The Challenge of Palakrine: The Valley

By M. W. Kohler

The Challenge of Palakrine, is the third book in Th e Valley series. In The Valley, the first book, we learned of Michaels efforts to save the Valley from the creature who could not be named and finding of his love, Maria. We learned how their children had to face the evil of Narle and how Cory, the son of Michael and Maria, brought all the many races of the Valley and the Plain back to the safety and joy of peaceful living, as the Keeper of the Plain. In The Keepers children: The Realm, the second book, we learned how the Keepers children, Mike, Katie, Morgan and Megan, and the oldest daughter of DeeDee and Tom, Marie, must face a new and more powerful threat. The threat of the Dark Ruler, Maltakrine, and the Dark Magic he possess. We learned what they must do to protect and defend Th e Realm, the Plain, the Valley and the other Domains of magic from him. We also learned of the loves that come into their lives and how they all must also deal with two of Maltakrines students.

In this work, The Challenge of Palakrine, we will learn how a greater, more dangerous threat is discovered. We will learn how and when they and their children and the children of all the Domains, who have all been born with very unique magical powers, will have to face this new and frightening danger. Then, there could be the worries of what they failed to do!

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Dec 20, 2012
• ISBN: 9781475964356

M. W. Kohler

M. W. Kohler, again offers you the chance to find the answers that you seek. To find the answers that you need, for your own life. Come explore the new worlds that are all around us. Come find what you seek, if you truly want to know! M. W. Kohler is retired and living quite safely in South West Oregon. In a town not so small as to be lost in the maze of towns of this country, but small enough to be able to walk where you need to go. He again tells of the magic that is in his, and your, lives. Enjoy!

Book preview

THE

CHALLENGE

OF PALAKRINE

THE VALLEY

M. W. KOHLER

iUniverse, Inc.

Bloomington

The Challenge of Palakrine

The Valley

Copyright © 2012 by M. W. Kohler.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

iUniverse books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4759-6434-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-6435-6 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012922422

iUniverse rev. date: 11/30/2012

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

Chapter Twenty Two

Characters

This is the third book in The Valley series. In this volume, you will learn of the one who is a greater threat to Mike and all of the Domains, then any who had been before. You will learn of the children, of all Domains, and their unique talents, born into the time of a new and a more dangerous threat to all. Here, the powers and inner strengths of all will be challenged and either proven or lost. Here, the rightful magic of all Domains will be held or conquered!

PROLOGUE

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With the received chest from Sam, the Overseer of the Realm had begun feel a disturbance. Not so much with a consciousness, but as a hinted itch he couldn’t quite find to scratch. He knew something was coming, but he knew not what it was. It wasn’t until after Candy’s second child was born and the others’ found out that they too would increase their families size, that the Overseers haunting itch, started to become a terrifying reality.

CHAPTER ONE

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He glowered into the dimness. He had tested the strength of them. He smiled in his sureness. His patience, which his brother had never possessed, bolstered him. He had inflicted the woman and privately told the Overseer what was to be paid. He smiled and brought the Overseer to him. He stared at the vacant space before him and felt the anger building. The ever present rage that the power of the Dark Magic caused to constantly boil within him. He fought it down. Why did not the Overseer stand before him, bound and unable to protect himself? It was two weeks until the night of his assault and this is the time he was to break the Overseer’s will and use him to take what must be his! His daughter, Ponnope, looked up at him in condemnation and anger. Why was the Overseer not before them, cowering as he should be? Her rage almost made her want to smile.

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Those in the kitchen preparing for breakfast, heard the sounds of boot stomps on the porch and then the sounds of gloved hands beating snow from clothing. Paul came in the back door, pulling his coat off.

Close the door Paul, Penny, his grandmother said trying to shield Tommy. It’s cold!

Sorry, Paul said, closing the door and hanging his coat on one of the hooks on the wall behind the door, at the same time.

Daddy! Tommy called out and held out his hands. Paul rubbed his hands together and blew on them coming around the end of the table, before he picked up his son.

Hey big guy, he told Tommy as the boy put his arms around his neck. Did you let . . . .

Mommy sleeping, he told his father. Paul nodded and looked around the rest in the room.

She’s still sleeping honey, Thelis, his mother, told Paul. I checked when I went by the room. Paul nodded and sighed as he sat in his chair, at the opposite end of the table from his grandfather, closest to the door. Thelis brought a cup of coffee to him and he took a sip from the cup.

How can you drink that stuff? Fredric asked him. You made it like mud. Paul smiled.

After drinking Vicky’s coffee, this is like heaven, he told his grandfather and they all chuckled for they had all heard what had happened that day.

Served you right, Fredric grumbled. Paul grinned.

Yes grandpa, it did, he said in a resigned tone.

Paul? Penny asked, passing Tommy’s milk over to him. I’m worried about Candy. She seems so tired all the time. That’s not right. Paul nodded.

I know, that’s why I got everything done this morning, he told his grandmother. I want to take her into Zentler, to see Sam. She’s seven months along, eats anything that stops moving for more than two seconds and isn’t anywhere near the size she was with Tommy.

I’m eight and a half months and it’s a five second count, I swear, Candy said as she entered the kitchen, tying her robe closed. Prentiss, can I have some of your tea, with honey, please?

Sure Candy, go sit down, I’ll bring it, Prentiss told her.

Thank you, Candy said and sat down in her chair to Paul’s right. And we’re not going to Sam, we’re going to the Valley, she told her husband.

Honey, the wagon won’t fit in the tunnels and you can’t make that trip on a horse. Not in your condition, Paul told her. She nodded her head.

I won’t be on a horse, she told him. You told me a week ago that you had finished the sled. I can ride in that. Her voice indicated very little arguing room and Paul got worried about the look on his wife’s face.

Why do you want to go to the Valley so much dear? Penny asked as Prentiss set the tea cup in front of Candy. She went around the corner of the table and held out her hands to Tommy.

Come here speedy, she told the boy quietly. Tommy held out his arms to his aunt and she scooped him up out of Paul’s lap and went to her chair, opposite Candy, to her older brother’s left. Paul put his hand on Candy’s and looked into her eyes.

What is it Candy? he asked her softly. She looked at him and then back to the cup she was slowly turning. Candy? Paul tried again, a little less softly. Candy looked to him again and there were tears welling in her eyes. Candy, tell me. Paul’s voice was gentle, but carried authority. She looked to him and the tears rolled from her eyes. Two year old Tommy had stopped moving and was looking at his mother and there were tears coming to his eyes.

Yesterday afternoon, when you and Fredric were in town picking up the feed, Gloreana called me on the orb, she said. Paul nodded and waited. She told me that the child I bear is a magical power and that I must get her to a Magical Domain very soon, or she could be hurt. Candy’s voice was a mere whisper with her last words. Paul came out of his chair and pulled Candy up, into his arms. He held her as she cried. He looked to his grandfather. His sister didn’t hesitate.

Grandpa, harness the sled to Bertha. Brutus gets antsy if he isn’t harnessed with her. I guess males are like that. Prentiss said loudly as she stood. Fredric looked wide eyed at his granddaughter, while her mother and grandmother glared at her. Candy, despite her tears, started to giggle and Tommy’s face brightened. I’ll grab some pillows and blankets and be right there to prepare the sled.

Prentiss? Candy asked; would you ride with us and carry Tommy? Prentiss smiled at her.

I sure will, she told her and looked to Fredric. Grandpa, harness, she said, pointing to the back door. She handed Tommy to her mother. Mama, would you and Grandma get Candy and Tommy dressed for the trip? They both nodded, with rather surprised looks on their faces.

What about breakfast? Penny asked with concern.

Could you just wrap some biscuits with honey? Prentiss asked. Go ahead and let Tommy and Candy eat. Paul and I can eat as we ride. Prentiss went looking for pillows, cushions and blankets. It took a few seconds of exchanged looks, but they all started to follow Prentiss’s orders and Candy’s giggle turned into laughter. Her son joined in, not having the slightest idea why; other than his mother was laughing. Paul went to the barn with his grandfather and saddled his and Prentiss’s horses while Fredric harnessed Bertha to the sled, which was basically a small sleigh. Brutus did not like the idea of the separation from her and began to raise a ruckus. Bertha whinnied at him once and Brutus settled down and appeared to pout, pawing the straw in his stall.

Prentiss arrived with the three cushions from the big couch in the living room and the heaviest wool blanket she could find. All of which she promptly shoved into Paul’s unsuspecting arms. She went to the rack of tarps and picked one of the smallest. She brought it back and lined the inside of the sled, the extra folded out over the edges of the sled. That was followed by one of the brand new horse blankets and she covered the bottom and sides of the tarp with it. She next pulled the three cushions from Paul’s arms and lined the sled, from the slightly curled front to the top of the backrest with them. Fredric was about to say something, but she simply held up her hand and silenced him. He looked to Paul and all Paul could do was shrug and grin. Prentiss took the last item from Paul’s arms, the heavy wool blanket and spread it on top of the cushions, the edges overlaying the sides, but not as far as the tarp. That’s when Candy, Tommy, Thelis and Penny arrived. Prentiss held out her hand to Candy and the grinning mother to be, took it and climbed into the sled. Considering the sled had been designed to be quite roomy for two or three small children, it was not near as roomy for a pregnant woman. It took a few moments for the two to get Candy comfortable, but it was finally achieved. With the low side railings, Candy was able to splay out her knees and her swollen abdomen fit comfortably between her legs. Prentiss began to cocoon her first with the wool blanket and then the tarp over that. She then went and talked to Bertha, stroking the horses forehead as she talked. She started back around the sled, heading for her horse.

Remind me when we get to the Valley and somebody unwraps me, to give you a hug, Candy told her. Prentiss smiled and nodded.

I guarantee it, Prentiss told her and went to her horse and climbed into the saddle. Paul mounted his horse as well and Fredric handed him Bertha’s lead rope. Prentiss beckoned her grandmother to her, leaned over and held out her left arm. Penny placed the wool blanket wrapped Tommy in her arm. Thelis took a small package of biscuits and honey, with some ham tucked in, to Paul and then one to Prentiss, that didn’t have any ham and she shoved the package into her coat. She then dug through the wrappings on Tommy until she found two shinning eyes looking at her. You ready to go speedy? she asked and a muffled giggle told her he was. Alright Paul, let’s go. Give Bertha plenty of lead, she knows who she pulling, she’ll find the best path. Paul looked at her funny and then to Candy, who grinned and nodded. She can talk to the animals, Candy thought of Prentiss, as Paul gently heeled his horse. He played out the lead rope as he started out and just before the excess lifted from the ground, Bertha gently leaned into the harness and began to walk.

Be careful, Penny called to them. Paul turned and waved. Prentiss, with reins in one hand and Tommy in the other, didn’t have anything to wave with, so she turned and nodded.

True to Prentiss’s word, Bertha picked the smoothest way for the sled she pulled, even though that meant at times she was plowing through belly deep snow. Sometimes to Paul’s right, sometimes to Paul’s left. She never let the lead rope sag too much or get too tight. She maintained a steady, constant speed. At one point, not too far from the ranch where the snow wasn’t that deep, Prentiss came up alongside the sled and saw that Candy was sound asleep. As they traveled, Paul and Prentiss ate their biscuits, though Prentiss did have to share some of hers with Tommy.

Several hours later, when they reached the entrance of the Troll Tunnels, Paul stopped and dismounted. He brought his horse to the back of the sled and tied the reins to it. He went to Prentiss and took Tommy so she could dismount and tie her horse to the sled as well. She took Tommy back and walked to the side of the sled as Paul lit a torch, took up the lead rope and they started into the tunnel. About half way through, they took off their coats, for it was getting quite warm. Prentiss unwound the blanket from around Tommy and he was much happier. As they exited the tunnels, they stopped and took off their sweaters and Prentiss took Tommy’s coat off him.

Oh god, somebody get me out of this thing, Candy said. I’m sweltering in here! Prentiss chuckled and Paul smiled.

Sorry honey, he told her as he began peeling her cocoon from her, tucking the excess in along the edges. Once free of the coverings, Paul helped her to a more upright position and helped remove her coat. Candy started to undo the buttons of the heavy wool shirt, which was Paul’s.

It’s too hot for this either, she stated and took it off. That left her in only her camisole and in her condition, breasts swelled and her belly, it was very tight.

Mommy, mommy, Tommy called and stuck out his arms. With her shifted to a more upright position, there was room to put Tommy in the front of the sled, on his knees, between her feet. Once there, he gently placed his hand on Candy’s swollen abdomen. With a soft Oh, from Candy, a bump appeared and grew under the boys hand. Tommy giggled and looked to his mother. In a voice clear as any could be, he told her; Jenny, Jenny, and laughed. Three sets of very wide eyes looked at him. Candy looked to Paul and then to Prentiss and back to Paul. A smile grew on her face.

I guess that settles that, she told him and looked to her son. Yes honey, Jenny, she told him and they both laughed, with Paul and Prentiss joining in. Paul took up the lead rope and with Prentiss walking beside the sled, just to make sure Tommy didn’t jump and run, which he was known to do and he was hard to catch when he did, they started walking for the cottage.

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Maria and DeeDee were just getting ready to start to weed the small garden, near the rear of the yard, with the aid of couple of young fairies, a pixie and two young female troll volunteers, when DeeDee spotted the group coming out of the trees.

Paul, Prentiss, Candy! she squealed.

I’ll go tell the Keeper of the Plain, Pristeen, a very pretty, young pixie, who had just recently reached maturity said.

I’ll go with you, Garalear, a young, well defined and handsome fairy said and the pixie blushed as they flew away. They didn’t make it to the Keepers castle, nor had they any intention to do so.

The orb would be faster, the other very young fairy named Sinlear said with disgust, causing the two female trolls to giggle.

Hush child, Maria told her quietly. Why don’t you go and tell Michael and Tom of our guests? Maria asked her, taking the pout from the young fairies face. Sinlear nodded with a smile returning to her lips and flew off to the stream where the two men were fishing. DeeDee dropped her gloves and headed for the sled as the visitors passed the fish cleaning area and Paul finally stopped Bertha just on the edge of the yard. Prentiss pulled Tommy from the sled and Paul helped Candy to struggle out of it. DeeDee went straight to her daughter and put her arms around her, which Candy returned happily.

Hey kid, my turn, Maria said as she tapped DeeDee on her shoulder. DeeDee released Candy only to turn and hold out her hands to Tommy.

Grandma, Tommy squealed and all but leapt out of Prentiss’s arms. Much to the concerns of both Prentiss and DeeDee. Maria pulled back from Candy slightly and looked into her eyes.

What is it? she asked in a quiet voice, for she had felt something not right in the girls hug. Candy smiled at her with worried eyes and shook her head.

Later, she told her grandmother in a whisper. Maria nodded and turned to her great grandson. She all but wrestled the child from her daughter. She held him up and smiled at the happy face of the boy.

Well, well, look at you, she told him. You’ve grown at least two feet since I saw you last! she exclaimed. Tommy got a very confused look on his face and looked down to his feet, which he had raised slightly, and then back to Maria, still confused. Candy laughed at the obvious misunderstanding of her son. Maria laughed and took Tommy into her arms for a hug. Tommy smiled at that and forgot about his feet. When she finally released him enough to allow him to turn, he looked at Candy and pointed.

Mommy, he stated and then he surprised the others’ and lowered his point to Candy’s stomach. Jenny! he exclaimed. Maria and DeeDee looked wide eyed at the boy and then to Candy, who smiled and nodded. She then went on to tell her mother, grandmother and the others’, what had happened when they had come from the tunnel. Tom and Michael arrived during the stomach push that had been the babies response to Tommy’s hand. When she had finished the story her relatives were looking from her to Tommy and back, with surprised and worried eyes. Candy just smiled weakly and nodded.

That’s not all, Paul said softly. Tell them what Gloreana told you honey, he urged Candy. She shot him a glare because she hadn’t wanted to tell them about that yet, and then looked to her mother, trying to smile.

What did Gloreana tell you? DeeDee and Maria asked at the same time, for they were all aware that Gloreana was a seer. There was worry in their eyes as they looked to Candy. Candy took a deep breath.

Yesterday afternoon, Gloreana called me on our orb and told me that the child I carry, Candy placed her hand on her swollen stomach; is a magical power and that I needed to get her to a Magical Domain as soon as possible or she could be hurt. There were worried, wide eyes all around. That’s why we’re here, she told them. DeeDee, with her mind, called to her brother to tell him to get Mike and Gloreana there as soon as possible. The two young female trolls told Prentiss they had to return to their clan and they left to spread the latest news to the Valley.

What’s going on Dee? Cory asked her.

Just please come Cory, it may be important. Candy, Paul, Tommy and Prentiss have just arrived, she told him in return. It may be very important, she added.

Alright, I’ll call him and we’re on our way, Cory said. Less than a minute later Mike, Gloreana, Morgan and Megan appeared in the yard. Almost immediately after that, Cory and Sandy appeared.

You’re getting good at that dear, Sandy told Cory as they looked around. Cory headed for his sister as Gloreana and Megan closed in on Candy. Sandy went to Maria and played with her grand nephew still in Maria’s arms. She looked to her mother-in-law with questions in her eyes. Maria didn’t help when she shrugged. Prentiss and Paul just stood there looking at all the sudden activity.

I know their magical, Prentiss told Paul quietly; but how do they do that? Paul shrugged.

I’ve seen it I don’t know how many times and I don’t have the slightest idea. I guess that’s why they call it magic, Paul told her just as quietly. Prentiss gave him a frustrated glance and then issued a quiet sigh and waited. Then she saw Mike standing where he had arrived and he was staring at Candy, his hands were resting in his pockets, but there was a look of curiosity in his eyes and a small smile on his lips. Prentiss nudged Paul and when he looked to her, she pointed to Mike with a nod of her head.

I wonder what that’s all about? she asked him. Paul watched Mike for awhile.

I don’t know, but he doesn’t looked worried, so I’m not going to, Paul answered, but Prentiss heard the tone of concern in his voice.

I’m sorry Candy, Gloreana told her. I didn’t mean to frighten you. Candy looked to her and fought the tears that suddenly threatened to fall. I’m so sorry, Gloreana said as she took Candy onto her arms. I only wanted you and the baby to be safe. The tears were not to be denied. Mike walked to her and stroked her hair. When she looked to him, he smiled. You have been tired all the time, Mike said to her. She nodded, as did Prentiss and Paul.

It seems like for the last month, the only time she’s awake is when she’s eating, and she eats a lot, Paul said coming to Candy and touching her shoulder. Candy looked to him and the tears increased.

I’m sorry, she managed between sobs. Gloreana and Megan released her into Paul’s arms.

No honey, you don’t have to be. I’m just worried about you, Paul told her lovingly.

The reason you’re so tired all the time and so hungry, is because the baby has been drawing off you, Mike told his cousin. Candy lifted her head and looked at him in confusion.

That’s right, Gloreana stated. Candy looked at her with questions in her eyes. Do you feel hungry now? Gloreana asked her. Candy looked to her for a moment and then to Paul, her eyes going wide with surprise. She looked back to Gloreana and smiled as she shook her head. Are you tired? Gloreana asked her. Again Candy looked to her husband and back to her. She shook her head no again.

That is because the baby can now draw on the magical force of the Valley and not you, Mike said softly. A scared look came to Candy’s eyes.

Does that mean she will have to stay in a Magical Domain forever? she asked Mike and Gloreana. Candy looked to Paul and saw the same worry in his eyes. Gloreana smiled and shook her head.

I don’t see that, she told her softly; but for now, she does. For her sake, and yours, Gloreana told her. Mike nodded in agreement.

How long will we have to stay here? Candy asked, the fear not leaving her eyes. Gloreana smiled.

I think till shortly after her birth, she told Candy. Again Mike nodded his agreement. Candy looked back and forth between them.

Really? Candy asked softly. They both nodded again, smiling.

Why don’t you all discuss this in the cottage? Michael asked or told, as you perceive it. Paul, stay with Candy, we’ll take care of the horses. Morgan, would you help please? Michael asked as he started to undo Bertha from the sled and Tom took one of the horses from the back of the sled.

Sure, Morgan said; beats standing here with my face hanging out. He went to the other horse behind the sled.

Thank you, Megan said with a chuckle, which spread to the rest when Morgan stuck out his tongue at her. The rest moved toward the cottage.

Can I stay outside? Candy asked as they neared the table in the yard. The sun feels so good, she added. Gloreana and Mike looked to the others and nodded as Tommy began the two year old wiggle. He wanted down, there were worlds to explore. Besides, I owe somebody something, Candy said as she went to Prentiss and put her arms around her. Prentiss responded and for a second or two, they shared a very special moment. They separated, with a shared look and Candy went to the table.

Go ahead and put him down Maria, Prentiss said. Between Megan and I, if we tag team, we should be able to run him down. Candy giggled.

It took you almost to the main road for you to catch him the last time, Candy said as her giggle grew.

I can catch him! Sinlear said with bravado.

And what are you going to do with him when you do? Maria asked the fairy, laughing. She saw the young fairy cloud up and she knew that she had to do something. I’ll tell what you can do, Maria added, the young fairy pouted at her. If he does get away, you could keep track of him, couldn’t you? she asked and the fairy brightened and nodded.

With that tracking, I can catch him, Ginless said as he and his mate Panline and their new colt, Renless, walked into the clearing.

Ginless, Panline! DeeDee called out, as she recognized the first ever pairing of Valley unicorn, who was not as big as many of the Valley unicorns and a Canyon unicorn, who was bigger than most Canyon unicorns. She looked to the new colt. So this is why you have not visited in so long. He is beautiful. The mare bowed her thanks as the colt sought safety under her. Tommy gave one final squirt of effort and broke free from Maria’s grip. She had tried to hold him, unsure of the new colts reaction to the boy. He easily avoided Sandy’s grab and stopped six feet from the colt and his dam. He smiled at Renless and held out his hand, palm up. Everyone froze and watched as the colt looked doubtfully at Tommy and his hand.

Will you not honor the hand of friendship offered you? Panline asked her son. Renless looked to her and then back to Tommy. He took several short and shaky steps towards Tommy’s offered hand.

Be gentle Tommy, Candy said softly. Tommy didn’t turn as he nodded his head, his hand moving only slightly with his nods. Renless took a couple of more steps toward the offered hand and looked into the bright eyes of Tommy.

Come on, Tommy said softly. I be good. The human adults stared at the two year old that spoke with clarity of word that many adults could not achieve. Renless’s ears had lifted when Tommy spoke. He watched the boy and then moved carefully to the hand. Tommy giggled and gently touched the muzzle and then the forehead of the five day old colt. Renless conceded to the touch of the boy and a friendship was born that would last for a life time.

I’ll be damned, DeeDee whispered. Maria did not reprimand her. She just smiled as she thought of her mother, who had passed away one week after her father, unable to live in a world without the only man she had ever loved. Her father had passed away one year, to the day, after the gathering. Both human and unicorn stared at the bonding with very wide eyes. Suddenly, both boy and colt bolted, in the direction of the stream, and they were in a hurry!

Don’t worry, Ginless said. Young fairy, if you will spot them, I think I can steer them back this way. Sinlear grinned and lifted, following the two runaways. Ginless touched his mates horn lovingly and followed the fairy. Panline watched her mate as he chased after their colt and the boy, with love in her eyes. She turned back to the frightened eyes of Candy and others.

Do not fear, he would allow no harm to come to either of them, she told them softly.

Panline, the Malainian bushes are perfect, if you would like, DeeDee said pointing to a great stand of bushes not far from them, on the opposite side and near the back of the yard. Panline bowed, with a smile, and went to the bushes and began to eat. DeeDee was familiar with the tastes of unicorns and the Malainian bushes were not only one of their favorites, but also very good for a mother recovering from birth. Candy, would you like some juice? she asked her daughter. Candy smiled at her.

Yes please, she said with feeling and a smile. Paul and Prentiss tried to bake me in that sled and I’m parched. She started to giggle as Prentiss glared at her and then smiled. Suddenly, they heard Tommy’s giggle and he came running from the cleaning table area and zoomed through the yard, disappearing around the corner of the cottage, a fairy above him, a colt that seemed to be having difficulty staying with him and followed closely by Ginless, who wore a smile, but his eyes were wide with surprise.

We probably should have warned him, Prentiss said and everybody started laughing, including Panline. DeeDee went towards the cottage to get Candy’s juice and Prentiss went with her, asking if there was anyone else that wanted some. Hands rose all over the place.

I’ll help you carry, Maria said as she rose from the table. It was then that they heard the pounding of small hooves. Panline turned around, recognizing her colts sounds and Renless came into the yard, from the other side of the cottage and tried to stop. His legs got tangled and he slid to a stop, mostly on his face. He was followed closely by Ginless, who was puffing a little.

Tommy? Candy asked in a whisper, looking to the unicorn, who was looking around, his eyes wider that they should be.

He was in front of me! Ginless proclaimed and then they heard the boys giggle as he came from behind, with a young dedicated fairy above and behind him. Tommy ran between the unicorns legs, barely ducking, from back to front, causing the surprised Ginless to leap into the air. Sinlear had to dodge quickly to keep from hitting him and Tommy collapse next to Renless, laughing. Ginless landed as Tommy threw his arm over the colt, who had finally gotten his legs untangled and the two lay there. With surprising speed, their breathing slowed and they gently went to sleep. Ginless looked at the two laying together on the ground, with Tommy’s head lying on the side of the colt. He looked up to the humans and his eyes had opened wider. He runs as a unicorn, he stated softly. He ran around me. I fear if he truly tried, I would not be able to catch him. Prentiss started to laugh.

Oh yeah, we really should have warned him, she said as she disappeared into the cottage. The rest started to laugh, including Candy, who looked to her two year old son with pride and, with worry. They were trying not to make too much noise as they talked and laughed with each other, but they really had nothing to worry about. The two young ones were sound asleep.

It was several hours later and there was concern among the humans that the boy would sleep too much and not sleep that night, when Renless opened his eyes and lifted his head. The young unicorn turned and looked to the tussled hair of the one whose head rested upon him. He turned his head further and scented the head and laid his head back to the ground, a small smile coming to his lips.

I mean no disrespect, but we must return to the herd, Ginless said softly to the humans. Prentiss again, did not hesitate. She rose and went to the sleeping boy. Renless eyed her as she did. She knelt down and touched Tommy’s shoulder.

Hey speedy, time to wake up, she said softly and Tommy’s eyes opened. He smiled when he looked at her and then spun the other way. He came to his knees and his hands rested on the side of the colt. Renless looked to the boy and they both giggled. You can trust me when I tell you, there is no happier sound anywhere, than that of a young unicorns giggle. Tommy climbed to his feet and Renless followed his lead. They stood facing each other, a smile on each. Tommy came closer and put his arms around the colts neck. Renless responded and he gently rubbed the side of the boys head. Panline approached and spoke quietly.

We must return to the herd Renless, she told her colt. Tommy looked to the mare and again with a strong voice and clear word, asked a one word question.

Tomorrow? Tommy asked softly. Panline looked to Ginless and he nodded.

But I’m bringing Cenless with us, he said, speaking of one of the larger unicorns, that also happened to be one of the fastest. Panline laughed and turned to Candy, who nodded, smiling. She turned back to Tommy.

Yes little one, tomorrow, she told him and Tommy laughed, which Renless joined in on. Panline turned and started walking towards the unicorns pasture.

Come my son, Ginless said as he passed. Renless turned and followed his sire and dam. They had not traveled far when Renless suddenly turned and galloped back to Tommy. Stopping just short of the boy, he lowered his head and placed the nub of his horn against Tommy’s chest. He backed away slightly and they both laughed. Renless turned and ran back to his parents.

Well, I’ll be damned, Maria said, almost whispering.

Mother, DeeDee said reproachingly and quietly, with a giggle.

Oh shut up, Maria said softly and headed for the cottage, wiping tears from her eyes.

Come on speedy, Prentiss said softly, holding out her hand. Tommy took her hand before he had turned completely, his smile still firmly planted to his face. She led him to the cottage, the sun now well past high.

My Lord, Gloreana whispered to Mike as they gathered around the large table that with the free standing counter, separated the kitchen area from the sitting area. We should not stay too much longer. Natoria is good, but with her own and Megan’s and our two, she will not last too much longer. Gloreana was smiling as she spoke. Mike glanced at her and smiled with her, knowing the four young she spoke of. He returned his eyes to Candy and his smile grew.

I think we will be able to leave soon, he told her. She followed his eyes to Candy and looked back to him.

You think she will deliver soon? she whispered her question. Mike just nodded, slowly. Maria, DeeDee and Megan had gone to the kitchen area and were starting to put together something for supper. Tommy sat in Prentiss’s lap, to Candy’s right, quiet and still, watching his mother. The conversation around the table was lively and varied. A half hour later, Tommy’s smile began to grow and his eyes brightened.

I’ve never seen a kid look that happy before, Morgan said to anyone. Tommy pointed to Candy’s stomach.

Jenny, he said very loudly. Everyone turned and looked to him.

Uh Oh! Candy said through suddenly clenched teeth, her hands grabbing the table edge.

Candy? Paul asked and Candy shut her eyes and the very powerful contraction took its grip on her. Paul got up and took Candy’s arm, trying to move her.

No Paul, Maria said coming around the table. Wait for the contraction to stop.

You men take care of the stuff on the stove, DeeDee told them as she joined her mother beside Candy.

Let’s not wait too long, Candy told them as the contraction eased. This kid wants out now! Maria and DeeDee started to lift Candy from the chair and Gloreana and Megan raced for Candy’s old bedroom, to prepare the bed.

And get some water boiling, DeeDee finished her orders. Candy all but doubled over as the second contraction hit her before they had even reached the bedroom door and Mike spelled pain relief for her. Prentiss was working very hard at keeping Tommy with her, for he wanted to go to his mother. They finally got Candy into the bedroom and the curtain was pulled. Mike looked to the stove and a large pot of steaming water appeared.

You might as well sit down, we won’t have long to wait, he told the standing men. They had only been seated for a short time when Candy made a very pronounced and, very profound statement.

Aaarrrggghhh! There was a moment of pause, when none of the men breathed. They heard a slap and then there was a short bleat of a cry and then a babies laughter. The men all looked at each other with very surprised expressions.

Paul, I can’t hold him! Prentiss yelled suddenly. Paul started to rise from his chair, but it was too late. Tommy broke Prentiss’s grip and sprinted for the bedroom.

Jenny, Jenny! he called as he went through the curtain. A very happy giggle issued from the room. The rest charged after Tommy and when they came into the room, they stopped still. Gloreana was on one knee, holding the new baby, who was wrapped in a towel, and