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A few weeks after the orang had left, the wizard called on Jon-Tom. He hadn't been up to his room in months, so the changes were starkly evident. While his eyes took in all of the alterations, he said nothing. Rather, he got down to business. "Jon-Tom, I need your assistance. Allow me to amend that; the people of Rockhaven need your assistance." The spell-singer was about to grab his duar, but knew the turtle's propensity for undercutting his abilities. "What do you need me to do?" The wizard cleared his throat. "There has been an outbreak of Black Penny Fever in the valley where the city is located. It is odious, contagious and causing great havoc on the citizenry. There is a medicine to cure it, but some of its ingredients are hard to come by. As a matter of principle, I keep a supply of nearly every powder and chemical that I may ever need. I have generously agreed to send them my supply."

The turtle wasn't known for being overly altruistic, but Jon-Tom opted not to question his motives.  "What do you need me to do?" "Simple, my boy. I need you to deliver them in person. They are rare and valuable, so I cannot trust just anyone. I would prefer a magical courier, but there are none in the vicinity. So you will have to do. And mind you, I must insist that you go by non-magical means. You are expendable but these supplies are not!" Jon-Tom knew that was coming, otherwise he might have knocked the wizard a good one on his head. It took mere minutes for him to gather what he needed. The package he was delivering was actually rather weighty. It was a little solid oak chest stuffed with jars of powers and potions. The wizard was quite explicit in his instructions. "Those need to get there intact or they will be of no use to anyone. "Jon-Ton rolled his eyes. "I figured that out on my own."

He set off at a brisk pace despite his load. After a few hundred yards, when he knew he was out of sight of the tree, he stopped and pulled off his cape. He spoke "Roseorar" and the opening appeared. The chest fit in without a problem. The aperture that it disappeared through was closed and the cape returned to his shoulders. The problem of safe travel was that easily disposed of.  The town of Rockhaven was one he had never heard of. Unbeknownst to Clothahump, the map that he had spelled in his mind was still there. He did a quick consult on it, and found the city situated at the end of a long valley.  He mentally perused the surrounding terrain and found several more cities built either into the walls of the mountains or atop them. One in particular looked like it had been built on the leveled summit of a huge peak reaching to the clouds. His name cudgeled up a name; Godswind.

Jon-Tom had walked leisurely for several hours before he noticed that he was being followed. Whoever it was, he was stealthy, but the spell-singer's senses had become attuned to the dangers of this world. There was going to be a reckoning. He stopped at an outcrop of stone that held a crack wide enough for him to nestled in. He prepared his trap and set himself to waiting. He heard the soft crunch of footsteps on the gravel leading to his trap. Looking out from inside his secret compartment, Jon-Tom could see boots topped by furry brown legs and a scabbard dangling to one side. He knew that there was a hat involved too. Just then the intruder made a grab for the cape, spread flat on the ground.

Jon-Tom's arm reached out and grabbed the would-be thief by the leg. He expected a struggle, but instead was greeted to a screech of terror. The intruder sank in a faint onto the ground. Jon-Tom climbed out of the cape and inspected his recent nemesis. He swore with one word. "Mudge!" He was both relieved and pissed at the same time. If it had been Mudge all along, why hadn't he declared himself? In a moment he found out. The otter gathered his whits. Looking up at his spell-singer friend, he hollered at the top of his lungs, "What the 'ell mate? Are you tryin' to kill me or what? And just how did you do that?" Jon-Tom laughed and sat down beside him. "It serve's you right. Why were you sneaking after me, instead of just calling out that it was you the whole time? And as for how I did it, that's my little secret"

The otter looked a little embarrassed and didn't answer. Jon-Tom had already figured it out, but wanted to hear it from his friend. It wasn't forthcoming. He answered instead. "You wanted to find out if I was on an errand for Clothahump, didn't you?" "Now see 'ere mate. What difference would that make? We is friends, ain't we?"  "Yes we are. At least until things get tough. Or a female appears. Or gold is involved. Or booze is available." The otter held up a restraining paw. "Awrighty now, you cuts me to the quick, you do. I was just following to see where you was headed." This brought forth laughter from the spell-singer. "Especially since you noticed that I was alone and not encumbered with anything even mildly dangerous looking?" "Well, I 'ave to admit, that was somewhere in me thinking."

Jon-Tom hugged the otter, much to Mudge's discomfiture. "Now see here mate. Go doing that where folks can see, an' I'll lose my reputation, I will." "Oh shut up Mudge. I'm glad to have you along." "Wait a minute mate. I haven't heard where you're headed, much less said I was coming with you." Jon-Tom sighed. "I am heading to Rockhaven." The otter looked at his friend suspiciously. "Rockhaven? Now why would you be going there? You've never been there, and I'd swear by me mother's well-traveled nethers that you don't know a single person there." Jon-Tom winced at the oath, but confirmed the otter's suspicions. "You're right. I've never been there before. Therefore, I am going now. Alone, or with company. That is up to you." The otter considered. "Oh what the 'ell. I haven't been in Tomoor Valley in years. If I'm lucky, they will have forgotten all about the..." He clamped his mouth shut tight. Jon-Tom asked sweetly. "Forgotten about what, Mudgey?" "Nothing!"

So one was now two. Jon-Tom knew the way, but he allowed the otter to lead. "How far is it to  the valley from here?" The otter considered. "Four or five days journey to the nearest end. Another twenty to twenty five miles through the valley to Rockhaven. We can make it in a week barring difficulties." "Difficulties?" Mudge smirked. "Mate. I've been with you long enough to know that nothing that involves you goes off without a hitch. Besides, we'll be going through some disputed territory that may still be in contention." Jon-Tom was about to ask, but Mudge held up his hand. "I'll tell you 'bout it if it becomes needful."

"So, if you've been to the city, tell me about it." The otter thought for a bit. "Well, its old and well maintained. Even the sewers get cleaned out once a month. The ladies are lovely, and the food delicious" It used to go by another name, but that was long ago." "What was it called before?" The otter knit his brows, thinking hard. There's an old tavern that still carried the name, Gorol's Rock, I think. My mind's not too keen on useless stuff like old names mate. There are better things to concentrate on like..." Jon-Tom cut him off. "Like drinking and whoring and stealing and..." "Whoa mate, you make it sound bad, when you says it like that!"

The travel to the valley was less than exciting, which suited both of them just fine. True, Mudge complained about the lack of female companionship, the lack of gold, but as food on he run was no problem he kept his whining to a minimum... for him that is. On the third day his sharp eyes discerned what the human thought were dark clouds rising over the mountains. Mudge declared it to be smoke. "I don't like the look of it mate. Maybe we should find another route." A look at his mental map showed that their present route was the best. Looking further up the valley (mentally, that is) Jon-Tom found that there had indeed been a forest fire, though by now it was largely a region of smoldering ruin. On the fourth day they entered the valley through a pass separating two small mountains.

Smoke could still be seen curling up in the distance. The otter was reluctant to approach the area, but Jon-Tom forged ahead heedless of his friend's caution. After several miles they entered the burnout zone. Trees had been reduced to smoking stumps, and none of the normal flora found on the forest floor had been spared. As the ground was still glowing hot in spots, the two took to traveling via a wide and shallow stream that dropped deeper into the valley. Their route was a bit winding, but was far safer that traversing the ember-filled forest. They were making there way around some oversized boulders when Mudge stopped them, sniffing the air. "What is it?"  The otter didn't respond but worked towards the shore, nose working furiously. "Jon-Tom repeated the question. "What is it?" "I'm not sure mate. It smells like roasted meat, only less pleasant. Probably just some poor fool that got caught in the flames. But it seems to be coming from here." There, draped halfway in the stream was the remains of a enormous bird. Overall it was black, but an examination proved that its original color was yellowish  brown. That was evident from the few unscathed feathers washed clean by the flowing water. The rest of it was pretty much a mess. Jon-Tom felt sorry for the poor creature, but couldn't quite suppress the idea that it smelled a lot like fried chicken.

Mudge was inspecting the body. "Golden eagle, I would say. Probably from the avian city up yonder," pointing to his right. Jon-Tom remembered. Godswind. "What was he doing down here to get caught in the fire?" The otter looked up at him. "She, my lanky friend. This bird was a bird, if you get my meaning. As for what she was doing here I don't care to guess. Doesn't matter now anyhow." Just then a thin high pitched moan escaped from the burned body. The otter jumped sideways. "Damn! That thing is still alive!" Jon-Tom couldn't see how that could be, but Mudge carefully put an ear to its chest and reported, "I'll be a stoned monkey! It is still alive!" He pulled out his sword and made as if to cut its throat. Jon-Tom lunged forward and struck the blade from his hand. "What the hell do you think you're doing!" "Mate," the otter pleaded, "This poor soul is almost dead anyway. I was just going to do it a favor and end its misery!" While it made sense, it also made him furious.

He pulled out his duar and sat on a rock. "'ere now mate. Watcha going to do?" "I don't know. But I am going to try and save a life. I suppose if it doesn't work, then you can do what you think is right." He strummed the dual set of strings, trying to pick a song that would help this poor bird. The sight of it was enough to throw off his groove. He closed his eyes and thought. There wasn't much in his repertoire of songs for ones that healed. There was something, but it wasn't something strong in his memory. He had dabbled in cultural music for a short while. He had heard some American Indian chants. One was called the Healing Chant of the Eagle Spirit. The problem was, he remembered the name but not so much the song, as it was sung in a native dialect. But what could it hurt if he tried?

The chant and accompanying music was something the otter had never heard before, leastwise coming from Jon-Tom. It sounded more like the stuff some of the primitive tribes he had encountered in the out-lands played. He kept his sword in hand. If this foolishness didn't work, his steel would. But as the chant continued, the near lifeless bird stirred. It coughed a little, and a few feathers seemed to sprout, but that was it. Mudge was ready to call it quits, but Jon-Tom would have none of it. "I'm not killing it, er - her. She's coming with us to Rockhaven." The otter shook his head. "That's not a good idea, mate. You see, these here eagles rule that mountaintop city. They feel that anyone else in the valley is an interloper. There's bad feeling between the ground dwellers and the winged folk. You go bringing her into the city and they will finish the job the fire started."

Jon-Tom was adamant. "I'm bringing her with me." The otter relented. "You go ahead, me tall friend. But I'll slip out of sight at the first hint of trouble." "And this is different how?" retorted Jon-Tom. The otter threw him a dirty look and sat on a rock, sulking. "Well, then mate, how do you propose to get this charred hunk of meat into the city? I'm not soiling meself with burned feathers." The spell-singer didn't respond, but removed his cape and mumbled into it. He pulled open the newly formed aperture. He carefully hoisted the bird into it headfirst, hoping he wasn't being to unceremonious. Nearly 100 pounds of avian vanished into his cloak. Mudge hadn't realized the new nature of the cloak until his friend swung it back over his shoulders. "Bugger me for an alderman, Jon-Tom, what did you just do?"  He smiled. "I happen to have a way of getting my patient into the city unnoticed!"

Mudge was all questions, which Jon-Tom answered the best he could, though occasionally, a bit evasively. As they left the ruined section of forest, the otter nervously looked back and skyward. Flying on the thermals was a squadron of large birds, most likely searching for the one they now carried. He pulled his friends pant's leg. "Lookie there. I think our birdie friend is missed." Sure enough, tiny specks could be seen circling  high above their heads. "Well, its too late now. I intend to make it to the city and go from there." The "go from there" stuck in the otter's head. He would go as soon as possible!

The walk through the valley was now more pleasant. The trees here had not burned, the air was clear of smoke and soot, and travel was easy. Narrow paths merged into larger ones until they became a respectable road. This led to Rockhaven. They drew within sight of the city. There was no gate at the entrance, but the wall was topped with numerous archers. Danger here clearly came from the air. Their passage was noted and they were halted in their tracks "The city is under quarantine. I would suggest you turn around and leave." The otter got hot under the collar. "Leave? Listen you sorry excuse for a..." Jon-Tom cut him off. "We are here with aid for the epidemic. We need to find the wizard's guild"  That brought an excited look to the soldier's face."You can't miss it! Six blocks up, and two over." He was correct, for the building looked completely medieval set in against the much more modern buildings. Jon-Tom explained that he was on a mission for the wizard Clothahump, a revelation that raised the hackles on his otter friend. He was told that the one he needed to talk to was out helping the sick and would not be back for some time. "However, arrangements have been made for your stay. Please make your way to the Havenhouse. Your room and board has already been paid for."

Jon-Tom had no idea where that was, but the otter did. As they left the guild, he let a low whistle escape his mouth. "Mate, this 'ere Havenhouse is the best this town has to offer. I was in it once, but they threw me out." "And why was that, might I ask?" "Well, you see, I sort of picked the lock on one of the rooms. I didn't think they would take it so personally." "And?" "And what mate?" "And what else did you do to not return here for such a long time?" "Oh that. Well, you see, I broke into the room at the suggestion of a young lady." "And?" "And she happened to be the virgin daughter of the hotel owner. Leastwise she was before we went into the room. Not so much afterward, if you catch my meaning." He did, and only shook his head in mild disgust. "I would suggest then that you keep a low profile and let me do the talking." It turned out the hotel was at the literal top of the city, rising high and abutting the cliff face.

Once there, they were led without question to the only room on the top floor. Mudge pushed his hat down over his eyes and tried to blend in. No one took particular notice of him. Their suite was incredible, not the least of which was the view. It looked down on the valley, giving a clear view of the mountains rising on either side. Once the doors were shut, Jon-Tom locked them. He pulled off his cape and mumbled the word to access the inside. He got a grip on the scorched bird and carefully hauled it out. It was still breathing but unconscious. The room quickly smelled like burnt feathers. He lay the eagle on the rug and with two hands pulled out the chest. With that he sealed up the cape and threw it across the bed. Mudge wasn't looking too happy. "You know mate, if its all the same to you, I think that I would feel better if I wasn't here. Back in the day, that young lady was amiable enough, but her father was a terror." "Oh really? What type was he?" "Badger. They tend to carry a grudge." "Oh all right. I wasn't planning on you being here anyway. I'll get along fine." The otter did an exaggerated bow and slipped off the balcony and was gone.

Jon-Tom wandered over to the unmoving body of the eagle. That it was alive was apparent from the gentle rise and fall of her chest. The exposed skin looked better, but the feathers were a nightmare. He sat and thought. All at once a song came to him. It was from an obscure British band called The Stranglers. The song was called Golden Brown. He didn't know if it would work, but there was little harm in trying. He rehearsed the song in his head and then, satisfied he remembered it, played it aloud. Nothing happened all through his rendition. But once it was over its effects were obvious. Every single, solitary feather, burned or not, fell unceremoniously to the floor. Lying there was a totally denuded eagle. He closely examined  it (her, he corrected himself) and found her skin at least to be fully healed. He even went so far as to investigate Mudge's claims that it was a she.

It wasn't that he doubted his friend, who could sniff out a female from two miles away. It was because Jon-Tom had never had reason nor opportunity to wonder about a bird's sexual apparatus. It was not what he was expecting. With the feather's gone, it was easy to see that she was indeed a she. He worked a finger in, wiggling her opening wider and pushing in deeper. When he was up to his knuckle, he pulled back and pushed in another. Each time he thought the it would be the last, he fit in another. He wondered only briefly at this elasticity, realizing that it needed to be reasonably pliable for eggs to pass through, so it could accompany a fair sized cock if necessary. He was getting horny, but decided it would be crude and highly improper to engage in sex with the bird in her present condition, even if no one was around to know. He  was saved from making a decision by a knock on the door.

In a sudden panic, he remembered that his "guest" was unwanted and therefore likely in danger. He stuffed her quickly back into his cape, stuffing in as many feathers as he could sweep together and ran to the door. Standing there was a graying, handsome and yet somewhat fearsome-looking badger. "Good day sir. I am Gripsol, the owner of this establishment." All at once he stopped and sniffed the air. "What is that smell?" Fighting down panic, Jon-Tom calmly mentioned the fact that they had traversed the burned out region of the valley." "My pardon sir. If you would like, I can have your clothes cleaned and mended. A bath is yours for the asking." Jon-Tom politely declined. "When I leave I will be traveling through the same region. All of your hard work will be for nothing."

The badger accepted his reasoning graciously. "My purpose in disturbing you is that I wanted to personally come to thank you for hastening here to our aid. The disease is taking its toll and the supplies you bring are vitally needed." Jon-Tom gave a short bow and accepted this kindness with good grace. "You are most humbly welcome. I have not yet been able to deliver them, but they are here and ready for the wizard's guild to make use of them." So saying, he made a sweeping gesture with his hand to the chest on the floor.

The badger dropped to his knees crying. "Oh sir, thank you. My daughter is very ill, and without the medicine she will surely die." Jon-ton was nonplussed. "Please get up. My help comes to all those who need it, regardless of who they are. How old is your daughter, might I ask?" The badger regained his composure. "She is yet a babe." The spell-singer prodded further. "Is she your only child?" "No sir, she is not. I have others, but they are on their own now. She is all I have left at home." With tears in his eyes, he did a bow and hurried down the hall. Quietly closing the door, Jon-Tom returned to his cape and carefully extracted the eagle, which was still just as nude as when he had stuffed her in. He was reconsidering a little experimentation with her when a knock again came at the door. Instead of hastening to open it, he called out, "Who's there?" "A trill voice replied. "A message from the wizard's guild. They are ready to receive the supplies generously provided by the wizard Clothahump." "Fine. Tell them I will be present at the guild shortly." The patter of tiny footsteps trailed off down the hall.

He turned again to the comatose eagle. She was breathing normally, but was still as limp as a rag. Not wishing to leave her alone, which might expose her to possible discovery by the hotel staff, he stuffed her into his cape again. If she ever did wake, she would be confused and terrified. But there would be no chance of accidental discovery. Dressed and ready, he grappled with the chest and headed out the door. Once on the street, he oriented himself and headed down to the old quarters of the city's magic denizens. He was ushered inside like a dignitary. The wizard in charge of combating the plague was called Quash. He was, it turns out, a pine martin. "Please thank your master for these life saving powders. The disease is running rampant, and our hospitals are overflowing. But now perhaps we will have enough to drive it back." "I hope so. I have never heard of this disease before. Just what is Black Penny Fever." The martin made a face. "It might be better to see it for yourself. Come and I will show you."

Jon-Tom wasn't keen on being exposed, but the wizard explained that the disease was peculiar. Some people got it, some didn't, but those who worked with the sick rarely did. There was no rational behind this fact, but there it was. The hospital was a grim sight, with many species all crammed together in misery. On the exposed skin of the abdomen could be seen dark raised circles, the disease's primary symptom that gave it its name. All newcomer's to the facility were bathed in an antiseptic solution. Jon-Tom thought that the disease seem peculiarly familiar. He ran his hand through the used water, noting a collection of small dark flecks. I wonder, he thought. "Quash, I do not profess to be an expert on anything, but where I'm from, I might be referred to as a jack-of-all-trades. That is to say, I know a little bit about a lot of things. I may be able to help."

Quash was all ears. "Anything that you can do to stop this disease will win you the gratitude of the entire valley." "All right. In a history that is unfamiliar to you, a large civilized region was overwhelmed by a similar, if not more deadly disease. It was called Bubonic Plague, and over the course of a few decades reduced the population by one third. The disease was thought to have many different causes, but it was only much later that the culprit was determined." Quash was excited. "And what was that?" "Fleas. You see, the disease was carried by the fleas. When they bit their host, they transmitted the contagion directly into the blood. The strange thing was that even the fleas eventually died." The wizard considered that. "Fleas you say. Most of us suffer with them from time to time, but we have never had trouble like this." "Have you considered that they might have arrived from an outside source? In the case to which I have referred, the carriers of the fleas were rats."

Quash's eyes got huge. "The horde! That would account for it!" Seeing that the human didn't understand, he clarified. "Not too long ago a large number of rats moved into the forest. For the most part they kept to themselves, and we stayed out of their business. But they are a dirty lot, and it may indeed be they who have brought this down upon us." The spell-singer nodded. "Yes, that would about cover the facts. But here's the thing; you need to eradicate the fleas before they spread even more." The wizard was thoughtful. "Eradicate. Yes, I think that is possible. It seems the eagles seem to have already tried that on their lands. We could see the fire from here. But a widely dispersed spell just might kill all the rats, solving the problem." The wizard felt a hand on his shoulder. "Kill all the rats?" You only need to kill the fleas!" "Human, I can understand your sympathy for intelligent creatures, but rats are the lowest of the low." His ire worked up, Jon-Tom retorted, "And who would be next? Where would it stop. For that matter, what about the eagles. I understand that you don't like them either!"

Quash looked abashed. "The raptors were once our friends. A misunderstanding many years ago drove a spike between us. To be honest, most don't even remember what it was." "But you do?" "Actually, yes. All such lore is kept by the guild, lest it be lost to time. The cause was the kidnapping of an eagle princess. She disappeared one day and was never seen again. The avian citizens blamed those of the ground, a foolish thing for none save those with wings may enter their city." "So what actually happened to the princess?" "No one knows for certain. The only thing of note on the day she vanished was a loud explosion. It was powerful enough to knock down trees in the valley below Godswind." Jon-Tom nodded. "An explosion you say? Enough to knock down trees? What would have caused that?" The martin indicated that he had no idea. Besides, he was impatient to get the supplies to the apothecary for blending into medicine. "I am sorry human, but I must go. There is a disease to apprehend and people to save." The wizard excused himself, and Jon-tom returned to the hotel.

He locked the door, drawing off his cape. Opening the top, he once again reached inside to remove the eagle. He was shocked when his hands gripped feathers. He gently pulled up, allowing the cape to drop to the floor. There in his hands was a fully feathered golden eagle. And boy was it golden! His last song have apparently done its work too well, for the still unconscious bird was the color of pure gold. Each and every feather might very well have been forged from the precious metal. He carefully carried her to the bed. One wing fell limply, stretching halfway across the space between there and the door.  He got her wings tucked in and propped her head up, not knowing what else to do. She was alive, better than before from all appearances, but still out like a light.

He walked out to the balcony to get some fresh air. The evening way just creeping in. The sun was making its last stand against the mountain backdrop when he heard it. He turned back to the room. Sure enough, the eagle was awake, and from the looks of things, was totally confused. She pretty much freaked when he entered. "What happened to me? Who are you? Where am I?  How did get here? And what happened to my feathers?" "Calm down. I can explain most of your questions, but not all." Her screeching was going to draw unwanted attention. He grabbed his duar and strummed the strings. "I happen to be a spell-singer. I found your body in the burnout on the way here to Rockhaven." The bird shot him a questioning look. "Rockhaven? Where is that?" She tried to right herself and fell off the bed, knocking herself silly.

Great, he thought. This is not working out like I had hoped. She stirred again, but this time seemed a little more composed. "Why am I here? Why are you holding me prisoner?" He shook his head. "You're not a prisoner." With a sweep of his arm he pointed to the balcony.  "If you wish to leave, your way is unobstructed by me. But I would consider twice about leaving before we have had talk." She stared warily at him, eyes sharp as her beak and bright as her plumage. "Then tell me how I came to be here." "As I started to say before, I found your burned body along a stream farther down the valley. I thought you were dead, but you had a little life left in you. I did what I could there, but at best kept you from dying. Once we were here, I managed to spell you back to normal. Well, maybe not quite normal."

She thought this over. "I remember very little. I was out flying across the valley. There was someone attending me, as was typical. But then everything got crazy. All at once I was attacked!" Her eyes widen as the memory flooded back. "It was Corapta!" Jon-Tom interrupted. "Who is Corapta?" She eyed him like he was stupid. "He is one of the former mages of my city. He was banned by the king  forever for performing dark magic. The wizard who was watching out for me came to my rescue. The two battled and all at once the air literally exploded around me. Then the fire started. I couldn't escape and fell into the flames. I half remember dragging myself to a stream, not knowing or caring what shape I was in. The pain was awful. The smell of my feathers burning..." She looked at her present adornment. "You made my feathers gold? Why?" "That was an inadvertent side effect of my magic. You are, after all, a golden eagle." "Not funny spell-singer. Do you know how showy this makes me look?" He cocked his head from side to side. "I think its fits you perfectly. I'm sure you were beautiful before, but you are absolutely gorgeous now." She was stunned. No land bound animal had ever complimented her so. But then she remembered her station. "

"Words. They mean little. What is your name, human." "Do you want my full name, or what I am called?" "Isn't that the same thing. "No. I am Johnathon Thomas Merriweather, but most call me Jon-Tom." The eagle looked him up and down. "And my name you already know." He raised his eyebrows. "I'm sorry. I have no idea who you are. The best I could say about you is that you belong to the city down the valley, Godswind." She jerked her head in indignation. "You don't know who I am?" "I'm not from around here. I came delivering medicine to combat the plague infecting the residents here. I know no one except for those I have just met. That includes you."

"You mean to tell me that you saved a complete stranger  who was half dead, to no apparent gain to yourself." "Yeah, that about sums it up. Like I said, you are free to go." "Like hell I am. I owe you a life debt." "You owe me nothing.!" She glared at him. "Then why did you drag me so far from home to this Rockhaven?" "So far? You're home is just down the valley. This city sits at the end of the valley." The bird flapped her wings in irritation. "The only city at the end of the valley is Gorol's Rock. I know, for it was founded by my great grand father." Gorol's Rock; Mudge had declared that to be the former name of the city. This bird had really had its brains addled.

She was so agitated that she sprung up from the floor and launched herself into the air. A hard oak ceiling beam got in her way. With a thud she hit the rug, senseless. Jon-Tom was unsure what to do. Outside on the wall, archers would make a pincushion of her before she got away. Therefore, he couldn't leave her here. It would be unkind to stuff her back into his cape. While she would come to no harm, the experience might further traumatized her if she awoke. So he needed to make sure she didn't. Brahms's Lullaby would have to do. He had no idea if it worked or not, seeing as she was already out. He prodded her and poked her. Getting brave, his fingers found her cunt and worked themselves in. No response. She was out.

He stuffed her back into his cape and sauntered off for the guild. Once there he found the martin was gone, but another, less important wizard was willing to talk. "I need to ask a few questions. Have you ever heard of a wizard called Corapta?" That question brought all those within earshot up short. "Why are you asking about him?" "I am naturally inquisitive, and I heard mention of him once. I thought I would expand on that bit of knowledge." The wizard seemed to shrink into his skin. "There is nothing to be gained by adding to your knowledge of him. Lets just say that he was evil." "I got that much. What kind of animal was he?" "He was from Godswind, and as the history tells, he was a condor." "What happened to him?" "It is unknown. Some have said that he and another wizard got into a battle where they both died. It has been told that the torn remains of a raptor was found at the base of the mountain below that city." Jon-Tom absorbed this, growing more confused by the moment. "How long ago did this supposedly happen?" The little wizard shook his head. "Before my time, or my father's time." The spell-singer mumbled to himself. "Back when Rockhaven was called Gorol's Rock I bet." "What?" asked the wizard. "Oh nothing. Thanks a lot for the information. By the way, I was told about a eagle princess that disappeared years ago that led to the present tensions between you and Godswind.  Do you happen to know what her name was?" The wizard looked at him oddly. "Everyone knows that! It was Mel-Aura. Though word has it her name is not spoken in her city even to this day."

He left the guild and rushed back to the hotel. Once there he locked and barred the door, and closed those leading to the balcony. If what he thought was true, there was a lot of talking that was going to have to be done before he could let her loose. "He opened the cape and pulled her out. She was still sleeping peacefully. He put her on the bed again, and not knowing what else to do, yelled "wake up!" She stirred and stretched her wings. She assessed her premises and then eyed him. "You! What keeps happening to me?" Jon-Tom didn't know what how to start, so chose a deep bow to begin with. She eyed him approvingly. "I am a spell-singer. I came here to deliver supplies needed by the city. On the way, I found you, badly burned and nearly dead. When I found you I did not know who you were. I am still not sure. If you are who I think you are, then something extraordinary has happened." She cocked her head. "And who do you think I am?" "If my information is correct, then you are Mel-Aura, princess of the city of Godswind." She bobbed her head in agreement. "I am she."

Boy was this getting weird. The princess had vanished decades ago. As had the wizards. The only fathomable conclusion was that the wizards had incinerated themselves in a deadly contest of spells. The princess had been caught in the brunt of it. The power must have ripped a hole in time and flung her forward to the present. "I have some bad news for you." She corrected him. "If you have news, please have the grace to allow me to decide if it is good or bad." "I stand corrected. The news is this. It would appear that you were caught in a vortex of magic, created by the exchange of spells between the two wizards. The back blast killed one or both of them, and brought you here. It very nearly killed you in the process." She absorbed this, finding the conclusion logical. "But where is here?" "Here is Rockhaven, which changed its name years ago from its original, Gorol's Rock. Princess, you were blasted decades into the future. Most everyone in this city wasn't even born when you disappeared from your time."

She looked like she was going to be sick. "Are you telling me that everyone I know is gone?" He shrugged his shoulders. "I suppose so. I'm very sorry." "Why are you sorry? If what you say is true, then you had nothing to do with the cause of my presence here. You saved me from death, and restored my health. My feathers are a bit ostentatious now, but then I am a princess, so why not? You have done nothing wrong, except that a princess should never have a life debt to a stranger." "I suppose that you wouldn't accept my releasing you from the debt?" She glared at him with dark eyes. "I can only be released from it by paying the debt in full. I am more disturbed by the fact that you are a stranger. It is rare for a wanderer to weigh himself down with the burdens or troubles of others. Therefore, I must correct that. First off, I hereby declare you to be a full-fledged citizen of Godswind, with all of its rights and privileges. Secondly, I must not be in debt to a stranger, so I declare that you are the official consort to the princess."

"Consort to the princess?" Jon-Tom asked in measured tones. "What do you mean, consort?" It was obvious that she was amused by his question. "It means that you and I will get very acquainted with each other." She looked him up and down. "I have never considered the actual possibility of making love to a ground dweller before. It may prove impossible, but I am willing to try!" Jon-Tom was immediately curious about this. She had no way of knowing about his up close and personal examination of her private area. He already knew it was possible. "Are you sure this is a good idea? Can't you pay back your debt to me in another way?" She hopped up and approached him, her ire obvious. "This is not paying back the debt. This is making the debt more acceptable to me. Unless you have a problem with my proposal?" He remembered his fingers being inside her and realized that it was more than acceptable. "I apologize princess. I try not to assume anything. If it is what you wish, then your will shall be done." Her look went from anger to approval in one swift motion. "I'm glad you agree. I have always wondered about sex with one without wings. We have few denizens that are not avian, and those are mostly bats. Oh, and from now on you will refer to me by my name. In my eyes, you are my equal" He tilted his head in respect and replied,  "Yes Mel-arua."

She hopped back to the bed, keeping her wings tucked in to avoid catching them on the furniture. Jon-Tom watched her with interest. He was wondering how they were going to go about this. She turned to him and in no uncertain terms ordered, "Get your clothes off human. Unless you normally keep them when engaged?" He had them stripped in a minute, his willingness for their upcoming tryst shown in his well-engorged manhood.  That brought her up short. "By the Gods of the Wind, Jon-Tom. Do all ground dweller's carry such large... perches?" "No, not generally. I seem to have one larger than normal. Though it has been larger." She let out a gasp. "I hope that you get much use of it. It would be a shame to have such a fine specimen sit idle. Even the largest of the avians doesn't come close to that. It will be a challenge to fit it inside I think." He kept his mouth shut. There was no use in offending her at this stage with the knowledge that he had already knew it would

The next problem was how to accomplish it. When she was unconscious, there was no danger from her fearsome beak or wicked looking talons. Now they were quite animated. She assuaged his fears by assuming a typical mating position by hopping up on the foot board and locking her claws into the wood. With her tail held high, she flashed her backside, cunt exposed. Jon-Tom spit a little on his hand and rubbed the head of his cock. With both hands he gently stretched open her hole and pressed against it. He had to push hard, so to stabilize herself she spread her wings and braced them against the posts. He pushed harder, grabbing her legs to help. All at once he popped in. Mel-Aura gave a quiet squawk. He eased up on the force he was using, allowing her to get used to his presence. As she relaxed, he pushed in farther, until he had feathers tickling his belly.

Mel-Aura was unsure if this sexual union was going to happen. He easily outsized any male she had knowledge of. Therefore, when he managed to push in, it rather startled her. She had never had the chance to clutch eggs, but she felt that this must be what it was like to lay one, only in reverse. As he continued to push, she kept waiting for him to stop. It seemed to take forever before he was solidly planted inside her. Even then, if he pushed firmly enough she could feel his tip pushing against her insides. She was wondering if this plan of hers had been a good idea. He might very well rip her apart if he was careless. But then she remembered that he had saved her to no benefit to himself, so she would have to trust him. Indeed, he was going very slowly, lifting and falling, like riding a gentle breeze.

She closed her eyes, taking in the feeling. It was not something that could be ignored, nor would she have wished to. Each thrust filled he body with pleasure. She lost count of the minutes as they passed. She felt a surge in her heart rate, and a flush of blood to her extremities. All at once she cried out with a ear splitting shriek. Her body began shuddering. It gained strength, growing stronger with each passing moment. She nearly lost consciousness, dropping forward onto the bed, pulling herself free from his cock.

Jon-Tom was rather enjoying himself when she started to orgasm. He was just starting to get there himself when she fell forward onto the bed. He thought he was going to pull her insides out; a hundred pounds of bird pulling away that quickly from such a tight fit couldn't be good. But she seemed unharmed, though semiconscious. He jumped up beside her and stroked her feathers. She cooed. "Are you taken? I would be willing to break all laws forbidding a princess from marrying outside her station to keep you!" He merely chuckled. "No, I can't say that I'm taken precisely." She turned her head to look at him. "What does that mean?" "Must I really explain it to you?" "No, I suppose that you don't. But if we are to no longer be strangers, I think we need to know something about each other."

Jon-Tom sighed. "I am in love. We have decided to go our separate ways due to circumstances that are personal and somewhat painful. So you see, I would be attached if I could be, but I'm not because it was best." The eagle flipped onto her back, wings pulled in and claws curled tight to avoid snagging the sheets. "You gave up love? Are you stupid or crazy?" "I believe that I have full measures of both. I have reasons to regret my decision nearly every day, but I have hope that my sacrifice will play out for the greater good in the future." The eagle looked doubtful. "And you honestly believe that?" "Some days I do." She shook her head in disbelief. "Love is hard to come by for anyone. To willing let it go, now that is something altogether. That kind of love transforms mountains and causes rivers to change course. It is stronger than the greatest wind, and more powerful than the wisest wizard."

"I have been told similar things in the past. But what is done, is done. There is no value to be had pining for things that might have been." She looked at him, sympathy in her eyes. "You are right. The past, no matter how pressing on our mind, is done and gone. What matters is what we do in the present." Jon-Tom waited for her to continue. When she didn't he had to ask. "And what would that be?" "Getting back to learning about one another, of course. I assume that you have more in you than just one session?" He rolled his eyes. "My lady, You may be surprised at how much I have in me." He climbed up and mounted her as she lay, a novelty for her. She had the presence of mind to keep her claws held closed.  He entered her more easily this time, but was careful to keep his full weight from crushing her. She was tough, but he was well aware that birds had lighter bones. But she was to have none of it. She extended her wings and wrapped the two of them in a blanket of feathers, pulling them close.

This time he came first. She could feel his fluids shooting deep within. Never had she felt so much seed from a lover. She thought that she would burst before he was done. When his contractions eased, she could feel it dripping down onto her tail feathers. But after only a moment's hesitation, he started moving again, pushing in and out rhythmically. The addition of his sperm had added more lubrication, allowing for him to push a little harder and deeper. It was the most wonderful feeling she had ever encountered. She had the presence of mind to wonder at the woman who had given him up. If he was this good with her, what kind of powerhouse was he with, well, whoever he was in love with. She would have to ask. But for now, she was coming again, and all thoughts were driven from her mind.

As they lay together afterward, she decided to speak her mind. "Jon-Tom, you are the first human I have ever met. To be laying here with you breaks all kinds of rules. But I have yet to find reason to regret my decisions. But I must ask more about your love. I understand that it may be painful to talk about, but your answer will give me some insight into your character." He sighed. "What do you want to know?" "First off, was she human too?" He shook his head sadly. "No she wasn't. That was the biggest part of the problem. She wished to have children, and we could not do so together." She looked at him, pity in her eyes. "Children are what we live for. We exist to carry on our lines. But you haven't answered my question. If she wasn't human, what was she?" Jon-Tom's eyes brighten a little thinking of her. "She was called Roseroar. She was a tigress." Mel-Aura was surprised and impressed. A human that was held in esteem by such a beast was a human of value by any culture's  standards.

"And were you such a gentle lover with her as you are with me?" He actually smirked. "Yes and no. She was pretty tough, and once we got started, we did a lot of experimenting." "Experimenting? That sounds intriguing. What have you in mind?" He thought he misheard her. "What do you mean, what do I have in mind?" "Well, human, I have needs too. I may not be the love of your life, but sex is another story. And so far, you have been incredible. If you have more to offer, I ask, nay order you to show me more." Jon-Tom wagged his head no. "Mel-arua, that's not possible." He took in a deep breathe and continued. "You see, I used my magic to give her the ability to change form. Because of this I was able to make love to not only a svelte tiger, but a white lioness, and black panther, a sleek cheetah..." She stopped him. "You seem to have a thing for the felines." He carried on unperturbed. "Also a dolphin, a unicorn and an otter." She blinked her eyes several times before replying. "I must say, that is quite the magical trick. I don't suppose she ever tried a feathered form?" "No, as a matter of fact, she didn't." "Good. That means that this is all new to you. Therefore, we are an experiment of our own." He nodded in agreement. Indeed they were!

"So show me more, my lover." "No." was his terse response. "No?!" she choked out with indignation. "Not until you tell me more about yourself. You have heard about me, but what about you?" She immediately calmed down. As a princess, she assumed everyone knew about her. But that was then and this was apparently now, whenever this was. He did have the right to know. "OK Jon-Tom. I did say that we would get to know each other." She repositioned herself on the bed and began "I am the second daughter of Bresol; son of Herrit, son of Gorol. As a princess, I was never in line for the throne. That position went to my brother Thenew. But we were all schooled in the requirements of royalty. It embarrasses me to say this, but I was my father's favorite. He doted on me in every way. I suppose that why I became a target. Corapta perhaps had his own reasons for accosting me, but whatever they were, his plans were foiled by father's loyal wizard Gollenus. From what you say, it would seem he died defending me. It is hard to think that this all happened so long ago. For me it was nearly yesterday."

She glanced at him. "Is that enough for now?" "Yes, it will do. But we will need to talk more. Much has happened because of your loss. It has changed the entire dynamics of the valley. At least that is the feeling I get. Before you can leave I will need to bring you up to speed. In the meantime I would suggest that you stay here in the room, out of sight." She was about to snap at him when several things dawned on her. One; the changes that had happened likely weren't good. If she knew her father, he likely reacted badly to her disappearance. Why he would have pinned the blame on ground dwellers was beyond her, especially if his wizard was gone as well. Secondly, if she was in danger, how did he get her into the city in the first place. She had to ask. "Jon-Tom. I believe you. But if I am in danger, why did you bring me here? More importantly, how did you sneak me in?"

Without a word he got up and gathered his cape. He had not bothered to magically reseal the opening. He brought it to the bed. "Here, put your wing in." She did as directed. Now take the one and try to feel the other." She tried, and the more she tried, the more amazed she was. She gave up and pulled her wing out to make sure it was still there. "This is incredible magic!" "No not really. I live with the wizard Clothahump in the Bellwoods, and his home is an oak tree. I think there are rooms there that I have never been in. But this magic was a gift from a friend. It saved your life, so if has proven its value twenty times over." She would have smile had she had the mouth for it. "Then if you ever see your friend again, please extend my deepest thanks. But enough talk. I think that I deserve some action!" He heartily agreed.

Jon-Tom lay down on the bed. This left Mel-Aura confused as to what to do. Birds never partnered in such a manner. He gently took hold of her wing and pulled her on top, wincing a bit as her claws scraped across his flesh. She apologized but he waved it away with a hand. "I have suffered worse. Besides, it all for a good cause, wouldn't you agree?" She certainly did. But she was still lost as to what to do from this position. He draped her legs over his sides, pulling her up and positioning himself for entry. It took a few tries to work past her feathers, but once that was done, he was inside and she was pleased beyond words. She had never thought that such a position would have worked, but then with another eagle, it never would have been successful.

The position was still giving her problems. If she had a ground dweller's arms and legs, then she might have been able to handle herself, but claws and wings proved problematic. Luckily for her, Jon-Tom took over, grasping her shoulders and rocking her up and down on his cock. She was soon caught up in the motion, unlike anything she had ever encountered. His size alone was amazing, as it seemed to touch spots she hadn't known existed. She had initiated this encounter to legitimize her debt to him, but the longer they remained together the more she found herself in his thrall. And all through it he retained the manners of a prince. If he had feathers she would consider wedding him without hesitation. But of course, he was already emotionally attached to another, so he would never go for that. Still, it was worth asking at the right time, which certainly wasn't  now.

As a princess, she should never be in this position. Somehow that thought failed to alarm her. She was essentially alone in the world. Everyone she knew had died, so what was left for her? Before she could carry the musing any further, she felt the stirring of an orgasm that started deep and flowed out like a rush of mountain wind. It consumed her completely, and she let it lift her up and away from her cares.  The next thing she knew, she was waking up, her head resting against her lover's chest. She could clearly hear his heart beating strongly and his lungs pulling in air and  releasing it again.

She lifted her head, expecting him to be asleep, but there he was, eyes open, looking down at her. "Hello my lovely princess. Did you have a good rest?" She yawned, careful not to nip him in the process. "I believe I did. You are quite exhausting." "So it seems. But then, neither of us has eaten in quite a while. Would my lady like something from the hotel kitchen? Her stomach growled at the mere suggestion of food. "I would love something, now that you mention it. Can you pay for it?" "There is no need. I am here compliments of the wizard's guild. All expenses paid, though I don't plan on abusing that privilege. Of course I am ordering enough for two, but they'll have no idea half is for you. You see, I came here with a friend, but he found it more to his taste to go out on his own. Considering what has transpired in his absence, it's been for the best."

"A friend? Why didn't you mention this before?" "Mostly because my friend is less than an ideal companion. Oh, he can be loyal enough, but he tends to think of his own needs before those of others. Therefore, I usually let him go, so as to not entangle me in his affairs. So far, it has worked for the best." She pulled herself off of him, mildly startled to find they were still meshed, so to speak. He slid out with a quiet pop, like a cork from a bottle. She was about to say something, but the fact that he was still hard inside her threw her for a loop. What kind of male was he, to have such endurance? She decided not to ask, but reverted to her original question. "Your friend then, he is nowhere around?"  "He opted to go out into the city. I've heard nothing from him since." "Was he aware of me?" "Yes, Well no, not really." She stared at him intently. "Which is it, yes or no?"

Jon-Tom drew in a breath. "It was his nose that found your body, but he thought you were dead. So did I. From the look of your body it was a surprise to learn you were still among the living. I  did what I could to save you. I am glad that my magic was successful." "Are you now?" She asked wryly. "Are you only interested in me because I am female or because I am a princess?" Having endured such questioning before, he wasn't drawn in. "Since when I found you I had no idea you were female, and since I only learned you were a princess from the wizard's guild, I guess I would have to say that I am glad because it saved a wonderful person from death."

Damn! she thought. This human was unlike anyone she had ever met. She blurted out before she could stop herself, "Will you be mine?" He was bemused but he took the request seriously. "That is a wonderful offer, and I will consider it. But first, some food. I don't know about you, but I think better on a full stomach." She sighed in relief and agreed. After all, she hadn't eaten in decades! Jon-Tom  recommended she stay on the balcony while he ordered their food. He joined her there, with the information that food preparation would take some time. "I can wait. Besides, the view from here is wonderful. Almost as good as from home." Home. That sounded kind of hollow to her ears. What was there left for her there?

"Jon-Tom, I am grateful for all you have done for me, but perhaps it is time to talk about what is to become of me." He seemed unconcerned. "You are a princess. You need only return and claim your right." She wagged her head. "I don't believe it will be that simple. For one thing, no one will recognize me. Even if someone was alive that could, look what you have done to my plumage. I'm not complaining, because honestly, it gorgeous. But I don't look like who I am. As much as it saddens me, I may have to leave the valley. If it comes to that, I would like to leave with you. I know that you don't owe me anything. It's the other way around. But I quit being useful the moment I was blasted into this time."

Jon-Tom lost his temper, no easy thing to do. "Now see here. I grant that you have been through a nasty bit of business, but I don't understand why you have given up so quickly! I saved you because something in my heart told me it was the right thing to do. I hold by my decision. You are free to leave when I do, but not before we go to Godswind and see if there is a place for you back amongst your people." She had  tears in her eyes. "Why are you doing this for me?" His answer was short and to the point. "Because its the right thing to do." She fell to the floor. Jon-Tom dropped to her side. "What's wrong?" She was unable to speak. They lay there on the balcony for such a long time and knock came to the door. Jo-Tom jumped to answer it to find several of the hotel staff laden with platters of food. Once they had them set on the table, they left with a curtsies and bows.

He went out and gathered her up, pulling her inside to the food. "Eat. Then we will talk again. But mind you, regardless of what you believe or feel,  I will do whatever is best for you." She stared at him lovingly. "I know you will Jon-Tom." The meal was eaten in silence, save for the sound of food being devoured by two hungry souls. As he predicted, after filling  their stomachs, both were more in a talking mood. They returned to the balcony, watching the sun set over the mountains. A breeze blew off the mountain behind them. "I'm sorry Jon-Tom. It has been a lot to absorb. I'm frightened. You have no idea what its like to be torn from those you know." He hugged her close. "Mel-Aura, you need to know more abut me. You see, I'm not from around here. And I don't mean this valley. I mean thi world. I am from an entirely different reality than this. I was torn from my world by the needs o a wizard here. It was then that I learned that here I was a spell-singer. I miss my home, but I have learned to become more than I ever thought I could be."

"You make it sound so easy." "Easy?" He laughed  with unrestrained mirth. "I have nearly been killed more times than I would like to think about. I have been captured by pirates, I have battled spirits, ridden galactic entities, parlayed with the spiders, fought the insects and I'm still alive. In fact, I am more alive now than I have ever been. But if you give up, then you're lost. And as long as you have me, you will have direction." "Oh Jon-Tom, why weren't you around before. I would have paid the kingdom's treasure to have you turned into my equal." "My lady, you are without equal. Just remember that." She sat, lost for words. Here was a male that seemed to accept her for who she was, not what she was. He may never love her, but she was lost in it. She spoke true. She would pay anything, do anything for him. She owed him her life, but she really belonged to him in full. She would never be able to clear the slate.

Not knowing what else to say or do, she hopped up on the railing, intent on a flight to clear her head. Jon-Tom grabbed her by the tail before she could. "Mel-Aura! You mustn't leave this room. I'm not sure what happened all those years ago, but if they see you, they will have no compunction  about shooting you dead. I did not restore you only to have you destroyed again. My duty here is done, so if you wish we will leave in the morning. But I suggest we get some rest. There is little we can do until morning." She looked at him like he was daft. "Jon-Tom dear, there is a lot we can do until morning. Besides, I think you owe me some more experimentation!"

It was something he was willing to do, because it was something they could both agree on. They made their way to the bed. "So Jon-Tom. What do you have in store for me this time?" He had to think.

Her anatomy nixed many of his previous exploits as impossible to duplicate. But he had tried his fingers once, when she wasn't awake to notice. There was no reason he couldn't try a little old fashioned foreplay. He lay her on her back. He slid his hands down her belly feathers until he reached her erogenous zone. He parted the downy tufts and slid in a finger. This was new to her, since birds didn't have fingers. Jon-Tom gently worked in a digit until it was as deep as it would go. He worked in another and then a third. She was  squirming under his ministrations. He pulled one finger out and slid it lower. She jumped a little when he ran it across he rectum. She jumped again when he thrust it in.

She was ready to protest. It shouldn't be there. But then he was sliding down her body until his mouth was at her opening. All of the sudden his tongue found a spot that sent shivers throughout her body. The finger was forgotten. He worked all of the spots until she came, going rigid and shaking at the same time. She shook with so much force that several golden feathers dislodged and floated to the floor. Instead of letting up, Jon-Tom continued working away, prolonging her orgasm until she passed out. When she awoke minutes later he was smiling down at her. She could feel her body wrapped tightly around his cock, and wondered how he had gotten inside. But she really didn't care to know. It was inside and it was wonderful. If he could  pleasure her to the point of unconsciousness, then let him.

He was more than happy to oblige her unspoken wish.  While she was out, he had to use his fingers to loosen her up enough to get inside. God was she tight. At the same time, he knew that she wasn't constructed as durably as his other lovers. He was glad when she awoke. She had a dreamy eyed look. "You know lover, if you're trying to kill me, please don't stop." "I have no intention of killing you. But the idea did come to me to take you to the very edge and back. Will that do?" "It will do nicely!" He moved with deliberation, pushing himself in as far as he could go. Any farther, she thought, and he might rupture something. But he pulled back until he was nearly out, and then repeated the thrust. He quickly developed a smooth rhythm that pushed her over the precipice into pleasurable oblivion. She was barely aware when he too followed her, again pumping her so full that she could feel the pressure of it deep inside.

A little while later, before they fell asleep, Jon-Tom had to ask. "Mel-Aura, I don't know much about avian anatomy, but somewhere in the back of my mind it seems to me that it's supposed to be different from other species." She looked at him, understanding his question but glad to have something he needed, even if it was only information. "You are referring to the parts you just got done turning inside out?" He grinned a little sheepishly. She continued. "What you are referring to, I believe, is the apparatus of many of my much smaller cousins. In them, they have a cloaca, a combination of passages. Many of us who are larger have developed a system that would appear to be similar to what you are used to, and a good thing too." He was curious. "Why is that?" "Because, you silly man, those avians don't use a penis to breed. How much fun would that be for you?" He had to chuckle. "No fun whatsoever!" They curled up next to each other and drifted off to sleep.

Neither woke until the light of dawn reflected off the balcony and into the room. It was rather in disarray, with dishes covering the table and the bed askew. Mel-Aura was awake first, gazing out the open doors leading to the sky. Her thoughts remained troubled. There could hardly be anything left for her in this world. This human was a delightful distraction unlike anything she thought possible. But he was human. And he already had a love that was cross-species. She doubted he had enough heart to do it twice. He was optimistic that there was a solution to her problem, but she remained doubtful. She would rather stay here hidden away with him than face the unknown just miles away. He rolled over, sat up and looked out to the sky, trying to see what she saw. "I promise you, this will work out for the best.  I have a plan. Of course it may not go as I foresee it and that's a real possibility. But if it goes the way I have formulated it, I believe that you can correct an old wrong and regain some semblance of your life."

"I would rather stay with you Jon-Tom. I would do anything you asked. I know you can't love me, but I think that I love you. It's a stupid thing to say after such a short time, but it's true." He put a finger to her beak. "You are right. I do not love you. But I care for you very much, and I have the highest regard for you. And if you would do anything I ask, then I ask this. Come with me to the city of Godswind. If we cannot find a suitable place for you there, then I will look after you until I can find somewhere for you to be with your own kind." She could do nothing but agree. That left making arrangements to sneak her back out of the city. She had to leave the same way she entered. He opened the top of his cape and she pushed herself in, finding the experience to be both novel and somewhat frightening. The inside was blacker than night, and completely devoid of noise. Only from the opening in the top was there light and the comforting sound of his voice. "How are you doing?" Her voice came back clear but distant. "I'll do fine. But leave the top open please. This dark is unnerving."

He swung the cape over his shoulders, marveling again at the fact that it weighed no more than it did normally. For her part she could barely see, but she knew it was moving and she felt nothing. Altogether it was a weird sensation, like she was motionless while the world moved around her. She could her his voice, though it sounded muted and distant. He gave his thanks to the hotel owner for his graciousness and hospitality. After many humble thanks, Jon-Tom was able to leave, quickening his pace as he hit the street. He keep up a running commentary which she assumed was for her benefit. It was often hard to follow, since he had to keep his voice low enough not attract notice. She did discern the word "gate" assuming that they were leaving the city limits. It wasn't long after that that the opening widen and he proffered his hand. She extended a wing and was drawn into the beautiful sunlight.

She breathed deeply of the mountain air. After the darkness of the cape, the blue sky and yellow sun were sights for sore eyes. She extended her wings and flapped them, feeling the warmth of the sunshine on her shiny golden feathers. "Do you think that its safe for me to fly, Jon-Tom. "I don't see why not, Even if they see you from the city, no one can hurt you at this distance." She glanced up the road, but was unable to see any sign of the town. She looked around for a spot to take off. Trees towered over them. "Jon-Tom, is there an open area near here? I need a clearing to launch myself into the air." He stood stock still for a moment, then replied, "Yes there is. There is a meadow down along the stream not far from here. It should provide you with enough room" Sure enough, they left the trees and into a broad meadow, full of brightly colored flowers, butterflies; and rats. He halted, unsure how to handle this. Mel-Aura did. She let out an outraged screech and launched herself into the air. Rats ran pellmell, desperately racing for the safety of the woods. Some ran towards Jon-Tom, but saw him and panicked even more. Within a minute no one was left except him and a few smoldering campfires.

She lit on the ground once more, breathing heavily but looking radiant. "That felt good. It seems like ages since I have been able to fly." "And scaring the crap out of  this hodgepodge of rodents didn't  make you happy in the slightest?" asked Jon-Tom with a shame-on-you look on his face. "That was the most fun! I am sorry if you disapprove, but you yourself said that they were the carriers of disease to this valley. All I did was teach them some respect. In my day, such undesirables where taught to look elsewhere for shelter." Jon-Tom had a few things to say concerning this attitude, but held his tongue. After all, she never once tried to harm any of them, only worked to drive them away. It was better than the wizard's guild had suggested.

He changed the subject. "Do you want to exercise your wings for a while? I'd be more than content to sit here while you do." She considered his offer. "I'm not sure. I feel like a stranger in my own land. What if someone sees me?" He shrugged. "So what? They aren't likely to attack you are they? I mean, you are a bird like everyone else in the city." "You are essentially correct, though my city is not limited to the avian population. It has always been open to anyone who enters it. Since it sits high atop a mountain with sheer cliffs, few ground dwellers bother. But we have found it practical to have those among us who have hands. Wings are perfect for flying, but not so much for writing and craftsmanship. Those who come to us are those wanting solitude, away from their kind. We do not pry, and in return they earn a living and are held in respect of their duties. But they receive no help in reaching Godswind. They must make it on their own.  There are no exceptions."

Jon-Tom absorbed this information. "I half expected as much. My initial plan was for me to hide in the cape and to have you carry me up. But I figured it wasn't going to be that easy. Therefore, I have another. It could very well kill me, but you should be safe.  But again, you will need to stay in the cape until I call you forth." She didn't like the sound of that. "What are you planning on doing Jon-Tom? The mountain is too steep and tall for you to climb. No offense, but some of your more nimble  primate cousins have fallen to their death attempting to scale its sides. " But he wouldn't say. "I'll let you in on it when we reach the valley below.

It was obvious when they had reached their destination. Trees went from green and intact to charred and blasted. She looked in dismay at the destruction. "I spent many a day flying over these woods. Is this what happened because of me being caught in that spell?" He nodded. "I think so. We found you somewhere over there, half in the stream. You looked as bad as the forest does." She considered that. "If what you say is true, then I retract all complaints about my present appearance. What you did for me is most remarkable." While she was talking, he was considering the cliff face. It rose from the ground and extended upwards into the sky. There were no hand holds to grasp, no crevices to get toeholds in. She eyed him, curious what he was going to do. He turned to her, knowing what question was on her mind.

"You are wondering how I plan on getting to the city. The matter is simple. The same way you would. I am going to fly." At first she thought that he was trying to mock her, but his look spoke otherwise. "My dear featherless, flightless human. If you can fly into the city, I will name my firstborn child in honor of you and grant you ownership of this portion of the valley, assuming that I have any rights to it after all of these years." He winked at her. "I accept the honor of bestowing my name to your child Mel-Aura, but I have no use for this valley. I can hardly take it with me." There he was again, talking about leaving. She didn't want him to leave. For that matter, she didn't what to go home and find only sadness. But he was talking to her, so she broke her chain of thought and paid attention.

"I must ask you to ride in my cape one last time. There will be enough of a fuss when I appear. I while learn how you will be received before exposing you to possible harm or derision." "But Jon-Tom, from what you have said, things may be too dangerous for a ground dweller to be in the city. I don't know what happened, but if the city we left had archers for protection, then I can't say how you'll be treated." "Correct. Which means there is no point in exposing both of us. They might accept you, but not for who you really are. Thus, like it or not, I need to pave the way. " "Jon-Tom. I already owe you my life. But each passing moment I owe you more. I will never be able to pay you back." "That depends. Will you do anything that I ask?" He heart jumped in her chest. "Yes yes I will!" "Good. Then for starters, quit arguing with me. Princess or not, right now I'm in charge.  I have a plan. It is dependent on many things, but someone once told me something that has given me confidence. I have a gut feeling that this will work. Don't ask me why, please just trust me."

She was upset. But what could she do? As a member of the royal family, her word was inviolate. "Yes Jon-Tom, I will trust you. But know that I am not happy doing so. I would rather you not throw your life away for me. If for no other reason, because if you do, I will never be able to repay you." He chuckled and  rather impertinently rubbed her on the head, ruffling her crest. "Have a little faith. It's what brought you back from the brink of death. I think it can carry you a short ways further." He opened his cape, but this time allowed her to keep her head out. "I doubt anyone will notice. When we get there, however, I would suggest you hide until I get matters straighten out."

He fastened his cape securely around his neck, feeling a bit awkward with her head jutting out over his back. He pulled his duar in place across is front and began playing. The song was alien to her, but its sounds were lovely and melodic, unlike anything she had ever heard in court. His words sprang clear from his throat, and she could discern them clearly. "Look what's happened to me, I can't believe it myself. Suddenly I'm on top of the world..." As he sang, he lifted up, rising from the ground. As he sang, he rose faster and faster, ascending to the sky. He had climbed high enough to see the cliff face give way to the mountain proper, easing up towards the clouds and Godswind. He directed himself towards the city, never once breaking stride in his song. She had trouble craning her head to look past his, but she knew they were nearing her city. His plan was working!

It was quite the sight. There were a few fliers in the air, and their calls brought forth more. Soon it seemed that the whole city had emptied out, for the air was filled with  birds of every size, shape and color. They crowded him out of curiosity to the point he feared he would finish the song before he could land. But he found a break in their ranks and guided himself in. He was immediately surrounded by hundreds of birds. He put his duar away and addressed them in general. "I wish to speak to your king." This brought forth a flurry of twittering. There was much talking going on between themselves, and none was directed to him personally. He heard bits and pieces, from "Is it an invasion?" to "Since when do ground dwellers fly?" But all at once the crowd parted, and an old dignified vulture made his way to him. "Sir, I bid thee welcome to Godswind. Pray tell, what errand brings you here? By your manner and your magic, you are a wizard of some importance. We are not expecting you, so some emergency must have befallen you to come here."

Jon-Tom was impressed with the formality and intuition this bird. "You are correct. I am indeed here on an errand of great importance; not to me so much, but to the city of Godswind." The vulture had the look of someone who had a rare and delicate food within their reach, but not the appetite to eat it. "Sir, my name is Fretok, Lord Regent to Herssal, son of Keeros, son of Thewen. Might I inquire as to your name?" "I am Jon-Tom, spell-singer and friend to Clothahump, the Wizard of the Tree." Fretok nodded knowingly. "Clothahump the turtle still lives then? That is good. He is a fine teacher or so I have heard." Jon-Tom started to explain his reason for being in the city, but the lord regent led him through the crowd towards the palace. "I believe that what you have to tell me is too important to have bandied about here in the crowd. Your presence is unnerving enough after the fireball that destroyed our forest a few days ago. And with...well, never mind right now. I believe that I need to hear your story. Perhaps things will work out, just not the way they were foretold." Jon-Tom started to question him on that, but he held up a wing, indicating that the discussion was over.

Once in the palace he was led to a spacious but sparsely furnished room. It took a moment to dawn on him that perches were more comfortable than chairs and couches. The lord regent left him for a moment, so Jon-Tom took the opportunity to allow Mel-Aura some air. "How's it going in there?" With just her head sticking out she took several lungfuls of air. "A bird has the sky as its limit. Despite this being roomier than it looks, I now know the true meaning of claustrophobia.  How soon can I get out?" "I wish I knew. I have met with the lord regent, whatever that is." She shook her head. "The lord regent is the one who takes over if there is no one from the royal family available to rule. Perhaps he has been directed to act as liaison between you and the king. I guess you will have to wait and find out." Before he could ask more, the vulture returned and she ducked back out of sight.

The vulture spoke plainly. "This city has never been visited by a human. Ground dwellers are not shunned, but your presence here has caused a disturbance among the citizens. Therefore, I must ask you in no uncertain terms your reason for being here. I have many problems to deal with at the moment, and I am unsure I can handle another." Jon-Tom felt that he needed to know what was going on here at the palace. "Fretok, I am here on an errand that I did not expect. But I have been drawn into it and I aim to see it through to the end. But I must ask you what has happened to put you in charge." Fretok shook his head. "It is a sad time here in Godswind. The king is ill and dying. He is the last of his line, dating back to the time of..." Jon-Tom interrupted. "From the time of Gorol." The vulture stepped back startled. "How did you know that?" "That will take some explaining. You mentioned about something being foretold. That means a prediction or premonition, am I correct?"

The old vulture nodded. "Yes. It was known that if the king failed to sire an heir, the kingdom would end. However, the sages all agreed that a new ruler would arise from the ashes, golden of hue, resplendent and glorious to the eyes. They said that this ruler would appear out of nowhere, claiming the right the throne. They say that this ruler will lay claim by birthright, which will be confirmed by one of the city." Jon-Tom's mouth twitched. "Is that a problem?" The vulture weaved his head in agitation. "Sir. You have appeared out of nowhere, rising from the ashes of the forest. While I can say that you are not in any way golden, the color of your clothing is certainly appealing to the eyes. Please tell me that you were not born in this city, for it would be too much to bear. I have nothing against you personally, but a human king of Godswind would not sit well with many. We have been at odds with ground dwellers since the time of..." Again Jon-Tom cut in. "Bresol, grandson of Gorol?"

The vulture about had a stroke. "Dear sir, you could not have possibly known that information out of idle curiosity. Are you indeed the one the prophesy speaks of?" Jon-Tom patted him on the back. "Luckily for you my friend, I am not. I was not born here, but I am a fully recognized citizen of the city, though I have never been here before." The vulture was distressed. "Sir, I would never call a powerful wizard a liar, but it would take the decree of the royal family to make you a citizen, and as regent, I am privy to everything the king has ever done. This he has never done to any ground dweller, nor has it been granted to any but a few in three generations. Please explain yourself."

"I will when I am ready. But before I can help you, you must help me. I need to know if you have any citizen living today that was alive in Bresol's time." The vulture was indignant at this request, as it took time from his pressing commitments. But then, there was something extraordinary about this human's demeanor. "There are a number, but most of us don't live that long. Since you know so much, do have have someone in mind?" With a shake of his head no, Jon-Tom said only this. "I need someone from his time that served in the palace." The vulture thought a moment and said, "There are two. They are both former ladies-in-waiting. They are old now and are great grandmothers. I don't see what use they will be..." "They will do. Please have them brought here as soon as possible. The sooner you do, I assure you, the sooner some of your problems will be out of you hair...er, feathers."

The vulture bobbed, turned, and half hopped, half flew out of the room. Jon-Tom checked on Mel-Aura. "How are you doing? Did you hear our conversation?" Her head popped out again. "Yes I did. You are a clever person Johnathon Thomas Merriweather. But how did you know that the line was ending?" "I didn't. But this is your family and your home. I rather doubted you would be turned out. But this isn't over yet. Do you remember any of the ladies-in-waiting from your time?" "It was only a few days ago for me spell-singer. I had five. Of those, the only ones that could still be alive are Bluset and Fliasha." "OK, So here's hoping that one of the two he brings with him is one of those." The two talked for the time it took the regent to return. It was a little strange, Jon-Tom thought, talking to what was essentially a disembodied head. He heard the return of the vulture and warned her to stay quiet.

The vulture entered, followed by two unexpected birds. Jon-Tom knew he was fairly uneducated when it came to animals, but he didn't expect that macaws lived that long. He said as much. Neither lady bird took offense. But one teased him. "Are you saying that I look old?" He bowed his head in respect. "No ma'am. All that I am saying is that I am stupid, and if you are as old as I hope your are, I would never have guessed it if my life depended on it!" The other spoke. "And does it? Your life that is." "No ma'am. But there is much more riding on this than my life. I will ask you to bear with me, for I must ask you questions that you may or may not wish to answer."

The macaws looked him with curiosity. "What could a young human ask us that would cause us distress?" "Is either one of you Bluset?" "The one on the right jumped at her name. "I answer to that!"  He turned to the other and asked, "Is it possible that you are Fliasha?" She jumped as well. The regent's eyes went wide. "What is this sorcery?" "Not sorcery. Reliable information. But I need more. I need you to tell me about Mel-Aura." All three fell back on their tails. "No one must speak of Mel-Aura. Her father banned the speaking of her name." Jon-Tom stood to his full height. "That was a long time ago. I have spoken her name. If you are to punish me for it, then you must tell me why he banned it. Was she not his favorite daughter?" The three looked uncomfortable. One finally broke the silence. "She was his favorite child. As you must know, she was lost many years ago. The city lost two of importance that day. Our finest wizard was also never seen again. Some said that the two eloped and left for good. But it never explained the blasted trees in the forest, not unlike that which has hit our valley yet again. But the king heard talk that ground dwellers had attacked them, members of the wizard's guild. He was so distraught that he declared war on the city."

As it had happened, the city of Gorol's Rock had no knowledge of what had transpired that day at Godswind, miles up the valley. All at once the city fell under siege. The end result was that all of the feathered residents were expelled, its management was taken over by ground dwellers and archers were trained to guard the city, now renamed Rockhaven. The entire valley became tense, each city keeping a watchful eye on the other. As the years passed, the reason for the break in relations was largely forgotten, but the suspicion remained.

Speaking to the macaws, Jon-Tom posed a direct question. "Would you tell me about her?" They looked at each other. It had been a long time, but they remembered her clearly. But why should they discuss her with a human male? The vulture answered for them. "Ladies please. I know that this will bring up old pains, but this wizard seems to have a purpose and I believe that you are part of it. Please answer him." Bluset started. "Mel-Aura was a wonderful child. She was groomed for leadership, just like her brother and sister were. But she was allowed much more freedom because of her father's doting ways. She was expected to eventually wed a prince and settle down in another city, but she turned down all of her prospects. Her father was upset, but he never put his wing down on the matter. He said to me once, "She will find her situation one day. It is not my place to decide for her."

Fliasha stepped into the conversation. "She was a wonderful child. I would give  half of my remaining years to have her back. If only she hadn't gone. If she had wed, then there might be an heir to take over the throne, even if only indirectly." She had tears in her eyes. "Why do you ask such things man? There can be no good to come from dredging up old memories that are best forgotten." Jon-Tom pressed  for more information. "I have a question for you. You will answer it directly. You will not avoid it, nor will you question why I ask it." They looked at him,  not comprehending. "What do you wish to know?" "If you were to hear her voice once again, would you recognize it?" Both macaws squawked with indignation. "Why would you ask that? I would never forget her voice. She was the most precious thing in the palace."

Jon-Tom opened the flap on his cape and called in, "Will you say something please." A voice came out, as if from a great depth. "What do you want me to say? I have no idea what is going on out there!" The gasps that came from the room were of pure astonishment. Bluset screamed "Mel-Aura!" She barely heard the reply. "Yes, Blue, its me!" Fliasha screeched out, "I know that voice, Mel-Aura, Mel-Aura!" Jon-Tom leaned into the opening. "I think its time to come out." He put his arms into the cloak, eliciting gasps as his hands disappeared into the opening without a bit of movement from the cloak. The gasps shifted to ones of pure astonishment when Mel-Aura, resplendent in her golden feathers, came into view head first. Jon-Ton pulled her clear of the cloak, settling her on the floor. He pulled the magical garment out of the way lest one of them inadvertently fall into it. He then slid to a corner of the room and watched as things unfolded.

There was too much to fully tell. Despite her unusual color, her old friends recognized her immediately. They were all questions, and couldn't ask them fast enough. The problem was, they had decades worth of waiting and she had only days. It made it difficult for her to relate. He realized that she was quickly being overwhelmed. He returned, standing by her side. "My lord and ladies. I have more answers than does Princess Mel-Aura. I would suggest that you  find a perch and hear me out." He carried himself with such force that the room silenced immediately. He then went into how she had been found and healed. He told how his spell had accidentally replaced her damaged feathers with her new golden ones. The vulture had the audacity to doubt him, but Mel-Aura hushed him. "Its all right my dear," he said. He opened the cape and turned it upside down. Out fell a pile of blackened feathers onto the floor. "These are what was left of her plumage. Her skin was burned so badly that I thought she was already dead."

The macaws fell to his feet. "Oh thank you sir for saving her. But why have you kept her away from us all of these years?" "Now that is a question worthy of an answer." He then went into  what he thought had happened between the two wizards. "It is my opinion that the backlash from their spells threw her and a good portion of the energy here into the future. The blast that set the forest on fire here was just that. You see, I found her laying half in a stream in the burnout zone. That was just a few days ago." Despite there being only three in the room, excluding himself and the princess, it erupted into more noise that he thought possible. All he could tell from there rapid speech was that they were trying to work matters out. He already had.

"Excuse me!" he bellowed. They all looked at him. "I know that you have a crisis or two to deal with, but I have a solution." The regent was a little taken aback. "I am sure we owe you a great debt of gratitude, but this is city business." Mel-Aura slapped him sharply with her wing. "You are lord regent and I appreciate all you have done for the family and the city. But I have made Jon-Tom a citizen of this city, with all of the rights of a member of the royal family. Therefore, his word carries more authority than yours. And I back up anything he says with my own authority. So you will now listen to what he says."

The vulture looked liked he swallowed something rotten, a neat trick considering his normal diet. "Yes Princess." He bobbed low to Jon-Tom." "My humble apologies. I have been thrust into my duties, and now I am unceremoniously pulled out of them. I am not behaving as I should." Jon-Tom smiled kindly down at him. "I am not trying to usurp your duties. But unlike you, I have had time to work things out. I had no idea the present king was dying, but then that makes Mel-Aura's presence here even more fortuitous. It will give the kingdom another chance to have an heir. And besides, I believe there was something about a prophesy?" His eyes went wide. "My lord sir, you are correct, down to the last detail. I am old and blind to have not worked it out!"

Jon-Tom felt vindicated. "Good. So all is settled. Then it is time for me to leave." There was immediate protest. None was more vocal than Mel-Aura. "Jon-Tom, you can't go. You must stay." He shook his head no. "I must do nothing of the sort." She was crestfallen. "Won't you please stay? At least for a little while." He just looked at her. "So who is asking?" She looked confused. "I am!" He said nothing. He apparently needed some other answer. "I, Mel-Aura ask." He still said nothing. She leaned into his ear. "Someone who loves you wishes you to stay, at least for while. I'm not sure I'm ready for this." He leaned over and kissed the top of her head. "I'm yours until I feel its time to go. That time will come you know." She whispered back, "I know."

The princess was taken to her old room. It was still just as she left it. It failed to register with here that it had remained  this way for decades. To her it was like she had only been gone from it for a few years. The regent was about to take Jon-Tom to his own quarters when Mel-Aura stopped him. "This human has stuck by my side to no foreseeable benefit to himself. He has put his life in danger to protect mine. He will have the full advantage of sharing the princess's bedroom as long as he chooses to remain in our city." The regent nearly passed out. "Princess, that is unacceptable. I don't mean to argue but..." She glared at him. "Then don't. As of an hour ago you didn't even know I was alive. This human saved my life, and I owe him a debt. Unless you wish to repay it instead?" "The regent blinked a few times, getting her gist. "Uh, no princess. I stand by your decision." He hastily beat a retreat.

She looked at Jon-Tom, the love evident in her eyes. "I don't know how you managed all this, but thank you." "Don't thank me yet. There is more to do. For one, before we do anything else, I think you should look in on the present king. It would be rude and disgraceful to not make your presence known before he passes." They were escorted to his room. Inside sat the regent, fretting terribly. Mel-Aura walked up to the king's bed. He looked awful. His feathers were thin and gray. His beak was discolored. But he was awake. He saw her and turned his head. "Are you an angel?" he asked. If she could have smiled she would have. "No grand nephew. I am Mel-Aura." His eyes went wide. "It is blasphemy to speak that name! I could have you..." He just stared at her. He took in her features. "Is it really you?" She nodded." Yes it is. If you have the strength, I will tell you about it in the morning. But for now you must rest. You have a kingdom to run."

He coughed a little. "No, I have given that up to the Lord Regent. It is his responsibility now. I am ready to die, but I regret that I was never responsible enough to have an heir to continue the kingdom." Then his eyes narrowed. "Wait! If you are Mel-Aura, then you are of the line of Gorol. That means that you can take over the kingdom, at least until you provide an heir!" "Yes, something of the sort has been mentioned." He nodded weakly. "Good. I am still king, so I hereby declare you my successor. You will take over my duties and those of the lord regent from this moment on." The vulture bobbed over to him. "My lord, are you sure?" "My good friend, this is best. You have been by my side for years. I would rather have you here at the end, instead of worrying over the running of the city. I don't know how she is here, but its has indeed been a God's Wind that has brought her when we needed her most."

Thus, after barely two hours in the city, after being gone for nearly sixty years, the princess became King Mel-Aura. It was not until the next day did this dizzying series of events make it out to the public. It was the talk of the city, and for the most part, few believed much of it. True, there had been the presence of the human wizard, so there was some stock put into the reports. But well before the light of the next day, the king was busily engaged, making love to her savior and love. She knew he would leave eventually. She had every intention of taking advantage of his prowess before that happened. The night was wonderful, for her specific orders were that they not to be disturbed. It was the sun that woke them, it being free of earthly constrains.

They lay there, watching it rise through the west window. Mel-Aura couldn't help but again thank Jon-Tom for all he had done. He stopped her. "For one thing, I am not certain that I am yet finished with this story." She had no intention of arguing with him. He had made so much happen in such a short amount of time that he seemed unstoppable. He mind went to other matters. "Jon-Tom, why do think that the king had no heirs. I didn't ask him, but I have heard no mention of a queen. What do you suppose happened to her?" He nudged her gently, getting her attention. She looked over at him. He had a goofy grin on his face. "Are you kidding? I may be out of place saying this, but your grand nephew isn't the marrying kind." This made her more confused. "What do you mean?" "Seriously? You didn't see it?" "Jon-Tom, enough of the riddles!" He sighed. "He's gay Mel-Aura. He and the lord regent are lovers. That's why he never had children. Its hard to do with a member of the same sex."

She ran this through her brain. Homosexuality wasn't unknown, but a king was supposed to have the presence of mind to provide an heir. It didn't matter who he was. She said as much. Jo-Tom agreed. "Yes, that is important. Don't forget that. It is the reason I intend to leave as soon as possible. You must make choices that I know you won't do if I remain. That is one of them. I can't interfere with your life anymore than I could with Roseroar's. You need an heir and I cannot provide you with one." She was struck with his open honesty. "If that is true, then you were really ready to leave before." "Yes I was. But as long as you really need me, I'll stay. But you know full well that the time will come when you must do things on your own. You cannot run your kingdom with me in the shadows nor provide an heir without a compatible match. We both know that I'm not even close." She mused over this for a bit. "I am king. I could command you to stay." "You could. But you won't. I promise you this. I will make  my stay as pleasurable for you while it lasts as I possibly can." She chose wisely. "Done!'

The old king lingered for a few more weeks. This gave enough time for a proper change of government. This was hardly necessary, for Mel-Aura made a public appearance the day after her arrival to a thrilled populace. There was much rejoicing. All knew the story of her disappearance. Her sudden return became the subject of numerous songs, now that her name could be mentioned freely. The bards sung until they were hoarse. Poets wrote odes, and everyone in the city passed through the throne room to pay their respects to their new king. All the while, Jon-Tom refused to be present. It was later, in private, that told her simply, "This is your kingdom, your moment, your triumph. The less I have to do with any part of it the better it will be in the long run. That's not to say I don't have some suggestions." She was all ears. Which was good, because other of her parts were preoccupied at the time

He was allowed to carry out one piece of magic that he felt he should do. He had already picked a spot that commanded a view of the entire valley. Below he could see the expanse of charcoal and ash. It extended farther than he had realized. He had thought about this at length. It seemed that there was much here that needed healing, just as had the princess. He had a song, not quite right, but if it didn't work, he would think of another. It didn't help that he had an audience. It wasn't much of one, just most of the city. The place was still reeling from the arrival of the princess, and he was trying to maintain a low profile. That wasn't working. Focusing on his music, he ignored the crowd and started singing. The song was unknown to them, but an oldie to him. He needed only to redirect the words from himself to the valley. He was nervous. If it backfired, he had no idea what it would do.

He felt a little more confident when Mel-Aura, looking extremely regal in her gold feathers and crown, flew down to be at his side. He began playing, not quite matching the vocals of Fontella Bass, but doing a heck of a job in his own right. The entire region needed rescuing, from the plague to the fire damage to the tension between species. It needed rescuing, just as had the princess. It may not work, but he was going to try. The notes flew off of his duar.  They carried off of the mountaintop and flowed down the walls of the cliff like a waterfall. They struck the bottom and danced around rocks and  stumps. The more he played, the more they flowed, until they became visible, like a cloud torn from the sky and thrown to the earth. It continued to spread, slowly obscuring the valley. By the time he was finished playing, the entire length of the valley floor was filled with fog. He waited. Nothing. Hours later the valley was still thick with condensation.

There were many in the crowd curious to see what was happening far below. None was more intrepid that the new king herself. She needed no one's leave to investigate, but she consulted with Jon-Tom. "Do you think its safe to go down there right now?" "I have absolutely no idea. I rather expected my magic to work all at once, not sit heavily across the forest like a low lying cumulonimbus." "I will look and report back, " she said, daring him to disagree. He didn't. "Please be careful. I don't think you have anything to fear from my magic, but that wouldn't keep you from colliding with a tree in the fog!"

She left the city with a few guards, not because she was afraid, but because protocol demanded it. As she descended, the sun glinted off of her feathers, sending up a scintillating flash of gold. Then suddenly she was absorbed by the land-locked cloud. It was several tense minutes before she emerged back into the sun, flapping heavily. It was like she was trying to fly through water. The same seemed true of her entourage. They were breathing heavily when they returned. Her golden plumage was tipped with a thousand diamonds, each a little sparkle of dew. Jon-Tom ran his finger across the edge of her wing. It came away wet, almost sticky.

"Whatever you did, it is nigh impossible to fly through it. The stuff clogs the nostrils and clings to the body. And visibility is next to zero. Your warning about hitting a tree was well said. I could have crashed before I knew it was there. What in the sky and earth did you wish to happen Jon-Tom?" "Perhaps too much. I came here to bring supplies to combat a disease. I found you and was able to restore you to your rightful place. I thought that I might be able to repair the damage to the forest and clear up the misunderstanding that has divided the valley for so many years. I just wanted to make everything right; to fix the broken and to make compatible that which was not." Those around him just stared at him like he was loony. Even Mel-Aura was amazed. "Jon-Tom, to extend ones power to this extent would kill a normal wizard." The resident mage agreed with a rapid bob of his head. "You healed me, but now you have tried to heal the whole valley? You must not value your life as much as I do." But he said nothing more, so they returned to the palace.

There were unspoken questions when it became widely known that the human stayed in the king's chambers, but so much had transpired in the past few days that it was just one more aspect of the upheaval. No one knew the exact nature of the two's relationship, and no one dared ask. That night they were together again. She looked radiant, for the dew had magically hardened, creating tiny little diamond points on her feathers. The only mar was where he had run his finger, but it was hardly noticeable. He certainly didn't pay attention. Neither did she. He marveled her for another night, filling her deep with his loving and caring embrace. Outside, the guards kept watch on their room, keeping them from being disturbed. Others remained stationed outside, to keep an eye on the forest below.

No change occurred before nightfall. Even in the moonlight the fog was visible, obscuring nearly everything but the highest treetop. But the morning was different. As the sun hit the valley, the fog dissipated.  Even the harden drops on Mel-Aura's feathers dissipated, not so much evaporating as sinking in and vanishing. Outside, a pristine forest extended as far as the eye could see. The burned out section was green with growth. Everyone left the city to view the restoration. Jon-Tom was reluctant to go. "I want them to remember this as part of your new reign, not the magic of a human." She would have nothing to do with it.  He countered that he had no intention of spelling himself down for no good reason. She foiled that with his cape trick. He finally relented. She carried him down as he had carried her up. In the end, he was glad she had. It was the forest primordial. The trees were strong and straight and tall. While many citizens flew overhead, he chose to walk through the woods, marveling at the beauty that had previously been destroyed. While it had likely been this lovely in the rest of the valley, he had been distracted by his concern for the dying bird.

Like her, the woods was alive and beautiful. Flowers bloomed in abundance, carpeting the floor. Mosses grew, covering rocks and coating trees. It vaguely reminded him of the meadow they had encountered on the return trip to Godswind, the one with the gypsy band of rats.  He walked down to the stream and followed its course. He soon recognized the boulders jutting from the bank, and walked to the spot she had been found. He was standing in silence, so the flap of wings was clearly audible to his ears. It was Mel-Aura. "What is it Jon-Tom?" She asked, hopping over to stand by him. "This is it. This is where I found you." He picked up a brownish feather. Surely it had been crisp and darkened by heat, but his spell had restored even it. "Here. This is yours. From your old self anyway." She looked it over, grasped it in her beak and held it against her present color. She dropped it to the ground. "I think that I will have a sufficient supply of souvenirs until the end of my days. What I would rather have is you."

A sigh escaped his lips. He figured matter would raise it's ugly head again, but had no intention of discussing it here. She was a wonderful person, and quite the interesting bed mate. His species notwithstanding, there was no way he could stay. That was why he had done what he could for her and the valley. Maybe he could leave behind a lasting legacy; some bit of good that hopefully would outlast him. They walked together back to a path. The trees were open enough to allow her to ascend. "Are you ready to return to the city?" she asked, ever hopeful. "Not yet, I think. Don't worry, I won't slip away unseen. But I would like to take in the beauty of the forest. You might be surprised how much of it you miss from the air." She stopped and reconsidered. "Walking is harder than flying, if your equipped for it. But I would like to see what you see. Can I come?"

He turned to her and brushed his hand across her head. "This is your land; you may do as you wish. But if walking it is too hard, allow me to help." He flipped out his cape and had her crawl inside. She turned inside and poked her head out up to her shoulders. He rolled up most of the cape until he held the oddest looking bundle; a lizard skin topped by an eagle's head. "Thank you Jon-Tom. This is rather odd, but highly convenient." So they walked, taking in the beauty of the light filtering through the leaves, the multicolored mushrooms dotting patches of brown humus, the multitude of flowers. He walked along the stream, running clear and strong. Under its surface swam schools of fish, some silver, others dark, and once or twice,  a flash of red or green. He walked back up the bank, grabbing a springing vine to help him up. Once at the top, the vine tangled around his foot, tripping him and sending him sprawling. His cape and its occupant went sailing.

He recovered and dived after it, but it had come to rest at the edge of a massive bed of flowers. He grabbed it up, but her head was gone. He called inside. "Mel-Aura, are you OK?" She popped back up, slightly ruffled but none the worse for wear. "You see Jon-Tom, being a ground dweller has its set backs. It's hard to trip in the air! Perhaps I had better continue under my own power." In an instant, she was out in the sun, stretching her wings. She turned to talk with him, but in mid turn stopped, frozen by he sight in front of her eyes. The spell-singer followed her gaze, but saw nothing extraordinary. She cleared her head like a roused sleeper, walking slowly forward, staring at the ground.

He saw nothing but flowers. There were so many now growing that he dismissed them as what was drawing her attention. He was wrong. She stuck her beak down into a patch of them and inhaled. Her head jerked up and she stared directly at him. "Just what have you done this day spell-singer?" Before an answer could be forthcoming, her head was back to the ground. She was so intent that she lowered her whole body to the ground. Her wings jutted to either side, and her tail was spread limp upon the ground. If he didn't know better, he would have swore she was stoned. It wasn't far from the truth. Bemused and not knowing what else to do, he dropped down beside her and stuck his nose in the flowers too.

They were not like anything he had seen before. True, even in his home world he was never interested in botany (outside of cannabis that is), but these were different from even those he had just encountered in the woods earlier. They were yellowish bronze in color. Each one had only three petals rising from three leaves. They stood no more than four inches high. They exuded an aroma that he couldn't quite place. It was a mixture of orange and spice, much like he remembered at Christmastime back home. It smelled nice but he failed to see why it entranced her so. After many minutes had ticked away, he finally jostled her. She looked up at him, tucked in her wings and flipped on her back. "Jon-Tom, you are a wonder. If I didn't owe you so much, I am afraid that I would be forced to make you a prisoner just so I could keep you. You just keep on giving. I find myself completely unable to repay you, even if I lived three life spans."

He looked over at the delicate blooms. "Just because of some flowers?"  She jerked up and glared at him. Then she relaxed. She kept forgetting that he was not of this world. Which made this gift even more special. He really had no idea what they were. "Your ignorance is excused. I suppose you had no way of knowing. These flowers are me." A shake of his head indicated that he was lost. "Jon-Tom, I am named after these flowers. They are Mel-Aura, the flowers of the sun." He accepted that, but asked, "OK. But why are you making such a to-do about them. They are lovely, though I prefer you to them any day." She actually blushed.  Luckily for her the plumage hid it from view. "I guess I expect you to know too much. These flowers died out while I was still a child. My father had some planted in pots and placed in my window. When the breeze blew through, I would catch their sweet perfume. The plants eventually died. A search for more far and wide found none. Since apparently that was over sixty years ago, I can only guess that you have wrought a miracle in returning them to us."

He wondered at that. If his spell was this strong, what else had it done? But his wondering dissolved in a moment. Mel-Aura, still on her back, caught his eye. She spread her wings across the forest floor and wiggled her tail feathers. "You wouldn't deny a lady a romp in her favorite flowers, now would you?" He had to stifle a laugh,. Her motions seemed almost comical. But she was correct. He intended to give the lady what she wanted. Since she apparently didn't care if anyone saw them together, he obliged. He had the presence of mind to direct their activity away from her flowers, though some must have suffered, for a pleasant aroma clung to them an hour later when they had finally finished.

They worked their way to an opening in the canopy. He slid into his cape and she happily grabbed it up and launched into the sky. In a few minutes she was circling the city. With a well practiced maneuver she folded her wings and dropped like a stone, back pushing when she was a short distance from a well worn landing pad. It would have been more of an impressive feat had he been able to feel the full effect of the move. But inside the cape, all motion was negated. He crawled out of his hiding place and was hit by sheer vertigo. She had landed on the highest point of the palace, a patch of roof no more than 15 feet on a side. One side was connected directly to a spire of rock. The rest was a tower which dropped down a hundred feet. "Mel-Aura, I have been dealing with heights this whole time, but you need to understand that since I don't have wings, this makes me a bit nervous.

She actually squeaked in delight. "Maybe you should spell yourself some wings. I hear tell that eagles are very nice!" "That's not funny!  If I fall..." "You'll not fall my dear human. I'll see to that. I brought you here for a reason. You see, all of the citizens of the city come here at least once in their lives. They put a mark on the stone, either by beak or by claw. So many have done it that the earliest marks are no longer visible. Mine is gone, no surprise considering the passing of the years. But you cannot leave without doing the same. There is a tradition here, when questioned about one's honesty, to say I am truthful, by my mark." That might be, but he had neither beak nor claw. He would rip his nails from their beds if he tried.

She was looking at him. "Are you at a loss Jon-Tom?" It was obvious that he was. He did have his staff secreted in his cape, but felt that using it might be considered cheating. "I suppose I am. I lack the features necessary for me to do this." "I think perhaps you're wrong on that account. If I am mistaken, then there is no harm done." Without waiting for him to disagree, she propped herself with a wing and pressed her right foot against the stone. In a voice that came from deep within she made a declaration. "I, Mel-Aura, daughter of Bresol and the rightful ruler of Godswind, do hereby declare that I have love only for this male, Jon-Tom. I say this now, leaving behind as evidence my mark, to be one with the mountain that is my home." Her foot glowed red and pushed into the stone like a hot knife into butter. She withdrew it and appraised her handiwork. She looked  at him, her feathers mildly ruffled. "I told you so. All I want is to know if you love me too." He moved to argue, but she held up a wing.

"Jon-Tom, I cannot and will not hold you here. Unless you wish to stay of your own volition, anything else would be like keeping you as a prisoner. I can hardly say that I love you and then treat you with such disrespect. I wish to make it clear that I want you to stay. At the same time, I will not block your way should you chose to leave. But I ask one thing of you, though I have no right to. Please follow my lead and tell me that you love me." "Mel-Aura I'm not sure that I can handle something like this again." She was confused. "This won't kill you Jon-Tom. It is only an affirmation. If you don't love me, then nothing will happen. And I will know, one way or another, what your feelings are for me. I understand that you are hiding much inside that soul of yours. I pray that there is room in there for me."

He was flustered. He felt that this was a bad idea. In fact, he was sure it was a bad idea. But he had been declared stupid on many occasions, so there was no reason to break his record now. He put his hand to his chest, gathering a light about it. He sat for a moment in thought. He allowed the light to fade and taking that hand placed it palm first against the rock. "I Jon-Tom wish to proclaim my feelings for Mel-Aura, daughter of Bresol and present king of Godswind. I am unsure of my feelings, and therefore ask the mountain itself to proclaim them for me. Do I love her?" With that he pushed his hand hard against the unyielding stone.

Nothing happened. But now he wanted an answer too. His soul was going to get awfully crowded if this kept up. Still nothing. Mel-Aura was visibly shaken. She had hoped that he would declare one way or the other. Instead he left it up to cold stone. Or not so cold stone... The whole exposed rock face was beginning to hum and glow. It soon was throwing a light akin to the sun's. All at once the stone gave way and the spell-singer stumbled into the wall. While it looked like lava, it had the consistency of wet clay. He had to push himself backwards to escape it. When he did, the light began to fade and the wall returned to its natural hardness. There, deep in the stone, was a full body impression, from his nose to his toes.

Mel-Aura was radiant. "I was certain of it. But why wouldn't you tell me?" He sighed, tears in his eyes. "To admit it would mean that I would have to confront something painful, again. I seem to be able to do things for others, but rarely for myself. I would gladly stay here, just as I would have done with my first love. But each of you has a life that must not be interfered with." She was surprised by the presence of tears in this human. Males didn't oft show such emotion. "I know she is a tigress, but what is so complicated about that?" "Jon-Tom shook his head in the irony of it. "Mel-Aura, Roseroar is a princess of Colivra. You know full well that a royal has obligations and duties unique to his or her station. You have gone well beyond those boundaries with me. But the time is coming when I must, and I repeat, must go. Whether I love you matters not."

She was full of fury. "Love matters a great deal. That not one, but now two royals have exchanged vows of love with you means that you have a remarkable capacity for it. It is why you have been able to do some much for me. You are powered by love and compassion. I proclaim this to be true, for I have felt it in our lovemaking. Because you yourself deny it does not diminish it in any way. The mountain knew. And when word reaches the people, all will know. It will be remembered for ages to come. If anyone ever questions your mettle in the future, you have the right to say, I am truthful, by my mark!"

He was both relieved and mildly appalled.  His otter friend seemed to have the luck of loving  and leaving them. The loving part was getting to be a killer. Leaving was even worse. But as with Roseroar, if he stayed, she would never find a mate and carry on her legacy. There was a lot riding on it. She divined his thoughts. "I know that you will need to go. Let it be known that I am saddened by the idea that I may never see you again. I am still coming to grips that I have been torn from my time and blasted into yours. To then be torn from you is too much. But if nothing else, you have made it worth the suffering I have been through. If you had not been there at the right time, I would have died and none of this would be happening. Even if I did not love you, I still owe you a life debt - with interest."

"Mel-Aura. I am willing to discuss this further, but if you please, maybe back inside the palace?" "Oh spell-singer, you make such demands. But I suppose it is within my power." Before he could gather himself together to crawl back into his cape, she launched herself into the air, Strong talons gripped his arms and dragged him off of the cliff. He freaked but didn't struggle, knowing full well that would exacerbate matters. But he was in for a surprise. She locked her wings out and glided slowly, circling the palace until they were both safely down. He figured that she was a strong flier, but to handle his weight on top of hers was unbelievable. He said so. She chided him in good humor. "Jon-Tom, there is a say amongst us fliers. "Love lifts you up when the wind fails you. You need to have faith."

Faith. She may be right, but it seemed that everything he did brought more and more strain on his faith. He thought it over, finally brightening a little. "You're right, I do need to have more faith. Like you said, look at all I have done." She bobbed her head, indicating her agreement. "Of course you do. Look at the great works you have performed in just the recent past. Yet I know nothing of your previous deeds. A lady like me might have an ear for such tales. And if, when you are tired of talking, she might have a tail of her own ready for its own exploits." He nearly fell down laughing at her witty remark.

That night, after regaling her with tales over their magnificent supper, Jon-Tom and Mel-Aura were making a bit of history of their own. It was not the kind the bards and poets would be allowed to reflect in their art. It was however, the type to dislodge a few of her golden feathers and cause a moan or two to leave her kingly throat. He made love to her like it was their last day together, for eventually that day would come. She lay there under him, wishing with all her might that he would stay. As a young bird she had several lovers, unbeknownst to her father. She had wisely chosen outside her immediate species, forgoing any chance of  becoming with egg. They had been a lot of fun to play with. Still, there had been not a single one of them she had personally cared for on a deeper emotional level. So why now was she so taken in by this human? She was aware of the answer, but it still haunted her waking hours. Love should never come at such as cost as this. He was one whom she would gladly nest with, and the fate's made him as incompatible as he could be. There was no fairness in this world. This made her feel that she was being selfish. But who wouldn't be under the circumstances?

The time finally arrived that she had been dreading. He was in no rush to leave, but felt that it would be better if they set a time and kept to it. She tried too send him with many gifts, ranging from gold from the treasury to lovely pieces of art that had been crafted by the few citizens equipped with hands. He turned them all down. But there was one he could not refuse. She presented it to him on their last night together. It was a polished metal pot in the shape of an egg, newly hatched, with the top broken and ragged.  It was simple yet elegant. But what it held was even more lovely. "Mel-Aura, this is indeed a great gift. I will do my best to kept your namesake alive for as long as possible." The little golden flower filled his nose with its heady exotic scent.

He left in secret the next day. She carried him to the base of the mountain, as they had done on days before. If it became known that he as leaving, there would be much distress amongst the citizens of Godswind. In a short number of weeks, they had gone from having little to do with ground dwellers to claiming him as their own. He was glad that he had done the kingdom so much good. Staying would be no bad thing, but this world had hardened him. Staying would be selfish. But before he left, he had one more thing to do."Mel-Aura?" She looked at him hopeful and expectant. "Yes Jon-Tom? What is it?" "I must ask something of you. It is not to be refused." Willing to do anything for him, she readily agreed. "I will do anything you ask!" "Are you sure? I have yet to tell you what it is." "Jon-Tom, you have given me back a life I nearly lost, a kingdom that never should have been mine to rule, a flower I though was gone forever. On top of that you showed me love in ways I never thought possible. Anything you ask is yours. "

He cleared his throat. "I Jon-Tom hereby state that the life debt I hold against Mel-Aura is void and null. I do this of my own free will to show my true love for her. I do this so that she can rule unrestrained from worries or concerns that may be related to her connection to me, both physical and emotional. She will therefore agree to abide by my decision and will state this out loud for the world to hear."  She was completely aghast. He had never given a clue that he was going to do this. She felt betrayed; angry; and nearly in tears. "Jon-Tom, I can't do that, I love you ..." "I love you too. But we must be free of each other. I have been through this already, so I don't expect you to understand. I am not giving you a choice. You have already promised to do anything I ask. It is not what I want, but it is what I ask."

She was silent. He was right, she knew, but this wasn't what she had expected. If she retained her debt to him, it would have given her a reason to seek him out, or vice versa. He was effectively severing any bonds they had with each other. It was cold and calculated, and she was highly impressed. He had to be the only male on the whole world that would work so hard to do so much good to then let it go without collecting a reward. How could she refuse him. "I, Mel-Aura, daughter of Bresol and present ruler of Godswind, do hereby declare that my life debt has been repaid, but only because in so saying those words makes it so. Because this human calls the debt settled before the fates leaves me no choice. We may go our own paths, whether it is the wind that takes us or the earth. But all promises previously made will remain, whether he likes it or not!"

The earth rumbled and a few stray stones careened off of the cliff. She looked grimly satisfied. "The matter is settled. But know this Jonathan Thomas Merriweather. You may leave, but you will always be in my heart." He was wondering just what she had done in her proclamation. So much had happened during the past few weeks for him to remember everything that she had said. There were enough brains inside his head to know that it mattered little at this point. What was done, was done. "Mel-Aura. I will carry you with me for the rest of my days. I thought that loving another would crowd my soul. Instead, it seems to have grown. You will always the wind beneath my wings." She swooned. "Do you mean it Jon-Tom?" His last words spoke volumes. "By my mark, I do!"

She wished to follow him as he left the valley, but he declined the offer. She took to the air and launched skyward, reaching a dizzying height in moments. He may try to dissuade her from following, but with her superior vision she could watch over him from afar. She stopped only when he reached the pass leading out of the valley. From there he would be on his own, as would she. The thought weighed her down. She felt a knot in her belly. It was going to be a long sad reign.

Jon-Tom was in no hurry to get home. He was already weeks late in returning. He was sure that Clothahump would chide him for not being more considerate. Every so often he would stop, either to rest or to eat. Food had been kindly provided to him by the city. He had an ample supply thanks to his wonderful cape. During these breaks he would gently extract his beloved Mel-Aura flower and allow its scent to take him back. At night he dreamed he was back with her, only to have these shuttled aside by ones of him and Roseroar. The night air was cool, but he often woke up in a sweat.

The day came that he entered the Bellwoods. From there it was quick work to the tree and the wizard. He entered and was greeted a once by the old turtle. Instead of a lecture, he received a warm welcome. "You are back my boy! I was seriously considering sending out a search party. Even that otter you call a friend was worried. He said something about following you all the way to Rockhaven and then you disappeared." Jon-Tom choked. "You mean he vanished on me. I think it had something to do with looking up an old lady friend." The wizard nodded sagely. "That would be within his scope of interests. Well, get settled in. I have some questions for you, but you are tired from your journey." The unexpected kindness made Jon-Tom suspicious, but he said nothing. He walked into his room and closed the door.

He removed his boots and cape, set his staff in the corner and tucked the duar under the bed. Without pulling back the sheets he dropped onto the mattress with a sigh. His was laying there only a few moments when a thought struck him. He bounced up and grabbed his cap, uttering that wonderful name "Roseroar." The opening appeared and he reached in and withdrew is Mel-Aura. Despite the many miles, it had not once spilled loose from its pot. The wonderful smell was as fresh as the day he had received it. He cleared a space in front of the solitary window and placed it on the sill. He returned to the bed and relaxed into slumber. He had the most wonderful dreams. They were only ruined by a knocking on his door. It was the wizard. He groggily answered the door, swearing under his breath.

"I am sorry to disturb you my boy, but I wished to consult with you on what transpired at Rockhaven. " Jon-Tom scratched his head and yawned. "What is there to tell? I delivered the chest as you directed. The guild sends its thanks. I didn't linger to find out how the medicine worked." "Yes, so it would seem. The guild went searching for you. The hotel manager told them you had left without a word as to where you where headed. That was weeks ago." He didn't actually ask the question, but he meant for Jon-Tom to explain his whereabouts. The hint was ignored. "I am sorry; was there a problem with the supplies? I examined them before handing them over and they were intact." "Problem?" The old turtle's voice raised a few notes. He pulled out a scroll and handed it over.

Jon-Tom took and unrolled it. The writing was neat and plain to read. To the Great Clothahump, The guild wishes to humbly thank you for the use of your valuable supplies, but we must inform you that they have become unnecessary. Our best are still trying to understand what has happened, but the disease is gone. Without exception, without reason, every citizen infected by it has simply recovered. Even with the medicine it would take weeks to fight the contagion. Overnight it was gone. Accompanying  this miracle was a fog of unknown origin. It filled the valley and worked its way into our city, reaching the highest possible points. It was of a peculiar nature, thick and cloying. None of our spells had an effect on it, but as it proved harmless, if inconvenient, we left it alone. Come morning it was gone. With it went the fever, and apparently, every other illness presently afflicting anyone in the city. If this was the work of your apprentice, we wish to thank him. He has already left the city to parts unknown. When he returns, please extend to him the gratitude of Rockhaven. The city is ever in his debt. We have been told to extend to him full citizenship under the laws set down by Gorol himself. Should he ever return, the city would be honored to have him stay at the Havenhouse for the duration of his visit.

The wizard was waiting patiently for an answer. There was none. "Well my boy, what have you to say for yourself? Is this something you did?" Jon-Tom wasn't particularly in the mood to be grilled. "I wasn't there at the time, but it sounds about right. I was farther down the valley, righting wrongs. Perhaps my magic got a little out of hand. It doesn't sound like it caused anyone any difficulties." The wizard was, for the first time he had ever seen, to stunned to speak. When he did, there was a touch of awe to his voice. "I don't know what you could have been doing to have the healing of a whole city be nothing more than incidental to the magic you were intending to perform. Just how far did your magic extend?" Jon-Tom had to think. "I'm not certain. Mudge said the valley was about 25 miles long. It filled the whole of it, side to side. I'll let you figure out the math." The wizard was put off. "The entire valley? I'm not sure I believe you. That would take a dozen wizards stationed along its length to accomplish this. You want me to believe that you did this alone??"

The spell-singer stood his ground and smiled. "I am truthful, by my mark!" The wizard's eyes nearly popped from his head. Then he caught the aroma of orange and spice and spied the potted plant on the window sill. He was torn between commenting on the plant and its repository. Of course, the young human's response alone was cause for amazement. In the end he was so bewildered that he beat a hasty retreat. As the door closed, Jon-Tom quietly said, to no one in particular, "Well, maybe not by myself. Love goes a long way to making anything happen."