aerifus said calmly.

The Princess Fimella flew overhead and didn’t hear anything the Angelic Spirits were talking about. She was worried about her friends in the Midnight Mountains. She was worried for her mother’s safety. She had no idea that she would soon be Queen Fimella.

CHAPTER NINE

Grimelda, Magella, Crovis and Trovis knocked on the door of the ghoul’s castle. The door opened on its’ own and they entered. They walked towards the only room they saw with a burning fire to find the two ghouls seated at a table before them.

They walked towards them slowly. Grimelda stepped out in front of the other three.

“We’ve come to make plans to find the Book of Elandor ghouls.”

“Have a seat witch.” Slothard waved his hand and the chairs moved away from the table.

“I’ve placed your friend on our shelf at home. I never thought a bottle of dust would look so good.” Grimelda smiled at them.

“We appreciate what your brothers have done for us witch. We have wanted to rid ourselves of Helmog for some time now. We must get down to business though. We must join forces to find the Book of Elandor before anyone else does.” He smirked.

“We are in agreement then. The Mystagog obviously lied to all of us. He sent us on foolish journeys. I think the first thing we should do is send someone to the Forest of Shadows to destroy the old creature once and for all don’t you?” Grimelda smirked.

“I agree we will send someone to destroy him but we must stick together.” Slothard stood up. “It’s a job even a simple myrmidon could do don’t you agree?”

“We found a young fairy Princess while in the Valley of Illumination. Princess Fimella was her name I believe. Should we concern ourselves with her?” Grimelda spoke lightly.

“A fairy princess? Indeed not. They are no threat to any of us trust me.” Slothard and Wagrim laughed.

“Then we should begin our task now.” Grimelda stood up and the rest of them followed. “We should leave the castles and begin searching the Midnight Mountains. It is the only way.”

They all nodded in agreement and left the table and went out the front door of the castle into the night.

Grimelda and Magella lead the others through the darkened paths of the Midnight Mountains. The ghouls and the warlocks walked behind them closely. Crovis and Trovis could hardly wait to find the Book of Elandor and finally rid themselves of their evil sisters. The ghouls smirked back and forth at each other. They were happy that the warlocks had captured Helmog.

“Where should we go first witches?” Slothard asked.

“We’ll go into the mountains and split up once we arrive. It would be too difficult and a waste of time to travel together.” Grimelda smiled at Magella.

“I don’t think so witch. We’ll split up into two groups. The first group will be you, one of your brothers and me, the second your sister, your other brother and Wagrim.” Slothard insisted.

“What’s the matter ghoul don’t you trust us?” Grimelda cackled.

“Not really. I never trust witches.” Slothard looked at Wagrim and winked at him.

Crovis and Trovis walked along listening to them chatter back and forth knowing the whole time their only intention was to get their hands on the Book of Elandor and destroy the sisters and the ghouls and take over the world on their own.

They walked for almost an hour before reaching the baseline of the Midnight Mountains and split into two groups.

“We will meet back here in one day. If you haven’t found anything by then we’ll go back to the Forest of Shadows and begin searching. If we don’t find anything there we’ll go to the Valley of Illumination no matter how dangerous it might be to all of us.” Grimelda was bossy but she knew what she was talking about. Her, Slothard and Crovis left the other three behind and began their adventure into the mountains.

Magella, Wagrim and Trovis went the other direction into the mountains being extremely careful. They had no idea there were already three others in the mountains searching for the Book of Elandor but it was unlikely that their paths would cross.

About a day ahead of them the Shaman, Micael and Ovit forged onward in their journey. They didn’t stop to rest much only when they needed to eat. They were all still in shock over losing the Queen Armad but they knew they had to complete this task for the safety of the whole world.

Micael walked closely to the Shaman discussing his dream.

“I’m not sure why I would dream of my mother Shaman. I don’t remember her at all. Why would she come to me?”

“It may not have been her Micael. It could have been your guardian angel letting you know that you’re being protected.” The Shaman smiled at him.

“I’m not sure Shaman, she just felt very comfortable to me, like I had known her my whole life.” Micael was sad.

“Don’t be distressed Micael, everything has a way of working itself out. Trust me, many moons have passed over this land and changed everything but it still had a way of working itself out.” He put his hand on Micael’s shoulder.

“I suppose you’re right Shaman, but the unknown is just so scary sometimes.”

“I know young Micael, I know.” The Shaman and Micael walked on with Ovit not far behind.

The Angelic Spirits were sitting at the table in their castle with the Princess Fimella joining them.

“I’m hoping some word will come soon from the Midnight Mountains my friends.” Mitral spoke softly.

“Don’t worry my mother will find her way back here to let us know what is happening.” Princess Fimella smiled.

“It’s just so dangerous in that land of evil. The witches and warlocks, the ghouls, if they were to get caught they would truly perish at their hands.” Ademus stood from the table now and walked to the window.

“I think we have to stop worrying about what could happen to them and start hoping that they find the Book of Elandor before the evil creatures have a chance to get their grimy hands on it.” Princess Fimella flew up from the table and began fluttering around.

“You are right Princess, we must stop focusing on the what ifs.” Mitral stood and joined Ademus at the window.

Aerifus stood up too but walked towards the door. “I am going to go meditate and try to find them in the Midnight Mountains. I will be back shortly and hopefully I’ll have good news for all three of you.”

The darkness of the Midnight Mountains could be disturbing sometimes to those who weren’t used to it. The Shaman wasn’t bothered by the darkness but Micael and Ovit found themselves looking around all the time waiting for someone or something to jump out at them. The shadows seemed to dance sometimes which was distracting to the eye. They decided that they would stop and eat something before moving on.

Micael pulled some small portions of food out of his bag and handed some to the Shaman and Ovit.

“It’s not the best food in the world but we’ll have to make due with what we have.” Micael spoke while chewing on some bread.

“Actually Micael this is some of the best food I’ve ever eaten, remember I live in the Forest of Shadows where bugs are a delicacy.” Ovit laughed.

The Shaman was listening to them talk but not really paying too much attention to the conversation, he was too busy thinking about what the Mystagog had told them on the mountain peak. It made sense and it didn’t make sense. The Shaman felt that he didn’t lie to them though he knew he told the truth, just a truth that didn’t make much sense.

As they sat there eating, they didn’t realize there were a bunch of glowing eyes watching them from behind, until a branch broke.

The three of them stood up and Micael and Ovit drew their weapons.

“Who’s there?” The Shaman demanded.

There was no reply. The Shaman walked closer to the trees and started to peer through a bush when the eyes opened once again.

The Shaman jumped back from the trees and fell to the ground and just as he landed a large furry creature came out. It must have been eight feet tall and had at least six sets of eyes on its head.

Micael and Ovit raised there weapons higher.

“What do you want creature?” Micael yelled to it.

The creature came closer to Micael and Ovit and then stopped in front of them.

“This is my home and I want you to leave.” The creature was hideous to look at but its voice was not terrifying like you would think a creature this large would be.

The Shaman came to his feet now and walked towards the creature.

“We are not here to disturb your home creature we are just travelers stopping to rest before moving on.”

The creature turned to the Shaman. “Where are you traveling to?”

“That wouldn’t be any of your business now would it be creature?” Micael said angrily at it.

“There’s no need to be cruel little myrmidon, I just asked you a simple question.” The creature peered at him.

“What’s your name creature?” The Shaman asked.

“I am called Sindor, the creature of the Midnight Mountains. I’m surprised you’ve never heard of me.”

“We are not from here Sindor. We come from the Valley of Illumination.” The Shaman spoke calmly now. “I am the Shaman, they are Micael and Ovit.”

The creature held out his large hand to the Shaman and they shook. It took awhile for them all to warm up to each other but eventually they were sharing stories around a fire and eating what food they had left.

“You are searching for the Book of Elandor in the Midnight Mountains? That doesn’t make sense to me. I have lived in these mountains for a long time and have never heard anyone speak of the Book of Elandor being here.” Sindor spoke knowingly.

“The Mystagog told us the book was here Sindor. He gave us a riddle that involved a mountain and water.” The Shaman sat back smoking his pipe.

“I know where there’s a lake in the mountains.”

The three of them looked at Sindor.

“Can you take us to this lake?” The Shaman asked.

“Of course I can. It will take us about a day to reach it but we can go fast. There are no villages here in the mountains.”

“Thank you Sindor.” The Shaman smiled at him and Sindor smiled back with his large, rotted teeth.

Micael and Ovit were still afraid of Sindor because of his size but knew that he wouldn’t hurt them. They finished eating and talking and got up. Sindor would lead the way now and the others would follow.

The Shaman seemed pleased to find someone to help them travel through the mountains. Sindor seemed fiercesome and probably was in abnormal circumstances. He would consider him a friend.

“So how long have you lived in the mountains Sindor?” Micael asked.

“I don’t remember too much from my past young myrmidon. I have been here for quite some time though. I have spent all of this time alone, so it’s a very good thing that I found you.” Sindor smiled at him.

“You must get very lonely without any friends here Sindor.” Ovit knew exactly how Sindor felt, after he was banished from his village he felt the same way.

“I do Ovit. I try not to think about it though. It can be difficult finding things to do alone and with nobody to talk to.”

“Consider yourself part of our group then Sindor.” The Shaman grinned at him.

“Thank you friends.” Sindor continued walking forward with the three behind him.

The Forest of Shadows had grown even quieter since Olagh and Izasa had left on their journey but they were home in their fortress now. They both sat on their thrones.

“We’ve had quite an adventure Olagh.” Izasa laughed.

“Yes, we have and it’s only going to get more interesting now.” Olagh chuckled.

A knock came at the door as they sat there.

“Enter.” Olagh yelled.

A member of Olagh’s battalia came into the room and walked up to the throne and knelt down before them.

“What is it?” Izasa asked.

“Sirs. The leader of the trolls is missing along with his army we just got word of it.”

Olagh and Izasa stood up.

“Missing? What could have happened to him?” Olagh looked at Izasa.

“I don’t know but it sounds like great news to us.” Izasa waved the battalia soldier off.

Olagh turned to Izasa. “This is great news my friend. This means we control the Forest of Shadows now that the hideous troll has vanished.”

“You’re right Olagh. We must find his village and gather up the remainder of his trolls and tell them to join us in the search for the book.”

“We’re wasting time already Izasa, let’s gather up some of our own and head into the forest to look for Toumani’s village.”

They both walked down the steps and out the door of their throne room.

In the Midnight Mountains Grimelda lead Slothard and Crovis deeper into the darkness.

“Quit lagging behind you two we have a lot of work to do here.” Grimelda scoffed at them.

Crovis looked at Slothard and held him back a few steps talking quietly to him.

“Just let the old hag complain ghoul. I’m not worried about her, once we find the Book of Elandor she won’t be here much longer, her or the other sister.” Crovis smirked.

“What of Helmog? Can he be raised from the ashes?” Slothard asked.

“Of course he could, but why would you want to raise him from the ashes? Let him rest peacefully for eterenity inside of that bottle in the castle.” Crovis laughed.

Grimelda turned around quickly. “What are you two jabbering about back here?” She looked at them angrily. “We don’t have any time for you two to drink tea, hurry up we’re losing valuable time.”

Crovis and Slothard laughed quietly to themselves and followed Grimelda further into the darkness.

On the other side of the Midnight Mountains Magella, Wagrim, and Trovis walked on. Wagrim was leading them. Trovis didn’t trust Magella. Everytime she looked away from him he would just stare at her with disgust in his eyes. He couldn’t wait to destroy her. He couldn’t wait to turn the two ghouls into ashes just like their friend.

“What are you thinking about brother?” Magella questioned.

“Nothing sister, I’m just keeping my mind focused on the Book of Elandor.” He looked at her and smiled.

“You’re up to something I know it Trovis, and when I find out Grimelda will be the first to know.” She smirked at him.

“Why would think that sister? Why would you think we were up to anything at all except helping you find the Book of Elandor? I mean, we’ve already captured a ghoul for you what else could you want?”

“You may have captured a ghoul Trovis but you wouldn’t have done it unless it would benefit you and Crovis. Don’t think I don’t know this brother. You are too obvious.” She nudged him out of her way and got behind Wagrim and pulled on his cloak. He turned quickly and stopped.

“What is it witch?” He asked.

“I want to lead now. I don’t want you to lead me into these mountains. I know these mountains. You and Trovis can follow me now.” She pushed past him and continued up the trail.

“A breath of fresh air isn’t she ghoul?” Trovis laughed.

“If we hadn’t planned this warlock, I would have killed her myself by now.” Wagrim spoke quietly so Magella couldn’t hear him

“Imagine being stuck with them for eternity ghoul.” Trovis walked at a steady pace to keep with Magella now.

The ghoul sighed tiring of his adventure already.

Sindor lead the Shaman, Micael and Ovit through the darkness in search of the lake he had told them about. They had been traveling for quite some time now and Micael and Ovit were getting sleepy.

“How much further Sindor?” Micael asked.

“Not much further now young myrmidon. We should reach the lake within an hour.” Sindor trudged onward.

“I’m getting very tired Ovit. I’m not sure I can make it another hour.” Micael complained.

“Don’t worry Micael we’ll be there soon enough and you can rest while the Shaman and I search for the book.” Ovit nudged him.

“You are a good friend Ovit. I better help look for the book though. I don’t want to seem like I’m not doing my part.”

“You’ve done more than your share of the work on this journey Micael. Imagine, you’ve come from the Valley of Illumination, spent much time in the Forest of Shadows, and now you’re here in the Midnight Mountains. You’ve worked very hard Micael. Don’t underestimate your worth.” Ovit smiled at him.

“You’re right Ovit. It must be the weariness talking. Sindor moves so quickly because he’s so large that might be the reason I’m so tired. His legs are large and long while ours are small and slender.”

The Shaman walked along ahead of them still trying to make sense of what the Mystagog told them. He wasn’t sure they had come to right place yet, he was starting to think the Mystagog had told them a tall fable and sent them on a journey to nowhere.

“Micael what would you say if I told you I thought the Mystagog may have been wrong?” The Shaman asked walking along ahead of him.

“I would say you could be right or wrong.” Micael couldn’t answer the question because he didn’t know if the Mystagog had told the truth or not.

“It seems that this adventure gets longer and stranger like it was planned by a greater force than the Mystagog himself. I want to believe the Mystagog but it seems that it’s taking much longer than it should to find the Book of Elandor.”

Micael had never heard the Shaman doubt someone before and it startled him. “We can only wait to see Shaman.”

They continued onward with deep thoughts and doubts in their minds.

Sindor didn’t say much, he just walked along with the others behind him. He wanted to help them find what they came for. He was lonely living in the Midnight Mountains and wanted to make friends. Sindor hoped they would ask him to go along with them when they left.

Almost an hour had passed when they reached a hill that looked like it went straight up.

“The lake is on the other side of this hill.” Sindor began climbing it and they followed him.

Micael’s legs were getting weaker and weaker from all of the walking and Ovit had to help him reach the top. Once they reached the top of the hill they were amazed at the size of the lake they saw before them. It was beautiful even in the night sky. The Shaman walked over to the lake and put his hands in the water and brought it to his face. Micael and Ovit jumped into the water splashing around and throwing water at each other. Sindor sat on the sand and watched them play.

“Come out of the water now you two, we have a lot of work to do.” The Shaman called to them.

Micael and Ovit splashed each other a few more times then came out of the water laughing.

“That felt so good Shaman you should’ve come in.” Micael wiped the water from his skin.

“There’s no time for fun and games yet Micael we can do that after we find the book.” The Shaman spoke calmly.

“Alright Shaman but promise me when we find the Book of Elandor we can go back to the Valley of Illumination and play games for at least a week.” Micael laughed.

“Of course Micael.”

They began looking around the mountains and didn’t see anything. It was dark but the mountains were very visible up close. They started on the left side of the lake and slowly made their way around it.

“We will need to light a fire to see clearly I think.” The Shaman started collecting wood to start a fire. Sindor, Micael and Ovit started picking up branches and twigs to help with the fire. Once they had a large enough pile of wood the Shaman lit the fire. Sindor watched in amazement as he lit the fire.

Once the fire grew they could see the whole lake and the mountains surrounding it. It was amazing. The water was beautiful. They were all awestruck.

“We have a lot to do. Micael and Ovit, you search that side of the lake and Sindor and I will search this side. If you find anything call out loudly so we can hear you.” The Shaman and Sindor began looking on their side and Micael and Ovit on theirs. They would spend hours looking for the Book of Elandor.

In the castle of the Angelic Spirits Mitral, Ademus and Princess Fimella sat waiting for Aerifus to come back with any word for them. He came into the room about an hour later and he didn’t look happy.

“I could sense nothing. It’s so strange, I used to be able to sense anything, but since we’ve been sent back I can’t sense at all.” Aerifus sat down.

“Don’t worry Aerifus, it will be fine. I’m sure they’re fine.” Mitral rested his hand on his shoulder.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to fly back into the Forest of Shadows?” The Princess Fimella offered her help again.

“We know it’s hard to sit back idly and wait for things to happen Princess, but you must stay here and go talk to the other fairies to let them know that everything will be alright. I’m sure they’re worried by now about you and the Queen Armad.” Aerifus smiled at her.

“You’re right. I should go to the fairies and assure them that everything will be fine. They haven’t seen my mother or me for quite some time. They need to know that all will be well.” The Princess flew out the window and into the trees in the Valley of Illumination where her castle was.

Once the Princess was out of sight Aerifus looked at Mitral and Ademus and spoke softly.

“I did sense something Mitral and Ademus and it wasn’t good.” His eyes looked sad and distant.

“What is it Aerifus?” Mitral came closer.

“The Queen Armad is no more. She was destroyed in the Midnight Mountains.” He looked down. “I saw it all. I couldn’t bear to tell the child.”

Mitral and Ademus sat now staring out the window.

“Whats happened Aerifus? Did you see who did it?” Ademus asked.

“It was the warlocks. They were drinking and having a jolly time they threw a fireball at the Queen Armad believing she was a bird.” Aerifus sounded as if his heart had broken.

“We mustn’t tell the child until the others return. She isn’t strong enough to handle this horrible news right now. We have to keep it from her as long as we can.” Mitral looked at Aerifus and saw a crystal white tear running from his eye.

It was a sad day in the Valley of Illumination.

Olagh and Izasa had gathered the battalia and were headed out of their fortress and into the Forest of Shadows searching for the trolls. They were excited at the prospect of controlling the Forest of Shadows. They hated Toumani and were glad he was missing.

“We will approach the trolls and show them sympathy before we tell them to join us Olagh.”

“Of course Izasa, the trolls are stupid creatures they’ll never even understand what were up to.” Olagh laughed.

“What do you think happened to Toumani Olagh?”

“Hopefully something large and hairy ate him for dinner.” Olagh laughed loudly.

“I’m serious Olagh we should be careful wandering through the Forest of Shadows now, what happened to him could happen to us.”

“You worry too much Izasa you need to learn to calm yourself in situations like this. We will go to the troll’s village and take all of them back with us to the fortress and begin building our army.”

“What if Toumani comes back?”

Olagh thought for a moment then smiled. “We’ll kill him ourselves.”

They walked away chuckling.

In the Midnight Mountains Grimelda was getting irritated with Slothard and Crovis. They were holding her up by walking so slowly and they didn’t really seem to be looking for anything.

“What’s the matter with you two? If we ever plan on finding the Book of Elandor you need to quit being so lazy and help me look.” She growled at them.

“You know if I were in my right mind I’d swat you to the ground like a bug witch.” Slothard scowled at her.

Grimelda walked up to him and looked him in his eyes. “Don’t be so quick to make statements like that ghoul. You’re powerless without the third ghoul and I know this. Watch yourself before you end up on my shelf next to your friend.”

“You don’t scare me witch. You’re nothing more than a hideous old creature with too much time on her scaly hands.” Slothard laughed.

“Be careful ghoul or these scaly hands will wave back and forth and you’ll be nothing more than a pile of ash at my feet, the only difference will be, I won’t put you in a bottle I’ll stomp your ashes to the ground and leave you here for eternity.” She turned back and started walking away.

“That witch frustrates me.” Slothard was getting angry.

“Don’t let her get to you ghoul. She is only trying to drive you mad. Let her alone for now, she’ll get what’s coming to her in the end trust me.” Crovis walked a few steps quicker to try and keep up with Grimelda.

Slothard stayed behind stewing in his own anger.

The Shaman and Sindor continued to search the mountain walls for the Book of Elandor, when the Shaman couldn’t reach high above the rocks Sindor would just raise his head to look. There was an advantage to having a giant as a friend in times of need.

Micael and Ovit continued to search on the other side.

“Have you found anything yet Ovit?” Micael asked.

“No, have you?”

“I found a snake, and a bunch of worms.” Micael sat down on a rock and put his face in his hands. “This is pointless Ovit the Mystagog obviously lied to us about the location of the Book of Elandor.”

“I’m starting to believe that myself Micael. I keep thinking about what he told us and the only thing that made sense was coming to the Midnight Mountains to find it. He must’ve told us another of his fables.”

Micael watched the Shaman and Sindor across the lake in the light from the fire. He was so impressed with the Shaman. He didn’t fear anything, and if he did he never made it obvious. Micael wanted to be just like him when he was older. Micael would have many stories to tell his own children one day about this journey. He just wished he remembered more of his past.

“I’m going to rest for a while Ovit. Wake me if you find anything.” Micael sat back against the mountain wall and closed his eyes.

She came to him again in his dream. “Micael wake up. Wake up it’s your mother.”

Micael looked up and again saw nothing more than a darkened shadow before him. “Why can’t I see you mother?”

“You’re not meant to see me now Micael. I have come to tell you something very important so listen closely.”

Micael stared at the dark figure trying to make out her face but he saw nothing.

“Are you listening to me Micael?” She asked.

“Yes, I’m listening to you.”

The figure of the woman moved closer to him. “You think the Mystagog told you a lie, but he didn’t. You are on the right path Micael just keep looking. I know you will figure it out. I wish I could tell you more Micael but I must go now.”

“Don’t go mother please come back?” Micael begged her but she disappeared into the darkness once more. Micael opened his eyes.

“Ovit, I had a dream and she came to me again.”

“Who came to you again Micael?”

“My mother and she told me that the Mystagog told us the truth but we have to figure it out on our own. She said if we keep searching we will find the Book of Elandor.” He stood up and ran to the Shaman and told him about his dream.

“Micael, sometimes dreams can be deceiving just like the Mystagog. You will have to take what you’ve heard and either believe it or not. I do hope it’s true though Micael. I pray for all of us that it’s true.” The Shaman continued to look for the book with Sindor.

Micael went back to the other side and starting searching again, this time he was excited after what had just happened to him. He wondered if he would ever see the woman’s face who claims she is his mother. He didn’t care he was just happy knowing that they were on the right path to the Book of Elandor.

In the Forest of Shadows Olagh and Izasa had reached the village of the trolls. They entered the village and didn’t see anything. They looked around and still saw nothing.

“What in the world is going on here Olagh?” Izasa asked.

“I’m not sure Izasa but be on guard for anything.”

They walked further into the village and saw nothing. What happened to all of the trolls? Something was definitely wrong here and they wanted to find out what. Their battalia followed closely behind them.

Olagh and Izasa walked into the largest home in the village they could find assuming it was Toumanis. They walked inside and told the battalia to stay outside. They entered the house and it was a mess.

“He wasn’t much of a housekeeper was he Olagh?” Izasa laughed.

As they walked towards the back room of the house they heard a bunch of yelling outside. They ran to the front of the house and reached the spot where they’d left their battalia, but there was nothing.

They looked at each other and began walking slowly down the steps to the ground. Olagh noticed all of the battalia weapons lying on the ground.

“What’s happened here Izasa?” He was in shock.

“I’m not sure Olagh but we need to get out of here before we end up like them.” Izasa began walking towards the spot where the battalia had just stood and noticed some of the weapons disappearing into the ground.

“Run back to the steps Olagh, quickly!” He yelled.

Olagh and Izasa stood on the steps watching as the ground engulfed every weapon from the battalia. They were aghast.

“What in the world just happened here?” Izasa sat on the steps and Olagh joined him. “The ground, it ate our battalia.”

Olagh and Izasa sat on the steps of the village in shock afraid to walk on the ground in front of them.

CHAPTER TEN

The Princess Fimella flew to her castle and right to the landing, all of the fairies gathered below to hear what she would tell them.

“My good fairies, I have been on quite an adventure for many days but have finally come home. The Queen Armad has taken leave and joined a group of creatures in the Midnight Mountains to search for the Book of Elandor. While she is gone, I shall take her place and hopefully run the kingdom as well as she does.”

The fairies cheered below.

“If there is anything I can do to help any of you, please come to me and ask me. I will do the best I can to help any of you. You are the most important part of the fairy kingdom and I love you all.”

The fairies cheered again. Princess Fimella waved her hand and walked back into her castle.

It felt wonderful to be home. She missed the castle horribly while she was gone. She missed her mother more though.

The Princess walked over to her mother’s throne and sat down knowing she would one day sit here and rule the fairy kingdom. The thought of ruling the kingdom made her nervous but her mother’s words had given her strength and courage.

She would not fail her.

A day had passed in the Midnight Mountains and the frustration of searching them had taken their toll on the witches, warlocks and ghouls. They met back at the place they started.

“Did you find anything?” Grimelda asked.

“No.” Magella dropped her head.

“We didn’t either. I guess we should go back to our prospective castles and leave for the Forest of Shadows after we have rested.” Grimelda began walking away from all of them.

“I think we should go to the Valley of Illumination witch.” Slothard said loudly.

“We have been to the Valley of Illumination ghoul and trust me the book isn’t there.” She said snidely.

“Why should we believe you? How do we know you even went to the Valley of Illumination?” Wagrim asked.

“You are nothing more than an invisible idiot aren’t you? Why would I lie about going to the Valley of Illumination?” Grimelda was getting mad at the ghouls.

“Fine then witch, we have no choice but to believe you.” Wagrim and Slothard walked away and headed back towards their castle.

“What are we going to do with them Grimelda?” Magella asked.

“We’ll wait till we find the Book of Elandor and then destroy them of course.” Grimelda cackled.

Crovis and Trovis were silent. They wanted the sisters to believe that they were completely on their side. They didn’t want the sisters to have any idea of their plans.

“Here’s the part you’re really going to love Crovis and Trovis.” Grimelda walked closer to them grinning widely showing them her yellowed rotten teeth. “You two are going back to the Forest of Shadows to look for the Book of Elandor.”

“What do you mean, I thought we were all going to the Forest of Shadows.” Crovis stomped his feet.

“Do you two actually think I would let you spend more time with the ghouls than you need to? I don’t want them infecting your minds with ideas. You will leave tonight for the Forest of Shadows.” Grimelda and Magella turned away from them and walked away.

Crovis and Trovis looked at each other and rolled their eyes. They would teach their sisters a lesson they’d never forget once they found the Book of Elandor, if it was in the Forest of Shadows they would find it.

Inside the ghoul’s castle Slothard and Wagrim were seated in front of the fireplace.

“What are we going to do Slothard?” Wagrim wondered loudly.

“I believe we might have to rescue Helmog from the witch’s castle. We may need him to find the Book of Elandor. Those bloody witches drive me mad Wagrim. They act like they already rule the world.”

“I know what you mean Slothard, I thought I was going to strangle the one that came with us. They are foul mouthed hideous hags and they will be destroyed.” Wagrim looked into the fire searching for an answer.

“I’m not sure what we should do about the warlocks. I can’t believe they’re going back into the Forest of Shadows. They are out of the picture now, so it’s the witches we must deal with.” Slothard stood and walked over to the window and stared at the lights flickering in the witch’s castle.

“We should go to the castle when they warlocks leave and steal the bottle containing Helmog off the shelf. I think we can find the spell in their book to bring him back from the ashes.” Wagrim stood up and walked over to Slothard. “We need him Slothard, as much as I hate to say it.”

“I know Wagrim.”

Slothard and Wagrim stood staring out the window waiting for the warlocks to leave.

Olagh and Izasa left the perch of Tourmani’s home when they thought it was safe again to walk on the ground below them.

“What was that Olagh?”

“I’m not sure. We must leave this village and move swiftly back to our fortress.” Olagh began running with Izasa behind him.

“We should stay off the ground as much as possible Olagh. It’s dangerous.” Izasa called to him.

“I know Izasa. Just keep moving. Don’t stop for any reason, that’s when it seems to take you.”

They ran quickly for about an hour and then climbed a tree to rest.

“We must warn our fortress immediately Izasa. We are in danger here and I think it might be best if we took everyone and moved them into the Valley of Illumination until we can figure out what it is.”

“I agree. We must not get caught in the Valley of Illumination though. We don’t belong there and would be obvious to the eye. We’ll hide as well as we can away from the rest of the creatures.”

“Let’s be on our way then.” Olagh jumped from the tree and Izasa followed him closely as they ran through the Forest of Shadows.

Crovis and Trovis were preparing for their trip to the Forest of Shadows. They had no idea what they were walking into. It was very dangerous to travel through the forest now.

“We should be on our way then.” Crovis lifted his bag and threw it over his shoulder.

“I still can’t believe we have to go into the Forest of Shadows, although I think it’ll be good to get away from the sisters for awhile.”

“I’d live in the Valley of Illumination to get away from the sisters.” Crovis laughed.

“Let’s go then.” Trovis grabbed his bag and the two walked towards the main door. Just as they reached the main door Grimelda came out of the darkness and stood before them.

“Leaving without saying goodbye brothers?”

“Goodbye sister.” Crovis tried to push past her and she stopped him.

“I know you’re up to something. I can smell it on you. I’m warning you now brothers, if you deceive me I will destroy you.” She grimaced at them.

“Don’t threaten us sister. We have powers too and we’re not afraid of you.” Trovis stepped forward. “Now move out of the way you hideous hag, we have work to do.”

Crovis and Trovis pushed past her and out the door. Grimelda was shocked over what they had just said and done. She would find the Book of Elandor and she would bring the dead sisters back and then destroy the brothers.

The brothers laughed as they walked down the path to the Forest of Shadows. They loathed the sisters.

“Don’t you do this, don’t you do that. Who does that beast think she is?” Crovis asked.

“I don’t know Crovis but she thinks she’s scary. The only thing that’s scary about her is her face.” He chuckled.

“If we find the Book of Elandor in the Forest of Shadows we will definitely use it to destroy them.” Crovis stopped quickly. “Let’s fly to the center of the forest, it’s so much faster.”

They began flying into the night sky into the Forest of Shadows.

The Shaman, Sindor, Micael and Ovit had gathered around the fire.

“It’s obvious the book isn’t here.” The Shaman said while he smoked his pipe.

“Is there another lake Sindor?” Micael asked.

Sindor thought for a moment and then grinned. “Yes there is one more lake in the mountains and it’s not too far from here. We could reach it within an hour.”

They all stood up and began preparing for the next leg of their adventure.

“If the book isn’t at the next lake Shaman what will we do then?” Micael asked.

“We’ll have no choice but to go back to the Valley of Illumination Micael and join the Angelic Spirits. We will have to decide from there how to approach this situation.” The Shaman grabbed his belongings and they all followed Sindor onto the next path.

The ghouls watched the witch’s castle and when they saw the warlocks leaving they left their castle. They stood outside of the witch’s castle for quite some time before they began their climb up the wall to the rooftop above. Once they reached the roof they stopped and decided to sneak carefully into the back entrance of the castle.

“We mustn’t let the witches see us Wagrim.”

“If we move carefully we should be able to reach their altar room without getting caught.” Slothard began creeping along the castle wall.

They were extremely careful looking around every corner before they moved forward. They made it inside of the castle and close to the altar room when they heard voices coming from the hallway. They stepped back and hid in the shadows until the voices were gone. Slothard crept into the altar room first followed by Wagrim.

They looked on the shelf and saw Helmog’s bottle.

“I’ll get Helmog you get their spell book.” Slothard walked over to the shelf and grabbed the bottle down and put it in his pocket.

Wagrim searched through the book until he found the spell to bring him back. He ripped it out and put it in his pocket. He forgot to close the book.

They crept out of the altar room and back to the rooftop and climbed down the castle wall once more and moved into the darkness.

The ghouls reached their castle and went into the sitting room with the bottle. They set it down on the floor and read the spell. Just as they finished the last word, the ashes began to rise from the bottle and then a cloud of smoke. They heard coughing.

“It’s about time you idiots.” They heard Helmog say from the cloud of smoke.

“There’s gratitude for you Wagrim.” Slothard rolled his eyes.

“What took so long?” Helmog joined them now brushing the dust off his cloak.

“We had quite the adventure with the witches and warlocks Helmog. It’s too bad you missed it.” Wagrim laughed.

“What should we do now? Where are the warlocks?” Helmog asked.

“The sisters sent them into the Forest of Shadows to look for the Book of Elandor.” Slothard sat down in front of the fireplace.

“The Forest of Shadows? I didn’t think the book was anywhere near the Forest of Shadows.” Helmog scoffed.

“It’s not Helmog. The witches obviously wanted the warlocks out of the way because they have another plan in mind for all of us.” Wagrim seated himself close to Slothard.

“Should we follow the warlocks into the Forest of Shadows?” Helmog asked.

“No I think we should stay here at the castle until we can come up with a solid plan to find the Book of Elandor. The witches will be furious when they discover that I’ve been set free so we’ll have to watch our backs.” Slothard stood up and walked over to the window watching the flickering lights once more.

“It’s settled then. We’ll stay where we are for the moment.” Helmog walked out of the room.

Wagrim and Slothard looked at each other and smirked.

The Angelic Spirits had decided they had to tell the Princess Fimella what they knew about her mother. They sent a myrmidon to summon her to the castle. They sat around the table and waited for her. She flew into the window not long after and Mitral told her the news.

The Princess sat on the window sill for a long time after and stared into the sky.

“Are you sure you’re not mistaken?” She asked.

“No Princess. We’re very sorry.” Mitral walked over to her and looked down with sadness in his eyes.

“I will have to tell the fairies what’s happened.” A tear fell from her eye. “I will miss my mother. There will never be another fairy like her.”

The Princess Fimella didn’t look at the Angelic Spirits as she left the castle window.

The Angelic Spirits sat back at the table.

“It was the right thing to do Mitral and Ademus.” Aerifus said reassuringly.

“I know Aerifus. She’s so young I’m not sure how she will take this horrible news.” Mitral looked at his friends solemnly.

“I think she will be a strong ruler just like the Queen Armad was. I don’t think we need to worry as much as we are about her.” Ademus smiled.

“I agree Ademus. I think she’s strong and she will handle this the way a true Queen would.” Mitral smiled back at him.

The Angelic Spirits sat looking at one another and then looked out the window as if they were searching for an answer.

It didn’t take Crovis and Trovis long to fly into the Forest of Shadows. They landed in the center near the swamps.

“So what are we looking for exactly Crovis?” Trovis asked.

“I have no idea Trovis. They sent us here on a wild goose chase. They don’t expect us to find anything they just wanted us out of the picture for awhile.” Crovis set his things down and began walking around.

“Should we just rest here for a few days then go back to the Midnight Mountains and tell them we didn’t find anything?” Trovis laughed.

“That was my plan.” Crovis sat down on the ground. “I think the sisters have gone mad Trovis. I hope they never find the book. I’d rather the Angelic Spirits get the book before they do.”

Trovis looked shocked by Crovis’s remark. “Are you serious? The Angelic Spirits?”

“Trovis, if the sisters get their hands on the Book of Elandor before anyone else does we will be the first casualty.”

“You’re right brother.” Trovis leaned over to his right side to take something out of his bag and couldn’t find it. “Crovis my bag is missing.” He stood up and began looking everywhere for it.

“I’m sure you set it over there somewhere Trovis.” Crovis rolled over and closed his eyes. “Did you find it?”

There was no answer. Crovis opened his eyes slowly and sat up. “Trovis?”

Crovis stood and began looking around. “Trovis quit playing games, where are you? This isn’t funny anymore.”

Crovis walked closer to the spot where they had entered the Forest of Shadows and still saw nothing. Suddenly, the ground opened up and Crovis fell through.

About an hour had passed when Crovis opened his eyes. He saw Trovis lying close to him. He had no idea what happened or where he was. Crovis stood up slowly still groggy from his fall.

He wasn’t sure where he was but it was a tunnel of some kind. It was dark but he could see a glowing red light at the end. Crovis walked over to Trovis and shook him until he woke up.

“Come on Trovis we have to go.”

Trovis was semi-conscious but managed to get to his feet and start following Crovis.

“Where are we Crovis?”

“We fell through the ground Trovis. I don’t know where we’ve come.” Crovis walked slowly towards the glowing red light with Trovis following him closely.

They reached the end of the tunnel and crept to the edge to look inside. They couldn’t describe the enormity of it all. It was as though they’d just stepped into another world.

They walked slowly into the strange land. It was very quiet. They didn’t see anyone. It was like a huge cave.

“What is this place Crovis?” Trovis held onto his brother’s arm.

“I’m not sure Trovis but we’re going to find out.” Crovis pulled him along as he began walking through the giant cave and through another entrance. Once they reached the end of the next tunnel there was a door. They were almost afraid to open it fearful of what was waiting on the other side for them.

Crovis walked up slowly and turned the knob. He opened the door and he and Trovis just stared for a long time. It was a world underneath their world. There were myrmidons running everywhere. They saw all kinds of creatures, gremlins, goblins, trolls every creature you could imagine.

“What’s going on here?” Crovis asked himself.

They walked further in and were stopped immediately.

“Come with me please.” The creature was smaller than the brothers and quite hideous.

“Where are we?” Crovis asked.

“You’re in the Netherworld now. Things are much differen’t down here. There is no magic. We all live peacefully here. Follow me please.” The creature began walking.

“Wait a moment please. What if we don’t want to stay here?” Crovis asked.

“You were brought here for a reason there is no going back now.” The creature smiled at them.

Crovis and Trovis were horrified. They had never heard of the Netherworld but they knew that if there was a way in, there would be a way out.

They followed the creature to a large structure. This land was strange. It was very colorful it almost looked unreal.

“Wait here please.” The creature walked away and into the structure. Crovis and Trovis stood there for awhile until the creature reappeared.

“He will see you now.”

“Who will see us now creature?” Crovis asked.

“The ruler of the Netherworld, he welcomes everyone who ends up here.”

They followed the creature into a room and were shocked to see the ruler of the Netherworld. He was a grotesque beast. He was blue in color and had large bumps all over his body. He waved them forward.

“Welcome to the Netherworld friends.”

“We are not your friends beast. We were brought here against our will and we want to be sent back to the Forest of Shadows as soon as possible.” Crovis said angrily.

“I’m sorry, I cannot do that. You must stay here in the Netherworld.” The creature moved closer to them. “There is no way out of the Netherworld.” He smiled.

“If there’s a way in, there’s a way out creature and trust me we’ll find it.” Crovis turned his back to the creature now and began walking out with Trovis behind him.

“Wait please.” The creature followed them. “I will make you a deal warlocks.”

Crovis and Trovis turned around slowly.

“What kind of deal creature?” Crovis asked.

“If you stay long enough to teach me what you know, I will let you go.” The creature smiled.

“I thought you said there was no way out of here creature. How do we know we can trust you? You’ve already lied to us.” Crovis balked.

“I give you my word warlocks.” The creature smiled at them through his crusty face.

“Agreed.” Crovis and Trovis turned and walked out of the creature’s lair.

Above ground in the Midnight Mountains Sindor lead the Shaman, Micael and Ovit to the only lake left. They reached it within an hour and the Shaman lit a fire.

Shaman and Sindor began looking on one side and Micael and Ovit on the other.

Sindor spoke with the Shaman as they worked.

“I would like to go with you and your friends when you’re done here Shaman.” Sindor smiled at him.

“You are more than welcome to join us Sindor.” The Shaman patted him on his back.

Sindor was very happy. “Thank you.”

Micael and Ovit continued to look steadily. Micael was feeling quite tired again and needed to rest. Ovit was full of energy. Micael walked over to him and sat down.

“I can’t explain it Ovit, I’m just so tired.”

“You are myrmidon Micael. You don’t have the same ability to stay awake like we do. I have gone weeks without sleep.” Ovit smiled. “Go rest. I will wake you if I find anything Micael.”

“Thank you Ovit.” Micael walked away and dropped to the ground. He closed his eyes and began to sleep.

Sindor, the Shaman, and Ovit worked for hours and found nothing.

Grimelda and Magella wandered into their altar room and discovered that the bottle containing Helmog was missing as was the spell to free him.

“We’ve been duped sister.” Grimelda scowled.

“Should we go to the ghoul’s castle and turn them all into ash?” Magella asked.

“No sister, we’ll bide our time now. We have to plan now. Let’s go to the crystal ball and find the brothers in the Forest of Shadows.”

Grimelda and Magella began chanting over the crystal ball. They stood there for almost an hour and realized that something was terribly wrong.

“Where are they sister? It’s as if they’ve vanished.” Grimelda couldn’t understand it.

“Is there some kind of spell they may have cast on themselves so that we couldn’t find them?” Magella asked.

“No. They couldn’t hide from us. They’ve never been able to hide from us. We must go to the Forest of Shadows.” Grimelda began walking out of the altar room.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea sister?” Magella followed her out of the room.

“Something strange has happened Magella. We have to find out what it is.” Grimelda walked quickly to the front door of the castle.

Magella followed her out the door and into the darkness.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Crovis and Trovis were given a room in the ruler’s structure. They knew they’d have to help him or they would never be allowed to go back to the Midnight Mountains.

“Can you believe that awful creature holding us here against our will Trovis?” Crovis seemed agitated.

“I’m sure there’s a way out of here Crovis we just need to find someone to show us.” Trovis said lazily.

“I’m sure we’re not the first that have been brought here against their will. We will begin searching in a short while for someone to help us escape. In the meantime, we’ll tell the creature nothing but lies to feed his small mind. He may be large but he seems to have no brain at all.” Crovis laughed.

“I can only imagine how shocked the sisters are right now.” Trovis giggled.

“I can see them now staring into their glowing crystal ball wondering what happened to the evil brothers.” Crovis smiled at Trovis.

“We will stay here only as long as we need to then we’ll find our way back to the Forest of Shadows or the Midnight Mountains and continue our journey for the Book of Elandor.”

We would not hear from the brothers again for some time.

In the light of the Valley of Illumination Princess Filmella had told the fairy kingdom of her mother’s death. The fairies were very said and crying. Princess Fimella choked back her tears and went back into the castle where her hand maidens awaited her.

They brushed her hair as she sat on her mother’s throne. She wasn’t there. She stared off into the sky. She knew she was Queen now and she would lead the fairies the same as her mother did, with kindness and compassion. She couldn’t help but let the thoughts of her mother’s demise enter her head and was angry that the warlocks had killed her. She would avenge her mother’s death but not yet. If the Book of Elandor found it’s way back to the Valley of Illumination she would use it to destroy the warlocks.

In the Midnight Mountains the Shaman woke Micael up and told him it was time to go. Micael looked around sleepy eyed.

“I’m sorry Micael but we didn’t find the Book of Elandor, it’s time for us to go back to the Valley of Illumination.” The Shaman started to walk away.

“We can’t give up Shaman. We must keep looking for the book.” Micael said to him as he walked.

“He’s right Shaman. We’ve come too far to give up now we must continue looking for the Book of Elandor.” Ovit pleaded.

“Where else can we look my friends? We’ve traveled through three lands in search of the Book of Elandor and we have nothing. We must go back to the Valley of Illumination.”

Micael sat for a moment and thought and then he hopped up.

“What if the Mystagog didn’t lie to us Shaman what if he had told us the truth just like the woman in my dreams said?”

“What do you mean Micael?” The Shaman stopped and turned to him.

“Let’s think about what he told us for a moment. He told us to look for a dark mountain and a brook. We just assumed that he meant the Midnight Mountains.” Micael grinned at the Shaman who thought for a moment then began smiling.

“Of course, the book could be in any mountain range, including the one the Mystagog lives in.” The Shaman gathered up his belongings. “We must go back to the mountain range of the Mystagog. It’s our final hope in finding the Book of Elandor.”

All four of them took their things and walked off into the darkness headed back to the Forest of Shadows and once again in search of the Mystagog.

Grimelda and Magella had landed in the Forest of Shadows hours before the others had even thought about travelling back there. Grimelda sniffed around and sensed nothing strange.

“I’m not sure what could have happened to the brothers.” Grimelda moved in a circle now. They had set their flying objects down on the ground near a tree and began wandering around.

“We should fly further north Grimelda.” Magella said quietly.

“Yes we should. Go get our things.”

Magella walked over to the tree and couldn’t find their things. She searched around for a bit then walked back over to Grimelda.

“They’re missing.” She said.

Grimelda looked at her like she was crazy. “What do you mean they’re missing we set them right over there against that tree.” She pointed to the tree and then realized Magella was right, their things were gone.

Grimelda walked over to the tree and noticed the ground was bubbling. She stood back. “What’s this?”

Magella walked close behind her and they both sat watching as the ground bubbled and moved away from them slowly. Grimelda picked up a rock and threw it on top of the ground. They both watched in awe as the rock disappeared into the dirt.

“We must get above the ground Magella quickly.” Grimelda and Magella jumped up on a large rock and climbed into a tree.

“I think I know what happened to the brothers Magella.” She smirked. “It seems the ground has eaten them.”

Magella looked at Grimelda and started to giggle.

“What’s so funny?” Grimelda demanded.

“I can’t believe we spent so much time worrying about what to do with the brothers when all we had to do was send them to the Forest of Shadows where the ground gobbled them up.” She started laughing loudly and Grimelda joined in.

“I would say it’s safe for us to travel back to the Midnight Mountains now Magella as long as we’re careful of the ground below us.”

They waited for a long time before the ground stopped bubbling below them. Eventually, they climbed out of the tree and began walking back to the Midnight Mountains assuming the brothers had been destroyed.

The ghouls had been waiting patiently in their castle. They had no idea what they were going to do to try and find the Book of Elandor. They didn’t want to go back to the Forest of Shadows and they definitely didn’t want to go to the Valley of Illumination.

“We can’t just sit here while the others are out there looking for one of the most powerful books in the world.” Helmog said anxiously.

“We have no choice. We have gone to the Forest of Shadows and searched the Midnight Mountains and returned with nothing.” Slothard said exhaustingly.

Wagrim stood in the window watching the witch’s castle. “I noticed there are no lights at the witch’s castle. Where do you think they’ve run off to?”

Helmog and Slothard walked over to the other windows and stared out.

“It seems that the witches had other plans.” Helmog tapped his chin. “I think we should leave and go to the Forest of Shadows.”

“I think we should go back into the mountains.” Slothard raised his eyebrow. “We didn’t look hard enough and I could barely concentrate with that haggard witch yelling at me the whole time.”

“I think it’s a good idea.” Wagrim walked away from the window.

“It seems I’ve been out voted once again. I guess we’ll go to the mountains.” Helmog spoke with a tone of defeat. He was getting frustrated with Slothard and Wagrim. They didn’t look up to him any longer in fact they treated him like garbage. He wanted to find the Book of Elandor so could make them respect him again.

The witches were entering the Forest of Shadows after a long walk through the Forest of Shadows. They decided to come from a differen’t direction which was a good thing for the Shaman, Sindor, Micael and Ovit who had entered towards the north.

“What should we do now?” Magella asked.

“Luckily we don’t have to do much the Forest of Shadows took care of two of our biggest problems.” Grimelda chuckled.

“What about the ghouls should we worry about them?” Magella asked.

“We have no need to worry about them either we’ve already shown them what our spells are capable of.”

“What about the Book of Elandor?” Magella looked at her searching for any answer.

“We will find the Book of Elandor it’s our destiny to control it.” Grimelda shuffled along with Magella following close behind.

The Shaman, Sindor, Micael and Ovit were in the swamps of the Forest of Shadows and about to cross into the desert. They had been traveling a very long time and needed to rest. They stopped only for a moment and then continued on. They wanted to reach the mountain range as fast as they could.

The Forest of Shadows felt strange to them today. The Shaman felt as if something had been watching him since they came back.

“Something has changed here.” The Shaman said.

“I know I feel it to Shaman.” Micael walked close to him.

Sindor and Ovit walked behind listening to them. They felt it to.

“We should move quickly. I feel if we stay in one place to long we’ll be in danger.” The Shaman stepped up his pace and the others followed.

“What do you think it is Shaman?” Micael asked.

“I’m not sure but whatever it is it’s not good. We must find the mountain range.”

They were almost running through the desert now running away from something they couldn’t see. They didn’t realize their feet were touching the very thing they were running from, the ground.

It took them almost eight hours to reach the mountain range and luckily they saw the entrance the Angelic Spirits had found. They walked up the path until they reached the face of the mountain.

“You’ve returned.” The face called to them

“Yes we have.” The Shaman smiled.

“Your friends came looking for you.” The face grinned.

“Our friends came looking for us? Do you remember what they looked like?” The Shaman asked.

“They were tall creatures wearing all white. They were friendly and kind. We let them use the same shortcut we let you use.” The face smiled.

“The Angelic Spirits, they must’ve been concerned for our safety.”

“So you finally figured out your riddle?” The face said.

“We haven’t found what we’re looking for yet, but we hope we find it here.” The Shaman walked away slowly. “It was very nice to see you again.”

Sindor looked at the faces as he walked past them. He was amazed that the mountain was talking to them. He nodded his head as he walked by to say hello.

They walked about an hour before deciding to rest. The Shaman lit a fire and they all sat around it. Micael nodded off and fell into a dreamworld once more.

“Wake up Micael.” That familiar voice came to him again.

“Is that you mother?” He asked.

Once more he stared at the shadow trying to make out a face but couldn’t.

“I’m glad you listened to me Micael. I told you the Mystagog didn’t lie.” She said.

“I don’t know that yet mother. We came back here because it’s the only land that has mountains besides the Midnight Mountains.”

“Micael, the answer was right under your nose the whole time. Don’t you remember anything about the Mystagog?”

Micael thought for a moment then started to remember pieces of the puzzle. The Mystagog lived in a dark cave in the mountain. There was a running stream of water inside of the cave. The Mystagog had told them the truth. The Book of Elandor was there the whole time.

“Can this be real mother? Is the Book of Elandor really in the Mystagog’s cave?” Micael could feel a rush of adrenaline.

“I can’t tell you that Micael you must find out for yourself.” Slowly the woman disappeared from his dream. Micael woke up quickly.

“The woman came to me in my dream again Shaman. I know where the Book of Elandor is.” Micael was so excited the Shaman had to calm him down. Micael told the others what the woman had told him in his dream and how he pieced it all together.

“It’s time to pay the Mystagog another visit.” The Shaman, Micael, Sindor and Ovit gathered their belongings and walked to the bottom of the Mystagog’s mountain. They began climbing to the top. It took them quite a few hours to reach the peak.

Once atop the mountain they all walked slowly to the Mystagog’s cave and found him lying by the fire. He sat up when he heard them.

“You’ve returned.” He smiled.

“The Book of Elandor was here the whole time wasn’t it Mystagog?” The Shaman walked towards him.

The Mystagog started to giggle. “I knew you’d figure the riddle out eventually I just didn’t think it would take you so long.”

“May we have the book?” Micael stepped forward.

The Mystagog walked towards them.

“This is your mystical journey myrmidon, you need to finish it.” He stepped out of the way and the Shaman smiled at him as he walked past.

Micael walked over to the stream and looked down in the water. The Book of Elandor was right in front of him sitting on a pile of rocks. He reached down and picked it up. Micael turned around holding the book in his hands. He had tears running down his face as he handed the book to the Shaman.

“I believe you should have this.” Micael handed him the Book of Elandor.

“We must go back to the Valley of Illumination and put the Book of Elandor in the castle of the Angelic Spirits.” The Shaman turned and began walking out of the cave. The Mystagog followed them.

“I can get you there much quicker.” The Mystagog grinned widely.

They all turned to him and wondered what he was talking about. The Mystagog began chanting and it’s the last thing any of them remembered.

Micael woke up back in his bed and saw another bed had been added to his room. He got up and walked over to it and found Ovit fast asleep. He woke him up.

They both walked upstairs into the castle and knocked on the door of the Angelic Spirits sitting room. The door opened and they walked in.

Mitral, Ademus, Aerifus and the Shaman were sitting at the table with the Book of Elandor sitting between all of them in the middle.

“Come in Micael and Ovit.” Mitral summoned them.

Micael and Ovit joined them at the table.

“It is a great day in the Valley of Illumination. The myrmidons and creatures are safe for now.” Mitral looked at everyone at the table. “It’s not over though, it’s just the beginning.”

“What do you mean?” Micael asked.

Mitral stood and walked over to Micael and rested his hand on his shoulder. “Let me put this simply Micael. Your mystical journey has just begun.”