(No Silver Lining?) "Lucinda." "Jatray." It was a chilly meeting and in that space where the two women met, Antarctica couldn't even come close to rivaling the climate. "Any news?" "Nothing yet." Jatray had allowed Izzy and Journey to go off on their own today. The carnival had come to Mala and they had said that they wanted to experience it. "Are you coming Jatray?" Journey had asked. "No I am allergic to being out in the sun all day." Izzy, who though it was a joke, laughed and said. "Really, that is your excuse?" Izzy picked up a brush from the dresser. "It is and I am sticking to it." Jatray had replied. Izzy brushed her hair and Journey held up a white shorts, wondering if white was a good shade to go dancing in the streets all day in. Jatray had returned to her room and picked up her cellphone. ******************************* Jatray couldn't think of them now. As the old saying goes, there is no pleasure in business. There was something peaceful about the m

(Turning Point.) "Izzy what is wrong?" Jatray asked. Coming into the room and finding Izzy balled up into a fist and lying on the ground. "The baby, I am losing the baby." Sweat was running down Izzy's face, her pink hair matted to her brow as she clutched her stomach. "What can I do?" Jatray was terrified and rushed to Izzy's side. "Get me to the hospital." Izzy screamed as another sharp pain gripped her. "Yes, yes I will." Jatray took Izzy into her arms. Blood was soaking through her jeans, making Jatray dizzy. The car? Jatray thought in her confusion. Where did I park the damn car? She ran into Journey just outside the door to her Mother's room. Journey paused to avoid bumping into Jatray, then she saw the blood. "What is wrong with Mom?" "Let's go Journey." Jatray hurried past the teenager. "Go where, what is happening?" Journey began to panic. "Your Mother needs a doctor." "A doctor, why?" "Journey let's go now!" Jatray barked over her shoulder, not slowi

(Trust Opens The Door.) They ate a light snack of cheese and crackers and washed it down with grape juice. Maverick and Bruce talked about Goblin Land by the window. Buttercup, who had prepared the snacks, was still in the kitchen, and Opal had gone to see if she required any assistance. Doug sat by the drawn bamboo shutters at his laptop downloading some pictures to his National Geography page, a half filled glass and a plate of crumbs joined his camera on the small table. Hercules had his earphone in his ears, sliding his fingers along the face of his smartphone, trying to look as inconspicuous as possible. Moonstruck had gone outside. She did so most nights since returning, and one assumed she wanted to be alone, to look across the river at her Village, which she could not visit. "Well, I think I will now take my leave and take these with me." Maverick stood and gathered the stone tablets in his hands. There were no objections. "Goodnight everyone. It has been a p

(Establishing Alliances.) Moonstruck had just crossed the river when she heard the growling in the bushes. She paused and sniffed the air. She detected two scents. From behind the trees, one wolf leaped forward. "Don't come an inch closer!" Moonstruck received the command through telepathy. The wolf who had sent the message snapped it's teeth. Moonstruck began a determined, deliberate trot. The wolf pulled it's paws back in the earth and claws digging up dirt, it sprang at her. Anticipating the attack, Moonstruck grabbed the wolf by the hind leg and bit as deeply as she could without severing the limb. They rolled around biting and howling as she fought viciously but mercifully. She fought, not to kill but to survive, because these were still her people. Finally defeated and bleeding the wolf laid on the ground in a spam of pain and blood, but still alive. Before Moonstruck could catch her breath, another wolf had come out of nowhere and dug claws into her tail.

(Ode To England.) It was a three hours flight and the plane finally landed at Heathrow Airport. Bruce's magic had disguised any weapon they had on them as legitimate items and so they breezed through customs. Big Ben could be seen from all direction, its hands of time controlling Londoners' movements throughout the day. They walked around abit, stopped at a Delhi where they had muffin and an afternoon tea. Refreshed they endured the crowd of London City. The English were a proud nation and there was much to be proud about. The red, white and blue flags hang from the buildings around every corner. Tourists were everywhere on Tower Bridge, taking pictures and running their hands along the blue straps and railings as they made their way to Trafalgar Square. A soft drizzle of rain began. Umbrellas came out of their backpacks as they pasted the bronze lions, resting on hinds leg, watching over the pride of a powerful monarchy. *************************************** There w