The Fire Horse (Chapter Five)

The city of Pacwad was made up of hundreds of globed domes clustered above an enormous lake like a shinning mirage in the Sands of Time. Lucida the Palace of Dreams was somewhere inside one of those fluorescent globes its pearls of wisdom hidden inside a masquerade of identical pearled globes.

After traversing what was the countryside filled with fertile crops a multitude of ponds as well as sparse communities of farmers; the three riders from Eternia were now led by Inspector Plodok aboard a Lilly pad shaped vessel amidst many others as they made their way to and from the gigantic pan shaped pad which floated the city of Pacwad itself.

"Do you get a lot of visitors?", Malcome asked the Inspector who still resided inside the cockpit of his seated frog called a Ribit.

Malcome's questions pertained to the many globed cities surrounding Pacwad which could be seen commuting back and forth from there.

"Surprisingly, we get many of the same visitors, most of whom are traders.", Plodok told Malcome.

"There are so many lights under the water like the ones atop, the floating cities like Pacwad.", Trace astutely pointed out.

"That is our Tube-System, Prince Trace.", Plodok pointed out," As there are floating cities above the lake so are their cities lying below it. The Tube-System is a series of pneumatic tubes that provide each citizen with transport to each sub-city."

"Pacwad is a Pad city though, correct?", Trace asked for clarification.

"That is correct.", Plodok replied.

"Where not going underwater are we?", Trace asked innocently.

Traces question caused Plodok to croak in laughter, to which he then replied, "Not unless you can breathe underwater my young prince."

The entranceway into Padwad from the Lilly pad shaped vessel was a hidden drawbridge amongst many that were built into the giant pan shaped base of each pad-city. The concealed drawbridge would receive a sub sonic signal from the Lilly pad vessel which triggered the drawbridge to open.

Once opened the drawbridge released would except its contacted vessel. In this instant, Inspector Plodok urged everyone on board to brace themselves as the drawbridge they were headed for had sprung open!

The receptive drawbridge laid itself like a tongue on top of the cool water leading into its mouth. The Lilly pad vessel entered into the tunnel through the drawbridge within without a hitch.

"That was a smooth entrance.", Malcome remarked

"Padwads base rises as well as lowers with the lake. So, it is always flush with the waters of the lake itself. This tunnel is also a water way for each pad to float upon. We should be docking soon everyone.", the Inspector explained.

"I am all for it.", Styx grumbled

When the Lilly vessel drifted out of the dark tunnel it inserted its mouth into a triangle shaped architecture like a puzzle piece in order to dock.

While Malcom's horse Stridor who had remained calm during the ride to Pacwad just as assuredly departed the vessel without a care. The same could not be said for Clapper who was petrified were the only way of getting her off the vessel was with juicy red beats as Styx found out. In the wake of Clappers offboarding an unintended gift of predigested red beats had been left behind. Fortunately, a cleaning crew of Frog attendants quickly attended to the mess with a water hose as well as soap-soaked sponges.

To oblige the newly arrived guests in Padwad a Frogman in overalls came over along with two younger bright green frogling men also in overalls.

"My names Budd, these here are my two sons Jepp and Derp! I would be happy to take care of those two horses during your stay in Frog Town!", Budd told Malcome as he side-glanced at Plodok.

Inspector Plodok spreading his arms wide showcased what was around them, saying, "As you can see, we cater to the outside world!"

All three were amazed at how unlike a city Padwad actually was. For all around the trio was tall grass, flowers, small ponds, mushrooms, as well rocks as well as sandy regions. What there was of architecture was in the shape of such was around them like mushroom houses of many shapes and sizes.

Budd went on to sell his business which seemed to be the caring of animal transport for travelers to Pacwad," I am as familiar with horses just as I am with the Reptile men's chosen steed the Sandback."

"That is enough friend Budd!", Plodok who did not care for such slick salesmanship went on, "I will cover the stalling fee it will require for these horses care."

After using his quick tongue to catch a flying bug in the air, Budd declares, "Please...this one is on me!"

Then Plodok not wanting to hear another word from Budd leads the way to Lucida leaving his Ribit parked besides the Lilly Pad vessel in order to hold its spot for him, saying to the attendants, "I am reserving this vessel, until I return!"

"Yes, Inspector Plodok!, the head attendant promises.

As all the other attendant's wave goodbye to Plodok along with his guests.

Styx tells the prince to follow along with Malcome as she gives Budd her last portion of red beats saying," You can give these to the black horse to calm her down, she's called Clapper. The other one is Stridor; he won't need much babysitting."

"Not to worry a lick my lady, we will take great care of these fine horses until your return.", Budd said as he caught another flying insect with his fast-acting tongue.

"Make sure that you do! Also, don't use all of my red beats as I will need some later on.", Styx warned Budd before heading off to follow her group to Lucida.

Budd kindly waved goodbye to Styx saying, "Have a great stay in Frog Town!" Then Budd turned his attention to his sons Jepp and Derp. After eyeing them both he hands the bag of red beats to Jepp telling him, "I can't be tempted by this bag of red beats, take them Jepp to that black horse whose name is Clapper!"

"Yes, pappa Budd!", Jebb says before attending to Clapper. Then before Budd turns to his other son he warns Jepp, "Only use those beats sparingly!"

When Budd turns to his other son, he sees that he is just staring at him blankly," What do you need an invitation? Go on an attend to that other horse, whose name is Stridor by the way!"

Without questioning his assigned task, Derp quickly waddles over to lead him over to the stalls.

On the ground level stood Lucida the tallest structure in Padwad. At the top of the tower was a purple closed flower sticking out a long neck atop a stout wide base like a bottle. The pebbled path towards Lucida ended in a stratum of multi-colored rock patterns leading up to the large entrance of the palace. As Plodok led the prince with his entourage up the strata frog men came out wearing yellow tunics adorned with matching caps. These were the Padwas or dream guides bidding welcome to Lucida they began to hum in unison as they followed their guests inside through the oval shaped doorway. As Plodok ventured inside with his guests, the Padwas followed humming while dropping yellow leaves as a trail behind them.

Inspector Plodok stopped at the center of the room where stood Gomot who was also dressed in a yellow tunic with a taller matching hat with an oval purple jewel in its center. Gomot held a ceremonial gold bell which he rang twice to first cease all activity then once more to quiet the humming of his brother frog clerics.

Gomot croaked in order to clear his throat before his announcement," Welcome Inspector Plodok...welcome Eternian guests to Lucida." Then with a gesture Gomot waved away his fellow clerics then he waved for his guest to come closer to him.

"Welcome home my son.", Gomot warmly told Plodok who began to tell why he has returned," My return is not about me...meet this young prince from Igniton in the Mystic Mountains."

Gomot asked the prince, "Please come closer to me...tell me what you seek."

Prince Trace moved in closer with a little nudge from Styx until Gomot came just below his stomach while the frogs yellow cap reached his chest.

Without saying a word Prince Trace showed Gomot the birthmark inside the palm of his right hand.

Gomot's eyes bulged as he held the prince's hand to look closer at the three flamed birthmark.

"What symbolism is this?", Gomot said as he looked on intently at the marking on Traces hand.

Trace was about to answer when Gomot told him, "No, say no more, let us explore this together."

"Plodok I will allow you to observe as a former disciple of mine. The only other one to enter into the Dream Observatory is a parent to the young prince...someone of a close personal nature to him.", Gomot put forth.

Without saying a word, Styx came forth to join her son in the Dream Observatory.

"You are the birth mother of this young prince?", Gomot asked.

"I have raised the child as my own since he was abandoned as a baby. No, I am not his true mother, only his surrogate one.", Styx admitted thinking that she would be discounted in joining in the observatory.

"A close parental bond will be enough.", Gomot said before leading the way up a large flight of stairs which ran around the base of a tall column in the center of the room.

Plodok saying nothing used his arm to indicate that the prince along with his handmaiden follow him up the staircase.

Malcome had to stay behind in the circled room unable to follow he held his bandaged right hand which felt much less tender.

The purple enclosed flower at the top of the tower was where Gomot lead his three visitors. For that was where the staircase ended and according to Gomot the 'real journey' would begin.

The room at the top was completely dark except for the hole which led some light inside it. After some fumbling from someone the holed entrance was closed with a clanking sound. A light then came one from above it swirled in a variety of yellow, purple as well as green colors. Then there was a natural light which began to open up just as the walls around the room did.

"Stay close to me, Trace.", Gomot told the prince as he held his arm, while also telling him, "Do not look up at the light cascading the room."

Styx felt for Traces arm until she could grab it.

The walls had just about opened themselves out to the city below. The insides of the leaves were a burgundy color, darker in color than their other half which shown from outside the tower.

Plodok was now seen as the room was totally exposed crouched down inside a drain which they were all inside of. Plodok turned a lever on the drainage cap to lock it up. Plodoks action caused a shower to poor down on everyone inside what truly was the Dream Observatory.

A slight thin pole curved around the drainage hole rose high above as it emitted its light effects while simultaneously showering down water on everyone.

Styx stood in the center of the proverbial flower as water filled up creating a dark pool. When the light hit the pool, it reflected dancing shadows of light.

The pool of shadow only filled up to just below Styx's knees before she could tell it would not rise any higher. Trace was layed inside the pool of water, he kept his eyes shut while Gomot crouched down behind his head to hold it in his lap.

As the leaves siphoned off water from inside the pool it released the excess water as rain fall from the tower!

The rain then fell on a mass of frog people gathered around below Lucida! Malcome was welcomed to witness as well as take in the event for which he did.

Unconcerned by the spectacle, Malcome hoped that it would be over soon. As the prince was exposed so high up, probably drenched in water no less, he would be the perfect target for some assassin right now.

Gomot waved Styx away so that he would be the only one in the center of the pool as he waved for Plodok to let go of the prince.

Gomot gave a deep guttural hum which vibrated inside of the pool where he was in as well. Traces mind was overtaken by not only the light but the vibrating sound as well as the feeling of the water. Trace had a strange sinking feeling where his mind felt like it was shrinking away from him. Gomot held the prince's head up so it would not settle under the pool of water.

Gomot searched for a connection inside of Traces mind as it drifted off into dream state where all collective imagery, emotion and subconscious would be revealed.

A red blur is seen in the air above Lucida it settles on the back of the illuminating shower head it peers out from behind its bursting lightshow. The metal bird is a raptor in crimson that spots one of wo potential targets below it in the black pool. It then opens its beak to emit a silent cry.