As they were leaving, Oliver thought about the Cowlipha, and how she seemed upset to see the holy wood go, and how she appeared to be reminiscing a little. Even Abull seemed unsure about giving them the holy wood.

"Hey, Esther?" Oliver asked as they called down Tengri. "Does the holy wood have any sort of sentimental value towards the Cowlipha? Do you know?" Esther shrugged.

"I honestly don't know, Oliver. I suppose it has to do with the fact that holy wood doesn't really grow." Oliver's eyes widened as Tengri came down.

"Really? Then how do you get holy wood?"

"It grows on a special tree, by the oasis of Al Mamoon." She explained. "And only with the touch of the God of Magic can bring the log to grow."

"The God of Magic?" She nodded as they climbed on, and Harmony took the reins.

"They're someone who comes every thousand years. They are the only person who can create spells with ease. Usually, its a long process, and its very dangerous. Not even a Great Sage or the Songstress could create a spell without possibly dying. But for the God, it's easy for them. Second nature, even."

"But, the God of Magic hasn't been around for a thousand years." Harmony added. "Since the whole world has been preoccupied with defeating Shadar, nobody's thought to find the Heir."

"The Heir?" Oliver asked.

"The Heir to Magic." Harmony explained this time. "They're the ones who grow to become the God. And they have to be found and trained to become the God. No one can teach them how to create a spell, that comes natural, but someone has to teach them magic."

"And who does that, then?" Swaine asked, and Harmony pursed her lips.

"The Songstress." She told them. "It's the Songstress's job. Most think it's our main purpose to find the Heir. It's not really, but it's a big part of why we exist."

"Can't have one without the other, I reckon." Drippy said, and Harmony nodded.

"Exactly."

SONGSTRESS

They arrived in Ding Dong Dell, and headed for the palace at once. As they walked up the stairs, Drippy let out a sigh.

"So, off to see the Cat King, is it? Ah, this place really takes me back." Oliver nodded.

"It was the first town we visited together, wasn't it?" Swaine rolled his eyes.

"Listen, I'm sure you're enjoying your trip down memory lane, but haven't we got business to be taking care of?" Esther nodded

"I hate to say it, but Swaine's right." Harmony gasped, clutching her heart dramatically.

"Is Esther saying what I think she's saying?" She asked, stunned. "According to her, Swaine's right!? Impossible!" Esther set the wood down beside her and stomped her foot, putting her hands on her hips.

"This is no time to be joking around, Harmony!" She told her. "We need to complete the Clarion, and that means getting this holy wood...Huh!?" She suddenly shrieked, making them all jump. "B-But...how!?" They all turned around to find that the holy wood was gone!

"What's the matter?" Drippy asked. "Don't tell me you've gone and dropped the flipping thing!" Esther shook her head vigorously.

"N-No... I didn't drop it. I mean, I had it just a second ago. I'm sure I did..."

"So you're saying someone made off with it while you weren't looking?" Swaine asked snarkily. Esther glared at him.

"Well, you'd know a thing or two about that, wouldn't you?" Swaine stomped his foot.

"There you go, bringing up ancient history again!" He shouted angrily. "Look, you're the one who lost it. Don't go blaming me!" Esther stomped her foot back.

"I had it all this time, I swear!" Harmony stepped in between them.

"Alright, come on you two, settle down."

"Shut up, Harmony!" They both shouted, and Oliver stomped his foot this time.

"Stop fighting, all of you!" He shouted, startling them. He hardly ever raised his voice! "If its missing, we have to find it, and fast!" Drippy nodded in agreement.

"Youer not wrong, Ollie-boy! Let's ask some of the folks round by here if they've seen it."

SONGSTRESS

They wandered around the little town asking all of the shopkeepers if they had seen the holy wood, until they reached the Cawtermaster's, and found it sitting on his counter!

"Ah, hello there!" He called cheerfully, then noticed their red faces that had been earned through all of the running around they did. "Oh dear, you look quite worked up... What's ruffled your feathers?" Drippy jumped up.

"Some dirty rotten thief's pinched ouer- HOLD ON A MINUTE! Look over by there, Ollie-boy!" Oliver gasped when he saw it.

"Its the holy wood!" He exclaimed. "Where did you find it, Sir!?" The Cawtermaster smiled.

"Ah, is that what's cawt your eye? Pretty, isn't it? I thought it would make a rather nice window display!" Drippy nearly fainted.

"A flipping window display!? That's holy wood, that is! Don't tell me you were planning on wedging weapons in it! You were, weren't you!?"

"Mr. Cawtermaster, Sir, that holy wood is ours!" Oliver told him. "It was stolen from us!" The Cawtermaster appeared to be shocked.

"Stolen!? But I've only just bought it- and for a price that would make your eyes water! Don't tell me I've been rooked!" Drippy nodded.

"'Fraid so, mun. Whoever sold it to you must have pinched it from us, en't it?" The Cawtermaster groaned in frustration.

"Gah, I should have been more cawtious! I did wonder how he could have come by such a valuable item..." Oliver tilted his head.

"So you know the person who sold it to you, Sir?" The Cawtermaster nodded.

"It was that young mouse... The one with the glasses. He's always coming round here hawking his wares..."

"Glasses...?"

"But I never thought he was a thief..." Then he shook his head. "No. Just beak 'cause you say he's guilty, that doesn't make it true. If you want me to beliece you, you're going to have to bring me some proof!" Oliver jumped back.

"B-But how can we do that?"

"There's only one thing for it, Ollie-boy!" Drippy told him. "We're going to catch that mouse and get him to confess!" Oliver was a bit nervous, but he nodded anyway.

"O-Okay! Let's do that!" Then he turned back to the Cawtermaster. "We'll get you your proof, Sir!"

"Please so it quickly!" The Cawtermaster said pleadingly. "I'd hate to think I was handling stolen goods!"