Asterix sat, tense and pained on the floor of Vitalstitistix's hut, pressed against the wall at his back. A sharp ache resided in every one of his joints; like pins and needles were being mercilessly shoved through them. It wasn't unbearable; not yet, but the discomfort was increasing. He had tried to hide it from the others at first, especially Obelix. His friend had seen enough of him suffering. But the pain had grown, and someone had bumped against him. The result was Asterix gasping loudly at the sudden wave of agony that shot through him, thereby catching everyone else's attention. In truth, the villagers had been suspecting that something was wrong. Asterix had moved away from them over the last hour or so; separating himself so as not to be touched, or to keep from hurting anyone else. That plan, however, had been in vain.
The children, who had been becoming quite restless after four days of being cooped up indoors, had started a game of indoor tag. They had run about, dodging behind the adults and scampering all around. The Gauls had let them. They could understand their need to release their pent up energy. Even the grown-ups felt as though they would soon have to find ways of discharging their anxiety. The storm still raged outside; rain pouring down in torrents. Most of the Gauls' houses were flooded by that time, with the exception of Cacofonix's tree hut and Vitalstitistix's cottage. The only reason that the Chief's home wasn't flooded like the others was because Obelix and a few of the men had gone out and built a sort of barrier around it. Made of mud, stones, pebbles, and several large menhirs donated for the cause by Obelix, the structure served as a blockade, keeping the streams of water that seemed to flow all throughout the village from seeping in. It had given the men something useful to do; so that they felt as though they weren't completely helpless.
But then one of the children had tripped and fallen against Asterix. Luckily, only against the warrior's clothes, so the child was not burned. But after that, all sense of security was lost. At first they were confused as to how Mastix was managing to get through to their friend. After all, the Neutralizing Spell was still up...wasn't it? But, then they realized, with no small amount of horror, that Getafix was weakening. The druid sat on a stool in the corner, constantly struggling to keep the spell focused over the village. His actions before, to save Cacofonix, had left him very drained. And now, four days later, everything was slowly crumbling out of the druid's control. Getafix had not slept in all that time, afraid that doing so would end it once and for all. He was deathly pale, eyes scrunched up in concentration and effort. His hands were griping his knees, as if the pain of clutching them was the only thing keeping him awake. The villagers wanted to help, but talking to the druid might distract him; and not talking to him increased the chance of him falling asleep. The weakened shield of protection around the Gaulish village was slowly fading, allowing more and more of Mastix's power to leak through, causing more and more discomfort for Asterix.
The blond warrior was set in the corner, sitting atop a cushion of blankets that had been arranged for him. The Gauls tried to make him comfortable, but there was little to be done. Nothing would stop the pain he was feeling. It always came in waves, causing the smaller Gaul to gasp and shudder. The villagers winced visibly at each hiss or sharp intake of air he made, knowing that the pain must be considerable for Asterix to let on about it. But the warrior still hadn't given up. He did his best to reassure them; to help keep them from falling into complete despair, even though he felt very near to it himself. Their only hope was that Cacofonix would return before disaster struck, which was looking closer and closer by the minute. If the bard didn't return soon, things were going to end very badly, very soon.
The Venerable Druid gazed in grim curiosity at the tremendous storm that raged over the forest before them. Such wind and thunder roared from within it that they had heard it long before it had come into sight. Lightening bolts of blue and purple sent great zagging lines through the ominous clouds, lighting up the blackness with violent flashes of electricity. It sent shock waves of dark, powerful magic toward the three travelers; something that unsettled the two druids greatly. It reminded them so much of Mastix's attack on the Carnutes all those many years ago, filling their minds with unwanted images and memories. Mastix had obviously gained strength since that time; his power was far beyond anything that resided in the order of the Druids, nor anywhere else that they knew of. This was a storm empowered by rage, malice, and a deep hunger for revenge. It was a terrifying sight.
The two horses and their three passengers had crossed the distance between the Carnutes and their destination in only a day, a night, and a morning; just as Cacofonix had before. The Venerable Druid, thankfully, knew the way; though how was a mystery. Perhaps, as a leader among scholars, he was far more familiar with the geography of Gaul and its surrounding territories than most. And it was a good thing, for Cacofonix was of little help. The bard had drifted into a heavy sleep shortly after leaving the Carnutes, courtesy of Valuaddetax's potion. The younger druid had seen the exhaustion and tenseness in the Gaul's body, and had at once decided that he would do what he must to bring the bard some relief. The potion had contained a rather primitive mix of painkiller powder, sedative brew, and a touch of sleep potion. Apparently more of a 'touch' than Valuaddetax had thought. Within an hour of traveling, the Venerable Druid could feel the bard slowly sink forward, pressing into his back as Cacofonix gently succumbed to the potion's effects. The elder druid made sure that the thin fellow remained on the horse; not wanting the bard to fall and get injured. Getafix wouldn't be pleased if he let that happen. Even in slumber, Cacofonix kept his arms firmly wrapped around the druid's middle, as though he subconsciously remembered that he was being carried at breakneck speed through the forest on a horse's back.
But now, as the two druids stared, transfixed by the storm that raged like a mighty beast in front of them, they knew they would need the bard's assistance for the last leg of their journey. Valuaddetax quickly slid down from his perch, running forward to help the Venerable Druid. The elder druid moved off the beast carefully, allowing Cacofonix to lean forward against the horse's neck as he, himself, dismounted. Then, with his companion's assistance, together they reached up and lowered the bard down, trying to rouse him as they did. After a moment of gently shaking him and patting his face, Cacofonix became all at once very awake. He almost stumbled back away from them, and might have fallen if not for the firm hold both men had on his arms.
"Easy there, lad," Valuaddetax said reassuringly, patting the bard's hand to let him know everything was fine. "You fell asleep, and we just needed to wake you. How do you feel? Better?" He wanted to make sure the Gaul wasn't ill from the potion. That happened sometimes; someone would take a bit of some potion or other and then feel sick from it later on. But this fellow was young, compared to those in the Carnutes, and quite healthy. The bard was indeed looking quite a bit better know that he had been allowed to rest. He was still weak, since he had still not eaten any substantial meals. They hadn't been able to stop for food on their journey, but the potion had protected the bard from becoming overly hungry. Otherwise he would never have made it. Valuaddetax planned to remedy the fellow's fast the minute he had the chance.
Cacofonix nodded a little drowsily, trying to shake the last few residual effects of the potion's power. He really did feel much better, though, once his head would clear he'd be even more so. Shaking his head, his mind finally came back to full capacity. Looking about him, he realized they had traveled further than he had imagined. Then his eyes landed on the storm; its great power and brute strength awakening in him the horrors he had come to know so well over the past several days. "The village!" he cried, moving forward as though to waltz right through to the Gauls' very gates. But the druids held him back.
"Now, just a moment, Cacofonix," the Venerable Druid insisted kindly, amused by the way that the bard's attention snapped back to him at the use of his name. Cacofonix had apparently not expected the druid to remember it. "We can't just run into that without first figuring out a way to get through without being caught. In order to do that, I need you to answer a few questions. Is that alright?"
The bard seemed a little hesitant, turning his gaze in the direction of his village worriedly.
"The quicker we talk, the sooner we can help them," the elder pressed gently, reading the fellow's anxious expression. He understood what it felt like to be helpless under Mastix's powerful wrath; standing by and seeing one's home in danger and feeling like nothing could be done to fix what was being harmed. He had felt that way long ago, when Prolix had died, and the Carnutes had been destroyed. He saw the same painful terror brimming in the bard's heart as he had felt then. But that didn't change the fact that they had to be cautious. Cautious and slow; taking each step carefully, and planned in advance.
Cacofonix nodded, tearing his gaze away from his home to give the Venerable Druid his full attention. "What is it you want to know?"
"You mentioned that Mastix has been attacking you're village. Since, at least when you were there, the village was still standing, I assume Getafix has some sort of protection around the place. Correct?"
The bard nodded again. "Yes, Sir. He set up a sort of Neutralizing Spell to cancel out any magic that tried to make it through."
"Hmm. Must be one of his own concoctions; I've never heard of that one. Has it worked well?"
"As far as I know." Cacofonix's face was still laced with worry. "But it's somehow connected to Getafix; draining him. He said it wouldn't hold for very long...and that was nearly four days ago." A look of defeat flashed into his expression, piercing the druid's heart with pity. "How could they have lasted this long?" The bard's voice echoed the hopelessness that shone dimly in his eyes.
Valuaddetax exchanged a glance with his elder, before laying a hand gently on the Gaul's shoulder. "Don't give up just yet. If I know Getafix, he'll keep fighting until he can no longer do so. He cares a lot for you people; his devotion to your village shows that. He won't let you down." He smiled. "I'm sure that they're alright."
The Venerable Druid nodded, though a little impatiently. "And we'll make sure of that as soon as we can get to them. Now, how were you able to get out without Mastix getting hold of you?"
Cacofonix looked a little embarrassed. "Well, I didn't. I mean, I got caught in one of Mastix's spells, but Getafix broke it so that I could get away."
"With the protection spell?"
"Yes."
The elder became thoughtful, stroking his long, white beard. "Then if we put up a spell of our own, we should be able to get in. It will work until we are under this Neutralizing Spell."
The bard's eyes opened wide nervously. "W-what kind of spell?" This whole incident with Mastix had shaken a lot of the Gauls' faith in any other magic other than Getafix's; and Cacofonix was no exception. Try as he might, the thin musician could not get over dreadful fear of uncertainty; whether a spell would help them or hurt them. These druids may be friends of Getafix, but that didn't matter; the fear was still there. If it was just him, the bard might have refused...but it wasn't just him. They had an entire village waiting for them to arrive. He didn't have any other choice.
The Venerable Druid did not notice the Gaul's apprehension. "Just something to mask us from Mastix's detection. I believe I have one that should do the trick. Is there a secret way into your village?"
"Yes; there's a hidden side gate," Cacofonix affirmed. "It's what I used when I left." He all at once went slightly paler. "But it latches from the inside."
Valuaddetax nodded, not appearing the least bit worried. "We will have to face that problem when we come to it. They're expecting you to come back; they must have someone on the lookout."
"That's right," the Venerable Druid second. "There's sure to be someone to let us in. Now, come." He opened a satchel of his own, already busy pulling several vials from within it and handing them to the other two. "This will only take a moment. Then we can help your friends."
Cacofonix nodded, still hoping that they weren't too late.
Obelix sat on a stump in the rain near the hidden gate. The bitter cold really didn't bother him, another amazing resistance that the Magic Potion's lasting affects had given him. He could manage for quite a long time in harsh weather like this, without any trouble; which was why he had volunteered to take most of the day's shift. Since Cacofonix had left the village, the men had taken turns keeping watch over the side gate in the wall, anxiously anticipating the bard's return. But the cruel weather was not kind to many of the Gauls, and a few had even caught colds from standing out in the frigid rain too long. That was why Obelix had stepped forward to take over. The weather didn't bother him. He could stand outside all night long without a problem. Not that he liked sitting out alone in the dark, rainy world; but it was better than anyone else doing it.
The biggest downside to the task was that Obelix was separated from Asterix. He would have much rather have been sitting with his friend, even if it really didn't do anything. The large Gaul had witnessed both the warrior and the druid's decline in health. Getafix was on his last leg, struggling to fight on will alone. He was forced to sit apart from the others, trying to concentrate. Asterix had started reacting badly a short time after that. Obelix could tell that Mastix was getting through to him. Even if Asterix was trying his best to deny it; it was true. Both the druid and his friend had sunk into some odd, unresponsive state. They didn't hear you when you tried to talk to them; they just continued to struggle, and it was nearly more than anyone could bare. The dark druid was beginning to weasel in through the cracks in Getafix's defenses; and there was nothing anyone in the village could do about it. And so, Obelix turned his hope on the one Gaul outside of the village.
It felt strange, trusting so much in Cacofonix. Not that the big Gaul didn't think the bard was capable. It was just, he and Asterix were usually the ones out there, getting help; saving the day. He had gotten so used to relying on himself, Obelix found it hard to bring himself to rely on anyone else. But there was no choice. And Cacofonix was no coward. He would do his best, and that was all the Gauls could ask for. That, and a miracle. Yeah; that would be good. A miracle would be a great help right about now.
The raindrops tinked off Obelix's metal helmet, the small cap not really doing much to protect him from the rain. Water just simply landed and then rolled down, flowing into his eyes and dripping off the end of his large, bulbous nose. His pigtails hung heavily upon his chest, weighed down by the water that had soaked them and the black bows that adorned each braid. Obelix didn't even have Dogmatix to keep him company, having insisted that the tiny pup stay indoors where it was dry and safe.
Obelix was just about to head back to Vitalstitistix's hut, to check on how Asterix and Getafix were doing, when, through the insistent patter of rain hitting mud, the menhir deliveryman thought he heard something. It was hard to be sure, over the sound of the wind, but after a moment he heard it again. A sort of rattling, followed by some rather weak, hurried knocks. With a gasp and a lurch, Obelix leaped toward the closed gate; unlatching it and throwing it open.
There was no one there. The large Gaul furrowed his brow, glancing back and forth in confusion. He was just about to close the door again when he heard something that stopped him at once.
"Obelix," an invisible voice hissed urgently, "Move over so we can come through!"
The voice was unmistakably Cacofonix's, but, for the life of him, Obelix couldn't find him. Obelix squinted into the darkness outside the gate, straining to see the bard. The large Gaul then heard someone give a frustrated sigh, before Obelix felt a pressure against his stomach; and still he saw no one. It wasn't a very strong force, in fact, it would never have been sufficient to move him; but curiosity, as well as alarm, caused the big Gaul to allow himself to be pushed aside.
Something unseen entered through the open gate, making splashing sounds in the muck. Then, in a fast, jerky movement, the wooden door was slammed shut and re-latched. Obelix watched, eyes wide and concerned, blinking as though what he was seeing were nothing but a trick in his vision. But then, ever so slowly, he did see something. It started out as a short of lightening shadow; then a definite shape. As he watched, the shapes began to take form. And, within a moment later, a very wet Cacofonix stood before him, flanked by what appeared to be two druids.
"By Toutatis!"
"Cacofonix is back!"
The villagers, who had been sitting solemnly all around the Chieftain's hut, leaped to their feet at Obelix's joyful cry, their faces reigniting with hope. Obelix raced in through the door, practically carrying the bard in his excited haste to show everyone that his words were true. Setting Cacofonix down on the floor, the big Gaul stepped back as the others swarmed about him, each one anxious to reassure themselves that the bard was alright. No one noticed the two druids who had quietly come through the door to stand on the threshold, awaiting and watching the touching reunion.
The Gauls crowded in, welcoming Cacofonix back with pats, handshakes, and even hugs. Impedimenta pushed her way through, taking note of the sickly pale tint that washed their friend's face. "Stand back! Stand back!" she hollered, pushing people aside bossily. "Give him room to breath! He doesn't look at all well!"
The villagers jumped back at her shout, as if just their proximity to the bard would hurt him further. It was true; Cacofonix looked terrible. He was dirty and worn, evidence of cuts and bruises visible through the tears in his pants and tunic sleeves. Dark circles shadowed beneath his clear blue eyes, and he seemed to sway on his feet as he stood.
Fulliautomatix stepped forward nervously, as did Unhygenix; frightened by the poor condition their friend appeared to be in. "Cacofonix...are you alright?"
"He will be, once you get some food into him." The voice came from behind them. As one, the villagers turned to face the guests that they had failed to notice. The two druids had moved closer since they had first entered. Standing silently, they had observed the exchange between the villagers. The shorter, stouter druid stepped forward to continue. "I gave him some potion to give him the strength to travel back here. He was in pretty bad shape when he reached us."
"Oh, the poor thing," Bacteria whispered sympathetically. In fact, all the women looked as if their hearts would break. The men just looked incredibly guilty.
Impedimenta stepped forward to gently take the bard's arm. "Come with me, Cacofonix. I'll get you something."
"It's not that bad," Cacofonix spoke up weakly. He found he didn't like being at the center of attention; not when their were those in far more need of it than he.
"Nonsense," the taller druid chided, coming forward as well. "You need rest and nourishment. Go." He kept his gaze locked with the Gaulish bard's, until Cacofonix nodded and let himself be led to the kitchen by several of the more motherly women. When he had left, the Venerable Druid turned back to the assembly of Gauls. "He will be fine. But, as I understand it, he is not the only one in need of assistance. Where is Getafix?"
The Gauls flinched, their memories jolted from their joy of seeing Cacofonix and dragged back into the dark, black depression that they had come to know so well. Turning slowly, they all directed their eyes to the corner. There, tense and unconscious to the other druids' presence, sat Getafix. The Venerable Druid nearly lost his calm demeanor when he saw his friend. Getafix looked so...ill. So very worn and ill. It was really a shock to the elder. It was heard to believe that such a change could come over someone so quickly. Getafix had only been in the Carnutes a week ago; as healthy as ever. This was not the same man.
Running forward, the Venerable Druid crouched by his friend's side. "Getafix? Getafix? Can you hear me?" Glancing slightly to the right, the elder found a small, blond-haired Gaul sitting pressed against the wall, curled in on himself in obvious pain. Turning to the gathered assembly he asked, "This is your warrior; Asterix?"
Vitalstitistix stepped forward, his concern showing unfiltered in his expression. "Yes. Yes, he is."
That explained why the short fellow was in such agony. Turning back to his unresponsive friend, the Venerable Druid tried one last time. "Getafix, listen to me. I have come to help; me and Valuaddetax. We can set up a fresh protection spell to keep Mastix out, but in order to do so, you will have to drop yours." If what Cacofonix had told him of Getafix's Neutralizing Spell was accurate, no magic could be performed within its circle. No magic other than that one spell which held it in place. If they were to replace it, they would first need it to fall.
A gasp of fear ran through the villagers; and the Venerable Druid couldn't really blame them. So far, Getafix's spell had been the only thing keeping them safe from Mastix's obvious wrath. To them the idea must have seemed like a death sentence, at least for this Asterix fellow. Mastix's focus was firmly fixed on the little Gaul; the Venerable Druid could feel it. But that would be addressed soon enough. Right now he needed to save Getafix from his own stubbornness.
"Please, Getafix. Look at me!
Whether it was the sternness of his command, or the sound of Getafix's old mentor's voice, it didn't matter. All that mattered was that it worked. Getafix's eyes, which up until now had been scrunched tightly in concentration, snapped open. They were hazy and unfocused, but they were open. And in that gaze the Venerable Druid saw the near panic that resided within them.
"Getafix, do you understand? I need you to lower your protection spell."
After a moment, ever so slightly, Getafix nodded.
"Alright," the elder instructed, "On my word. Valuaddetax, stand by the warrior. He may need your assistance."
"Wait!"
The two newcomers turned to face the same large Gaul who had let them in through the gate. He had come forward protectively; looking as though he would like to snatch the little warrior out of their reach; though, Obelix knew better than to do that. "If Getafix drops the Neutralizing Spell, Mastix will hurt Asterix!"
"He is already hurting him," Valuaddetax answered kindly, though in his heart he knew they did not have time to argue. He understood the Gaul's concern. The younger visitor was now kneeling beside the Gaul, Asterix; ready to assist the moment it was safe to touch the smaller man. "Mastix's power is seeping through. If we don't replace Getafix's spell with a fresh one, your friend will only get worse." He glanced down at the shivering Gaul at his side who seemed completely unaware of what was going on. Valuaddetax's natural tenderness for others rose as he realized the pain someone would have to endure in order to fall into such a catatonic state. "We'll do the switch as quickly as we can."
The big Gaul still didn't look too sure; none of the Gauls did, and it made Valuaddetax a little doubtful himself. What a lot these folks must have been through to be so fearful of the only thing that could save them.
"On my word," the Venerable Druid urged again. The tallest druid reached a hand out and lay it on Getafix's shoulder. Everyone around them tensed; anticipation growing within them. The elder looked his past-student in the eyes, and with great relief he saw Getafix's vision force itself to focus. His friend was putting one last burst of energy and strength into doing what he knew had to be done. Giving a nod, the Venerable Druid gave the command.
"Now!"
Several things happened all at once.
Getafix suddenly went slack, releasing his hold on the Neutralizing Spell. It had been hard to do, since he had been regulating it for so terribly long. It was like when one has been kneeling on the ground for far longer than they should, and then they try to straighten their legs back to their proper stance. The action was stiff and shaky, and it took every last bit of energy Getafix had; almost more power than he could give. The village druid fell forward, falling against the grip of his mentor; still conscious, but very weak.
Around them the village seemed to tremble with a deep, rumbling sound; as though some great, invisible, stone barrier were crumbling to dust all around them. The lighting changed, glowing that familiar green tint that the Gauls had all come to associate with Mastix's power. It filled the hut, making the room alive with a nearly electric feel, along with intense cold. The villagers gripped their children, eyes wide and mouths shut tight as though they were afraid that by speaking the foul magic would enter them as well. But, by far, the worse thing was Asterix cry of agony that broke through the rest of the foreboding sounds. It pierced the hearts and souls of everyone present, including Getafix, who managed with his mentor's help to get himself sitting upright, albeit a bit unsteadily.
The smallest Gaul had curled even further in on himself, gasping as the full strength of Mastix's power rammed into him, seeming to push him hard against the woodwork of Vitalstitistix's hut. Valuaddetax was surprised by the violence with which the spell was striking the short warrior; the brute force empowered by wrath that really and truly was focused on Asterix.
As soon as Getafix's spell had fallen, the Venerable Druid had felt its protective shield collapse. Catching Getafix as he slumped forward, the elder quickly pushed him back up onto the stool, allowing his friend to rest against the wall behind him. Ignoring the feelings and sounds of distress that broke out in chaos all around him, the Venerable Druid withdrew a hand from beneath his cloak, with which he held a handful of powder he had prepared. Tossing it into the air, he let forth a string of druidic words and phrases that were halfway between a shout and a whisper; no one could tell which. But at once a great light of a different sort flashed about the hut, both within and without it. It was much like the silent explosion that had happened when Getafix had initiated his Neutralizing Spell, only this one was far less violent; more steady and controlled. The villagers didn't even need to shield their eyes as the new, strong protection spell covered the village, replacing that which had just fallen.
Asterix let out one last desperate gasp before he suddenly went limp, just as Getafix had; weak, but not unconscious. Valuaddetax lurched forward at once, knowing that the danger of being burned from the little Gaul's touch was gone. He supported the short fellow, checking him over with concern before raising his gaze to meet those of the recovering man. The Gaul met them, eyes reassuring him; him. Here the warrior was, lying there trying to regain his breath after what must have been a horrible ordeal, and yet he was somehow managing to try and calm Valuaddetax. It was something that the druid hadn't expected to see, and it shocked him.
Asterix struggled weakly to inch himself back into a sitting position against the wall. A druid other than the village's own knelt beside him, a hand gently griping his arm. He would have been surprised, if not for the fact that he had been well aware of the man's presence, besides the evidence that made it appear that he had not been. Looking into the stout druid's worried gaze, Asterix managed a very weak smile. "...I...I've just...just about had enough of Mastix's pest-pestering."
Valuaddetax blinked, sensing that the Gaul was actually making a desperate attempt at a joke. Again he was baffled by the man's inner strength. He was trying to lighten the mood. Asterix's gaze shifted slightly, moving to focus on behind the druid. Valuaddetax turned his head to see what he was looking at, finding the assembly of frightened Gauls standing at his back. The big fellow - Obelix they had called him? - was standing closest, fidgeting nervously. His eyes met those of the short druid, and Valuaddetax realized he was asking permission. Moving aside, the druid made way for the villagers.
"Asterix!" Obelix came barreling forward, dropping to his knees as he assisted his friend in sitting up the rest of the way. "Are you hurt?!"
Asterix patted his fellow Gaul's hand, again giving reassurance where it was he who needed it most. "N-no more...than the other times...Obelix." He latched onto the large Gaul's arm. "Help...me up."
"You'll do no such thing!"
All eyes turned to find Getafix, standing supported by the Venerable Druid. He still didn't look all that well, but that dreadful, pale white had left his skin as some color returned to it. His legs shook as he forced himself to stand, relying on his mentor's strength more than he liked, but otherwise he was back to himself, which brought unbelievable relief to the villagers.
"You will not get up, Asterix," Getafix reiterated. "You are going to rest!"
"As are you," the Venerable Druid said firmly, keeping his friend from moving too quickly. "You, Asterix, and Cacofonix need to take a while to recover. You have been under incredible pressure, and that is dangerous both for the body and the mind. Don't worry, things are alright; we'll handle it. A new spell is up, and Valuaddetax and I can regulate it easily enough. When you are rested, Getafix, then you can assist us as well." Turning to Impedimenta, who had returned from the kitchen with Cacofonix still held gently by the arm, he asked, "Is there some way we can make up a few cots? Sleep is what they need at the moment." Getafix opened his mouth to protest, but his mentor cut him off. "That is what I command and that is final!"
Getafix closed his mouth at once, knowing that it would be fruitless to fight against the Venerable Druid's strong will. And besides...he really was tired...
...
Just thought I'd quickly put this up before I head off to art class. :) I've got about a 45 minute drive ahead of me. Luckily, the class starts a 1:00 and ends at 4:50. Then I've got a math quiz to do. And so begins my week, but I wanted to get this up, since I finished it this morning. :)
Oh, and before anyone asks, the Venerable Druid will explain later how he, Valuaddetax, and Cacofonix got through Mastix's detection on the way back into the village. :) I didn't forget.
Thank you all, and have a wonderful day (or night; whichever is the case)!