The Burning Rose (Chapter Twelve)

Finally, Malcome had reached Igniton, riding atop his horse Strider while clutching Clapper's leather strap to lead the other horse across the long stone arched bridge. Already, Plodok was beside his Ribit on the other end of the bridge having been led by the Black Dragon Brigade long before Malcome who's travel time was hampered with the addition of leading the slower horse along the way. Malcome was discontented during his riding time as well after crossing the snail bridge over the Mystic River where he witnessed that bridges destruction when the great flying ship called the Trapper tore it asunder. However, having escaped that destruction which took many of the river people's lives along with it was only part of why Malcom's discontent persisted. The onset of Malcom's discontent began as soon as Styx' dire warning was flayed into his mind at the river crossing for the clarity of that warning does not match up with where he is leading towards.

Malcome's horses became excited when they saw Plodok waving at the other end of the stone arched bridge beside his Ribit.

The welcoming party beside Plodok included an unhelmed warrior with a thinning red mane of hair which was offset by a brimming red beard attired in a breast plate of molten red armor. Alongside the warrior were three Fire Witches cloaked in red standing in a row with the tallest in the middle in-between the other two of fairly equal proportion.

"Where's the squid?", Malcome asked as he climbed off Stridor

"The Black Riders carried it off somewhere else in Igniton.", Plodok replied

"The Goblin Katnik", Malcome then asked

"Taken into custody.", Plodok again replied

"Ahem.", a voice clearing itself broke in

It was the red bearded warrior introducing himself to Malcome," I am General Helix of the Knights of Igniton who alongside the Witches of Fire welcome you."

Malcome gingerly waved towards his hosts because of the recent scarring on his right hand. The pain of the burn Malcome received from a wisp of flame sent to him by Styx at the battle near the edge of the Mystic River.

The witches unveiled themselves of their hoods in order to welcome both their visitors.

The tallest of the three appearing the oldest with long black hair showcasing a long white streak like a lightning bolt was about to introduce herself when one of the witches rushed over to examine Malcomes burnt hand!

Malcome let the round-faced brunette witch clasp his right hand then open it up to reveal the burnt scarring inside the palm.

"I... feel her...", the witch told the other witches with her eyes closed while gently holding Malcom's hand in both of hers.

"Who do you feel, Ira?", the taller witch asked

Ira while still holding onto Malcom's forearm and wrist with wide eyes spun her head around to tell the taller witch, "Her!"

The other two witches looked at each other knowingly as Ira let go of Malcom's hand in order to tell him," I do apologize for my abrasiveness. I hope that I did not cause you any discomfort."

Upon seeing Malcom's scar, Plodoks eyes bulged out as he asked," What happened to your right hand?"

"Later...", Malcome insisted as he noticed that Ira the witch was not entirely unattractive said to her," I found the warmth of your hands very soothing."

Ira blushed slightly as she backed away toward her fellow witches once again.

Malcome told his name before asking the other two witches there's.

Helix stroked his bushy red beard impatiently as the tall witch calling herself Aether welcomed Malcome before turning to the last witch Inka who had blue face paint in the outline of a butterfly over her eyes with her silver locks tied in beads.

Helix called for some of his knights to take Malcom's horses to a stall before announcing," Malcome, Plodok...witches let us proceed to Lord Tyrs chambers where we can become inundated with the whereabouts of Prince Trace."

Malcome bid his horses farewell in a stall filled with Cockatiel's instead of horses though the stablemen gave him his own assurances that he had tended to visitors with horses before and would take excellent care of his new guests.

Malcome had little choice but to except the stablemen's assurance's before being led by Helix along with the three Fire Witches to Lord Tyrs throne room.

As well-lit as Titan Tower was it was filled with a dark allure.

The throne room was brighter than the slithering corridors of the Tower itself with an even more darkened allure as if the illuminated torches were trying to hide it.

The towering Lord of Titan Tower sat in his throne with his beauteous witches' ample buttocks saddled upon his knee.

General Helix seized the moment to ingratiate himself with the honor of announcing Lord Tyr's long-awaited guests," The Dragons Riders have returned from the Mystic River crossing with Malcome of Eternia!"

"Along with him is the unexpected arrival of Inspector Plodok from Pacwad as well!", Helix concluded before shuffling off to the side in order to place the spotlight on his two guests.

Lord Tyr did not respond to his general immediately instead he leant his head down to listen to his vivacious advisor who cusp her hand whispering something in his right ear.

The fire witch Ira breathed heavily in disgust of the way Tyr was being influenced by the white witch on his lap.

Aether the taller witch schusses Ira so as not to make a scene.

"I Welcome you to Igniton!", Tyr finally tells his newly arrived guest after reluctantly pulling his ear free from whatever Varna had been secretly telling him.

Then after looking down at Varna his lover for more advise, she nods at him to continue, "So... you must be tired from your long journey to Igniton."

Malcome hears from behind him the three witches getting agitated when Aether has to again shush Ira who says something about a puppet with strings.

Helix then becomes uncomfortable as he strokes his bushy beard.

Though instead of letting a disruption continue Aether attempts to avert it, "If I may speak?"

Tyr prompts Aether to come forward despite Varna scowling at the fire witch.

"Your Lordship....", Aether begins while ignoring Varnas blatant contempt of her," This is a crucial moment for us to learn what has transpired with the disappearances of both Prince Trace as well as Lady Styx most recently."

"Styx is no more!", Varna shouts from across the fire pit.

Varnas outburst triggers Ira who is held back by Inka.

"What has happened to Lady Styx?", Malcome interjects

Verna immodestly tells Malcome as if to remove the fact of her very existence," Styx is no more! The witch now resides in the belly of the Gem Eyed Beast in the mines of Morgoth, consumed by her own greed!"

"Liar! You lured her there against her will!", Ira screams unable to contain herself any longer

"I did nothing of the sort.", Varna said in her defense

"Enough!", Lord Tyr shouted

Varna in response began caressing Tyr's chest and arms to calm his rage.

"I am vexed by you fire witch's constantly at odds with my beloveds' words. They are only the words of honesty that she bequeaths to you. I know how unsettling the truth can be at times. I know!", Tyr expresses uncomfortably

"I am deeply saddened to hear of Styx' demise as her love as well as concern for Prince Trace showed no bounds.", Malcome said in order regain the floor in his heart not fully buying into Varnas so-called truth.

Lord Tyr again lent his head down to receive concealed advice from his beloved Varna.

Then after nodding several times to Varna's whispering to him Tyr returned to his upright position in his throne to declare," I too am saddened by the recent loss of Lady Styx. In addition, as many answers as you may offer us Malcome concerning prince Trace, it is my decision to suspend this meeting until tomorrow. Let us return here again tomorrow in order to discuss what you experienced along your journey with cooler heads."

Aether was sure to add even before Malcome could respond," Our Eternian guests can stay with us in Brahm Tower where he can learn a little bit more about the prince before he retires for the night."

Tyr gives a dismissive wave to signal them off replying back, "Very well."

Aether saw that Malcome was starving for information as she along with her sisters grabbed him and the Inspector in order to hastily lead them out of the throne room.

"All will be explained to you.", Aether whispered into Malcom's ear.

The witches led their guests quickly out the front gates of Titan Tower, past the stables then down a corridor which led out of that section trough an archway. The corridor continued on past the archway as a dirt path along the dark stone of the walls surrounding Titan Tower. The witches led their guests a good way with a few right turns along the curvature of the towering stone walls until they arrive at a tunnel.

Upon entering into the tunnel, which was not very long, the witches brought their guests into a courtyard with trees, flowerbeds, red vines draping down the gray stone walls of Brahm Tower. There was a witch pruning some thorns as well putting them in a satchel as Aether led them all into the oval arched doorway where the circled Bull-headed seal of Brahm watched them enter into the tower.

As soon as they entered into the well-lit grey tower Ira burst 0ut,"Did you see the way that she cozied up to him...the way she rubbed him as if he was her plaything?"

Malcome knew that Ira was referring to Varna being on Lord Tyr's lap as well as constantly advising him.

Aether quickly dismissed Ira's outburst saying," We all know about Lord Tyr's infatuation with..."

"That made up trollip!", Ira burst in

"Please stop being rude now sister Ira as we have important work to do.", Aether insisted

Ira remained silent as Inka consuls her as Aether addressed her guests," The kitchen is on this level of the tower would you care to go there? Gormanda is always brewing up all sorts of convections from baking bread in the oven to stirring cauldrons of soup. She would be thrilled to fill your gords."

Both Malcome and Plodok nodded in unison at the offer of food.

Inka asked to talk to Aether who summarily told Ira to lead their guests to the kitchen.

Malcome along with Plodok followed Inka into a round room with eight niches filled with torches above four entranceways. The adjacent entranceway was the one that Inka led them along. Malcom's right hand was feeling less pained inside Brahm tower the atmosphere as well being more comforting. There was an air of familiarity about Brahm Tower which felt inviting as well as safe in comparison to where they had recently been.

Finally, Inka led her guests into a large dining room with large wooden tables spaced out sectionally inside the room. There was a large wooden door in the back of the dining area which was probably where the kitchen was located. Inka chose to seat both her guests at a table closest to the kitchen before telling them, "I will go see what Gormanda's got cooking."

Ira eyed Malcom's right hand for a moment before leaving saying, "I would like to know more about that scar you got when I get back."

"I am most eager to tell you.", Malcome confessed to Ira

"I felt the urgency when you arrived at the front gates just as I do now. I will be back.", Ira told Malcome before heading away to the kitchen

As Malcome rubbed his right hand in anticipation he felt a warm throbbing like a heartbeat. Was she still alive? Was Varna lying as he suspected she was?

"I will wait patiently for the explanation concerning your hand. Though I have my suspicions.", Plodok chimed in

"You have been silent a longtime friend.", Malcome told Plodok

"I have just been waiting for the right opportunity. As the questions just keep piling up upon each other. We have yet to even learn the whereabouts of the Warlock.", Plodok stated

"The Warlock fled Igniton almost as soon as Lady Styx began her journey to Lucida.", the Witch Aether unexpectedly informed Plodok upon her return

"That is unfortunate as we intended to get information from him.", Plodok replied

In that instant Inka returned from the kitchen only for Aether to tell her," Ira, go find Hansome then bring him back so that I can speak with him."

"What will you discuss while I am gone?", Ira asked not wanting to miss a single detail especially about Malcomes right hand

Aether seemingly annoyed told Ira in a scolding manner, "Girl, this is not about what any of us want! We must work quickly as well as act even more so if we are ever to learn what Yyn has set into motion. Now go!"

Ira did not prattle back she simply did as she was told.

An exasperated Aether sat down just as Gormanda made a grande entrance carrying a jug of water in one hand as well as three plates in the other.

The plump Gormanda consummately placed the jug of water as well as the three plates before each to be served.

"Is Ira coming back?", Gormanda asked

Aether replied wearily," Yes...along with Han...as well as Inka."

"Not Han! I am low on supplies as it is! I tell you that boy eats like a starved animal!", Gormanda worriedly stated

"He shan't be here long. I want you to concentrate on these two as they will need all the strength they can obtain.", Aether forewarned

Gormanda then turned her attention to her guests stating, "I am Garmanda the witch who loves to cook! So, tell me who's appetites am I feeding tonight?"

Aether seemed far to weary to introduce her guests, so she turned it over to them, "I am Malcome from Eternia.", then Malcome turned it over to his friend who had the honor, "I am Inspector Plodok from Lucida in Pacwad."

"Frog Town...isn't that where Styx took the prince?", Gormanda hastily asked

"Yes.", a weary Aether replied

Gormanda realizing the weight of the room decided it best to head back into the kitchen saying, "Oh, dear I will bring out some cups.... then the bread rolls will be ready soon.... oh my..."

As Gormanda returned to the kitchen, Inka came up the table to join everyone else.

"Shall we begin?", Aether asked everyone once Inka seated herself

"We shall.", an exuberant Plodok answered back

"Then let us start with that right hand of yours, Malcome.", Aether started in

"Ironically my right hand was first injured by my pride when I first tested the grip of Rotar. That was when Styx had first arrived in Eterno's city for her audience with the king. It was my foolish pride which gave King Miro the thought to choose me to lead prince Trace to Lucida as in part a test of my competency. Which I have failed.", Malcome begins to explain as Gormanda places cups in front of her guests before filling them up one at a time with water from the jug.

"I will get the second most recent injury to my right hand after I recount the losses along my journey.", Malcome began again as everyone focused in on his tale," The first loss was one in which my prince told me happened not soon after leaving for Lucida. Solace the ambassador to Igniton was placed in a state of suspended sleep paralysis not dead but somewhere in-between. The same thing happened to Plodoks Padwa at Lucida after interpreting Traces dreams which were haunting him at night."

Malcome then corrected himself as a basket of bread was placed on the table by Gormanda along with some meats and cheeses," Actually it was the theft of prince Traces soul self his twin flame which was the very first loss in all of this. Which brings me to four more losses in no particular order first the loss of Prince Trace himself which I saw firsthand then finally the thefts of two artifacts from Lucida as well as Soros called the Eyes of the Salamander. To which brings me to not only the loss of your sister Styx but my friends along the way Blovas and Zoomer."

Plodak waited a second before he gulped the name, "Also do not forget Zoomers Alchemist teacher Anole who actually turned up dead in Soros."

Both witches bowed their heads which in turn was reciprocated by Malcome, Plodok as well as Gromanda as she went back into the kitchen.

"That is a lot of loss to grieve.", Aether commented before Inka replied, "There will be much more than that if we do not hurry."

Aether then explained," You were wise to seek the Warlock Ynz as he is at the root of all this mischief. There is a vast conspiracy which has taken off without him. One in which very well could cause the destruction of our entire world."

"Or universe as my father who belongs to the Cult of Morgoth did foresee.", Inka said abruptly

"Go on girl.", Aether encouraged her fellow witch

"You see I was not raised in Igniton instead I was raised from a Jorein river child to adult woman by my father Verglas in the Glaze where lies the Mirrorof Morgoth.", Inka then continued, "It is in the Gardens of the Glaze that the Megacryometeor struck a millennia ago. It is also beyond the ice wall created by the Megacryometeor where the Mound of Morgoth resides deep within surrounded by a bed of blue Morphoses Roses held intact by the Hand of Morgoth which protrudes halfway out from Margoths' grave."

"May I hazard a guess as to the calamity that awaits us?", Plodok asks Inka politely

"Feel free.", Inka says

Plodok begins, "As a former Padwa under the tutelage of Gomot studying in Lucida I learned of Morgoth as well as Brahm and the other great wizards of the Mystic Mountains. I also learned of the Eyes of the Salamander where the right red eye could burn forward as well see through time where the left blue eye allowed access to the past. It was Brahm who deemed the Eyes of the Salamanders power to great for any mortal to yield. That was why they were not only separated but kept hidden until now."

"That is right.", Inka says before stating to Plodok,"Though you still have not guessed at what calamity awaits us."

Plodok goes on unabated, "When held together the eyes were able to warp time and space in unpredictable as well dangerous ways. This means that the Eyes of the Salamander could awaken Morgoth who is asleep in the Dream Realm, Lake of Dreams or whatever name you prefer. Moreover, it is my contention that someone is using Prince Trace along with his soul self as a conduit to control the focus of the eyes power."

"Well done!", Inka applauds

"Then who are the suspects besides Lord Tyr's former Warlock?", Malcome asks

Aether gives Malcome his answer. "Why it is Ynz' former apprentice Armatura along with Varna who goes by numerous aliases too numerous to mention as well as a vampire witch from the western lands."

Hearing a loud growling enter into the dining hall Aether mentions as an aside to her guests," I sent Ira to retrieve Hansome Han that is the one acting like a stray dog. He will lead you through the catacombs underneath Igniton to the ruins where Styx was last seen along with your other comrades. Whatever happens do not mention the name of the Black Mongrel to Han as it greatly upsets him."

Then right before their eyes a scruffy looking lad with dirt on his face, skin, and hands growled an introduction, "I am Hansome!"

The young taught feral boy with long black hair as well as pot marks indented in his grizzled face looked anything but handsome.

Ira then prompted the dirty boy, "What is your full name? Tell them your full name."

"Hansen!", the boy panted while snuggling up to Ira perhaps expecting some reward

Ira pointed to the table as Hansome Hansen grabbed all he could from the table while stuffing his face as well shoulder sack with food!

Gormanda was about to return from the kitchen though when she saw Han quickly closed the door again!

"What did I miss?", Ira pouted

Instead of answering Inka, Aether asked her guests," Inka had suggested to me earlier the use of her sleeping clam in order to receive the same message Styx marked upon your hand."

Inka blurted out, "I use the shell to converse with my father who has been inspecting the mirrors edge meticulously to find any fault with it. So far, he has not detected even the slightest crack. I thought with the shell that we might commune with it in order to recover residual information as to Styx whereabouts threw the mark she left on Malcom's right hand."

Upon agreeing with the idea Malcome was lead along with Plodok upstairs to Inkas quarters where her altar contained a small concealed golden clam atop a shrine of colored crystals, snail paraphernalia like ornaments and decorative shells adorned with a variety of colors as well as patterns.

Hansen had to wait obediently outside of Inkas room until they were finished their mystical correspondence.

Plodok watched from the back near the closed door as Inka opened up the mouth of the golden clam where inside was a basin of water as well a glistening white pearl floating at the back of the clam's throat. The two other witches gathered beside Malcome who tensely stood ready while Inka used her wooden wand to twirl inside the clam's mouth just above the pearl at the back of its throat.

"Aether, can you dim the lights for me?", Inka asked as she concentrated on the pearl inside of the clam.

With only the flicker of her hand Aether lowered the level of flame on all the candles lighting the room.

"Thanks, almost there.", Inka said just before pointing her wand at the pearl before stepping back.

"The pearl is a receiver of psychic message as well as transmitter using the water inside to vibrate stored messages to us. Malcome just release your tension as the ripples in the water of the basin extend themselves outward towards your mind. We are all together with you ready to commune with the messages flowing inside you.", Inka says as she leans her head back with her eyes closed.

Malcome closes his eyes as well as Ira holds his left hand in hers as Aether holds onto her hand. Then Inka closes the circuit by holding Malcom's right hand ready to receive the messaging being sent out in psychic imagery to all of them.

"A beating...like a heartbeat pulsates to you...", Inka relates to the others with her eyes closed as she clutches Malcom's right hand

"It is Styx!", Ira states, "She is alive!"

Malcome becomes startled when he sees a glacial wall of ice begin to drip on a mountain side in a misty region. Then as the wall of ice slowly melts deep inside the wall a purple energy begins to grow larger from within. Many rows of blue roses are un-frozen inside the glacial wall as the energy sphere widens. Malcome then sees a blue hand protruding from a mound of black ice. The hand stirs!

Malcome then sees a strange machine form from within the purple energy! The machine appears as a tall hourglass with the glass split into two halves on each side of it instead of above and below like a normal hourglass. The purple energy is being generated from the center of the machine as an oscillating disc spins. The disc begins to slow which decreases the purple energy until coming to a dead stop. The disc has peculiar markings displayed on it as well as two round stones one red and one blue pointing as if in an imaginary line between the two hourglass capsules. There appears to be two figures inside of the capsules, then a woman in red with a long golden robotic arm steps into view as the image vanishes.

Inka then gently squeezes Malcom's right hand producing a warm sensation that traves from his hand to his mind.

Malcome sees the ruins for the first time as well as the red garbed women who is dancing on a pedestal with her multi-colored birds flying around her. Styx is seen being forced along with Zoomer and Blovas into a blown in shaft then as they are forced to enter by armored warriors threatening them with swords. A vault is inside the shaft where a red gem is painted inside a rectangle on the floor. The red gem vanishes from the floor just as a yellow demon with wings appears in the room. On the large belly of the creature where the naval ought to be is the red ruby. The Demon's eyes glow red as it shoots the beams at his friends making them vanish!

Overcome with grief and failure Malcome buries his head in his hands.

Then everything goes blank in Malcom's mind as the psychic connection is severed once Inka seals the golden clam.

Aether re-illuminates the candles to brighten the room again declaring, "Fear not Malcome your friends may be inside of the beast in some sort of pocket dimension!

"The warlock has created a powerful servitor for which only he knows its weaknesses!", Ira states

"That first vision was some kind of premonition, right?", Malcome asked

"It most assuredly was a premonition a most deadly one at that.", Inka confirmed

"The premonition led back to that image of a machine, the source of that purple energy.", Aether surmised

"Perhaps this purple energy is already effecting reality or more likely it is a distress call from the lost prince Trace.", Plodok suggested

"Though we still do not know where the prince is being held.", Malcome stated

A howl was then heard from outside the door!

"Let Hansen in before he causes a disturbance! We are not the only ones in this house casting magic.", Aether said as Plodok opened the door for the boy

"What about Brahms Gauntlet?", Ira asked

"You mean enact an enchantment on Malcom's hand", Inka asked

"It may work though it would probably only last a day at the most. Though if we charge Malcomes right hand with all our magicks it could work.", Aether said

"I'm in, what do I have to do?", Malcome asked

"All you have to do is hold out your right hand for us to charge it with our magics.", Ira said with a glint in her baby blue eyes

Without another invite Malcome held out his right hand for the witches.

The three witches proceeded to charge up their wands with eldritch energy with each witch trying to invoke the ideal magic for Brahms Gauntlet to take effect.

Aether being the most seasoned witch was already primed to charge up Malcom's right hand, then it was Inka followed by Ira!

Finally, the potent magic was transferred from the three witches into Malcom's right hand!

The witch's magic was transferred into Malcome's body through his right hand the same axes point where he first received Styx's warning to him, he felt the power course throughout his entire body until Aether instructed him," You mustn't expend the power in your right fist until you need it the most."

Suddenly, Ira rushed at Malcome in order to plant a kiss on his cheek saying as she blushed, "That means you must head for the ruins! Please save my friend Styx!"

Hansen gave a low growl at Malcome until Ira told him to behave as well as lead him to the ruins!

"Hansen should get you to the ruins quickly as well as safely as he is able to bypass a lot of the traps along the way.", Aether said

"Plodok, take this golden net it may bind the demon in place so that Malcome can pry the gem lose.", Inka said as she handed over her heirloom

All three witches walked outside the door into the hallway to bid farewell to the heroes who now being led by Hansen made their way down to the catacombs below Igniton.

Hansen the Handsome young boy lived underneath Brahm Tower or was looked after there under the auspices of the witches as well an old man. Hansen did not introduce the old man who was boiling a hot brew above a stove.

"What have you got there Hansen?", the old man was not addressing his guests but rather what was inside the sack Hansen was carrying.

Hansen tried to pretend not to hear the old man who began to try and get up from his chair with his wooden walking stick to find out for himself. However, Hansen seeing the old man's strain to rise from his chai became conflicted as he first looked at the guests then back at the old man before lowering his head.

The old man's eyes widened when he saw a simpering Hansen with his head hung in shame walk over to present his sack to him.

Instead of accepting the sack of food being presented to him the old man pointed his cane to a wooden table near some cupboards telling him," I don't want it! Go pour the food out on the table like you were supposed to do. What did you think, to keep all that food for yourself? That is not being a very good boy now, is it?"

Hansen did not say a thing as he went over to the wooden table where he then emptied his sack of food from the dining room.

"Now divvy the food up before storing it where it belongs, boy!", the old man told Hansen before turning his attention to his guests.

"Of all the greedy displays...in my uncles house no less.", the old man said as he looked back at Hansen who sniveled as he slowly did what the old man asked of him.

"You must be the ones Ira told me about the ones she wanted the boy to take you through the catacombs to the old mines. I am Foxfern the guardian of Hansen as well fire keep of the house of Brahm at your service."

"You're the Great Brahms nephew!", Plodok said in astoundment

"On my mother's side, Syndra the Fire Witch! It's from my mother's side of the family tree where I get my great head of hair! Formerly reddish brown now light gray.", Foxfern said with a wry smilre

"I am Malcome of Eternia along with Inspector Plodok from Lucida in Pacwad.", Malcome told Foxfern when a snarl was heard in the kitchen amidst some food being stored inside of barrels.

In alarm Foxfern shouted from behind himself in his chair," Stop that right now Hansen! You are being a bad boy!"

"Hansome no bad!", was shot back from the kitchen in defiance.

Foxfern was about to say something when Malcome yelled to Hansen," You have to lead us to the ruins! Be a good boy for Ira!"

Immediately, Hansen replied back, "Handsome is good boy! Hansome lead you to ruins, where fire rock is! Hansome not bad!"

"Hansen get over here!", Foxfern yells out to which Hansen hurries over to the old man's side then bends down beside him.

As Hansen kneels beside his master his head is stroked kindly by the old man who tells him, "I don't want to hear anything bad from these two gentlemen upon their return."

Hansen nodded saying, "No bad...no bad..."

Then a Hansens long black hair was loving stroked the old man told him, "Now go get your tools, hurry up and go in the back! Though above all be good to these men as you have a big job to do! Though above all don't be good just for Ira or me be good because it's the right thing to do!"

Hansen then began to pant heavily in excitement before he was let up to go running off in a back room.

The old man then says, "It was Ira that gave him the nickname of Hansome. I never call him that. Anyway, he's back there unsealing the passageway into the catacombs for you right now. It shouldn't take long for Hansen to lead you to the ruins he goes there often to bring back fire rock for fuel. We have enough fire rock in storage to last five years."

After Malcome bids farewell to old man Foxfern he and Plodok head to the back where Hansen has already lit a lantern to light the way through the catacombs.

Hansen then handed a lantern after lighting it to Plodok who took his glow stick out from his vest showing that he had his own way of lighting the way forward. Malcome then came forward to accept the lantern for which Hansen begrudgingly gave to him.

Then Hansen went inside a large furnas where he had already unlatched a panel in the back to climb out trough. Plodok quickly followed suit as he crawled inside the furnas then right out the unlatched panel hole just as Hansen had done. Malcome who was the last to follow found entering inside of the furnas was easy compared to the tight fit through the hole in back.

"Ugh.", Malcome grunted as he crawled in in the tight space where his top half felt boxed in.

Malcom's head finally emerged on the other side of the narrow passage as he was greeted by Plodok who told him," I was glad that we did not have to find you another way through the catacombs friend."

Malcome grunted as he tried to pull himself out telling Plodok,"Maybe friend you can lend me a webbed hand out of here."

"Of course.... gladly!", Plodok said as he grabbed Malcomes hand to start pulling until he was finally through

As soon as Malcome was inside the catacomb Hansen pushed a wheelbarrow full of fire stones in front of the hole to block the entranceway leading into his old man's house.

In a dark corner lit by Hansens lantern which sat atop a barrel was a stockpile of barrels no doubt filled with fire stones.

"Follow Hansome!", the upstart youthful guide said as he lit the way down a darkened passage before them.

"This it is my friend.", Malcome told Plodok who croaked," I am with you to the end."

No more foreboding words were ever said in such a grim moment of determination.

Though as the two-friends proceeded along the ancient stone walled passage being lighted along the way there was much uncertainty.

Malcome began to feel the walls for vegetation, perhaps the mysterious green man they encountered on two occasions was with them. Malcome felt nothing but cold hard stone as he traced his fingers along the walls face. They had not found the Warlock in Ignition would there at all any certainty of rescuing their friends let alone finding the Lost Valley for the answer the green man of moss promised that would be revealed?

Malcome shone his lantern on either side of the passage walls in search of a clue as he endured. There was no other way.