The Adventures in the Land series

By PB Fox

  The year is 4545 and Earth is a very different place. Most of the humans have abandoned the planet and one continent is dominated by human animal hybrids that were once the property of the elite. 
  The Adventures of Philip the Faun is a story of friendship and adventure in this new world. As a group of young people learn about their world and themselves. 
  Search for the Humans continues the story with new characters joining in the quest to learn about their origins, by finding the remnants of humanity, and defending their lands. 
  In Friendship 4, our friends find new races and learn of a threat not of this world. 
  Thorn, is centered on the lives of two brothers, while the world erupts in violence and prepares for invasion. 
  Come join the Adventures in the Land.

• Language: English
• Publisher: PB Fox
• Release date: Aug 26, 2022
• ISBN: 9781393278894

Book preview

Part I

Chapter 1 The Fauns

Fauns are a peaceful , passionate and happy people that live a simple life. They resemble the ancient humans except for their long floppy ears, horns and multi colored skin, in shades of either creamy white, tan, brown or black. Their height is between 4 and 5 feet. They mature early and are considered an adult at the age of 12.

They live in small villages in a hilly area that runs alongside the great river. The climate is mild, with the low temperatures in the mid-40s and high temperatures in the upper 70s. Faun villages don’t appear to be villages at all. There are no houses or other buildings. A common area, usually near a large bolder or tree trunk, is set aside as the storage area for the collected food and other community supplies.

Each village is independent and governed by the village leader, chosen each year during the spring festival. The elders of the village act as an informal council to advise the leader. They eat no meat, nor do they use any animal products for things such as clothes. The entire village goes out each morning to gather food and other items. They wear only a simple loose baggy type of shorts. Most faun children are born in the spring. A ceremony of passage to adulthood is conducted during the spring festival for all the children who are turning 12 that spring. The festival lasts for 3 days and is held during the full moon. Fauns keep a lunar calendar and celebrate each full moon with dancing and singing. The largest celebration is the spring festival. Due to the absence of housing and personal property, children mingle and sleep wherever they wish. This has the effect of all the adults caring for all the children, although the natural parents have some rights over their children. When a village gets too large to be sustained in that area, it divides and some go off to found a new village. Fauns are known as the land’s best healers and can smell infection and feel the wrong in the body.

14 days before the spring celebration:

The early morning fog was beginning to clear, and the village was slowly coming together to prepare for the daily gathering. Philip had spent the night in a pile of pine needles under a large white pine. Dusting off a few needles from his shorts, he pondered the coming day and the festival just 14 days away. Philip is 11 1/2 years old and while being 11 1/2 is not usually a problem, being 11 1/2 in spring is unusual. In fact, everyone in the village has been talking about his age for days now. Some think he should join the other children who are turning 12 this spring at the ceremony. Others say he is too young and should wait until next year to be confirmed as an adult, and still others want to have an additional ceremony in the fall. Philip is tired of the whole thing and of everyone asking him how he feels. After all, he didn’t choose to be born in the fall any more than he chose to be the tallest in the village at 5’8" or his unusual coloring of cream and rust. No one cared about those things; fauns are very accepting of differences, so it’s only this year that his birthday became an issue. So deep in thought, Phillip made his way towards the assembly place to wait for his assignment of what to look for that morning.

Good morning Phillip, said Gaidar, one of the elders of the village.

Good morning Gaidar.

Don’t let all this talk about the celebration get to you, boy. I’m sure everyone will come around and realize you are quite ready for your responsibilities as an adult. Already you are our most skilled healer, perhaps even the best in the lower hills.

Thanks, Gaidar. I am sure it will be worked out. I better get over and see what I am supposed to find today.

Phillip hurries now, hoping to avoid more conversations and quickly gets his assignment. It’s only 3 plants, but they are very rare and he might have to travel far to find them. Just before he reaches the edge of the village, he comes across a few friends, Valeria, Lucia, and their brother Demarcus. Valeria and Lucia are twin sisters turning 12 this spring. Both girls are brown and white with black ears and their 9-year-old brother Demarcus is all white with one brown stripe running down his spine. They obviously want to talk and Philip, not wanting to be rude, stops, and with his usual large smile, says hello.

Hi Valeria,  Hi Lucia, Hay Demarcus. 

Valeria smiles back.

Hi Phillip, do you want to join us this morning? We are supposed to get two baskets of blackberries. I am sure we will have enough time to get whatever you were assigned as well. 

Phillip wants to be alone with his thoughts that morning, so he’s glad he was assigned the rare plants.

Sorry, but I have been given some rare plants and might have to go a long way to find them.

Demarcus asks, Can I come with you then, please, please, please? All the girls talk about now is the celebration and that since they will be adults now, I will have to do whatever they say. 

Your sisters are just teasing you. I am sure they won’t order you around too much!

Phillip winks at both girls. Demarcus, still desperate to be with his friend, pleads,

But I want to go with you. I hardly ever see you much anymore. You’re always going over to the Centaurs.

Phillip, feeling guilty for not spending time with his young friend, comes up with an idea.

Hay, tell you what, tomorrow after the gathering we can swim out to the sandbar together and have sand fights.

Really! Demarcus’ eyes light up. Why not today? Then, before Philip can answer, he says. I know you’re going to see Ceri, ok. Promise you won’t forget!

Phillip replies, NO WAY, it’ll be fun, but right now I have to get going. See you all later.

Philip looks back and notices his mother, Aidos, taking to the elders still in the village. After a moment’s thought, he starts into the woods.

All fauns have very good eyesight and smell, which helps them in finding the daily food, but Philip has what he thinks of as a trick. He finds a quiet spot, closes his eyes and thinks hard about what plant he wants to find. Slowly he gets a feeling of what direction and how far away the plant is. He also knows if the plant is healthy or needs something, like more or less light or water. So, concentrating on the first plant, he finds that there is one about a half mile away, but it is not doing well and has few leaves. He starts out towards the plant and after 15 minutes or so, he finds it. Looking at the poor thing, he knows it is growing in a too shady spot and likely will not survive. He gently digs it up with the help of a stick and moves it over a few feet to a better spot. Pouring a little water on it from a jug he brought along, he stands back and smiles. It makes him feel good to help things be better, be it plant or people, it doesn’t matter, he just enjoys helping and seeing things thrive. He concentrates again, and this time locates another one of the same plant, and it’s in better health, and so he sets off again.

After he is done collecting everything he was sent for, and is on his way back to the village, he starts daydreaming of faraway places, of traveling to see some other races. Like the Elves who live up north, or even the wizards in their big cities. His mother traveled to the Wizard capital of Arch before he was born, and Philip loves hearing the stories of the places and people she had seen.

As he arrives back at the village, his mother meets him.

Philip, come here I want to tell you something,. Aidos calls out

Philip, now nervous, starts over towards her and asks. Shouldn’t I bring my basket in first?

That can wait son, come along with me we have to talk.

Philip guesses. Is it the decision about my ceremony? Do I have to wait until fall?

I am sorry Philip, but the decision is that you should wait until next year. The tradition shouldn’t be changed just for one boy. I am so sorry. This is all my fault.

Philip wilts looks at his basket and says. It’s ok mom, I’ll put this away then I am going to take a walk. He walks away.

Gaidar walks over to Aidos. I take it, it didn’t go well.

She replies. Did you think it would? He had his heart set on going through it this spring. He wants to be a full healer, not just a helper, and he has to go through the ceremony before that can happen. You know, you were his best supporter and don’t think I won’t tell him that. We both appreciate your help.

Where is he going? Gaidar asks.

I think he will probably go see his friend, Ceri.

Gaidar nods his head. Yes, that’s probably the best place for him right now. Give him time to think.

In the distance, Philip is seen walking slowly toward Centaur town.

Chapter 2 The Centaurs

Centaurs are a proud people very concerned with outward appearances and value, strength, size and endurance. A horse and human body have given them extra capacity in lung, heart and stomach, increasing their stamina. From head to huff, the typical centaur stands at about 8 feet tall. Some centaurs genetically have a larger size related to their far distant ancestors, the draft horses. They stand at 9 feet tall and are much more broad of shoulder. Very rarely, a centaur will inherit pony genes and will be much smaller. Typical coloring on their coat is solid brown or black or two colors of white, brown or black. Their skin color is from light white to light brown. The age of majority is 10 for males and 12-16 for females.

They live at the edge of the hills bordering the fauns. In fact, the border between them is not well defined and the two races get along well. Most of their land, however, is grassland, and that’s where most centaurs live. They have one large town referred to as Centaur Town. This is where the government is located. Products are made for domestic and foreign trade and food storage. Large parts of the grasslands are now farms and orchards. They also share a border with the Elves.

The ruling council is composed of males of the largest size and having the most mates. Other positions in society also depend on those same criteria. Like the Fauns, they do not eat meat or use animal products. Unlike the fauns, they follow a solar calendar and their celebrations are on the solstices and equinoxes. This year the spring equinox will fall on the full moon, an event that has not occurred in 19 years. Their favorite foods include apples, orange root, beer and apple brandy. The typical home is rectangular with an inner courtyard. One side is reserved for the father, the side to the right is for his mates. The side opposite the fathers is for children (males up to 10 and females up to 16), the fourth side is for storage, cooking and other household needs. The courtyard is where the family gathers together. Males, once they turn 10, go to live in bachelor housing. These are long rectangular buildings with rooms on each side and a large one at the end, for the housemaster. Females can choose a mate at 12, but if not mated can stay home until 16. Females raise the children and teach. They have an agreement with the fauns and trade beer and brandy for unlimited healer services.

It’s early morning and even though the festival is still 14 days away, preparation is being done in a large field outside of town in the grassland. Ceri is on his way to watch the progress as the race courses are being set up and logs are being brought in for the log tossing. Ceri is 12 years old and so has been in the bachelor's house for two years now. He works in the brewing hall where both beer and brandy are made. This year, besides the two festivals, an enormous amount of brandy has been set aside for the Elf Queen’s 200th birthday celebration. Work had been very busy, but now everything is in place and his father Tirion, the master brewer, has given him the day off. As he approaches the festival site, he spots Ryun 14  and Taran 13. The pair of young men are often seen together. It’s too late to run, so he resigns himself to what’s coming.

Ryun smiles when he sees Ceri. He loves teasing the small Centaur. Ceri is much smaller than average.

Hay it’s the Pony! He calls out, what are you doing here? The games are for men, not yearlings. Go back to mommy.

Taran, laughing, picks up a rotten apple from the ground and tosses it at Ceri. Go on, you heard him on your way pony.

Three young Centaur girls pass by, and Ryun and Taran are momentarily distracted. Ceri takes this opportunity to run back to town.

The plans he had for his day off now ruined. Ceri is thinking about what to do as he walks through town and finds himself on the path towards the faun village. He starts thinking of his friend Philip and a smile returns to his face. He loves being with Philip, as he is never judged by him for his size or anything else. They just have fun together.

Philip, seeing Ceri approaching, runs to his friend. Hay Ceri, I am so glad I found you. I thought I was going to have to go to the brewery to look for you.

No, my dad gave me the day off. We’re all set except for the deliveries. So since you’re here, what do you want to do today? If you want, we could go back to the brewery and grab a bit of brandy and then go to the river and spend the day?

Philip answers back. Sure, that sounds great. We could swim over to the islands and pick some orange root. I know you love them.

Ceri, looking a little pale, says, Orange roots are great, but you know Centaurs don’t swim in moving water.

We have been over this before. I can teach you it will be fun, you’ll see. Trust me.

So the two head off, winding through the town on their way to the brewery. Once they arrive, Ceri leads Philip to the back, where the barrels are stored. Quick, Philip, pour out your water and give me your jug. Ceri slips inside the building and after a few minutes, returns and hands Philip the jug. Ok, now let’s get out of here before anyone comes around and asks any questions.

They set off again, passing through the warehouse district where large buildings are used to store grain and apples in barrels as well as beer and brandy.

Philip looking from one to another exclaims. My entire village could fit in that building, its huge.

Ceri looks at the building Philip is talking about and replies. That one holds all the brandy for the Elf Queen’s party this winter. We have been filling it up for 20 years now. It’s almost ready. Dad has me doing all the counting and inspection of the barrels because I can fit better between the racks.

They continue on and pass through the housing district and past Ceri’s old house.

Philip asks, How many mates does your dad have now?

Ceri answers, Five, I think? My Mom, Del, is dad’s second mate. I think there are 4 kids at home, but I am not sure, as I haven’t been home for 2 years now.

They Proceed down through the workshops where the two-wheeled carts are made and other craft like backpacks and tables

Philip again speaks up. No matter how many times I have gone through your town, there is always something going on. It must be cool to live here,.

Ceri replies, Not as cool as you think. Sometimes I would rather be anywhere else.

Leaving town and starting on the path to the river, they pass through the shade under the oak trees. Both boys are quiet for a spell. Each thinking of the events earlier that morning and enjoying each other’s company. After another half hour, they arrive at the river. It’s sunny and warm, the perfect spring day. Phillip is first to run to the water’s edge, grab a flat stone and try to skip it across the slow-moving water. 

Ceri catches up a moment later and asks. You said you were coming to find me today, and you thought I was working. Did you want something?

Phillip looks down and is quiet for a moment and says. It’s nothing. I just wanted someone to talk to about something.

Ceri looks at him and understanding dawns. It’s about your ceremony, right? Are they making you wait until fall?

Philip looks up at his friend, tears welling up in his eyes. Worse, I have to wait until next year.

Ceri, angry, says in a loud voice. You will be 12 and a half. That’s dumb!

Philip sees the anger in Ceri’s face, and a small smile appears on Philip’s face as he realizes how much Ceri cares about him.

Both boys are quiet again for a moment until Ceri asks. Can you really teach me how to swim in the river?

Philip, breaking out of his mood, jumps up and down and then shouts. Yes, it will be great. We can swim to the island and you can have as much orange root as you can eat. The island is great. You just wait till we get there.

Ceri, now realizing he has to go through with this, is a little nervous, but is committed, seeing how happy it makes his friend.

Chapter 3 The island

For 20 minutes or so , Philip tried to show Ceri how to swim in the shallow water. It was not going well.

Ceri, you need to lean forward and pull the water with your hands and arms and kick your back legs.

Ceri hollers back, I am kicking my back legs. What do I do with my front legs?

Philip is starting to realize that a faun teaching a Centaur might not have been the best idea, but he’s not ready to give up yet. He has one more idea.

Ceri, step over here. Now close your eyes and lean forward and when I say, bend your front legs.

As Ceri gets into position, Philip makes his way behind him and when he’s in place, he calls out now, and he pushes his friend forward into the deep water. Ceri lurches into the current and frantically starts kicking all 4 legs. As he does so, he starts moving forward into the river and also downstream. Ceri’s face is frozen in fear and he locks his vision on the island ahead, kicking like his life depends on it. The island seems much farther than it did from the shore, and the current stronger than it looked. He manages a few words, Philip, if I live, I will kill you!

Philip, stunned that his idea actually worked, races to get alongside his friend, but not too close because Ceri does look kind of mad.

As they make their way towards the island, Philip is trying to encourage Ceri and Ceri is just focused on reaching the shore. Suddenly, as they are almost to the shore, Ceri cries out, help, help! Something has grabbed my. legs, it’s going to eat me, help, Philip I am going to die help!

Philip races over to his friend. Where is it?

Ceri cries out. It’s got both my back legs. I am going to drown!

Right behind Ceri now, Philip sees the problem. Relieved, he tells Ceri. Stand up, you're in the shallows. The creature is a bunch of water vines. Hold still and I will find something to cut them off. You have them wound tight, you really are caught good.

Philip finds a broken shell and cuts Ceri loose and they walk onto the beach.

Ceri is not speaking and is looking angrily at Philip.

Philip suddenly starts laughing and saying. Help me, it’s going to eat me.

Ceri shouts, Shut up, but grins and starts laughing as well, well how was I to know.

Both boys are now rolling in the sand and laughing so hard they can’t breathe.

Ceri stops and, looking back at his rear legs, says. I think it cut my legs.

Philip, now quite serious, says. Let me look. Lay on your side and I will check you out. It looks like you have several cuts from the vines. I have to clean off the sand to get a better look. Stay here, don’t move.

Philip goes back to the water and removes his shorts, soaks them in the water and brings them back. He squeezes the water out over the cuts to help wash the sand out and then gently wipes the wounds with the cloth. He tells Ceri, You have four lashes on your legs and under your hind end. Two of them are pretty deep and starting to swell. I need to go get a couple of plants. I know both of them grow on the island. One is for the pain, the other for the swelling. Stay right here and I will be back. I am really sorry Ceri, I never thought bringing you here would get you hurt.

Ceri turns to him and says. Hay don’t worry, I will be fine, besides I have the best healer in the land with me, right? But if you could find some of those orange root plants on your way, that would be great.

Philip runs off to find the medical plants and harvest some orange root plants.

Ceri is tired from the swim and, being comfortable in the sun, soon falls asleep. With his arms loaded with all he can carry, Philip returns. Seeing Ceri sleeping, he sets down the orange root near his friend and goes to find a rock with a depression and a smaller one to grind the medical plants into a paste. When he’s finished, Ceri has woken up and has started eating the orange root plants. Hey these are good. I could eat a barrel full, he says.

Philip, glad his friend is in a good mood brings over the paste and has Ceri move so he can apply it to his wounds.

Wow. Ceri exclaims. That feels so much better!

Philip, feeling a little better but still guilty, gives his medical advice, Make sure to keep it clean and it will need to be reapplied after we swim back and every day for 5 days.

Ok, ok, oh great healer one, Ceri jokingly replies. How about joining me in eating some of the orange roots you brought? By the way, where is the jug with the brandy?

Oh yeah, I forgot it’s on the beach. I left it when I saw you were hurt. I’ll go grab it,.

A couple hours later, both boys were full and Philip was having a hard time standing. Ceri tells Philip to sit down, and he does with a plop next to his friend. Philip, you're a great friend. I would never have tried to come out here if it wasn’t for you, you’re the best.

Philip tries to speak, You're I to am best, and he proceeds to lie flat and sleep.

Ceri moves him closer and leans him against his belly in case he gets sick, then falls asleep himself.

As the first rays of sun touch the island, Ceri wakes up and strongly needs to go relieve himself. However, Philip during the night has moved over and curled up against him and he doesn’t want to wake his friend. Suddenly, his tail lifts and there is a loud noise. Philip wakes with a start. A terrible stench fills the air, and he turns to his friend. You’re disgusting. How could you do that right there?

Ceri, looking both guilty and yet laughing, answers. Hey, I held it as long as I could. Now please let me up. I really need to pee.

Philip springs away and heads off to do the same.

Phillip returns first and is staring into the fog at the edge of the river when Ceri returns just a moment later. Phillip, what are you looking at?

Phillip points at the fog and in the mist there are 2 deep blue eyes looking directly at them. Frozen for the moment, the boys watch as a young boy, perhaps 3 feet tall, steps out of the fog to stand at the water’s edge. Phillip speaks first. He’s not a faun or centaur?

Ceri adds. Not an elf either, maybe a wizard boy?

Phillip looks briefly at Ceri. What would a wizard boy be doing all the way out here alone?

My name is Aros, and I was created in part by both of you. The boys, now speechless, continue to stare at Aros, so he goes on. Yesterday, when you were in the river, Naida, the Spirit of all water, felt the great bond between both of you and was moved. This brought me into the world. I am therefore part of her spirit and part of your deep bond. I have come now to give you some gifts. First, know that for as long as both of you shall live, you shall never drown in water. Second, when you are near water and in need, call on me and I can give you strength. The strength will be in proportion to the amount of water. Near a pond, your strength may be twice or three times normal. Near the river you will have the strength of a river. One more thing, if you are separated, both of you go to any water and call me and I can relay messages between you. Now, are you ready to play?

Ceri responds. Aros, thank you for your gifts. What exactly do you want to play?

Aros, grinning, answers. You both need to get back home and to do so, you need to swim the river. I suggest that with my help, we do it with a little more fun.

Not knowing why exactly, both boys believe this, Aros, and Philip says; ok what do we do. Aros takes Philip’s hand and leads him to the river. As Philip steps into the water, he is held afloat by Aros. Suddenly they are racing back and forth across the water and Philip is being pulled at high speed. Sometimes just his feet are against the water, sometimes he is on his butt. He flips and spins and hollers with joy. Finally, being brought to the far shore. Aros returns and brings Ceri back in the same way, adding a swift pull that launches Ceri over a large rock in the river, landing safely on the sandy shore.

Hurry, now you are both late and today is an important day for both of you. At that, Aros simply dissolves into the river.

Chapter 4 A day of surprises

As they start down the path home, Ceri exclaims, My dad is going to kill me for being late and after giving me a day off. You’re going to be late for the gathering. Will you be in trouble? Phillip thinks a minute, then answers. I don’t know. I won’t know what they wanted me to get, but on the way back I can pick up some things I know we need. Fauns are usually pretty relaxed as far as work goes, but I have to get back to take Demarcus out to the sandbar.

Ceri asks. Is that the boy you cured a few years ago?

Phillip responds. Yeah, it was three years ago, my first time healing. He had a bad fever, and we needed a special plant and didn’t have any. I was so sorry for him that all I could think of was that I wished I knew where one was. Then, all of a sudden, I knew just where to go. I ran and got it and brought it back. My mom had me give him some and by morning, he was doing better. Since then, he has always wanted to hang around with me. At first it was a little weird, but he’s really nice, so I try to do things with him.

Ceri asks. What do the other fauns think of how you find stuff?

I haven’t told anyone yet.

Why not?

I don’t know?

You told me.

You’re different. I tell you everything.

Reaching a point where they need to go different ways, the boys say goodbye and head off home.

Centaur town, mid morning.

Ceri heads directly to the brewery, but on the way he’s spotted by Ryun and Taran. They take off after him, and Ceri runs as fast as he can. He races down the street of shops. At first they are gaining on him, but the other people in the street make it hard for them to go full speed and Ceri begins to pull away. They are faster than Ceri, but Ceri is more agile and can turn quicker. He darts between two shops and out into a back street. Heading into the home district now, he’s tiring and they are gaining on him again. His wounds hurt and with fewer people in the street, he’s losing the little advantage he had. He sees the large warehouse that stores the brandy for the Elf queen and makes a desperate dash, reaching a back door. He runs inside and quickly starts down the rows of racks. It’s dark inside and very tight between the barrels. He has been working there for a year and knows every inch. Finding a spot that only someone his size could get to, he pauses for breath. Ryun and Taran reach the door only moments later and enter the dark warehouse. Pausing a moment

Taran speaks first. Hay pony, we’ve got you now. No place to run and we can stay here all day. Ryun pipes up. How about we dump a few barrels over and maybe they will crush the runt?

Then from behind a massive centaur, Tirion’s foreman, grabs the tails of both young men and yanks hard. The Forman’s line dates back to the far distant age of draft horses and he might have attained a high position except he was gilded in an accident as a child. Ryun and Taran try to spin around to face their attacker, but space is tight inside and they end up crashing into each other. The foreman, looking very angry, in a loud voice demands, So what’s this about busting up my warehouse? I will have you sent up to the council.

Ryun, looking pale, says. No sir, we were just joking. We thought our friend was hiding on us. Friend ha, get your tails out of here and if I see you again, I will have you brought up for judgment. Now scram!

The pair flee as fast as they can. It’s alright now, Ceri, you can come out. I know you’re inside.

Ceri makes his way out of his hiding spot and stands before the foreman. Sorry sir, I didn’t mean to cause trouble.

I know, Ceri, I know those two are trouble, but someday you will have to face them one way or another. You can’t run away from your troubles. Now your father has been looking all morning for you. You better get over to the brewery as fast as possible.

Yes, sir! Ceri answers, and with that, he's off.

He enters his father’s office, quite nervous that he’s going to be in big trouble. Tirion, seeing his son enter, looks at him sternly. Ceri, where have you been all morning? Never mind, I have a special task for you if you think you’re up to it. Do you remember going with us to the Elves last year? Do you remember the way?

Slightly relieved, Ceri answers, yes sir.

Tirion continues. We need you to go meet with the elves, someone named Selene and some dwarf. I don’t have his name. You need to give them the information you have been compiling on the brandy and beer. We will be sending them for their grand celebration this winter. Apparently, the dwarves need all the figures and information on the roads in order to make the wagons and get them here for the shipping. Our two-wheel carts will not work for such a large operation. The trip should take 4 days each way and you will stay a night or two in the city so you should have time enough to return for the festival. Any questions?

Ceri, shocked and excited, says. Why me?

Because you have been working in the warehouse and have all the figures. I don’t have time for you to explain it all to someone else. There can be no errors and you have a good knowledge of all the roads and paths they will want to know about. Now go get ready. You leave in the morning. Oh, one other thing, take this. He hands Ceri a medallion of a centaur on a field of grass. The elves are a touchy people and only want to deal with the other races when necessary. This identifies you as speaking for our people. I got it from the council, don’t lose it. Now go. Ceri turns to leave. STOP! You’re bleeding down your legs. What happened?

It’s nothing. I cut myself playing yesterday.

Tirion, his face concerned. Go and find a faun and have it treated before you go.

Ceri asks. May I have someone come with me?

I suppose you mean that faun you hang around with, fine but have a tight leash on him. Elves are serious people, and fauns are often too playful for them.

Ceri leaves to start his preparations.

Once out of sight, the foreman enters Tirion’s office. He asks. Do you still think it’s a good idea to send him to the elves? If I hadn’t been at the warehouse this morning, those two pests might have really done him some harm. Are you sure he can handle himself?

Tirion lets out a deep breath. I hope so. I do love the boy, but with his small size, he will find life hard. I am hoping the elves will like him and perhaps ask for him to be liaison. That at least would give him some status.

The foreman frowns. And what about bringing the faun?

Tirion smiles. Like you said, he might need all the help he can get.

Then why not send another centaur along?

No, it has to be his journey. Another centaur would take over the mission. He has to be in charge to earn the elves’ respect.

Philip is walking towards the village and thinking about yesterday. So much happened in one day. And today, starting with meeting a river spirit, it’s hard for him to take it all in. However, right now he needs to find some food to bring home. He goes quickly to a spot he’s been to before and grabs some leaks and off to another for some garlic before racing back to the village.

Arriving at the village, Philip is putting away the food when Brenna, this year’s village leader, comes up and demands. Why were you not at the gathering this morning? What did you bring in? I told the elders not 12 is not 12, you are clearly still a child!

Philip, growing angry, replies. I brought in leaks and garlic. Since you are fond of pointing out I am a child, you would do well to remember that children are only required to assist in the gathering to the best of their ability. Nothing can be demanded of them until they reach adulthood. Yet for several years now, people have depended on me for gathering and healing, so which is it to be? I am going off to PLAY now. He leaves Brenna with her mouth hanging open.

Demarcus, spotting Philip, runs to him and shouts, Philip, you're back. I was worried when I didn’t see you this morning. Are we still going to the sandbar?

Philip, smiling now, puts his arm around his friend and replies. Of course I wouldn’t miss it for anything. Let’s go.

They reach the river and Demarcus dives right in. Unlike Ceri, Demarcus has been swimming since he could walk, and the skinny boy is fast and sure in the water. Philip is right behind him and both swim as fast as they can towards the sand bar. Demarcus arrives first and jumps up and grabs handfuls of sand and starts lobbing them at Philip. He scores one right on Philip’s head before Philip can get onto the sandbar. Once Philip gets on he runs towards the boy, then leans back, dropping to his butt and slides tucked up like a ball in 9 pins and bowels Demarcus over. The boy gets back up spitting sand out of his mouth and jumps on top of Philip. Philip, rolling like a seal, manages to get free and slip into the deeper water. Glancing back, he sees Demarcus laughing and calling out. I am king of the sand bar.

Philip answers, not for long and prepares another assault. Philip swims to the bottom of the murky river, inching along towards the sand bar. He is somehow able to stay under longer than normal and takes his time locating his friend by a darker patch of water from his shadow. Philip leaps up, grabs Demarcus by an arm and a leg, and tosses the boy into the deeper water. Now who’s king Philip hollers.

The tide of glory goes back and forth like this for a couple of hours till both are exhausted. Sitting side by side on the sand, Philip’s arm again around his friend. Philip suggests, If I give up, can we go back? It’s almost meal time and I am starving.

Demarcus jumps up and proclaims, I am king of the sandbar.

Philip dives in and they both swim back to shore and head back to the village.

Upon arriving at the village, Philip sees Ceri with Philip’s mom and the village leader. He turns to Demarcus and tells the boy. You better go find your sisters. I have a feeling I am going to miss the meal.

Ok Philip, thanks so much for this afternoon, you're the best!

As Philip approaches Brenna begins right away with, This centaur has requested your attention as healer, his wounds are obviously minor. I don’t see why it has to be you.

Ceri pipes up, Per our contract, a centaur may choose his healer.

I am aware of the contract, young man, Brenna interrupts Ceri. He also says he has official business, but refuses to say what it is until you arrived.

Ceri clears his throat and begins. I have a mission to the elves for my people and I officially request Philip to accompany me.

Philip is shocked into silence. Brenna, looking outraged, responds. First, I don’t believe for one minute that you, of all centaurs, have any kind of official business.

Ceri reaches into his pack and produces the medallion. The others are all shocked as Ceri grins.

Well, be that as it may, Philip is a child by our tradition and is not going anywhere.

Aidos speaks up, wait a minute, according to our tradition a child is allowed to travel if their parent agrees and gives permission.

Brenna adds in And is accompanied by a parent or other adult.

Aidos responds. I give my permission, and by both our cultures, Ceri is an adult, and I trust him to care for Philip.

Philip, whose head has been turning back and forth as each was speaking, is now holding his breath.

Brenna huffs. So be it, be gone then, but if disaster befalls him, remember, I was against this.

Philip breathing again, can’t believe his ears. He is going with his best friend to the elves. This is better than 10 festivals. His mother takes him aside and whispers, Be careful son, it is a different place outside our hills. You must be careful. I know you have wanted to see the world and now you are taking your first trip. Go proudly Philip.

Philip with tears. I love you, mom, thank you. This is my dream.

Aidos asks Ceri. When will you return?

Ceri responds. Dad says 4 days each way and perhaps a day or so in the city.

Aidos looks at the boys, I wish you safe travels, be prepared, anything can happen out there and small journeys sometimes turn out to be more than you expect. When you arrive in Crystal city, if you have a chance, ask for an elf named Hugh. He is a friend of mine, a scholar and elf healer. If you see him, give him my greetings.

Ok mom I will, we have to get ready, I love you.

Chapter 5 Leaving home

Ceri hands Philip a pack that he brought along for him, and they go over to the food storage and fill up their packs. Philip adds some medical supplies to his pack and they return to centaur town to spend the night in Ceri’s room.

As they walk in to the Bachelor housing, the other centaurs comment as they walk by. A few offer Greetings to Ceri, most are silent and some laugh and point at them. Upon reaching Ceri’s room, the two settle in for the night. The room has a large sleeping mat on one side, several hooks on a wall to hang things, one window in the back, and a small table. Upon the table is a bowl and pitcher for washing, a couple of water jugs, and a small box to hold a little food, along with a set of reed pipes that Philip had made for Ceri a little over a year ago.

Philip notices the pipes and asks, Do you still play those?

Ceri responds. Yeah, I am not too good yet, but I practice when I get some time.

Philip says. Why don’t you bring them with us? You can practice at night.

Ceri likes the idea, so in his pack they go. The two are so excited it’s hard to go to sleep and they spend long hours talking about the trip.

Philip asks Ceri. What was it like when you went last year, and why didn’t you tell me? Is that when you said you went with your dad checking the orchards?

Yes, it was the same trip. My dad took me and a few others. I went as an assistant to write everything down. We went through a bunch of orchards till we got to the far side of our lands. That’s where we stopped at the elf outpost. The elves don’t let hardly anyone into their land. Most meetings take place at the outposts. We met some elves there and my dad had a meeting with some. I wasn’t included. I didn’t know we were stopping there before we left. I thought about telling you when I got back, but I know you always wanted to go there and didn’t want you to be mad that I went, and you didn’t.

Philip, reading the emotions on Ceri’s face, says. It’s ok, I get to see them now with you, and we get to go to the city right? That’s what your dad said?

Yeah, Ceri replies, and we’re meeting with a Dwarf too!!

Philip shouts, I forgot that part, a Dwarf and Elves. This is so great.

On they talked into the wee hours. Eventually, they both settled down on the mat and went to sleep.

Dawn came early and even though they had little sleep, both are up and quickly packing and on their way out of town. It’s a sunny, pleasant morning, the two moving along the great north road, their troubles forgotten. The land away from the town is gently rolling hills on one side covered in apple orchards and endless grain fields stretch out as far as you can see on the other side.

As the day wore on, they were passing some orchards growing close to the road. Philip, being hungry, darted into them and began to pick some blackberries growing in front of the apple trees.

Ceri cried out. STOP that’s not allowed! Philip looking back asks why not? Ceri explains they belong to the farmers. The travelers’ law permits us to pick only what can be reached from the road.

Philip, still not quite understanding, says. You mean to say all these berries and apples Belong to Some-ONE! Why? 

Ceri continues to explain. Everyone has a job. Some are farmers, some are laborers, some like my dad are bosses. Everyone does separate things, so all together we get everything done, so we have stuff. The farmers grow and collect all the food and sell it so they can get what they want. 

Philip asks. What if you don’t have anything to buy it with?

Ceri letting out a breath. everyone does something so everyone has some money, at least for some stuff, but it’s true if you don’t have enough you can’t buy something,.

Like blackberries?

Yes, like blackberries.

Philip, not wanting to insult his friends’ ways, remains quiet and, while munching on the blackberries, continues down the road.

A little later they start passing fields where centaurs are working. Some fields are being harvested of winter wheat, others are being planted with spring crops.

Philip speaks up again. Why are the big people just watching and the smaller ones doing all the work? It looks like hard work and the bigger people could help a lot.

Ceri answers, The bigger you are, the more important a job you get, the bigger ones are in charge.

Philip replies. That doesn’t make sense. Why make smaller people do most of the work? 

That’s how it’s always been. The bigger and stronger always get to tell the smaller ones what to do. Because of my dad, I get to work in the warehouse, but I am still just a laborer. If it wasn’t for him, I would likely be out here on a farm.

That’s not right! I am sorry, but that’s dumb.  Anyone should be able to do whatever they can. Philip adds. Ceri, if you ever want to, you can come stay with me and the other fauns. All you have to do is help get the food each morning.

Thanks Philip, that means a lot.

Hey Ceri, where are we going to stay tonight?

I think up ahead is a spot where a stream crosses the road. We could camp under the bridge, Ceri answers.

That sounds good. I don’t think I have ever walked so far in one day. When will we get to the outpost Philip asks.

I think we will get there tomorrow if we start early tomorrow morning.

A couple of hours later, they reach the bridge. Trees and brush are growing along the stream and Philip feels a little better with more variety of life around. They go through their packs and pull out some food and water and make a small meal. After they finish, Philip tends to Ceri’s wounds. Ceri, I think your injures are getting much better. Tomorrow is probably the last day I will need to put the medicine on.

Thanks Philip, I really appreciate the care you give me,.

So, are you going to play the pipes or what?

Ceri answers. Just remember you asked me to. He starts with a simple medley, then picks it up a bit.

Philip gets up, the sun has set and the moon, now more than half full, is hanging just above and he starts dancing to Ceri’s tune. His dancing is in tune with the music, so if Ceri plays slower, he changes dancing slower and faster when he picks it up again. They make it a game and Ceri tries to change the music quickly to make Philip stumble and both are enjoying the challenge. After an hour, both are getting tired as it’s been a long day and they find as comfortable a spot as they can and fall into a deep sleep.

In the morning, they set off again, refreshed from a night’s sleep and excited about getting to the outpost today and seeing the elves. They wave to the workers as they pass by, getting some strange looks and a few wave back.

At midday Philip climbs a large tree growing at the side of the road to see if he can spot the outpost yet. All he can see is more farms. Climbing down, they sit against the tree, open their packs and eat a small meal. The sound of a cart on the road brings both boys to their feet quickly. Philip hollers as he hits his head on the low branch he used to climb the tree. He tries to move away, but his head is stuck. His horns have been growing, and they are about 4 long and slightly curved to the sides and backwards. And right now they are firmly wedged in the tree branch. Ceri laughs, Philip laughing and frustrated tries moving his head again and dropping his weight but it just hurts and won’t come free. So, he says as he looks at Ceri. Are you going to come help or just laugh at me?"

Sorry, what do you want me to do?

Grab my head and twist or pull, I don’t know.

Ceri is attempting this with little success when the cart they heard comes to a squeaky stop in front of them. The farmer pulling a two-wheel cart looks at them and says. I don’t mean to be rude, but why is that faun attached to that tree?

He’s stuck. Can you help us?

The farmer sets the cart to the side and goes over to have a better look at Philip. He announces. Well, you’re stuck good. Maybe the easiest thing would be to cut off those horns. he winks at Ceri, standing where Philip can’t see.

Philip panics, as he sees the farmer go to the cart and return with a knife. Please, sir, don’t cut my horns! His eyes begin to water.

The farmer replies, Don’t worry, son, I was just fooling. I need to cut out a little wood to give you some room to wiggle free. Now no sudden moves while I am working or I might indeed cut those pretty horns of yours.

In short order Philip was free again and after thanking the farmer, they set out again more rapidly to make up the time they had lost.

Chapter 6 The Elves

The average elf is about 6 feet tall. Skin color ranges from luminous white to a deep black. Elves live very long, but children are exceedingly rare. Know an elf from their pointy ears and slightly longer arms and legs. All elves have green eyes. The age of majority is a little fluid and is generally between 25-35 years old.

They live in a deep forest of gigantic trees. Bordered by the fauns and centaur to the south, the great river to the west, and the wizards to the east. The capital city is called the Crystal city after the tower in the center. They have a number of towns and villages scattered through the forest, and the roads are well kept. At each entrance into their lands, they keep an outpost to control entry and as a place for meetings.

They are ruled by a Queen, all high level governmental positions are held by woman. Lineage is traced through the mother and, because of their long lives and few children, there is no family unit. Females typically court a male and live together for a time and then move on. Children except for royal children are raised communally. When a child finishes their education, the final test is a trip through the foreign lands. The current queen is Dia, and she is turning 200 this winter. A large celebration is planned. She has one daughter, Selene, who is 27. The elves, unlike the other races, do not trace their roots to the long passed humans. They believe they were the first race created by God to care for the planet and all that is in it. This has given them the attitude that all other races are inferior and need to be cared for, like flocks or pets.

It is evening, and at last the outpost is in sight. When they arrive there is a sign on the door instructing all visitors to see the clerk, first door on the right. They proceed inside and enter the clerk’s office. An elf behind a desk looks up, and she asks them. Please state your names, your business with the elves, and the name of the elf you wish to see.

Ceri steps forward and states, I am Ceri, I am from Centaur town on behalf of my people. I am here to see Selene the elf on a matter of some deliveries for the Queen’s celebration.

Really, the clerk replies, the Centaurs sent a runt like you to see the princess. Prove it.

Ceri reaching into his pack produces the medallion, and the clerk looks it over. Hum, well, we shall see. And what about the Freakishly tall faun?

He is my assistant, Ceri adds. And Philip puts in, I also wish to see Hugh the elf about medical matters. I am a healer.

Well, well, I must be in the presence of such important people since you have dealings with one of our eminent scholars and the princess, no less. Sit down while I go check out your stories and know that if you’re lying, you better be gone when I return or things will go bad for you.

She returns with another elf, the clerk not looking very happy. This is Bronte

Bronte looks them over and says follow me, and she leads the pair down a hallway. They enter another room apparently used for meetings with a large table, some chairs and open places, clearly meant for Centaurs. Make yourselves comfortable. I was told to wait here for a Centaur and then escort him at once to the Crystal city. Is that you?

Yes Ceri replies.

Bronte looks at Phillip. your assistant may come as well. I will check with Hugh to see if he is willing to see you.

Philip says, thank you. Tell him Adios, my mother sent me.

Very well, Bronte says, you will sleep here tonight. I will show you to a room. Tomorrow we leave at first light.

They proceeded down the hallway. As they pass one room with an open door, Bronte points in and announces, That room has food available. You may help yourself once you get settled. Out back past the line of bushes is an area to relieve yourself, and with that, they soon arrived at a door and were motioned inside. Remember, we leave at first light. Selene said to make haste and so we shall, it’s two days to the city. With that, she left.

The boys set down their packs in their room and go back down the hall to the room with the food. They find bowels of fruit, some dark bread, water and nuts. They help themselves in silence, both afraid to talk in this common room. Once they finish, by mutual consent, they head outside to relieve themselves.

Ceri speaks first, what do you think of the elves?

Philip pauses, then says, scary and rude.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I didn’t have to talk to any last time I was here. Maybe it’s just the ones assigned to the outpost. Maybe it’s like a bad assignment or something?

Philip agrees, That must be it. All elves can’t be that way. Still, it will be great to see the Crystal city.

Ceri asks, who is Hugh?, you didn’t make that up, did you?

No, my mom told me before we left to say hello. I added the part about me wanting to talk to him about healing, but I kind of do. I never met anyone my mom traveled with or any healer from a different race before.

It’s been a long day. Do you want to go back in and get some sleep? Ceri suggests.

Sounds good to me, Philip answers.

They walk in as quietly as possible and settle down on the sleeping mat provided.

The sky was just lightening up and sunrise, still a ways away when the boys were woken up by pounding on their door. We leave in half an hour. If you wish to eat, do it now or you will wait until the evening.

Both boys jumped up and quickly got ready to go and headed to the room with the food as soon as they could. They just finished eating when Bronte came and collected them. Don’t expect me to be so nice tomorrow morning.

All three headed out on the road to the Crystal city.

Philip noticed the trees were gradually getting larger, and the canopy was closing and there was less underbrush the farther they went. He asked Ceri if he noticed the same thing and Ceri just nodded his head, afraid to say much in the presence of the elf.

Finally, Philip got up the nerve to ask Bronte about it. With so much shade and so few plants, how do the elves get enough food?

Bronte responds, It is rare indeed that a visitor can make that connection, and even more rare that they dare ask. So for the sake of originality, I will answer. The elves, it is true, no longer produce all that they desire in food or other items and have not done so in quite some time. We spend our time and energy in the pursuit of higher interests, and we purchase the base materials from the other races.

As they move along this time, it’s Ceri that notices colorful streamers hanging from the trees.