Chapter II Time Apart.

Thee next morning Jake woke up early to make sure the small cart was packed properly. He double check, not wanting Manx to lose any of his precious cargo. The hand crafted music boxes were worth a good bit of money, and the right buyer would pay handsomely to own such a gorgeous item. He tied the load down and went back in to make sure Manx had a big hearty breakfast before he left for the long road ahead.

While Manx ate, Jake packed food supplies for the trip, not wanting his dad to run out of meals. He wrapped a loaf of bread into a blanket, rolling it up nice and neat. He placed fruit in a basket and covered it with a towel, setting it aside with other bundles. After breakfast, Manx grabbed his coat and walked down the stone steps, with Jake not too far behind.

"Well, Ah'll see ye in a few days, Jake. Take good care of the place will ye."

"I will, don't worry. Now, I'd like a hug before you leave."

Manx stopped and took Jake in his arm, Jake standing taller and taller with each passing year. Jake embraced him back, swaying a little where they stood.

"You be careful okay. You have a good amount of food, so you shouldn't worry about starving. I also took the time to draw out the best path to take. Since your map is out dated. I wasn't to sure about some of the trails."

Jake passing a map to Manx. He nodded, letting Jake know he'd be okay. Manx climbed up on the front of the cart, getting himself comfortable on the seat cushion. He placed his hat on his head and looked down, Jake leaning beside the seat.

"Is there anything Ah can get ye?"

"A rose, like the one in the picture."

"Ye ask for that every time. Don't ye want somethin' else? Fancy boots? Aye, a new vest maybe?"

"I have what I need. Besides, it will add color to the table."

"All right, Ah'll get ye a nice rose. Bye Jake!"

"Bye, dad, and good luck. Drive safe too!"

Jake watched as Manx set off down the road, hearing the clatter of the cart against the stone. He waved and stood till the carriage vanished from sight over the ridge. He sighed, feeling an uneasiness. He didn't know why, since Manx made the trip many times before. However, this time, he felt something out of his control was about to happen. He shook his head, knowing he was just being silly. He went back into the house, fetching his basket to get some seeds for the garden, along with a few other things. He grabbed his coat and made his way down the steps to the square, hoping to keep himself busy till Manx made it back.

He went to pick up some glass and took it home, thinking he would have more then enough time to replace the windows. After getting food and other thing, Jake spent the day going from stand to stand, making small talk with the owners. They chewed over the weather, but often Jake got the sense no one really wanted to hear about him. That's when he spotted Paul, the homeless cat who went around town. Paul was asking for a kind gesture from anyone willing to give him their time, holding his paws out to a passing couple, who ignored him.

"Aims, aims for the poor?' questioned Paul, wearing only rags and carrying a cane.

He sighed and found a couple of shadows fell over him. He turned and saw Burke and Murray, who stood over him.

"Well what do we have here, Murray?" asked Burke, nudging the other kat.

"Looks like the rubbish of the town to me, Burke."

"Look, fellas, I don't want no trouble. Please, I'll leave if that's what you wish of me."

"Not so fast pipsqueak," said Burke, reaching out and grabbing Paul by the cloak, drawing him up off the ground. He held Paul to his face, smirking. "You ain't going no where."

Paul tried to hit Burke with his cane, only to feel it be pulled from his grasp. The two laughed and watched Paul struggle to break free. Murray snapped the cane and threw it aside.

"Opps, my bad, didn't mean for that to happen."

"I think you did, Murray."

"I believe it's you aren't going anywhere, Burke," came Jake's voice. "As for you Murray apologize to Paul for breaking his cane."

"Well if it isn't, Jake Clawson. Trying to be a knight and shining armor from one of those stupid books?"

"Yeah, come to rescue the damsel in distress," teased Murray, shaking Paul in the air, making the older kat stiffen up to keep from being tossed about. "I'd like to see you try to take us on?"

"Put him down or else," demanded Jake, cracking his neck and loosening his shoulders.

The two glanced at each other, then to Jake. They burst out into a fit of laughter, pointing to the shorter male. They slapped one another on the back, howling and almost keeling over.

"You, I'd like to see you try, Clawson. I ain't never seen you fight in a brawl."

"I doubt he could eve hold is own, Murray!"

"Yeah, you skirt wearing loser."

With that Jake lunged at them and in a flash grabbed Paul, landing behind the pair. He set Paul down, making sure he was okay. Paul gasped and watched as the two turned to face Jake, who didn't seem scared in the least.

"All right Clawson, you asked for it."

The pair went for him, Jake already ahead of them. He grabbed Paul and leaped upward, hanging onto a sign that hung over them. The two hit the wall, slumping to the pavement. The pair saw stars and lay dazed, blacking out. Seeing they were in the clear, Jake jumped down and went to retrieve Paul's cane as the older male leaned on the building for support.

"I'm sorry how they treat you. Why don't you come to my place. I'll get you something to eat while I fix this for you," said Jake, inspecting the two halves. "Beside, I could use some company with my father out for a few weeks."

"Oh, such a nice young kat you are, Jake. Showing a ragged fool like me kindness."

"Think nothing of it. Here lean on me if you must."

"Think I will."

Jake lent Paul his arm, guiding him through the town. They passed several kats, who whispered and pointed to Jake, who assisted the gaunt and grubby kat. Jake saw their stares and simply ignored them, hoping Paul didn't see.

"You seem to be the only one to help out an old kat like me," said Paul with a laugh, coughing a little.

"Hey, everyone needs someone to care for them."

They went to the house, Jake letting Paul bath and offering some clean clothes to him. Paul was grateful, crying as he took the clean garments from Jake. Once Paul was settled in, Jake got the supper ready, cooking up a big plate for him. Paul ate and savored the wonderful dish, smiling with joy.

"This is the best. Thank you, young man. Now what can I give you in return for such a good deed? Surely there must be something you desire?"

"I'm fine, your thanks and smiling face is reward enough."

While Paul ate, Jake worked on making a new cane, adding a few extra touches to it.

"That's a very goodhearted thing for you to say. I hate to say others are not as sympathetic or warm to an old fella like me," said Paul, glancing about the small, yet homey atmosphere. "I maybe poor, but I've seen more of the world then you could ever imagine. In all my travels, in all my years, I've met many, many kats. And I can tell you, kind ones are hard to come by. Rare even. Like a precious treasure that's buried under the sand. But with time and patients, you will find it."

Jake listened and felt bad, knowing Paul had probably been mistreated by several others. He couldn't imagine being mean or cruel to someone, being brought up to show kindness to all. He got back to the cane, doing a few more things before it was done.

"I fixed you a brand knew cane. Sorry I couldn't fix peoples attitude or the world," said Jake, passing a cane with metal plating around it, so it was break resistance. "Look, I can speak with dad when he gets back Maybe we could give you a place to stay. I mean we have a spare bedroom, and I know winter will be here soon. If it's anything like last winter, you really shouldn't be out there on your own."

As Jake spoke, the older kat took the cane and ran his paws over it, treasuring the handcrafted object. Hearing Jake offer him a place to stay, was too much. Paul was silent and sniffed a bit, feeling moved by the act of generosity.

"It's the very few kats like you that make this world livable."

"I only wish I could do more."

"You living is enough," said Paul.

Jake let Paul stay the night, wanting to make sure he was okay. The next day, Paul left and went out, seeming happy and brighter. Seeing Paul filled with hope brought joy to Jake. He went to the town and spoke with a few kats, trying to put forth a little effort. Tired of socializing, Jake took a seat by the fountain, reading over his book in peace. He was enjoying it when he saw a young she kat, watching him with big curious eyes. He smiled and gestured for her to come closer.

"Here, would you like to hear a story?" asked Jake in a kind voice, pointing to the book.

The little girl came over and stared, wondering what was in the book. He smiled and began to read aloud, gaining the attention of other kittens. Soon several kittens sat around, listening eagerly to the story. Jake changed his voice and gestured with his free paw, making the story sound even batter for the kittens. He found it great to share the story with the young ones, thinking it might get them to read and learn. He took a breath and started to sing.

Jake:

"Reading is important, it helps to make you smart,
It's the key to knowledge, to explore new worlds,
It can guide you, when you feel lost,
If you need to find an answer, here's what you can,

Open up a book, filled with words and even pictures,
Journey to brand new places, where adventure lies,
It's not hard to find, it's just at your finger tips,
Why wait any longer,

Read amazing tales, from history to myth,
Travel to other lands, where you've never been,
Read of heroes, or magic beings,
And you'll see, yes you'll see, how spectacular it is,

Open up a book, to a fantastic place beyond,
Where your mind can soar, push your imagination,
You'll find that any dream, anything can be accomplished,
If you have passion and believe,

Open up a book, it's only just in your reach,
It will be there forever, when you need it,
It's a friend when you're alone, and can't seem to go on,
As long as you hold hope near,
You'll never, be lost."

Jake held the book out for the kittens to see, wanting to get others to see the joy of learning. With wide and curious eyes, they studied the pages and saw only words. They seemed disappointed until an illustration came into view. They smiled at the visual, letting their imagination take over. It was like magic, using their imagination, allowing them to fall away from reality. Their boring little town disappeared as the story came to life in around them. They were near a kingdom, watching knights fighting with shining swords.

They were imagining far off lands they could visit, places they'd only ever heard of. It was more fun to dream of then actually going. For they could glorify the surrounds to anything they wanted. Jake was leading the trail of kittens around the street, catching the eyes of the adults. He finished his song and the kittens jumped up and down, wanting him to read more. They cheered and Jake nodded, opening the book back up. He took a breath to read, but stopped as his name was called from afar.

"You, Clawson! What do you think your doing?" A mother came, looking for her son.

Her son glanced up to his mother, with pleading eyes, wanting to stay and hear the story. The kitten clung to Jake's legs as he said nothing, watching as other adults came over to him. The mother took her son's paw, pulling him away from Jake.

"You should be ashamed, young ones need to learn how to work. Not waste time reading those long eared book."

"Please, I meant no harm. Your young loved the story. I think it would be good to read to them."

She took her winning son back to where she was working. Soon some of the fathers saw their kittens having to be drug away from Jake. He felt bad, watching the sad kittens be pulled from his side. He was about to speak but stopped when he saw a group of toms walk over to him. They nodded to each other and went to deal with Jake, who swallowed hard. He tried to run, but was cut off and grabbed by the collar.

"When will you get it through your thick head! That we don't want your queer ways rubbing off on our young." snapped the male, who held Jake by the shirt.

"You intolerant, and unwilling kats! Can't you see how much good reading will do?" said Jake, glancing about at the taller males.

They looked with questionable expressions, sharing shrugs from left to right. It was clear Jake was getting no where with the group.

"Look, we don't understand half the things you said to us. But if we find out there bad. You're going to be in a world of hurt," said one kat, hitting his fist into his palm.

"This is what I mean! If you read more, you'd know what I meant."

"Let'e just teach him a lesson and be done with it," said another kat, raising his fist and shaking it.

The others agreed and with that they surrounded Jake and started throwing punches. Jake placed his paws up to try and keep them back, unable to get away. Not knowing what else to do, he curled up on the ground, trying to protect himself from the on coming blows.

By the pub, Turmoil stood, admiring her reflection in the glass. She took a breath and spoke.

"You are zee most beautiful, talented, superior among zem all. No one else deserves you, but at least I know our kittens vill be lovely." The Lieutenant enter into her focus, coughing to get Turmoil's attention. The Captain rolled her eyes, wondering why the Lieutenant chose such poor timing. "Vhat is it Lieutenant? Can you not see I am busy."

"Sorry to disturb you, ma'am. But a certain kilt wearing kat is in distress." chirped the Lieutenant, knowing the news would cheer up the Captain. She watched Turmoil fix her cape and stood tall, smiling slyly.

"Oh, it's hero time. I'm not finished vith you yet," said Turmoil, taking one last look at her reflection before strolling off with a whip of her long cape.

The Lieutenant trailed not too far behind her, the pair making their way to where the brawl took place. By the time they reached it, the group lead Jake out of town, pushing him from left to right. With a mighty shove, Jake was thrown to the ground. He tried to sit up, but his book was chucked at his head, knocking him down once more.

"And don't let us catch you pulling a stunt like that again!"

Yelled one of the father out of the group of grumbling animals. They left and went back to work, leaving Jake laying on the ground. As he lay there the last thing he wanted was to be disturbed in his hour of humiliation. Turmoil was unaware of this and walked over, her shadow falling over his bruised and injured form.

"Don't vorry, Jake. You can't vin zem all."

Turmoil lent him her paw, pulling him to his shaky feet. He was covered in dust and had a pair of black eye, blood dripping from his bottom lip. His clothes were torn and one sleeve was completely ripped from its shoulder. Turmoil brushed him off and reached down to get his book, cleaning it off as well.

"So, vhy did they beat you zis time?"

"Because I was reading aloud to the young ones. Those narrow minded, brainless fools! I tell you one of these days, I'm going to pack up and leave. Life was better before we came here. Sure, moving from place to place was hard, but I never got beat up."

Jake wiped the blood from his muzzle, seeing it stain his sleeve. He pulled at his torn sleeve and limped to his home, wanting to be left alone. Turmoil walked after him, reaching his side with a smile.

"Jake, zee only kittens you need to vorry about are your own. Ours future litter. You and I aren't getting any younger. The time to produce is now."

"I don't want kittens, at least not yet. Maybe never."

Jake glanced over his shoulder, seeing she pursued him. He opened the gate to his front garden and walked through the flowers, careful to not step on them. Turmoil jumped the gate and landed on the flowers, stomping them in the ground with her boots. He grimaced and his right eye flickered a few time as his fur stood up every so slightly, watching her destroy hours of work. He gritted his teeth and turned to her, ready to speak his mind, only for her to go on.

"Vell, I do. For simple town folk like us, it doesn't get any better. Picture it, a hunting log. My latest kill roasting on zee fire, vhile my husband hold me. Our kittens, ve'll have six-"

"-Look, Turmoil. I maybe a farmer, but I'm not stupid or simple in anyway. I know you mean well, but I'm happy being alone. For now at least."

"Oh, Jake. Do you know vhat happens to males who loose zeir family. Look at Paul. His family burned to death in a fire, leaving only him to live. Several, including myself, sink he's a bit slow and incapable of fending for himself. He goes around town begging for scraps. That might be you one day."

"Your, wrong, he's smart. No different then the rest of us. You see what you want, not who he really is. For that you and the rest of is town are the simple ones."

"I'm just trying to help you. I can make you a very happy husband. This is our vorld Jake, and you can either join in the dance, or stand on outside looking in."

"Turmoil! We won't make each other happy. Kats can't change that much. I know this is hard to hear, but I will never marry you." said Jake, entering his home and shutting the door behind him, using it like a shield to keep her back. "I'm sorry, I just can't."

She stood on the step, the wooden door keeping her from Jake. With a sigh, she turned and left, thinking of another way to try and get him to marry her.

Alone at last, Jake leaned on the door with a sigh. He went to his room and locked himself away, feeling tired and sore. With a grunt, he removed his clothes and sat on his bed, staring at the floor boards. He sat for a few moment then lay down fully, placing his paws behind his head. He thought over what Turmoil said about dancing, and how he stood outside the loop. He stared out the window, wondering how Manx was, hoping he was all right. After some time, Jake fell asleep and slumbered peacefully.

The next morning, Jake lay in bed, feeling achy from the beating. He stayed there, feeling pretty good, until a knock at the door interrupted his rest. He got up and went down stairs, thinking it might be someone in trouble. He never bothered to grab his rob, wearing only a thin night shirt with a low v-neck. He feared it was Paul, trying to seek shelter. When Paul was chased off or needed help, he would turn up at their door step, knowing they would provide protection. He threw open the door and saw a familiar pair of black boot, seeing it was Turmoil.

"Hello Jake, I came to return your book and see how you were doing," said Turmoil, leaning on the door still, obviously not giving up.

"Good, till now," retorted Jake, taking the book back. He folded his arms over his chest and wondered why she hadn't gotten that he turned her down. "Thank you, now, I should be go-"

"Not so fast my prey."

Turmoil made her way into the house, pushing the door along with Jake backward. He was strong, but was no match for her. He was sent into the wall and could do nothing more then watcher her walk in, her cape flowing behind her tall build. The boots clicked against the wood, creaking under every step she took.

"Turmoil, can you please leave. I have a lot to do today."

"Ve're still on a lats name basis. You can call me by my first name, Jake."

She lounged on the table, holding her chest out as if trying to impress him. Jake swallowed and rubbed the back of his neck, feeling awkward around her, and not in the good way. She grinned, thinking he responded to her and stood, walking slowly over to him.

"Come on Jake, I'm putting myself out here. Yet, you do all you can to ignore me. Just give in and I can show you a good time." She placed her paws in his, trying to force him to wrap them around her waist. She stood above him and stared down into his bright brown eyes, watching them widen.

"No. What I want is for you to leave," said Jake, breaking from her grasp and stepping back. He pointed to the doorway and stood firm, letting her know he meant business. "There's the door, don't let it shut on your tail on the way out."

"Oh, really?"

Turmoil strolled over to him, seeing if he would break. He remained strong and kept his gaze with her own, continuing to point his index finger for her to leave. She took his paw and stared down, feeling him freeze up in her hold. She pinned Jake to the door and ran her paw down his cheek, stroking him tenderly. She gave him a seductive look, thinking she could allure him into her arms.

"Are you sure about that?"

"Yes!"

Jake ducked under her arms and pushed the door, along with Turmoil out. He slammed the door shut and quickly locked it, hoping she wouldn't try to come back. He flung himself to it and held his breath, listening for her. Outside Turmoil stood with wide eyes, unable to believe he kicked her out. She was so close, just a few more seconds and he could've been hers. She straightened up, lifting her chin high as she pursed her lips together, deep in thought.

"You, can't hide in you home forever Clawson! You can't!"

Whipping her cape about, she stormed off, making her way down the steps and along the walk. Waiting for her was the Lieutenant, seeing the Captain in a foul mood.

"So, I guess it didn't go to well, huh?"

Turmoil whirled about and glared darkly, making the Lieutenant back up. She swallowed and glanced off to the side, breaking the moment.

"I von't be made a fool of, I vill have him as my husband. It's only a matter of time."

Turmoil grabbed the Lieutenant by the collar and lifted her off the ground. The Lieutenant nodded and said nothing, not wanting to upset the Captain any further. Turmoil dropped her and walked back to the village, where she would be welcomed and idolized. After sometime, Jake poked his head up from the windowsill, scanning to see if Turmoil was still in his front yard. Seeing no sign of her, he grinned and went to get his clothes on. He came back down and looked around the house, deciding to do some repair work and other jobs he'd been unable to do.

"Can you believe it? Me the husband to that petty arrogant fool."

Jake rolled up his sleeves, getting his stuff together to fix the windows. As he worked he began to sing, humming softly. He climbed to the roof and stood looking out over the horizon, seeing rolling hills far off. He dropped and took a seat, staring out and wondering if that's what he truly wanted.

Jake:

"Mr. Clawson, and his wife,
Mrs. Turmoil Clawson, the very thought,
It makes me made, I can't stand it,
I long to go far beyond this place,

I yearn to explore and see the wide world,
Places I can't even say,
Yet to do it alone, without another,
Is it really what I'm after?"

The sun shown down and Jake turned and went to work, patching the old leaky roof. He hammered away and thought deeply on the topic. He wanted to leave, but this was his home. Plus to explore the world on his own sounds lonely. A life he didn't know if he wanted to live. Then he thought of Manx, wondering how his father was doing.

At that moment, Manx rode the cart along a nice quiet area of the forest. He glanced over the map, making sure he was going the right way.

"All right, it looks like there's a short cut up ahead. If we take that we can get there a day sooner," said Manx, seeing a path that cut through the twits and turns of the trail Jake marked for them. "Aye, what do ye make of that Phillip?"

The horse shook his head and went on, hoofs clopping along. They walked to the fork in the road and Phillip glanced from right to left. The right path was bright and beautiful, while the left appeared dark and spooky. It was clear the road Jake marked was the better of the two.

"What are ye waitin' for Phillip, let's go to the left," said Manx in a chipper tone, wondering why the horse stopped.

You've got to be kidding me old man. Thought Phillip, moving to the right, not wanting to take this short cut. Seeing the horse turn Manx spoke out.

"Oh, come now Phillip, it isn't that bad."

Manx took the reins and steered them to the left path, hoping to shorten their trip. The went farther and farther, deeper and deeper into the woods, finding it changed a bit. Actually, it went from day to night. The sound of an owl put the pair on edge, along with other unfamiliar sounds.

"Ah wonder where we are now?"

They couldn't help but feel cool as a fog came from nowhere, surrounding them in a white cloud. Manx held up the map and made sure he didn't lead them down some dead end trail. It was hard to figure out where they had come and where they were going, due to the thick vapor.

"Great now where have ye taken us, Phillip?" asked Manx, turning the map this way and that. Manx fixed his glasses and glanced about. "Let's keep movin', we're bound to find somethin'"

They strolled a while longer, until a growl caught their attentions. They turned and saw a pink winged bat-like creature, seeing it come out from behind a tree, eyeing them up.

"Kats alive! What is that thing?"

Manx in fright, crumpled up the paper as he stared at the creepling. The creatures hissed and moved closer, bring more of its kind with it. It shocked Manx, as it spread its wings, gliding through the air. It flew over his head and Phillip ducked as it tried to strike him, the creepling landing in Manx's lap.

"L-let's get out of here!" exclaimed Manx, using a stick to bat them away.

Phillip bolted forward, pushing the creepling out of his way. He huffed and puffed as he ran off the path, tearing through the brush and vines. The path was rough and the wagon hit a log, the horse's harness ripping from the cart. The cart tumbled over and over, laying overturned in a heap of dust and gravel. Manx went air born and landed on Phillip, who stood under where he fell, catching Manx.

"Aye, good boy Phillip. Ye saved me," said Manx, stroking the horse.

Phillip took off once more, hoofs galloping across the dirt path. The sound of the creepling could be heard, Manx hung to the horse's mane and kept the other paw to his hat as they dashed through the forest. The horse stopped short when they came to stone wall, with towering metal gates attached to it. They saw it surrounded a large garden area and quickly pushed through, letting the gates slam shut behind them. Safe and sound on the inside they went to the center, where a small pavilion stood. They looked around the area, and found it to be lush and beautiful. The flowers and shrubs were trimmed and kept neat, showing the owner took great pride in keeping them clipped back. The question was, who exactly lived their?

"A castle?" said Manx, seeing a water fountain in the center of the greens and small trails. "I wonder who keeps this garden lookin' so nice. Aye, it's a shame Jake isn't here to see all this. Wait till Ah get home and tell the lad. Hey, let's go check out that buildin'. Ah would like to thank one who owns this lovely place. Also thank him for providing safety for us."

Curiosity got the better of Manx, drawing him closer to the towering stone castle, with its four towers and large entrance. He got off Phillip and made his way up the steps, going to knock on the door. After a few hit, the door slowly creaked opened, allowing him to enter. He stood sniffed the air, finding the scent to be a mix of food, stone and something else. Manx made his way over the threshold, hanging his coat on a hanger.

"Hello, anyone here. Ah'd like to thank ye. Ah be a simple weary traveler who got lost in the woods. Well, if it's all right Ah'll just warm meself by the fire."

His shoes made a tapping nose that echoed through the big building, showing just how massive it was. His eyes darted about the space, never noticing the hanger shaking his coat out in the background. He walked over to a fireplace, seeing two chairs and a small table sitting on a rug in front of it. The flame blazed in the stone fireplace, crackling and making it feel homey. He rubbed his paws together over the fires warmth, feeling cold. On a windowsill sat a candlestick and a clock. They appeared still till their faces moved and their eyes watched the new comer. The candlestick was yellow, a gold-ish silver color, with long eyelashes, showing it was a female.

"Look, Uncial Faral. A guests at last."

"I have eyes. I lost my paws, not my sight."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that."

"Shush Felina, we don't want to give away our position."

He threw her a dark glare and closed his eyes, trying to act as though they weren't there.

"What if he has a beautiful daughter, or son. Whatever the case, he could help us break the spell."

"Shush Felina."

"Who's there?"

Manx turned and glanced around the room, looking for the owner of the voices. His ears flickered this way and that, trying to pick up where they could be. His ears picked up at the sound of a piano, playing from one of the rooms down the hall. Manx left the clock and candle, tugging his collar and fixing his wig. He followed the sound, leaving the warm of the fire. He tried to figure out which room it was coming from, hearing it echo through the long hall. He came to a room and opened the door, peering in to look for the owner. He heard a gasp as the piano stopped suddenly, it's candle flickering out.

"No one appears to be here. Yet, how could music be playin' without a pianist?" Manx scratched his head, wondering if he was losing his mind. "Hello, is anyone here? Ah'm sort of lost and wondered if ye could help me?"

He could see it was a ballroom, or what use to be a ball room. Cobweb hung from the crystal chandeliers, along with dust on elegant support beams. He sniffed the air and found no trace of a living being. He heard the sound of a pan dropping, getting his attention. He thought the owner must be in the kitchen, so off he went. He entered a dinning area and found a place set at the head of the table. He smelled the wonderful aroma, beckoning him to come and sit. His stomach rumbled, as he hadn't eaten yet. He made his way to the set place and glanced over the bread, fish, and small salad. He looked over the fancy dinnerware, admiring the fine painted china. His ate at some of the food, taking a drink out of a glass. He stopped and studied the tea cup, noticing the design on its side was that of a face. He leaned in and squinted, watching it closely. Suddenly, its painted eyes opened and stared back at him.

"Hi, I'm not suppose to speak, but I'm too friendly not to," said a perky child's, glancing about with a shy smile.

Manx's eyes were wide as the saucers on the table, and he slowly stood back, placing the food in his paw back down. He swallowed his mouth full and didn't know what to make of the talking item. Had there been something in the food to cause him to hallucinate, to make him see things that weren't real.

"How, nice.. A-a talkin' tea cup. Ah must to have hit me head harder then Ah thought."

White as a sheep, Manx fled down the main hall and opened the door from where he entered, spotting Phillip grazing on a patch of grass.

"A-Ah don't know what kind of witch craft this is. But Ah don't want to stick around and found out."

Manx made it down the steps and got on Phillip, steering them away from the castle. He glanced back over his shoulder and wasn't watching where he was going and when he turned back around he spotted something. Before him was a rose bush, with several roses to pick from.

"Aye, a rose for Jake, how could I forget. Ah tell ya, how convenient, yet ironic we stumbled over these roses."

He dismounted and tied Philip rains to the stone, walking over to the large bed of roses. He went to pluck one from the vine, pricking his finger on a thorn. As he did this Phillip got the feeling they weren't alone. The horse turned quickly and saw a dark figure dart by, moving swiftly to where Manx stood. The horse fussed, hoping to get Manx's attention. However, this all went unnoticed by Manx, who pulled a single rose off.

"There, wont Jake be happy when he sees this."

Manx turned and was cast in shadow before he was yanked from the ground, felling his body being sent flying through the air, landing on his back. He lost his breath, gasping as the wind was knocked from his lungs. He sat up, seeing a large shadow fall over him. The figure stood tall, towing over the cowering Manx. Manx trembled and didn't know what to say, shaking with fear filled eyes. The male spoke with a gruff deep voice, a mix between a growl and rag.

"What, do you think your doing? Breaking and entering into my humble abode?" asked the cloaked figure, staring down with glowing red eyes. "What are you staring at?"

"Nothin', Ah be starin at nothin'," blubbered Manx, not wanting to upset the mutant feline in any way. Manx blinked a few times, trying to get the courage to speak again. "Aye, Ah was lost and lookin' for a place to saty for the evening. It's getting colder and Ah-"

"-Very, well I'll give you a place to stay," interrupted the mutant.

He reached down and grabbed Manx by the shirt, hauling his up with ease. Manx gulped and froze unable to move out of fear. He was tossed over the mutant's shoulder, being carried back to the castle. Phillip, seeing the mutant, broke the reins and took off like a shot, knowing he had to hurry and find Jake. He grunted and pushed himself to full speed, wanting to reach Jake before it was too late.