The Kingdom of Elias

The Castle On The Hill

The group took in their surroundings and then sat on the benches near the well.

"We're at Lady Snow's estate," Max said. "We are on the north side of the castle. It shouldn't be too far of a walk in that direction." He motioned south.

"Don't we need to go to Morrow?" PJ asked.

"Well, yeah," Max said exhaling a deep breath. "But we need to search through the Ancient Library also. Merlin said we would find information about defeating the demon there. Plus, we still need to track down the second wizard, whoever they are. There has to be a book of the Master Wizards in that castle somewhere."

"Morrow is a pretty lengthy trip," Cyril added. "If I remember correctly."

Max looked around in a contemplative manner, thinking.

"Do you think we should split up again?" Cyril followed. "At least there won't be any ghosts this time." He grinned.

Everyone but Gwen chuckled. She gave Cyril a contemptuous look.

"I think that's how it's got to be," Max said still thinking. "Who does what?"

"Well, I think I have to go to Morrow," PJ responded. "The relationship they have with Castle Hill is rocky at best. I don't want anyone getting held up against their will. I promise to do my best to keep my mouth shut, but if we need to flex a little muscle, I should be there."

"I hate to admit it Peej, but you are right about that. We do need diplomacy, but we also can't risk getting run through without a chance to say our piece." Max grinned at him.

"Okay so who's going with me?" PJ asked.

Cyril spoke up. "Morrow is civilized but it can also be dangerous if not prepared. I recommend Max and PJ going to Morrow and I will bring Gwen and Oswald with me to the library. Max, perhaps your family name could have some sway if you get in a pinch. We can establish a rendezvous point."

"Yeah I like that plan," Max said. "Keep the kids safe here and find what we need in the library. PJ and I will go to Morrow and hopefully bring back Dreamfinder. Rendezvous here at Lady Snow's estate. We can hide out in the tunnel if things get unpleasant."

"That sounds great Max but how are we gonna get to Morrow?" PJ asked. "It's more than a day's ride, if we can find someone to take us. We need to get there faster than that."

"True," Max said looking forlorn. "I guess we just need to make good time bud."

"It's a shame the airship doesn't work anymore," Cyril added.

"Yeah," Max said. "Even if it did, we would need quite a big power stone to work it. Those things needed a lot of juice."

"Wish we had the time to dig around in the mountain," PJ joked.

Oswald quickly began digging through his pack. He located the large clear stone and pulled it out. It glinted in the sunlight. The milky white swirls danced around inside it.

"A big one like this?" Oswald asked holding it up.

Everyone stared in awe at the stone.

"Where did you get that?" Gwen asked amazed.

"Sharin gave it to me before we left Rancho del Zocalo. Guess he knew it might come in handy?"

"That's great Oswald," Max responded, "but even if that is enough juice for the airship, we don't know if it even still works. It could have rusted into dust by now, and none of us know how to fly it."