From Ashes of Grief: Arohanui, #3

By Amanda van Vliet

In the land of Arohanui, betrayal carries a heavy price. Koati, the unforgiving goddess, punishes those who dare to defy her with merciless fury. Amidst this brewing storm, Bridie, the Queen of the Royal Hounds of Kuri te Aroha, discovers a mysterious pup by the Lake of Mirrors. Who is this enigmatic pup, and what role will she play in the fate of Arohanui? With Tumanako the dragon at her side and a war unlike any seen before looming on the horizon, Bridie must rally creatures of peaceful hearts to stand against the dark forces of Gal En Skasrend. The fate of Arohanui hangs in the balance, and every being must choose a side.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amanda van Vliet
• Release date: Jun 20, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227822581

Amanda van Vliet

Amanda van Vliet, an enchanting storyteller residing in rural Canterbury, New Zealand, conjures magic with every word she pens. Amanda's life with her Irish Wolfhounds infuses her writing with a unique authenticity and warmth. This profound connection between her real life and her storytelling brings unparalleled depth and sincerity to her work; inviting readers to embark on a journey of wonder and discovery, to lose themselves in worlds where magic is real and the power of love and friendship triumphs over all. Her stories are a testament to the boundless beauty of imagination and the enduring magic that lies within us all, they are not merely adventures but poignant explorations of the human experience, touching on themes of love, loss, and the indomitable spirit of hope.

Book preview

Prologue

Peace and tranquillity had prevailed in Arohanui from the time the Royal family settled there. No longer was it a wild and feral land, and the creatures who dwelt there lived in harmony. That was until the battle for Arohanui shattered the veil of peace and brought with it echoes of past horrors; when the shedragon and her spawn flew the skies and laid siege to the most innocent of Arohanui’s creatures. In those times others of innocence had stepped forward to save those souls, and the hounds of Kuri te Aroha became the guardians of all who dwelt inside the mountainous walls of Arohanui.

Now once more the land rang with the womanatees’ lament and the innocent were again slain, this time the victims of the terror were the Caprimythic clan. Neither young nor old were spared, and it fell upon Princess Bridie and her ladies to protect them and rid the land of the evil that now stalked across it. They battled wolves, dragons, and other vile creatures such as the five-headed venene, but those were not the instigators of the evil that befell the land. Finally, Gal En Skasrend, the Dark Lord, showed his hand. Queen Millie, Bridie, her ladies, and the knights of Agisumlond, with the help of the Goddess Koati, vanquished the evil; banishing it not only from their land, but also, they believed the entire world.

Peace prevailed once more in the secluded land. The Princess and her knight married and the old Queen stood down to let her daughter take the mantle of reign. Children were born and life seemed idyllic once more, until the day the royal pups were stolen, their nanny murdered, and the Queen Mother grievously wounded. Stolen by the foulest and most terrifying of creatures, the Behemothbats, the pups were whisked to a faraway land: Te Pekapeka Whenua.

Though all had seemed hopeless, the hounds found a way to that land and rescued their young, only for others to become lost. It soon became clear they had been lured to this strange land, with its odd creatures, for purposes that had not yet been revealed. The denizens of Te Pekapeka Whenua still warred with each other, distrust, and fear stalked across the land and none were who they seemed. Those who appeared to be friend proved to be foe, and those who had been feared since the dawn of time were found to be the greatest of allies. This was a land of strange creatures, the home of the behemothbats and the veneen. But alongside those creatures of horror were also the Cresteds, fearsome little dogs who looked a lot like horses with their hairless bodies, and flowing manes and tails. Unicorns thundered across the plains, pegasi flew the skies and spiders became friends in times of need. Several of those from Arohanui gained strange new powers as they travelled this new land; Clawed, the artist, (now able to paint his subjects into life) and Bridie herself able to speak through her mind’s voice to all who needed to hear.

As they travelled to save those, they had lost in the caves of Maunga Pari O Te Wehi, the land fought them and they were shadowed and attacked by venene. The land seemed to resent Bridie and her friends walking upon it and it shook with such force that it was rent open. They had thought their fight was with the gnarfleafs; a race reminiscent of Tugawhumps, whose skin and hair resembled tree bark and leaves. These creatures possessed a charm that wound its way around all who heard their words. Enchanted words, none would believe hearing them that they meant anything but good. But behind the words and charm lay duplicitous souls. Souls that had been sold to the Dark Lord, Gal En Skasrend, and it was his work that the charming words disguised.

A battle ensued to save those the gnarfleafs had stolen, with the evil and vile creatures joining the venene to side with the gnarfleafs. The battle only ending when Gal En Skasrend forced the land itself into treachery; it spewed forth burning lava and rocks to pursue and rain down upon those on the battlefield. Bridie called for everyone to run, to save their lives and to carry with them those who could not outrun this new horror. The Queen remained with the wizards as they cast a spell to buy time for those who fled. Her friends beseeched her to run with them but she would not leave her wizards to face this threat alone.

Those who had battled, joined many other creatures in the hills of Te Pekapeka Whenua. High ground was the only place that remained safe from the flowing lava. The skies were heavy with ash and as far as could be seen, the land glowed orange with molten rock. Those who had reached safety tried to hold hope but with no sign of Bridie and the wizards they were feared lost. It fell to those who remained to save as many denizens of this land as they possibly could. With the discovery of a portal at the top of the singing bluffs high on Maunga Pari O Te Wehi. They leapt from the cliffs calling into the wind, to be returned to Arohanui, landing in the meadows of their homeland in front of the palace.  

All was not as it should have been on their return. A dragon perched inside the palace walls and all its inhabitants had fled to Maunga Ana, but this dragon was not what they believed him to be. This dragon did not spew flames of destruction but glowed and hummed instead with the light of love. He healed the Queen Mother and returned her to them; he also aided in the demise of the behemothbats who were terrorising the land. The discovery of remains in the behemothbats’ lair brought mourning to the land. All were convinced their courageous Queen lay dead in a pile of dusty bones. Dumfrees was grief-stricken and none wanted to bear such news to the Queen Mother. Before they could impart their news though, three hounds flew into the meadows: the wizards and the Queen returned once more to their home.  

Though all rejoiced at the return of the Queen and her wizards, despair befell them at the news the Queen shared. Gal En Skasrend was not beaten, he would rise again and this battle would be like none seen before. This would be a battle for their world and all who inhabited it would have to choose a side.

Chapter One

Bridie sat quietly with the wizards and Tumanako, on the cooling desert sand. Each was caught in their own thoughts as the day slowly dwindled into dusk. These deserts had once been the green fields of Nga Parae before the eruptions in Te Pekapeka Whenua.

The small group were settling in for the night in their makeshift camp. The faeries who had accompanied them, were making themselves busy preparing a meal for the group. For month upon weary month Bridie and her loyal followers had trudged through snow, forded rivers, flown across deserts, traversed mountains, and lakes, covered mile upon mile of endless landscape, reaching out to the denizens of their world. It had been many months since they had touched upon the soil of Arohanui or had seen their loved ones. Bridie’s heart ached to see Dumfrees, she longed to sit with him, side by side, leaning into him and for just a little while forget what was to come, what they were preparing for.

A small contingent of ladies and knights had set out from Arohanui on this mission. Once through the gate at the top of Waharoa Valley and through the pass into Agisumlond they had said their farewells and parted company, as small groups of no more than three or four hounds. The dragon, Tumanako had accompanied Bridie’s group; they flew west with the wizards, Talisan and Ocho. Dumfrees had led another group north, through Taumaha towards the hill tribes of Waipouri A Tivoli. Liffey had led yet another group south along the back of the mountain range dividing Arohanui and Agisumlond. It was said a tribe dwelt across Agisumlond’s border, a tribe of hounds of many and mixed races, living harmoniously together, a tribe built from the refugees of other lands that had been overrun by the evil of Gal En Skasrend.

Bridie was deep in thought, playing over in her mind her party’s encounter with the mountain tribes of Nga Pukepuke. There had been several tribes of different races living in the mountains. Their homes so close to the devastated lands of Te Pekapeka Whenua, they knew well the horrors Gal En Skasrend could wreak across the world. Like many, although not directly involved in the battle, they had not escaped the consequences of the battle for Te Pekapeka Whenua, and had suffered through the effects on their land of the massive ash clouds from the ongoing eruptions of Maunga Pari O Te Wehi.

As if Bridie’s thoughts had conjured up the echoes of those eruptions, the air around them began to rumble and purple-black clouds angrily roiled over their heads. Lightning struck with such speed they all leapt to their feet, but did not dare to take to the air amongst the anger that was swirling around them. Where the lightning struck the ground, the sand rose as if reaching for the sky and rapidly took the shape of a dragon. With an air of fragility and the transparency of dark glass, it was joined rapidly by many others as the lightning continued to strike around the group.

Sand-dragons, Tumanako cried.

Are they dangerous? Ocho asked but before Tumanako could respond, Ocho’s question was answered by the first dragon pulling back its head to let out a putrid rush of blue flames. Tumanako quickly stepped in front of the hounds and faeries to protect them, his purple scales easily deflecting the flames. Bridie closed her eyes and with her Goddess-given gift of communicating, she called to the sand-dragons. Filling their heads with her voice they paused, entranced by her words. She called to them to remember their mother Koati, she who was guardian of the land, Koati who was indeed the land itself. She called on them to rise not as enemies of those who would support Koati but in anger against those who would seek to use them against their mother.

The sand-dragons stood watching Bridie, confused and unsure how to proceed. Tumanako flew into the air and commanded them to join the fight against Gal En Skasrend. His magic and charm wound its way around Bridie’s words and lured the sand-dragons into the sky to fly with him. The clouds that had rolled in so quickly, broke apart letting the light of the moons, Jentle and Nacreous, sparkle and shimmer across the backs and wings of the sand-dragons, as they swooped after Tumanako. He flew them in a great arc above the watching hounds and with a flourish he led them back to the campsite. They settled with the hounds and the faeries, sharing their meal, and listening to the tales the hounds told of their battle so far.

Bridie took Tumanako aside as the wizards regaled the sand-dragons with their stories of luck, daring, tragedy and triumph. This was the first sign the hounds had seen, since their escape from Te Pekapeka Whenua, that Gal En Skasrend’s power was returning.

These sand-dragons, why have we never come across them before? I do not ever recall talk of them?

Queen, they were legend among my kin many years ago. They are created the instant lightning hits the sand. In essence the lightning gives them life. I recall stories of them, from before I fell into the lake. I always thought them to be myths made up as bedtime stories for the dragonspawn.

Wait? You tell bedtime stories to your babies?

Of course we do. You tell them to your young, why would we not tell them to ours?

I just never thought about it I guess, Bridie said. Thinking to herself that she would never be able to reconcile the dragons with anything but murdering monsters, she did not want to share that particular thought with Tumanako.

If they have just been created then they have no memories? No names? They should have no language yet they understood us!

That I cannot explain, the dragon said with a shrug of his large scaly shoulders.

We need to make haste for the palace and I think we will take these sand-dragons with us. So, we might learn more about them and ensure they understand our side of this battle, regardless of whether they fight or not. If only we had the opportunity and time to bring all of Gal En Skasrend’s evil creations to our side. We will be able to teach these sand-dragons of peace and love, of Koati and of the beauty of her world, Bridie said.

I agree Queen, it is one less enemy we will have to face and another race that will know love and peace. We must also ensure Arohanui is prepared for the next battle.

This is no longer just a battle for Arohanui, this will be an all-out war. A war the likes of which none who walk this earth have ever known before. All will have to choose sides, and all will have to participate. I know this is what we have been trying to convey to those we have been able to reach out to but now more than ever, we must hope our words have been heard. We must hope these creatures, who have lived peaceful lives, will now come forth and stand with us against Gal En Skasrend. We are asking many of gentle hearts, of peaceful hearts to stand up and fight a war that promises to be more desperate, violent, and catastrophic than any we have fought before.

Queen, I know well what we prepare to face but in truth none can truly prepare for what is coming. I fear Gal En Skasrend will be a much more fearsome foe this time. The falling of Te Pekapeka Whenua did not weaken his powers; it only robbed him of his armies - those he will have replaced. There are sadly, always many weak of spirit and mind that will side with evil.

In the morning we fly for home. It is still several days travel but we will fly through the night if need be. I intend to be home before the moons wane, Bridie said looking to the east, toward Arohanui.

The sound of the wizards’ voices caught her attention and she and Tumanako made their way back to the camp fire. Ocho was enjoying recounting to the sand-dragons how Talisan had learned to fly.

It was freezing cold, the middle of summer and curiously snow had fallen on the land. From the mountains to the lakeside all was covered in a thick white blanket. The womanatee were mournfully singing the Morosium...

Slow down Ocho, I think you may have to explain who the womanatee are and what the Morosium is. Bridie said as she looked at the bewildered expressions on the sand-dragons faces.

Well, the womanatee are wonderful creatures. They are gentle souls who graze the lake bottom, they used to graze the lake shore also but... well that might be a story for Tumanako to tell you some time.

I think, wizard, you will have to tell it, to explain the Morosium, Tumanako said smiling at Ocho.

This is going to be a long night, Talisan muttered.

"There is folklore that has been passed down through the generations - from the dawn of Arohanui - it speaks of a time when the womanatee would come ashore and their skin, which is an extraordinary, shimmering gold, reflected the sun so that it appeared it shone from Arohanui, not upon it. This tale told of the womanatee living a charmed life. Their song was one of joy, until an atrocity so vile many shudder to recall it, was visited on them. It left scars that run so deep they are embedded in the womanatee’s very flesh and bones, and are felt to this very day. It was a dragon attack, from seemingly out of nowhere. They slaughtered the womanatee where they grazed, and lazed away their day. Mothers and children alike, butchered where they lay. The song of those who managed to escape changed from joy to a devastatingly haunting lament – the Morosium. Anyone that hears the Morosium is overcome with feelings of grief and despair.

That brings us back to the story of Talisan learning to fly. The intense cold that set upon the land, with the unseasonable snow, caused many womanatee to perish. Their lament was heard again, for the first time in many ages, to resonate across the land. There was no escaping it, it could be felt in the very earth and stone we stood upon. Yet even in the grips of the despair the Morosium caused, we had to seal the secret entrance to Arohanui that had been discovered by Gal En Skasrend’s evil armies. The battle we had with the wolves guarding the entrance was gruelling, we really thought we might fall at this very first assault, until Maisey and the Tugawhump saved us." Ocho paused, looked at Bridie who nodded that yes, he would now have to explain the Tugawhump. Sighing, Ocho continued.

"The Tugawhump, well, he was another folk story, there had always been talk of a rare and elusive creature that lived in the mountains, keeping to itself. No one had ever seen one until that frigid day, only ever the odd mysterious footprint had been discovered, but here, one was saving us. It turned out that Maisey, another hound, who was at that time more than a bit odd - she preferred to live in the hills by herself - had befriended the Tugawhump.

Once we had beaten the wolves, we still had to close their secret entrance before Arohanui was completely overrun with evil creatures. Talisan is a powerful wizard but he insisted he needed my help, I was only a knight at that time, not a wizard, but he assured me I could help. Together we chanted his magic spell and thawed out the waterfall. We hoped it would fill the canyon and freeze again, sealing the entrance so those with evil intentions could no longer gain entry. It worked fabulously well, but we were in danger of being swamped by the water ourselves. Just as it seemed we had no hope of surviving, Talisan grabbed my tail and flew into the air. You should have seen the look on everyone’s faces when we came tumbling down through the trees to land at their feet."  Ocho chuckled at the memory.

This was just the beginning of our troubles though, Talisan said, picking up the story. We had to fight off dragonspawn who were hunting and murdering the faeries, and rescue pups from the shedragon. These were dark and dangerous times in our land. Some were lost, others traumatised. Many evil creatures stalked Arohanui but we managed to win out. Until finally Gal En Skasrend himself came to command his armies, in a battle we were not certain we could win. A devastating battle that saw all the hounds of Arohanui fighting to stave off his armies, so Koati’s power could be directed through the magic of the goats, and Koati’s gift to us - our own dear pet Bella - to defeat him. We were naïve enough to think this was an end to the monster, we thought we had destroyed him for good. We could not have been more wrong.

It is here the story becomes much darker, much more terrifying, and sets in motion events that would potentially rob us of one of the greatest Queens our land has ever known, Bridie said, taking over the story. My mother, the Queen Mother, was grievously wounded trying to save her grandpups - my pups – and the pups of my dearest friend. If not for her many more of the pups would have been stolen, as it was, we lost six of our dear ones - as they were spirited away that day by wolves to meet their fate with behemothbats.

The sand-dragons looked aghast when the behemothbats were explained to them. One of the sand-dragons began to cry. He asked what sort of world was this they had been brought into? Even dragons could feel fear it seemed. Bridie reminded herself that they were innocents, fresh to this world. She had to school herself against prejudice, and teach these young ones kindly if she were to show them the life of love and peace they could have.

What is your name? She asked the sand-dragon who had spoken.

We do not have names, he replied.

Then we shall all think on it and see if we can come up with some fitting names for you all.

The dragons all nodded their heads, smiles lifting the corners of their scaly mouths.

Now let’s get back to our stories, Bridie said. Our search for our stolen children took us to Te Pekapeka Whenua, where we met more creatures of myth. Unicorns, pegasi and the darndest little dogs you ever did meet. Looking for all the world like tiny little horses, with hairless bodies and manes, tails, and leg feathers of creamy white...

Not all of them were like that though, Ocho interrupted Bridie. Some were hairy all over, like the bard – Poet.

Indeed, Bridie nodded her head before continuing. We met creatures not unlike the Tugawhump in appearance but their skin was weathered like bark and their hair was trailing twigs of leaves. They seemed to be the kindest of spirits yet they were in fact far from open and honest. They spoke of caring and empathy while all along creating division and hatred. They have a bewitching quality to their voices that seems to cast a spell over many that hear them. These deceitful creatures tore apart families, and led many to untimely deaths, all while smiling and feigning friendship. They had sworn an unholy allegiance to the devil, Gal En Skasrend and stole away a number of our friends, in the hope of luring us to their lair. When we finally found their stronghold, they threatened to sacrifice our friends to their false god.

Not only our friends, Queen, but also those other creatures that had forsaken their families to follow the gnarfleafs, Talisan said. Bridie again nodded her head, falling silent for a moment or two as she remembered that awful time. Remembering the seductiveness of Shadyrill’s voice, it had been hard to resist its charm, even knowing the deception it hid.

We met creatures that appeared to be friends yet they were anything but, we met others we had always feared and thought of as foe - they showed themselves to be the most loyal and faithful of friends, Bridie continued the story once more. Cave spiders, who helped us to escape the venenes’ caverns – venene are huge five-headed snakes – the spiders also fought with us to defeat the gnarfleafs and venene. We survived earthquakes, a savage battle against all manner of vile creatures who served Gal En Skasrend, and the eruptions of Maunga Pari O Te Wehi. I still find it hard to comprehend that we escaped that doomed land and rescued so many innocent lives. It was in my escape from the lava flows and flaming rocks that were raining down around us, that I developed my ability to fly alongside the wizards. In the confusion of the eruption, we lost our bearings and were driven away from our friends to finally come to rest in a land quite foreign to us. There we met an odd, ancient bird who had great knowledge of the world even though he could not fly. He is said to be counsel to the Goddess. He told us that the battle had only just begun and we would have to travel to far flung lands to defend our world from the evil of Gal En Skasrend. He said the foul allies we had fought so far in our battle against evil would appear like kittens in comparison to what was yet to come.  Bridie finished here and sat quietly, staring into the flickering flames of the fire the faeries had lit to keep away the chill of the desert night. She looked up suddenly to stare at the sand-dragons, it appeared she had come to a decision about something.

Would you accompany us to Arohanui? She asked them. You would be our guests at the palace. Perhaps we can have a naming ceremony for you there, once we have found some majestic, strong names that befit you. Would you like that?

Your Majesty, is that wise? Talisan queried quietly, for her ears only. They number a dozen – imagine the horrors they could bring down on us all, from inside our palace walls,

I want to build a relationship with these creatures, I want them to see our home and meet our kith and kin. Let them see they are welcome among us, and that we give them our trust and respect. Let them see, we are denizens of peace and harmony first, and warriors only when we must defend our lives and way of life, Bridie said, her voice filling Talisan’s mind so that she should not offend the sand-dragons by speaking her words aloud.

Let them learn our ways. Let them learn peace and love so they might spurn any overtures by the Dark Lord.

Chapter Two

Exhausted, Bridie walked through a darkened and quiet great hall, evidence to the late hour of their arrival. The inhabitants of the palace having retired to their chambers. Bridie thought to seek out the Queen Mother in the morning, giving them both the luxury of a night’s sleep before she burdened her mother with her news. Making her way to the Queen’s chambers, she walked past the great hearth, not noticing the elderly hound wrapped in layers of blankets huddled by the fire. Several faeries flitted around the frail figure attending to its every need. The hound lifted its head as Bridie walked by and in a voice made feeble by age, it instructed the faeries to attend to the Queen at once. To bring her and her companions’ food and beverages, and to ensure the fires were lit in the Queen’s chambers. One of the faeries hesitated, the elderly hound looked at her.

Did I forget something, Melchoir? She asked. It seems to happen a lot these days.

No, Your Highness, I feel it is your daughter who forgot something. She did not even look your way, did not even greet you, the faerie replied. I did not think I would see the day she did not rush to your side to greet you, to seek your counsel.

She is exhausted, and I fear has a lot on her mind. We do not know what has transpired on her travels. Let her rest and I know she will soon seek me out. With her orders given the old hound settled back amongst the blankets, her head nodding as she dozed off once more.

Bridie was grateful for the familiarity of her chamber and the comfortable chairs to ease her tired aching body into. She and her companions had flown day and night, with only short breaks for refreshments since the night the sand-dragons had appeared. Now they were home they really did not have the luxury of resting but Bridie’s body refused to do any more. She tired so much more easily these days and her levels of endurance were not what they had once been. For now, she would rest. She would garner information from the faeries, eat and then sleep before she attended to more pressing issues. She must seek out her mother as soon as she had the strength to hold a conversation. It was, as always, important to hear her mother’s opinion on the information they had gathered.

It seemed to Bridie she had barely closed her eyes for a moment's rest before she was shaken awake once more.

Your Majesty, the hound in front of her bowed low. As the hound raised her head Bridie recognised Florence, one of her trusted ladies.

Florence, what is it that is so pressing I cannot catch even a moment's rest?

My apologies, Your Majesty, it has been many hours since your return and the Queen Mother has asked me to ensure you are well. She also asked for your company at the hearth in the great hall.

Firstly can we lose the Your Majesty title while we are here in my chambers, and secondly why does my mother not seek me herself? Bridie asked. We can talk confidentially here rather than in the common space of the great hall,

Your Majesty... Florence caught herself at Bridie’s look of impatience. Bridie, there have been changes in your mother since you left on your expedition. She has grown frail, and her years seem suddenly very heavy upon her. I fear she has simply been awaiting your return.

Awaiting my return? For what? Bridie refused to take Florence’s meaning, she would not believe her mother to have aged so rapidly in her absence but she did rise and follow Florence from the chambers to the great hearth.

Looking at the pile of blankets in the chair pulled close to the fire, idly flickering in the hearth, Bridie was shocked to recognise the gaunt face that peeked from it, as her mother’s.

Bridie, my child, Millie’s frail voice trembled and her rheumy eyes glistened with unshed tears.

Mama...Mama I have not been gone so long! What ails you? Bridie could not disguise the fear she felt at the sight of her mother so aged in front of her.

Hush child, come sit with me. Millie said, nodding her head towards the space beside her on the chair. Bridie sat gently beside her mother and leant into her.

Child, you knew before you left, I had not recovered fully from the poison that worked its evil upon my body. We both know it is not something I will recover from. I am only thankful that I have been given the time I have to spend with my grandpups and other family. My time in Arohanui draws to a close now and I will return to Koati but I will never leave your side.

You speak of dying and yet you tell me you will never leave my side? Mama, I need you more than ever, Arohanui needs you more than ever. How can we defeat the evil that is coming without you?

You have defeated this evil before without me, you can do so again. As I said, I will not leave you, I will be in the whisper of the wind, and the wash of the waves upon the lake shore. I will be in the light of the moons that washes down upon Arohanui. I will walk with Koati, I know your connection to her, through her we shall remain connected always. For now, though, I wish to know of your travels. I wish to know if you are supported outside of Arohanui, and most importantly, I wish to know if you are well. When I have tried to connect to you through Koati in recent times I have felt something that I cannot quite identify, a fatigue maybe that is not only my own.

Mama, I am fine. I am a little tired is all, I have been gone a long time. I miss my family.

Millie patted Bridie’s paw and urged her to tell her of her travels and to explain where the strange transparent dragons had come from. It seemed Millie may be aging and ill but she was still sharp enough to take in all about her. Mother and daughter sat in front of the lazy fire, quietly catching up for some time before Bridie noticed her mother tiring.

Mama, I am going to leave you to rest. Surely you would be more comfortable in your chambers?

Child, in my chambers I would miss being part of everything that goes on in the palace. I am comfortable enough. Here I am still part of Arohanui and can enjoy my grandpups and all the goings on.

Kissing her mother’s cheek, Bridie tucked the blankets closely around her and left her to find sleep.

She called the faeries to assemble her courtiers in her chambers. She had been informed that Liffey’s party had returned but Dumfrees and his companions were yet to arrive back in Arohanui. She had sent a message to him via falcon before she had slept, her powers to connect to him did not extend across the distance that was currently between them.

Bridie! I have missed you. How did your mission go? Liffey blew into the room like a breath of fresh air. Bridie had missed her also; they had been inseparable friends since they were children. Liffey had vowed to never let her out of her sight again after Bridie had been lost for so long after the eruption of Maunga Pari O Te Wehi. But the necessity of their missions, and the fact Bridie could fly and Liffey could not, meant they had departed Arohanui leading separate parties.

Tell me first, of the tribe beyond Agisumlond’s borders. Is it true? Do they exist? Will they join our battle?

Liffey looked a little put out that she would not hear of Bridie’s adventures until she had spoken of her own. To her credit she gracefully acquiesced and began to regale her friend with all that had taken place since they had last spoken.

"They do exist! They call themselves the Creekbottom Crew, they are a ragtag group of refugees. They are many and varied. Some races I have never met before... Some appear fearsome and strong, others small and less conditioned for battle. There are even Wolfhounds among them, refugees of Taumaha that somehow missed the gate into Arohanui. All were resolute in pledging their loyalty to you and the battle we must