Once inside the castle they discovered how wonderful this place really could be. The walls were lined with beautiful tapestries, and the floors with decorative rugs. The walls, which they had imagined damp and dank, were actually quite lavish and covered with paintings. They entered the acceptance hall, where they met the King. He was a handsome man, perhaps in his early 40's, very tall and strong looking although he appeared tired and worn. It was obvious that this war was paying hell on him.
"Dear," the queen said as they embraced, "I have found new people who visit us. I wouldn't allow them to stay anywhere else. This is Rocky, Colt and Tum tum. Boys this is my husband, the King of this land, Christago."
He bowed and smiled politely, "Charmed."
They all did likewise, clumsily. He was everything they had imagined a King to be broad shouldered, handsome and powerful.
"I understand one of my son's has come home?" The Queen questioned raising an eyebrow.
"That's completely incorrect, my son has come home," the King smiled playfully.
The Queen narrowed her eyes, "either way, your majesty, where is he?"
"Ah, he has already found his way to the table with Luke, they are playing chess."
She smiled in understanding. The group of girls giggled when the King and Queen mentioned Luke and their son.
"I shall take the boys to meet them."
"That will be nice," the King smiled, "Afterwards you can get them changed, and ready for supper."
The Queen nodded, "I will have MY son and his friends do that."
The King just laughed and went on down the hall.
"How many children do you have, if you don't mind me asking, your highness?" Rocky said.
"Oh, not at all, I have 11 children. 6 boys and 5 girls. One set of triplets, 3 sets of twins and 2 individuals. My oldest is a single born and my youngest…strange how that works, huh?" She smiled.
"Wow," Tum tum said, "that is quite a lot."
The Queen nodded, "but I love them all, and his Majesty is a wonderful father."
"You wouldn't think you are at war, highness," Colt said.
"We try and keep the people's spirits up by behaving this way, but Chris is really sad. He did not want to go to war, and most of all he misses the children. But no more talk of sad things, come meet one of my kids."
They all trotted along behind her, the group of ladies in waiting trailing close behind.
"Make your move," they heard a calm voice request.
"Damn, damn, damn," they heard a more angry voice respond, "Luke you have me trapped in every direction."
"That is the idea Matt," they heard come back.
The Queen turned the corner and the boys saw a beautiful blue-eyed, shaggy blonde haired man sitting with his feet proper up on a chair as he non-challantly moved chest pieces across a board, "check mate again, old friend," he smiled. He was perhaps a few years Rocky's senior, but not by much. The man who sat across from him was ruggedly handsome a smaller version of the King, with dark chestnut colored hair and green eyes; probably the same age as Rocky. Another broad shouldered, black haired man stood over the game with his arms folded across his chest and a smile pressed on his lips. With a sword strapped to his side he was daredevil looking, also matching Rocky's age.
They all looked over, save the man who had just made the chest moves.
"Mom," the boys who was losing said, "Glad to see you." He went to her and gave her a kiss.
"Oh Matt, I am so glad you are home," she smiled giving him a hug.
"Me too Mom," He said.
"Kand," the Queen offered to the man with the sword at his side.
He went to her, "Starre, my second mother, I am glad to see you well. And what have you today, comrade or captive?" He smiled at the boys, he knew the Queen had a way of picking up stray children and bringing them under her wing. She gave him a loving punch, "Captive, did you expect any less."
"Majesty," the other man stood and went to her, "It has been, well," he looked outside, "hours perhaps."
"Luke," she gave him a hug anyway, "I am glad you stayed away from the war. And perhaps you can keep these ninnies from it."
"Not if he keeps beating me at chess," Matt complained.
"Well someone had to hold the fort down, while my ignorant parents went off to that silly threat. I am just a stand in, but I will do my best to keep our tactics up-to-date."
The Queen smiled, "I trust you Luke, just as I do your mother and father."
Luke smiled.
Rocky wondered how these boys who where only his age had such large jobs, and how their lives were so different.
Rocky, Colt and Tum tum walked in the room cautiously examining it, Rocky looked at the unfinished game of chess while Tum tum studied the tapestries and Colt found the art work breathtaking.
"And this," the Queen said, "is Rocky, Colt, and Tum tum. I found them being harassed but Hodge, that idiot. But that aside, will you dress them and have them ready for dinner my sons?"
The 3 of them nodded their heads in agreement.
"May I?" Rocky asked regarding the chess game.
"Please," Luke said, "be my guest."
Rocky moved a pawn and bishop. "There," he smiled content with his work, "check-mate."
Luke smiled, "Well done, sir Rocky."
Matt came over to the chess table and stared down at it, "How ever did you manage that?"
As Rocky explained his move the prince began to blush.
"Brilliant," Luke said, "Starre, I do believe you have found us quite a winner in this young man. Come let us get you all dressed."
They all followed Luke, with Kand and Matt nearby.
The boys were fitted and provided with clothes within an hour, but mean while they spoke to the men they had been introduced to.
"The ladies sure had an eye for you guys," Matt offered.
Colt frowned, "Oh that, well I already have a lady."
"And where is she?" Kand asked.
"I am not sure, we seemed to have gotten separated," Colt said.
"Oh, that is never good," Matt said, "is she beautiful?"
"More beautiful than you can imagine."
"And what of you?" Luke asked Rocky, "Have you got a lady. You really caught Claire's eye."
Rocky blushed, "Yes, actually I do."
"And she is also lost?" Luke asked.
"I'm afraid so," Rocky said. "Do you have ladies?"
Luke smiled, "Yes, but my fiancé lives two towns over, I will not see her for sometime."
"Many," Matt smiled.
"Not yet," Kand offered, "I am still searching for her."
They all looked to Tum tum, but before they could ask he said, "Yes, and she is the best. But she, too, is missing."
Luke looked up, "I hope they haven't gotten trapped in the war."
The ninjas all got fearful looks, they hadn't thought of that.
"Oh no," Colt said, "do you think that is possible?"
"Well we don't know," Matt said, "Which way were you coming from?"
Rocky and Colt looked to one another shrugging, "Uh…we aren't really sure?"
"Well, where is your homeland?" Kand asked.
"California," Tum tum jumped in, too quickly. Colt gave him a punch and a nasty glare.
"Oh, I haven't heard of that city, it must be one of the new colonies off the coast. Is it one of the islands? Do you know who your lord is?" Luke asked, "I know most of the nobles."
"Luke is a scholar," Matt explained, "he seems to know everything."
Luke smiled widely, and then followed up by saying, "it's not that I seem to know everything, it's just that I know books and books of material more than these idiots. But we are still great friends, I just keep away from the sword although my father forced me to learn how to wield one. I am not the dragon hunter that my comrades are."
"Wow, you hunt real dragons?" Tum asked in awe.
Kand smiled down to him, "That's right, here a token of new friendship." Kand reached into the pouch attached to his hip and revealed a shiny red dragon scale.
Tum tum reached out and accepted the gift, mouth gaping open, unable to speak. "This came from a real dragon?"
Kand nodded, "Our last victim. He was an ancient red, terrorizing a distant village. We only kill the vicious ones. There are many dragons that are good. Mostly the metallics, the colored ones are evil."
"What do you mean metallics?" Rocky asked with a smile pressed on his lips, 'Wow! Real dragons,' he thought fingering Tum tum's dragon scale.
"Metallic dragons tend to be good dragons, helping the people and such," Luke explained, "the metallics consist of Platinum, Gold, Silver, Copper, and, Bronze. The coloreds are Red, Black, White, Blue, and Green. The coloreds are evil killing humans whenever they get the chance just for fun."
"Have you ever been attacked by dragons…here?" Tum tum asked.
"Certainly not, the dragons don't come out this far. You really have been sheltered huh?" Matt asked, "They pick off little villages."
"You could say sheltered," Colt said sarcastically.
"Do you remember when you lost them?" Kand asked attempting to help locate the girls again.
"No, that is the problem," Rocky said.
"Ah," Luke said, "Can they take care of themselves? Or do they need serious protecting? Do they wear the colors of California? And do you know is California is allied with anyone? Since I have not heard of it more than likely it is not allied with anyone."
"Uh…" Tum tum thought back to the questions, "Kind of, kind of, colors? No, they are in what we are in. And no, I don't think that California is allied with anyone."
"Good, if it's neural than it is likely that Lord Tapelle will let them live if they are found. If they put up any kind of fight he will likely throw them in the dungeons, even if they are neutral. Do you think they'll fight?" Luke said.
"Who is Lord Tapelle? And I am really not sure if they will fight back," Rocky said, "that is what scares me."
"Lord Tapelle is leading the war on the other side. He was once a baron of His Majesty, but one day he decided to rally an army to over-throw the King, he made bonds and promises to other lands, and now still he thinks he will win and take the throne. But it won't happen, Chris has far to many allies and has done too many good things for the people to turn on him. Chris is the best king we have had as far back as history goes. I have only read of ruthless rules, who have ruled with an iron fist. Chris is not at all that way, he is a gentle; kind and generous. Lord Tapelle would not be so forgiving."
"Can they fight?" Kand asked, "and if so can they fight well?"
"Not well, they were just learning, but they definitely can." Colt said.
There was a call down the hall from one of the servants, "Dinner my lords and ladies, come and get it!"
"Ah, finally," Kand said, "I am famished."
"Here," Luke offered the ninjas their clothes, "put these on. Meet us outside when you are done. Oh, and one more thing; we wouldn't want you to be frightened."
"What?" Rocky asked.
Matt laughed, "Remember how we told you about the good dragons and the bad ones."
"Yeah?" Colt said.
"I don't suppose you have seen a dragon?" Kand asked, "We wouldn't want you to get dragon fear and pass out."
"Huh?" Tum tum questioned.
"My sister has a dragon friend who lives here in the castle. He lies on the floor at dinner time, he is a very young copper…still very tiny, only 10 years old." Luke told them.
"WHAT!?" They all asked together.
"I told her I would take care of him while she was away, his name is Copperclaw. He is very friendly, so do not be frightened."
"Is your sister in the war?" Tum tum asked.
"No, she is much too young for the war, although she would be a valuable asset to it; she is very dangerous. My parents would never let her fight. We will tell you all about our families in due time, now we must get to dinner. Hurry and change we will wait in the hall for you."
The prince led them down the hall to the mess hall. Tum tum could feel his stomach growling.
"Well, here it is," Matt said, and opened the door.
The room that lie before them amazed their tired eyes. There was a table the length of the room covered with lavish foods. Tum tum had not seen such food in all his life. There was a full roasted ham, flayed beef, several chickens, an entire turkey, mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, steamed carrots and broccoli, and many other wonderful smelling dishes. Then they heard a squawk, and off to the left a copper colored dragon looked at them intently waiting to see if anyone else came in.
"No, Copper," Luke said, "she's not back yet. Soon, she should be back any day."
The dragon, which was approximately the height of Rocky, laid his long neck back on the cool stone floor.
"Well is that any way to meet our guest?" Luke looked annoyed with the dragon, "I know you have better manners than that, now come here."
Rocky, Colt, and Tum tum stood frozen at the door, as the dragon lazily picked itself up and crawled over to them on all fours. He had large wings connected to his back which he stretched several feet over their heads when he stood, as if just waking giving a big yawn from his narrow beak. He was a slender creature, with a soft underbelly and somewhat long lanky limbs. He had a long tale with a spade at the end, and a long neck that thinned as it peeked at his head, which was a long slender head with, fanned ears.
He was about half the height of the boys on all fours, but his elongated neck made the head reach eye level. They all desperately wanted to back away from this creature of legend, but found themselves paralyzed.
Matt laughed, "Mom look seems our new friends are afraid of Copper."
"Oh Copper come away from them," Starre said giving the dragon a pat on the head. The dragon scooped its long neck around to look at the queen. It gave a loud arguementive squeal. The queen drew her neck back, "Don't start with me you. I can still take you." She punched at him playfully. Instantly the dragon was on top of her and they were wrestling.
Chris entered the room casually and cleared his throat rather loud.
"What?" Starre said with a giggle.
"That is a new dress my wife." He said. "You shouldn't be rolling around on the floor with the animals in a dress anyhow…and in front of the new guest none the less."
Starre narrowed her eyes with a devilish grin, "Some one has got to play with him or he'll get lonely."
Copper had already sheepishly made his was across the room still looking rather sad. "See he misses her." Starre whispered as though the dragon could not hear. Rocky noticed him adjust the fans of his ears to collect the sound.
Chris gave Rocky a, non-intentional, hard slap on the back with a grin, "Never seen a dragon huh?"
Rocky shook his head, but luckily the slap had thrown him from his dragon fear. He gave Colt a nudge, who, in turn, gave Tum a nudge.
"Please," the king said offering them seats.
They all sat at the long table. It only took a couple minutes for the room to fill up, however the table that could seat perhaps 100 guest was only filled 20% of the seats. The king said a mini grace wishing all the people off fighting the war a safe trip home, and a wish for his children all to return safely to him when the war was over.
They all piled their plates with lots of food and began to feast. Rocky and Colt hadn't realized how hungry they were until the food was placed before them. The food tasted as wonderful as it looked, Tum tum was in complete heaven.
Rocky leaned over to Matt who sat next to him, "Are all of these empty seat reserved for those who are off at war?"
Matt shook his head, "Many of them, but not all."
"Are your brothers and sisters in the war?"
"My older sister and brothers are, and if I had been here I would have gone to the war, or with my sister. I am not sure where my younger siblings are. I know my parents sent them off to secret places, so they would be safe from capture. Ransoms are the worst thing during a war."
"You would be with only one of your sisters? Are all of your siblings together?"
Matt shrugged, "Probably, I really don't know. My parents would probably have sent them together, but maybe not. And the one I would have gone with is my twin, I really miss her when I am off dragon hunting."
At the mention of dragon hunting Copper lifted his head and gave a snort.
"Not dragons like you Copper," Matt said looking over his shoulder. "He is very sensitive."
"Okay," Starre demanded looking at her plate, her voice shook as she spoke, "enough talk of war, my ears are growing tired of it. Let us talk of other things. Luke tell us of your studies, Claire tell us of the city, Matt and Kand tell us of the dragon hunts…something other than that silly war!"
Everyone grew silent for several moments as if the war were the only thing that existed and without it they had nothing to speak of.
"Well," Lady Claire's young petite voice sounded, "perhaps some word from our new-comer guests." Claire was a beautiful young girl. She had golden blonde ringlets that hung around her face. She was elegant and graceful, just as any lady of the court should be. She smiled over to Rocky.
"Uh," he blushed, "What of us would you like to hear?"
She smiled broader, "Anything? Perhaps of your family? What house are you from?"
"We are from the Douglas house." Rocky said.
"Oh," Claire smiled, "Are they a house of warriors?"
"Yes, you could say." Rocky said.
"Are you a knight?"
"No, not a night."
"And you?" She turned to Colt with a bright grin, "are you also a warrior?"
He nodded.
Tum tum was doing his best to ignore the situation, still shoveling piles of food into his mouth. Tum tum felt a nudge from behind. He turned to see the dragon sitting behind him. Tum tum reached out a hand, "Hi there Copperclaw," he said.
Copperclaw nudged him again.
"What is it Copper?" Luke said standing and coming over to him.
The dragon gently nudged Tum tum again.
Luke looked at Tum tum with a confused look on his face, "I wonder why he is being so friendly to you? Copper is usually anti-social."
"Stupid thing," Claire said under her breath.
"On the contrary Claire," Luke began, "Copperclaw, as well as any other dragon, is far more intelligent than any one of us. Copper is still a baby, and can not talk yet…just because one can not speak does not make them ignorant. Give Copper a few hundred years and his intelligence will far surpass ours. And he is thinking something now."
Tum tum grew more terrified by the moment. He found himself unable to speak, it sounded worse by the minute, maybe this dragon wanted to eat him.
Copperclaw went to Luke and nudged him as well. Luke looked at Tum tum with wide eyes, "Either you are very good friends of us…or very horrible enemies. Copper knows something about you."
"What is going on?" Tum asked in a fearful voice, "What about me?"
"I don't know," Luke said, "there are only two people that can talk to and understand Copperclaw. Unfortunately, neither of those people are here right now."
"Who? How can we find them?" Tum tum asked quickly.
"My mother and my sister, and we can't get to either of them," Luke said.
Copperclaw looked back and forth between the two. Then walking over to Tum he nudged him with the flat of his head again. He looked back to Luke and then to Tum again. Tum tum drew back from the dragon, but (without warning) Copper leapt onto Tum tum knocking him from his chair. Rocky and Colt leapt from their chairs falling into ninja stances, and Chris and Starre also stood along with Luke who demanded "COPPERCLAW!"
But everyone was shocked to see the dragon licking Tum tum as though this oversized pet was a dog. Tum tum was giggling and pushing the muzzle of the dragon away.
Luke sat back down saying, "Apparently you are friend and not foe."
Starre stared at Tum tum and then looked to the two older boys, "You are hiding something, what are you not telling us? That dragon doesn't behave that way unless he really knows you, something is strange about you."
"No your majesty, I can assure you nothing is unordinary," Rocky said.
Copperclaw got off of Tum tum and helped him to his feet with his strong neck. Instantly Copper threw his head underneath Tum tum sliding the medium sized boy onto his back.
"Copperclaw what are you doing?" Luke said stepping closer.
Copperclaw fell into a defensive position and growled at Luke hiding Tum tum behind him.
"What has gotten into you!?" Luke said offering a hand to the angry dragon.
The door swung open and in stepped a messenger, "Your highness word has been sent from the battlefield, traitors headed this way, three young boys!"
Everyone drew back and looked at Rocky, Colt, and Tum tum.
"Guards!" The King called, "Seize them!"
Rocky and Colt began to fight, and Copper claw snapped at all that came near Tum tum. Tum tum was unable to escape the over protective dragon. It took several sets of guards for the Ninjas to realize they weren't going to win this, there was no escaping this castle. Four guards had to pin the dragon and two held either of each of the boys arms.
"Are you traitors?" The King asked stepping near the boys who were all being chained now.
"No, I swear," Rocky said.
"Would you rather be hanged for lying or treason? Either can be arranged. How did you slip past the guards? Do you work for Tapelle himself? I knew your accent was strange."
"We didn't do anything!" Colt argued.
"No, we didn't!" Tum tum agreed.
Copperclaw was still struggling under the guards.
Chris looked over to the guards, "Let that dragon free now, and your lives will cease to exist."
"Let them cool their heals in the dungeons," the king demanded.
"NO!" Rocky yelled as they began taking them away.
"And somebody do something about that dragon!" the king demanded.
Just before the door closed the ninjas heard Luke, Kand and Matt arguing with the king. Luke was saying, "I really don't think they are bad, this is probably a mistake. Copper knows."
"Yeah, Dad," Matt said, and that was the last Colt could hear before the thick heavy door slammed behind them.
"Hey I remember being trapped in like this a couple summers back," Colt said sarcastically, leaning on the bars. "This sucks!"
"What is going on?" Rocky asked, "Something is weird here. How did we become friends of the King and Queen, and then instantly become enemies?"
"Yeah, but more importantly how did we get here?" Colt said.
"Or where are the girls?" Tum tum suggested, "I am scared for them."
"What was the story with that dragon Tum?" Colt asked.
Tum tum shrugged, "I have no idea."
Meanwhile upstairs the guards released the dragon who Luke immediately went to and lifting his tired head pet it and said, "What is going on Copper?"
Chris plopped down into his seat, "It's a safety measure," he said justifying his decision.
Then the doors swung open once more, and in stepped Balthisar.
"Balthisar," the King went to him.
"Your majesty," the man bowed deeply before the king.
Luke could feel Copperclaw growl, but no sound was audible.
"Any word of the war? How goes things among the battle?" The King asked with a worried look.
Balthisar put on a determined smirk, "I sent word, your highness, traitors headed this way. That was my main focus on the war site. 3 men, all small in stature, but amazing warriors that need no weapons."
"So I was correct," The King said looking over to Matt, Luke and Kand.
"Correct in doing what sire?" Balthisar asked.
"I sent them to the dungeons."
"Oh, your majesty, that was very wise of you. But I think you should have them executed at once! They will surely escape. They have amazing powers, absolutely amazing. They can kill with just one blow of their fist."
The king looked in awe, "Are all of Tapelle's warriors this skilled?"
"Many of them," Balthisar said, in all truth Balthisar had never even made it to the battlefield.
"Well, welcome home Bal. I will send word to the executioner," The king said, "and set guards at their cell night and day."
"I think, your highness, perhaps it should be a public hanging. To keep morale up?"
"That is a brilliant idea Bal, now you go and rest surely you have had a long journey."
"Yes, your majesty, very long."
"K, are you alright?" Mel asked.
"What happened?" K asked rubbing her head.
"Oh my gosh," Jaz said looking around.
The sky was dark, the girls had been passed out all day long. They were plied on top of garbage outside of the bakery. K helped Jaz up and they all ventured out into the street where a set of nooses were being erected.
"Where are we? And what is going on?" Mel asked.
K pointed up on the hill where a magnificent castle sat. "I think we need to go there, they can tell us."
The girls, still in their ninja gear, broke in a dead run for the castle. The streets were barren at night, save the large burly men making the noose, and that frightened them.
They made it to the castle within minutes, training had helped their stamina. Posted outside the castle were several guards.
"Great," K said sarcastically, "how do we get past them?"
Mel shrugged, "We could scale the wall."
"No," Jaz said, "it is far too steep, we'd be caught. They would find us before we could make it."
"Well what is your plan?" Mel demanded.
"You don't think they'd just let us in?" Jaz said mockingly. Mel wrinkled her nose. "I know exactly what to do."
Several fires were still lit in the castle. Jaz led the girls around back. She looked up and pointed to a window.
"Of course," K smiled in realization. And Mel laughed
Jaz nodded, "My dragon will surely save us." She put her fingers to h lips and gave a whistle. Instantly the dragon was that the window peering down. He gave a loud roar and leapt from the windowsill. Soaring through the night sky he landed on Jaz licking her face as he did Tum tum earlier.
"I missed you too old friend," Jaz said laughing.
K hadn't seen her cousin this happy in months.
"Now listen, we don't want to wake anyone, and the guards would never recognize us dressed this way Copper," Jaz said, "you have to fly each of us up there…okay? We can't let anyone know we are here until we see Chris and Starre. Our arrival surely will be an unexpected surprise and if the troops were to find out we have returned their will be spies out everywhere looking to capture us. Can you fly us up there?"
Copper nodded his head wildly, still very excited. She patted his head with a smile.
"Take Mel first, then K, and then me." Jaz said. Copper frowned, "I know you don't what to leave me, I don't want you to, but we have to. Listen the faster you start the longer we'll have together."
Copperclaw instantly had Mel up in the air soaring through the night clouds, landing her silently just inside the window. K was next, they were used to fling on Copper's back…but only when Jaz said so. Copper only listened to Jaz. Lastly Jaz made it safely inside. They had all just made it and candle light flickering in the distance forced them to use what Grandpa had taught them, and they became instantly silent.
"Jaz?" They heard a warm familiar voice ask.
"Luke?" Jaz whispered.
"Yes."
Jaz ran to him and knocked the candle from his hand. "I missed you!" She said.
"Thank god," K said placing a hand over her heart.
"Listen you can't let anyone know we are here yet, okay?" Mel asked.
Luke and Jaz were still embracing.
"Okay you two can knock it off," Mel said, "you are making me jealous. My brothers are far away."
Jaz had a tear in her eye and Luke was still smiling.
"I am going to my room and change," K said, "I will meet you all in the preparation hall."
"Cousin," Luke said.
K turned.
"Your brother has returned, and I am sure he would be happy to see you," Luke said.
"Thank you," K said going to Jaz's brother and giving him a hug.
"I am going to do the same," Jaz said looking up to Luke, "you will keep our secret?"
"Absolutely," he smiled tucking her hair behind her ear, "You look a little more like mom everyday."
Jaz smiled and turned to follow K, "Come on Copper," she said.
"I am going straight to my parents, I will be waiting there for you guys," Mel said.
"You aren't going to change first?" K asked.
Mel shook her head, "No, if your brother is home, surely my twin is as well."
K smiled
K and Jaz walked along side one another both taking in the air, it was good to be home.
Mel had already started for the throne room surely her mother and father would still be awake if Matt were home.
She threw the door open to find her mother sitting upon her throne, her father pacing back and forth furiously. Matt was leaning on the wall and Kand was polishing his sword. Everyone had been silent until she opened the door. Chris looked over, "Mel?" He asked. Matt ran to her, "MEL!" He hollered not stopping and tumbling onto the floor with her where he firmly placed a kiss in the middle of her forehead.
"Mel," Starre said, standing and going to her children. Mel was a clone of her mother 20 years younger, you couldn't see an once of her father in her.
"Mom," Mel said with a grin, "Matt!" she said pushing him off from her…and then running to her father she yelled, "DAD!" She leapt into his arms and he swung her around several time.
"Mel?" He looked at her seriously when they had stopped, "why are you home so early?"
"Oh, it's not of concern right now. I am just glad to be here."
"Yes dear, and just in time," the queen said.
"Why?" Mel looked to her mother.
"We have just discovered 3 traitors among us who shall be hanged tomorrow, to boost the spirits of the people in the war effort," Starre said.
"Oh really? How fascinating." Mel smiled
Matt and Kand looked to the ground without a word.
"Will you be there my dear?" Starre asked.
"Yes, of course, if you think it is safe," Mel said.
"Yes, I think you should be there," Chris said, "it will show the people how sure we are about winning this war. That I thought is safe enough for you to be home." He smiled placing a hand on her cheek, "and where are your friends?"
"They went to change, and then they said they would be here."
"That is a great idea my dear," the queen said, "you look terrible, go get a bath, and change those clothes. Get some rest and be up for breakfast, the hanging will more than likely take place in the morning right after we eat."
Mel nodded, and turned to go. Once she made it to the door she turned back to her family, "It's so good to be home."
"We are glad you are home Princess," Chris said.
Mel stepped outside just to see K and Jaz approaching. They were still filthy.
"We decided to come and make our greetings and then head off to bed. Frankly we are exhausted," K said.
"You are never going to believe what we came home to!" Mel said excitedly.
"What?" K asked with a smile.
"A hanging," Mel said.
"Really who?" Jaz said getting into the dirty talk.
"It was a lucky catch really. My parents say traitors."
K and Jaz both sucked in quick breaths of awe, "You weren't kidding huh? That is a catch. Traitors you say?" K continued, "How many? And how did they know?"
"My parents say 3," Mel smiled.
K and Jaz immediately exchanged worried looks.
"They didn't say how they knew, but it was obvious that it was good. They want to boost the population's morale. They said,"
K cut Mel off by grabbing her shoulders, "Are you out of your mind! What is wrong with you nitwit!"
Jaz looked nervously at the floor, "We have to do something to get them out and quick."
"What?" Mel asked, "What did I say?"
"Mel, think," K said, "think really hard about what happened."
Mel shrugged, "I don't get it."
"You get more ignorant by the day," Jaz said harshly, "I'm going down there and getting them out."
"Mel," K said matter-of-factly, "They've captured Rocky, Colt and, Tum."
Mel's eyes got wide, "Oh my gosh, and I have volunteered to go and watch."
K starred at Mel for a long time, her eyes grew dry from lack of blinking.
"Well, lets go," K said.
"I can't go down there," Mel said.
K and Jaz stopped and turned to face Mel, "What do you mean?"
"I mean I am the Princess of this kingdom and I can't go down there after them."
"You can't or you won't?" Jaz asked bitterly.
"Mel," K said taking her by the shoulders, "think what you are saying."
Mel pulled away, "I am being completely rational. You are the ones who are not. You think now. I can't go against what my father says, besides this isn't California. This is home. I have responsibilities, obligations, I can't pretend like I don't anymore."
"Mel," K said, "You are talking foolish, they are going to hang Rocky in the morning."
"K listen to me, you can't go either"
K cut her off, "No, I am not listening to you. You can't convince me otherwise. And if you won't try and save him…we will." K turned to leave.
"K…wait…" Mel was not following just calling after her.
Kand heard Mel's cry's and opened the door, "Mel? Mel? Are you alright?"
Mel's eyes were full of tears, "I'm fine. Your sister is headed for the dungeon."
"What? K is home?"
"Yes, go stop her." Mel turned and ran down the hall because she could not stop the tears, which followed.
Kand stood in the hallway watching Mel, until Luke walked up.
"Hey Kand," Luke said, "Still up?"
Kand nodded, "Is my sister home?"
Luke shrugged.
"She is, isn't she…and you promised not to tell." Kand said.
Luke just nodded without a word.
"They are headed for the dungeon. Or that is what Mel claims. I wonder why?" Kand said.
"They? Your sister and my sister?" Luke asked.
"I am assuming, who else would be they?"
Luke shrugged again.
"But why?" Kand asked again.
Luke's eyes got wide, "Come on…I think I know."
"Well you could tell me."
"Remember how Copper reacted to the youngest of the boys? He even snapped at me? I bet they know our sisters. Copper could grasp the smell of Jaz on the youngest one."
"Yes, that has to be it," Kand agreed.
"We have got to catch them, and find out what is going on?"
Kand nodded in agreement.
"Dear," the queen said as they embraced, "I have found new people who visit us. I wouldn't allow them to stay anywhere else. This is Rocky, Colt and Tum tum. Boys this is my husband, the King of this land, Christago."
He bowed and smiled politely, "Charmed."
They all did likewise, clumsily. He was everything they had imagined a King to be broad shouldered, handsome and powerful.
"I understand one of my son's has come home?" The Queen questioned raising an eyebrow.
"That's completely incorrect, my son has come home," the King smiled playfully.
The Queen narrowed her eyes, "either way, your majesty, where is he?"
"Ah, he has already found his way to the table with Luke, they are playing chess."
She smiled in understanding. The group of girls giggled when the King and Queen mentioned Luke and their son.
"I shall take the boys to meet them."
"That will be nice," the King smiled, "Afterwards you can get them changed, and ready for supper."
The Queen nodded, "I will have MY son and his friends do that."
The King just laughed and went on down the hall.
"How many children do you have, if you don't mind me asking, your highness?" Rocky said.
"Oh, not at all, I have 11 children. 6 boys and 5 girls. One set of triplets, 3 sets of twins and 2 individuals. My oldest is a single born and my youngest…strange how that works, huh?" She smiled.
"Wow," Tum tum said, "that is quite a lot."
The Queen nodded, "but I love them all, and his Majesty is a wonderful father."
"You wouldn't think you are at war, highness," Colt said.
"We try and keep the people's spirits up by behaving this way, but Chris is really sad. He did not want to go to war, and most of all he misses the children. But no more talk of sad things, come meet one of my kids."
They all trotted along behind her, the group of ladies in waiting trailing close behind.
"Make your move," they heard a calm voice request.
"Damn, damn, damn," they heard a more angry voice respond, "Luke you have me trapped in every direction."
"That is the idea Matt," they heard come back.
The Queen turned the corner and the boys saw a beautiful blue-eyed, shaggy blonde haired man sitting with his feet proper up on a chair as he non-challantly moved chest pieces across a board, "check mate again, old friend," he smiled. He was perhaps a few years Rocky's senior, but not by much. The man who sat across from him was ruggedly handsome a smaller version of the King, with dark chestnut colored hair and green eyes; probably the same age as Rocky. Another broad shouldered, black haired man stood over the game with his arms folded across his chest and a smile pressed on his lips. With a sword strapped to his side he was daredevil looking, also matching Rocky's age.
They all looked over, save the man who had just made the chest moves.
"Mom," the boys who was losing said, "Glad to see you." He went to her and gave her a kiss.
"Oh Matt, I am so glad you are home," she smiled giving him a hug.
"Me too Mom," He said.
"Kand," the Queen offered to the man with the sword at his side.
He went to her, "Starre, my second mother, I am glad to see you well. And what have you today, comrade or captive?" He smiled at the boys, he knew the Queen had a way of picking up stray children and bringing them under her wing. She gave him a loving punch, "Captive, did you expect any less."
"Majesty," the other man stood and went to her, "It has been, well," he looked outside, "hours perhaps."
"Luke," she gave him a hug anyway, "I am glad you stayed away from the war. And perhaps you can keep these ninnies from it."
"Not if he keeps beating me at chess," Matt complained.
"Well someone had to hold the fort down, while my ignorant parents went off to that silly threat. I am just a stand in, but I will do my best to keep our tactics up-to-date."
The Queen smiled, "I trust you Luke, just as I do your mother and father."
Luke smiled.
Rocky wondered how these boys who where only his age had such large jobs, and how their lives were so different.
Rocky, Colt and Tum tum walked in the room cautiously examining it, Rocky looked at the unfinished game of chess while Tum tum studied the tapestries and Colt found the art work breathtaking.
"And this," the Queen said, "is Rocky, Colt, and Tum tum. I found them being harassed but Hodge, that idiot. But that aside, will you dress them and have them ready for dinner my sons?"
The 3 of them nodded their heads in agreement.
"May I?" Rocky asked regarding the chess game.
"Please," Luke said, "be my guest."
Rocky moved a pawn and bishop. "There," he smiled content with his work, "check-mate."
Luke smiled, "Well done, sir Rocky."
Matt came over to the chess table and stared down at it, "How ever did you manage that?"
As Rocky explained his move the prince began to blush.
"Brilliant," Luke said, "Starre, I do believe you have found us quite a winner in this young man. Come let us get you all dressed."
They all followed Luke, with Kand and Matt nearby.
The boys were fitted and provided with clothes within an hour, but mean while they spoke to the men they had been introduced to.
"The ladies sure had an eye for you guys," Matt offered.
Colt frowned, "Oh that, well I already have a lady."
"And where is she?" Kand asked.
"I am not sure, we seemed to have gotten separated," Colt said.
"Oh, that is never good," Matt said, "is she beautiful?"
"More beautiful than you can imagine."
"And what of you?" Luke asked Rocky, "Have you got a lady. You really caught Claire's eye."
Rocky blushed, "Yes, actually I do."
"And she is also lost?" Luke asked.
"I'm afraid so," Rocky said. "Do you have ladies?"
Luke smiled, "Yes, but my fiancé lives two towns over, I will not see her for sometime."
"Many," Matt smiled.
"Not yet," Kand offered, "I am still searching for her."
They all looked to Tum tum, but before they could ask he said, "Yes, and she is the best. But she, too, is missing."
Luke looked up, "I hope they haven't gotten trapped in the war."
The ninjas all got fearful looks, they hadn't thought of that.
"Oh no," Colt said, "do you think that is possible?"
"Well we don't know," Matt said, "Which way were you coming from?"
Rocky and Colt looked to one another shrugging, "Uh…we aren't really sure?"
"Well, where is your homeland?" Kand asked.
"California," Tum tum jumped in, too quickly. Colt gave him a punch and a nasty glare.
"Oh, I haven't heard of that city, it must be one of the new colonies off the coast. Is it one of the islands? Do you know who your lord is?" Luke asked, "I know most of the nobles."
"Luke is a scholar," Matt explained, "he seems to know everything."
Luke smiled widely, and then followed up by saying, "it's not that I seem to know everything, it's just that I know books and books of material more than these idiots. But we are still great friends, I just keep away from the sword although my father forced me to learn how to wield one. I am not the dragon hunter that my comrades are."
"Wow, you hunt real dragons?" Tum asked in awe.
Kand smiled down to him, "That's right, here a token of new friendship." Kand reached into the pouch attached to his hip and revealed a shiny red dragon scale.
Tum tum reached out and accepted the gift, mouth gaping open, unable to speak. "This came from a real dragon?"
Kand nodded, "Our last victim. He was an ancient red, terrorizing a distant village. We only kill the vicious ones. There are many dragons that are good. Mostly the metallics, the colored ones are evil."
"What do you mean metallics?" Rocky asked with a smile pressed on his lips, 'Wow! Real dragons,' he thought fingering Tum tum's dragon scale.
"Metallic dragons tend to be good dragons, helping the people and such," Luke explained, "the metallics consist of Platinum, Gold, Silver, Copper, and, Bronze. The coloreds are Red, Black, White, Blue, and Green. The coloreds are evil killing humans whenever they get the chance just for fun."
"Have you ever been attacked by dragons…here?" Tum tum asked.
"Certainly not, the dragons don't come out this far. You really have been sheltered huh?" Matt asked, "They pick off little villages."
"You could say sheltered," Colt said sarcastically.
"Do you remember when you lost them?" Kand asked attempting to help locate the girls again.
"No, that is the problem," Rocky said.
"Ah," Luke said, "Can they take care of themselves? Or do they need serious protecting? Do they wear the colors of California? And do you know is California is allied with anyone? Since I have not heard of it more than likely it is not allied with anyone."
"Uh…" Tum tum thought back to the questions, "Kind of, kind of, colors? No, they are in what we are in. And no, I don't think that California is allied with anyone."
"Good, if it's neural than it is likely that Lord Tapelle will let them live if they are found. If they put up any kind of fight he will likely throw them in the dungeons, even if they are neutral. Do you think they'll fight?" Luke said.
"Who is Lord Tapelle? And I am really not sure if they will fight back," Rocky said, "that is what scares me."
"Lord Tapelle is leading the war on the other side. He was once a baron of His Majesty, but one day he decided to rally an army to over-throw the King, he made bonds and promises to other lands, and now still he thinks he will win and take the throne. But it won't happen, Chris has far to many allies and has done too many good things for the people to turn on him. Chris is the best king we have had as far back as history goes. I have only read of ruthless rules, who have ruled with an iron fist. Chris is not at all that way, he is a gentle; kind and generous. Lord Tapelle would not be so forgiving."
"Can they fight?" Kand asked, "and if so can they fight well?"
"Not well, they were just learning, but they definitely can." Colt said.
There was a call down the hall from one of the servants, "Dinner my lords and ladies, come and get it!"
"Ah, finally," Kand said, "I am famished."
"Here," Luke offered the ninjas their clothes, "put these on. Meet us outside when you are done. Oh, and one more thing; we wouldn't want you to be frightened."
"What?" Rocky asked.
Matt laughed, "Remember how we told you about the good dragons and the bad ones."
"Yeah?" Colt said.
"I don't suppose you have seen a dragon?" Kand asked, "We wouldn't want you to get dragon fear and pass out."
"Huh?" Tum tum questioned.
"My sister has a dragon friend who lives here in the castle. He lies on the floor at dinner time, he is a very young copper…still very tiny, only 10 years old." Luke told them.
"WHAT!?" They all asked together.
"I told her I would take care of him while she was away, his name is Copperclaw. He is very friendly, so do not be frightened."
"Is your sister in the war?" Tum tum asked.
"No, she is much too young for the war, although she would be a valuable asset to it; she is very dangerous. My parents would never let her fight. We will tell you all about our families in due time, now we must get to dinner. Hurry and change we will wait in the hall for you."
The prince led them down the hall to the mess hall. Tum tum could feel his stomach growling.
"Well, here it is," Matt said, and opened the door.
The room that lie before them amazed their tired eyes. There was a table the length of the room covered with lavish foods. Tum tum had not seen such food in all his life. There was a full roasted ham, flayed beef, several chickens, an entire turkey, mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, steamed carrots and broccoli, and many other wonderful smelling dishes. Then they heard a squawk, and off to the left a copper colored dragon looked at them intently waiting to see if anyone else came in.
"No, Copper," Luke said, "she's not back yet. Soon, she should be back any day."
The dragon, which was approximately the height of Rocky, laid his long neck back on the cool stone floor.
"Well is that any way to meet our guest?" Luke looked annoyed with the dragon, "I know you have better manners than that, now come here."
Rocky, Colt, and Tum tum stood frozen at the door, as the dragon lazily picked itself up and crawled over to them on all fours. He had large wings connected to his back which he stretched several feet over their heads when he stood, as if just waking giving a big yawn from his narrow beak. He was a slender creature, with a soft underbelly and somewhat long lanky limbs. He had a long tale with a spade at the end, and a long neck that thinned as it peeked at his head, which was a long slender head with, fanned ears.
He was about half the height of the boys on all fours, but his elongated neck made the head reach eye level. They all desperately wanted to back away from this creature of legend, but found themselves paralyzed.
Matt laughed, "Mom look seems our new friends are afraid of Copper."
"Oh Copper come away from them," Starre said giving the dragon a pat on the head. The dragon scooped its long neck around to look at the queen. It gave a loud arguementive squeal. The queen drew her neck back, "Don't start with me you. I can still take you." She punched at him playfully. Instantly the dragon was on top of her and they were wrestling.
Chris entered the room casually and cleared his throat rather loud.
"What?" Starre said with a giggle.
"That is a new dress my wife." He said. "You shouldn't be rolling around on the floor with the animals in a dress anyhow…and in front of the new guest none the less."
Starre narrowed her eyes with a devilish grin, "Some one has got to play with him or he'll get lonely."
Copper had already sheepishly made his was across the room still looking rather sad. "See he misses her." Starre whispered as though the dragon could not hear. Rocky noticed him adjust the fans of his ears to collect the sound.
Chris gave Rocky a, non-intentional, hard slap on the back with a grin, "Never seen a dragon huh?"
Rocky shook his head, but luckily the slap had thrown him from his dragon fear. He gave Colt a nudge, who, in turn, gave Tum a nudge.
"Please," the king said offering them seats.
They all sat at the long table. It only took a couple minutes for the room to fill up, however the table that could seat perhaps 100 guest was only filled 20% of the seats. The king said a mini grace wishing all the people off fighting the war a safe trip home, and a wish for his children all to return safely to him when the war was over.
They all piled their plates with lots of food and began to feast. Rocky and Colt hadn't realized how hungry they were until the food was placed before them. The food tasted as wonderful as it looked, Tum tum was in complete heaven.
Rocky leaned over to Matt who sat next to him, "Are all of these empty seat reserved for those who are off at war?"
Matt shook his head, "Many of them, but not all."
"Are your brothers and sisters in the war?"
"My older sister and brothers are, and if I had been here I would have gone to the war, or with my sister. I am not sure where my younger siblings are. I know my parents sent them off to secret places, so they would be safe from capture. Ransoms are the worst thing during a war."
"You would be with only one of your sisters? Are all of your siblings together?"
Matt shrugged, "Probably, I really don't know. My parents would probably have sent them together, but maybe not. And the one I would have gone with is my twin, I really miss her when I am off dragon hunting."
At the mention of dragon hunting Copper lifted his head and gave a snort.
"Not dragons like you Copper," Matt said looking over his shoulder. "He is very sensitive."
"Okay," Starre demanded looking at her plate, her voice shook as she spoke, "enough talk of war, my ears are growing tired of it. Let us talk of other things. Luke tell us of your studies, Claire tell us of the city, Matt and Kand tell us of the dragon hunts…something other than that silly war!"
Everyone grew silent for several moments as if the war were the only thing that existed and without it they had nothing to speak of.
"Well," Lady Claire's young petite voice sounded, "perhaps some word from our new-comer guests." Claire was a beautiful young girl. She had golden blonde ringlets that hung around her face. She was elegant and graceful, just as any lady of the court should be. She smiled over to Rocky.
"Uh," he blushed, "What of us would you like to hear?"
She smiled broader, "Anything? Perhaps of your family? What house are you from?"
"We are from the Douglas house." Rocky said.
"Oh," Claire smiled, "Are they a house of warriors?"
"Yes, you could say." Rocky said.
"Are you a knight?"
"No, not a night."
"And you?" She turned to Colt with a bright grin, "are you also a warrior?"
He nodded.
Tum tum was doing his best to ignore the situation, still shoveling piles of food into his mouth. Tum tum felt a nudge from behind. He turned to see the dragon sitting behind him. Tum tum reached out a hand, "Hi there Copperclaw," he said.
Copperclaw nudged him again.
"What is it Copper?" Luke said standing and coming over to him.
The dragon gently nudged Tum tum again.
Luke looked at Tum tum with a confused look on his face, "I wonder why he is being so friendly to you? Copper is usually anti-social."
"Stupid thing," Claire said under her breath.
"On the contrary Claire," Luke began, "Copperclaw, as well as any other dragon, is far more intelligent than any one of us. Copper is still a baby, and can not talk yet…just because one can not speak does not make them ignorant. Give Copper a few hundred years and his intelligence will far surpass ours. And he is thinking something now."
Tum tum grew more terrified by the moment. He found himself unable to speak, it sounded worse by the minute, maybe this dragon wanted to eat him.
Copperclaw went to Luke and nudged him as well. Luke looked at Tum tum with wide eyes, "Either you are very good friends of us…or very horrible enemies. Copper knows something about you."
"What is going on?" Tum asked in a fearful voice, "What about me?"
"I don't know," Luke said, "there are only two people that can talk to and understand Copperclaw. Unfortunately, neither of those people are here right now."
"Who? How can we find them?" Tum tum asked quickly.
"My mother and my sister, and we can't get to either of them," Luke said.
Copperclaw looked back and forth between the two. Then walking over to Tum he nudged him with the flat of his head again. He looked back to Luke and then to Tum again. Tum tum drew back from the dragon, but (without warning) Copper leapt onto Tum tum knocking him from his chair. Rocky and Colt leapt from their chairs falling into ninja stances, and Chris and Starre also stood along with Luke who demanded "COPPERCLAW!"
But everyone was shocked to see the dragon licking Tum tum as though this oversized pet was a dog. Tum tum was giggling and pushing the muzzle of the dragon away.
Luke sat back down saying, "Apparently you are friend and not foe."
Starre stared at Tum tum and then looked to the two older boys, "You are hiding something, what are you not telling us? That dragon doesn't behave that way unless he really knows you, something is strange about you."
"No your majesty, I can assure you nothing is unordinary," Rocky said.
Copperclaw got off of Tum tum and helped him to his feet with his strong neck. Instantly Copper threw his head underneath Tum tum sliding the medium sized boy onto his back.
"Copperclaw what are you doing?" Luke said stepping closer.
Copperclaw fell into a defensive position and growled at Luke hiding Tum tum behind him.
"What has gotten into you!?" Luke said offering a hand to the angry dragon.
The door swung open and in stepped a messenger, "Your highness word has been sent from the battlefield, traitors headed this way, three young boys!"
Everyone drew back and looked at Rocky, Colt, and Tum tum.
"Guards!" The King called, "Seize them!"
Rocky and Colt began to fight, and Copper claw snapped at all that came near Tum tum. Tum tum was unable to escape the over protective dragon. It took several sets of guards for the Ninjas to realize they weren't going to win this, there was no escaping this castle. Four guards had to pin the dragon and two held either of each of the boys arms.
"Are you traitors?" The King asked stepping near the boys who were all being chained now.
"No, I swear," Rocky said.
"Would you rather be hanged for lying or treason? Either can be arranged. How did you slip past the guards? Do you work for Tapelle himself? I knew your accent was strange."
"We didn't do anything!" Colt argued.
"No, we didn't!" Tum tum agreed.
Copperclaw was still struggling under the guards.
Chris looked over to the guards, "Let that dragon free now, and your lives will cease to exist."
"Let them cool their heals in the dungeons," the king demanded.
"NO!" Rocky yelled as they began taking them away.
"And somebody do something about that dragon!" the king demanded.
Just before the door closed the ninjas heard Luke, Kand and Matt arguing with the king. Luke was saying, "I really don't think they are bad, this is probably a mistake. Copper knows."
"Yeah, Dad," Matt said, and that was the last Colt could hear before the thick heavy door slammed behind them.
"Hey I remember being trapped in like this a couple summers back," Colt said sarcastically, leaning on the bars. "This sucks!"
"What is going on?" Rocky asked, "Something is weird here. How did we become friends of the King and Queen, and then instantly become enemies?"
"Yeah, but more importantly how did we get here?" Colt said.
"Or where are the girls?" Tum tum suggested, "I am scared for them."
"What was the story with that dragon Tum?" Colt asked.
Tum tum shrugged, "I have no idea."
Meanwhile upstairs the guards released the dragon who Luke immediately went to and lifting his tired head pet it and said, "What is going on Copper?"
Chris plopped down into his seat, "It's a safety measure," he said justifying his decision.
Then the doors swung open once more, and in stepped Balthisar.
"Balthisar," the King went to him.
"Your majesty," the man bowed deeply before the king.
Luke could feel Copperclaw growl, but no sound was audible.
"Any word of the war? How goes things among the battle?" The King asked with a worried look.
Balthisar put on a determined smirk, "I sent word, your highness, traitors headed this way. That was my main focus on the war site. 3 men, all small in stature, but amazing warriors that need no weapons."
"So I was correct," The King said looking over to Matt, Luke and Kand.
"Correct in doing what sire?" Balthisar asked.
"I sent them to the dungeons."
"Oh, your majesty, that was very wise of you. But I think you should have them executed at once! They will surely escape. They have amazing powers, absolutely amazing. They can kill with just one blow of their fist."
The king looked in awe, "Are all of Tapelle's warriors this skilled?"
"Many of them," Balthisar said, in all truth Balthisar had never even made it to the battlefield.
"Well, welcome home Bal. I will send word to the executioner," The king said, "and set guards at their cell night and day."
"I think, your highness, perhaps it should be a public hanging. To keep morale up?"
"That is a brilliant idea Bal, now you go and rest surely you have had a long journey."
"Yes, your majesty, very long."
"K, are you alright?" Mel asked.
"What happened?" K asked rubbing her head.
"Oh my gosh," Jaz said looking around.
The sky was dark, the girls had been passed out all day long. They were plied on top of garbage outside of the bakery. K helped Jaz up and they all ventured out into the street where a set of nooses were being erected.
"Where are we? And what is going on?" Mel asked.
K pointed up on the hill where a magnificent castle sat. "I think we need to go there, they can tell us."
The girls, still in their ninja gear, broke in a dead run for the castle. The streets were barren at night, save the large burly men making the noose, and that frightened them.
They made it to the castle within minutes, training had helped their stamina. Posted outside the castle were several guards.
"Great," K said sarcastically, "how do we get past them?"
Mel shrugged, "We could scale the wall."
"No," Jaz said, "it is far too steep, we'd be caught. They would find us before we could make it."
"Well what is your plan?" Mel demanded.
"You don't think they'd just let us in?" Jaz said mockingly. Mel wrinkled her nose. "I know exactly what to do."
Several fires were still lit in the castle. Jaz led the girls around back. She looked up and pointed to a window.
"Of course," K smiled in realization. And Mel laughed
Jaz nodded, "My dragon will surely save us." She put her fingers to h lips and gave a whistle. Instantly the dragon was that the window peering down. He gave a loud roar and leapt from the windowsill. Soaring through the night sky he landed on Jaz licking her face as he did Tum tum earlier.
"I missed you too old friend," Jaz said laughing.
K hadn't seen her cousin this happy in months.
"Now listen, we don't want to wake anyone, and the guards would never recognize us dressed this way Copper," Jaz said, "you have to fly each of us up there…okay? We can't let anyone know we are here until we see Chris and Starre. Our arrival surely will be an unexpected surprise and if the troops were to find out we have returned their will be spies out everywhere looking to capture us. Can you fly us up there?"
Copper nodded his head wildly, still very excited. She patted his head with a smile.
"Take Mel first, then K, and then me." Jaz said. Copper frowned, "I know you don't what to leave me, I don't want you to, but we have to. Listen the faster you start the longer we'll have together."
Copperclaw instantly had Mel up in the air soaring through the night clouds, landing her silently just inside the window. K was next, they were used to fling on Copper's back…but only when Jaz said so. Copper only listened to Jaz. Lastly Jaz made it safely inside. They had all just made it and candle light flickering in the distance forced them to use what Grandpa had taught them, and they became instantly silent.
"Jaz?" They heard a warm familiar voice ask.
"Luke?" Jaz whispered.
"Yes."
Jaz ran to him and knocked the candle from his hand. "I missed you!" She said.
"Thank god," K said placing a hand over her heart.
"Listen you can't let anyone know we are here yet, okay?" Mel asked.
Luke and Jaz were still embracing.
"Okay you two can knock it off," Mel said, "you are making me jealous. My brothers are far away."
Jaz had a tear in her eye and Luke was still smiling.
"I am going to my room and change," K said, "I will meet you all in the preparation hall."
"Cousin," Luke said.
K turned.
"Your brother has returned, and I am sure he would be happy to see you," Luke said.
"Thank you," K said going to Jaz's brother and giving him a hug.
"I am going to do the same," Jaz said looking up to Luke, "you will keep our secret?"
"Absolutely," he smiled tucking her hair behind her ear, "You look a little more like mom everyday."
Jaz smiled and turned to follow K, "Come on Copper," she said.
"I am going straight to my parents, I will be waiting there for you guys," Mel said.
"You aren't going to change first?" K asked.
Mel shook her head, "No, if your brother is home, surely my twin is as well."
K smiled
K and Jaz walked along side one another both taking in the air, it was good to be home.
Mel had already started for the throne room surely her mother and father would still be awake if Matt were home.
She threw the door open to find her mother sitting upon her throne, her father pacing back and forth furiously. Matt was leaning on the wall and Kand was polishing his sword. Everyone had been silent until she opened the door. Chris looked over, "Mel?" He asked. Matt ran to her, "MEL!" He hollered not stopping and tumbling onto the floor with her where he firmly placed a kiss in the middle of her forehead.
"Mel," Starre said, standing and going to her children. Mel was a clone of her mother 20 years younger, you couldn't see an once of her father in her.
"Mom," Mel said with a grin, "Matt!" she said pushing him off from her…and then running to her father she yelled, "DAD!" She leapt into his arms and he swung her around several time.
"Mel?" He looked at her seriously when they had stopped, "why are you home so early?"
"Oh, it's not of concern right now. I am just glad to be here."
"Yes dear, and just in time," the queen said.
"Why?" Mel looked to her mother.
"We have just discovered 3 traitors among us who shall be hanged tomorrow, to boost the spirits of the people in the war effort," Starre said.
"Oh really? How fascinating." Mel smiled
Matt and Kand looked to the ground without a word.
"Will you be there my dear?" Starre asked.
"Yes, of course, if you think it is safe," Mel said.
"Yes, I think you should be there," Chris said, "it will show the people how sure we are about winning this war. That I thought is safe enough for you to be home." He smiled placing a hand on her cheek, "and where are your friends?"
"They went to change, and then they said they would be here."
"That is a great idea my dear," the queen said, "you look terrible, go get a bath, and change those clothes. Get some rest and be up for breakfast, the hanging will more than likely take place in the morning right after we eat."
Mel nodded, and turned to go. Once she made it to the door she turned back to her family, "It's so good to be home."
"We are glad you are home Princess," Chris said.
Mel stepped outside just to see K and Jaz approaching. They were still filthy.
"We decided to come and make our greetings and then head off to bed. Frankly we are exhausted," K said.
"You are never going to believe what we came home to!" Mel said excitedly.
"What?" K asked with a smile.
"A hanging," Mel said.
"Really who?" Jaz said getting into the dirty talk.
"It was a lucky catch really. My parents say traitors."
K and Jaz both sucked in quick breaths of awe, "You weren't kidding huh? That is a catch. Traitors you say?" K continued, "How many? And how did they know?"
"My parents say 3," Mel smiled.
K and Jaz immediately exchanged worried looks.
"They didn't say how they knew, but it was obvious that it was good. They want to boost the population's morale. They said,"
K cut Mel off by grabbing her shoulders, "Are you out of your mind! What is wrong with you nitwit!"
Jaz looked nervously at the floor, "We have to do something to get them out and quick."
"What?" Mel asked, "What did I say?"
"Mel, think," K said, "think really hard about what happened."
Mel shrugged, "I don't get it."
"You get more ignorant by the day," Jaz said harshly, "I'm going down there and getting them out."
"Mel," K said matter-of-factly, "They've captured Rocky, Colt and, Tum."
Mel's eyes got wide, "Oh my gosh, and I have volunteered to go and watch."
K starred at Mel for a long time, her eyes grew dry from lack of blinking.
"Well, lets go," K said.
"I can't go down there," Mel said.
K and Jaz stopped and turned to face Mel, "What do you mean?"
"I mean I am the Princess of this kingdom and I can't go down there after them."
"You can't or you won't?" Jaz asked bitterly.
"Mel," K said taking her by the shoulders, "think what you are saying."
Mel pulled away, "I am being completely rational. You are the ones who are not. You think now. I can't go against what my father says, besides this isn't California. This is home. I have responsibilities, obligations, I can't pretend like I don't anymore."
"Mel," K said, "You are talking foolish, they are going to hang Rocky in the morning."
"K listen to me, you can't go either"
K cut her off, "No, I am not listening to you. You can't convince me otherwise. And if you won't try and save him…we will." K turned to leave.
"K…wait…" Mel was not following just calling after her.
Kand heard Mel's cry's and opened the door, "Mel? Mel? Are you alright?"
Mel's eyes were full of tears, "I'm fine. Your sister is headed for the dungeon."
"What? K is home?"
"Yes, go stop her." Mel turned and ran down the hall because she could not stop the tears, which followed.
Kand stood in the hallway watching Mel, until Luke walked up.
"Hey Kand," Luke said, "Still up?"
Kand nodded, "Is my sister home?"
Luke shrugged.
"She is, isn't she…and you promised not to tell." Kand said.
Luke just nodded without a word.
"They are headed for the dungeon. Or that is what Mel claims. I wonder why?" Kand said.
"They? Your sister and my sister?" Luke asked.
"I am assuming, who else would be they?"
Luke shrugged again.
"But why?" Kand asked again.
Luke's eyes got wide, "Come on…I think I know."
"Well you could tell me."
"Remember how Copper reacted to the youngest of the boys? He even snapped at me? I bet they know our sisters. Copper could grasp the smell of Jaz on the youngest one."
"Yes, that has to be it," Kand agreed.
"We have got to catch them, and find out what is going on?"
Kand nodded in agreement.