The New Dark Queen

The New Dark Queen Splash came to a slow easy landing in front of the family that was standing next to the roaring Twisted River. Out in the water was their puppy stuck in a boat that had nobody in it. Apparently the boat had been pulled away from the river bank before the family could pull it in and their puppy was still in it. Now it was floating out into the stronger part of the river’s current. The little puppy had faded yellow colored fur and big brown eyes that were desperately looking at the people on the shore for help. It let out a little yelp while rushing from one end of the boat to the other trying to find a way off the boat and back to its family that was shouting on the shore. The little guy put his front feet up on the edge of the boat and he looked at the water that was rushing him further and further away from his family. Anna jumped off of Splash and assessed the situation. It called for quick action because the puppy might get scared and jump off the boat into the water at any time. She didn’t think a puppy would be strong enough to swim in such a current. When the water is moving fast it is very hard to swim in it successfully. She jumped on Splash’s back and leaned over and said into his ear, “This will require all your skills. We will need to fly quickly so that we get ahead of the boat. Next you will need to create a net that stretches all the way across the river so it catches the boat when it gets there. Finally you will need to stay focused so that your magic net will bring the boat over to the shore where we can secure it.” The blue pony with the white mane, white tail and white feet, shook his head yes and gave a snort. Then the pony took off, so that they were rising into the sky. When they were above the ground about as far as the tops of trees, they began flying over the water until they were ahead of the boat. It was floating wildly down the river. First one end would get ahead and then the other so that it was at risk of hitting a large rock while traveling sideways, causing it to turn over. Just such a large boulder was coming into view as they were racing ahead of the boat. Splash set down on the river’s edge and used his magic to make a net appear that stretched clear across the river. Soon the boat came splashing along and safely into the magic net. Splash then pulled the boat over to the river’s edge where Anna could get ahold of it and pull it up onto the dry ground. The little blonde-furred baby canine let out a happy yelp as he jumped over the edge of the boat onto dry land. A short time later the family that the puppy belonged came rushing up. It was a father, mother and two kids, a boy and a girl. The little girl was named Katie. She rushed to them out of breath and dropped down on her knees and hugged the puppy. “Oh thank you so much for saving Sir Wetsalot. I don’t know what we would have done if something had happened to him.” She wept happily. The boy also began to pet and hug the puppy. “Thank you both for saving our puppy.” The father said. “We were having such a happy family outing. It would have been beyond tragic to have it end with our losing Sir Wetsalot.” “Yes thank you both so much!” The mother added, then she stuck her hand out to shake and said, “I’m JoAnna Hentsway. This is my husband Franklin.” Anna shook the lady’s hand. “I’m Anna. Nice to meet you both. I’m glad it all worked out.” Splash gave a snort and nudged Anna with his nose. “Oh, this is Splash. He says you’re welcome as well.” Anna added. Splash let out a little “Whinny”. Then he shook his head up and down in a yes pattern. “We’ve got to go now. Nice to have met you.” Anna said, sliding onto the back of Splash, who made himself large enough to be able to carry Anna with ease. The blue pony with the white mane, tail and feet took off into the air and soon they were flying faster and faster. After flying for a while they began to be able to hear someone talking. The voice got louder as they got closer to the creature that was flying and talking. “What makes a dam duck the most important of all the ducks is our ability to always know where the water is, because we know where there is a dam, there is going to be water. You won’t find a goose, or a wood duck, able to find the water like a dam duck. That’s why you’re so lucky to be flying with me! You don’t ever have to worry about going thirsty when ol’ Dan is with you. No sir!” “I’m a buzzard you silly duck! What do I care about where the water is? Have you not ever watched any tv? When have you ever seen a buzzard land on a lake? Or be out there floating in the water without a care in the world? Let me tell you something. If you ever see me out in the middle of some lake, hurry and get me cause I am drowning!” Anna leaned over laughing and said into Splash’s ear, “Its Dan and Buzzy! We’ve caught up with them.” Sure enough as Splash flew up even with the other two flying, he looked over to see their friends, Dan and Buzzy. Two most trusted friends! “Hey there!” Anna yelled into the wind caused by their flight. “I didn’t think we would catch up with you before you got back to Castle Candi.” “We would have been home by now but the watermeister just had to show me a new lake the beaver’s created. Like I care about one body of water to another. I ask you, do I look like a fish?” Buzzy complained back into the air rushing past them. Splash let go a whinnie. Anna let go a laugh. Then she said, “The greatly sought, rarely, if ever seen, Buzzard-fish. The problem with finding them is that things that die in the water don’t stay there for very long. Something comes along and eats them.” “Which is exactly why buzzards do not do their business in the water. The correct animal you are seeking for such circumstances would be called the catfish. Not the buzzard-fish. The catfish. We would starve if we had to compete with the catfish.” Buzzy stated in complete confidence. “You’d starve out of the water if it weren’t for stupidity.” Dan the dam duck said. “Stupidity is the number one reason for death in Magicland. It is number two every where else. Old age still has number one in most places. But nobody gets old in Magicland, so stupidity moves up to number one.” “How have you managed to live to be as old as you are, Dan?” Buzzy asked knowing it would make Dan angry. “Keep it up and we’ll see how you manage to live to see the near future, buzzard-beak.” Dan said out of the side of his bill. “You two are so silly. You act like you don’t like each other but just forty-eight hours ago you were ready to sacrifice yourself to save the other one.” Anna shouted into the unrelenting wind. “A mistake I shall surely regret making the rest of my life.” Dan said. “A complete and utter miscalculation on my part.” Buzzy added. “Even the best make a big skid mark in the titie-whities of life, every once in a while.” “Are you saying I am a skid mark?” Dan asked. “Well I’m not saying you’re the tightie-whities. Maybe a tight …” Buzzy was cut-off by Splash swerving over his way. “Hey! Watch where you’re going. I don’t have any magic powers that will make a net appear and catch me before I hit the ground. I just go … SPLAT!” “Yes you are getting fat!” Dan hollered back into the wind. “Just in the head though. Don’t feel body-shamed. Not when you have so much more to be shamed about.” Buzzy flew over into Dan causing some feathers to fly away into the wind. “Losing your feathers at such an early age?” Buzzy exclaimed. “I wouldn’t worry, you’re getting bald on your head but I think I see more starting to grow out of your ears.” “I don’t have ears and you know it!” Dan hollered back. Anna leaned over and said into Splash’s ear, “They’re never going to change. We might as well fly on ahead and leave them to their bickering.” Splash gave a whinny in agreement and off they zoomed, climbing up and away from their long-time friends. “Wait!” Buzzy hollered behind them. “We’ve got to get our story straight, er I mean talk about what we are going to tell the king when he asks why we only got half the stuff done he sent us to do.” “Its not my fault I thought you said to wake you up when.” Dan started saying. Buzzy cut him off. “Why would I say ‘when’, instead of an actual time? What does ‘when’ mean anyway? Is that even a time?” “When I get there. When you look like you are ready to be woke up. That’s when!” Dan hollered back. “Ten! Ten! Ten!” Shouted Buzzy. “Who says, ‘when’?” “I thought you did!” Dan hollered back. Thankfully Splash took Anna out of hearing range after that and she made herself hum just in case they got back within range. Maybe I won’t be able to hear them. She thought. On the other hand, Splash was finally able to stop scrunching his nose every time he heard those two squawking. When they were for sure out of range, Splash turned his head around and gave Anna a smile that clearly said, “Isn’t it peaceful here?” He turned back toward where they were racing. The team was back and ready for action! ——————— Chapter —————————- The news at Castle Candi was both good and bad. While Anna and her team had been gone the king and queen were fine. Their health was good and there had not been any evil trying to take over the kingdom. The bad news was that the dreaded Geese Police were once again on patrol. They had started their version of policing just outside the boundaries of Castle Candi to its east. Reports had started coming in from families who were hassled by the bullies. Geese Police were well-known for shaking down those who were alone, in route from one distant place to another. There was even word that someone had taken the place of the Dark Queen. Actually she was not in the place of the Dark Queen. She was a dark queen all to her own. They called her Queen Luvcudie, and she was the furthest thing from love or cute that you would ever meet. Dark flowing hair frames a long, wrinkled face that had mean eyes that were a bit too close together, when she squints it makes her look like a snake’s eyes staring down a long, fanged face that you might expect a forked tongue to come shooting out of its mouth. Her skin was pale and had a scaled-look exaggerated by the long black hair hanging down in strands across her evil face. Whenever she talked it was in a hissing-tone that could make any human being feel a coldness in their bones which often made them shudder involuntarily. Even when they knew it was coming. Queen Luvcudie was only a rumor however. When you hear gossip or rumor the first thing to remember is that whatever you hear is probably only part of the truth, if there is any truth at all. Yes rumors made this dark queen sound much worse than the original. It did not make them true. ————– Chapter ————————— “We should go face the king now and tell him we only got half the stuff done he wanted.” Buzzy said with a slight slur. Sadly he and Dan had once again found their way into a drinking establishment while on their way home. “You mean you only got nothing done. While I got everything done.” Dan replied, while leaning on his friend. Dan was also slightly slurring his speech. An indicator that too much to drink has happened and therefore the person should show extreme care in what they say or do, because it will probably be a bad idea. “I’ve got a good idea!” Buzzy exclaimed happily. “We can get the king to come here and have some drinks and then he will understand why you got all your stuff done and I got none of my stuff done.” “Because I did what you asked. I woke you when.” “What does ‘when’ mean? When you felt like it? When it was too late? When Christmas gets here?” I said …TEN!” Dan stuck his bill up in the air a little further and said, “I thought you said ‘when’. Not my fault!” “Well you can explain that to the king while we’re enjoying a cold drink together.” Buzzy insisted. “I got another good idea! Lets go wake them up right now! The queen too! I just know that the four of us can get this all figured out so nobody is in any kind of trouble!” Then Buzzy fell out of his chair. “Let me help you up buddy.” Dan said, bending over and helping his feather-covered friend off the floor. “You know what? We may have had too much to drink. When are we going to learn?” “I don’t think it will be tonight.” Buzzy answered. Just then the door burst open and a big snow goose came waddling in, followed by several more of them. They were all wearing the same uniform. It was the Geese Police! The leader waddled over to Buzzy and Dan. “What’s this? Drunk in public has been declared illegal by your new queen. Queen Luvcudie. All hail the queen!” The big snow goose declared. “My queen, … is a king!” Dan announced. The king of Castle Candi. Long live the king!” He said in a slur. “The king!” Buzzy followed. ” You two are under arrest!” The big snow goose declared. “Take them away!” The two friends, Buzzy and Dan, were dragged away by the Geese Police. ——————— Chapter ———————————– “Oh yes, it will be a huge celebration. The king has declared dancing and food and drink for everyone!” Ozzy the osprey said to his friends Anna and Splash. Anna and Splash were making the rounds at Castle Candi, talking to all their friends to catch up on what they had missed out on while being away. Ozzy was very excited at the idea of everyone getting dressed up in their very best outfits. They would all meet for a celebration of dancing and music. Food of all kinds would be available along with everyone’s favorite drinks. Although everyone knew that Anna was the princess to Castle Candi, for the celebration there would be an honorary princess chosen. She would get prizes and be treated to special services usually reserved for a princess, such as her nails done on her feet and hands. Her hair would be cut and fashioned. She would also receive facial painting and finally a new special outfit to wear. Anna was happy to let somebody else be princess for the day. It allowed her and Splash to be free to fly across the kingdom in search of someone in need of a good deed. That as much as food, was what fed Splash. He had to do a good deed every day to stay healthy. Plus Anna knew that the leprechaun that had left her the blue pony with its magic powers, might come around to take Splash back if she didn’t keep him fed in all ways. Anna loved the little blue pony way too much to ever let that happen. A few days passed. Anna spent the time with her mother and some with her father. The king was quite busy getting Castle Candi ready for celebration. Splash mostly rested in his stall. Of course, every day Anna would take Splash out for a flight across the kingdom to find someone in need of a good deed. It was all mundane stuff. Once they helped a farmer get his hay in before rain could happen. Another day they spent searching for a little girl’s lost turtle. It was very boring as rescues go, but love is love, and the little girl loved the turtle. So Anna and Splash spent their day fishing around in tall grass to find a turtle. To be honest, nobody was sure if it was the right turtle, but the little girl seemed happy so they were too. Finally one day Ozzy approached Anna and asked her where were Buzzy and Dan? She thought they had arrived back shortly after her and Splash. That was days ago. There was reason for concern. “Where could they have gone?” Ozzy puzzled. “It isn’t like them to not report in. The king gave each of them an assignment. They have not even reported in that they accomplished their assignments. A lot of time has passed since they were with Anna and Splash. Where are they?” Anna was also perplexed. When she and Splash sped away from their two friends, they were fine. Yes they were bickering but that was as normal as blue is to a day sky. What could have happened to them? Anna decided she and Splash would dedicate their time to finding their friends. They left Castle Candi mid-morning. Splash flew in a checker pattern across the kingdom and even into the other lands which bordered Magicland. Anna saw many creatures which could not be found anywhere else but Magicland, but Buzzy and Dan were not among them. Splash seemed especially concerned and near the end of the day when Anna knew that he was exhausted, she tried to get him to go back to the castle so they could rest. Splash was insistent they continue to search so Anna gave in. However by the time darkness had set in she made Splash go home. They needed to rest. —————— Chapter ————————— “The captives are starting to get on our nerves general. Can we please kill them?” Captain Esad begged. “They never shut up.” “Harassing the men are they?” General Pita responded with interest. “No sir. Each other. But its driving moral down listening to them fight. Half the men are homesick for their wives and the other half are afraid to leave for fear they may get married and end up like those two.” “Are they married?” The general asked. “Sir, that is the really scary part. The answer is no. If they were married, we could at least get them divorced. As it is, they say we will just have to put up with them. I’m afraid some of the men will go awol.” “Bring me the duck. Gag the buzzard.” Ordered the general. A short while later Dan was brought to the general. “This is no way to treat a dam duck.” He said to the guards who were on each side of him. “Do you even understand that as a dam duck I am more important than your average wood duck, or some snow goose such as yourselves. Is your species even capable of finding water? Dam ducks often see your kind flying over us when we’re relaxing in the water. Then about an hour later you fly back over us. Then about half an hour later you actually land on the lake that we been sitting in for all that time. Sometimes we make bets on how many times you will fly over before you are able to spot us and land. Must be a tough life, snow goosing and all.” “Shut up duck!” The general shouted at Dan. “You are here to answer my questions. Not to continually spout nonsense about how superior a Mallard duck is to a Wood duck.” “Dam duck. We prefer to be called dam ducks. Mallard is a name the humans stuck on us. Means nothing to us. We are dam ducks. Always have been. Reason is because we know where the water is, and the water is where the dams are. Therefore, we are dam ducks. We also accept “Best ducks”, “Super ducks”, “Smartest ducks”, “Best-looking ducks” and of course, “The duckiest ducks that everybody else wants to be, and that are far superior to any kind of goose. Eh … if it helps you don’t have to choose the latter just because … well, you know.” “No, I don’t.” The general replied. “Do tell?” “Well, because you’re a goose.” Then Dan held his wing up to his bill like he was telling a secret, and he said in a whisper, “and because you’re in the military. Everybody knows only the slow, and the very slow, join the military. Sure it was once a very honorable thing to do, but these days the smart people have learned that when they join a military they are just used by rich people under the guise of it being to protect their country. Smart people learned that to protect your country you don’t invade other countries. Corrupt leaders took advantage of the fact that it is better to fight a war on your enemy’s ground than your own. They used it as an excuse to invade lands where money was the motivation, not protection.” “If you are trying to provide a reason for me to have your feathers plucked, you’re doing a good job.” General Pita threatened. “I must remind myself you are here as a hostage which later I will use as bait. But if you do not want to spend your time here with a gag in your mouth I suggest you and your loud-mouthed friend learn to shut up!” For once, Dan kept his opinion to himself. Being plucked of all your feathers is no joking matter. Besides, he figured he had probably pushed the big snow goose as far as he dare. He allowed himself to be taken back to his cell without further comment. —————————- Chapter —————————– “The celebration is in four days. Will we have all the necessary food and drink here in time?” The king asked his person in charge of royal celebrations. “Yes sire. Everything will be here on time.” The man answered. “Anna, are you planning on providing entertainment with your blue pony?” The king turned to face his daughter. Then he said, “Should I arrange escort for you dear?” Anna couldn’t have been more embarrassed but at least there was nobody that mattered within earshot. “Yes father, I will provide entertainment with Splash. Please do not arrange a date for me. I am not ready to date anyone.” The king sighed. “I know you are young but you spend so much time with the blue pony. It worries me that you may be effecting your social skills. You probably talk more to that pony than you do to anyone else. It isn’t natural.” “It would be if other young women were lucky enough to have such a wonderful companion. I know you would not like to know how many times the blue pony has saved me but trust that it was many. You may not be aware but you truly could not find a better companion than Splash.” “And he has the king’s gratitude.” Answered the king. “The queen as well. You know nothing is more important to us than our child.” “I love you too.” Anna replied, giving her father a hug. “Now I am off to get Splash and we are again going searching for our missing friends.” “I have been made aware of the situation. Dear daughter, you must understand that the two you seek are known for getting lost a.k.a. going drinking at some tavern. Who knows what they may have gotten themselves into, other than the hot water they are in with me. I gave them assignments. Nothing of vital importance mind you, but when a king asks, he expects a prompt reply. I will decide their punishment based on their story when they finally show back up. In the meantime if I were you, I would not waste too much of my time on searching places that do not serve drinks.” “Yes father. I won’t spend too much time searching. It is just that they were right behind me when returning to the castle. I even overheard them discussing what they were going to tell you about why they only got half of the tasks done that you assigned.” The king suddenly looked angry. “Did they say why?” “I believe that was the main subject of their discussion. The reason may have been a miscommunication between the two parties. A fact not lost on the two is that it was a fault between them, not between the king and anyone. I believe they were both extremely concerned that they had failed you, somewhat, not completely, because of a simple accident where one said the word ‘when’ and the other said the word ‘ten’ which resulted in time lost that could not be regained. Father you should understand I overheard their discussion while coming up from behind. They had no idea I was there. You should know how truly distraught they were not at the prospect of your punishment but rather that they had let you down in some fashion. They are representative.” The king sighed again. “It is my burden to have patience in such matters when subjects who have proven such loyalty in years past; experience a difficulty in successfully accomplishing my assignments. What I am saying to you Anna is that you should be all-forgiving toward those that would be perfect for you and not so much toward those that fail whose motivation is money or likewise. Loyal hearts deserve every forgiveness because those are the ones that will be there for you regardless of your plight.” Anna shook her head in understanding and then excused herself to find Splash. Already having made himself grow to a size to accomadate Anna’s size during flight, he was practically ‘biting at the bit’ to get out there and start searching for their friends. Perhaps what was driving Anna to search more than anything else, was Splash’s insistence to look for them. Usually Splash did not concern himself with things like being late, or not showing up. Unless it was a matter of someone missing due to questionable circumstance. Anna didn’t know if it was due to his magic ability or if the pony just had good intuition, but the little blue guy wasn’t wrong very often. If he was insistent they keep looking for Buzzy and Dan, she was not going to argue. By that evening they had once again flown over the entire area plus beyond. It was like they had just disappeared. Once back at the castle, Anna was surprised and pleased to see the progress for the upcoming celebration. Vendors had begun showing up. Where there was nothing when they left that morning, now were several carts and wagons which would become points of sale for sandwiches and treats of all kinds. One wagon had writing on it promising the most cutting-edge technology available. Anna wondered what sort of thing would be sold from that wagon? When she got inside the castle she caught a glimpse of the king and queen together. They were out walking among the common grounds checking out the decorations and locations for the various live music, carnival games and other interesting entertainment of which she could only guess what might be? Mother gave a wave before the two disappeared back inside the castle. Splash was ready to visit his stall. He would enjoy fresh hay and various vegetables for eating, fresh straw to lay in if he chose and his stall was freshly cleaned earlier in the day. Basically a pony’s paradise. Nobody complained about what resources were made available for the pony. He was after all, not only the princess’ BFF, but he was also Castle Candi’s strongest defense against any aggression. Foreign or domestic. The castle didn’t even have a police force. If there was a problem it was solved by Anna and the blue pony. Since they began policing things, there had been not one complaint about the way they handled business. As they walked to the stall, Anna recalled the good deed they had done that day. One of the osprey that served in the royal air force had injured himself by damaging one of his wings. They saw the poor bird down in a field. Splash flew down and Anna examined the bird’s wing. It wasn’t broken but if the bird tried to use it the wing might become broken. Anna looked at Splash and asked if there was anything he could do. Th* little blue pony with the white mane, tail and feet, gave a whinny and then he made a brace appear on the osprey’s wing. The best fisherman of all birds, due to having a claw that is reversible which helps hold fish, was now able to fly. “You sure made that osprey happy today.” Anna said to Splash. “I think that he thought he was going to come to an end out in that field. Hawks, much like eagles, don’t have a lot of friends in the wild. I bet he was thinking he was going to find out if he tasted like chicken? That is, until we came along.” Splash gave a couple of snorts which some might have interpreted as a laugh. In any case the little blue pony gave Anna a good-night nudge with his very soft nose, and then he entered his stall to sleep for the night. Anna’s sleeping quarters were just a few steps away and she too, was quickly sleeping. Both dreamed they were flying with a flock of ospreys over a large body of water. Every once in a while one of the birds in the group would dive straight down to the water and come away with a fish. ——————————- Chapter —————————– “You would do well to remember the general really only needs one of you. If you insist on running your mouths, we will get rid of one of you.” The big snow goose said to his captives. “This is outrageous! I have never been treated so poorly! I am practically the hand of the king. When I tell him how I was treated, how we were treated … someone will pay!” Dan exclaimed. “You will see. And if either one of us is harmed I would not want to be in any of your shoes!” “Shut up Dan! You’re going to get us both drawn and quartered. Perhaps yourself before me, but they will do it to us both if you do not shut your big fat bill!” Buzzy whispered. They were inside a holding cell, which appeared to be inside some sort of a cave or underground dwelling. Everything that someone said, seemed to echo through the enclosure. Torches served for light sources. The ground was dirt. The holding cell was made of the trunks of small trees that had been stripped of their limbs and rope was used to stretch them together into a four-sided prison. “I sure won’t miss you two when we ransom you off tomorrow during the big celebration at your Castle Candi.” A sergeant in the Geese Police said to his captives. “If both of them live that long.” The big snow goose that was in charge of guarding them said with a menacing tone. “See that they do.” The sergeant ordered. “The reason we have two is in case something happened to one of them. Don’t mess things up so close to the celebration or the new Dark Queen will have your feathers. “Yes sir!” ———————– Chapter ———- As so often seems the case, on the day of the celebration it rained. A lot. It started the night before and by the morning the rivers were swollen and everything drenched. What few people that did try to brave their way through the rain ended up covered in mud because the more people that came into the one area, the more mud was created. After that it was just a big slip-slide. There is an area where the horses are tied up when visiting that is designed so that it is on a hill so when the horses poop, it slides down the hill away from where people will be walking. The water from all that rain collected down at the bottom of the hill along with all the horse poop creating quite a nasty little pond. Several of the people who had been walking past that area and lost their footing ended up sliding down the hill into the pond. All in all, the celebration was a complete fiasco. Mid-morning the king had still not made an appearance. By lunch time he issued a declaration that the celebration was cancelled until further notice. A short time later Buzzy came walking into Castle Candi. He was looking pretty bad. They had beaten him and left him in chains so he couldn’t fly. Then he was drenched in the rain while walking to the castle. He was immediately taken to the castle hospital. Anna and Splash came to his side as soon as they heard. “I’ll be okay. What’s important is that the Geese Police have Dan and they say that Castle Candi must pay a ransom to buy his freedom. They said they will pluck a feather a day until the ransom is paid.” Dan said weakly. “Do you know where they are holding him?” Anna asked. “No, they kept me blindfolded until I was turned loose. I tried to count how many steps they made me take in any one direction but they were thorough enough with their beatings and with mixing me around that I am sorry to say I do not know where he is or where their stronghold might be.” “That’s okay Buzzy. Just get better. We will find him.” Anna replied. “You can still be of some help. Do you have any idea how long it has been since you left Dan? And do you know how long it was from the time you left to the time you had your blindfold taken off? Just answer as close as you can guess. It will help us to determine the possible distance you had to travel to reach home.” “I would guess it has been about six or seven hours since I left the place they were holding us. I would guess it was about an hour after we left the holding cell that they took the blindfold off. First they beat me and then they took off the blindfold. I was in the forest, it was raining, so I had no sure way of knowing what direction was what? But lucky I have a natural ability to know directions and I guessed correctly. So when I finally came to some place I recognized I knew I was walking in the right direction.” “How are we suppose to pay the ransom?” Ozzy asked. He had come into the hospital room and was listening to what was being said. The king’s top man in charge of security, Ozzy was a veteran at handling all things involving the security of Castle Candi. “We will pay it but we will have our people watching from far above in the sky. They can track the package back to the enemy stronghold. I will be standing by with three squadrons. The osprey, the eagles and the hawks. Owls will stand by in case things carry over into the dark hours of the night. Most likely they will not see action as I fully intend to launch our attack as soon as we know their location.” “What about us?” Anna asked. “Splash should be very helpful.” “Aye. He will be. When the squadrons attack the compound it will be your job to locate and free Dan. Once you have him in the air I will have a small squad escort him back to Castle Candi so that you and Splash can rejoin the attack.” “Okay so it is settled then.” Anna said. “Tomorrow morning we will send Buzzy with the ransom.” “Very well.” Ozzy agreed. “Tomorrow morning then.” —————- Chapter ——————————— Late that night after everyone had went to sleep, a figure moved through the darkness. It entered into the stall belonging to Splash. A few moments later the little pony was being led out of the castle as quietly as possible. A blindfold had been placed over the little blue pony’s head so he could not see. Splash was forced to follow whoever was leading him away from Castle Candi. They walked all through the night and didn’t stop to rest until the sun was beginning to come up. The two travelers entered a meadow surrounded by forest. Suddenly there was a commotion and then out jumped soldiers of the Geese Police. “Halt!” The big snow goose that was leading the group exclaimed. “Far enough!” The figure leading Splash stopped. He handed the reigns over to the snow goose. “We have a deal.” “Bring the duck!” The big snow goose ordered. A few seconds later a voice began to get louder until the words it was saying were loud enough to make sense. “What sort of treachery is this now? I will not be party to any sort of deceit towards the realm! Unhand me you overgrown sorry excuse for a feather duster!” Dan exclaimed. “Shut up duck!” The big snow goose ordered while shaking his head. “I would very much like to kill you duck, but I figure the worst thing I can do to the enemy is to send you home in tact. Otherwise you’d be carrying your feathers home in a sack.” Then he pulled Dan close to him, cigar smoking out of his beak. He switched the cigar to the other side of his face so that it was just inches from burning Dan’s face and said, “if I get my wish for Christmas this year, I will get to run into you in some tavern some night when you’re in there shooting off that big, fat, mouth!” For the first time the figure that had taken Splash, spoke to Dan. “The goose is right this time. Keep your big mouth shut and maybe we’ll live long enough to get out of here.” Dan shuffled his feet and it was obvious he wanted to say something but he showed incredible self-control and did not speak. “Go now! Before I change my mind.” The big snow goose ordered. “Walk! Do not fly out of here.” They did as they were told. ———————- Chapter ——————————- Anna was beside herself when she found out that Splash was missing. The king declared a red alert level four warning. Everyone in the kingdom was to search for the missing blue pony. Squadrons of osprey, hawks, eagles and owls were sent out to search. Small flocks of gulls, ducks and even the buzzards went out. It was the greatest search to ever take place in the kingdom. So much going on it was lucky there were still street vendors who were fat with the many tasty goods they had planned on feeding to the masses attending the celebration. Now those same leftover treats were used to feed the troops when they would come back in for sustenance and rest. The heavy rain that had set siege on Castle Candi the night before and the day of the celebration had been replaced by the usual nice weather which was the norm. Most of the areas used for walking were dried out or drying out nicely but there was one location which still was making victims of those foolish enough to get too close. The area which sat directly below the stables where the horse poop collected, had filled with water to an even higher level. One such victim was Al Owl. A retired general of the royal air force, and regularly seen around the castle grounds. On this day he was on his way to wish the owl squadron good hunting, as he could not help but hope his own species would be the ones to bring back the priceless blue pony. Afraid he was going to be late and miss them before takeoff, Al had attempted a short-cut via the stabling for guests of the castle. The results of his effort were a slide down the hill right into the horse-poopy soup at the bottom of the hill. Al was outraged. What had happened was when he tried to slip past the back side of one of the horses, he had went too far toward the slope and then the horse was spooked causing it to back up suddenly. Then Al went tumbling down the hill and into the soup making a splash that sounded like it happened outside of a car with the doors shut. Al charged back up the hill to discover the horse was spooked because another of those who were retired from the royal air force, general Harry Hawk. “What happened to you Al?” Harry asked when Al finally came up over the edge of the hill, covered in slimy horse poop water, still running off his feathers. “How dare you sir!” Al said, pointing one of his wings at Harry. “You did that on purpose!” “Why would I do that sir?” Harry asked. “To prevent my making it to the owl boys before take-off. You know my encouragement would likely be the difference between success and not; and you are wanting to see your hawks be the ones to bring back the pony. I would have satisfaction sir.” Al said, while Harry walked closer to where Al was standing on the edge of the hill. Next Al reached over and grabbed Harry attempting to throw him down the hill but momentum was too much so they both went sliding down the hillside and into the soupy horse-poop water making that muffled splash sound, this time slightly louder. Both of the fat, feathered old fellows came up from under the water, gasping for air. After exchanging mean glances, they both began marching up the hillside. While they were climbing back up the slope, another retired general happened upon the scene. General Duddley Duck stood at the top of the hill looking down over the edge laughing at his retired compares. Both the other two generals were so angry when the got within reach of the laughing general they reached out with their still-draining feathered wings and grabbed Duddley throwing him down the slippery hillside. Once again momentum took control of the situation resulting in all three retired generals sliding down the hill, cussing at each other as they went. Both Al Owl and Harry Hawk went under the horse-poopy stagnant water while still yelling curses at each other and the other one. When they came up from under the water they were met by Duddley who was resting on top of the water with hardly a feather wet. “Apparently you other fly boys didn’t learn in all that time it took to reach the glorious level of general, that you don’t take a knife to a gun fight, you don’t give a democrat the money to do a study and then the physical labor because they will every time spend all that money on the study, accomplish nothing, and then raise taxes to pay for the work that had to be done. You don’t leave it up to a republican to make sure the environment is okay because nobody wants to wake up one day to breathing air so polluted you have to comb out the big stuff before breathing it. Finally, and most significantly important to note: is you don’t get into a fight with a duck near water. Especially poopy-water.” Then Duddly turned his body so his webbed feet kicked the poopy water on the other two as he paddled away. The other two generals stood leg-deep in the water waiting for it to drain off their feathers, with their bills hanging open looking in the direction the duck had paddled, they turned and looked at each other in complete disgust and surprise. Sounding as if in the distance, and growing softer as he made his way back up the hillside, General Duddley Duck could be heard, ever-so-slightly, saying to himself, “I don’t know what those idiots will do next? If they wanted the horses to cover them in poop, why don’t they just stand behind them after feeding time?” His voice growing ever softer until it couldn’t be heard any longer. “Morons! I’m surrounded by retired morons. Idiots each and every …” ————————– Chapter ——————————- The old guys might have been having a tough time out of the gate that morning but the troops whom were not retired, were reacting with absolute precision and predictability. Ozzy Osprey, the one in charge of the generals in charge, overlooked the massive action with pride on one hand, and concern in the other. He was very proud of how well-organized the troops were proving. It was like watching a perfectly well-oiled machine turning in absolute harmony with every sprocket, belt and chain. It was almost a scene which appeared choreographed by a very experienced, competent dance instructor the way the owls all went one way while the eagles, hawks and other assorted specialist teams, another. Splash would have been very pleased to see the way all the different squadrons worked in unison to allow take-offs to happen without any sort of accident. That was what Anna was thinking as she watched the entire kingdom seem to jump into synchronized action that would have made any ladies swim team envious, as well of course, as any military existing. Squadrons of eagles, hawks and owls went charging into the blue sky overhead. Once in the air, the squadrons would circle until the others in their unit had air under their wings then they went flying off in whatever direction they had been ordered. There were so many in the sky that it was blocking out some of the sunlight reaching down to caress those still grounded. What was currently happening around Castle Candi put to shame whatever had been planned for the celebration. Reserve platoons were called into action. Both males and females (those not attending eggs), leapt into action to save the little blue pony that had so often been the one to save the kingdom. Ozzy just could not have been prouder. He stood on a balcony of the castle and gazed both down upon those not yet in flight and then up at a sky so full of bodies he didn’t have to put up an arm to block out the sunlight which normally would have glinted out his vision. He bellowed out their fight motto. “Be brave in both flight and fight. Ready to die to live, regret but only one life to give! We, fight for kingdom, freedom and the right to choose our own!” Squadrons overhearing his shout, flew down giving him a salute before soaring back into the sky and off into the direction that was their mission. All across the kingdom there was organized chaos as the squadrons flew in checker game pattern to cover every inch of the land. When the end of the day came it was with squadron after squadron of tired flyers coming back to roost for the night. Since the owls had flown during the day they too, would be spending the evening resting. However there was one small flock of gulls that arrived with news about the blue pony. Hastily the leader of the flock, colonel Gary Gull, was rushed to see the king and his head of security, Ozzy Osprey. The colonel burst into the debriefing room interrupting what Ozzy was saying to the king. Ozzy deferred to the colonel. “Colonel Gull reporting sir.” Gary said while saluting the king and then Ozzy. “We have picked up rumor that the enemy has built a stronghold east of Castle Candi. I have it on good authority that the new Dark Queen Lovcudie, plans to throw a spell upon the little blue mustang to make him do her bidding.” Anna had crept into the room during the debriefing. Upon hearing the news she stood up, appalled. “We’ve got to do something!” She cried. The king motioned for everyone else to leave the room. When only he and Anna remained, he spoke. “You have seen the entire Castle Candi disregard their daily tasks to attend the pony. Child, all that can be done, is being done. I know this is hard on you. Stay strong. The pony would desire as such.” “I know and am grateful father. It is just that is is very difficult to not be able to soar through the air like I usually do, with Splash, whenever the kingdom is in need. Now I am reduced to waiting here, helpless, for word to come.” Anna sobbed. “Crying helps ease pain we cannot otherwise handle.” The king said kindly. “But it never solved not one problem. Cry while there is nothing else to be done. But child, make sure you are ready to take action when the time comes that you can make a difference.” He sat down next to her and turned her sobbing face up to face his own. “Did you listen closely to what was advised by our spies? If the Dark Queen has cast a spell upon the little blue steed, you must be prepared to remove the spell. Have you that ability?” Anna wiped away the tears running down her cheeks. She took a sniff and raised her head further. Then she returned her father’s gaze and said, “No father. You are correct. This is not the time for tears. This is a time for preparation, and I find myself lacking. Tomorrow at first light, I will leave to find the one that can provide a manner for removing any spell which the witch might have cast.” ————————– Chapter ———————– “You think we are far enough away yet that we can fly?” Dan asked the figure in the hoodie which worked very well to hide the character’s face. The hooded figure turned and looked back. He stayed that way for a full two minutes, not saying anything. Then the hoodie was removed and Buzzy gave Dan a big smile. “Its good to see you again.” Dan smiled back and then punched his friend in the face. “That’s for what you did to Splash! The princess must be going crazy worried! How dare you trade the pony’s life for mine!” Buzzy stood up and dusted himself off. Then he replied, “They won’t kill the pony. Everyone knows that. They would have killed you. One feather at a time. In case you haven’t noticed, buzzards are about as practical of a creature as practical gets. Yeah, I could have waited until they had a big bag full of your feathers, all collected one a day, waiting for your bald butt to come looking for them.” Buzzy may have made that statement to his friend, but he knew that no bird survives being plucked. Not completely plucked. It was a barbaric means of punishment / torture which was used in what Magicland called the ‘dark times’. Sadly current times had seen a return to the ways of old. A trend started and nourished by the Geese Police. Seeing the body of a plucked bird left on the side of a road sent a terrifying message to any feathered creature. Dan let out a noticeable sigh that screamed depression. He turned to his friend with tears in his eyes and said, “What are we going to tell the princess? How can I return to her knowing that I am existing only because the blue pony remains absent? How will you look her in the eyes and explain why you couldn’t just wait for one of the king’s spies to find my location, so that then the princess and her steed could come to my rescue? Buzzy looked up into the sky. It seemed as blue as ever but the day didn’t seem quite as bright as it should be. There was something off about the whole thing. That was when the first shadow flew across their faces causing both friends to again look to the sky. They held their wings up to block out the blinding rays of sunlight to see an entire squadron of ospreys going by in formation. Dan said, while still watching the sky, “Something is up. Probably us. They look all business today.” Buzzy half-sighed, half-moaned, then he replied, “If it isn’t us, it is because of us. To be fair, because of me. You had no choice in this matter. I will take the blame and pay any price of punishment. It would be my honor sir.” Dan also sighed. “Perhaps it will not come to that.” He took off into flight. “You coming?” He hollered over his shoulder. “Wouldn’t miss it.” Buzzy said in reply, but he knew it was just to himself. Dan was out of hearing range already. As he took off in flight, he added, “Can’t wait to see the king. I’m sure he’ll want to reward me. I get to wed his only daughter, that is, the parts of me that the ants don’t devour after they pour honey over me and stake me to the ground.” Both birds flew upwards into the blueness of the sky overhead thinking that it might be the last time they ever got to see that blueness ever again. Kings were not known for rewarding subjects who trade away their best military asset, which is also the princess’ favorite pet, to get in return a subject who by any of the kingdom’s leaders opinions, would have said at best was an expendable, cantankerous, onery, sour cuss. A.K.A., Dan the dam duck.

———————- Chapter ——————————- Buzzy and Dan could see their was big doings at Castle Candi when they arrived. Actually they knew before they even saw the castle. All the birds in the sky were proof there was something big going on at the castle. The two friends flew down and were immediately met by an osprey who of course, represented the military. A few words were exchanged and then the two friends were taken to a debriefing room where a short while later they were talking with the king, Ozzy and Anna. “I’m so sorry, dear princess.” Buzzy begged. “They told me if I didn’t follow the plan exactly, that Dan would pay the price. They said they would pluck him. Dan and I fight like cats and dogs but he is also my oldest, best friend. I understood their plan which involves them placing a spell on the pony, but there are no plans to harm the little guy. Believe me when I say I thought about all the angles. This was the best play to get everybody out of this alive. All we have to do is to find a way to reverse the spell and then Splash is again on our side.” Dan interrupted. “Wait, if anybody is to blame it is me. I should have been able to escape. Or I should have been smart enough to prevent getting captured in the first place. Please do not take this out on Buzzy. He only did what he did because he believes we can still walk away winners.” The king sighed. Anna went over and consoled her two friends. Ozzy looked angry. Finally the king said, “We shall set this all aside for the time being until we have brought our pony back to us. I assume I retain the loyalty of both of you. If that is true then I command that you all do whatever you can to make things right for all involved. I suggest you all coordinate your plans through Ozzy so we don’t have two teams doing the same job. That sort of thing.” Anna stepped up and said, “We are going to need a spell to counteract the spell of the new Dark Queen. I will take Buzzy and Dan to find the Witch of the Northern Pass. Legend has it she and the Geese Police are sworn enemies. I think if there is any witch that can be trusted; she will prove the one for us. Father I will need gold to pay the witch. If only Splash were here, he could provide the gold. If nothing else , I suppose it should be some consolation to the treasurer that if we save the blue pony, he will make up for the gold we spend.” “That certainly cuts down on those who would be against sending the gold.” Ozzy said smiling. “I can attest that the pony is indeed capable of producing gold coin out of thin air. Anything spent will be money used wisely.” “Keep it to an amount we can carry.” Anna said. “It is of no worth no matter how large the fortune if we cannot move in a timely fashion while carrying it. Time may very well be a factor.” “In the meantime we will continue to follow up on leads our spies supply. Perhaps by the time you have returned we will know of the enemy location. Perhaps even have it scouted and waiting for your return to lead the warriors into battle.” Ozzy said. A short while later Buzzy, Dan and Anna left the castle and headed for North Pass. The weight of the gold they carried prevented the two birds from flying. Anna of course, was never able to fly. So the three friends went on foot. Lucky for them it was during the warm time of the year and not when the cold was in. So Anna and her friends traveled with time and distance being their only obstacle. The time they spent when camping during the night was very comfortable. Once they were a fair distance from Castle Candi, the forest path that led them the whole way to that point, suddenly came to an intimidating end. The path had led them to parallel a river that came to a place of water falls. “Do you suppose the trail picks up again once we get up top of the water falls?” Buzzy asked Dan. “I am a dam duck. If you want to know about where the dams are, ask me, I know. I am not a trail duck. Nor am I a river duck. Nor am I a wood duck. What does that tell you sir?” Dan said with complete sarcasm and utter disdain. “It tells me that I am going to fly up there and see if the trail picks up so that the princess does not have to climb those falls if the trail isn’t there.” Buzzy replied, more than a little annoyed. Sometimes Dan just carried things too far, or wouldn’t let go of something. Whichever way you cared to view it. The time spent in the air away from his companions was good for Buzzy. Buzzards soar. That’s what they do. So it took Buzzy a bit longer than most to get up to see if the trail picked up. He didn’t even bother to land. Turning as soon as he arrived, it was just one long glide back down to join his friends. As Buzzy soared over them he announced, “it is there.” Then he landed. Buzzy grabbed his share of the gold and the three of them began finding a way up the cliff where the water was falling. What they ended up doing was getting Anna to the top and then using vine to bring the gold up. Finally the boys flew their way to the top, taking almost no effort and even less amount of time. Anna remarked after they had finally all three arrived at the point where the trail picked up again. “I know what I want for Christmas. A pair of wings like you guys have. Wow! What a difference. The amount of energy and time we non-flyers spend to get places compared to you flyers is outrageous. You know humans think they were treated better by the creator than any of the rest but once you have wings, or access to someone who will fly you anywhere, anytime, you start to question if that is actually true?” Buzzy laughed. “I give Dan a hard time for being so uptight, arrogant. But he is an amateur compared to human beings when it comes to arrogance. Why does it come as no surprise at all to find out that humans think they were treated better by the creator than the rest of his creations. I suppose the reason you believe that is because in the book that you humans wrote: it says that you are the ones who were the favorites. It might surprise you humans to find out that early religions in every species that thinks, believed they were the favorite of all the creations.” Then he laughed some more before continuing. “Perhaps some day human beings will reach a level of enlightenment that allows them to see their conclusion was flawed because they asked the question from their perspective. They never once stopped to think that perhaps the favored creation was the single-celled creatures. Or creatures that were not burdened with the knowledge that their lives were mortal. Or the mammals equipped with the bigger brains. Example being the killer whales.” Dan could no longer hold back. He had heard all sorts of examples and not one of them mentioned was a duck. He wasn’t about to sit and be quiet while this condor-wannabe shot his beak off about the intelligence of these other species while not mentioning the almighty duck! “Eh, excuse sir?!, Sir! Eh, you are leaving out one of the most intelligent, and certainly the most loved of the animal world.” Buzzy hesitated but then gave in and asked, “And who would that be sir?” Dan’s anger grew so much it nearly turned his green head to a maroon color. While no smoke came out of his ear holes, there did seem to be a bit of steam. He forced himself to regain composure by reminding himself that the princess was watching. When the maroon retreated from the green in his head, he felt in control enough to speak. “The one few animals in the entire world which is represented in the cartoon world by not one, not two, not even three, but by many, many characters. You got Daffy, Donald, Daisy, the rich uncle and all his nephews, not too mention the teen age looney-toon duck characters. Not the mouse, the dog, or even the cat, have so many different characters in the cartoon world. Human beings did it that way because they know.” Then he crossed his wings to show his body language agreed. “I simply cannot provide more insistent proof than that to prove my point.” Anna started to mention that maybe there were more of them because they were funnier to watch which was due to the dumb things they chose to do. But then she decided Dan had endured enough in recent times without adding to his woes. ——————— Chapter ——————————— They caught a big break. It wasn’t the Holy Grail or anything quite so outstanding as that, but it was still a break. While on the path to North Pass, the trio spotted a squad of Geese Police. They were coming back from the north and then turned heading east. Since they were coming from a direction that would take you away from the heart of the region, and then when they got closer to the center they turned a ninety-degree change in direction which now would be taking them away from the center of the region, it stood to reason that their home was the direction which took them away from the center. Of course if they were wrong it meant the enemy home base was directly ahead. A fact that weighed heavily on the trio. “If that squadron was coming from their home base instead of going to it, we are walking straight into the belly of the beast.” Dan said soberly. “Logic plus my gut feeling tells me they were going home, not coming from it.” Buzzy said, trying to sound as confident as he felt. He had to be right. Why would they fly into the heart of the region and then fly away from it headed a different direction unless it was to go home? Anna could only think about one thing. She wanted her pony! She thought about how he might be getting mistreated. Perhaps they were not feeding him. Perhaps he was going without water. Did they even know he needed to do a good deed every day or he would perish the same as if he was not eating? Were they beating or whipping her little pony? They had better not be. She trembled at the thought of how badly she would make them pay if the little blue pony was injured. ——————— Chapter ——————————— The new Dark Queen had the little blue pony brought to her. She walked around Splash caressing him with her bony hand. Next they waited until it was evening and darkness enveloped the land. A torch was lit to provide illumination while two bowls of some sort of substance burned in a smouldering manner making the area stink from the odor of the smoke. Next the Dark Queen said a chant while shaking a sort of cane at the blue pony. She said these words in a slithering style. Winds of the west, winds of the east Corrupt this ones will, so to resist the least Winds of the north, winds of the south Thou will do my bidding when I open my mouth Light from above, darkness from below I call upon the ancient so they will show Start to end, recieve or send Now this spell has been in time As long as the eyes are red, The pony’s will is mine. Then the queen kissed the blue pony on his nose. When Splash opened his eyes they were a dim glowing red. Now he belonged to the Dark Queen Lovcudie. She threw her head back and let go a loud cackle that echoed through the kingdom hanging around like a bad aftertaste from a strong mouthwash. ————————– Chapter ­ ——————————­ The attack came at sundown. Squadrons of eagles, ospreys and hawks were still going out in the mornings and coming back in at evening. The search for the blue pony was still going strong. The first wave came in just after a squad of owls went out for a night patrol. It was a round of magic fire sent from the red-eyed Splash. Riding the blue pony was the Dark Queen herself. Lovcudie! Everyone inside the castle could hear the Dark Queen’s cackle as she ordered the blue pony to reign fire down upon the castle. Piles of hay turned quickly to fire as Splash sent the fire out of his mouth shooting it all over the castle. Lucky castles do not burn easily because they are mostly made of stone. Still there were things inside the castle which burst into flame. Wooden carts, laundry hanging across the narrow streets, and parts of castle made of wood, all caught fire. Subjects of the realm rushed all around attempting to put the fires out. While at the same time the Dark Queen and her new steed kept flying around above the castle, shooting fire down upon it. Finally the attacker left the area. Smoke billowed above the castle like some dark thundercloud hanging over. Cries from various animals and the occasional human could be heard coming from all parts of the castle. While that was going on the trio seeking to find the Witch of the North Pass, kept their vigilance to find the spell which would counteract the one put on Splash. Two more squads of Geese Police flew past the trio. Each time they hid so not to be seen. Toward the end of the day as they were getting ready to set up their camp for the night, a lone figure seemed to arrive from nowhere. It was an old lady. She asked, “Are you the ones that have traveled from the south, in search of the one known as the Witch of the North Pass?” “Yes we are!” Anna replied with hope. “Please tell me you are that person?” The old lady had been wearing a hood. She pulled it down off of her face and replied, “Yes I am.” “We have brought you friendship and gold.” Anna replied. Both Buzzy and Dan wanted little to do with the witch. They were practically falling over each other in an attempt to find something to do so they didn’t have to talk with the witch. Anna however, was very intent on accomplishing her goal. “An old lady like myself has little need for gold. Friendship is based on common interest. We have but one. An Ally is the best we can hope to be, I think. But that is enough. You were correct when you concluded that since the Geese Police are my enemy, that it would make us allies. The patrols you sought to hide from earlier today, all are here in search of my presence. They remain unsuccessful.” “Can you provide me with the spell to cast away the one currently controlling my pony?” Anna asked. “That is why I am here child.” The witch replied. “Come with me and I shall prepare the spell, teach you the words to utter, to regain the mind of your friend. You will leave with me the gold you have brought. Not because I have use for it, but rather because it slows down your progress. If you are successful in freeing your friend, you will return with the pony to me. This after you have defeated the Geese Police, or at the least sent them running in retreat. I may have use for your friend’s magic. If not, I still would like to see the blue pony with my own eyes. It is quite powerful, you know?” “We are aware, but it is not why seek his freedom.” Anna replied. “You think I am not aware child?” The witch laughed. “Why do you think you are given the pony in the first place? As I said, the pony is quite powerful. There are very few beings which can be trusted to have such power. You, and your cohorts that so desire to be anywhere but with me, are the exception. Your friends?” She shook her head. “They are quite a pair. I doubt they could manage to agree the sky is blue, yet they would never take advantage or abuse the power which their four-legged friend has in abundance. Perhaps it is because they are so busy arguing with each other, or perhaps it is in spite of it, but those two never have it enter their mind to use the power for their own agendas. So very rare!” The witch’s last sentence gave Anna a moment of pause. She was all-too-aware that Buzzy’s future was in severe question due to his trading Splash for Dan. She had been until this moment, on the fence about whether Buzzy should face punishment for his acts. He had betrayed the realm. There was no getting around that fact. He deserved to be punished. But the witch’s last sentence, just three words, hung around in Anna’s head like church members hang around outside the church after mass. Perhaps there was something more important than loyalty to the realm. Perhaps loyalty to what is right, is enough to make some above the law. Anna thought about what was more important? Having the law carried out no matter what – or giving pass to those whom can be counted on under any circumstances to always strive to see the right thing is done, even if it meant putting themselves in danger of repercussion. She decided the king and her should discuss this matter further. Laws are created, they can be changed. To what gain is there if the thing created to help cannot be made to continue to help? They stayed with the witch until fed and well-rested. Anna was taught the ritual and words for counteracting the spell currently on Splash. Then it was time to begin the trek home. Before wishing them well, the witch took Anna aside and gave her a small black pebble. She told her to say the words: some say it will, some say it won’t, now you see me, now you don’t! When the pebble leaves your hand, you will know speed unlike any other, allowing you to accomplish your goal quickly, you will be too fast to be seen until it stops rolling. Anna placed the pebble into her pocket and thanked the witch. The trio wasted no time in retracing their steps. The weather was agreeable and they found themselves back at the waterfall just as the day was ending. “Do we camp up here or try and make it down tonight?” Anna asked her companions. She knew Dan would have an opinion but was surprised when he was indifferent about the matter. “You seem preoccupied with your thoughts Dan.” Buzzy noticed. “What has captured your concern?” “I’m just very worried about how we are going to get close enough to Splash to be able to save him. Up until now I only worried about getting the counteract spell because we couldn’t think about going forward without it. Now however we have the means to save the little guy, I am wondering what we will need to do to be able to get into a position to do it.” Anna was more concerned about where they were going to build camp for the night. “We still need to decide where to overnight?” “Go ahead and climb down princess. There is plenty of time left before the sun sets. Me and Dan will fly down shortly.” Buzzy said. “I figure we will have less wind down below. Might make our night a little more comfortable.” Anna left her two friends to find a way down the cliff. Over her shoulder she said, “Sound thinking Buzzy. Plus I’m usually a little more on my game when I have been awake for a while. Climbing down the first thing after waking up might be what is best for many but for me, tonight is better.” After Anna had left them, Dan said to Buzzy, “We need to figure out a way to make sure the princess is safe when she does the spell to counteract the other spell.” “How do we do that?” Buzzy asked. “I don’t know. I thought it wise to mention it now so that you would also start thinking about a way to keep Anna safe.” Dan said. “Because the time is coming when we will surely need to do that very thing.” “Agreed.” Buzzy replied. “I will keep thinking about it.” When they had finished talking a quick glance down revealed that Anna was almost all the way down. It was nothing for the two to fly down. “You guys sure know how to rub it in.” Anna said. “Now that we’re all down, we should get a fire going.” They used the remaining bit of daylight to scrounge up some firewood. Then they got the fire going. Anna had been given some food from the Witch of the North Pass. She brought it out and they cooked it over the fire. The rest of the night was calm and uneventful. The next morning they continued their way back home. ———————— Chapter ————————— Castle Candi survived the attack from the Dark Queen and her new pony. Survivors of the attack spent the rest of the day caring for those injured and repairing damaged parts of the castle. Fires were fought and finally extinguished. Everyone in the castle was forced to put all their energy toward damage control. Everyone, except one. Horatio Horned Owl was a teenager dedicated to making it into the king’s air force, owl division. He was a year away from being old enough to join the royal air force, but he practiced his take-offs and landings just outside the castle. He had been doing just that when the attack started. When he saw the Dark Queen and the pony up in the sky, he stayed out of sight but kept an eye on them. After the attack was broke off and the Dark Queen began her flight home, Horatio followed from safe distance. The queen thought she had devastated the castle to the point that there was no worry of a counter-attack. What she did not anticipate was Horatio following her and the pony back to their stronghold. When they were very close to the enemy holdout, it became clear the base was someplace close. There were too many squads of Geese Police flying in formation around the area for it to be anything else. Darkness was completely upon the night by the time the Dark Queen’s flight ended. The red-eyed blue pony landed with the softness of a cat. The Dark Queen climbed off the pony who then made himself shrink back down to his normal small size. Horatio observed this all happening from a tree a short distance from where the pony landed. Horatio made himself wait until the majority of those outside, had retired to inside the caved area that the Geese Police had turned into their stronghold. Then he took off into the darkness of the night and flew for Castle Candi. Horatio had news! —————— Chapter ———————– Anna and her friends arrived back at Castle Candi exhausted and in need of almost everything a human being needs to survive. Food, water and shelter were all greatly appreciated by the travelers. The first thing they did was to check with Ozzy for news about what had happened while they were gone. The effects of the attack were evident to the naked eye but they needed details. Ozzy explained what had happened, the time it took place, and what was being done about the matter. Engineers and weapons experts came together in an attempt to come up with a way to fight the red-eyed blue pony while it was in flight and shooting fire down upon the castle. What they arrived at was a big cross bow set up on a pedestal that allowed the shooter to swivel the weapon so it could be aimed in any direction. Popular opinion was that they weapons would not work against the blue pony because it was a small target, even smaller when high in the air, and that it would take a smashingly-good shot to ever be able to make any sort of contact with the steed. Castle Candi had an advantage of which it was unaware. For all her planning and scheming, the Dark Queen had made mistakes. The biggest one she was not yet experiencing the consequences but the time was coming and was not on her side. Unaware of the pony’s needs, the Dark Queen had not kept the blue pony nourished with a good deed done every day. As such, Splash was slowly losing strength and abilities. The little pony was just a pony after all. Therefore he was unable to express his nutritional requirements in a manner they would be understood. That was why Splash needed Anna as badly as Anna needed Splash. In truth, he needed her more. It was Anna’s responsibility to make sure the pony received proper care, just like it was up to her to suggest to the pony what sort of magic he should use, to fight whatever the situation they encountered. In other words, if there was nobody there to tell Splash to use his magic to make a giant baseball bat and then use it to swat away the enemy, then nothing would happen to fight the enemy. Pony’s were not known for their imagination. Little girls were. Together, they were a great force for good. When the Dark Queen returned to her pony for another round of attacks, she became aware the little guy was not doing so good. When the pony was unable to get off the ground to fly the Dark Queen, the action was postponed to allow the horse to rest. Instead of going herself, the Dark Queen sent two squads of Geese Police to harass the castle until the full force of her attack could be led by herself and the pony. A few days passed and the pony was not getting any better. It has become obvious to the Dark Queen that if she wanted the pony to ever get back to as strong as it once had been, the care from the one who had her before, was needed. The queen put out the word to all her squads to be on the look out for Anna. Squads of Geese Police flew from sunup to sun down in search for the princess. The Dark Queen did not know they were seeking a princess however. She had enough men that had seen Anna to be able to send out one with every squad. The one was called an identifier. Every young woman the squads stopped for interrogation was checked out by an identifier in hopes of finding Anna. Then the day came when the trio traveling back from the north, were spotted by a squad of Geese Police. The squad flew down and stopped the trio of friends. “Provide your name and reason for travel.” The leader of the squad demanded. “Bring up the identifier.” Anna, Buzzy and Dan had been on the move while the Dark Queen announced the proclamation they were searching for Anna. Therefore they had no cause to run from the squad when it spotted them. They had tried to stay out of sight, and had accomplished that goal, up until they were stopped. Anna had enough savvy to know better than to ever announce she was a princess, to anybody, anywhere. While it often had advantages, there were also times when being the princess could get a girl imprisoned or worse. She answered the big snow goose’s question while leaving out that she was a princess. Unfortunate for Anna, the proclamation had not been to find a princess. It had been to find a young girl of her age, that was likely to be traveling with two friends, a buzzard and a duck. There was an asterisk followed by the words: ‘duck is always claiming to be a dam duck. Easiest way to find out if you have the right trio is to call the duck a wood duck, He will respond with a tyrade about being a dam duck. The identifier came forward and looked the friends over. Then he said, “So, a girl, a buzzard, and a wood duck.” The jig was up as soon as Dan started correcting the snow goose. He no sooner got out the words, “I am a dam duck” before several of the big snow geese grabbed Dan, while others wrangled Buzzy and another pair grabbed Anna. “Got ya!” The identifier exclaimed. “The queen will be very pleased indeed. Bring them!” The trio of friends were taken to the Geese Police headquarters where they were held until the Dark Queen sent for them. Even Dan kept quiet when brought in front of the new Dark Queen. Her words had a hiss to them when she spoke. “Sssso I finally get to meet the little girl who yields so much power. Tell me little girl, have you missed your power? You are a mystery to me. You ssssee, I am and have been a ssstudent of all dark arts, therefore I am aware of what has empowered your little pony. The dark side has not been opposed to the existence of your pony because we know that corruption is just a matter of time. Yet you have had time, and have not given in to the … ssshall I call them, conveniences, that come with having the kind of power you wielded.” Anna stood silent, but kept her eyes on the queen. “And yet, you ssstand before me, and claim you have no desire, no addiction, for the power you once had at the tip of your fingers. And now child? Now, you cannot even manage to enjoy the small comfort of flight, from one point to another. Tell me, how much better is life since you had to walk to that old hag of the north? I would venture you even managed to appreciate the ride here to see me. After all, at least you didn’t have to walk.” “Can I see the pony?” Anna asked. “Why do you think I had you brought here child? Yes by all means you will see the pony. It is sssick. Perhaps dying. We brought you here to try and nurse it back to health.” “So that you can use it against Castle Candi?” Anna accused. “Are you unaware that is the region where I exist?” “You may continue to exist there child. In fact, I will make that region a gift to you. All you need do is make the pony healthy again.” The Dark Queen continued. “I have no desire or concern about such a small world which most other worlds would refuse to even believe existed. Tooth fairies, bigfoot, magic ponies! It is simply too ridiculous to consider. Make the pony strong again and all of Magicland is yours.” Anna knew better than to believe any promises made by a dark queen. Never-the-less she didn’t see much of an upside to making the queen angry. So she just smiled agreeing, at whatever the queen had to say. Most of all, she thought it would be the fastest way she could get to see her beloved blue pony. Anna was led to the area where they were keeping Splash. She nearly broke out in tears when she saw him. The little blue pony was a much paler blue than she remembered. What was worse than the way the pony looked, was the way it did not recognize Anna when she came near. Anna recognized right away that Splash needed to do a good deed. Perhaps before the day was up. She could see the pony was in very bad shape. The pair of snow geese assigned to guard Anna were told that she needed to see the queen immediately if the pony was to live. The alternative being that the queen grant Anna the status to make decisions concerning the pony without having to get permissions. When the queen arrived a short time later, Anna did not back down a bit. “Failure to get permission to perform on or with the pony on a moment’s notice may well cost the pony its life at this point in the game. If you want it to live, stop making me get your permission to do something. That said, right now I need permission to take the pony to do a good deed. To help someone, anyone, so that their life is better after Splash has finished.” “Your request makes no sense.” The queen replied. “Do you take me a fool child?” “I must take you as you are projected. Someone wanting the pony to live, would heed my words, and do it quickly. There is little time.” “How do I know this is not a trick to regain control of the pony?” The queen asked. Anna sighed and did not attempt to hide that she was annoyed with the queen. “You have nearly driven this pony to death. Because you do not have a clue as to what it needs to survive. I could tell you, but by the time I am finished it is likely the pony will be dead. Now is that what you seek? I love this pony. Despite knowing you will use it against my kingdom, I am still willing to try and save his life. If that is not enough to prove my resolve in the matter of keeping Splash alive, then all is lost.” “I will be coming with you.” The Dark Queen stated. “So will a squadron of my best Geese Police.” She looked on with an evil contentedness that left Buzzy and Dan thinking that no matter what they did, there was no way to beat this dark queen. The procession was comical. A mix of those truly good leading a convoy of evil seeking someone in need. Splash was too weak to fly, at least while carrying someone. So they loaded up a trailer and pulled the little blue pony around the nearby area in hopes of finding someone needing help. Lucky for Splash there were several small opportunities that became visible as the procession moved down the road. First they came upon a cow that was stuck half in and half out of a fence. It was a small favor but when they were finished the little blue pony began to look better. Four lost kittens and a tire replacement later and Splash was beginning to look like his old self. The red eyes remained. It was obvious the pony was under some sort of spell. The day ended with helping the same kids find the same kittens. The exception being that the second time around there was one less kitten to find. In the time between the two good deeds, the kids had managed to find a home for one of the prodigal kittens. Back at the stronghold, the new Dark Queen left Splash with the three that had come there in hopes of freeing the pony. “It is too soon.” Anna explained to Buzzy and Dan why she wasn’t making a move to escape with the pony right then. “He probably would not make it. Between having to use magic to fight off the snow geese and then be strong enough to fly himself, and the princess, … it just seems like too much to ask of a pony that was on its deathbed a day ago.” Then she pulled close to the pony’s ear and whispered, “You got better today. Tomorrow you will come with me to do some good deeds again. When we are through you will be fully recharged. Be ready my friend because there will be opportunity and when it knocks I will be on the other side of the door with everything you will need to be free again. Stay strong.” The next day the queen, Anna and Splash, went looking for a chance to do another good deed. This time Splash was able to fly, so he used his magic to create another flying pony, which Anna rode. The queen rode Splash. When they were in the air flying, Anna made a point to talk loud enough that Splash would hear. The idea being it might make him remember her and bring him out of the spell. They had to take flight because they had looked around and done all the stuff that was close by. When they finally found someone in need of help, it was not an easy situation. It was in fact one of the few times that Splash was not really able to make everything okay. The best he could do was to help. They happened upon a little boy who was sitting next to a stream fishing. He should have been happy but he was crying. When Anna spotted him she had her pony fly down. She asked, “Why would you be crying when you should be happy? Do you not enjoy fishing?” The little boy said, “My name is Charles, and my daddy is sick. They say he will not get better. My family is hungry. We have no money. I am trying to catch fish to feed them. My mother says soon we will not be able to live in our home. So I am very sad.” Anna waved at the queen to come down. The queen did as asked and soon was landing next to Anna and the little boy. “You may not be aware, but Splash can create gold coins if asked. Could you ask him to give us some gold coins?” Anna said to the queen. Then she had the little boy tell his story to the queen. When the little boy was finished speaking, Anna added, “This is what it takes for the pony to thrive. It is as essential for nourishment as food. I cannot stress this enough. If you want the pony to be in fighting shape, you are going to have to spend some time every day chasing down leads on who needs help?” Then Anna paused, obviously thinking about something. Then she laughed. “You find this little boy’s plight to be amusing?” The Dark Queen asked. “I thought I was the villian in this story. Seems that is a matter of perspective. Tell me, is this the real reason you haven’t abused the power? You gain your satisfaction from the mere voyeurism of those in pain. In other words, you find your happiness in the knowing others are suffering. What drives you is not wanting to help the next person, but rather the need to know they exist.” “Queen, you truly are a damaged human being if you believe even part of that statement. What made me laugh was thinking how you will be forced to get down on your knees and get dirty with the very kind of suffering you would inflict if you win your twisted goals. What I have always suspected is that those who cause such suffering and pain toward others, do not like to have it right there, screaming in pain in their face, as a reminder of who they have become. Maybe you are not the cause of the sickness which is taking that man’s life, but he is a micro-example of what damage you bring upon innocent families. Perhaps he is even a direct cause. Perhaps he ate some food your organization sold which was infected. Perhaps not. You know it could be. That is all that matters.” “You project the sufferings of all those in need, upon me?” The queen asked. Then she said in that hissing manner of hers, “Pony, Pleasssssse give the little boy some gold coins. So that his family might pay their mortgage and feed their hungry. Compliments of the new Dark Queen.” Clank!, Clank!, Clank!, came the sound of gold falling upon gold. Anna went around to the back side of Splash and gathered the coins. She handed them to the little boy. “Go home boy. Love you parents. Understand that your father suffers not only the pain of his disease, but the fear of what happens to his family after he is gone. Make certain whoever you give these coins, has knowledge of how to spend and invest them. Gold goes a long way in Magicland, because it is one of the few things not found naturally and in abundance. That is not to say it is extremely valuable, but it should not be squandered either. Use it to pay the mortgage. Understand it cannot buy time, nor life, nor can it change any emotion not born of it in the beginning.” “What do you mean lady?” The little boy asked. Anna gave the queen a sideways glance and then replied. “It means that if you are angry because you didn’t have enough money to pay your mortgage, then yes, when you pay it, your anger will go away. However if you are angry because your father is sick, you could throw all the gold at it and your father would still be sick, and you would still be angry. There are some things that riches, or even power, cannot change or control. Anyone who believes that riches or power can achieve those things, is a fool on a fool’s errand. Go home. Love your family and be grateful for the time you have had, and the time you are experiencing now. None of us are promised tomorrow.” “So true.” The Dark Queen said. Anna quickly cut in. She wasn’t too certain what might come out of the queen’s mouth but she felt the little boy needed hope more than truth. She prayed she was giving both. “In my family we believe that life does not end when the flesh is left behind. We believe you move on to another existence. There are some who have been there and then been pulled back, and they claim you remain the same. You will still have the same thoughts as you have in the body you currently are in. It actually has a lot to back up that claim. When people say they left their bodies and were hovering over them; it means they were still themselves, when looking down at their own bodies.” Now the queen was cutting in. “What she is saying honey is that nobody really dies. They just leave this world and go to the one which you, and I, and everybody will go to some day. If we had a communication system between the two worlds, it wouldn’t be a big deal at all when folks went from one to the other.” Anna jumped back in. “What you should do is just to go home, love your parents and trust what they tell you.” “And remember to give your parents those gold coins.” The queen said to the boy as he left their presence, presumably to go home. Anna gave the queen a strange look. The queen returned it. Neither said anything for a minute. Then it was Anna who broke the silence. “A person would almost believe you cared, the way you so sincerely reminded the boy to give those coins to his parents.” The Dark Queen gave a snort. Then she looked away as she said, “Purely to ensure the situation wasn’t for not. If I knew for certain the goal was accomplished when the pony dropped the coins, I would have let them lay where they fell and left without another word. Is that what you would like to hear?” “Is that what is in your heart?” Anna asked. “Because as I stated, you certainly seemed sincere about those coins making it home to the parents so they might have a place to live, and have be able to buy food for eating.” “Believe as you choose child.” The queen replied. But she did so while looking away. Then she gave Splash a courtesy kick in the hind quarter to initiate flight and the two took off into the sky. The point did not slip past Anna. She thought the queen doth protest too much, so to speak, especially when the queen’s denial came while looking into the blue sky, not into the eye of another human being. Then Anna reminded herself that whatever the motive on that day, it did not mean the queen wouldn’t hesitate to have her head another time if it pleased her. That was motivation enough to get going after the queen. —————————- Chapter —————————– Castle Candi had been under attack on a semi-regular basis ever since the day the Dark Queen used Splash to shoot fire down upon the castle. The attacks that came after that first day were all just hassle-tactics. The snow geese would fly down and attack the subjects attempting to go about their daily chores or those trying to repair damages done by the fire attack. Things had taken a turn however. A brave young would-be soldier by the name of Horatio Horned Owl, had arrived at Castle Candi with vital news! After explaining what he had to tell, he was rushed to see Ozzy Osprey, who was in charge of castle security. Debriefing came next, and then excitement as Ozzy organized his squadrons for a morning raid on the enemy stronghold. Finally!, they could take the battle to the enemy. Squads of eagles, osprey, hawks, and even the owls were going on the morning raid. There was an organized chaos inside the castle as everyone rushed from here to there getting their supplies and selves ready for the upcoming fight. It would be a tough battle since they lacked their most formidable weapon but the castle had many battles before the blue pony came along to protect it. Ozzy figured they would survive many battles after the pony. It had been nice though. They had not lost a battle, nor many soldiers during their wins, all thanks to the pony. He hoped that the upcoming battle would also be a success. ———————— Chapter —————————— The queen and Splash entered the Geese Police headquarters with Splash back up to his healthy self. The last good deed had been enough to restore him to good health. Upon arrival, the queen marched off to be by herself. She needed to think whether to keep the girl or have her put into slavery or just destroyed. Perhaps the Geese Police would make soup of her. Anna arrived a short time later and after dismounting her pony, it disappeared into dust. Anna looked around and did not see the queen. She stepped through the dust cloud to get to Splash. Then she leaned in close to him while holding out an amulet and said the words the old witch had taught her to say while holding the amulet to the pony’s head. Powers of light over that of dark, Hear this, remove that, a good start, Love conquers if you do your part, Now your mind is free as is your heart. Suddenly the red in the eyes of the little blue pony, disappeared, leaving only the pony that recognized Anna. The little blue pony stuck its very soft, scruntched nose into Anna’s neck, causing her to giggle. He looked at her with eyes no longer controlled by the evil queen. “Be patient my love.” Anna whispered. “I will be back for you before sunup. Stay calm and silent. If the queen comes around, just do what she tells you to do. Soon we will be free together again.” Splash let go a little whinny. He nudged her one more time and then Anna left the stable area to go to the room they had assigned her to stay in. Anna was tired so she laid down and was sleeping almost before her head hit the pillow. She woke up in the late part of the sleep cycle, and she knew morning was not far away. She crept out of her room and went to Splash. Just as she got to Splash an alarm began sounding throughout the cave complex. It was announcing an attack was coming. Anna grabbed Splash and started to lead him out of the stable when suddenly he stopped. She saw one of his back legs had been chained to the stable. Anna smiled. They may have thought that she would try to steal him but they had not counted on the fact that the little pony was no longer under the Dark Queen’s spell. Anna told Splash to use his magic to turn the chain into spaghetti so that it fell away. Anna watched as the little blue pony made himself become larger. When he was big enough to easily carry Anna, she hopped on and they began to half run, half fly, through the cave system until they were out the front of the cave. They passed squad after squad of Castle Candi’s finest fighters. When the first of the squads saw the pony, they turned around. Soon the word was spreading the all-out-attack was cancelled. ‘Stand down!’ was the order of the morning. Happy eagles, hawks, ospreys and owls rejoiced knowing they would not face a battle that morning after all. Back at Castle Candi the entire castle was holding their breath to see how the battle turned out? When the lookouts first saw the huge amount of squads flying in formation behind the blue pony there was a cheer that went up throughout the castle. Anna and Splash arrived as heroes. The big celebration that had been cancelled was now back on! Everyone in the castle had reason to celebrate. There were a few that were stand-offish toward Splash because they had not forgot the way he rained-down fire upon the castle. It took a few loyal-to-Splash folk to remind that he did not have control of what he was doing. It could have happened to anybody, including the people who were holdouts. Once they admitted that, they had to admit it was not Splash’s fault. Castle Candi celebrated all that day and throughout the night. There was one group that were not having fun. That was the new Dark Queen and her Geese Police. She was busy contacting another group of Geese Police. She had been busy at it the whole time but had not told anybody. The new Dark Queen was having all the blockage that had been put into a certain pond, removed. It opened up a portal to another world where the Geese Police had teeth. These prehistoric-looking, even bigger than their Magicland cousins, had something else even scarier than their big sharp teeth. They had a dragon. It wasn’t exactly on their side, but it wasn’t on Castle Candi’s side either. The dragon was a loose cannon. The prehistoric Geese Police began coming through the pond almost immediately. What had happened was the new Dark Queen in this world, found a way to contact the Dark Queen in the other world. She explained they were opening the portal back up and to send squads of those sharp-toothed giant snow geese to help their less-scary cousins. It made quite a site seeing flocks of prehistoric snow geese come zipping out of the pond and into the sky beyond. The Dark Queen had her Geese Police and the prehistoric Geese Police hovering in the air waiting for the rest of the prehistoric Geese Police to arrive from their world. She and her generals sat on the ground watching for the rest of the squads to arrive. She told them, “When the last of the squads have arrived we will go in full force to attack Castle Candi for the final time. We will show no mercy and will not break off the battle. This is the end for everyone in Castle Candi. ———————– Chapter ————————— The dragon had been watching. It saw the many squads of prehistoric Geese Police flying into the pond. It remembered! The dragon used to feed on the flocks that flew into the pond, and still did when it was able to catch them in its world. However they were never easier to get than when they were just coming out of the pond. She kept watching but couldn’t yet leave her nest which was perched up on the highest mountain peak. She was waiting for her mate to return so they could go hunting together. Until then she had to keep sitting on her eggs. All three of them. They were just about ready to hatch. When they did, they would be hungry. She thought to herself about how many of the snow geese it would take to feed all those hungry mouths. Her problem was that although she could kill as many of the snow geese as she merited, she could only carry a certain amount before they were just too bulky to carry more. Then she remembered the humans in the other world. They were much meatier. They weighed an extreme amount more than the geese. She could carry much more of them than the geese. The humans were the best things to feed her young. She searched the sky for her mate to return. They had hunting to do. ———————– Chapter ————————— During the breakout when Anna and Splash rode off into the sunset there were two who became lost in all the excitement and chaos. Their problem was that they had been in chains and though there was opportunity to escape, it wasn’t going to be by air. Buzzy and Dan were chained together. When Anna and Splash made their escape, the two friends began walking their way out of the enemy stronghold. The queen was so concerned about the pony that she paid no attention to the two feathered friends walking out of the caves. “We’re almost to freedom.” Dan said. “Shut up!” Buzzy whispered. “Do you want to get us caught?” “You’re the one making all the noise. I’m simply replying to what you said at this point.” The two continued to argue but they also continued to make their way out of the enemy headquarters. By the time the two stopped arguing they realized they were outside the caves and free of most of the danger. Ironically they watched the sky begin filling up with the squads of Geese Police and their prehistoric cousins from the other world but because they were chained together and unable to fly, they did not get caught. It was a long walk, which much discussion was done on Dan’s part about why the dam duck is superior to most all other ducks. “In fact, dam ducks are superior to all other birds. I don’t go around rubbing the noses in the dirt, of other birds but it is a known fact. Except of course, if you are wanting soldiers in your air force. I have to admit the geese are the way to go in that one area.” “Why’s that?” Buzzy asked, finally interested in something Dan had to say. “Seems like since they are so big, that they would be a tough army to keep fed. Unless they eat roadkill, of course, but I doubt that is the case or I would be out of business.” He laughed. “You’re spot on! Its all about the feeding. Geese exist on practically nothing. How they get so big when all they eat is plants, is a mystery. I suppose it is the same reason cows get so big when all they eat is plants.” Dan winked at Buzzy and then added, “probably why they are always so sour-pussed. You’d be angry all the time too if all you ever got to eat was grass. Cause that’s all they get.” Buzzy winked back and said, “Good!” The two kept up their conversation while continuing their walk back to Castle Candi. They also kept an eye on the sky. They didn’t think too much of it when they saw a few squadrons circling, which is a sign they are waiting for more to take off. The two friends didn’t get worried when they saw there were quite a few squadrons circling. They didn’t get worried when they noticed the bright sun providing the warm day, began to be blocked out periodically by the large amount of Geese Police that were circling in an ever wider circle to accommodate the ever-growing number of squads waiting for even more to join them. But when they started noticing there was more shade than sunlight, things changed. “Walk faster! We’ve got to alert the castle.” Dan said. “Well thank you very much Captain Obvious! We’re making as good of time as possible.” Buzzy replied. “We could make a lot better time if you didn’t have to pull out your knife and fork every time we pass some roadkill.” Dan argued. “I will have you know sir, THAT!, is the fastest possible fast food that exists! My people do not pass up a free lunch, especially when it is served buffet-style.” Buzzy said unashamedly. “Barbaric.” Dan noted. “That sir, is why I carry the knife and fork. We are not barbaric. We use silverware.” Buzzy said while holding his head a little higher than usual. Dan just shook his head and for once, said nothing. Buzzy began to get nervous for the first time. The only time he ever saw Dan keep quiet for no imminent reason was when they were brought in front of the Dark Queen. Then he thought to himself, ‘duck isn’t as dumb as he looks’. That made Buzzy smile. The thought of how angry it would have made Dan if he had spoke that thought out loud in stead of keeping it to himself. Dan stayed silent and kept his eyes on the sky above. The amount of sunlight making it down to them was becoming less and less. Finally he made a statement after watching the squads flying over grow larger with every circle. “I think some of those squads are not the normal Geese Police. Some of them look bigger and do I see teeth?” Buzzy stopped walking and looked up. Although ducks have excellent vision, buzzards, hawks and eagles have even better. “You’re right. Those are not the average Geese Police. At least some of them are not. That can mean only one thing. If it is true then we have a much bigger problem than the Geese Police, even if they are the prehistoric kind. Do you remember what else we blocked when we kept the prehistoric GPs from getting back to our world?” “Oh no! The dragon.” “That’s right. The dragon. We gotta hurry!” “That’s what I have been saying all along.” “I have been agreeing with you all along.” “Then what are we arguing for?” “What are we arguing for?” “Shut up and walk faster.” “I can walk and talk at the same time, unlike some birds I know.” “I don’t know any birds that would want to know you.” “I doubt you know any birds.” “I doubt you know any living things at all. Roadkill buffet eater.” “That’s not an insult. Are you trying to make up to me now?” “Only a buzzard would think I was being nice when I called them a roadkill buffet eater.” “So what’s your point?” “Shut up and walk faster.” ———————– Chapter ————————— Castle Candi was in full celebration mode. Everyone had a drink in their hand, a full belly and many had begun singing songs together. There were many heroes to be acknowledged. Horatio Horned Owl was given a reward by the king for bravery and for spying on the enemy in their own location. Anna was singled-out for her bravery in freeing the blue pony. She looked around for her to friends but they were not to be seen. She was not able to get away from all the congratulations and grateful thanks of the kingdom’s subjects. She was trying to make her way to the stable where Splash was relaxing. They needed to go find their friends. It had been too long. They should have been back to the castle by now. The big celebration was making it nearly impossible for Anna to get through the crowd to reach her pony. Then Anna looked up at the guard towers and saw they were not being manned. If the castle were to be attacked at that very moment, there would be almost no resistance before the enemy was through the gates. She looked around for the king to alert him they needed to get guards up on the walls. These folks were acting like they had went to battle and won. That was not the case. They hadn’t done anything to believe the enemy was defeated. Finally she saw the king. The distance between her and the king was the same distance as if she went to Splash, but each was in an opposite direction. Anna had a choice. She could go to the king and get the castle defenses back up or she could go make sure Splash was okay. She decided to go to the king. A quick walk across the castle common grounds and she was talking with him. She pointed to the guard towers. They talked a bit longer and then Anna headed for Splash. She wanted to check on him and make sure he was okay. As she made her way through the crowd she could not help but notice that everyone was impaired with drink, or they had already went home and passed out from too much celebration. She thought to herself; ‘I hope nobody attacks us today or we are in serious trouble.’ ———————– Chapter ————————— Buzzy and Dan walked into Castle Candi the way a chef walks into their kitchen an hour late to start cooking. All business. The first thing they did was to tell the guard at the castle gate to send for Ozzy and someone to cut the chains off of them. Friends having a good time that saw them come into the castle were quick to grab a drink and bring it over to them. To everyone’s surprise, neither of the two friends were interested in getting a drink. Instead they were telling people to stop drinking and prepare for an attack. While Ozzy debriefed the two friends, a rumor began to circulate around the castle that an attack was coming. The veteran flyers stopped their drinking and partying and began to drink coffee. There was an official, unofficial red alert. That means that gossip travels faster than official proclamation, at least in the land of Castle Candi. By the time the king made the official announcement, most of the kingdom was prepared or preparing for an attack. Buzzy and Dan warned about seeing the prehistoric Geese Police as well as the usual enemy. That resulted in the decision made to split up Castle Candi air force into three groups, the first two groups would stay and protect the castle while the third would be deployed to go to the portal-pond where the prehistoric Geese Police were coming into this world. The plan was to get that pond blocked again before the dragon came through. Anna and Splash were assigned to protect the castle. Ozzy, Buzzy and Dan would take their squadrons to the portal-pond where they would figure out a way to block it again. “Bring barbed wire and stretch fence across that pond until it is impossible for a snow goose to fit through, so we know the dragon won’t get over here.” The king ordered. It was a good plan but it all was dependent upon them getting there and getting the portal blocked before the dragon came through. Good plans often are not great plans because they depend on something that is unpredictable. Dragons, are the most unpredictable creatures imaginable. ———————– Chapter ————————— A dragon takes a mate only for as long as it takes for the offspring to leave the nest. Usually about three years. A third of that time the eggs are not hatched. This was the first year of the three for the two mating dragons. Therefore their eggs were still unhatched but the time was close. It is that time more than any other that dragons feed. They go on a feeding frenzy, bringing home everything they can catch and kill. If the parent dragons do not keep proper amount of food in the nest at all times, it is likely one of the babies will eat the others. Dragons are good parents however so most the time they keep enough food handy that nobody as to eat their brother or sister. When the female dragon saw her mate arrive from the horizon she left her perch on top of the mountain and flew to meet him in mid-air. The two dragons splashed into the portal pond and came out the other side shooting fire and taking down snow goose after snow goose. The Geese Police squads were headed for Castle Candi and had given no thought to covering their backside. The dragons were taking full advantage. They would take down enough geese that they couldn’t carry any more, and then fly them back into the portal-pond, and then home to their nest. The trio of baby dragons ate and ate just gorging on the dead snow geese. Meanwhile mom and dad dragon would fly back through the portal-pond and kill some more snow geese. It was a bonanza of food for the dragons. It was also a situation which helped Castle Candi because the dragons were attacking the Dark Queen’s forces from behind. None of their generals expected any sort of attack from behind because there were so many of them. As such, the dragons were feasting. Eventually those in front of the ones being killed, began to notice. When that happened it caused the many squadrons to start looking behind them instead of focusing on what was toward their front. By the time the first squadrons of Geese Police began to attack the defenses of Castle Candi; Anna and Splash had taken flight. Because there were so many of the enemy, Splash made himself extra large in size and then he used his magic to start shooting a blue mist that was blinding the squadrons. Next he flew to a better, higher vantage point where he began shooting blue fire from his eyes, wiping out rows and rows of flying Geese Police. They went down in blue flame. Splash flew all over the sky, going from one strategic point to another, unleashing blue fire as he went. Despite being hugely outnumbered, thanks to Splash, they were making a dent in the huge enemy force. He was putting out a ton of energy which made Anna wonder how long could he keep it up? Even Splash had his limits. ————————- Chapter ————————– Buzzy, Dan and Ozzy took the long way around to get to the portal pond. They had to avoid all those squadrons of Geese Police plus their prehistoric cousins. Due to having to fly so far around the enemy, the three and their forces, arrived at the portal pond in time to see not one dragon like they had feared, but two of them! They were flying into the portal-pond each holding two large claws full of dead or dying Geese Police. The dragons also had a mouthful of them. Before the three could get their squads on the ground so they could start stretching out barbed wire, the dragons came splashing back through the portal-pond. Although not interested as food in the eagles, hawks, and ospreys that made up the royal air force, the dragons shot fire at them anyway. Dragons are suppose to be intelligent creatures. Perhaps they are, because they assessed the situation and concluded that the forces Buzzy, Dan and Ozzy brought with them, were there to due harm to the dragons. In a short amount of time the royal air force was all but wiped-out. Buzzy and Dan escaped unhurt but Ozzy had been injured. His tail feathers had been burnt off. He was that close to being fish food. They did their best to gather their remaining forces for whatever sort of fight they might encounter next. The dragons were on this side of the portal so they had failed their mission. Ozzy discussed strategy with Buzzy and Dan while his medics attended to his burnt back side. “We can perhaps rally enough bodies to try a second attempt to get the wire across the pond. Of course we will have to wait for when the dragons on the other side but so far they seem to be going back and forth regularly.” “I’ll get what troops are available, organized so we will be able to get something done if the opportunity comes.” Dan volunteered. “I’ll help you.” Buzzy said. “Maybe we can still salvage this mission.” ———————– Chapter ——————————– The Dark Queen watched as her dream to destroy Castle Candi was slowly being wiped out by a blue pony with white mane, tail and feet. The back side of her forces was being flash-fried by two dragons that had followed the prehistoric Geese Police over from their world. She wasn’t beaten however. This Dark Queen was so sinister she had bought a huge bomb. A nuke! And she was ready to detonate it if her forces lost. When her forces were down to the last of the squadrons, the rest having retreated either to the other world, or hiding in various places around the kingdom, or flash-fried by the dragons, and most of the smoke had cleared: she was out in front of Castle Candi with her bomb. It looked pretty bleak for all of Magicland because a nuke would just about wipe out everybody in Magicland. Castle Candi would be obliterated. Standing out in front of the castle to face the Dark Queen was Anna and Splash. Then the king came out along with Ozzy, the head of security for the castle. The Dark Queen said, “You think you have won but I will have the last say today. Do you know what this is?” She pointed at the bomb she had brought with her. Surrounding the queen were her most trusted of their military. They appeared ready to die along with everything else. “I will set off this bomb and there is nothing you can do about it. Not even your precious blue pony can do anything to prevent me from pressing the button to send it all into flames.” The king stepped forward and said, “It is a terrible shame that you would choose to destroy instead of to see something grow. See it be built into more than it is currently. I beg you now to reconsider. Do not do this!” Anna watched in silence while fishing into her pocket for a pebble that had been given to her when they made the journey to see the Witch of the North Pass. She had given Anna a pebble with a special ability if used when the right words were spoke, she said, “some say it will, some say it won’t, now you see me, now you don’t!” She remembered what the old witch had told her. “When the pebble leaves your hand, you will know speed unlike any other, allowing you to accomplish your goal quickly, you will be too fast to be seen until it stops rolling.” The witch began to reach for the button. Anna rolled the pebble so it was aimed down a slope. Then she sprung into action, leaping onto the back of her pony they went speeding across the distance between where they were and the Dark Queen stood. Anna knocked the witch down with a punch while telling Splash to use his magic to create the largest catapult ever seen. Then they put the bomb into it and slung it far into the darkness of space. Anna and Splash were not through however. There was still the matter of the dragons. They returned to the portal-pond to find Buzzy and Dan ready with others from the royal air force. They had the wire ready to be stretched across the pond but so far the dragons had not went back to their side. The group gathered to talk it out. Ozzy spoke first. “Intel says there are two of them. If that is true then they most likely are mating. They probably have eggs in a nest somewhere in their world.” Anna said, “If we were to cross over and do a fly over the surrounding area, maybe we could spot the nest. If we do, we can take one of the eggs and use it to coax the dragons back to their side.” “Its worth a try.” Buzzy exclaimed. “Back soon!” Anna cried. Then Splash and Anna rose into the sky until they were over the portal-pond. Next Splash dove straight down into the water and they came out the other side. It was just starting to have the sun come up on that side. Splash flew high into the sky and then they searched the top of the mountains looking for a dragon’s nest. It wasn’t hard to find. Anna saw it almost immediately. “Down there Splash.” Anna said. The little blue pony with the white mane, tail and feet, flew down until they were hovering just above the nest. It was a big nest made of large limbs the dragons had torn off of trees and made into a nest. All three eggs sat, two of them were rustling, a sign they were soon to hatch. “Take me down so I can get one.” Anna said. Splash did just that. The eggs were about the size of a basketball. They had a rough exterior that sort of felt like a basketball, only the bumps on the eggs were larger, more noticeable. She grabbed one and told Splash to use his magic to create a saddlebag to hold the egg. Then the two took off back to the portal-pond. When they came through to their side of the portal-pond; Buzzy and Dan were under attack from the dragons. Fire was being shot all around them. Some of the royal air force were hit by the dragonfire and lay injured on the ground around the portal-pond. Anna whispered into the pony’s ear. Splash flew upwards so he was at equal height with the dragons. Next he used his magic to create a rope made into a lasso. He threw it around one of the dragon’s neck. Then Anna cried, “Into the water!” Then before the pony could dive into the portal-pond, she made sure the dragon they did not have a rope around, was able to see the egg in the saddlebag. Anna tapped on it with her hand as the pony made his dive. The dragon they had roped, was forced to follow. Down the pony dove, and down the dragon had to follow. The second dragon saw Anna tap on the egg and it too, went into a dive. Downwards they went, Anna and Splash first, then the dragon with the rope around its neck, and finally the dragon that was not caught, but that was afraid the egg might be damaged. So it followed as fast as possible. Into the water they splashed. First the pony and the princess, then the two dragons not far behind. When they came out on the other side, the two holding the egg made a straight line for the dragon’s nest. Right behind them were the two dragons, both now free from any rope. The two dragons refrained from shooting fire at the pony because they were afraid it might cause the egg to be damaged if the pony fell. That was all the break the two friends needed for Splash to land into the nest and for Anna to get the egg and place it back into the nest. Then they took off into the sky headed for the portal-pond. The female dragon landed on her nest and checked out the eggs. The male followed the pony and the princess until they plunged into the portal-pond. Before the dragon could follow them through the portal-pond; Splash turned and Anna told him to use his magic to create a chain-linked fence across the top of the water. There was a commotion in the water a few seconds later indicating the dragon had tried to follow and been turned back by the chain-linked fence. A cheer went up from those that had survived the dragons. The injured and the captured walked back to the castle. Those that were still capable of flight, used that method to return home. The king pronounced a kingdom-wide celebration. Buzzy and Dan were once again awarded the highest award from the king. Anna and Splash hung around long enough to cheer for their friends, and then they disappeared, off to do a good deed. During all the excitement and celebration there was one person who was not celebrating. She had been forgotten and now was taking full advantage of that fact. Slipping off into the forest was the Dark Queen. The last words she uttered before becoming part of the scenery were, “You have won this time, but this isn’t over.” The End