Whoah! Look at this...look at this. This storyline has made it to a ------------------
of
Proud Co-Director of the RSPCE!
Whoah! Look at this...look at this. This storyline has made it to a ------------------
of
Proud Co-Director of the RSPCE!
"Who's there?" Demanded one, as Titanicus picked up the lad, now wailing, and ran past the guards, pushing one over and out of the way, and up the stiars to the rest of the group, the second he reached the top, all he shouted was
"Run!" As he stumbled pats the rest of the group... ------------------
of
Proud Co-Director of the RSPCE!
"Where's Titanicus?!" yelled Lethargic despite being short of breath.
"Back with his son, in the cave, up the stairway," responded Civis, nearly stumbling himself when the young woman tripped. But she regained her feet quickly and they were off again.
"But he's not safe going that way!"
"I know, but I didn't have time to argue with him."
Just then, Flavius caught up with Civis. "Run as fast as you can, there are more coming than I can handle." They passed a side entrance they hadn't noticed before. In its depths eerie screeching sounds could be heard from creatures heading their way. The three Romans and their charges were 10 steps beyond the side tunnel when the little girl in Lethargic's arms, looking back, suddenly rent the tunnel with a piercing scream. "MONSTERS!"
They all turned their heads to see what it was. Indescribable ghouls boiled out of the side tunnel by the dozens: green, slime-covered creatures with claws like lizards and faces like snakes. They joined the pursuing necro-warriors in the chase.
The Romans ran as fast as they could. A small light became visible in the distance. They were close. The light grew, and grew even more, larger and larger. It was the tunnel exit. It was so close, relief began to quicken their step...then the light suddenly disappeared. The dimness of the dank tunnel prevented their eyes from seeing why. It was left to their ears to learn why.
The tunnel reverberated to the sound of an elephant's war cry. "TUSKY!" They all yelled at once. "Quick...find a wall niche," cried out Civis. Good thing too, the charging elephant, whose bulk had temporarily blocked the light from the tunnel entrance, was intent on smashing demons and never saw the invisible Romans and their rescued Celtians. Neither did Incon who was riding her elephant into the fray. Nor did any of the others, Xena, Gabrielle or Ish, who were running right behind the elephant. After they passed, the Romans and Celtians hurried out of the cave and into the open area where the sun's influence banished their invisibility spell.
Apolita and Jayhawk greeted them. The young daughter of Cian rushed over to embrace her friend's wife and Titanicus' daughter, then led them quickly into the forested area for safety.
"We're going back inside, Jayhawk," said Civis, looking at the others for their agreement. "Titanicus is still in there and they may need us in battling those ghouls."
Jayhawk smiled. "I expect Tusky and Incon have it under control, but I know I couldn't convince any of you to stay regardless. Don't worry, they all will be safe in the forest with me. Go find Titanicus and bring him out."
"My intentions exactly, angel!" called Civis over his shoulder as he, Flavius and Lethargic ran back to the tunnel's entrance and into its dark length.
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Meanwhile, at the top of the stairway:
The invisible Titanicus, holding his son, saw his friends, with his wife and daughter, running from the room into the tunnel in the direction from which they came. The guards were in pursuit. Titanicus opened the door at the top of the stairs and quickly slammed it shut and locked it. He put a spell of solidity on the door, sealing it shut and unopenable from the other side. He hastily cancelled his and his son's spell of invisibility then he turned to see standing before him:
"Well, toy magician, we meet again," said the Dark Lord. Titanicus responded immediately with all of the instincts trained into him by Cian. He quickly formed a "sealing" spell that ensured no one would enter or leave the chamber, not Titanicus, not Deyhawk, nor... "Your son...How careless of you, apprentice," jeered Deyhawk. Somehow I feel neither of you will survive this encounter with your Titanicus calmly and cooly considered his options... Slowly the Magician of Celtia sank to his knees. He reached over and drew his son close. He said to him, "Do you believe in me and trust me, my son." The boy answered without hesitation. "Yes, father." Then sadly, Titanicus looked at his son one last time and said, "Do not fear, you will be with me again." So saying, Titanicus closed his eyes and told his son to close his too. Titanicus opened his eyes, but the young boy's eyes did not open again, and he slumped into his father's arms. "You have murdered your son?!" exclaimed an incredulous Deyhawk. "Your only son?!" "To save him from you, Demon!" retorted Titanicus, carrying the limp body of his son to a chair in the corner of the chamber. "I brought him into this world. It is for me to remove him from it, not you." "Very noble, toy magician, but my patience wears thin. I desire to send you to the same place your son now resides. Oblige me, would you please. Let the contest begin...to the death...yours, of course!" Titanicus placed his son's small hands on the boy's chest, his face hardened and he turned to face the "As you wish, Demon," Titanicus said. -Civis Romanus
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She looked up at the sound of a little boy's sobs. At the top of the stairs, sitting outside what looked like a magically sealed door, she saw Titanicus' son. Tusky placed her on the stairs and she ran up to him.
"What happened?" she asked, stroking the boy's head.
"D-daddy pulled our 'play dead' trick," Senan sobbed. "He transports me someplace else and makes it look like he's got my dead body in his arms. He does it every Samhain and Christmas, at family gatherings..."
"Charming," Incon muttered.
"B-but now he's locked in that room with that awful, nasty bad man!!" Senan wailed, pointing at the sealed door. He burst into fresh tears.
"There, there," Incon comforted him, "I'm sure your Daddy knows what he's doing. He's very clever, you know. Hey - I've got an idea. Ever ridden an elephant before?"
The little boy shook his head, rubbing his eyes.
"Wanna ride one now?"
Senan perked up, but only marginally. He nodded and Incon led him down to Tusky, who loomed over the child. He stretched his trunk out toward him.
"Does he bite?" Senan asked as Incon helped him up onto Tusky's broad back.
"Only sugar cane and melons," Incon replied, clambering up behind him. She turned the elephant around and prepared to lead him out of the cave.
Nearby another dark guard suddenly leapt up. "Not so fast!" he snarled.
Tusky was preparing to swing his trunk, when the guard's expression turned to one of complete surprise. He fell forward - with Xena's round throwing-thingy sticking out of his back.
"That was *wicked*!" Senan cried, impressed.
Xena and Gabrielle burst into the cave room. "Where's Titanicus?" Xena demanded.
Incon and Senan pointed to the sealed room. "You'll have a heck of a job getting in," Incon told her. "It's sealed inside and out. But, I've got a feeling Titanicus knows what he's doing. I'm just going to take Senan back to his mother. Let me know if you need Tusky's help." With that, Tusky lumbered up the passage to the cave's entrance.
Gabrielle turned to Xena. "What are we going to do now?"
Deyhawk snickered. "Eager to die, toy magician? But first let me demonstrate something I've discovered. It's magic of a different sort. Oh, don't worry, it alone cannot harm you. Watch!"
Between the two antagonists a floating object appeared. It was a marble bowl with a short, smoothly curved, carved marble post, like a miniature building's column. Deyhawk manipulated the object. "I call it 'mortar and pestle', a good name, toy magician?"
"Press on, Deyhawk. You're boring me," replied Titanicus.
"Very well. First, some sulfur." A small clump of yellow substance appeared in thin air and fell into the bowl. The pestle began to grind the yellow substance against the side of the bowl. "Now some charcoal." A lump of black, charred material appeared and likewise dropped into the bowl. "And finally some saltpeter." A new substance appeared and took its place in the ground up mixture. "Now observe," ordered Deyhawk.
A piece of parchment paper materialized and lay flat in mid air. The mortar rose and emptied its content in a row along the width of the parchment. Unseen hands rolled the parchment enclosing the mixture and forming the parchment into a layered tube, then the unseen hands sealed each end. Out of one end a long string like object emerged made of a different material. A tiny amount of the ground up powder fell out of the open end of the foot long string.
"What is that stuff, Deyhawk?" asked Titanicus, not actually expecting an answer.
"The Chin call it 'ga-po-du'. It's a very colorful, exciting thing. It's yours." The cylinder suddenly disappeared, then reappeared in Titanicus' hand.
Titanicus stared at it with curiousity. "Sulfur, charcoal and salt?"
Deyhawk's forehead furrowed. "Not salt, dunderhead; saltpeter! Titanicus' expression never changed. But his alert mind caught the inference. He's vulnerable to salt! There is a way to defeat the immortal Dark Lord. He cannot be killed, Deyhawk waved his hand and in Titanicus' hand the tip of the string-like material at the end of the cylinder ignited, sparkled and sizzled. The string began to disappear in the direction of the cylinder. Shorter and shorter shrank the string. Soon the sparkling, sizzling tip would disappear into the cylinder. Titanicus had no idea what to expect or what to do. Puzzled, he stared at the string as it methodically burned its way to the cylinder... _____________________________________ In the Hostage Room: Three black caped denizens of Deyhawk appeared at the entrance. Tusky, carrying the little boy and Incon, turned in alarm, his trunk raised in preparation for another smashing. Xena grabbed her throwy-thingy to send it flying once more. "Wait!" all three black caped figures yelled at once. And they quickly threw off their capes to reveal... Relief surged through all in the Hostage room, only to be abruptly halted by a tremendous explosion in the sealed chamber at the top of the stairway. They all dropped to the ground as small pieces of debris from the chamber ceiling shaken loose by the explosion fell around them. In the now dusty confines of the hostage room, they all looked up at the magically sealed door. It was still sealed. They looked at each other in surprise and concern. The same thought was on each of their minds. What has happened between Titanicus and Deyhawk? ___________________________________________
Civis Romanus, Legionnaire Lethargic and Flavius.
-Civis Romanus
"There must be a way in" says Flavius. "What if we try to get in from above."
"Sounds like a good idea to me!" says Lethargic who is busy checking his pockets. He then spots the pouch that was jarred loose from his belt by the explosion. As he reaches down to grab it, the pouch rises from the floor and quickly floats to the sealed door and passes through it in a puff of smoke.
"Apparently only selected items can pass through that door. What was that pouch?" asked Civis looking at Lethargic.
"Only my lunch pouch." answers Lethargic.
"Now why would it just move and disappear like that?" asked Civis. "What was in it Lethargic?"
Lethargic shrugs and answers. "Only a lark's tongue sandwich and my seasoning vials."
"Seasonings? What seasonings?" asked Civis.
"Just some salt and pepper" responds Lethargic. "What in the world is going on in there?"
"Well, I don't want it either, Celtian. It's yours!" Deyhawk tossed it to Titanicus.
"You take it, Deyhawk!" Back the cylinder went to Deyhawk.
"No, you take it, apprentice!" Titanicus caught it again.
"Back to you, Demon!" The cylinder flew straight and true to Deyhawk.
"Nope, its yours, you keep it!" Now Titanicus had it once again.
The magician tossed the cylinder one more time. The sizzling, sparking tip was almost into the cylinder. Deyhawk clearly saw this and ducked under the sailing cylinder. Titanicus saw the cylinder hit the wall at the back of the chamber and saw Deyhawk dive for cover behind a cabinet. There must be a reason, so Titanicus followed the Dark Lord's example and dived behind an overturned table.
The chamber was rent by a flash of light and a monumental explosion that shook the ceiling, walls and floor. Debris flew everywhere. The concussion toppled the cabinet onto Deyhawk and shoved Titanicus' table (with Titanicus behind it) into the wall opposite of the source of the explosion. Smoke and dust filled the chamber.
Dazed by the force of the explosion, the two antagonists slowly extricated themselves out from under their protective barriers. Deyhawk, already beginning to heal himself, looked over to see where Titanicus had gone. He saw the Celtian pulling himself out from under the splintered remains of the table's top. "Curses, he lives!" exclaimed the Dark Lord.
Bleeding, ears nearly deafened, Titanicus just barely heard the Demon and mustered up enough consciousness to retort, "Yes, I live. Now it's my turn, Demon."
Concentrating his remaining powers, Titanicus cast about for the one thing he sought most: salt. Thank the gods and legionnaires with big appetites (and the Roman custom of paying their soldiers a 'salaria'), Titanicus thought to himself. A pouch materialized on his side of the sealed doorway.
Deyhawk was now on his feet and summoning up a new spell.
"No you don't!" cried out Titanicus. He pointed 10 fully extended fingers parallel to the ground straight at Deyhawk and 3 purple rings leaped from his extended fingers, closed the distance between them, and encircled Deyhawk. One encircled the demon's knees, one encicled his arms and the last encircled his shoulders. Deyhawk couldn't move.
A small object with a shiny top full of holes exited the pouch floating in the room. The object climbed up, over and above Deyhawk's head and struggling body. The object inverted itself then began to move up and down in a jerking, shaking motion. Small white crystals began to fall on Deyhawk. He looked up in dismay realizing the threat and his inevitable defeat.
"Salt! Not salt! I beg of you, sorceror! Yes, mighty Sorceror of Celtia...no, of Roma itself! NOT SALT! NOT THE SALT!"
Slowly, relentlessly, Deyhawk's flesh began to transform into a white crystalline substance wherever it was touched by salt, until at the very end the stricken demon looked like a cowlick artist's rendition of his former self. The demon stood frozen, unspeaking, no longer a threat.
Titanicus cancelled the purple ring spell as Deyhawk was not going anywhere soon. He cast two more spells. The first cancelled the mirror spell on his son's limp body making it disappear. No harm to him. He's safe outside, thought Titanicus. The second created a small cancelling effect on the doorway to the hostage cave. The Celtian staggered to the door and opened it. He stepped outside, closed the door and cast one last spell resealing the door and chamber. Then he turned, passed out and promptly fell all of the way down the stairs.
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Later, by the Pool:
"By the gods, I don't know what did him more damage, the battle with Deyhawk or the stairs," said Apolita to Titanicus's wife. Both were using material stripped from their clothes, dipped in the pool's cooling water, to wipe the unconscious sorceror's brow. His two children were standing near Gabrielle watching their father's face for movement or expression.
A tall figure appeared. "Can I help?" Jayhawk asked. Apolita looked up at the angel. "Of course, and you know how, too."
The angel smiled benevolently, placed his hands on each side of Titanicus' head. Jayhawk's eyes turned gold and red, rays of golden light struck the sorceror gently from above. Titanicus' wounds began to heal. His eyes flickered and a moan escaped his lips, but the sorceror was quickly returning to consciousness in the arms of his wife. His children saw this and rushed over to see their father.
"Father, tell us. What happened? Is Deyhawk gone? Tell us, hurry!" said his son.
His daughter kept her peace except for one brief awestruck observation. "Father, there were monsters."
Titanicus had regained most of his senses by now. "Civis, hurry, we must seal the cave entrance immediately. I know how. We will use the Chin powder. Help me up, please. I must make it impossible for Deyhawk to escape or for anyone to find him. Ever."
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-Civis Romanus
"Are you sure you can't find those two sticks you dropped?" asked Flavius.
"No. Don't worry those were just the spares Titanicus gave me" answered Lethargic "Let's go."
The two legionnaires quickly exited the tunnel. At the pool Titanicus had just finished rolling the last two fire-sticks and had given them to Civis. After getting the signal from Lethargic and Flavius he motioned all the members of the group to move as far away from the cave entrance as they could. Lighting both fuses Civis hurled the sticks into the cave, one near the door and the other as far down the tunnel as he could.
"Fire in the hole!" yelled Civis as everyone threw themselves behind trees and boulders.
A series of explosions ripped through the tunnel as all the planted sticks exploded in a chain reaction. When the explosions ended and the dust settled Civis walked up and inspected the now totally sealed tunnel. The fire sticks had done their job. The passage had totally collapsed and was totally blocked. With no other exit from his underground lair, Deyhawk would remain undisturbed by any casual intruder.
As everyone gathered round the pool to congratulate each other, Lethargic picked up his pack from the bushes where he had left it. Reaching under his robe he carefully removed the two fire-sticks he had secreted and put them into his pack. Never know when something like this might come in handy. Besides, it seemed a fair trade for losing his lark's tongue sandwich. He then joined his friends by the pool.
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Where do we want to head in this game now? Bck where we started? Lets not continue this game yet, -k- i wanta hear what the fellow storytellers think!
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of
Proud Co-Director of the RSPCE!
Incon and Jayhawk have an adventure waiting (actually already written)in Egypt with King Tut for which this story was intended to be the prelude. Remember, Titanicus promised to send them to Egypt before messing up and sending them all to the polynesian island.
Also, we have yet to fully deal with the death of Cian (no burial ceremony yet). Lastly, are we sure all of the unsavory characters are eliminated from Celtia? Some of us should return and check that out. The red caped fellow and his henchmen controlled the town when we left.
Suggestion: Lose Xena and Gabrielle. Let Incon, Tusky and Jayhawk go where they will, to Egypt if they like or follow us to Celtia after Cian's ceremony. Incon may need to reclaim her governorship in Londinium then go to Egypt. Ish may choose his own options (if Ish, the author, is still with us)or we can choose for him. Civis, Lethargic, Flavius, Apolita, and Titanicus and his family can "wrap it up" on the Isle of Celtia and with only these minor detours, the story can come to a glorius end.
If this is okay with everyone, let's take the story off hold and go for it.
-Civis Romanus
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All were able to travel, including the formerly bruised and battered Sorceror of Celtia, Titanicus. Jayhawk guided them to the Stones where he had considerately placed Cian in a "Rest In Peace" protective spell.
The former sorceror and mentor to Titanicus lay as he was left by Jayhawk, on a cushioning mat of scented moss and lush grass surrounded by a border of brightly blooming flowers. The spell extended into a shimmering shell around the body of Cian, protecting it from predators, scavangers and other creatures of the day and night that might attempt to violate it.
Apolita was both heartened by the calm repose on her father's face, but once again heartbroken with the knowledge he would never be part of her life again. Tears streamed down her face despite the comfort Civis offered by holding her close to him during the ceremony.
Titanicus stepped forward as he had previously arranged to with Jayhawk. It was his duty as a former student of Cian and now Sorceror of Celtia to give honor to a former sorceror of the island who had been his mentor.
Titanicus spoke briefly to the group, reminiscing about adventures Cian and he had shared and telling anecdotes about some of the lessons he had learned in his youth from Cian, many the hard way. Laughter occasionally peppered the
sadness as all recognized that the ceremony was as much intended to celebrate Cian's life as it was to recognize and finalize his state of death.
Then Titanicus raised his hands upwards and began to chant in Celtic phrases. Cian's body and bower began to shimmer, minutely vibrate and then to glow brightly in response to Titanicus' chant. Ever brighter glowed Cian's body and bower until, in a final burst of brilliant light, the former sorceror and his bower silently shattered into millions of brilliant particles of light. The particles floated upwards and began to blink out, one by one, until not a single particle could be seen. Titanicus ended his chant and lowered his hands. "He has begun his final journey," was all that Titanicus said.
Civis walked over to Titanicus to see if his friend was in need of anything. Titanicus only needed a friend to talk to. The young sorceror said to Civis, "Remember when Cian drew me aside to teach me one last spell?" Civis nodded. Titanicus continued, "That which you just saw was the final spell he taught me. Cian must have had a premonition..." He hesitated as tears welled up in his eyes making him turn away. "I'll...I'll be nearby if you need me." Titanicus could say nothing more.
Jayhawk walked over to Apolita. She had noticed the intense expression on the angel's face during the ceremony but had said nothing about it. She had seen his eyes glow gold and silver as her father was transformed by Titanicus' spell. "Are you okay, Apolita?" the angel asked.
"I will be...eventually," she responded.
"Your father's last journey will end in the greatest glory and happiness for him. I did some things to help it happen. I just wanted you to know and be comforted by the thought."
"Thank you, that was very kind of you."
"Well, I feel very responsible since it was my brother Deyhawk who..." His mouth was closed by Apolita's index finger, signaling to the angel he need not say anything more. Apolita moved closer, stood on her tip toes, and reached up with her hands and arms, then pulled the angel's head and neck closer. She placed a warm kiss on his cheek. "Thank you, Angel Jayhawk," she said and released her hold on the surprised seraph.
"Civis is a fortunate man," was all the angel could think of to say.
"Yes, I know," she replied with a wink and the welcome return of her teasingly cute smile. "I think it's time to go home to Celtia."
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-Civis Romanus
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of
Proud Co-Director of the RSPCE!
Until We Meet Again, Titanicus read the note to the group before poofing it into some unknown hiding space he had created. ------------------
Thank you so very much for your company these past few days, and we truly apreciate knowing you. I just thought I should right this telling you that we have been summoned to help a small town in need of our help.
Civis pulled Titanicus aside after they had been packed up and were ready to go, and he had mentioned that he planned on leaving them that morning, and that he might need a little help, (he along with Incon and Tusky) on getting back to Egypt...
of
Proud Co-Director of the RSPCE!
The story concluded on or about 11/19/99. Civis was a minor character, accidentally transported there when Titanicus sneezed in the middle of casting a "transport" spell. Following one of his predictable prat falls, Civis is brought back to his time period by Apolita with Titanicus' indirect help. Then Civis reappeared once more in Egypt, only to be personally transported back to Roman days by Titanicus. Civis doesn't actually want to be in Egypt so his inquiry in this story about Celtia is on behalf of Incon and others who do.
Regardless, Incon and Tusky should be the primary targets of Titanicus' next time transport spell, because at Incon's request Titanicus promised to send them to Egypt to visit King Tut. Incon only needs to reclaim her governorship of Londinium and then she will be very eager to go to Egypt. Jayhawk has the personal power to do whatever he wants, so he does not need to be "transported".
Follow my lead and we will wrap the story up. We'll save the wrap-up for you. The correct moment will be obvious. Keep posting and watch for the cue.
Oh, and don't worry surrogate Big Brother, Apolita will be just fine.
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Cherub Ishaius had an odd expression on his face. He walked over to Jayhawk and entered into an animated discussion with the angel. Jayhawk finally said, "Well, if that's what you want to do, so be it." And Jayhawk grasped the cherub's right hand in his right hand and concentrated, as did Ish. The cherub promptly disappeared.
"He's gone to Egypt," Jayhawk announced. "He has business with Pharaoh." The others nodded their heads in acknowledgement, but not true understanding. Sometimes the ways of the cherubs and angels were mysterious and best left free of speculation.
Civis was still in conversation with Titanicus. "I think the rest of us are ready to go back to Celtia. When Jayhawk and Incon are ready to go their own way they will tell us. So, Sorceror of Celtia, either conjure us back to the town in Celtia or find us a vessel to carry us there. What do you want me to tell the others?"
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-Civis Romanus
"We've saved the world as we know it," Lethargic agreed, "...and we're the only ones who...er, know it."
Big Tusky stood patiently while Titanicus' children played tag around his massive legs. Meanwhile, his mistress Incontinentia approached the group holding a large, metal, round and very sharp object. "Anyone know who's this is?" she asked.
"Ah!" Titanicus brightened. "That's one of Xena's shakrums! She must have left it behind for us..."
"A shak-what?" Incon asked.
"Shakrum."
"A what-rum?" Incon cocked an eyebrow.
"Oh, it's like a...never mind," Titanicus took the potentially lethal weapon away from her.
"So," Civis sighed, "an end to another splendid adventure."
"Oh, I shouldn't worry," Apolita sidled up to him. "If I know you lot, there'll be many more."
Jayhawk was looking glum. Incon, bereft of her new toy, approached him. "S'up?" she asked.
Jayhawk sighed. "I *know* I shouldn't feel bad about it, but...I mean, I *know* he was totally evil, but...the thought of my own brother, now just a pillar of moulting salt, sealed in a cave, for all time...it kind of gets to you, you know..."
Incon nodded, and put a sympathetic arm around his winged shoulders. "If it's any consolation," she said, "I still don't have a new job yet."
"What about that Lambada School you were always dreaming of opening one day?" Et Flavius asked.
Incon brightened, then shadowed. "Yeah, well..." she sighed, "proud as I am, The Sacred Lambada has infiltrated most of Caesar's Empire. I mean, the only place it isn't well known in its present state is the Egyptian Empire along the Nile."
Titanicus looked up. "I could still send you there."
Incon fairly sparkled. "And Tusky too??"
"And Tusky too!" Titanicus replied.
"STONKING!!!" Incon lept to her feet and ran to her faithful pachaderm. "What do I have to do?"
Titanicus ushered his laughing children away from Tusky's legs. "Just close your eyes, and repeat after me: There's no dance like The Lambada...There's no dance like The Lambada..."
Jayhawk, with a slight flutter of his wings, joined Incon. "I'm in on this, too," he said, and joined Incon in the magical chant.
Titanicus raised his arms and began to amass a major spell. A mystical blue light surrounded the angel, elephant and governor. Soon they faded from view...but not before they heard Incon cry "Flimmin' 'eck!!!"
"Wherever did you send them?" Apolita asked, her eyes as big as saucers.
"Why, to Egypt of course," Titanicus smiled at her. "After all...they've a *dreadful* shortage of angels and Lambada dance teachers there..."
The sun rose higher. Everyone sat back and enjoyed its rays. And wondered what fresh adventures the new dawning day would bring them...
-Civis
The sorceror looked around. "Let's see. You, me, my family, Lethargic, Flavius and Apolita. Say, what do you plan to do about her, anyway?"
"Patience, Titanicus," said Civis with a wink. "You know very well I have that young lady right where she wants me. So get us back to Celtia and you'll have your answer very quickly." With that Civis, chuckling to himself, walked away to chat with Lethargic and Flavius.
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-Civis Romanus
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of
Proud Co-Director of the RSPCE!
Flavius looked at Lethargic and said, “Well everyone seems to have been in a rush to get out of here. So what should we do with the rest of our leave?”
Lethargic thought a moment and then said, “Well since we’re in the neighborhood we could always stop over at Lindum and say hi to my uncle."
“Not a good idea” said Flavius. “Especially considering how mad he was about your last visit. Remeber that he said he would reserve a cross for you if you ever showed up in Lindum again.”
“Oh he doesn’t hold a grudge for long” answered Lethargic. “Besides he’s probably repaired his chariot and patched up the hole in his stable wall by now. Come on, let’s go.”
And without further ado, the two legionnaires picked up their packs and marched on down the road toward Lindum.
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Civis rushed forward and unsheathed his sword. Titanicus moved to his side thinking about what spells would work in this situation. But both knew this time there were too many, too close to deal with all at once. And there were only two of them. Lethargic and Flavius had been left behind.
"Would have been nice to have them at our side," complained a deeply worried Civis.
"How did I know this was going to happen?" countered an equally concerned Titanicus. "Let's try to make the best of it, okay?" Civis looked at his comrade. Best of what, he thought.
The phalanx of necro-warriors advanced forward, then movement they saw out of the corners of their eyes caused them to halt their advance. Citizens of the Isle of Celtia began to appear one by one, two by two along the edge of the path...and they were armed. Some had pots, some had rakes, others had picks. All varieties of converted tools, now brandished as weapons, were scattered in and among the Celtian men.
A voice boomed out to the necro-warriors from their left. Striding into the open between the necro-warriors and Civis, Titanicus and the others was a large shouldered man carrying a huge piece of knotted wood. He turned and winked at Titanicus and his family. It was Ahnold. Next to him was Sonja in full battle armor.
"Enough! This is our town, our land. Time for you to meet the club!" boomed out Ahnold to the necro-warriors. The necro-warriors began to back up. Too late. Celtians charged from all sides. Ahnold's club rose and fell, rose and fell. Sonja finished any work Ahnold's club left undone. Eventually, nothing was left to be done except sweep the mess from the path. This was done with speed and efficiency.
Ahnold walked over to Titanicus and Civis. "Welcome home, my friends!" he said, grasping each of their right hands in turn and vigorously shaking it. "All is well, at last. We heard a little about what you had done. We were just waiting for the right opportunity to get that evil brood together in one place and finish their game for them. Celtia is ours once more. Welcome home!"
"Uh, uh...ahem. Thank you," stuttered Titanicus, quite surprised at the rapid turn of events. "Were on our way to our cottages, or what's left of them."
"Yours isn't in good shape, but we can help you. You're welcome to stay at my Inn until it's rebuilt," said Ahnold.
"Thank you, Ahnold. Thank you very much. We're off now. Thank you." Titanicus gathered up his family and walked towards the site of his cottage. Civis and Apolita followed as Apolita's cottage was nearby on land next to the cottage and land of Titanicus. As expected Titanicus' cottage was destroyed and Apolita's cottage remained undamaged.
"Wait a minute Titanicus," said Civis. I've some unfinished business." He turned to Apolita. "It's time I ask you something. You know I'll be away on long campaigns many times without you. I serve at the pleasure of Caesar and am at his command at all times. I have a pleasant villa in Roma that is beatiful but lonely. Will you take that loneliness away by having me as your consort and living with me in Roma?"
Apolita's expression changed from puzzlement to sheer joy. She leaped into his arms planting a full kiss on the warrior's lips. "I thought you would never ask!" she cried out and kissed him again.
She finally regained her womanly composure and turned to Titanicus. I want you to have my cottage and the land it sits on. There you will have shelter. It is larger and should be more comfortable for you. Add it to your land. I give it to you in mine and my father's name. To you Titanicus, my only brother."
Stunned, Titanicus said to her...
___________________________________________
-Civis Romanus
Titanicus choked, "Eh, emmm, i ---sure." He smiled. He and his family, along with Civis and APoltia walked with them to the cottage, "Where will you guys be needing to go now?" He asked the two lovebirds, happily staring into one-and-anothers eyes, "Rome..." sighed Civis. Titanicus smiled. And without a word, chanted the incantation to send them to Rome. Within seconds, an outline encircled the two, and they began to shimmer, and then disipate...then in a poof of a bright, warm light the two were gone.
Niagra, Titanicus' wife, walked over to him, and gave him a warm hug, "Welcome Home." She smiled, kissing himon the cheek...
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