(8)

We slowly entered the cobblestone roads, smiling at friendly faces along the way. Most were entranced by Clint, who was loving the attention. The mighty courtyard was always busy with activity. And there is where I saw Dom. He was hoove-dancing with several back-up dancers to this outrageous song which I somehow forget. There was a nearby balcony booth, where the royals were seated overlooking the festivities. Not that we meant it (of course) but our entrance had caught the attention, and slowly the music and chatting went quiet. Suddenly, the townspeople whipped back to their Twin Royals. There, Katerose and Mact both stood from their humble seats. They smiled at me, as did Domino when he realized, and I led the way closer to the balcony booth.

“Kyelot! It’s been some time, ya lil’ bitch,” Katerose said with a head bob. We all laughed, except for Davidio who was still emotional over those damn fireflies! Enough already!

“My Great Friend-Queen! I regretfully admit that I am not here for pleasure...” I rushed out. The court suddenly burst into laughter—had I not realized the laxxed environment! I had forgotten how everyone was always laughing and joking! Still, there was great seriousness in my tone, and the Queen (after smiling) announced, “My great friends, we must retire and meet with our dear guests.”

Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE bowed the lowest they could as the Royal Party returned back inside the castle. I turned back to my friends, who were both taking in the happy faces.

“You have nothing to fear here, I assure you both,” I disgustingly said and strut forward. Domino clacked over and nearly toppled me over with a hug.

“Ya Thuck!” he said with a sassy stance. It was a silly insult we had always joked with. Queen Gabriella stared at the hooves in bewilderment, she had not seen such a creature.

“Right this way, guys” Domino said with three large leaps up the castle staircase entrance. Gabriella dismounted Clint, who was being oogled by the villagers. He basked in the spotlight as we followed Domino into the palace. It had been such a long while since I had been there, and I could already tell you (at the time), I was very pleased to return.


In the North, the Queen was ravaged by her war effort. She collected a great many allies and men of science. In order to win such a war, the Army of ICE would have to be upgraded. Carmiellia ordered these magicmen to design an ice that could never been ended by flames, even mystical blue ones. She demanded a force so indestructible that none would be able to destroy it. I had later discovered that she was going to charge her newly engineered army to Tetop to claim the kingdom for herself. Even KiKeck had somehow created a new weapon: Balls of funny liquid. Some believe they were filled with booze, which would explain the many accounts of her drinking from them. Yet, they were (at the time) considered a joke innovation. It wasn’t until the war when their lethal power was revealed. Needless to say, the North was already three steps ahead of us, for we (again, at the time) had not been prepared for such a war.