PAGE 47

PTGWell Cap’n Bob certainly doesn’t need to tell me to ‘think about it’.

I do little else!

I fully understand that what we have achieved so far in our questing is very little in the grand scheme of things.

We do not yet comprehend what are the root causes of the evil in this Realm and how we can deal with them.

So far we have limped from disaster to disaster and it is a miracle that most of us are still alive particularly as we seemed to have blown things up so many times!

We are at best a very disjointed group with little formal military training or background. Cap’n Bob is our only expert in these fields.

If he says he can fight the good fight in defeating this evil more effectively by moving over to the other Realm with its Camp, soldiers and MASH Unit then, of course, I agree.

The others are ‘a-rarin-to-go’ to complete the third phase of his plan and my offer of immediate assistance is there if he wants it.

The acrid smoke from the burnt offerings has now dissipated somewhat and our good hostess has by some miracle produced another batch of perfectly crafted pancakes and a large jar of honey.

Conversation ceases. Only the soft sounds of munching and murmurs of gastronomic delight pervade the air.

Mrs Fletcher produces a very large pot of tea and we wash the delicious honey coated morsels down with quite a strong brew.

Beaming at the Cap’n she asks him if he will be gone long and does he want a packed lunch.

I notice that the others have already filled large paper napkins with more of the still warm but crispy discs and stowed them away.

Sated, I turn to the Cap’n:

“I will remain here and look after Angel, if you don’t need my help. I think I can get her to stay if I promise to tell her of some of the exploits we 4/5/6 rebel inmates have gotten into within the Castle walls.

“Also there is a little matter of our unworthy CEO to be taken care of.

“I am sure that Angel would like to experience a more active role in our activities so that, as a correspondent, she gets a better understanding of how we ‘operate’!

Sipping the very welcome cup of tea to wash down all those lovely pancake morsels, I think to myself that perhaps the Cap’n needs some sort of demonstration of the capabilities of my new magical broom.

I will help him understand that there is more than one option of inter-Realm travel available to him.

The method he is proposing is beneficial, in the sense that it can also reveal the travel routes taken by Murk and associates.

But I can show him a direct route between the two Realms.

How to best suggest this to him as he is so focused on what he is about to do?

Ah yes!

No one is looking so I tell my broom to convert to the comfy charabanc mode and then think hard about a time long ago when I was in the other Realm’s Camp interrogation room talking with a small woman in fatigues.

Whooooosh!

I am deposited in a bare but immaculate room that I recognize immediately.

I remember that I sat on one side of the table and being quizzed by a small but very fierce female Colonel. One of the others was taking notes on an official looking pad.

The pad is still there. So I move quickly over to it and remove the top bare sheet which is already stamped: FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.

Unfortunately it isn’t signed but it should be enough.

Another Whoooooooosh!

And I am back in the Tea Room with my broom transposed back into a small stick.

Cap’n Bob turns to me as he has sensed that I am ‘up to something’.

Wordlessly, I smile sweetly and hand him the pristine piece of paper.

He barely glances at it at first and then takes a longer second glance with amazement written all over his face.

“Dddddid you? Cccccaaaan you?”

I smile, nod and then have another sip of my still hot tea.

DANDYDOG

Helloooo?.... ...Helloooo?.... ....Rooooo?...YuuuuuWuuuuu Rooooo?..... Shelleyyyyyy?..... .....Grimmmmmm?...... ....Anybodyyyyyy Here?..... ....I guess no ones down here in the MC's under grown tunnels either Egor...Sighhh... ...Eccck..Ecck..Ecccck?.. ..Where are we going to look next?... .....Hummmm....Well.. so far we've been to all of the other Realms not counting the extra specially sweet visit to the Eastern One where we were once more united with the Friendly Monkey, (Orangutan?) Family....(Isn't their Baby just the Cutest little one ever!!!) ... ...When I asked if they had seen Roo's Monkey Fez ....They told me no.. they've not seen it in quite some time... ...So I think it's time to start worrying a wee bit don't you Egor? ....Ecck, Eccck, EccccK!.... ... You don't need ta shout Egor and yes I do remember that the Captain and PTG have issued a "Gathering of the MC's Slightly Insane Troops" for a special meeting....Ecck..Ecck?. ..About What?.. ...I don't have clearance yet for such <<<<Highly Classified>>>> Information....Sigh....Maybe someday...(In My Dreams Maybe ).....Anyhoo Egor, we best be on our way lickity-split like and report back.....Also I have a certain feeling that we're missing out on a Certain Stack of Mrs Fletcher's Delicious's Pancakes ta boot....So let's get ta Crack'un!!!!....broooom....broooom....(quiet)....broooom....brooooom...

RANDY

I stand there in front of PTG with my mouth open and chin almost hitting the floor.

My hands start to shake as I hold the paper and read and reread over and over again ,in between lines looking at a beaming PTG stuttering yooou ccccaaann dooo thiiiiss

on your new toy?? but how ?? and if you could why wait till now to tell me??

Okay ok I understand you learning how to use the new toy but but I can not believe this as I reread the paper and see PTG with a smile across his face like a cat that just caught a mouse and sipping his tea.

As I read for about the millionth time my eyes stop at FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION

Then the bells go off this looks official but #1This is NOT an official nor standard order #2 there is no Letter Head saying to whom it is addressed #3 it is not signed,#4 Rosie does not have the authority to send an order

PAGE 48

DD

I feel entranced with the sparkly air . It soothes me as it calls to me. Moving slightly into the sparkles, the combat boot (not me) trips over a small, smooth stone. I reach to retrieve it.

The stone is cool to the touch. Brushing the dirt away, I see scratches covering the top and bottom sides. Perky-pointer traces the sharp lines on both sides. The stone seems to be getting warmer and I look twice to assure myself the lines begin to glow. I suddenly realize that I have found one of the fabled Rune Stones that should only be found in the Castle proper.

The glowing lines begin to turn red as the stone becomes uncomfortably HOT HOT HOT. Without any thought but to save my hand from burning, I drop it into my velvet pouch.

I draw golden-strings open, watching as the stone’s lines begin to fade. Looking like any old stone one would find near a riverbed, the surface was polished smooth from eons of water crashing over and around it. If it weren’t for the severely straight lines and the heat, it would definitely be crushed-gravel in a Zen garden.

I feel emboldened and take it in my bare hand again. Tracing the lines brings back the glow and the warmth. I want to continue holding the rune stone and wish I had a sturdy pair of animal-hide gloves. Thinking of them, made it so...each hand now covered with half-finger gloves and the heat, bearable.

The stone went back into the pouch and was snugly cinched closed. The sparkles in the surrounding air still inviting me to walk into it. I started again, glancing around to see that nothing got in my way again.

Just a few moments flitted by and I saw that, true to its smooth form, the stone probably came from the watercourse at my feet. It was not too wide and the water gently tumbled over small stones. It was not deep so, after removing both boots and hiking up the ballooning pantaloons, I make my way across the stream.

PTG

My pet owl is still perched on the monitor that was showing the strange room and girl.

As I pass into the tunnel I happen to glance at the screen.

The girl is gone!

Drat!

My magical broom reverts back to a small cylinder, which I pocket and I head back to the bank of screens.

Nothing! She is nowhere to be seen and those screens cover the entire Castle and its immediate surroundings.

Well, I think, time enough to locate her again but first I must return to the others and see them off (if that is the correct term to use).

In a trice I am back at my table with Mrs Fletcher looking very suspiciously at me.

I show her the empty cup.

Somewhat bemused she returns with the large red tea pot and refills my Worcester porcelain china cup. Which so happens to be the only one left after Roo’s little accident.

I wait!

DD

Sitting near the burbling stream bank makes me thirsty...and hungry. I left the dingy room earlier this day without the thought of a proper repast.

Leaning to sip the cool water from the crystalline brook, I leaned too far....kersplat!!! Face down staring into the pebbly bottom of the nasty stream...sooooo undignified! Boy! I am glad no one is around to see me now!

I wish..... because, hovering to my right, I see a pale-faced spirit. She must be an apparition since I can see right through her! Her filmy gown floats around her and she emits a faint glow.

I should be frightened but she hasn’t moved so I don’t think she means me harm. She holds an upright banner with symbols I don’t recognize. It doesn’t matter, however, the symbols change every few seconds until finally I can read it ...the Castle provides what you need. WOW! A message for just for me! ....or for all who travel this way????

As she appeared quickly, she disappears, just as fast.

I am feeling the chill. I get out of the water and walk to a sunny patch of grass. Unlike the area around the building I came from, the land on this side of the stream is a beautiful forest with old-growth trees and flowers with colors I have never seen. I actually hear a bird’s solitary whistle. An echo replies.

The sunshine in this golden spot is drying my grab and see that the impromptu soaking cleaned the dirt and dust from my clothes and my person. The Castle does provide. I am clean and ready to find the gruff-voiced man.

Now for some food as I go.

Following a not-so-worn-path in and about the old trees, I catch wisps of pleasant odors. I salivate with each new scent. I wish I had brought a cup of cool water with me from the stream and been more watchful for food of some sort.

An idea flashes before my eyes. I remove the rune stone, cradling it in one gloved-palm while perky-pointer traces the lines. The stone warms and I think of cool water. Cool water dumps over my head and drips down to my booted feet.

I sputter and cough. Well I’ll be ...perched pickle on a plank! I tap my chin with my perky-pointer....thinking....thinking...or is it ‘pickled perch on a plank’!; maybe ‘planked perch on a pickle’ Whatever.....I am astonished!

I stare at the stone. It is still warm. The water had no effect on it. I concentrate on water but imagine it IN A CUP! By gosh and by golly...a cup of cool water in my grasp. I swallow it before it goes away. Picturing the cup with water again and...another cup of cool water.

Although the thought of food lingers, I want to try this out with another idea. I stand facing one of the rough-barked trees nearby. While manipulating the rune stone, I imagine myself climbing through its limbs. A sturdy ladder appears. Leaning against the trunk, it reaches into the dense foliage near the treetop. Up I go!

With the aid of the well-built wooden ladder, I imagined myself a distant relative to a sure-footed monkey in search of fruit. Capturing the tip-top I survey 360 degrees.

I found the edge of the forest opposite in direction of the tiny stream. If I keep going in the opposite direction, I will reach what I think to be smoke coming from a stone chimney, itself, sprouting from the pointed roof of a building. Where there is smoke there might be fire but more important to me, I might find the man with the gruff voice and/or food.

As I carefully clamber down the tree limbs, I spy ...a bird’s wing???? EEECK. My morbid curiosity compels me to examine closer. I see that is not a REA

PAGE 49

ROO

I reach out & clasp Cap'n Randy’s hands in mine. His bravery warms my heart & gives me much needed courage.
"It's ok" I tell him softly, "we will come to no harm" As we leave I turn & can't resist blowing him a kiss ......
When we reach the Sultans Gallery he is already waiting for us (not a good omen) "Roo" he practically shouts at me "your Cowgirl has escaped & she has taken my Sultana with her, You may take whatever you need from my realm but I want them both back. You have 24 hours" With that he turns & strides back to his private chambers.
Angel huffs & says "You mean I have been dragged all the way here for a bunch of dried grapes that can be found in a HOS?"
"Angel" I sigh "A Sultana is the revered wife of a Sultan & if we don't find them quickly we may both loose our heads" We both slump on the cold stone steps & as I try to think of a way out of this predicament. A messenger arrives & informs us that Cowgirl has been spotted in The Town.
We rush out to the Palace Square where I see the Palaquin. Hmmm if we have to take the guards they might as well give us a ride.
to be continued

RANDY

I still feel the warmth of Roo's hands and feel even deeper the emptiness of The Tea Room, even though this strange lady called DD is siting at the same table , drinking out of the same cup, has that same look on her face * almost blank* she has not moved nor spoken since I sat with her and asked all those questions, Makes me want to take a closer look at her,, I turn back to the table and lean on the edge of it and stare right in her face,,, heart skips a beat for it is like looking into the eyes of a mannequin just like the ones in The Fabric Shop, so life like but not. Do I dare reach out and touch her ?? I look from her face to her cup ,that is hanging in the same spot half way to the table and her lips, that is so strange there is still steam coming off of it??but how can one thing seem real and the other not?? I wish I could contact PTG in that vault like room with all those monitors that only Grim seems to be able to make head nor tails out of that is if he is still there and not off searching for Mrs Fletcher Dandydog, Egor and Fex is it?? Do I stay here and wait for the others to return? Do I continue making my plans a ready when they do get back? Do keep trying to get through to DD, if she is real that is but she must be I saw her walk in and heard her ask for help? Oh I am getting a dandy of a banger and need aspirin Do I dare leave here and go after Roo and Angel ?? but where would I start to look?

ROO

We are in real trouble here, hours have been ticking away while the guards insisted on a regulation sleep break, just in case they are selected for execution duty Every time I closed my eyes I saw & heard the swish of the Blade of Terror!! Angels' mood swings from panic to organised note taking in the blink of an eye. I have to keep stopping to play HOS's for coins to pay for various tolls & fares on our journey & the clock keeps ticking away

Finally we are unceremoniously dumped in front of the City Clock in the Town Square ,we do not have much time left. Fez is sitting on the Flying Carpet pointing at Kaley's & I think he's been there for hours.

I peek into Kaley’s window & spy the Sultana. The poor woman has been dressed in an outfit that can only be described as a showgirl in a saloon of yesteryear. Cowgirl would never be a fashionista. he Sultana catches my eye & I put my finger to my lips hoping she understands shush.

I turn to Angel "You have to go in there & distract Cowgirl "
"Why me?" she protests
"Because she knows me & would suspect a trap just talk about Rodeos or Randy, that will keep her attention". I sense that Angel is not convinced so I draw my finger across my neck then Angel willingly obliges. The guards have already refused to enter Kaley’s emporium as it's now break-time!

The Sultana, being quick to catch on runs out the door the moment Cowgirls back is turned. Cowgirl tries to give chase but I dash in just as Angel sticks out a foot & trips Cowgirl up. Angel reaches up to hang on to anything & dislodges a newly delivered urn of carrot coloured fabric dye. We slither around on the floor trying to restrain Cowgirl & finally the guards enter,lift her up & toss her into the Palanquin.
It only takes a few moments to change the Sultanas clothes, place her on the Flying Carpet & send her home. Phew....

Our only problem now is to get back to my hideout without anyone seeing us or any bunnies trying to eat us before this dye washes off !!!

RANDY

This is getting out of hand, me pacing the floor like this trying to decide what to do stay here and try to talk some sense into DD I stop and almost Gibb slap myself, like she is going to answer after what how many hours here in the same spot with that blasted cup hanging and steaming mid air.. or stay here and talk to myself until someone shows up or wait a minute maybe I do need some Honey Rum at least then it would not take so long for what is happening here to sink in, I might be as loonie as a toonie * or so I have heard ** but at least I would be doing something God only knows what but at least it would be action. Come on man you are a solider and an officer that has seen more battles and been through H*** and back and yet look at you siting here going in circles trying to find what way is up,, BUCK UP MAN I yell to myself. I grab one of the old wanted posters still hanging on the wall from way back when that Mrs Fletcher turned around and used the back as a Daily Menu and write a note***** Cap. Randy Here To Anyone Who Reads This********** I am off to try and

PAGE 50

DD

I remained seated...mindless of all, including my own person, around me. I ‘came to’ when a gawd-awful sound shattered my quiet void. Near my side, doleful eyes winking/blinking at me, was my alabaster friend, Ally. Thing is, he is no longer a knickknack in my pouch! He is squealing a real porcine squeal as if someone pinched him or pulled hard on his curly tail. Seems my hands had reached into my pouch for something ‘familiar’ and Ally was it. When he fell out of my unmindful grasp, and rolling to the floor with a slight thud, he was thudded to become a cute little potbellied piglet. I soothed his brow and took him to my lap where he immediately was quiet. He snuffled into the voluminous folds of my pantalones, both of us comforted. The gasping lady watched me intently while I gazed around the room. Oh! The spry man who had taken gruff voice to the floor just before Mr Voice had been sick, was in our midst. I make eye contact with both. Petting my piglet, I introduce myself, again, from the floor. After getting to my feet, holding Ally in the crook of my arm, and dusting my clothing, I begin my questions. Who are they? Where are the ‘others’? What are they doing here? How do I get out of here? Do I have to leave?????

RANDY

Just as Angel and I finish the last morsel of ** if I may say so** a great meal **** but then again an old shoe would taste good when you are really hunger ****

It is then that I notice our run a way PTG siting alone by the window,, must be the sunlight blinding him because I wave him over but he seems glassy eyed and does not see me, so I shout BLIMEY BLOKE you blind ?? we are over here , he jumps at my voice maybe his mind was still in the wild blue yonder from wench he just returned

Just as I am about to go get him I am stopped in my tracks by a very very upset and a tad orange Roo?? if that is not enough I look behind her and see the one called DD reach for a floating cup that explodes and shatters to pieces but then reappears whole and still steaming ?? then we see her hit the floor and cover her eyes,then she gets up and sits with a bewildered frightened doe like look on her face it is then we all notice a alabaster pig???

We all watch in stunned amazement as DD cuddles on her lap what is now a baby pot bellied piglet and again is on the floor *** my head whirls**** but this time as she raises from the floor she dusts her cloths and holding for dear life to the piglet to her side she begins to speak with a very shaky voice ** you can tell she is terrified and wants to run ,,, she spurts out questions at us so I step forward and show her my empty hands easy it is okay we mean you no harm,, I am glad to see you returned and can now speak to us,, please forgive me let me answer your questions,,, I am Captain Randy leader of this group of captives in this mirror image of our MC,, by the window is PTG my second in command,,,next to me is Angel who we are still getting to know, and over there is our beloved Auntie Roo whom we all call Roo our apprentice piro maker of all

things that go bomb (a little joke to ease the tension ) making of potions and spinier or spells she is taking over the place of our dearly beloved Jenny Wren who is no longer with us,, you will also meet Dandydog general entrepreneur and driver/owner of a new souped up Put Put * will explain that later* and our dear Mrs Fletcher owner /operator of this The Tea Room, and of course Salty owner/operator of The Tavern..

and of course there is Egor, Fex, PTG pet Owl, and many more for you to meet when we can get out of this false MC and back to the real one,,, more on that later,

We are all trying to get away from here ever since we found out this is NOT the real MC and is a mirror world made by Murk and his off spring Arabella.

Getting out of here is exactly what I am working on and if you would like to get back to the real MC I can help you do that no you do not have to leave you stay right here with us you will be look after and protected , now please lets all sit and have a hot tea and welcome our new friend here and her lill friend what is his/her name may I ask??

DD

Hello to all. Thank you Captain Randy. My little pigglywiggly is Ally-short for alabaster...He was just a little porcelain trinket but somehow he became a real boy.

I would love to try your tea. My last attempt at making my own with magic sent me on an unscheduled flight to ....not sure exactly where.

I hope Ally will stay in this form.

RANDY

Oh Roo did you hear that ? our new friend DD here has magical powers I bet you two become tight friends, but I must warn you DD our Roo try\s her best but does not quite have the hang of it yet especially when it comes to things that go BOOM lol

But God love her she does her best, and I would highly advice not to use to much of your magic here seeing this is a mirror /phony MC and things happen and we have no idea why right PTG.

One minute you are here the next POOFFFFFFFFF your gone.

But we stick together and some how manage to get back here to The Tea Room.

You are most welcome DD and I tickle Ally under his chin what a handsome boy you are.

Please excuse me a minute I think the kettle is ready tea for all??

ROO

I am agog to see Angel sitting at the table. Well she didn't escape very far!!

What is this I see? Angel is wearing an outfit exactly the same as my new outfit which is hanging on the back of my door. I have to say mine doesn't have steak juice or melted butter down the front of it

Kaley promised me it was an exclusive design & as rare as a unique stamp hmmm...

That reminds me I must write a note for Fez to give to Egor, to pass on to Dandydog who in turn will give it to Mrs Fletcher (phew)

Cancel hog roast on Saturday night, will explain later.

I doubt any of us could eat it having looked at DD's cute little pet Ally.

Oooh! I spot

PAGE 51

PTG

Roo croons over her shaking Fez and reassures it that all is well.

DDs little piglet has recovered and nuzzling her fingers as it is hungry. Which is just as well as it is now no longer on the menu!

Cap’n Bob is literally steaming with anger at the effrontery of the evil surrounding us.

He then continues with his conversation with DD over a hot cup of the special hot chocolate made by a simpering Mrs Fletcher: made with cream, chocolate and laced with honey rum.

We turn our gazes upwards at the hole in the Tea Room roof to see a now cloudless sky.

I turn to them and comment;

“One up to us, I think!”

Having calmed down, my thoughts turn back to Roo's suggestion that I try to find any clues which can be gleaned from the MC inventory.

I know of the Book of Wisdom which Roo is currently reading. This might be useful but she is such a slow reader!

Also she is not too well versed in the technological power of the seek and find functions available to her.

The much more comprehensive Book of Knowledge, lodged in the Library of the Dark Tower, may also have useful information, so I think that I will go there to have a read.

But first I turn to my broom and think: "any useful maps in the HOS Repository?" (One never knows, I may get lucky!).

Several maps suddenly appear and I am immediately drawn to the copy that Cap'n Bob is also holding in his hand, titled 'The Map of the Old Roads'.

This seems to show ancient surface tracks on the MC landscape, but before the Castle was built.

It also indicates large surface pits where the Gnomes quarried for stones and other materials for the construction of the Castle.

There are scattered here and there large dark holes indicating tunnels into the mountain sides.

Since the Gnomes are renowned doe their burrowing activities, these must be the basis for the tunnels we now know and which Cap'n Bob has mapped with his troops.

"Now", I think to myself, "I will superimpose this current Castle map from the HOS Repository with the old map and see what information we can glean".

Immediately we see that there is a superimposition of nodes for several of the tunnels directly under Grim's apertures, and which leads to her HQ.

But there is also another one in Cloud City which seems to go nowhere.

I am confused and say to the others; "Here is an aperture but there is no tunnel!"

Time for us to venture over to Cloud City and leave the Tea Rooms to some spontaneous reconstruction work.

There is nothing new to see until DD, clever little girl that she is, points upwards at the ceiling.

We now need Roo's gadgets to enhance the lighting in that area.

DD has got quite excited and is telling Cap'n Bob that she thinks that the area above is where she first appeared in our realm.

So perhaps it is there that we can find a way out of this duplicate multiverse that Murk has managed to trap us within.

ROO

Hmm...just as well I didn't shard all of my inventory one of the benefits of being a hoarder ha ha!

As I empty the contents of my bag all around me I turn to PTG & say "I have 4 searing lights,10 lightning flashes & 8 illuminating devices, Do you have a preference?"

"Just one I illuminating device will be sufficient" he replies rather sarcastically

Next time I see the blacksmith I'm going to get him to make some sort of wheels for my bag. At least this trip seems to be above ground. If there's any digging I shall insist Angel is better suited to the task now that she's changed out of MY dress

Cap'n Bob, being the military man that he is, is now on a Reconnaissance and quickly gathers together with Roo all the necessary supplies.

I get him several Knights Honor Banners from the Repository so that he can more easily path-find the way out of here.

Then I spot several bulges in Roo's newly re-acquired dress.

When I mention this to her, she denies any such additions to her body and calls me most ungentlemanly for saying so.

But on pressing the issue, she rather shamefacedly removes several sticks of dynamite 'borrowed' directly from the Atlantis Elephant site and so not showing up on the HOS Repository.

I think: "Deja Vue!" with our beloved Jenny Wren in my mind.

"Whatever will our worthy playing citizens think and say if there is now a hole in that HOS?"

My broom scoops up the sticks and returns them to their rightful place, leaving a rather sullen Roo making faces at me and calling me a "goody two shoes!"

Then I remember something which is now rather important and rummage around in my pockets. I pull out a scrap of paper and pass it to Roo.

It is from my Fairy Godmother.

My dear Playingthegame,

I have struggled with whether I should tell you this very significant and hidden feature about your new broom. You see, it is a feature that was NOT added by me and since the creator is no longer available for me to consult and get permission.....well, I just don't know if it is my place or right to divulge her "secrets."

But, after much debating with myself, I feel compelled to tell you about it.... you see, Ms. Jenny_Wren was floating by as I started my broom spell. (Hers is the part that is secretly coded.) She gave the broom a hollow shaft....the very top of your broom doesn't look like a "cap" but, indeed it is. You just need to tap gently along the very top edge before the end domes up, and then it will rise up ever so little for you to then unscrew the cap.

Inside that hollow shaft you will find sticks of dynamite.....one on top of the other and if you mumble "arrow" ever so quietly into the open end, the next one to come out will be attached to an arrow. But, be wary of that arrow, for it cannot be set flying by just any archery bow found in one of the HOSs. No, that special arrow must be released by the crossbow inside of the Fairy Forest Armory. (See how clever she is? She has guaranteed that the crossbow remains in good working order by

PAGE 52

A.e.GRAM

    AuntieRoo wrote:

    PS. Of course PTG is fair game for any female who's brave enough to try

Careful Roo........his Fairy Godmother is watching over him! ...... and.....what gal wouldn't want a man with a broom who keeps everything neat and tidy??????

PTG

Just for the record (because of recent posts) I am the Chief Sweeper Upper of the MC and I take my duties very seriously.

"Very Seriously" means 24/7 and I have neither the time nor the inclination to go gallivanting about like some people I could mention, trying to be fashionistas or demolition experts.

Cap'n Bob may need to remind you all that we are at WAR with evil, which is everywhere and which has got us into this present pickle.

If I have a FAIRY GODMOTHER (God bless her!), it is because she thinks that I need help with this war.

Now that I have this "off my chest", may I suggest Angel - a little more fur around the shoulders.

Up there in the stratosphere (if that is where we are heading) it may be a tad cool, and your bare shoulders are more suitable for reclining in the Sultan's harem!

ROO

I feel suitably chastised. In my defence I was trying stop Captain Randy from getting any further distractions while he ponders on our present predicament .

I shall redirect my energy into reading faster & demolition lessons

DD

So....PTG is a CSU of MC!!!

And thank you, PTG, for the weather forecast.

Included in each of our ensembles will be a Cape for Dusty Roads. Kaley makes these while you wait. Each will be monogrammed and have our own choice of color.

If you and the Captain would like your very own, let us know. i am sure Kaley will be able to accommodate us.

She also specializes in custom jewelry to meet each individual's specific needs. Angel will need the Star Buckle to cinch in the waist and I have to have the Genie's Bracelet and a miniature Spyglass to wear as a lavaliere.

We are having a great time shopping on the Captain's coin.

RANDY

I sit still a bit bewildered over the past events , the now roofless Tea Room man Mrs Fletchers going to very upset over that not unless I can get a hand at fixing it before she gets back.

That and now these rings that PTG are poring over trying to figure them out and why would his Fairy God Mother send them now??that kinda means that PTG and I will tied together and as he has stated many times he DOES not want to leave here and join us back at Camp, so now what The H*** do I do?? these rings if I understand correctly have to be used together so what if I am off to Town or The Castle Entrance and PTG is here ??

I try to remove my ring and give it to PTG but guess what it will not come off it is like stuck to my finger #$%^&*()(*&^%$#$%^&*( just great I can not get this ugly thing off my finger now , hum I wonder if the Blacksmith has any cutters for this ,if I can wake him up that is #$%^&(*&^%$%^&*()(*&^%$#

I stop mid $%^&^5 for the ladies have come back all looking like they are ready for an Easter Parade as each one shows off there new duds and even Caps for when it nice touch and well I will be new cloths for me now this is more fitting to my rank real Army clothes now this is going to make me feel a whole lot better ,

So Ladies you all happy with the new duds they all chime in at once oh YES Cap thank you thank you and in turn I get an empty velvet bag that ***WAS*** filled to the brim with gold coins and now empty good thing I gave then the right bag ( the other ones has all my diamonds in it) guess that means I have to do endless rounds in the HOS'S to restock my coins and have a word with Kaley think she took advantage of a good thing and wiped out the ladies well me I should say out.)

I need some air as I walk out The Tea Room and try to find a spot where I can think

I wish I had my pipe right now.....

A.e.GRAM

Today I visited the memorial to jenny_wren in the Fairy Forest to let her know that I successfully delivered her gifts.......You incompetent old woman! she screams at me.....you got the message ALL WRONG!!!! Can't you do ANYTHING RIGHT????? And you know I can no longer do it myself....How you get on my last nerve!....oh, for some dynamite to just blow up something! .........sigh.... sigh........I'm sorry....I should not have said that..... And, you know I don't truly mean it.....it's just soooo hard no longer being a woman of action and needing to rely on others.

So....here is the deal .... yes, the rings work together.....of course they do because they are mated/friendship rings..... and, yes, when in a room together, PTG and Cap can, indeed, cover a larger area to secure ALL of their friends.....and yes, they can make singular domes in the same room......and yes, in this same world, they only work when they have line of sight...... (but this will not be a permanent condition.... the goblin assures me that when he has more time to work with his spells, he can make them work when they are in different parts of this world... he just had to hurry up the forging because Murk and Arabella attacked sooner than he thought.)

However, the rings DO work individually when they are in the DIFFERENT worlds.....so, if Cap manages to get back to his camp...... and PTG stays behind or goes to an alternate world (away from this one of Murk's and Arabella's conniving), then the ability to create the dome for protection will work for them individually in that singular universe.

She insists I write all this down......(she reads it over to make sure I have managed to get it right) and then she puts the note inside an envelope addressed:

TO: Captain Randy and Playingthegame ... c/o Mrs. Fletcher's Tea Room

After returning to the Flying Boat, I find a (hopefully) worthy pigeon to deliver the message and release him on his way.........

PTG

I follow the Cap’n out of the Tea Room wit

PAGE 53

RANDY

I look at PTG and get a grin from ear to ear as we spy the rings neatly laying on our cloths, whewwwwwwwwww what a relief so I take it the knuckle buster rings do not like water , I get a bit jittery and say to PTG lets get dressed and back to the Tea Room seeing we are standing here soaking wet and in our birthday suits and you know I DO NOT TRUST those gals,,, especially DD with her popping in and out all over the place

I hear a noise in the bushes and both PTG and I grab our close and jump behind a small bush and we both look at each other as we both feel the rings slip back on our fingers

My cheeks hurt from my ear to ear grin,, but I say to PTG I do wish they had made these thing a tad lighter and less ugly makes me fell like a P*** Daddy as I roll on the grass laughing opppps better get dressed .

We head back fully dressed now and along the way come up to DD siting on a rock playing with her bracelet and talking to her self, she is one strange lady but then again we all in this place and I can not wait to get back to Camp and sanity well more sane then here.

A huge feeling of sadness over takes me and I turn as PTG talks to DD I stare at the Mountain tops the tree line that I know over there is my beloved Camp God how I miss them all and all the critters, I swipe away a tear as I hear PTG call me hey hop a long lets go.

Man that man infuriates me at times but gota luv the guy.#$%^&^%$%^& in the B***

he is but to tell you the truth I would not want to change him or ask fro a better friend and second in command , I would not change any of them here I have grown to love them as my family and I will give my life to save them,,, I shake my head okay you old softie snap out of it buck up man,,, I turn and join PTG and DD and we head back to The Tea Room................

ROO

The close shave that Captain Randy & PTG had has shocked me into understanding the precariousness of our current situation

I need to make preparations to be ready at a moment’s notice & I do not want to be left behind. I am loathe to leave as everyone is enjoying this rare occasion where we are all in the same place at the same time, although the atmosphere is alive with underlying tension of what might lie ahead of us.

Strangely enough I do not feel afraid I am amongst friends & if things get tough I'm going to stick with anyone who's got a fairy godmother watching over them

I must quietly leave & go quickly to my hideaway for I feel time is short....hopefully they won't even notice I've gone. I should be back in the blink of a bats' eye.

At my hideaway I throw all sorts of bits & bobs into my bag just in case they are needed. I try to pick up my bag but what is this? I cannot even lift it off the floor, it's far too heavy. I pull everything out then put it all back in . it's all essential hmmm...

2 cups of tea & 3 cookies later I find a solution but I will have to be quick or my absence will be noticed

Thank goodness for the puzzles...A quick trip to the kiddo & I have outsmarted him. Unceremoniously I grasp the Wish Master from his fist & run.

At the Gates to Atlantis the genie is not very happy to see me !

"Roo, you cannot enter I have orders not to let you in after the damage you caused last time" he says quite firmly.

"How many times must I say, it was not me it was Cowgirl & if you help me I will be on my way. I just need a little wish from you please".

I explain my problem & ask if I can have a replica wish master pendant that will enable me to summon my bag in times of need.

"Is that all?" He asks. I nod. He waves his arms around a few times (not nessesary I'm sure, he just likes to display his muscles), mumbles a few words under his breath, then POW...I am wearing a pendant. I thank him, promise I won't be back in the near future & return to the tea room.

RANDY

You know this POOFINGGGGGGGGGGGGG in and out all the time is making me dizzy so KNOCK it off and yes I mean you two DD and Roo one minute I am talking to one or the other and poof your gone then poof your back, do I have restrain you two like I did when Angel first pooed in here?

Ask her how she liked it

HEY Mrs Fletcher can a hungry man get a bite to eat??

Maybe I should shout louder *** but no I might scare her apron off** or go peek in the kitchen ** nope not good idea she hates anyone being in her kitchen and I might get whacked with her huge kettle**

I look over at PTG in deep conversation with Angel wonder what those two are up to again.

I sunder over and let a soft cough out ,, excuse me but PTG could I ask you something?

Did you give that bar room smelling Owl of yours his bath yet ? and he is sober enough to go on a mission for you and I?

We cleaned up nicely with our romp in the Pond but I think we better get rid of this facial fungus or the Lassies will be calling us Rip Van Winkle and it is getting a tad itchy .

Do we have to write down what we need and from where?? we need two razors, 2 soap, 2 shaving brushes and a comb or two would be nice ,,,,

As I reach the table with PTG and DD in very deep conversation hummm

this looks intense to late for Spring In The Air but my old comrade in arms my pain in the b*** my second in command my friend be getting hit by Cupid arrows????

POOFFFFFFFFFFFFF I am back under the bed with ROO and Fuzzy ????????????

PPPOOOOOOOOOOOOFFFFFFFFF I am back at the tea room OKAY enough of that stop it makes me dizzy and dust bunnies is not a thing you want to see.

Well this is boring PTG with DD and now joined by Angel , Mrs Fletcher hiding in her kitchen, Dandydog still MIA I am going nuts here with nothing to do and eyes getting crossed from reading this map a million times,

grab a pen and paper scribble a fast note...... I am out in the woods cutting some planks and gathering mud to make some tiles so I can fix The Tea Rooms roof

Guess my shave will have to wait GRRRRRRRR

PAGE 54

SHELLEY

After my trip away and the long journey back, I hear frivolities coming from somewhere.

Oh, heck I think, the Gang have just returned from a triumphant whatever they have been upto thingy dodah and are celebrating.

I gulp, take in a huge deep breath, how on earth am I going to tell them.

I find where the source of the noise is coming from, the Tea rooms. Entering gingerly, I stand there just for a few seconds, before being noticed by PTG,

"Shelley your back, welcome welcome, you look exhausted, my friend, can we get you something?"

"Just a cup of tea, please"

"I did buy pressies for you all" I say, but I'm sorry I left them behind, coz I was in a hurry to return, and tell you all something".............gulp, big intake of air.

All at once, there was a chorus of "WHAT"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok guys this is the story............

As you know, I took the pesky Piskies back to the West Country, I got as far as the river which separates Devon and Cornwall. The Piskies were really excited at being near to their home, they asked if they could go now, and make their own way home from there. I did hesitate, but their pleading made me soften a bit, so I let them out of their cage.

Out of no where, came a few more Piskies, that live under the Cornish side of the Bridge.

More Gulps and sharp in takes of breath from me............The gang are sat there eyes popping and mouths wide open, not saying a word. The party is over it now seems and I am spoiling it for them.

News had arrived from these Piskies, that at Tintagel, a Castle in north Cornwall, some work was being done, and a terrible force was released, and is heading to all Castles. Luckily though, it also released Lancelot and Merlin, to help save the day, but they need help.

The 2 Piskies I was returning, looked at me and asked if they could help, I said no, I must return to MC immediately, you carry on home now.

So, here I am, with the bad news my friends, what the force is, I just don't know.

The hush in the Tea Room was deafining........................

PTG

Cap’n Bob seems to be of the opinion that dandydog’s problem of sudden appearances and disappearances is easily resolved.

I am not so sure.

Someone or something has done a “number on her” and I think she (or part of her) is wandering in between the Realms.

We need to get her stabilized in this one, so she can fulfill her function as Cap’n Bob’s ‘gopher’ (gedit?: go for this and go for that!).

As an emergency measure I think that I have just the thing and hand her a newly crafted, fully charged Bridger of Realms. This insignificant but powerful piece of MC magic should do the trick if she has the will to resolve where she really wants to be.

Poooof!

And here she is, looking somewhat surprised but very relieved.

I am just about to congratulate myself on another job well done when I catch sight of yet another wanderer returning to the fold in the form of our Welsh pixie lover.

And once more we are immersed in another unfolding mystery to our saga.

I look to my partner Cap’n Bob to tell us what he proposes to do about it.

Everyone else seems to be in varying stages of 'gobsmackedness' as her tale unfolds!

DANDYGOG

Ecccck...Ecck...Eccccc?.... ...Hush Egor! I's trying to comprehend what our dear long lost friend Welsh Rabbit Shelley is whispering to PTG about... ....Oh, here comes Mrs Fletcher with her ever ready for every occasion "Cuppa Strong Tea." ....Eccck..EccccK?.. ..How an the heck would I know if-fen she put in a spoonful or two of the Captain's favorite "Honey Rum?".. ...OMG!..It must be very important news indeed cause now Captain Randy, Roo and the whole Special Room Slightly Insane Gang is gathering around our still slightly bedraggled lost no more Friend Shelley.''' "Pesky Piskies?" ...Why in the world she talking about the Piskies and......"Dandy Dog!"... Gulp.. ..Busted ..Get your behind back in the kitchen this very minute!... ..."But Mrs Fletcher"... ..what if I have to know all the important news just in the case Captain Randy needs me and Egor for a very Important assignment or such?... ...I am certain if our illustrious Captain needs your help Pup, He will know where to find you now scoot!.....Ya know Egor, She's right ...cause my keen Puppy-dog senses.. .. are telling me somethings afoot here in the Special Room and we all needs to be ready for whats a coming next.......Meanwhile, after doing our chores for Mrs Fletcher Egor, lets go and practice some more with that nifty Gadget PTG done gave us OK?...

RANDY

The party comes to a screeching halt as we all gather around and we all stare in shock.

Is it true our welshrarebit has returned??? Shelly??? is it truly you, as I grab and hug her tight man you look beat come sit and have a hot tea or maybe something stronger .

All of a sudden I look up and low and behold is my dandydog I look at PTG with raised eyebrows???? and he gives me a smug look *** your welcome****

Oh this is to good to be true we have almost the whole gang here so PARTYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

But Shelly holds up her hand and in between gulps for air she tells us the story of the pesky pixies .... my mouth almost hits the floor and my downunder as I almost miss the chair trying to sit and my glass hits the floor and shatters.

What in the world you saying Shelly???? those are words of DOOM not only this fake MC Castle but the real Castle is in dire danger??

Ok ok ok think Cap how do we fight something we really do not know what is coming and who is doing this, it's sounds to diabolical to come from Murk and his evil kid .

How much time do we have Shelly before this hits us???

My mind is spinning and I feel like I am going to hurl.

We need a plan and FAST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

PTG

The phrase immortalized by Mr. Adams comes to mind:

"Don't Panic!

For Page 55 and subsequent pages of the Special Room saga we now must read in The Special Room - Origins PART 2