Sylvester threw a silver powder and gestured speaking words of power and lightning shot out from his hands striking three of the rear guard. The men jerked and quaked as smoke rose up off of them and people near by moved off holding their noses as the smell of burning flesh filled the air.

Lord Beyon's court audience after recovering from the shock of seeing the temple Mistress assaulted had all moved as far from the center aisle as they could to be out of danger when the great doors blew apart. Those few with military training drew their swords afterwards and moved to assist Lord Beyon and his men.

Two of Merrick's archers took aim and shot arrows towards Sir Cabe and Lord Beyon but the arrows split and fell to the side as Kaylee's arrows split them. She nocked two more arrows and took out Merrick's archers as she came through the entrance. She continued to fire arrows at Merrick's men.

Sir Cabe blocked one sword strike with his shield and intercepted another with his sword and as the third man drew back to swing Toby picked up a glass of liquid left on a bench and threw it into his face. Toby jumped forward and jabbed his dagger into the artery under his up raised arm. As the man's arm dropped down Toby drew back and jabbed it into the gap between his leg guard and his torso and cut the artery there. The man fell to the ground unable to stand and Toby dodged back behind Cabe.

Allie gestured at the man on Sir Cabe's left and commanded, "Burn." Almost instantly his helmet glowed red hot and he dropped his sword and shield and tried desperately to remove his helmet.

Sir Cabe quickly disarmed the last guard in front of him and then drove his sword through his chest. Sir Cabe saw the other guard was dead while the other was at least passed out from the pain of his burning helm. He ran past Lord Beyon to fight beside Paige as she continued to twirl and swing the spear as guard after guard fell before her.

Allie saw a large group of the rear guard were standing off the side towards the back of the hall and had turtle their shields and were defeating every member of Lord Beyon's guards that tried to engage them. She saw even Kaylee's arrows were bouncing off their shields. Her eyes went white and as her arms rose up wind came rushing into the castle and blew through the great hall rushing around her. Happy fell to the floor beside her trying not to be swept away. As she started sliding along the floor Toby jumped out and grabbed her hand and grabbed one of the pews and held her from going any further.

Ralph was caught up in the wind and went flying and Happy reached out and grabbed him with her free hand and pulled him down beside herself and locked her arm around his waist holding him firmly against her as she clung to Toby's hand.

The wind rushed past Lord Beyon, past Paige and Sir Cabe and spun and struck the turtle guards and swirled about them growing stronger and stronger in force. Suddenly one shield went flying off and then another and another. The guards began dropping their weapons as they went flying into the walls and ceiling. As the last of the guards were thrown into the air by the strong winds Allie dropped her arms and the wind ceased.

Paige looked at the remaining guards of Merrick and as she felt her vocal cords finally recover from the magic, she realized what Elizabeth had shone her. She raised her voice mimicking the melody and Merrick's remaining men all grabbed their heads dropping their weapons and fell to the ground including the bounty hunter.

The Master at Arms seeing the rear guard all unconscious directed his men to secure all of Merrick's men and the bounty hunter.

Paige hugged Sir Cabe before she moved back towards the portal. She paused along the way to help Happy and Ralph to stand then gave Happy a hug after hugging Ralph. She smiled at Allie and hugged her before helping Toby up. She hugged him and then Sylvester before she looked up into the dimensional portal and smiled at Elizabeth and everyone stared as they watched her push that spear out in front of her and it seemingly vanished in mid air. Paige watched as Elizabeth took hold of the spear and pulled it through. "Thank you Elizabeth," Paige smiled. Bobo shrieked and flew down and through the portal back to Elizabeth.

Suddenly the still slightly glowing stone head hammer flew back out the doorway as Lord Walter had finally recovered. He trod through the entrance of the great hall like a storm cloud, his stone head hammer held in one hand and glowing brightly once again. Elizabeth looked up and grinned at Lord Walter. Lord Beyon's men all stopped moving upon seeing him and just stood there, almost frozen, the aura of Athena's power pouring off of him gave everyone pause.

Paige saw everyone staring behind her and she turned and saw Lord Walter. At first she was shocked seeing his dark locks of hair and beard now had shards of silver streaking through it. Her smile still erupted on her face in joy nonetheless.

"Lord Walter," Lord Beyon said reverently as he knelt down on one knee. "We are deeply indebted to you and your men," Lord Beyon bowed his head. The Master at Arms followed and knelt down and by ones and twos all of Lord Beyon's guards and the members of the crowd that followed him into the castle knelt down before Lord Walter.

Lord Walter's eyes were locked solely on the form of his bride. Paige took three steps and leaped into his arms. Lord Walter dropped his hammer as he caught Paige and pulled her tightly against him. She began kissing his face over and over, "I'm so sorry Walter I should have listened to you." Lord Walter's arms locked around her and held her up in the air tightly against him for several moments. Paige tingled at the power of Athena pouring off of Walter and permeated her flesh and healed her lip and bruised cheek.

Slowly he relaxed his grip and allowed Paige to stand once again on her own feet. Lord Walter shook his head as he kissed her and his hand gently touched her where her cheek had been bruised, "I am sorry my Love, I never should have let you go off without me." Paige simply smiled as she shook her head. His hand absently reached up and pulled bits of splinters out of her hair.

"My Lord Walter, I beg you. Our temple Mistress is dying. I can not heal her completely," Lady Juniper pleaded as she held the older woman.

Sir Cabe had moved back and took Allie in his arms as Happy, Toby, Sylvester and Ralph all stood there watching.

Not letting Paige out of his arm Lord Walter turned and stepped back with her and knelt down beside the temple Mistress. "For the wise Lady," He reached in and pulled out his owl emblem, holding it between his hand and Paige's he rested his other hand against the Mistress. He intoned softly, "By the grace of Athena." Paige felt jittery as the energy of Athena pulsed out, filling her up as that white light pulsed down off of Lord Walter and entered into the older woman and swiftly the wound healed. The temple Mistress's eyes flashed open.

She smiled as she reached up, "My dear Lord Walter, thank you." She stroked his cheek as she smiled with love at him and Paige. She looked over to Lady Juniper, "Thank you too Lady Juniper."

Ralph ran back to his parents.

Lord Walter turned as he stood and holding Paige in one arm he grabbed Ralph with his other arm and pulled him up and hugged him tightly to him as he brought Paige back into his embrace hugging them both again. Tears of joy ran down his face as his heart rate slowly returned to normal.

Paige saw Elizabeth still watching and Elizabeth smiled broadly with love and winked at her as the dimensional portal shimmered and vanished.

Sean, Louise and Megan all sat staring at the back of Elizabeth as the portal disappeared. Megan spoke up first, "Who was that woman?"

Elizabeth turned and smiled, "That was the Lady Paige. She'd been kidnapped by bounty hunters."

She began climbing up on the buckboard. Sean nodded, "Is she okay now?"

Elizabeth smiled, "Thank you for asking, she is fine. Her husband arrived in time and killed the man who had accused her falsely of murder. Thankfully Lord Beyon finally found his backbone and stood against King Merrick until her husband arrived.

Sean nodded as he released the brake and snapped the reins and the wagon began moving again.

Megan looked up at Elizabeth, "Who was the little boy? Was that her husband holding her and him?"

Elizabeth nodded, "That was her husband, the boy's name is Ralph, her son.

Megan looked at her Mom, "Mother, was it just me or did he look a little like Grandpa?"

Louise sat there for a moment as she thought back and slowly nodded, "You're right. He reminded me of my Father when he was a young man."

Elizabeth just smiled as the wagon moved slowly down the road.

The bounty hunter began to stir. "That's the man that kidnapped our lady," Allie pointed at the bounty hunter.

Happy looked where Allie pointed before she ran over and looked back at Allie, "This is the scum that put his hands on our Lady?"

Allie nodded.

Happy drove her fist into the man's face and everyone heard the impacted of her fist against the side of his face as he screamed. "I'm a duly appointed bounty hunter, I have a license," the man screamed in pain as he protested. His face and arms were covered with dozens and dozens of scratches from all of the cats Allie had set on him.

Happy pulled him up and drove her knee into his crotch as hard as she could, "I'm a duly designated pain in the ass, guess which one out trumps the other."

One of the guards stood and tried to reach out to stop her, "Leave her alone," Lady Juniper ordered. The guard froze instantly.

Happy grabbed the back of the man's head and brought his face down as she brought her knee up and smashed his nose and blood flowed all over her leg and the floor.

"Happy, that's enough. I'm fine now," the Lady Paige told her as she pulled away from Lord Walter and began walking over.

Happy shook her head, "We almost lost you, and for what, some crappy gold? It won't ever be enough my Lady."

Happy pulled him back up and slugged him in the stomach. The Lady Paige calmly stepped up and as Happy drew back to punch him again she grabbed her hand, "Happy, as your Lady, please stop."

Happy slowly lowered her hand as she looked back at Lady Paige shocked, "That's not fair."

The Lady Paige smiled as she opened her arms and Happy let go of the man and took a step into her arms and Paige pulled Happy in and hugged her tightly, "Thank you Happy, I love you too."

Ralph ran over to the man and before anyone could do anything kicked him in the crotch. He bent down and removed his Mom's short sword and lute, while the man groaned in more pain. Ralph handed them back to his Mom as she gave him a stern look.

Lord Walter smiled at the young man as he walked over, stopping briefly to yank his long dagger out of Merrick's leg along the way. He handed him back his long dagger after he wiped the blood off on the bounty hunter's pants leg. "Good lad," he told him with a smile.

Lord Walter removed the sack on his belt and put the hammer inside of it after wiping Merrick's blood off of it.

Paige turned to Walter and smiled as she stepped back up into his arms, she reached up and touched his silver hair and frowned a little. She was trying to decide if she liked it or not, "What happened to your hair?"

Walter smiled as he kissed her when Lord Beyon spoke up, "It was all of the power he summoned to break down that shield over the doors. It is called U'lan Parr."

Lord Walter looked back at Lord Beyon, "I believe Lord Beyon, the time has come for you and I to have a conversation. My Love, come with us."

Lord Beyon swallowed hard, "As you will it Lord Walter." Slowly Lord Beyon rose, "If you will follow me my Lord."

As Lord Walter moved to follow him the Lady Paige reached out and took his arm. "I believe you should ask Lady Juniper to come with us Walter," Paige whispered.

Lord Walter took a deep breath as he considered her suggestion, "Lady Juniper, will you accompany us?"

Lady Juniper and Lord Beyon both looked at him, "I will Lord Walter."

As the two couples were leaving the great hall Lord Walter looked at Ralph, "What are you waiting for son? I'm not letting either of you out of my sight so catch up."

Ralph blinked and then ran after his parents.

Happy walked back over to Allie and looked at Toby and Sylvester as they both stood there. She hardened her index and middle fingers and poked them both hard in their clavicles, "What did our Lord expressly tell the two of you? You were not suppose to leave our Lady's side and looked what happened. I ought to kick both of your asses. What was it? What was so damned important that you betrayed our Lord and Lady?"

Toby grimaced as he grabbed his shoulder, "Betray is a strong word to use, I just wanted to grab an ale, she wouldn't come with us."

Happy's face went dark, "Don't you dare blame this on her. You weren't even gone an hour from breakfast. You didn't need any damn ale. I'm so going to enjoy watching our Lord beat the crap out of both of you."

The Clerics were moving throughout the great hall healing Lord Beyon's men. The Master at Arms ordered the healthier members of the rear guard imprisoned. Those whose wounds were life threatening was removed to be left with attendants while nature took its course. Basic first aid was applied to the rest before they were imprisoned. The Master at Arms stepped over to regard the remains of King Merrick. He inhaled sharply clearing his throat and then spit on him. He turned and called for servants to dispose of the bodies and begin cleaning the great hall.

The Master at Arms saluted Sir Cabe, "It is good seeing you again Sir Cabe. Your arrival was most fortuitous, thank you."

Sir Cabe returned his salute, "Glad we were able to be here to help. Just wish we had known what was going on. We could have protected our Lady better."

The Master at Arms frowned, "Didn't you get Lord Beyon's message?"

Sir Cabe shook his head, "We'd just arrived in town yesterday around noon to buy some supplies for our Lord and Lady's state wedding."

The Master at Arms stared at him for a minute before laughing, "Well, that was gold well spent trying to get a message to your Lord then." He looked at the three sorcerers, "How long are they likely to remain silenced?"

Sylvester finally spoke after Happy's angry poke, "Unless it is dispelled, it should last another twelve hours."

Nodding the Master at Arms ordered them removed, "Maybe I should have the court physician cut their vocal cords so they can never wield power again." He looked up, "Court is over for the day, return to your daily lives. For those of you that helped, the throne thanks you for your service."

The temple Mistress stood up, "Terean, will you escort me back to the temple?"

Terean smiled, "Of course Mistress."

Sir Cabe looked at him, "Terean? I don't think I have ever heard anyone call you anything but Master at Arms."

Terean smiled, "Technically no one is supposed to call me by my given name. The temple Mistress seems to refuse but what can I do?"

Sir Cabe laughed.

Henry walked over with a few small cuts and his shirt drenched in sweat. Sir Cabe looked at him as Henry smiled, "Henry, it is good to see you again. Thank you for your assistance."

Henry grinned bigger, "I haven't had so much fun in a long time. As manager of the Market I'm not suppose to get involved in fights anymore. I just couldn't pass up the opportunity. Helping my friend's to save the girl and save my city, who could ask for better?"

Sir Cabe laughed, "Will we see you at the wedding?"

Henry nodded, "As long as I get an invite. Any idea when it will be?"

Sir Cabe nodded, "No less than three weeks no more than four depending on how long Lord Walter decides to stay here. I'll make sure Raynold marks off a room for you to stay in. If there isn't a room I'll make sure there is one at the inn for you."

Henry reached out and shook his hand, "Good deal. Have a good trip back to the Keep if I don't see you before you leave."

As they walked the corridors of the castle they saw first hand how much damage was wrought against the castle's structure. Lord Walter wanted to remain so angry with Lord Beyon but with Paige holding his arm and Ralph walking beside him his heart was too full of love and gratitude that they were alive and relatively unharmed.

Lord Beyon stopped and opened the door to their private quarters and held the door while the Lady Paige followed by Lady Juniper entered. Ralph walked in next as Lord Walter stepped in. As the door closed behind them Lord Walter started to speak but Lord Beyon held up his hand.

"Lord Walter, I know it will mean little but let me apologize. In my advancing years I let my fear of death get the best of me and instead of acting as I should have I betrayed everything I believed in and helped to put the life of your Lady and son, not to mention all I love and care for in jeopardy. I am so sorry and I offer all I possess as compensation for my cowardice." Lord Beyon got down on his knees and bowed his head.

Lord Walter stared at him before he grabbed his arms and pulled him back up off the floor, "How could you have fear of death when you serve Athena? Do you not believe in her power?"

Lord Beyon shook his head, "While I pray you never feel it, one day when you realize you have far more days behind you than in front of you, you might understand. It's no excuse and I am not trying to make one. The wise Lady has already rendered her judgment against me and I have to live with the knowledge of how I let her and my people down."

Lord Walter nodded as he looked at Paige. She returned his look with a question in her eyes. "Lady Juniper, step forth," he drew in a deep breath and reached under his breastplate and pulled his necklace with the owl emblem on it out. Lady Juniper stepped up and linked her arm in Lord Beyon's. Lord Walter wrapped his left hand around it and placed his right hand to Lord Beyon's forehead. "Do you swear you are repentant of your transgressions?"

Lord Beyon's eyes closed as a tear ran down his cheek, "I swear."

Lord Walter nodded, "Do you swear to take up the mantle of true leadership again?"

"I swear," Lord Beyon continued.

Lord Walter drew in a deep breath, "Do you swear to uphold the tenants of the wise Lady in true faith?"

"I swear," Lord Beyon said.

Lord Walter nodded, "As a Paladin in good standing with the wise Lady I absolve you of your transgressions. May the wise Lady see your oaths in your good works and one day restore your knighthood."

Lady Juniper reached up and dabbed the tears from her eyes, "Thank you Lord Walter."

Lord Beyon nodded, "Thank you Lord Walter."

"Would you care to join me in my private study for a brandy and a good cigar Lord Walter?" Lord Beyon asked.

Lord Walter shook his head, "I would never dream of leaving my bride to the side. But I am sure we would both enjoy a brandy with you and your bride."

"We would be honored to toast with you both," Lady Juniper said as she moved to an elaborate cellaret. She opened the doors and then looked at Ralph and rang a small bell.

Lord Beyon gestured towards the heavy chairs before the fireplace and Lord Walter walked over and offered his arm to his Lady. The Lady Paige smiled as she took his arm. They walked over to the fireplace and Walter kissed her before he took the back of the chair in his hands while she sat down. Lord Walter looked back at Ralph and he pointed at the table that had several chairs around it and then pointed between the chair Paige sat in and an empty chair.

Ralph nodded and picked up the chair and brought it over and carefully sat it down. He started to sit when Lord Walter shook his head so he stood and waited with him.

A servant entered from the kitchen and Lady Juniper told her something and she nodded and left. Lady Juniper poured four glasses of brandy and set them on a serving tray and placed the bottle on the tray. She looked up as the door to the kitchen opened and the servant came out and handed her a spoon and a large crystal dish. She smiled and set it on the tray and Lord Beyon walked over and picked the serving tray up and brought it over and sat it down.

Lady Juniper sat down in one of the chairs and Lord Walter nodded to Ralph and he sat down on the smaller chair before Walter sat down next to him. Lord Beyon handed a glass to the Lady Paige, then his wife and then Lord Walter. He picked up the spoon and crystal dish and handed them to Ralph before getting the other glass of brandy and sitting down.

Lady Juniper saw the look on Ralph's face and smiled, "It is called chocolate ice cream young man. It is quite the delicacy and very difficult to create and store, enjoy it."

They all watched as Ralph cut into it with the spoon and took a bite. He quickly smiled and tried another bite. He looked at his Mom, "Would you like a bite Mom?"

The Lady Paige smiled but shook her head, "You enjoy it sweetheart."

Lord Beyon raised his glass, "To the wise Lady."

The other three all smiled and raised their glass, "To the wise Lady."

Lord Beyon looked at Lord Walter, "I must say my Lord Walter. I'm a little surprised we didn't receive an invitation to your wedding."

Lord Walter smiled as he took another sip of the brandy, "It was an impromptu ceremony out in the pass that runs between Harris and Aaron Springs on our way to Wheeler's Ridge. Sir Cabe officiated over it for us. We would have just waited but my love for my Lady Paige was beginning to strain the wise Lady's tenants. We'll be having our state wedding two weeks after we return to Scorpion Keep."

Lady Paige hadn't taken a sip yet, "You and Lady Juniper are of course invited my Lord Beyon." Lord Walter nodded.

Lady Juniper looked at Lady Paige's glass, "Is something wrong my Lady Paige?"

The Lady Paige shook her head, "I'm not suppose to be drinking. I got in trouble with Allie yesterday for drinking some Elven wine."

Lady Juniper frowned, "Is Allie your Dr?"

Paige looked at Walter, "She is not a Dr, she is a white Witch."

Lord Beyon looked up, "You brought a Witch into my city?"

Lord Walter's face went dark, "Allie has the wise Lady's blessing to be with us and treat us. I would strongly caution your attitude when speaking to my wife or about our friends."

Lord Beyon, while looking contrite, seemed to look like he didn't believe Walter so Paige spoke up. "On our trip to Wheeler's Ridge Lady Bethany sought us out. She wanted to kill me. Her hatred of me caused her to transform into an Amatan. After she was destroyed we had gotten my Lord back into our tent so Allie could care for him. The wise Lady spoke through him to tell Sir Cabe to leave Ralph alone for his part in the battle. Allie at first thought she was speaking to her and backed away apologizing when the wise Lady told her; You have nothing to fear from me, daughter of Mielikki. You have been a true companion and aid to my children and I thank you."

Ralph nodded his head, "It was kind of spooky when it happened, my Dad's voice was so strange, and it sounded like thirty people speaking the exact same words at the same time."

Lady Juniper cleared her throat as she saw the look of disbelief still on Lord Beyon's face. Everyone looked at her, "They are speaking the truth my Lord. You may not possess the abilities of a Paladin anymore but I can assure you that I can still detect lies and their words all ring true."

Lord Beyon nodded, "My apologies my Lady Paige and my Lord Walter for my words and for being discourteous as to believe you would try to deceive me."

Thank you guys for your comments, I'm glad the action enjoyed and wasn't confusing. Tomorrow I'll be posted chapter 2 of the new story and Friday the next chapter for Lancaster! Stay safe and healthy! To the Adventure! -Tim