The Beginning of Part 2
The Chosen One
Part 2 The Power of Love
By Will Cooper
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 The Attack Chapter 2 Brodsley Chapter 3 A harmless plant Chapter 4 The Failed Horn Chapter 5 The Power of Love Chapter 6 The Pyre
Chapter 1 The Attack
"Parry, thrust, parry, jab!" Said Lester's sword master. They were outside in a field practicing. "Ok, now!" His sword master thrust his sword hard at Lester, but Lester quickly parried it back at him. "Good very good." Said his sword master. After Histll's pyre the companions had made their plans. Tess was to go to the great termite city of Plontos, Tisst was to stay with Lester. Tisst had gone off on midsummer's day to find his brothers. They had been split up as young grasshoppers and planned to meet up that very month. But now Lester had more important matters at hand, such as getting better with a sword. He was doing well, but for some reason couldn't get his mind off Tess
High a top the towers of Plontos Tess's mind wandered as she stared infinitely outside. Her mind often wandered to Lester and Tisst, for she longed to she them again and go on an adventure. "Tess, the tea is ready." Said Lady Termissisa (Queen of the Termites, for Tess was the princess). "Be there in a minute!" Tess replied taking her gaze off the hills and toward the evening tea. Plontos was unlike any other mound in all of the land. Its towers rose to over two feet tall and many halls were just as wide. Now termites and ants had long been enemies. Never had a peace treaty been made, yet Tess had begun to think of how stupid it was. While ants were small human like figures, termites were more like grasshoppers except for the women. So, with thoughts of her people and country on her mind she rose and left. "So Antion will burn." Muttered the worn voice of King Tertill. "Yes my liege it will go on as planned, my riders are ready to depart at any moment." Replied the hard voice of Tertill's general Termise. "By the way my liege how fairs princess Tess?" Asked Termise. "She fairs well after that horrid ant Lord Lester of Antion sent her back to me." Said King Tertill clenching his fist. Suddenly the door burst open and Tess shouted, "Do not speak of Lester that way." She had been listening on the other side of the door. "Father he his my friend please do not attack his city." Tess pleaded. "Though that may be." Boomed Tertill. "Ants trespassed in my kingdom, this must be so." Tertill motioned for the guards, and kicking and screaming she was taken out. "Where were you my dear, tea is over." Said the Queen eyeing Tess thoughrouly. "Nothing may I go mother?" Asked Tess eyes starting to tear up. "Yes child go." In her bedroom Tess threw pillows angrily. Suddenly she thought of it. She would unleash her dragonfly and fly toward The Royal Mound of the ants and warn them. She quickly gathered up all her necessary items and fled.
Back in the mound Lester was preparing for bed. He had thought of Tess all day remembering her smell and her laugh and- at that moment a huge rock dropped down in his room and he was flung back. Unsheathing his sword he got up and made for the door. In the hall guards were rushing towards other ends of the castle. Lester ran toward King Antic's chambers. Lester opened the door to his room and he was not inside it. So discouraged he ran back into the hall and ran toward the base. Ant archers were firing twigs up at the dragonflies overhead. Some termites had dismounted and were now fighting with the ants. Lester encountered a termite, slew it quickly and rushed to the base once more. Abruptly, a huge stream of beetles flew into the air and began to attack the dragonflies. The battle was turning ill until an eerie buzzing sound came towards the mound. Tisst and his brothers, swords drawn flew to aid the other ants.
Chapter 2
Brodsley
After the battle King Antic ordered a meeting in his chamber. Tisst and his brothers were there, so was Antic, his generals, and Lester.
"Now what happened here was not expected." Said Antic. "Before we begin Tisst what are your brothers names?"
Tisst looked at his two brothers and the quickly stood up.
The first one said, "My name is Grist, and this is my brother Biss." Finished Grist.
Grist was a muscular grasshopper who had a scar across one eye. Biss was a plump grasshopper with a worn look to his face.
"We are at you command my liege." Said Biss, the two grasshoppers taking their seats.
"What are your thoughts on the termites move general Antiles?" Asked Antic.
"Well it was indeed a swift and risky move, but- at that moment Tess burst through the doors.
"I'm sorry I did not get here in time to warn you- but she was cut off by two guards seizing her. Lester without thinking drew his sword, and strode over to the guards holding Tess were.
"Unhand the fair maiden." Ordered Lester.
"Lester, her people attacked my people, we must hold her." Said Antic standing up.
"No, she has come to warn us, how can she be held." Replied Lester defensively.
"Lester, let them take her." Said Antic.
"No." Lester unsheathed his sword punched one guard and he and the princess ran away.
After they had passed out what was left of the gate Lester began to talk.
"Are you hurt?"
"No I don't think so, that was really brave of you." Said Tess blushing.
"We can't let them start a war." Said Lester at once. "We have to prevent it."
"How there is no way to stop my father or Antic." Replied Tess a grimace on her face. Abrupting their conversation a huge shadow passed overhead. Lester looked up only to see a red bird swooping down on them.
"Run!" Yelled Lester.
They both began to run away from the predator, but to no avail. The bird was too fast for them, swooped down picked them both up, and flew away.
"Unhand us- but they were cut off when the bird knocked them unconscious.
When they awoke they were in the birds nest with the bird perched watching them. When the bird realized they were awake he said, "My name is Brodsley.
"Where have you taken us, Brodsley is it?" Asked Tess looking around as though she was on an alien planet.
"This is my nest, you are welcome to stay here as long as you wish, I am always lonely and would welcome company."
Lester felt a wave of sympathy for the bird. He had obviously been living in complete solitude for quite some time.
His nest was shaggy, with branches sticking out every which way, some sharp branches had been covered up to protect the occupant from being poked.
"Well we might just stay here for a while, no other tasks occupy us. At that moment an eagle swooped down and perched down on a branch.
"What do you want Eagor?" Asked Brodsley eyeing the bird suspiciously.
"Rebel birds in the mountains, we need more bird power." Said Eagor now, seeing the two ants talking more and more slowly.
"I will come." Brodsley replied looking around his nest and handing a horn to Lester.
"Now this horn that I made can make an echo so loud that I can hear it anywhere, so if you are in trouble just blow it." Brodsley finished flapping his wings impatiently.
Lester signaled ok and Brodsley and Eagor flew off. Tess and Lester looked at each other.
The sun had begun to go down so they decided to stay in Brodsley's nest the night then in the early morning depart for the termite mound.
Lester took the first watch but did not take his eyes off Tess unless he heard an unusual noise. She seemed even more beautiful than when he had seen her on his way to battle Lynx.
Lester awoke early in the morning to find Tess asleep on her watch. He stared at her blankly then strode over to her and awoke her.
They set out a time later, for they had to eat and find water. First they had to climb down the tree Brodsley had put them in. Lester made it down the tree with ease, but when Tess was on her third branch she slipped and fell. She landed in Lester's arms. She was a light load for him and quickly put her down. For a minute they stared deeply into each other's eyes until she gave him a kiss on the cheek and strode away. Blushing Lester quickly strode after her.
Chapter 3 A harmless Plant
The next day Lester and Tess reached the Plant territory where plants always loomed and teased people going beneath them. Lester figured it would get them to the termite mound faster and they agreed. So they struggled through the packed forest of plants. Each plant was unique in its own way. One plant had other plants sticking out of its sides, another had pink thorns and another had bugs buzzing at the top of it. They had been walking for a while when they entered a forest of never- ending plants. Though they were used to plants these they had never seen before. The ground was littered about with small branches. So wholeheartedly they struggled on. "Look at the top of the plants." Said Tess noticing the unique tops of the plants. They were open at the top with white threads poking out of the heads. "I have never laid eyes on these before." Lester stated still staring at the mysterious plant. So they continued on the same plants looming overhead. Lester had not known that it would take them this long to reach the end. Seeming this path would never end the companions halted and started to lie down when Lester and Tess yelled out in pain. The branches on the ground were as sharp as a blade. "What shall we do the sun is already beginning to set, yet we cannot stop and sleep because of these branches? Asked Tess looking fearful. "All we can do is continue on until we find ground we can sleep on." Said Lester straightening up. Lester held Tess's hand firmly and they strode off. It was incredibly late when it happened. It was dark and Lester heard a thud. He squinted his eyes but to no avail. He crouched down and felt a large pile. It was Tess. Two branches had pierced her legs and now she was bleeding freely. With fright and tears in his eyes Lester picked her up and stared up at the sky. The moon had come out so he could see some, but the plants clouded the light. Wait the plants. He could climb them up to the top of the plant and they could rest there. It, by the looks of it was a harmless plant, so he began to climb. Unexpectedly it was a fairly easy climb and when he reached the top he flung himself and Tess's body onto the plant. Suddenly the plant's mouth began to close until the plant's mouth was completely closed. Then a voice spoke. "I am a Venus Fly-Trap who goes there, what are you?" Boomed the voice. "We are an ant and a termite what are you going to do?" Asked Lester. "Eat you of course, oh an ant and a termite a delicacy indeed." Replied the voice. Fear swept over him. He could not breathe. "Please spare us I beg you, my friend is wounded spare us please." Lester pleaded. "I'm sorry, it will be quick." Abruptly tiny holes in the mouth opened and acid flooded in. Lester pulled up Tess and hauled her to the top of the mouth. Then he had a plan. He unsheathed his sword and cut an opening in the flytrap. Though wounded the plant was still filling with acid. So he grabbed Tess and jumped. With a thud and rush of pain he landed yelling with pain. Darkness took him and he lost consciousness. He awoke several days later in a daze. He was lying on a bed with Tess leaning over him. "Oh Lester you're awake finally." She said hugging him joyfully. "What happened, where am I?" "Well I woke up in a horrible pain saw you on the floor and began to yell. Finally who would show up but Tisst and his brothers: Grist and Biss. They carried us hear to the termite mound where." Suddenly she began to cry. "What?" Asked Lester fearfully. "They executed Grist and Biss. Tisst is to be killed tomorrow."
Chapter 4 The Failed Horn
The next day came quickly. Lester had deep cuts in his back and could hardly move. Plus Tisst was to be killed that very day. A mix of pain and tears flooded him as noon swept over the land. It was when Lester's mind began to wander about ways to rescue Tisst. He remembered the way Tisst had rescued them in Grasloc's Mound. Then it came to him. They would execute him by chopping off his head in the middle of the townsquare. It was perfect. Lester had gathered all his strength and wandered the castle in search of Tess. He found her outside the holding cell. Tisst was inside. Since Lester had saved Tess the termites let him stride in with Tess. She was comforting Tisst when she caught sight of Lester. She strode across the room and clenched him in her arms. "What are we going to do?" Crying she leaned on him. "I have an idea, Tess where did they put our things." It was nearly sundown when they brought Tisst out and put him on the chopping block. Tess and Lester had come to the top of the mound to watch. Lester stood nervousness setting in, the horn clenched in his hands. "This is a royal solider of King Antic, so he is to be executed." "Not if I have anything to say about it!" Lester bellowed. With the horn firmly placed by his lips he sounded it. The sound carried for miles. "What do you think you are doing- He was stopped abruptly by a huge bird call. Brodsley the red bird and a flock of ravens rushed into the square. "Cawwwwwwwww!" The birds echoed. "Brodsley save the grasshopper!" Yelled Lester and Tess rushing down the steps. Then they were in the square. It was chaos. Birds swooped down termites ran scared. Soldiers drew their swords and Brodsley picked up Tess and Lester. "No don't pick us up save Tisst!" Yelled Lester. As they flew to the area where Tisst was they saw a horrible site. Tisst had picked up a sword and was fighting off five termites. He slew two then another then. A termite came from behind Tisst. Lester jumped from the bird and ran to his friend drawing his sword. Too late. A blade went into Tisst's back and he fell. Lester raised his sword and killed Tisst's attackers. Once the termites had fled to another mound Lester strode over to Tisst body. He was still breathing. "Tisst, I cannot lose another." Said Lester tears swelling in his eyes. Histll's death had almost taken L:ester's life. "Lester, do not think of death as an end, but a beginning, do not fight but love. Many do not understand this. Live life." Tisst's motion stopped forever. "Be at rest royal soldier of the Ants, but more so my friend." Said Lester closing his eyes. And thus another from the original four passed from this earth. Tisst had served his purpose but the one had yet to serve his though he still did not yet know his destiny.
Chapter 5 The Power of Love
Night had passed and dawn was upon them. Neither Lester or Tess had the heart to bury Tisst so he lay on the ground the wound still bleeding. Brodsley and the ravens had set up watches and had begun to scout out in all directions for signs of termites heading to retake the mound. None had been spotted. Lester was sitting in the watchtower-dried tears upon his face. Thoughts rushed threw him like a flowing river. "Lester." Said Tess striding into the tower. "Yes, it is i." Said Lester standing up. He had gotten no sleep whatsoever. "I know Tisst is dead and I feel the pain to, but he is with his brothers in a better place, do not pass dread on this." Said Tess flinging herself on him. "He was a great grasshopper." Said Lester looking at Tess. "I love you Tess." "As I you." And it was then that they shared their first real kiss. It was also then that Lester realized that the power of love could conquer more than any army, was stronger than anything, he realized that their love would conquer all. At that moment raven on the east and the west blew their horns. The Ants and Termites were coming out of rage to attack each other. Word of Tisst death must have enraged the Ants, causing them to come to the great mound of Termites. "There is not much time." Muttered Lester as he and Tess strode to the square once more. Soon Ants had come hundreds if not thousands to a side of the mound. So had the Termites, yet somehow they did not attack. "Lester come we must attack." Yelled King Antic from the ant side. "No, don't you see what all of your fighting has done." Lester bellowed throughout the mound. Picking up Tisst's lifeless body he yelled," This is what it has done to your people, hate has done this!" "It was those murdering scoundrels!" Yelled Antic. "No, though a termite blade killed him it was your hate that really killed him." He laid Tisst's body down, strode over to Tess and firmly clasped her hand.
"Tess and I have not hate, see what no hate is!" At that moment he firmly grasped Tess and they shared their second kiss. Pulling away he yelled," We are all bugs, ants and termites, we are all brothers, embrace brothers!" After a pause the two sides flooded at each other, not in a murderous rampage but a rush of love. Termite and Ant embraced each other and cheered. King Antic and King Tertill shook hands and strode over to Lester. In unison the two kings thrust Lester into the air and yelled," Hail King Lester ruler of the United Mounds!" Shock poured over Lester and he leaped down in joy. "A King of such a place will need a Queen." Said Lester looking at Tess. "Will you do me that honor?" Asked Lester. She spoke no words , but leaped into Lester's arms and they shared their third kiss.
Chapter 6 The Pyre
Lester and Tess were wed the day both great mounds were torn down and the construction of The Great United Mound was to be built. Tisst had yet to be buried. Lester and the others had agreed to a pyre in his honor. Everyone would come. Soon it was the day. The first person to arrive was Antic. "I admire you for your wisdom and bravery, my liege." Said Antic bowing. "The wisdom I shared with you was Tisst's, I shall not take credit for what is not mine." Antic nodded and strode into the pyre room. The next person to come was Tertill and Termissisa. "Though I have not known you for long I think you will make a fine King, my liege." Said Tertill bowing. He and his wife strode in. Many more people came but Lester was surprised to see Gilwny, the one he had set out to save so long ago. "Hello my friend." Said Lester embracing his old friend. "Hello my liege, they have made me leader of all farmers." Said Gilwny staring at Lester a grin on his face. "I am glad for you." Gilwny stared at Lester for a time and then strode into the room. Many more people came including Antilles and Grasloc who had made all grasshoppers join the United Mounds. Last Queen Tess joined them embracing Lester. It was then time for the pyre to begin. Grasshoppers, termites and ants had gathered wood for the fire. At the beginning the Great Priest said some words and then asked for Lester to say something. Lester took a torch and strode over to his old friend. "Here lies Tisst of The United Mounds, though Tisst is not here to see this glorious day I speak for all who knew him that he is here with us today." Lester lit the pyre and let his eyes wander in the flames. Thus Tisst passed from this earth as did Histll before him. King Lester and Queen Tess formed the mighty United Mounds and would be spoken of forever, though their real triumph had not yet come to pass.
The End of Part 2
The Chosen One
Part 2 The Power of Love
By Will Cooper
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 The Attack Chapter 2 Brodsley Chapter 3 A harmless plant Chapter 4 The Failed Horn Chapter 5 The Power of Love Chapter 6 The Pyre
Chapter 1 The Attack
"Parry, thrust, parry, jab!" Said Lester's sword master. They were outside in a field practicing. "Ok, now!" His sword master thrust his sword hard at Lester, but Lester quickly parried it back at him. "Good very good." Said his sword master. After Histll's pyre the companions had made their plans. Tess was to go to the great termite city of Plontos, Tisst was to stay with Lester. Tisst had gone off on midsummer's day to find his brothers. They had been split up as young grasshoppers and planned to meet up that very month. But now Lester had more important matters at hand, such as getting better with a sword. He was doing well, but for some reason couldn't get his mind off Tess
High a top the towers of Plontos Tess's mind wandered as she stared infinitely outside. Her mind often wandered to Lester and Tisst, for she longed to she them again and go on an adventure. "Tess, the tea is ready." Said Lady Termissisa (Queen of the Termites, for Tess was the princess). "Be there in a minute!" Tess replied taking her gaze off the hills and toward the evening tea. Plontos was unlike any other mound in all of the land. Its towers rose to over two feet tall and many halls were just as wide. Now termites and ants had long been enemies. Never had a peace treaty been made, yet Tess had begun to think of how stupid it was. While ants were small human like figures, termites were more like grasshoppers except for the women. So, with thoughts of her people and country on her mind she rose and left. "So Antion will burn." Muttered the worn voice of King Tertill. "Yes my liege it will go on as planned, my riders are ready to depart at any moment." Replied the hard voice of Tertill's general Termise. "By the way my liege how fairs princess Tess?" Asked Termise. "She fairs well after that horrid ant Lord Lester of Antion sent her back to me." Said King Tertill clenching his fist. Suddenly the door burst open and Tess shouted, "Do not speak of Lester that way." She had been listening on the other side of the door. "Father he his my friend please do not attack his city." Tess pleaded. "Though that may be." Boomed Tertill. "Ants trespassed in my kingdom, this must be so." Tertill motioned for the guards, and kicking and screaming she was taken out. "Where were you my dear, tea is over." Said the Queen eyeing Tess thoughrouly. "Nothing may I go mother?" Asked Tess eyes starting to tear up. "Yes child go." In her bedroom Tess threw pillows angrily. Suddenly she thought of it. She would unleash her dragonfly and fly toward The Royal Mound of the ants and warn them. She quickly gathered up all her necessary items and fled.
Back in the mound Lester was preparing for bed. He had thought of Tess all day remembering her smell and her laugh and- at that moment a huge rock dropped down in his room and he was flung back. Unsheathing his sword he got up and made for the door. In the hall guards were rushing towards other ends of the castle. Lester ran toward King Antic's chambers. Lester opened the door to his room and he was not inside it. So discouraged he ran back into the hall and ran toward the base. Ant archers were firing twigs up at the dragonflies overhead. Some termites had dismounted and were now fighting with the ants. Lester encountered a termite, slew it quickly and rushed to the base once more. Abruptly, a huge stream of beetles flew into the air and began to attack the dragonflies. The battle was turning ill until an eerie buzzing sound came towards the mound. Tisst and his brothers, swords drawn flew to aid the other ants.
Chapter 2
Brodsley
After the battle King Antic ordered a meeting in his chamber. Tisst and his brothers were there, so was Antic, his generals, and Lester.
"Now what happened here was not expected." Said Antic. "Before we begin Tisst what are your brothers names?"
Tisst looked at his two brothers and the quickly stood up.
The first one said, "My name is Grist, and this is my brother Biss." Finished Grist.
Grist was a muscular grasshopper who had a scar across one eye. Biss was a plump grasshopper with a worn look to his face.
"We are at you command my liege." Said Biss, the two grasshoppers taking their seats.
"What are your thoughts on the termites move general Antiles?" Asked Antic.
"Well it was indeed a swift and risky move, but- at that moment Tess burst through the doors.
"I'm sorry I did not get here in time to warn you- but she was cut off by two guards seizing her. Lester without thinking drew his sword, and strode over to the guards holding Tess were.
"Unhand the fair maiden." Ordered Lester.
"Lester, her people attacked my people, we must hold her." Said Antic standing up.
"No, she has come to warn us, how can she be held." Replied Lester defensively.
"Lester, let them take her." Said Antic.
"No." Lester unsheathed his sword punched one guard and he and the princess ran away.
After they had passed out what was left of the gate Lester began to talk.
"Are you hurt?"
"No I don't think so, that was really brave of you." Said Tess blushing.
"We can't let them start a war." Said Lester at once. "We have to prevent it."
"How there is no way to stop my father or Antic." Replied Tess a grimace on her face. Abrupting their conversation a huge shadow passed overhead. Lester looked up only to see a red bird swooping down on them.
"Run!" Yelled Lester.
They both began to run away from the predator, but to no avail. The bird was too fast for them, swooped down picked them both up, and flew away.
"Unhand us- but they were cut off when the bird knocked them unconscious.
When they awoke they were in the birds nest with the bird perched watching them. When the bird realized they were awake he said, "My name is Brodsley.
"Where have you taken us, Brodsley is it?" Asked Tess looking around as though she was on an alien planet.
"This is my nest, you are welcome to stay here as long as you wish, I am always lonely and would welcome company."
Lester felt a wave of sympathy for the bird. He had obviously been living in complete solitude for quite some time.
His nest was shaggy, with branches sticking out every which way, some sharp branches had been covered up to protect the occupant from being poked.
"Well we might just stay here for a while, no other tasks occupy us. At that moment an eagle swooped down and perched down on a branch.
"What do you want Eagor?" Asked Brodsley eyeing the bird suspiciously.
"Rebel birds in the mountains, we need more bird power." Said Eagor now, seeing the two ants talking more and more slowly.
"I will come." Brodsley replied looking around his nest and handing a horn to Lester.
"Now this horn that I made can make an echo so loud that I can hear it anywhere, so if you are in trouble just blow it." Brodsley finished flapping his wings impatiently.
Lester signaled ok and Brodsley and Eagor flew off. Tess and Lester looked at each other.
The sun had begun to go down so they decided to stay in Brodsley's nest the night then in the early morning depart for the termite mound.
Lester took the first watch but did not take his eyes off Tess unless he heard an unusual noise. She seemed even more beautiful than when he had seen her on his way to battle Lynx.
Lester awoke early in the morning to find Tess asleep on her watch. He stared at her blankly then strode over to her and awoke her.
They set out a time later, for they had to eat and find water. First they had to climb down the tree Brodsley had put them in. Lester made it down the tree with ease, but when Tess was on her third branch she slipped and fell. She landed in Lester's arms. She was a light load for him and quickly put her down. For a minute they stared deeply into each other's eyes until she gave him a kiss on the cheek and strode away. Blushing Lester quickly strode after her.
Chapter 3 A harmless Plant
The next day Lester and Tess reached the Plant territory where plants always loomed and teased people going beneath them. Lester figured it would get them to the termite mound faster and they agreed. So they struggled through the packed forest of plants. Each plant was unique in its own way. One plant had other plants sticking out of its sides, another had pink thorns and another had bugs buzzing at the top of it. They had been walking for a while when they entered a forest of never- ending plants. Though they were used to plants these they had never seen before. The ground was littered about with small branches. So wholeheartedly they struggled on. "Look at the top of the plants." Said Tess noticing the unique tops of the plants. They were open at the top with white threads poking out of the heads. "I have never laid eyes on these before." Lester stated still staring at the mysterious plant. So they continued on the same plants looming overhead. Lester had not known that it would take them this long to reach the end. Seeming this path would never end the companions halted and started to lie down when Lester and Tess yelled out in pain. The branches on the ground were as sharp as a blade. "What shall we do the sun is already beginning to set, yet we cannot stop and sleep because of these branches? Asked Tess looking fearful. "All we can do is continue on until we find ground we can sleep on." Said Lester straightening up. Lester held Tess's hand firmly and they strode off. It was incredibly late when it happened. It was dark and Lester heard a thud. He squinted his eyes but to no avail. He crouched down and felt a large pile. It was Tess. Two branches had pierced her legs and now she was bleeding freely. With fright and tears in his eyes Lester picked her up and stared up at the sky. The moon had come out so he could see some, but the plants clouded the light. Wait the plants. He could climb them up to the top of the plant and they could rest there. It, by the looks of it was a harmless plant, so he began to climb. Unexpectedly it was a fairly easy climb and when he reached the top he flung himself and Tess's body onto the plant. Suddenly the plant's mouth began to close until the plant's mouth was completely closed. Then a voice spoke. "I am a Venus Fly-Trap who goes there, what are you?" Boomed the voice. "We are an ant and a termite what are you going to do?" Asked Lester. "Eat you of course, oh an ant and a termite a delicacy indeed." Replied the voice. Fear swept over him. He could not breathe. "Please spare us I beg you, my friend is wounded spare us please." Lester pleaded. "I'm sorry, it will be quick." Abruptly tiny holes in the mouth opened and acid flooded in. Lester pulled up Tess and hauled her to the top of the mouth. Then he had a plan. He unsheathed his sword and cut an opening in the flytrap. Though wounded the plant was still filling with acid. So he grabbed Tess and jumped. With a thud and rush of pain he landed yelling with pain. Darkness took him and he lost consciousness. He awoke several days later in a daze. He was lying on a bed with Tess leaning over him. "Oh Lester you're awake finally." She said hugging him joyfully. "What happened, where am I?" "Well I woke up in a horrible pain saw you on the floor and began to yell. Finally who would show up but Tisst and his brothers: Grist and Biss. They carried us hear to the termite mound where." Suddenly she began to cry. "What?" Asked Lester fearfully. "They executed Grist and Biss. Tisst is to be killed tomorrow."
Chapter 4 The Failed Horn
The next day came quickly. Lester had deep cuts in his back and could hardly move. Plus Tisst was to be killed that very day. A mix of pain and tears flooded him as noon swept over the land. It was when Lester's mind began to wander about ways to rescue Tisst. He remembered the way Tisst had rescued them in Grasloc's Mound. Then it came to him. They would execute him by chopping off his head in the middle of the townsquare. It was perfect. Lester had gathered all his strength and wandered the castle in search of Tess. He found her outside the holding cell. Tisst was inside. Since Lester had saved Tess the termites let him stride in with Tess. She was comforting Tisst when she caught sight of Lester. She strode across the room and clenched him in her arms. "What are we going to do?" Crying she leaned on him. "I have an idea, Tess where did they put our things." It was nearly sundown when they brought Tisst out and put him on the chopping block. Tess and Lester had come to the top of the mound to watch. Lester stood nervousness setting in, the horn clenched in his hands. "This is a royal solider of King Antic, so he is to be executed." "Not if I have anything to say about it!" Lester bellowed. With the horn firmly placed by his lips he sounded it. The sound carried for miles. "What do you think you are doing- He was stopped abruptly by a huge bird call. Brodsley the red bird and a flock of ravens rushed into the square. "Cawwwwwwwww!" The birds echoed. "Brodsley save the grasshopper!" Yelled Lester and Tess rushing down the steps. Then they were in the square. It was chaos. Birds swooped down termites ran scared. Soldiers drew their swords and Brodsley picked up Tess and Lester. "No don't pick us up save Tisst!" Yelled Lester. As they flew to the area where Tisst was they saw a horrible site. Tisst had picked up a sword and was fighting off five termites. He slew two then another then. A termite came from behind Tisst. Lester jumped from the bird and ran to his friend drawing his sword. Too late. A blade went into Tisst's back and he fell. Lester raised his sword and killed Tisst's attackers. Once the termites had fled to another mound Lester strode over to Tisst body. He was still breathing. "Tisst, I cannot lose another." Said Lester tears swelling in his eyes. Histll's death had almost taken L:ester's life. "Lester, do not think of death as an end, but a beginning, do not fight but love. Many do not understand this. Live life." Tisst's motion stopped forever. "Be at rest royal soldier of the Ants, but more so my friend." Said Lester closing his eyes. And thus another from the original four passed from this earth. Tisst had served his purpose but the one had yet to serve his though he still did not yet know his destiny.
Chapter 5 The Power of Love
Night had passed and dawn was upon them. Neither Lester or Tess had the heart to bury Tisst so he lay on the ground the wound still bleeding. Brodsley and the ravens had set up watches and had begun to scout out in all directions for signs of termites heading to retake the mound. None had been spotted. Lester was sitting in the watchtower-dried tears upon his face. Thoughts rushed threw him like a flowing river. "Lester." Said Tess striding into the tower. "Yes, it is i." Said Lester standing up. He had gotten no sleep whatsoever. "I know Tisst is dead and I feel the pain to, but he is with his brothers in a better place, do not pass dread on this." Said Tess flinging herself on him. "He was a great grasshopper." Said Lester looking at Tess. "I love you Tess." "As I you." And it was then that they shared their first real kiss. It was also then that Lester realized that the power of love could conquer more than any army, was stronger than anything, he realized that their love would conquer all. At that moment raven on the east and the west blew their horns. The Ants and Termites were coming out of rage to attack each other. Word of Tisst death must have enraged the Ants, causing them to come to the great mound of Termites. "There is not much time." Muttered Lester as he and Tess strode to the square once more. Soon Ants had come hundreds if not thousands to a side of the mound. So had the Termites, yet somehow they did not attack. "Lester come we must attack." Yelled King Antic from the ant side. "No, don't you see what all of your fighting has done." Lester bellowed throughout the mound. Picking up Tisst's lifeless body he yelled," This is what it has done to your people, hate has done this!" "It was those murdering scoundrels!" Yelled Antic. "No, though a termite blade killed him it was your hate that really killed him." He laid Tisst's body down, strode over to Tess and firmly clasped her hand.
"Tess and I have not hate, see what no hate is!" At that moment he firmly grasped Tess and they shared their second kiss. Pulling away he yelled," We are all bugs, ants and termites, we are all brothers, embrace brothers!" After a pause the two sides flooded at each other, not in a murderous rampage but a rush of love. Termite and Ant embraced each other and cheered. King Antic and King Tertill shook hands and strode over to Lester. In unison the two kings thrust Lester into the air and yelled," Hail King Lester ruler of the United Mounds!" Shock poured over Lester and he leaped down in joy. "A King of such a place will need a Queen." Said Lester looking at Tess. "Will you do me that honor?" Asked Lester. She spoke no words , but leaped into Lester's arms and they shared their third kiss.
Chapter 6 The Pyre
Lester and Tess were wed the day both great mounds were torn down and the construction of The Great United Mound was to be built. Tisst had yet to be buried. Lester and the others had agreed to a pyre in his honor. Everyone would come. Soon it was the day. The first person to arrive was Antic. "I admire you for your wisdom and bravery, my liege." Said Antic bowing. "The wisdom I shared with you was Tisst's, I shall not take credit for what is not mine." Antic nodded and strode into the pyre room. The next person to come was Tertill and Termissisa. "Though I have not known you for long I think you will make a fine King, my liege." Said Tertill bowing. He and his wife strode in. Many more people came but Lester was surprised to see Gilwny, the one he had set out to save so long ago. "Hello my friend." Said Lester embracing his old friend. "Hello my liege, they have made me leader of all farmers." Said Gilwny staring at Lester a grin on his face. "I am glad for you." Gilwny stared at Lester for a time and then strode into the room. Many more people came including Antilles and Grasloc who had made all grasshoppers join the United Mounds. Last Queen Tess joined them embracing Lester. It was then time for the pyre to begin. Grasshoppers, termites and ants had gathered wood for the fire. At the beginning the Great Priest said some words and then asked for Lester to say something. Lester took a torch and strode over to his old friend. "Here lies Tisst of The United Mounds, though Tisst is not here to see this glorious day I speak for all who knew him that he is here with us today." Lester lit the pyre and let his eyes wander in the flames. Thus Tisst passed from this earth as did Histll before him. King Lester and Queen Tess formed the mighty United Mounds and would be spoken of forever, though their real triumph had not yet come to pass.
The End of Part 2