Chapter Three
The Beginning

It was four thirty a.m. When Teedol suddenly found himself awake. At first he found it hard to understand why as he was still feeling very tired. Turning over, he tried to get back to sleep. The more he tried, the more awake he was. His head was filled with confusion and noise. After some twenty minutes of fighting with himself and getting nowhere, it began to irritate him. He turned onto his back to try and relax. Spud was sound asleep, also laying on his back on the other side of the larger than normal double bed. The silence was broken now and then with Spud's gentle snoaring . The first glimpse of dawn danced as shadows on the bedroom walls as it filtered its way through the branches and leaves. On the window, coloured patches of light flickered and swayed, as the early morning sun seeped through the many leaves and petals. It was now almost five thirty in the height of summer. Teedol began to relax as he watched the dancing beams of light. Suddenly he heard something.. Yes !
There it was again.

" Teeeddoooll... Teeeddoooll. It's Golaf. Can you hear me ? " Teedol was taken aback for an instant. Slowly he began to remember what the wizard had said in the cavern.

" Teeeddoooll... "

He sat up abruptly and shouted.

" Golaf. Golaf, I hear you. " This made Spud sit bolt upright and shout.

" Charge ! Get'em men. " He was talking in his sleep. The seemingly invisible force which held up the body of Spud slowly and gently subsided as he sank back within the covers, turning over as if nothing had happened. " Teedol I can hear you. Remember you do not have to shout. Just think and I will hear. NOW LISTEN, THIS IS IMPORTANT ! YOU HAVE NO TIME TO DELAY. YOU MUST LEAVE NOW OR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THERE IS DANGER HEADING YOUR WAY !. . YOU DON'T HAVE LONG. I HAVE TRIED TO DELAY IT AS LONG AS I CAN... I must go now and so must you. I will try to get in touch again, but now I have much to do. Bye. "

Teedol called back as there were many questions he wanted to ask. He was greeted with only silence. Turning to Spud, he shook him. " Spud. Wake up. " Spud opened his eyes slowly.

" Spud we must get going there is great danger approaching. I will explain more later. You use the bathroom first and I will do something quick to eat . " Said Teedol hurriedly whilst getting dressed. He turned and headed for the sitting room. It was the only way to get to the kitchen. Pippa and Bobo were still on the couch, arms wrapped around each other, fast asleep . Teedol moved towards them. Gently shaking Bobo by the arm, he woke him.

" Sorry old chum, but we must be on our way as soon as possible. Golaf has been in touch with me, he told me of some sort of danger heading this way. He says we have no time to delay. Oh yes ! Under the circumstances, I think we should take Pippa, well as far as Forlin anyway. I will get something quick for us to eat on the way. Will you tell Pippa ? " Asked Teedol. " O.K. I will wake her now, we should be ready in about ten minutes. " Replied Bobo. Teedol turned and went into the kitchen. Though the kitchen was not the same as his own, it was not dissimilar and besides , he had used it many times.

It took all of twelve minutes for everyone to be ready.

" Right it looks as if everyone is ready. Pippa, I don't know if Bobo has had the chance to tell you, but there is some kind of danger coming here, so it will not be safe for you to stay. We should be able to find you a safe shelter in Forlin. Unfortunately Golaf did not say what sort of danger it was, nor did he say what direction it was coming from. I can only think that it is coming from the north and Manap Hill. At a guess, we should take the south trail to Forlin. Anyway no more chat we must leave. " Said Teedol.

Teedol was the first out of the door, then Bobo followed by Pippa. Spud turned out the last lamp giving his home one final look.

As they reached the burned out shell of Teedol's home, Teedol stopped and looked. Wondering if it would ever be the same again. Could it be rebuilt ? Truthfully there was no time for the many thoughts running wildly through the mind of the cotchit. Teedol held back a doleful tear, not knowing what the future held.

Turning once again he slowly walked towards his friends who were waiting for him. New thoughts began to run through his mind. " Now I close an old chapter in my life only to open the pages of a new one. " Thought Teedol.

Slowly he turned and moved between Pippa and Spud as they headed south out of the village.
The sun shone brightly above, with hardly a cloud to be seen. Bobo, sensing his friend's mood started up a conversation by telling jokes. Very soon the small band of travellers had cheered up enough to be making good head-way along the winding footpath which led its way through the woods towards the town of Forlin. The path led through parts of the woods where the foliage was so dense and the light so poor. Fireflies flittered here and there in the half light looking like a myriad of stars lighting the way .
Spud was in the lead and on occasion halted the progress of the band as he listened intently. Eventually he stopped the friends and went on ahead. Cotchit's like elves could move swiftly and silently, even if they were not as skilful as was Spud. He was out of sight for some moments. Upon his return his voice was filled with concerned excitement.

" We can't go that way, there is something on the path. It is coming this way. I don't know what it is, as I have never seen anything like it before , BUT it's big, very big and black. Upon its back is a troll ( otherwise known as a hobgoblin). It looks like a huge beetle. Come on we must get off the main track. " Spud turned off the main track heading east. He chose the route which would eventually lead to the river Forlin. This would then lead to the town. Moving deeper into the woods sounds of splintering branches and shattering trunks could being heard from far behind. Faster ran the band of travellers, still faster as they thought they heard the sound of shattering wood closer behind.
Eventually they came upon a gully into which Spud jumped. It was dry and not too deep. The others followed. It was only now Spud stopped long enough to look behind. There were no signs of them being followed.

" I think we could travel down the gully. If we stick with it, it will take us back to the main track, or we could use it for some miles and turn east again to leave the woods. It would make it easier for us to see anything coming towards us, or chasing us. Of course there is a problem with that, it would mean we could be seen more easily too. What would you like to do Teedol ? " Asked Spud.

" Well I must confess I am not sure, I did not expect to meet the enemy from this direction. Surely it could only be the danger Golaf mentioned ! Do you know this gully well ? " Asked Teedol. " Yes, I have used it many times. It goes onto the river and in winter is full of water from the hills , but by summer it's always dry. It gets close to the main track about five miles further down coming within a hundred yards of it. I think it would be wise to use the gully up to that point. We could then check the path to see if it is clear, making up our minds which way we should go. " Spud finally said. " O.K. Sounds like a good idea. We will do that. " Replied Teedol after a moments thought. Spud led the way once more down the gully. Still the sounds of splintering wood could be heard, but now from far away. As they travelled down the gully it sometimes changed direction as it wound through the woods, sometimes so deep they could not see over the top of the banks. At other times it was no deeper than their knees. Sometimes it was narrow and at other times wide. Occasionally the sound of splintering wood sounded close, causing them to stop and listen.

Eventually the friends reached the point where the gully was only one hundred yards from the main track. Spud stopped suddenly, ducking and waving at the others to do the same. The gully was quite deep at this point , but now laying across it were three large tree trunks laid in such a fashion, a bridge had been made. The sounds of scraping wood could be heard from directly above. Someone, or something was crossing the newly built bridge. It was not the normal sound of walking, but more a scuffling sound, above which could be heard harsh voices in a tongue unknown by the companions. They crouched huddling together, not making the slightest sound. Seconds ticked away like hours. It seemed as if the noise from above would never cease. It did after only thirty seconds. The friends remained where they were for some moments longer, after which a curious sound could be heard. It was as if large chunks of wood were being chewed and swallowed. Spud gave the signal to move on.
They followed the gully until it turned away from the track once more, in all a distance of one hundred and fifty yards. The strange sound of wood being chomped was still audible. Spud halted the friends once more. Climbing as best he could, holding onto tree roots and clutching at grass to reach the top of the bank. Slowly he pulled himself up just enough to enable him to see along the ground without being seen. What his eyes beheld caused him great concern. He beckoned Teedol to join him. Teedol struggled up the bank and peered over, his expression changed from one of curiosity to one of horror. Almost two hundred yards away he could see a.... GIANT BLACK BEETLE. Upon it's back a troll of immense proportions was sitting. Up until now he had only heard stories and seen pictures of trolls , he thought nothing this ugly could really exist... Now he knew different...

Teedol signalled Spud to get down. He could not wait to tell Pippa and Bobo of what they had just seen. Spud whispered they should move on down the gully where it turned back towards the main track. This was part of a large winding bend. The band of friends stopped once again. It was decided Spud would have a look around, to see if he could find the best way through.. . Teedol, Pippa and Bobo crouched in wait as the gully had now become shallow. Spud peered over the top. He could see no sign of beetles or trolls, in any direction. He ducked down again. " I will go and check the main track, it seems to me as if the trolls have made a trail to the river through here, which means they may not be on the main trail to Forlin. That being the case, it would be the best way to go. " He paused for a moment before continuing.

" Stay here until I get back. I won't be long. " He concluded in a half whisper. The others nodded in agreement. Slipping over the bank Spud was soon out of sight, dodging between the trees and undergrowth. He searched as far as the main track. Nothing, he then went a further half mile before deciding it would be safe to go this way. Quickly he made his way back to the others, who were still waiting where he had left them. He did not jump back into the gully but beckoned the others to climb out and join him on the bank. Still Spud did not speak. He turned swiftly going back the way he had come.

Once they had reached the main track it was as if a great weight had been lifted from their shoulders. The dense foliage above gave way to a beautiful clear sky.

The warmth from the sun was more than welcome. True the woods were dry, yet there was a strange chill in the air, along with an even stranger stillness. It was one which was not usual or normal within Manap Woods. Spud finally spoke.

" It's alright there are no signs of those terrible things. I don't know how those things got here, but I think it means trouble is on the way. We should make good time and be in Forlin by late afternoon. " The little group made better time than they had thought. Perhaps it was the thought of those terrible things back in the woods driving them on. It was midday by the time they reached the walled town of Forlin. The walls had been built at the time of the War of Terror, even though Forlin had not been involved in the battles. The gates were of solid oak two feet thick and as was usual were now open as travellers from far and wide were coming and going. Some with carts, barrows and even piglets tucked under arms. It was market day , therefore travellers of all kinds were not unusual. The band of friends were no more noticed than any other traveller. The four companions agreed it would be better to find a hostelry near to the centre of town. The idea being the busier it was, the safer it would be. The main denizens of Forlin were the Big Folk, but there were many races living within the walls . It was not unusual to find caravans from the Greater Shire, even tall ships which travelled the seas came to Forlin. Who was going to take any notice of four small people ?

Near the town centre a hostelry was found. It was called The Shire. It had been renamed some years ago in honour of those responsible for the defeat of the then Evil One. It was a fine looking place, all the exterior walls painted white. This was to represent the purity of the lands and the people of Earth. The exterior woodwork was painted black and this depicted all which was not desired or in other words , the Dark Lord and other things, like ghedi and trolls. " This looks like a good place " said Teedol. They all agreed and entered. As they did the two great doors were opened for them by men in strange but brightly coloured clothes. The doors were made of a wood with a reddy brown colour which glistened like glass. The fitments were all of solid brass which glistened no less than the doors. They entered the main hall which was resplendent and plush with the colours of reds and gold. High above a great crystal chandelier hung glittering as if it were all the stars in the sky gathered into one place. " Bobo, you go with Pippa and see she gets checked in. We will go into the dining area to order a hot meal. Said Teedol. " Right, when I have seen Pippa to her room we will rejoin you in the dining room. " Bobo said with a happy voice.

The two lovers went to the main desk. Teedol and Spud went to the dining room. They had not been sitting long when a rather young pretty serving girl appeared.

" Would you gentlemen like to order something ? " She asked with a pen poised over a pad. It did not take the two friends long to decide. They ordered a breakfast of cereal two eggs and extra toast. This was to be washed down with a large pot of hot steaming tea.

They had found a nice quiet corner as it was not so busy. The peacefulness was to change by the time they were halfway through their meal. The girl soon returned with a pot of hot tea and said their food would not be long. It was ten minutes exactly as the girl entered with the food, Bobo and Pippa rejoined them and ordered the same.

" Pippa has got a suite. " Said Bobo.

" A SUITE ! " Exclaimed Teedol.

" Yes, I thought you could all rest for a few hours as you did not get much sleep last night, and besides it could be your last chance for quite awhile to rest properly. " Said Pippa matter of factually.

" That is very kind of you, not to mention gernerous. We will all put into a kitty and share the cost. " Said Spud being considerate in return. Pippa, who was really quite wealthy, did not like this idea, mainly because she liked to be independent.

" Thank you for your offer, but I did it because I wanted to. It is the least I could do for my cousin as I am not to go with you. " Replied Pippa curtly.

" My dear Pippa, the only reason you cannot go, is we do not know the dangers we may face. In all honesty we are not sure we will come back. Should that be the case heaven help us, both Bobo and I have no one else to take care of our things and sort out our property. Unless you would like to do these things for me ? " Asked Teedol. A silence now fell within the cosy nook as the meal was eaten. Bobo's and Pippa's meals were soon brought. The four friends sat thinking of what might happen next. Each of them had many different thoughts running wildly through their minds. Unfortunately not one of them had anything which resembled a nice thought. The memory of those giant beetles was still all too fresh.

The meal now finished each of the companions sat back in their chairs and sighed with contentment. Pippa excused herself as she went to the ladies-room. Meanwhile the three friends who were going on, made their plans while still drinking tea.
Pippa returned to hear.

" So we will have to cross the plains. " This was unfortunate as it meant she had not heard the first part of the conversation, where it was decided to travel along the caravan route until the road dipped south around the Red Mountains of Erun. The trio thought it better and safer as the road would have many travellers upon it, creating added safety, at least until they left the track to cross the shortest part of the plains.

The plains started on the other side of the river, as the opposite bank had not been built upon for the plains were known to be dangerous. " Would you like to rest for a while ? " Asked Pippa.

" I for one would like that very much. " Replied Teedol. So it was agreed they would all go to Pippa's suite and rest for two or three hours. Teedol and Spud were very impressed with the rooms as they entered. The decor was as resplendent as was the main hall. The drawing-room was entered via an ante-room leading from the corridor. Once in the drawing room, three more doors lead out again. One entered a huge bathroom complete with everything including a very large sunken bath. All the fittings were of solid brass. The other two doors opened into bedrooms. The larger of the two rooms contained an absolutely enormous double bed. The other room which was only marginally smaller had two single beds. Within the main room was a large five seat sofa accompanied by two matching reclining chairs.

Teedol spoke first.

"I do want to go to bed because if do, I would not want to get up until tomorrow afternoon. So I will take this comfortable looking chair if no-one minds. " He said, knowing no-one would mind.

" I agree with you Tee, so I will take the other one. " Said Spud as he jumped into the other chair.
It was not long before Teedol and Spud were fast asleep. The two lovers thought it best to leave the sleeping friends to their rest. In order not to disturb them, Pippa and Bobo decided they would make the best of the remaining time they had together.

Pippa was the first to go into the bedroom with the very large double bed. She lay down making herself comfortable. Bobo was not long before he joined her. He lay down placing his arm around her as he did so. She lay her head upon his chest.

" I can't believe it, all this time you have loved me as much as I have loved you, and yet we did not know. " Said Bobo in a soft and gentle voice .

" I know, it seems impossible. I do not know why we didn't say something to each other long ago. I mean, just think how long we could have been together, instead of just a few hours. " Pippa said in a sensual voice. There followed a long silence as each of them revelled in the warmth of each other as they cuddled closer.

" I can still remember our first meeting three summers ago. Can you remember ? " Asked Bobo. Pippa remained silent for almost a full minute. The expressions on her face had Bobo been able to see, would have told him she was thinking very deeply. She was searching, searching for the right words... " Bobo, I, I feel a little foolish with what I am going to say . " Bobo made a guttural sound as if he were about to speak. Pippa immediately raised her head and a hand placing a single finger upon his lips in a gesture to be silent. She then continued.

" I have known ever since that first meeting, it was and is, YOU I want to spend the rest of my life with, for in you I see a sense of truth, kindness, a gentleness with a deep sense of honour. " A tear appeared in her eye, with a slight swallow she continued.

" My dear Bobo, I know I am being forward, but, I want to know, will you be my life long partner ? " She finally asked.

The silence which followed seemed to fill the air with an eerie presence, as it filled every corner of the room. Bobo still made no reply.

Pippa then hurriedly continued.

" When all this is over, I mean, I would now but... " Bobo put a finger on those soft gentle lips as another tear rolled down the face of the angelic female, who, in Bobo's mind, was the perfect example of feminine beauty. Her eyes turned down as if overcome by shyness. A slight blush followed by pouting lips and doleful eyes as large as saucers. Bobo could not help but to draw her nearer, as their lips met in the kind of adoration which could only be expressed by two lovers with lips as sensuous as was given to mankind, along with the knowledge of how to please, to explore...

The kiss lasted for what seemed an eternity, and yet, not long enough.

" Yes... Of course I will... There could be no doubt in my mind. I love you.. Sadly if I am to understand all of what has happened there will be no tomorrow unless I help Teedol. No tomorrow for us to share, no future.. So, as much as I love you, it will have to wait until I return . " Finally answered Bobo.

Pippa needed to give this no thought. " Yes I agree and I understand... It is not just because Teedol is your friend you will help. It is because you care about the world. It's so the world can go on, beyond tomorrow, to grow out of its infancy, so one day it may be an adult, when hopefully , it will put an end to the useless destruction of all that exists. " Said Pippa with a seriousness in her voice.

" Yes I do care, but only as much as Teedol or any other decent person of Earth for that matter. You would do the same if you had the chance, wouldn't you ? " Asked Bobo.

" Of course I would. In fact I would like to go with you. " Said Pippa enthusiastically and hopefully.

" NO ! NO ! YOU CANNOT ! NO ! I could not bear it if anything should happen to you. You know Teedol would not allow you to go anyway. It is not because he thinks you incapable, it is because he cares for you and you know how close your families are. " Bobo replied adamantly.

Another tear rolled down her face. Bobo held out a hand catching the tear as it fell. It rolled around his palm like a globule of quick silver. He placed his hand over his heart which made a small wet circle as the tear soaked in.

" Pippa I will love you for forever and a day and as soon as I return I will see the village elders, only then will we seal our pact of love. " A tear rolled down Bobo's cheek. Pippa, seeing the tear, quickly and yet delicately placed her lips upon the tear and kissed gently and tenderly. Bobo slowly turned his head so his lips moved almost imperceptibly at first towards those wet, warm, inviting lips of his innermost desire. Both could feel the warmth and sincerity of the love they felt for each other. Still with an aching in his heart, Bobo pulled away.

" Pippa my sweet, I must get some sleep, for the journey starts soon and I do not know what, if any sleep I will get from then on. " Pippa did not hesitate with her reply.

" I understand my love. I also want to go on as we are, but common sense tells me I must let you rest. You will need your strength for what lies ahead. " Gently Pippa gave Bobo a kiss. First on the forehead, then on his cheek, ending with a long wanting kiss on his lips. Slowly their lips parted, not a word was spoken. Pippa placed her head by the side of Bobo's ...

There was a long silence as they held each other tightly. The scene remained unchanged for some time, until they began to release their hold on each other. Both had tears in their eyes. Bobo gently wiped away Pippa's and then his own. " Can you remember the third time we met ? You wore a bright yellow dress which shone like gold in the sun. I thought then, nothing nor no-one could look as beautiful as you did that day. " Said Bobo in a soft whisper.

" Yes I remember.. " Replied Pippa.

" Well that evening, after I returned home. I knew I loved you, but I feared you did not feel the same way about me, so I wrote a poem. Would you like to her it ? " He asked.

" Yes please ! " Replied Pippa.

" Alright, it is called Dream... Bobo cleared his throat and paused for a moment. Then, in a soft but clear voice he began to recite.

"The silent mist begins to swirl,
Within a shroud I see a girl,
Dressed in silk like a gossamer wing,
My heart begins to beat and I hear voices sing,
She floats on high, like a bird that's free,
Oh ! How I wish she was for me.
Her eyes do shine like moonlit pools,
As I look into them I feel like a fool
Her smile makes me burn with desire,
My heart, My soul, they are on fire,
As in my mind, I feel her charms
The way she holds me in her arms.
With lips so pure she gives a kiss.
This must be heaven, for this is bliss
And yet, as she turns away.
I live to dream.... Another day. "

Tears streamed down Pippa's face, like pearls rolling down the face of an angel. She tried to speak, but filled with so much emotion, she found it impossible. Slowly she managed to pull herself together, with an unsteadiness in her voice said.

" OH ! Bobo that is truly beautiful. You are so clever. Would you write it down for me ? " She asked.

" I have already. I keep it at home under my pillow with a picture I drew of you. " Bobo blushed and turned away. Pippa placed her hand upon his chin and turned his head back towards her. She gave him a delicate peck on the end of his nose. Bobo smiled with such an enormous smile it lit every corner of the room with the warmth of the sun.

" When it becomes safe for you to return to Manap you can collect it from my cottage. I would like it if you would get the cottage repaired and make changes to it in readiness for my return and the beginning of our lives together. Only if you want to that is ? " Asked Bobo.

" I will do as you ask dear, upon my return. It was lucky that only an outside wall was damaged by the fire. " Replied Pippa in a half whisper.

" Do you promise ? " Asked Bobo.

" Yes, I promise, just as soon as I return to the village. " Bobo now felt a lot happier. He seemed to pause in thought for just a fleeting moment. His eyes seemed to light up as he took the a ring from his finger and held it over Pippa's finger after taking a hold of her hand. " With this ring, I promise myself to you.. Do you accept ? " Without hesitation Pippa replied.

" In accepting this ring as a token and a pledge, I promise myself to you. " Bobo slipped the ring onto Pippa's finger. It was a little too large for her. They gave each other a long kiss. As their lips parted, Pippa said. " Don't worry I will have the ring fixed at the jeweller's. "

This is how Pippa and Bobo became engaged. " I must sleep now. " Bobo said as he gave Pippa a last kiss.

He laid back and closed his eyes. The two lovers snuggled down close and were soon fast asleep.
Pippa had been sleeping for about four hours when she was woken by incessant knocking on the door. As easily and carefully as she could, she eased out from under an arm and a leg of Bobo's, then she tip-toed over to the door, opening it as quietly as possible, only to find Teedol standing there. Pippa smiled and slipped through the door closing it behind her.

" I'm sorry to disturb you, but we must be going. You see I've heard from the wizard again and as soon as everyone is awake I will tell you all of the news I have. " Teedol said in a whisper. " O.K. I will wake Bobo then we will be with you as soon as possible. " Replied Pippa. Teedol nodded in agreement and turned away. Pippa reentered the room and lay by Bobo's side . She began to gently kiss him all over his face. Slowly he began to respond, as a smile appeared upon his face. With some difficulty at first he opened his eyes. As he did so, the vision of Pippa looking down at him , had the effect of making the smile grow until, he was grinning the biggest grin ever seen. Pippa's face now drew closer and closer until their lips met once more. The love flowed between them, filling each of them with an energy and magic which was unbelievable.

" Sorry for waking you, but Teedol has had another message from the wizard . He wants us all in the drawing room as soon as possible. " Bobo raised his head and gave Pippa a peck on the cheek. " O.K. Love, we had better move now. " The two of them got up and went to the drawing room.
Teedol was strolling up and down with his hands behind his back. Once everyone was seated, Teedol spoke. " Sorry for disturbing you all again, but I have some important news. First I have ordered a meal for everyone to save time. Please help yourselves as I have eaten already. Now if you don't mind I will talk while you eat. " There were no objections, so Teedol continued.

" A short while ago I was contacted by the wizard again. He knows our position and our whereabouts. He says Pippa will be safe here but only after we leave. He has now told me of the threat that is following us. We were right about those beetles. They are Death Stalker Beetles and on their backs as we already know, giant trolls. They have but one purpose... To stop me from finding the Amulet... "
Suddenly from the streets below, shouts and screams could be plainly heard ...

A man running by in the street below shouted to a figure which was no more than a shadow in shop doorway.

Spud shouted down.

" Hey what is all the commotion about ? " The man looked up and replied.

" There are giant beetles attacking the walls. " Spud then asked.

" Are there riders on their backs ? " The man replied. " No, but they can be seen standing further back in the shade. I don't think they like the idea of boulders landing on their heads. The city guards are boiling oil to drop onto them. One of the beetles has been killed, but the others just keep coming. " The man below did not wait for Spud to respond. He turned and ran down the street still shouting. Spud closed the window. " Well did you hear that ? You were right. " Said Spud.

" I was about to tell you Golaf told me they were near. He also said as soon as I leave they will stop attacking the town. They will follow me. So I think it is time to leave.
Those of you who are coming get your things. Pippa I'm sure you will be alright once we are clear of here. There is no time for goodbyes as the whole town is in danger. So goodbye. " Finally said Teedol. He turned to Pippa and gave her a big hug, grabbed his things and was making for the door. Spud did exactly the same. Bobo picked up his coat and rucksack, then he just stood there motionless. He looked at Pippa, but only for a few seconds. His eyes said all that was needed as tears rolled down his cheeks. Turning he walked at first, then he broke into a run as he went after his two friends...

Pippa stood motionless, tears rolling down her face. She knew why he did not speak...

Link to Chapter Four

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