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The Legend of Aardvak By Donna Allyson (c) 2004 Prelude True magic by definition is the unexplained movement or changing of animate or inanimate material objects or the appearance or disappearance of the same usually by either the sheer will of a person or other living creature with or without the help of some material object which is possessed with a certain unexplained power. In either case magic usually defies the laws of nature and or physics. Magic at one time was accepted as fact and feared by most people. The mists of time have faded the magic of dragons and wands, of wizards and sorcerers to a level of entertainment only. 'Modern magic', is practiced by illusionists, no longer feared, modern educated people take it for what they believe it to be. A good act of illusion. But, what if the practitioner of magic is not an illusionist. What if the old ways have been learned and applied? Such is this story. With magic anything can happen and usually does. Chapter One 998 AD "Do not do this my daughter. There are other ways." "I am not that strong Father. I need the strength that Mordred possesses. I am not as strong as you." The young girl said tearfully. "No. You must not. You know why you became my daughter." The deep voice said as it thundered from deep within the Oracle of Hass. "I'm sorry Father but it has to be my way." The young woman said as she lifted the orb from the hand of the Oracle and walked out of the glen. "I must take my male form again. Another will have to lift this curse." 999 AD Alawena knew what she had to do. She wrapped her son in a warm blanket and with tears in her eyes she handed the child over to the high priest. The priest nodded his head and turned and walked to the center of the ring of stones. He placed the child on the altar. Each of the priests formed a tight circle around the altar and began the ancient chant of protection. Alawena stepped out of the circle of stones; she raised the Orb above her head and made her choice. It was the wrong one but she had to try. No one saw the young man walk away, the Orb had become a golden sword and was held firmly in the young man's grip. He was going to do battle. "It is time father, this is the only way." The young man said softly with a girl's voice. He thought of Galahad, Alawena's, his, her beloved husband. He was now lost to her but their son was destined to produce the seeds that would ultimately save the world. Aardvak knew he could not defeat Mordred but he could at least end the threat for the next thousand years until that age when weakened by time another Sage could finish what needed to be done. 1000 AD "My son, the time has come for you to sleep. Guard our magic well. For if you again fail in obedience all will be lost. A time will come when our magic will once again be needed. Until then you will sleep. Your son will provide us with an heir in time." "I will father. I will not fail you again. When Mordred awakens I will be ready." Aardvak looked one last time upon the oracle, the wondrous statue by which he could communicate with the spirit of Merlin his father. As his daughter Alawena, Aardvak had loved her father with all her soul. Aardvak still regretted that one time when in disobedience to the rule, she had used her power to become a man in order to do battle with Mordred. That one act had doomed her to a life as a man and had effectively reduced the magic that he could command. Aardvak had been able to put Mordred under the 'stones" for a thousand years but he had not been able to defeat him. That would fall to another. Aardvak knew it was time to make things right. Aardvak raised his arms and the forest complied. The vines grew rapidly and covered the cove in a thick blanked of foliage that shielded all eyes from seeing the oracle and the pool. For miles around the vines grew in a tangle so thick that no mortal could possibly penetrate. Only small shafts of sunlight filtered to the forest floor. Satisfied that his plan to protect the Oracle was sufficient, Aardvak went into his small cave and lay down on the thick sheepskins. The entrance to the cave was covered as a thick blanket of vines grew over the opening sealing it from the elements. "Sleep my son. When you awaken seek out the child. He is our only hope of defeating Mordred." Aardvak closed his eyes. The words burned into his subconscious mind. He slept. Not even his breathing could be detected, had there been anyone there to observe. 1999 Lisa Taylor sat on the park bench watching her son William lying on the blanket by the edge of the pool. The little boy seemed so at peace with his surroundings He seemed to enjoy watching the mother duck with her ducklings as they swam about making ever so slight ripples in the clear smooth surface. The warm June sun seemed to make him stronger but Lisa knew better. Her heart was breaking however. She knew that she was soon to lose her child. The brain tumor was ever so slowly taking her little boy away from her. Even now the 10 year old was physically more like a young toddler. William had lost his ability to speak or walk and Lisa had been forced to put him into diapers. To the occasional passerby however, the troubles for this young family were not evident. Lisa suffered in silence, cursing the male inherited gene that had cause her son's condition. +++ Aardvak contemplated the image in the pool. The Oracle of Hass shimmered in the dark blue water. Once the great winged statue of the Oracle stood beside the pool and cast its reflection in all its majesty upon the water. Now, only a vestige of its greatness remained. It's broken pieces, a thousand years of neglect, was lying about on the ground yet in his mind's 'eye' Aardvak conjured up a reflection of it's once majesty that appeared to shimmer in the pool. He could 'see' the face of his father Merlin and The Lady of the Lake who had given him her power. Both seemed to smile at him before fading away. Aardvak was saddened. He had not expected the Oracle to be destroyed during his long centuries of sleep. He searched his mind to try and determine what he had done wrong. He had planned so carefully to protect the Oracle from harm while he slept. Finally he understood, without a sage to protect it, the forces of nature went unchecked. It did not matter that the statue was destroyed; the wisdom of his father Merlin and the magic of his benefactress, the Lady of the Lake had been passed to him for safekeeping. It was within Aardvak's power now to end the time of magic or to pass it on. Still Aardvak shed a few tears at the loss of the Oracle. For him and likewise for his father Merlin, The Oracle had been the gateway to the realm of the "Lady" and her magic and the Sages before her. Now all that was gone. The tears dropping from his face onto the glass like surface of the pool, which in turn made small ripples that spread outward in a golden arc towards the center erasing the conjured image reflected there. Never had he felt so alone or helpless. He contemplated whispering the words that would bring an end to the last remnants of the ethereal world of magic. He was the last sage. The last of the great sorcerers, alas, a disobedient one. Without the Oracle the world that he knew was at an end. He would have to pay the penalty by joining the world of the mortals. Still he could not utter the words that would bring about an end to true magic. Yet there was hope. There was one last chance. As he looked again into the pool the ripples caused a new image to form. That of a young golden haired boy. The words of the Oracle seemed to fill his mind. "Seek out the child. He is our last hope." He must accept the challenge and become the new Sage. He knew then what it was that he had to do. Raising his arms, the thick tangle of vines parted to allow him to pass out of the glen. Aardvak picked up a piece of the broken statue of Hass. It was the blue orb that had been in the Oracle's hand. Even now after a thousand years it still gave off the blue glow. Aardvak studied it for a moment and then placed it in his sack. Tightening the sash to his toga, Aardvak took one last look around his sanctuary and then walked out onto the path. He did not look back. Slowly the vines closed in around the sanctuary and it disappeared from the "eyes" of mortals and to await a new Sage. Chapter Two It was growing late in the afternoon. The cool breeze wafting across the small pond was a reminder that she had better get William home. She had enough problems and Lisa did not want to add the burden of having her son get a chill. "Come William, it is time to leave." She said softly as she picked up the frail child and placed him in the special stroller. Lisa looked into his beautiful ice blue eyes that gave no hint of the inner torment that she knew he was suffering. 'How I wish I could read your mind my dear. How much I wish I could know what you are feeling and thinking.' She said to herself. William looked up at his mother and smiled. She gently stroked his golden locks and gave him a motherly hug. With a sigh Lisa finished strapping William into the seat and headed out of the park and toward home. Although unable to speak or walk, William's mind was sharp. The tumor that affected his speech and motor functions had not affected his intellect. Had he been able to walk and talk, the 10 year old would come close to genius level for his age. The little boy suffered in silence. His 'pain' alleviated only by the love that he felt from his mother. *** Aardvak knew what he had to do. He had to merge with the child and give his power of magic over to a new Sage even as the Lady of the Lake had obeyed the Oracle and had passed her power to him. Even though he had slept in near death, the thousand years was taking its toll on his own body. A Sage's body had it's limits, not mortal but not immortal either, just a compromise between the two. Inwardly he knew that he had only a short time to accomplish what had before his body became mortal again and the magic was lost forever. The Oracle had shown him. He had to find that little child. He knew generally where to go. Far to the west across the great sea. He had to find that pool that was so close a resemblance to his own glen's. *** Aardvak stood on the edge of the small pond and smiled. He rubbed the orb gently and felt its warmth. He had found the spot where the child had lain. He could feel his aura. Smiling, he followed the trail left by the child and his mother. It led a short distance to a quiet street nearby. He was amazed at the sights and sounds of this new time. He also felt the danger that was present all around him. This was a dangerous period and he knew that it was only with the magic of a great Sage could humanity survive what was destined to happen. Outside a small brownstone building he looked up and sensed the windows of the dwelling where the child was asleep. Aardvak waited patiently as the moon crossed the night sky. +++ "Come on sleepyhead." Lisa said to William as she gently shoved his shoulder. "It is time to get up and have breakfast. We have to see the doctor today." William opened his eyes and gave Lisa a smile. He tried to mouth the word 'Okay' but all that came out was an incoherent gurgle. Lisa could sense the frustration that also showed in her son's eyes. "It's okay dear. I understand. I have a feeling that everything will be fine soon." Lisa was immediately disgusted at herself for saying the lie. She knew that it was not going to be okay but she did not want William to lose all hope. It took close to an hour to get him ready. She bathed him and changed his diaper. She fed him his breakfast of strained eggs and soft toast. After getting him dressed she let him sit in the special floor level cushioned chair to watch some television. She still had another hour before the handicap van arrived to take them to the clinic. Aardvak stood in the doorway across the street and with his mind watched the young mother get the boy ready. He allowed his mind to read the thoughts of the woman and the child. "This will not do." He thought. He contemplated the causes of the child's illness and what he would have to do to make him ready for the merge. Smiling, he made a decision. He knew what had to be done. It had been many centuries since he had last experienced that form but it did not matter. What had to be done had to be. He had to speak with the boy and his mother. This choice had to be made freely by both the mother and her son. +++ "It is about the same Mrs. Taylor. His motor functions are still deteriorating. I would suspect that in about a month he would lose his ability to use his arms and his esophagus. When that happens we will have to be put in a feeding tube. Have you made a decision to put him in Children's Hospital? It will be a lot easier on you at that point?" The Dr. Kalb's pointed comments were like a knife to her heart. Lisa realized that she was about to lose control of her son. Lisa sat down hard into the chair beside the doctor's desk. She could feel the tears coming to her eyes and the doctor sensing her need offered her a box of tissues. "That soon?" She said looking at the man pleadingly. "I'm sorry Mrs. Taylor. I wish with all my heart I could tell you otherwise. But, his tumor is in an advanced stage and is still growing rapidly." "How long will I have him doctor. Please tell me the truth." Lisa pleaded. "No more than two months and he will slip into a coma and then maybe a month after that..." The doctor left his answer unfinished. "I'm sorry. Truly." Lisa pulled herself together and as bravely as she could and looked in the doctor in the eyes. "Okay doctor. Make the arrangements. But give me another week with my son." Lisa said as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "I will prepare him the best way I can." "I will call the Hospital this morning. Bring him there on Saturday of next week. Mrs. Taylor, In the meantime I want you to fill these prescriptions and take one capsule after breakfast and one before bed. It is not a narcotic but it will help you with any depression." "Alright doctor. Thank you for being up front with me." Lisa replied. "You're welcome Mrs. Taylor. And if it is worth anything, I am truly sorry. William is such a wonderful child. It is really sad what he is enduring. If you need anything please call me right away." "Thank you doctor. I will." Lisa said filling up again with tears. Aardvak, although invisible to the doctor and the young woman, listened intently to the conversation. He knew now that he had made the right decision. He rubbed the orb. Outside the brownstone he took form and dressed impeccably in a nice suit and tie, he waited. Chapter Three William sat in the wheelchair, which was locked firmly in place during the ride home from the clinic. He looked at his mother's face and saw the sadness. William knew that he was dying. He was not afraid of that. It would just mean that he would be released from his pain and he would go to a better place. What really hurt was leaving his mother and his friend Kerry. He knew that his death would be devastating to them both and that was the worse part of his suffering. He loved his Mother and Kerry each in their own way. Kerry Larson, the girl who lived next door had visited him almost daily. She would occasionally bring small gifts to try and cheer him up. If only things had been different. William closed his eyes and thought of his last birthday when Kerry had come to the small party his mother had for him. He had not been so weak then... +++ "William, Kerry is here" "Okay mom. I'll be right down." William had to hold on tight to the rail so that he would not fall and he negotiated the stairs that led to the main living area. It was a task that he was able to do on his own but it did tire him out. Kerry came in to the hallway just as William stopped to catch his breath. Seeing his distress, Kerry came up to meet him. "You know Billie," that being her favorite name for him, "All you have to do is ask for help and I will be there you know." Kerry teased, taking his free hand and placing it on her shoulder and then holding it in place with her own hand. "I know Kerry but I have to do some things for myself you know." "Yeah, but taking a nosedive down the stairs on your birthday is not one of them." She said with a giggle. "I suppose. Mom doesn't need any more problems." William said sadly. "True. Besides I want you at my birthday party next month. I'm going to be eleven you know." "I didn't know you were a year older than me Kerry." William said. "You didn't ask. Does it matter?" "No it doesn't." "Good. Now stop chattering and lean on me. You have a party to attend." It had been one of the few times that William felt truly happy since he had become sick. It was not a very big party. Kerry and her older sister Clarice, William's three cousins Jenny, David and Patrick. What was want for lack of guests was made up for in the good time had by all. It was at the end of the party when everyone had left except for Kerry that William received his best 'present'. As Kerry was leaving she reached out and hugged William and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "William please, get well, I need you." With that Kerry had turned and hurried out the door where her sister was waiting. William for the first time felt a warmth for someone other that his mother. For a brief few minutes he forgot just how sick he was. He felt happier than he had for a long, long time. The stopping of the van brought William out of his daydream. "We're home dear." Lisa said. Lisa turned to Matt the regular van driver when she realized he had asked her a question. "I'm sorry Matt. What was that?" "Do you want me to take William in?" Matt said as he set the brake on the wheelchair. "Ah, No thanks Matt, I'll manage. It is such a nice day I think we will sit outside here on the patio for awhile." "I'll see you next week Mrs. Taylor." Matt said as he walked around to the driver's door. "Thank you Matt." Lisa pushed her purse up into the crook of her arm and taking the wheelchair handles, she pushed William onto the small patio that was at ground level on the side of the building. It was an airy place. A small willow tree and flower garden lined the back edge and a white wrought iron table and chairs were set under the hanging branches. It was a quiet retreat from the summer heat and noise that occasionally occurred even on this relatively quiet city street. Lisa did not notice at first the elderly man sitting on the wall of the rock garden. The shadow of the willow cast by the strong sun had made him practically invisible. Lisa locked the wheelchair brake after getting her son settled next to the table. Lisa was busy loosening the harness that held William into the chair and her back was turned away from the wall. William lifted his head and looked over his mother's shoulder and smiled at the man. William could feel immediately that he liked this stranger. William felt a sense of expectation as the man turned his gaze toward him and smiled. The man gave him an ever so slight wave of his hand. William lifted his hand slightly to return the greeting. "Hello William. I am Aardvak." William's eyes went wide when he realized that the man has spoken to him without words. William saw that the man had a small blue ball in his lap. In wonderment William watched as the ball lifted into the air several inches and started to glow an iridescent shade of blue and white. Around about the ball there shined a veil of pink light. William smiled and uttered the word "Pretty". Lisa, who was still bent at the knees adjusting the harness, fell backwards and landed squarely on her posterior from the shock of hearing her son speak the first word in over three months. William started to laugh. "Funny." he said. Lisa on hearing this second word reached out and started to hug William tightly. She started to cry and laugh and speak all at once. "William... William you spoke. Oh, William..." "You're going to crush the boy Mrs. Taylor." Aardvak said from the shadows. Lisa dropped to one knee beside William's chair while still holding her son protectively as she became aware for the first time of the stranger's presence. "I'm sorry Sir. I did not see you there. You startled me." "I'm sorry. But I think you were more startled by hearing your son's voice. I beg your pardon. My name is Mr. Anderson. My peers knew me by the name Aardvak." "That is a strange name sir. I have heard it before." Lisa searched her memory. "Aardvak... Aardvak... Oh I remember that was the name of Merlin the magician's son." Lisa said. "Yes. It has not been used in over a thousand years." Lisa studied the elderly man. Something was very familiar about him. Then it struck her. He had the same ice blue eyes as William and his hair; although long and white it had a hint that it once was of the same golden shade as William's. "Mr. Anderson, Please sit down. Here with us. I have a feeling that our meeting and my son's speaking is not by chance." Lisa said motioning to the white iron chair beside William. "Hello again William." Aardvak said to the boy as he sat down. "Hello Aardvak." William said without any hesitation. His voice loud and clear. Chapter Four "So who are you really Mr. Anderson? I sense you have something to say to us." Lisa said. Aardvak was surprised at the woman's astuteness and courage. Most other humans, at least in his time, would have become fearful or belligerent at the unexplained demonstration of his magic. Maybe, thought Aardvak it was the intellect of these modern people that made them less fearful. "Mrs. Taylor. I am a 'what you call' a wizard. A sorcerer. I am the son of Merlin. I have been asleep for almost a thousand years." Lisa could not help herself as she stifled a laugh. "Oh come now Mr. Anderson, you jest. The son of Merlin? Really." "Yes my dear child. You don't believe me? How do you think it is that William here is talking? By chance? No. I did that. And I can do a lot more for him and you if you let me." Lisa was suspicious. Was this old man some kind of a trickster? Maybe he was some kind of scam artist who preyed on those who were desperate. She would have to play this close and try to get away from him before it was too late. "Maybe you're a ventriloquist and just want to make me think you're a wizard." Lisa said cautiously. "And even if you are who you say you are how could you possibly save my son from his illness. It is incurable." Let me assure you Lisa, I am who I say I am. Let me tell you a story and then I will prove myself to you. After that I will tell you my proposition and if you say no, I will leave you in peace and let nature take its course. Fair enough?" Aardvak asked gently. Lisa thought for a moment and then nodded her head. +++ "It was the eve of the new year. The new Millennium 1000 AD was about to be born. People of our time were deathly afraid that the world was about to end. Even the Sages, I believe you call them sorcerers and wizards today, were afraid. Fools. Most Sages, so called, were of weak intelligence. More susceptible to the black arts than the good. My father was one of the exceptions. He was a great man and by far the most intelligent human of the times. But, even his powers and the few others like him were no match for the combined magic of all the other sages. In the end a war of magic was fought and magic almost vanished. It was Merlin who hid away the secrets until, on his deathbed; he passed the secrets on to me. I guarded them well for nearly two hundred years with the help of the Oracle of Hass. With no heir to pass the magic to, I was forced to take on a deep sleep until such time as was born a child who was of the right blood. I am one of the last Sages, the other is, Mordred, a practioner of the black arts and bastard son of Arthur; king of the Britons. I am old and unable to resist him so it is time for me to pass the great secrets of magic to another or it will perish with me forever and Mordred will rule. Only a short time remains to prepare a new Sage. Even now Mordred awakens. Although he is weak now, his power will be fully restored on the eve of the new millennium." Aardvark paused. Lisa noted a sadness was deeply ingrained on his face, which just as quickly vanished. He looked at the young woman and smiled. "So what has this to do with me or my son?" Lisa asked pointedly "Woman, your child is suffering both a sickness an a trial. The growth in his head is not a bad thing nor is it a good one. It is a test that will determine if he is fit to become a great sage. Only once in a thousand years is a human born with the genes of the Sage and who is not the child of a Sage. William is such a child. He has suffered greatly yet he has not lost faith. He has passed the 'test'. He is ready to take my spirit and the spirits of the other great Sages that are within me unto himself and assume the power that the secrets of magic will give him. If he refuses he will of course die as expected. Nothing will change that except he will take the burden of the secrets unto himself. He must agree and you his mother must give your blessing and support him for as long as you live, which will be a very long time. Great honor is bestowed on the Mother of a Sage. One day you must also pick out a mate for him. One who will continue to support him when you are no longer able." Aardvak fell silent. William had listened intently but had refrained from speaking even though he knew that he could. His eyes closed he could see in his mind everything that Aardvak had just said. He could feel the magic close by but could not quite touch it. "Sir, that is a sad and yet strange story. I do not see how my son could do anything to help you. Look at him. He cannot walk or speak on his own. He cannot even take care of his own body wastes and you talk of saving the secrets of the ages. Do you take me for a fool? Please, I do not want to be rude but I have to get my son inside now." Lisa said with an edge of incredulity and understandable disbelief in her voice. She stood to take William's wheelchair in hand. "Wait!" Aardvak spoke the command so sharply that Lisa stopped and turned to face Aardvak. "Watch and learn. I will give you a small gift that will prove my sincerity. I will take the gift back tomorrow if you decide that you do not want my offer." Aardvak lifted his hands over the orb and it started to rise in the air. The pink glow returned but this time one of the rays surrounding it shot out and struck William in the throat. Lisa screamed. At that moment Aardvak conveyed the knowledge that William needed to make his decision. No words were spoken but William knew why he had been sought out. "Tomorrow Mrs. Taylor. I will return tomorrow for an answer. Think well on what I have said and shown you. Your child is very much needed by this world. Goodbye for now William." "Goodbye Mr. Anderson. Thank you." William replied in a strong voice. So great was her surprise, Lisa could do nothing but hold her hand to her mouth. Lisa was astonished to say the least. The old man had simply turned and walked away and had simply disappeared. "Choose wisely my dear." She seemed to hear as a slight breeze whispered through the willow. Turning she looked at William. He was smiling at her. On his face she seemed to see a contentment that she had not seen since he had taken ill. Lisa knelt down and embraced her son. William, oh William she said. What are we going to do? Lisa was shaking visibly by the encounter and what the old man had said and done. "Take me inside Mother. We have to talk this over." The boy said in a strong voice. Chapter Five Lisa Taylor stood and looked passively out the front window as she thought of the old man and his story. She was perplexed to say the least. She had listened to the old man tell his tale with a sense of incredulity. 'Magic, how can that be, that's for fairytales and children's imaginations.' She had tried to tell herself. But the sudden return of William's ability to speak after the incident with that floating ball had caused her to reconsider her doubts. 'That was impossible unless...' Her thoughts were interrupted as William called out to her. "Mother, please, we have to talk." William said almost pleading. A look of determination fixed on his face. Something about the way he looked at her and the tone of his voice caught her attention. At first she thought that he was in pain or worse. Then the full force of what had happened struck her. He was actually talking. Lisa forgot the old man as she turned and knelt beside her son's wheelchair still parked next to the kitchen table. "Oh my dear you can speak. I thought I was imagining it. Are you in pain?" She asked tenderly, her hands embracing his own. "No Mom. I feel fine. But..." William hesitated. "But what dear?" "I know mother. He told me." Lisa grew quiet for a moment. She looked at her son quizzically. "He told you what? I didn't hear him talk to you?" "Just as he left Mom. He talked to me in my head." "What did he say?" Lisa replied trying not to upset William. "He told me what was to happen and what I had to do." "And what was that he told you dear." Lisa asked gently. "That I would soon be a sorceress and it would be up to me to save the world from a great evil." William said candidly and without emotion. Lisa became frightened. She was sure that something was wrong with William. He could speak but was now hearing voices. She was sure it was the tumors. Or something the old man had done. "I have to call the doctor and have him come over and check you. I don't know how that old man did his trick but I am not taking any chances." She had not noticed William's use of the feminine word 'Sorceress'. +++ "Mrs. Taylor I don't know what happened to the boy but whatever it is, it's not bad. There is no way his ability to speak could return unless the tumors have shrunk and frankly I cannot explain it. Something obviously has change and I would bet it is good news. I cannot be sure until I run another MRI." Dr. Kalp stated as he folded his stethoscope and placed it in his black bag. "Then you think he has improved?" Lisa asked obviously relieved. "It looks that way Mrs. Taylor. Can you have him at the medical center tomorrow at 1:00 PM? I'll schedule a scan for then." "Certainly doctor. What about the voices?" "I wouldn't worry about that right now. Just try to keep him quiet and if he does talk about it just let him say what he wants. It won't hurt at this point." "Thank you Dr. Kalp. We'll see you tomorrow." Lisa let the doctor out and stood for a couple of minutes leaning her back against the door and pulling her nerves together. "Just a coincidence. Nothing more." She said to herself as she thought of the crazy old man. Magic! Ridiculous." She felt much more relieved after talking to William's specialist. Pushing herself off the door she went into the kitchen to prepare dinner. The rest of the afternoon and evening went uneventful. William seemed withdrawn and although he did eat some of his dinner he picked at it more than he ate. He did not speak again even though Lisa tried to prod him into talking. It was close to 8 PM when Lisa carried him into the bedroom and tucked him in. It was only after she had turned to shut off the light that he looked at her and smiled. "Good night Mother." He said and closed his eyes. "Good night dear." Lisa said. She felt relived that William had not lost his newly gained ability to speak. She whispered a silent prayer that he would not lose the gift again. If she only knew what events were to follow in the days and weeks to come she would have uttered a wholly different prayer. Chapter Six The clock radio turned on just as the announcer gave the time as seven AM. Lisa rolled over to shut it off as she usually did but today for some reason she decided to leave it on. Swinging her feet out of the bed she slipped on her slippers and headed for the bathroom. She was about to step into the shower when she heard the music stop and the announcer break into the programming. "Please stand by for a special news bulletin." Said the announcer. Hesitating, Lisa turned off the shower and put on her white terry cloth robe she kept on the bathroom door hook and went back into the bedroom to better hear the announcement. "From the BBC London via Reuters. Early this morning at 5:10 AM London time. 1:10 AM EDT a large fissure opened up in the ground under the ancient ruins at Stonehenge. The resultant fissure opened at deep circular trench totally surrounding the ancient site. Initial observations are that the trench is several hundred meters deep and 50 meters across preventing any direct access except by helicopter. Stonehenge, for those who are not familiar with the site, was believed to be the central worshipping place of the druids, an ancient religious sect that has all but disappeared. It is told in legend that Merlin of King Arthur fame and his son Aardvak practiced their 'magic and the art of alchemy' from the site. British geologists are at a loss to explain the cause of the fissure. The site has no history of any geological activity whatsoever. Luckily no one was known to be in the immediate area and it is believed that no one was injured by the event. As a precaution the area within two kilometers of the site has been declared off limits and has been closed to the public. Residents within the zone are being temporarily sheltered outside the area. The British Geological Society has top scientists enroute to the location to conduct further studies." Lisa felt her legs go weak at the mention of the name Aardvak. "Could it be that..." she said to herself. "No it can't be." She tried to reason to herself. "Oh but it is my dear." Came the voice from the kitchen. *** "Mr. Anderson! How did you..." Lisa left the question unfinished as she looked at the white haired man sitting at the kitchen table. She was more surprised at his apparel than the fact that he was in her home uninvited. His white hooded robe right out of the middle ages. "How did I get here my dear? I simply willed it. I am a wizard, remember?" "But, but that's..." Lisa stammered. "Impossible? Really Mrs. Taylor, after what happened yesterday? Please sit hear next to me, I will try to explain everything to you and then we can talk to William if you agree." For the better part of the next hour Aardvak told Lisa the whole story of his past and what would be expected of herself and William in the months and years ahead. "So that is the whole story Lisa. It will be up to you and especially your son to put an end once and for all to Mordred's scheme for power." Aardvak concluded. "So what is your answer? Do we talk to William and move forward or do I leave you and the world in Mordred's hands?" Lisa was in a turmoil. She was totally awed by Aardvak's story yet she could not deny the mysterious happenings of the past day. She did not want to admit that Aardvak's story was true yet somehow she knew it was so. "But why does he have to become a girl to do all this magic stuff?" Lisa asked. "It is the way the power is passed Lisa. From the earliest mists of time the magic has been passed from male to female and back again. The lady of the Lake gave it to my father and my father to me." "But you're a man. How can that be? Your father should have passed this so called power to his daughter not to a son?" Lisa thought she had detected an inconsistency in this wizard's tale. "Alas that is quite true Lisa. You are very perceptive. You see I was also born a boy like your son but my father could not pass his magic to me unless I became a girl. So I agreed to allow my father Merlin to change me into a girl to preserve the Traditions. My name had once been Alawena. I took the form of a man one time only after that because I wrongly thought I needed the strength of a man in order to do battle with Mordred. My father warned me through the Oracle that I would not be able to change back and that I was violating the "Traditions" of the Sages and that I would become weaker over time and die. That is what is happening to me Lisa. In order to make the magic strong again, I must make things right. I must pass the magic to a female again. Your son has the ancient genes but needs to be a female to make the power of magic strong again. You see my dear you and William are the descendants of Galahad and Alawena. I am your ancestor. "William will need strong magic to fight Mordred when he returns. That Stonehenge event today? That was Mordred. That is where he was buried, He is now awakening. Mordred knows that Stonehenge is the seat of power for the Sages and he intends to make it his. This can not be allowed to happen." Lisa was dumbstruck at the revelation she had just heard. It was several minutes before she could say anything. She just sat and looked at this strange man. "You have got to be kidding." Lisa finally said. "I need proof. Your story is unbelievable. Can you let me see Alawena?" Lisa thought she had this so called wizard trapped in a lie. He could not possible grant her request and that would prove him a fraud. Aardvak was pleased. This woman was shrewd. She would make a good guardian for the new Sage. "Good Lisa. Good. If will show you Alawena but if I do that I must then pass the power to William immediately or all is lost. You must let your son become my successor but as Alawena. It is necessary to make things right again." "William must become your female self?" Lisa asked startled. She had not expected that response. "Yes and No. She will still be herself but must continue where I left off before I became a man. She must continue Alawena's destiny. I cannot change him into Alawena, as I was when I became Aardvak. I can not change his age but William will be free of all his infirmities if he also agrees." "I, I don't know..." Lisa stammered. "I, I guess so if it will make him well." She did not believe she would have to honor her promise. "Good Lisa. One last promise. You must take William and the orb to the Glen of the Oracle before the next full moon... It is there and then that she will receive the full power of magic. Until that time Mordred will be held in abeyance in his castle. Whatever you do, William must not enter Mordred's castle until the following New Moon. She will need that time to learn how to best use the magic." "I agree." Lisa said with trepidation. She was rapidly believing the old man's story. He seemed quite confident in what he was saying. "Agreed then." Said Aardvak as he picked up the Orb. "Let's go see William." Chapter Seven William was propped up in his bed reading a book when they entered his bedroom. Lisa was surprised to say the least. The boy had somehow taken a book from the bookshelf and Lisa knew that there was only one way he could have acquired it. He had had get out of bed on his own and to walk or crawl to the bookcase and then back again. That was impossible unless... "Yes my dear. The child can walk again." Aardvak replied after reading her thoughts. "You did that?" Lisa asked in wonderment. "Just a little more proof Lisa." Aardvak replied. Lisa knew then that in a few moments her whole life and that of her child was about to change drastically. "Hello Mr. Anderson. I have been expecting you." William said with a broad smile. "Hello William. Have you thought about what I told you?" The Sage asked. "Yes, and I am ready. It will be a lot different. Have you agreed to this Mother?" William asked. "He knows?" Lisa asked Aardvak incredulously. "Yes. I told him yesterday." "How?" Lisa asked with incredulity. "Magic." Aardvak said with a smile while looking at the boy. "Ready?" Aardvak asked. "Yes." Replied William. Turning to Lisa he said, "Remember your promises Mrs. Taylor. I will give you a ten year old Alawena." With that Aardvak raised the Orb over his head and let it go. It floated over his head and emitted a pink shimmering ball of light. The ball hesitated for a moment and then slowly the glow emanating from the orb passed down over Aardvak's body encompassing him in a halo of pink light. As it lowered over his body Aardvak appeared to change. Within moments Aardvak was gone and in his place was a young girl of about ten years old. Her face was delicate and without blemish. Her eyes were the same ice blue as William's, her hair a golden halo about her face and cascaded down to her waist. She wore a gown of white brocaded silk with pale blue satin piping. The gown came all the way to the tops of her feet and on her feet were golden sandals that seemed to have an iridescence of their own. Lisa was awed at the image before her. All she could say was "Beautiful." The child that had been Aardvak turned to Lisa and gave her the most beautiful of smiles. "Thank you Mother." Lisa heard from both the image before her and at the same time from William. With that the young girl's image slowly dissolved into a mist of pink and blue hues. Lisa heard in her head as the mist moved towards William. "It will only take but a few moments." Lisa watched as the mist enveloped William and then slowly entered the boy's nose and mouth and then disappeared. William under his own power sat up and swung his feet over the edge of the bed. Lisa in "protective mode" made a move to help him but he held up a hand. "No Mother. I must do this myself." The orb moved of it's own power and floated a foot above William's head. It gave of bursts of radiance in every color of the rainbow. In amazement Lisa watched as the colorful glow enveloped her son. Slowly at first and then more rapidly, William metamorphed into the girl he would have been born as. Her features still held some of those that were William's but were definitely feminine. William's pajamas had even changed into pretty pink and blue brushed cotton nightgown. In the child's wardrobe closet, nestled between her other pretty dresses and other apparel, a white brocaded silk gown with blue piping appeared on the hangers. A pair of golden sandals rested on the shoe tree under the gown. Spellbound, Lisa made no move toward her child until the glow dissipated and the orb settled to the floor and again appeared to become smooth marble. Her new daughter stood up and turned to her. "Thank you Mother." at the same time she held out her arms to Lisa and they embraced as Mother and Daughter for the first time. The room shifted slightly, all vestiges of a "sick room" disappeared and in its place the decor of a young girl's bedroom appeared. +++ At that same moment a rumble of protest was heard and felt under Stonehenge as large rocks and debris fell from the trench walls and down into the misty depths below. *** In Dr, Kalp's office, Lisa and Billie Taylor were due in at 1:00 PM for a series of immunization shots. In the memory of everyone who had contact with the child, she was an example of perfect health. *** Kerry woke up suddenly and sat up in her bed. "William?" She said out loud. The dream she had had still vivid in her mind. "Oh Billie, Billie!" she repeated as she sprang from the bed to get dressed. Somehow Kerry knew something had happened to her friend and she felt a need to be with him. +++ "It is done Father." Alawena said as she stood beside Merlin in the Great Hall of the Sage's. "Yes my daughter. You have done well. Now we will need to guide the child in her quest." "Why could I not tell her that we do not really die, Father?" Alawena asked. "She must find that out on her own my daughter. Not all things are made known to the Sages. Did you not learn that yourself? She may yet fail and die just as you almost did." "And the child's mother? What of her?" Alawena asked. "She does not know it yet but she has inherited the powers of prophecy and telepathy. She and one other will be needed to overcome Mordred. That will be the child's choice although I did notice you left behind a hint. Maybe we can guide her in that choice. We'll see." Chapter Eight Lisa held her new daughter at arms length. "You are beautiful William. I guess I won't be able to call you that anymore. We will have to find a new name for you." "I have a new name in mind Mother." "You have? Lisa replied quizzically. "Yes mother. I would like to be called Billie." "Why that name dear?" "Because Alawena suggested it when she entered my body. I heard her say that name. I don't know why. I just know that that is what I must be called." "Then Billie it is but I get to give you your middle name. Ann after your grandmother. "Billie Ann Taylor. I like that Mother. Thank you." "Good now lets get you dressed. I hope you don't mind getting prettied up Billie. You are a girl now and I would hope you would like it. Do you feel up to it?" Lisa asked remembering William's illness. "And a sorceress. Yes Mother, I feel terrific." Billie replied. "Let's talk about that later. Right now I want to see what my little girl in all her finery." Lisa said giving Billie another hug. Just then Kerry burst into the room and as quickly froze in her steps as she took in the scene before her. "I knew it. I just knew it. The dream was real." Kerry burst out. "What dream?" Lisa asked looking at first Kerry and then Billie. "Had a dream that William had been healed and had to become a girl. That is you isn't it Billie?" Kerry asked looking at her friend. "Yes Kerry." "But how? Why?" Kerry asked in wonderment. "It is a long story Kerry and I am sure Billie will tell you about it soon enough. But as Billie, she has never been sick and you must promise not to ever reveal to anyone about her past. We will tell you why soon." Lisa stated. Kerry was confused but she promised to keep the secret. She looked at her friend now turned girl, "Billie Ann? Oh what a pretty name." Kerry said as she and Billie hugged each other. Lisa broke the two children apart gently. "Kerry, we have to get Billie dressed. We have an appointment with Dr. Kalp soon to get our immunization shots for our trip. Would you like to help her? This will be her first time in a long time getting dressed by herself and a first as a girl?" "Oh yes Mrs. Taylor. I'd love to help." The girl replied enthusiastically. "Good, I'll let you show Billie what she has to do while I make some breakfast and then we can have a talk." "Okay Mrs. Taylor." And "Okay Mother." the girls replied in unison. +++ For next hour Billie let Kerry take charge. Billie knew nothing of what it took to be a girl although she was quite willing to learn. Kerry was more than willing to teach her "new" friend. She introduced Billie to the thrill of taking a scented bubble-bath and how to get her hair ready and even how to do her nails getting dressed. When Kerry saw the white and blue gown she wanted Billie to wear it but Shawn was adamant. "No, that is for a special occasion." In the end Billie was outfitted in a cute lavender dress with a full knee-length skirt with delicate lace trim on the collar and cuffs. She was also wearing matching ankle socks and Mary-Jane shoes. A delicate golden chain necklace and matching bracelet completed her first feminine outfit. Billie knew she should feel self-conscious yet she did not. She felt quite natural dressed as a pretty ten year old girl. "Oh Billie, you are so pretty." Billie stood in front of the mirror and examined her new self. She thought at how just the day before she was a dying, crippled and incapacitated boy. Smiling, she whispered her thanks to Aardvak. Her smile faded as she remembered what it was that she now had to do and the adversary that she would soon face. Her thoughts were interrupted as Kerry continued, "I could almost wish I was a boy and could be your beau. You know I prayed so hard that you would get well and I could be your girlfriend. I can't believed that this was my answer." Kerry said truthfully. "I know Kerry. I often felt the same way. I guess now it will have to be different." "Well at least I am still your friend William." Kerry said aware that she had used Billie's old name. "Yes you are Kerry. My very best friend. Always." Billie picked up the orb from the floor where it had come to rest and placed it on her dresser. Kerry looked on in amazement as the orb floated some two inches above the surface. Looking towards Billie, the unsaid question 'How' was written on her face, Billie smiled at her friend. "Magic." Kerry just nodded. After all, her friend had just changed into a girl, what other wonders was she to see. The two girls then headed for the kitchen. Lisa turned her head as her new daughter as she entered the kitchen. One look was all she needed to realize just what magic had been performed just an hour earlier. No words were exchanged between them. The smiles of acceptance were all that was needed as Lisa took Billie's hands in her own. "Thank you Aardvak. Thank you for my child's life." She said to herself. *** It had been almost two weeks since William had become a girl. It was another 10 days before the next full moon. Lisa had completed the necessary travel arrangements and had received the passports for Billie and herself. William had hoped that if he ever got well that he wanted to do what other boys did. Baseball, fishing, girl watching and just generally being a boy. Now he was going to have to fore-go that for dresses and dolls and other girl stuff. But it was a good trade and was she was happy with it. If she was to remain a girl for the rest of her life she was determined to learn well and use her power wisely. Billie had spent most of the first few days enjoying the freedom from his illness. The freedom from smelly baby diapers and the awful medications. The freedom from the sickbed and wheelchair. It was like heaven. He spent a lot of time with Kerry learning the rudementaries of being a girl. Billie was a fast learner thanks to the subtle magic that her benefactor had bestowed unknowingly on her. The morning that Lisa and Billie were to leave for London, Billie noted that Kerry had not come to say goodbye. Billie had become very attached to her new friend. As close as sisters in fact. She had wanted to invite Kerry to take the trip with her but Lisa had pointed out that they may be gone for a long time, "Besides dear, you may have to enter school over there if we are gone to long." Lisa had pointed out. Billie had understood and had reluctantly agreed. Still she wanted her options open and planted a small thought in the heads of both of Kerry's parents. A thought about a vacation in the English countryside. Billie was in an excited mood as she got dressed that morning. It was the first time she had ever taken a trip anywhere. It seemed like a holiday as the excited little boy turned girl dressed in a pink cotton knee length dress, white tights and Mary Janes and a white knit front button sweater. She watched as her mother pack the last of her suitcases. Lisa carefully placed the white brocaded silk gown with blue piping in last. She then placed the marble orb into the suitcase and safely tucked it between the clothing. "We're ready." Lisa said as she heard the sound of the car horn and carefully picked up two of suitcases and walked out of Billie's bedroom. Billie took one last look around her room and with a sigh of regret. It was such a pretty room and she knew it would be some time before she would see it again if ever. She turned, picked up the remaining suitcase and followed her mother down the stairs and towards the front door. As Lisa and Billie climbed into the taxi for the trip to the airport, Kerry watched from her bedroom window. Her eyes teared over as she watched her friend carefully adjust the seatbelt over her shoulder so as not to wrinkle her dress. "Good luck Billie. Please be careful." Kerry said to herself. Billie looked over at Kerry's window and smiled. "I will Kerry." She said so softly that even Lisa did not hear her. "Just be prepared if I call." Kerry heard the whispered reply of Billie's voice in her ear. 'But... but how...' Kerry said to herself in response to the unexpected voice. Then she understood and a huge smile appeared on her face as her friend disappeared from view. Chapter Nine "From the BBC London." Stonehenge Investigators this morning were forced to temporarily abandon their investigations of the events of earlier this month as severe tremors and large cracks that appeared in the center of the site made work impossible. Everyone was evacuated by helicopter. Two hours after the tremors stopped officials watch in awe as a large stone obelisk rose out of the center of the site. The obelisk appears to be smooth black marble. It is nearly 25 meters on a side and stands nearly twice as high. No other activity has occurred at the site after the obelisk rose up out of the ground except for a green mist of unknown content appears to be rising slowly from the fissures that surround the site. Officials are taking samples of the mist for analysis before returning to investigate this new development. Residents for a distance of five kilometers around Stonehenge are now being evacuated until the mist can be analyzed." *** Mordred was pleased as he placed the red orb on the pillar of orange light that rose from the pedestal. He watched as it floated there with a shimmering red glow. His "castle" was now in the very center of the Merlin's old habitat. The source of his magic was well guarded and he knew that SHE had to come and destroy it. The spell he had cast would only allow a male to approach its pedestal, which he had hidden deep within his castle. He was sure that this time he could destroy the old ways of the Sages and he, Mordred would rule. He knew that the last of the Sages was close by. He could "feel" her presence. He had set the trap well. She was the only living creature that could stop him yet she would have to become a male to do so and that was when he could defeat and kill her. Mordred rubbed his hands together and let out an evil laugh as he thought of the power he would have when he had combine her orb with his. The full moon was only a short time away. For Mordred what constituted a smile appeared on his dark continence as he contemplated his final freedom and ability to make war again. His minions, lurking in the corners the throne room, cowered even more into the dark recesses, as they knew what Mordred could do when he wanted to please himself. *** Lisa and Billie had just finished up breakfast at a quaint restaurant on the edge of Piccadilly Circus when the BBC announcement was made. Billie felt a tremor course through her being as she listened the announcement over the TV mounted on the restaurant wall. "Mordred!" Billie said sharply. "We need to go there Mother." Lisa felt a sharp pain in the side of her head. She closed her eyes and gently rubbed her temples with her fingertips. The vision formed and she saw what form the next day would take. "No, not yet Billie. The time is not yet right." Lisa said as the vision faded. "You felt it too Mother?" Billie asked with as she observed the trembling in her mother's hands. "Lets go and sit in the park and talk. I need to tell you something and this is not the place to do it." Lisa said. *** "Its a trap dear. I can't explain it but ever since we came here I have had these visions. Nothing connected until just now but I can see it as plain as day now. He has hidden his sphere and wants you to try and get it." Lisa said as they sat on the park bench. "What sphere?" Billie asked. "The other half of the magic. You have one and he has the other. The two sides of the magic. He needs your sphere to combine with his and he will be able to have total power over the world. He will have defeated the sages." "What happens if I get his half instead?" Billie asked. "I don't know dear, maybe then he will be finally defeated and the good sages will finally triumph. I did see this however, He has placed a spell on his sphere and only a male can approach it. He is trying to trick you into becoming a boy to get around the spell. You cannot do that. You remember what Aardvak said when he assumed his male form and did battle with Mordred?" "Yes. His magic was all but gone." "Exactly. He would have total power over you. He could kill you or worse and win the ancient battle. You will need an ally Billie. One you can trust." "Mother, I have an idea that may help us." Billie reached into her purse and rested her hand on the orb. Unseen by the passersby the orb glowed an intense blue as Billie closed her eyes and asked for help. *** George Larson hugged his wife Susan as he usually did every afternoon when he came in the door. Holding her at arm's length after the hug he asked, "Hon. how would you like a working vacation?" "A what?" She asked quizzically. "I have to go to London to close a contract with a new customer. How would you like to take a vacation after I close the deal?" "Really? But what about Kerry, she has school work to do?" "We will only be gone a couple of weeks. I'm sure we can get the school to give her her class assignments. She can do those while we are gone. Besides, I think the kids get extra credit if they write a report of their trip." "George I'd love to go and I'm sure Kerry would to. Besides if we can work it out she may be able to see her friend Billie while we're there." "Settled then. We leave day after tomorrow." Kerry, sitting in her room did not have to be told what her father had just told her mother. She could feel the call from Billie. Chapter Ten "This is unreal. You really are some sort of sorceress now?" Kerry said excitedly as Billie explained everything that had happened. The two young girls sat at a separate table in the restaurant while Lisa and Kerry's parents sat at another table engaged in conversation. "Yes and no Kerry. The correct term is a Sage. A person that can yield the magic contained in the Orbs. But that power is not absolute. It can be lost to another who is more powerful. Once there were many Sages but slowly over eons the good and evil sages did battle with each other and now..." Billie let the thought die after a long pause. She continued, "Each Sage has his or her own orb and as long as they do not lose it they do not die. Normally a female sage is more powerful than a male one but Mordred is over a thousand years old and I have only been a female for a few weeks. I need time to strengthen my power so I have to be more cunning. There are only two orbs left, mine and Mordred's and Mordred is trying to get mine while I am still weak. He wants my Orb to combine with his then he will be the last Sage and undefeatable." "And you say this battle has been going on for a thousand years?" "Longer than that Kerry, since the beginning of time. Do you remember all those fables we learned about King Arthur and his knights in school? Well they are not all fables. Most are based on fact that have been changed by repeated retelling. My benefactor Aardvak was the son of Merlin the "Magician" and Merlin's mother was really the Lady of the Lake. She was supposedly the woman who rose out of the lake and gave King Arthur the sword Excalibur. Mordred was the bastard son of King Arthur. Ardvaak took on the female form in order to become more powerful than Mordred. Her name was Alawena. She was like me a young girl and when Mordred killed her husband she became a man again thinking that she could defeat Mordred in physical combat. As Aardvak and with his reduced magic, all he was able to do was bind up Mordred beneath the Druid alter for a thousand years. That is Stonehenge. Now Mordred is about to try to come forth and defeat the last of the Sages. Me. There is a lot more to the story of Aardvak and Mordred but I will tell you about that later." "So how is it that you have this power?" "Alawena married the knight Galahad and had a son and that child was my grandfather many times removed." "Oh wow! You are related to Sir Galahad and Merlin? So you're a wizard too?" Kerry asked in awe. "Yes. I'm the last except for Mordred and I would not call him a Sage. He's more like a demon. He's in league with Satan himself." Billie replied sadly. "Oh wow! That's cool." Kerry said in awe at the revelations from her friend. *** Kerry and Billie were, as two girlfriends would be, excited at the news that Kerry's parents had agreed to let her spend a week with Billie and Lisa while they spent some time alone. The following morning Lisa and her charges set off for the Salisbury plain in a rented car. Lisa was not very happy with the plan that Billie had proposed but she knew it was their only option if they wanted to get their lives back into some form of normalcy. The first half hour Lisa drove in silence as the two girls sat in the back seat chatting and giggling at everything and nothing. They seemed so happy at being together. Lisa found it hard to believe that her daughter had just a short time ago been a boy and an invalid. Lisa was not happy at having to involve Kerry in this plan. She and Billie were content at the changes that had occurred to Billie but she was apprehensive with what would happen to Kerry. The night before Aardvak had come to her in a dream and explained what could happen and Lisa had awoken in a cold sweat. She had told Billie and about the dream but promised to let her speak to her friend. If Kerry said no then they would find another way. The two young girls chatted for several kilometers, or more correctly Kerry did. Kerry became aware that Billie seemed deep in thought when she did not talk back. "So how are you going to beat him?" Kerry asked out of the blue. "Huh? Oh I'm sorry, I was way off in another world. With your help Kerry, if your willing. I have a plan but it is very risky." Kerry looked at her friend intently for a few seconds then said, "Tell me about it." *** "Are you sure Kerry? I can not guarantee that you can be changed back and it may get worse than just being a boy?" Billie asked. "You're my friend Billie and you need help. I don't care as long as I can be your friend. It makes no difference if I can change back. Besides I don't like what the world would become if Mordred wins." Billie hugged her friend. "Thank you. You're a true friend and will always be so." Billie said with tears in her eyes. They were still holding hands as Lisa pulled the rented car up slowly to the Military roadblock. *** Mordred could feel her presence. An evil grin spread across his deformed face. His red eyes glowing with pure evil. "Come little girl, it is almost time for you to meet your master." He said as he gave a rat-like creature a kick with his cloven hoof. The creature scurried off into some dark recess of the chamber. Mordred started to laugh and the echo of its evil nature reverberated throughout the confines of the dungeon-like interior of the black obelisk. The centuries had had its way with Mordred. The evil nature of his magic had transformed him from a man into a resemblance of a being from Hell itself. He was more dragon than man. Every manifestation of Satan had taken root within him except one. He could not divine the future. The power to prophecy eluded him. It was the one power that had prevented him from defeating Merlin and Aardvak. He knew that with this weakness he could be outsmarted and defeated. He had to be more cunning. Mordred felt that he had laid the perfect trap. It was almost time to put his plan into effect. "You are going to lose this battle to Mordred. I will rule now." Mordred said aloud as he looked upon the red glow of the suspended orb. Chapter Eleven The mists parted and M