Morabin as has been recorded had once presented itself as the rich capital of the circular area of Morabinus. However like a spreading fatal disease a hitherto splendour of loamy fertile land now resided as a degenerating expanse of decay and rotten vegetation if it could be called that. Its extension of ravaged decaying surface was fetid and reeked of degenerated filth. This was where stalked "the unsaid," the creature of retribution behind the light of day and the coming of what fate lay in every man or woman but was held by the order for everyone's good.

Chronomesis was its name but already the already the alarm was transmitting of the contagion of Morabin.

It was the fettlers; those whose job was to see to the Total Bridges which stopped Oaken-cross from parting who irrevocably noted the dark signs especially. Then also in omen were alerted the arrival of the black crows.

From those chronicles of the Notes of Descent these messages of air which preceded and foretold uncommon situations arrived in warning. Each singular blackbird lined the ramparts and rumour was infiltrating reports and minds.

The creature of malevolence itself had filled the minds and primarily the attention of those persons of telepathic communication. The seers and wondrous holders of the rare craft of thinking in all Red, Yellow and Blue were purveyors of a lofty renown to those whom they could reach. However while the receivers of these messages took them in, others maybe not of the same mental accomplishment could sense inklings and passages and dread grew up but had grown up as Chronomesis.

Perhaps branded superstition or anxiety or paranoia but the name which brought the black crows out from their niches and nooks of the land was fearfully tongued-the unsaid.

Thus the fear which worked in minds like rats growing and thriving in sewers came the notoriety of unprecedented concern. The creature unsaid was now resting but the vigil held tight. The black crows by their powers held tight.

Like prolific spears of an army's defensive structure these flighted creatures surrounded Morabin and Morabinus. In the logs of inscription the presence of these jet-coloured birds was a time of high concern. Then in the elevated wrangling and struggle of a telepathic kind the rumour was lofty too in contending thoughts. The Reds vied the Red cause and the Blues of course their right. Then as for Sorority the transmission of Magus and Mugali was supposed to be the span and broker in like and differing minds.

The hallowed and feted heads of Magus and Mugali formed the triad of opinion and decision among the lofty towers. Then with them was the course of what was most fit to be done. As of now the decision had not been culminated into anything but wait and discover. Such was the anxiety that thoughts of telepathy were like darting tangents as well as straight messages. Thus with the seeping of information this generation of the fifteen-year cycle was as nigh important as ever.

Back in Morabin a mighty foe of civilisation was at rest more in exasperation than tiredness. Although as makeshift or unsubstantial as a line of dark winged guards it seemed "the unsaid" was partly wary if not for its weakening power but tired by frustration. This meagre depth of blackbirds was a boundary and to breach it was to break a code of mystery as old as the Notes of Order-the prophetic chronicles-allowed.

Thus a cessation of bickering communication between one tower and the next saw time for consolidation. Red and Blue had sent forth their fettlers, the shorers and rebuilders of Oaken-cross and the Total Bridges.

There among these craftsmen and labourers of the two colours a rivalry as different as their hues persisted. Thus as had been taken as fitting belonged to the hallowed Ones and most notably the charges of Sorority the seemingly eternal Paulis and his charges of Lemon Dove.

Their task was for the four to divide with these each side to protect and oversee and generally supervise the refurbishment of any encroachment of any intrusion or breakthrough of the defences. What many thought in dark humour was that the sisters were to keep the cutthroat brothers away from endangering each other. Then in all this for all this the lurking creature of retribution slept in tight silence.

The fire at nighttime for the elect sister's and brother of the Sorority was being kindled. Talk was little except for Paulis who gave commands to the presently fazed women. While in their cloying nauseous gullets speech seemed difficult to emerge to Paulis his manner was one of a sated and satisfied exhilaration, mellow but sublimely complete. In the satisfaction more than anger in the despatch of twenty brigands he had released the frustrations and contortions of a caged compulsion and now, for this moment, he was satisfied.

As matters went on the least senior Monise was gathering wood with Lucana whom brought it to Prime Lady. It seemed even the most basic of charges had their order. However as had been driven into them and all who followed the mission which because of ever-present danger and a lack of full knowledge of historic mysteries-order was everything.

The mood was silence and lack of communication save for the preparation of a fire. What was to be done with it was cooking and cooking was to eat and to eat was vital.

"Now my sisters" as the mound of intricate firewood was ready to a creature like Paulis,

"Now what are we to eat tonight"

The three women were confused by his apparent elevated mode of relaxed manner but steeled by the edge of sinister intent he had purveyed in the forestland some hours previously.

"Well I feel we may be dining on the freshest delicacy tonight! "This unleashed all three women’s imagination and teetering on the worse for that.

Then Paulis stood while the women automatically sat. They were apprehensive which was not aided by Paulis reaching for the throwing stick cut from a severed hand. The minds of the women were struggling between imagination and enclosed disturbance. Paulis spoke with a resplendently laid authority,

"Sisters you know how we came by this. So now I thought we needed a little discussion on the matter."

The nausea stoked in memory was beginning to fill that gorge again.

"Now then honoured ladies-Paulis' low brow and high leering smile gave him a look of set distaste to this female trio.

"The throwing stick..." he continued beginning to move in slow strides "...is a weapon peculiar to the bandits and villains of the north of Oaken-cross although others in further parts are said to use it."

These of "the other parts" were in the Sisters minds, those of another group which were to be referred to later.

"Now" resumed Paulis in the affected tutor's role, "We are to live by its use, skill and dexterity."

"We're about to go hunt" went through Amalana's tired mind "We're about to go hunting," said Paulis in that high overbearing nonchalance which he could produce as a contrast to testiness and revulsion at times.

The three women as if suggestively ordered were nearing to rise from the haunches of their seats.

"No" inserted Paulis in his acute vanity, "Tonight we shall dine from the local fare."

Amalana including Lucana and Monise were set on the same track of thinking. This was to be a lesson, another one.

"Now whispered Paulis in hush, "Tonight" he whispered in mock poor mimicry of an actor's art, "We eat arkendog."

The name of the creature brought forth three similar pictures in three women’s' heads.

The arkendog was a breed of animal which normally roamed wild near the vicinity of the bridges. It was as the named insisted in the manner of a dog but crossed with a feline likeness in its facial feature. Arkendog was not rare to roam but not that available ready to the cooking-pot. "For this, ladies, we must set the trap."

Unlike Paulis the ladies were not truly excited by the seriousness, and sham gravity in Paulis' voice.

Then Paulis caught by the way of his own stature moved to the line of staked-out rope where the riding and pack-stock were tethered.

The collection of animals here consisted of three golden-haired horses, Paulis' "grey" and to each in order four subsequent pack-mules. From his own beast of additional burden Paulis produced a dead animal. This thought Amalana was another of Paulis' staginess.

Lucana for her part was attempting to remain and seem keen which brought a troubled appearance while Monise was Monise and looked.

Paulis now affecting a delicacy of foot movement which did not seem appropriate with his rangy mis-coordination of stocky dimensions revealed as Amalana critically pondered, a treasure of doubtful repute: a dead rabbit.

"Now my ladies", he said in a strained harshness of theatrical action "The snare".

The snare to Amalana was a stick, in the ground just in the circle of the mid-light from the fire. Then the bait as she concluded was a stuck rabbit upon it.

"Now my sisters note our weapon." For this, Amalana did display a noted interest. Paulis raised it to all the women’s' attention and the worry of two of the pack-mules in the rear.

The projectile itself was produce of a tree, not one of particular notoriety but one common enough to most of the wilder passages and outback trails.

The shape of it was of a bulbous protrusion with a rough wooden handle. It could as Paulis explained, while all three women did not blatantly display aversion, could be extracted from mid-trunk of the common trees. In fact the simplicity of its attainment left Amalana with an emptiness of wonder where Paulis' persona seemed to be performing. Lucana for herself could not display anything but her fixed admiration and Monise looked on taking the lesson for its good,

"Now ladies" rasped Paulis the ringmaster, "Let us take cover behind the appropriate and designated foliage.

The mode of Paulis' speech was most effectual.

"Come ladies let us be on our mettle and vigilance."

Amalana felt the twinge of the corners of her rising lips at the corners of her mouth but a smile did not escape.

So there they gathered, three women and a man hidden in the darkness to be interested by a dead rabbit impaled on a small stick. However in the situation and experience all women including Amalana waited earnestly. For all Paulis' occasional one-upmanship and superiority he knew and displayed much to their store of learning.

Only the snip and snap crackle of the fire disturbed the scene until shortly as the odour of the staked bait emitted its nasal allure Paulis' reputation was as full again as open sight. In the brightness of the campfire came a creature from the foliage opposite. It was as some had seen in books and occasionally scrounging, hunting and foraging, for it knew all three, was indeed that beast an arkendog.

The hunting and scowering animal approached with a low head and twisting torso. It was wary as befitted an animal which was scavenger and hunter, it purveyed both traits.

By another spiritual sense all three women were concentrated alternatively on Paulis and the arkendog together. The muscular instructor opened his chest as if he were to make some claim again but instead was signalling finger to mouth to the others in equal hiding to remain silent.

Meanwhile the creature of their avid interest was sniffing with that odd feline head half-bent at the neck and sniffing the rabbit. The tension was such that it seemed that the animal in acute focus should notice or perceive their presence if not merely by the heaviness of their breath.

However as Paulis kept his hands horizontal to signal quiet he rose and from his waistband secured the throwing-stick which he had earlier procured.

The arkendog's attention was secured and Paulis was swift and demonstrative in his actions. From a straight angle the bulbous stick rolled end over end while the intended prey noticed and heard the swing of its velocity in the air.

This was the only noise to arise except from the fire as the arkendog with its grey and black stubble coat stirred half instinctively and further by its life-bred wits. The situation was at focus until then, as the creature turned and bounded, the throwing-stick seemed to have reached some distance away from its target. The creature was away and it seemed profound disappointment for once was the outcome of one of Paulis' lessons. However the tutorial was not over. Just when the animal seemed away into the dark and the throwing-stick was to be deposited on the ground some feet away it was then that the art and expertise of the weapon was to be demonstrated. It hit the ground at one angle but with the swing and application of Paulis' hand it bounced in one long arc and the deadly wood landed at the neck of the arkendog. It was if the picture was planned and

designed as the wild quarry was hit on the head and felled.

Paulis was ahead of his charges. He was almost boy-like at first then as he dashed to the scene of his dexterity with another weapon he looked as confident and unswayed as if he had this planned.

He swept over by the grass on the far side of the fire and claimed what he had applied for in his actions,

"Monise," He then commanded mid-pitch and extolling his confidence, "Fetch the demi-pot. Amalana come forward and Lucana fetch herbs and vegetables from the pack-mule. Then be ready by the fire."

The demi-pot itself was a largish receptacle which often made Monise most of all wonder what a full pot must be. This was because it was Monise who mostly had to administer and manoeuvre its setting-up. The said culinary article was set quickly by Monise because of her familiarity and experience with it. Soon the metal tripod was set around the fire and the cauldron-like metal was suspended from ringlets of chain to bathe and wallow its base and heat the cooking liquid. When the preparation was seen to be done Paulis demonstrated efficiently and without his earlier condescending manner; the skinning of an arkendog.

This time there was no rite of barbarity or blood lust for the act. Instead the animal was meat.

When the deed was done and Monise who by her designated rank was familiar with the application of spices to the animal the arkendog was ready, cut and seasoned and cooking in a mixture of water, stock and vegetables.

For now there was the hiatus of cooking-time and a respite from attentive duty in order. Every so often either Monise or Paulis would take the large fist-sized wooden spoon laying by one side and taste the resulting culinary preparation. When all seemed relaxed and satisfactory all three women noticed Paulis as if he viewed by a possessed inner-ghost of something else.

All three had had snatches of this before but in the interval of cooking there seemed little surprise to the three sisters of Sorority as Paulis took a small detour on his tracking of the ground around the vicinity and disappeared from their presence.

Paulis in reality was not far from the makeshift camp but his mind was removed from this vicinity. By the power which like much of Oaken-cross, Sorority, Red, Blue or whatever the telepathic voices of Magus and Mugali streamed in his head.

"We have evidence of the creature Paulis, came the tenure of the Queen's voice.

"The black crows by their long-term endowments of influence are keeping Morabinus safe-for now"

The night was still, which made communication even more lucid and secure in Paulis' head.

"And a name, has it a name" Paulis communicated.

There was a cessation of contact which chilled even Paulis' weathered nerve.

"There is Paulis but you know the penalty by speaking it by tongue."

"I do." said Paulis discarding nervousness and thinking in line.

"The crows have told us," projected Magus.

"And remember to leave it unsaid, "insisted Mugali, "Or an onerous penalty will be culled from the speaker.

"Of course," transmitted Paulis.

"The name is..." echoed the royal One's communication

"...Chronomesis." Paulis almost forgot the word immediately but he checked himself chided by what it seemed the thought accomplishments of his leaders.

"Do not repeat the name in tongue Paulis. "Magus' voice was eerily persuasive and Mugali followed.

"There is extreme punition to be had by its human revelation," returned Magus.

Then as Paulis took this into his head and body; by heart his nerve was quickened.

Paulis at this extent of anticipation was not prepared for severance of communing. However his thought seemed to stray into diverse space in his head as if they were not attaining any point of reception. Magus and her consort were as the distant night again.

"Daggit" cursed Paulis with thin lips. His mind was hectic and unordered for his questions had no answers or even bases to rest upon. However Paulis was a time-cut and tended character and knew when the link was gone. Resigned by it Paulis left the thoughts of home and returned to what was now and present. He strode once more from his place of solitude and broke cover of the outlying vegetation. The swift brush of his body by stalwart feet and legs immediately turned the heads of the women in diligence.

Paulis spoke in the back of his throat which made him stall at first,

"Is everything near to hand?"

This was a rough translation of the language Paulis had grown up with. Now he hardly used this tongue normally, except when he spoke privately.

"A little longer," Monise offered. "There is still time to go."

Paulis replied in half a grunt, half speech. Then we have time. Surround yourself to me."

Then the leader of this collective of the most adept of its generation gathered to the broad man and sat as he did.

"Now then, "began Paulis in his voice and words which designated more attention.

"You know our purpose."

The three concurred in nearly similar manner.

"Well there is more to hand. There is more to hand. There is a foe to be negotiated.

The word so small as "foe" carried profound reactions but a show of honour was rising from three female warriors' hearts as they ingested their trepidation as naturally as swallowing.

"My honoured one's" said Paulis intuitively. The black crows are guarding Morabin by the Total Bridges. For in it or about it is an enemy to be found."

There was a silence until by one fire-bright face looking to another a strange culmination came to their recognition, Ultimately the faces centred on Paulis. There he sat on his haunches rigid and sure but displaying just the hint of a small insecurity.

It transpired then that a question emitted which rankled and jarred Paulis. It was Amalana,

"Is this the reason for such seriousness and gravity?

The question lit a spark in Paulis' ill temper and caused him to tense his muscles especially those around the neck and to his brain. Paulis whatever was still a being of discipline and answered plainly and without the urge to curse again.

"The gravity Amalana should be in your eye from first conception to the hilt of your swords. Of course this is serious."

Paulis felt he had answered and expected some sign of apology and discomfort in Amalana's demeanour. Again there was none which let Paulis think who was the more stupid. With pressing notions rebuffed Paulis brought his shade of cover over his fiery temper he so often had to abate or at least lessen.

"No my honoured one's" continued the squat instructor and mentor of these three women,

"There has been a sign. A pause opened out while three chosen Sisters of Sorority fixed all their minds on their instructor not just of repute but solid experience.

"You know my honoured one's of the black crows-the sign registered in the Notes of Order.

Three women did not flinch which was equal to avid attention and Paulis continued,

"There is danger outward at Morabin and we, and I mean you especially must be on first and primal order and instruction. For the time is concentrating and you must be ready to endeavour more. By this we move after the morning has breezes to waken eyes and see light to rise by". There was hardly a second given to doubt as Paulis instructed incredibly fluid and offhand.

"Now then must this food be ready or are we to lack restful sleep through the consternation of our bellies."

"Arkendog is good isn't it honoured one's, "as Paulis broke the construction of words offered through chewing food on plates lightening of the same and into filling avid stomachs.

"Now then see to the cleaning."

What pleasure Paulis derived from this meal seemed to be shown only briefly and lightly. Then Monise who by the rote of meals prepared and dispatched to hungry pulling throats cleared the tin-plates and was aided by Lucana.

Amalana meanwhile as her rank of Prime Lady remained with Paulis. Both were mentally strained at the distance of their personalities. Amalana thought to make small talk,

"Arkendog is good."

"I know" replied Paulis with an arrogance Amalana divined as the small entry he often offered her. Or was the animosity still too much to allow level appraisal.

"Now then Amalana" continued Paulis in another sign of that temperament.

"Tonight you take last tour of watch while I take first."

"Very well Paulis," she answered while trying not to let her relief show. Then the circumstances caught her meld of thinking. She was Prime Lady and with a long stretch of night to rest in was her honour.

"Well then," Paulis continued in a manner of almost affable softening approach, "The meal is done and the night is to be left to itself-save me."

This was a common saying among the people of Sorority especially these its servants of a high and serious grade and Amalana replied with the requisite and continued reply,

"Then I leave you the night."

Amlana then rose in one motion showing the mixed suppleness and strength of her legs. The woman was away to the cover of the bushes and trees on the other side of the fire to prepare and discard her apparel of duty and prepare for rest.

The atmosphere was still warm enough for light clothing and if the chillier air pervaded there was always the fire.

As the centre the fire was the resting-place not just for the search for warmth but as a safe beacon for travellers on the road. Arkendog may be good food but packs of them and other creatures as Stark-bear or horned-wolf were deadly animals to contend with. This was not to include more brigands met previously although in heart Paulis reckoned the ability of this of Sisters and their kinsmen would stay the plotting and planning by anyone. Paulis himself although he affected modest could not deflect that feeling of self-pride his prowess and the renown that gave him.

As Monise the least senior of the trio of warrior-women came by and took Paulis' plate and utensils he felt well served. The snip-snap of the fire previously had worked into a complete cracking. Paulis saw it blaze and began to think. In the yellow and bronzed light was illumination and in it connotations. With a stomach full and on their travels as he enjoyed Paulis was stimulated. Then with this stimulus was the compulsion to rise and stretch his body. This he did in a manner which told of his muscularity and the definition of strength he purveyed.

The others were busy and Paulis felt the need to wander although he considered this unprofessional until reason conveniently came to his head. He like any other on a mission must fully check the outlying lines of their camp.

He rose back into the outskirts of where light met the quandary of dark and slipped into the outlying area. Most of the land was thick brush and bush, dense but not enough to trouble the force of Paulis' motion.

The land of greenness seemed endless off the designated track except for a clearing and just ahead of it he could see what must be Yean Lake. Now Yean Lake extended about the Grand Road as it was exaggeratedly mentioned and noted. Then by their campsite its convenience for fresh streams and clean water extended enough to give it some kind of title at least approaching grand. Next and almost like a water -plant Paulis moved towards it and the source of natural light from the heady sky illumination.

Paulis' mind was drifting, his manner relaxed but strong to match this stretch of shore hardly strained in pace of mind. Then he heard it. Before the time his mind had registered both blades of his double-sword were unsheathed with just the flumed sound of steel upon scabbard as the finest and minutest scale of friction.

Then when his equally sharp instincts belied danger his eyes and vision confirmed it. The blades were decisively resheathed but his mind was not. Instead he remained on an alert and consciousness to which he knew he was never master. There in the half-light some fifteen paces away where he stood he could see her. It was just by the water's boundary with the edge of dry sandy border stood Amalana. What was most startling to a conditioned and worn-upon warrior himself was her complete nakedness, for Amalana was preparing even at this night ready for bathing.

She stood with her back to Paulis who by now seemed to be trying in his thoughts to talk to his breathing as if he were trying to find advice from no one present.

Amalana's hair like nearly all of the female population was burnished sun-skimmed gold. It was released now as the situation was right and came from the apex of her head's crown to lay tenderly on her back.

Now Amalana as well as a warrior was a woman and as has been said beautiful. While Paulis was a warrior, a chief-warrior, a defender and giver of mortal ideas and threatening blows. However here by these rules he was defenceless and all the bodily vim and strength of the male was surrendered and ceded to the attractivity of such of this woman.

In paltry defence Paulis made to swear but all he could say was the breath-taken rasp of a strained effort of "Daggit." He was capitulating at this point when Amalana moved forward into the water and the sensual rise of the lake's intrusion rose upon high and long stretched legs formed to carry on appreciation and consideration. What came next was the round comeliness of the base of her back which disappeared with lilting fluency around her rear, Paulis now found the air cold with his sweat.

Amalana although now immersed save for her head and face turned in the flow of water. For once Paulis really had intrinsically the opportunity to revel in Amalana's facial beauty.

Her eyes were blue, as a starred lake with preened lashes which came naturally and highlighted by their dark surround. Her complexion was fair although with paleness of fine but strong texture upon a high-boned face. It was if by the nocturnal light that Paulis was privileged as a witness to her undress and commune with the water's erotica touch.

Paulis was shaking not nervously but beyond his uniform of control. His mouth and lips were drying rapidly as he saw her lips thin and enticing and beguiling temptation. Paulis was beyond thinking when the imperceptible arose after a few moments of sliding and delving her body to wash that she began to rise out of the water. There in the apparancy of light she stood as naked as before and as straight naked in vision to Paulis as could be arranged.

The tension in Paulis kept him standing as her naked torso came leisurely but astoundingly from the lake. Paulis looked but before he could see as much as a man would of a woman in these circumstances Paulis had to look away.

Then without notice of he or any of the night the refreshed female reached over for a towel lain by the side of her other clothing and functionally began to dry herself.

Paulis and his spirit wanted to move, hide his eyes in the thick strong blind of ground cover but he could not.

Although still in view from the back the rounded serpentine view of her rear-side attached his attention in both pleasure and discomfort. The rise of innumerable intense small explosions in his body was enthralling. None the less another compulsion turned Paulis. This was one of human modesty and his need to shun violation of it. Thus just as he seemed at the point of most debility Paulis turned and overcame his unrest and plunged into the darkened night.

Paulis' sojourn in the foliage and his respite and recovery from a vulnerability within himself took some time. Then by the time he returned to their camp he was once more the irascible testy Paulis again.

The swish of low-stemmed branches was prelude to his humour and similarly a short decisive one,

"Now then came his fully reformed voice, "Are we all ready?" Paulis certainly was and even the sight of Amalana in her long shift which covered most of her but not the utmost protrusions her body on its cotton fabric. Paulis routed any resurgence in his eyes and what they might tempt his mind to play along with.

"All of you, take your rest. Lucana, I will you wake for next post. Now together all of you take rest. Paulis' voice was almost caring for his charges. However as the trio of women took places by the fire he began to take reason of the work and application he had instilled in them. They were no helpless greenhorn cadets to the cause of Sorority they were his elite, chosen by himself.

With this to the fore Paulis felt a glow of warmest satisfaction as much as the campfire reached his face. So he took his place by the blaze and sat at guard of a trio of women he knew could enact all that he wished-if need be.

The night in recollection passed neither long nor short and turn of vigils between one to the other went clearly enough. Thus with all, with rewashed energy which bathed their spirits they were all fit that morning.

Breakfast as for travellers was light but enough to recharge the fuel to move by. With the central fire now burnt and doused, Paulis roused these elite of Sorority with his usual authority of manner.

"Get the mules packed. Are your arms ready, check for everything in your provisions. Now and quickly!"

The terseness and strictness in Paulis' barked voice was seen to be at one with daybreak and the cessation of rest.

The pack-mules were laden once more with the necessities of travel like blankets, food and the rest while the proud yellow steeds of travelling and preparation of combat were set to high order. Before long all the group was reformed and the Grand Road was retaken.

Today in a quarter of its turning of the world the group were to meet at the edge of where the Grand Road met the round of the start of the Total Bridges. Here they were to meet in the crux the fettlers of Red and Blue. This added an urgency apparent in Paulis' head and subsequent manner. If it were not enough for his responsibility of seeing the maintenance of the Total Bridges he must as was his acute annoyance keep one group of fettlers from another. The dig of Paulis' heels in his grey horse resparked the urgency and with his voice in such he roused the chosen Sisters of Sorority.

The day was fair if a little cold but Paulis knew days like this like the morning of mental pages of experience. It would be hot today. This was not to his liking. In any meeting of the workers, the fettlers of Red and Blue were testy and inflammatory enough in the their dealings of each other. Paulis at first concerned however shrouded his possible anxiety, even if it dared to show, as he was now on his mettle.

The progress by this intimidation of any lapse in enthusiasm or even as Paulis would like it -zeal, the party moved in full entourage and a collective bond of steeled application.

The sight of their objective came second to the travelling four. In the far-off imagination where eyes did not meet yet the voices of dozens of folk in risen agitation could be heard.

Now fettlers were the artisans and builders of both camps of Red and Blue and though not military souls or strained purveyors of telepathy and other super-mental prowess, they were as opposed in pride and dignity as any.

The entrustment of Paulis and his women was to patrol the maintenance of the Total Bridges and be their guardians if not from outward dangers then to keep their hands to work and off each other.

The hubbub where the Grand Road first met the intersection of the initial arcs of Bridges was so novel even in Paulis' experienced mind. The time and venue were right and on this morning the fettlers were gathered.

It was over the rise just before the designed place of meeting that Paulis saw to left and right. The sight two groups of similar appearance at a distance was astonishing to these three new elite Sisters and as raw a sight to witness in sight as in sound.

There save for the differing colours were the called-for and punctually ready sets of 50-men apiece- the Red to one side and the Blue to the converse. Now Amalana, Lucana and Monise in their lives had only seen either ethnic group in whatever hue in ones and twos around Sorority. However at the borders of Morabin thus Morabinus itself seeing the distinct groups in numbers and offensive proximity set a mode of thinking.

True, to the Red, their features were ruddy and flushed with a predominance and pre-eminence of blazoned hair. Then to the right were the more physically diverse fettlers of Blue, true to their code, bonded in appearance by the blue pigment sight of a strong bright blue cosmetic stripe which passed down the right of their faces.

As Paulis and his trained charges rode the two groups of opposite colours parted even more. Then just as they did a sudden brightness occurred while all the set of three were aligned in straight emphasis. This flash of illumination blinded most for the minute of time it transpired but sight was restored as the line was broke again. Paulis and three then halted, reared themselves to turn and faced them all.

"Good-day workers of Oaken-cross. Today as you are aware marks the cycle of where and when your duty is to be found. I see faces, old ones and some which defy description."

Paulis' stab at humour found little acceptability or good reaction. To this the veteran would have shrugged if he were in that mind to be concerned. He continued his address from the saddle,

"Fettlers you know your task as we know our duty. You the Red and Blue are to maintain the two Total Bridges to each side of the central path and preserve the land of Morabinus.

There was a moment's disturbance in the crowd from the Blue section as two of the number seemed to be berating "Red" in front of "Blue" in the order in which they were said. These two dissenters were indeed "Blues" and Paulis just as quickly felt a tetchy exasperation.

"Blues and "Reds" continued Paulis high on order and thinking the same, you will be divided as your own higher-men will show you. As for us four we will patrol, two for each side for the benefit and protection of you all... from whatever."

Paulis raised his eyebrows in muted exasperation this time and felt his tongue in his mouth had more to say but was stalled to use it by diplomacy.

Paulis' voice stopped and his attention moved to see those familiar faces of experience he had mentioned organise both gangs of fifty-strong. Just as simultaneously Paulis broke from the centre with Lucana led to follow upon the "Red" side. Paulis then marshalled Prime Lady Amalana and lastly Monise to take the"Blue." Paulis was ready so then was everyone.

Here both groups rallied to be off and so they set. The conundrum now was the relevance of black-crows on the ramparts of the Total Bridges. It was not until the point that both sides were parted and actually upon each half of the connection, that both halves of the undertaking came to a stop.

The hubbub of both camps was nearly as fractious and disturbed as they had been meeting earlier on face. From two like points on the middle-line in symmetry of Oaken-cross a thin but tenuous line of birds marked the boundary to Morabin being more Morabinus.

For Paulis this was unprecedented. For Prime Lady Amalana this was just another smear in her inexperienced vision of her job. Then unbeknown to either the telepathic voices which had reached Paulis so customarily reached Amalana, the new Prime Lady, the carrier of the symbol of Lemon Dove,

"Brother and Sister" the thoughts of Red and Blue have been in contact," the voices said steadily. "Remember now, mention not the horrendous creatures name by tongue for the scourge dubbed Chronomesis will hear from all distance. However what we plan is a foray into Morabinus then as close to Morabin as possible to reconnoitre and if fated to face the creature. For this you Paulis and you Amalana must approach from your requisite sides of the Total Bridges of Oaken-cross. Take heed both our Paulis and Amalana there is danger, for this in our fortune has been foretold in the Notes of Order. Go now leave your partners for the outer guard and proceed on your own."

The sound of communication faded into the oblivious dot of smallest awareness then disappeared. The result was instantaneous. Both parties communicated turned quickly to give their own partner's the instructions and just as summarily the two broke off and out and let their steeds make progress. One grey, one golden took the bank and approached the line of black crows which bordered this morass of land like the eyelashes of a dark eye.

Strangely to both this line of warning from creatures which seemed to possess an uniformed strength broke as a leverage opened to let Paulis enter and Amalana come in.

Now Morabinus as it was titled had been the nub centre of Oaken-cross and those like Magus and Mugali who had just so recently communicated had once been mere nobility. The rulers or sovereigns were Suli and Tulus the parents of Magus the present queen. Once Suli and Tulus had held dominion over the whole of Oaken-cross with Morabin their capital and Morabinus their hallowed centre.

However what was to split the realm was the disenchantment of the various factions of the land -Yellow, Blue and Red. These distinct groups had once dwelt under a monarchy; a monarchy which was benevolent as could be expected and the people thrived. However as dissension became the growing insidious poison which advanced as a disease, rifts developed in ways of thinking, acting and actually doing. From this the pre-eminence and control of Suli the queen and Tulus the king was fundamentally and originally questioned. So the severance began and would-be leaders arose, fell and rose again to crack open the differences already prevalent. Civil War seemed inevitable but by some intervention whether it a mixture of fear, confusion or diplomacy a land which once thrived descended into division.

Some say this was the age of Oaken-cross created from the catalystic severance from Earth. These were troublesome effects and as the story continued Suli and Tulus disappeared.

This created far-touching and resultant chaos until the compromise was reached. The land was dubbed Oaken-cross and divided into areas. To West were the flame-coloured inhabitants of Red, to the left Blue. This on the cross left only the north and south. As would have it the people of the northern tip lived in a sort of remote peace. It was they an unpretentious band of people who sought something of a sort of recognition.

They lived to set up Sorority, for these were the sisters who for their gumption ran this northern enclave. It was these, mainly the female contingent who recognised the ideal lost in the split from Earth. They blamed the men of Red and Blue for their aggressiveness and divisional intentions. Some of the males who also felt this were also turned to reach this enclave and the state of Sorority.

As for telepathy this was a gift given by the power of what they called night -come -day. It was viewed as easy as that without the fuss and over-mysticism it might have. In short this power of communication through transference of thought was given and accepted as a gift and honoured but not revered as a godly thing. So much so this view was concurred by those dissenters of the Red and Blue who possessed the ability. These however in the friction of their differences were also maybe in contention, for the telepaths of Morabin and Morabinus were royalty and the chiefs in each regime, which dissented, needed a vantage potency, a leverage to power. So each in their august towers one similar in two factions of dissenters the connection was set up.

So was the upper reaches and save for argument the civilised part of Oaken -cross set up. So they were in their own way a resolute band of security but meanwhile Morabin and Morabinus fell into decay from the normal windswept or brightly toned land of before to what it was now. In short this was the overcast sepulchral fetid enlarging and encroaching marshland of its present state.

Then as the three groups communicated through telepathy and physical parley it was realised that this new set of the island of Oaken -cross needed bolstering to continue and survive.

Then came the conception and ethos of a fourth creed of people, left to last but never the least to be missed. These were those of the Shrouded Veil the indigenous dark skinned caste of people who were also mentioned under the veil of grey. This group of people had been the under-class there; the labourers and servants, captive servants of the land. They for their part saw opportunity in the dissension and separation from Earth. For them as the bickering and fractious activities of Red, Yellow and Blue divided so did the society they served.

Their retreat from upper segments of Oaken-cross was chronicled as the Trek. In their thousands once oppressed people saw the timely opportunity to gather, discuss and organise. While Blue, Yellow and Red divided the upper reaches of the "cross" these seekers of freedom left amid the topsy-turvy wranglings of their over-class and began the journey south.

Reports of their whereabouts were sketchy and ill informed for few but the valiant or foolhardy who travelled there. Thus in suspicion and ignorance stories teemed like fishes in a murky sea. The "shadow" people were that indeed, shadows to be known to one there but only rarely met.

Unlike this class of people with no advantage of remaining, stories grew like extended crystals in rapid synthesis but how strong and valid they were was left to that harbinger of half-truths and deception-imagination. However as there had never been reports of wealth or opportunity to be heard of the southern parts the Grey Veil was just that; a land of vague and imperceptible reasoning.

As the line of black crows closed again behind the entering souls of Paulis and Amalana immediately from each to each the fusty dank dirt-dewed atmosphere became apparent. Although on opposite reaches of Morabinus the two felt each other's presence as a sort of release to their trepidation and stark solo emotions. They continued each on a vagrant terrain within the Total Bridges stretching over a marshland where the vegetation as one centred became less fruitful or abounding in any recognisable fruitfulness or hopeful vegetation. The rank unpleasantness was paramount and intrusive enough to make armour and protective garb seem uncomfortable and useless.

How they met was on the crux of the largest path although dark and unwelcoming or unprogressive in appreciation, Amalana stalled for a second or so's recognition. Paulis was rapid,

"What do you make of this land now?" said Paulis with a strain of superiority,

"I cannot believe it "muttered Amalana scarcely opening her eyes for the atmosphere was acrid and acidic.

"Believe what?" iterated Paulis in his smugness.

Amalana felt the condescending manner smothering thus kept wordless.

The two, presumably of the same mission then both with their hands simultaneously rubbing and feeling the hilt of their swords on pressed palms did little but look and scan around them. Indeed outside this forbidding tract of imploded civilisation was little to talk about and harder to describe.

Together therefore Paulis and Amalana felt they had met by another design but this sort of proximity both physical and spiritually was blunted by personal differences.

"This was Morabin." stated a melancholy Paulis.

Amalana looked his way,

"How can you tell?" transmitted to her tongue.

Paulis looked in the throes of disdain but by the fallen splendour of a once invigorated memory he saw her inexpertness.

"I lived here, my dear."

Paulis' voice was not broken or weak but serving to sadness.

"Was it..." Amalana out of the frigidness which normally accompanied their discussion was also on new verbal territory.

"It was splendid" announced Paulis whose voice was more than covered in understatement. It was disbelief or rather the need not to want to accept it.

"I grew here. Our family were of these lands from the time of my childhood. Paulis' usually strict countenance exhibited a need. Amalana was displaying a difficulty in providing it.

Meanwhile the wind was heard and felt but without refreshment, it was sterile and morbid

"Where do we go now Paulis?"

The tone of Amalana's voice was now subservient and singularly weak.

Paulis did not respond. Instead he seemed to be part of the atmosphere turning his head slowly in inspection or recollection of part of his inner heart. This was his land once and his forebears and the pathetic remains of a stature razed to rubble.

Then like the strike of spark Paulis clicked back to attentiveness,

"What's that? He half-spat in reawakening

"What...? Oh...?" Amalana heard it too but shivered in apprehension more than Paulis

Both parties had hands on each set of their double-swords. This sharpness was to meld and relax as Amalana studied Paulis who assumed a soft stance of disbelief. "Could it be?" was the signal he displayed. It was now the disbelief toned on his on his features. Amalana noticed this and a question seemed the continual thing to do.

"What is it Paulis?"

Rapidly but with an undertone of whispered gravity he replied,

"I can't believe but my senses tell me of long ago when Morabin was Morabinus... and was a light when the Red, Yellow and Blue were one and we had..."

Paulis was seeming to fall into distraction as his vision did not seem to correlate with his face or the face emitted,

"It can't be," Paulis pattered out in his awe until Amalana was of the same manner.

"Paulis is that you?" came a strained channel of a voice

The man beckoned released the grip on his swords as if the notes of this voice loosened the hands from potential readiness.

Paulis turned his head in a jarring effect. Amalana now also in earshot of the cry did also.

"It cannot, how can it be?"

The mystery was rampant on Paulis' face.

Amalana moved her attention in correlated action. Then they both saw but it was Paulis who knew. From out of a mound of this blackened terrain a figure moved out of its concealment.

"Paulis by all that tortures me is that really you?"

P Paulis scanned the figure now risen to half-erect and bearing the head at an acute angle to the neck. It was a man for all the fetor and grime and scatterlings of dirt upon him but Paulis recognised him as his mind was on that memory.

"My master, Tulus" rapped Paulis as though his throat stood to attention. Then the realisation of this ground-borne reminiscence of a figure approached. Both parties, Paulis and the arrived Tulus both began to consecutively rise in physical embodiment. It was if they were bonded friends but as the decrepit character who once with a queen named Suli had leadership over a once fruitful land of blossoming richness.

Then just as the contrast of a regent once in honour was now played out as harried and worn as if a tenet of observance and obedience was challenged, Paulis bowed. He lowered his head and upper-body not just in some off-hand show of physical respect. Such was the apparent devotion that even Amalana felt the need or at least the compulsion to lower her head even though she had never met the name. Then however high Paulis’ demonstration of honour to be bestowed and the legend of a name contrived to elicit a wonderment and respect of a name and figure was simultaneously recognised.

Then Amalana stared. She looked through the earthen debris of ground and seemingly inert life on the surface and saw within this ravaged thin figure some distinction. Her hands too came from the hilt of her double-sword but she did not quite possess the key which unlinked devotion to the extent that was entrenched in Paulis.

"Rise Paulis," said Tulus with a grateful voice. "Times long past for those observances and fancies. Paulis did as he was bidden, observantly and obediently but compelled to comply, but also urged by the turn of circumstances to speak,

"It is long-time past lord but it is legend in body, thought and flesh, and in all three, I am ever a bondsman."

Paulis recognised that the man he once revered whether by his words or no did rise from his constricted pose-just more than a little.

Then in lilting severance from the tenor of respect and service Tulus spoke, "Welcome to my home Paulis"

The humour was dry and in its effect flexed the situation into a malleable cessation of tension.

"Why thank you my master, "replied Paulis.

Amalana meanwhile was doubting whom or either was really making fun. She was afforded the time to decide upon this when the direction of attention was then ricocheted in her direction. "Who is this, unknown but recognisably beautiful female?"

Amalana perceived this august man was still portraying jollity. Paulis was equally jocund.

"This my king is..." he paused in a half-mocking manner..."Amalana-this generation's Prime Lady"

Amalana looked from one to other doubting but only suspecting mockery of a sort.

"Amalana-Prime Lady,"

Tulus the elder man breathed out the words on breezing air. Then his face smiled a little as if the jest had still to face the terms of the stern present circumstances.

"Will you both come with me to my less than worthy abode?"

No more words ensued but Tulus turned and the both of them, both Paulis and Amalana continued.

As they followed Amalana could discern a tinge of respect owing in a man's stature but the body was weighted by the circumstances. They all three trailed into marshland until out of the expertise of camouflage they reached a breach in the ground.

This break in the ground's floor was barely noticeable but with help of an arm's pressure and strain an adequate space was set.

"Come follow me," said Tulus respectively to each of them.

Then the ground leant away to a slope and by it a long rope to the ground was tied. The rope was heavily knotted at half-body length intervals so the rope could be scaled or descended. Of course Tulus made it appear easy and almost like working on level ground. For Paulis it seemed he had some dexterity and agility. Then for Amalana the exertion was obviously difficult but she attempted not to let it show.

They the newcomers now shared their amazement of this underground niche of a home.

It consisted of a cavernous ovoid shell of a dugout clearly hewn from the dirt. Still visible in the so fashioned ceiling were the last roots of trees that did not rise anymore but the network of stumps still pervaded.

"This way please," ushered the once regent of a land which was a thousand thousand times multiplied in size to this.

"Come" said the still regal but worn to the eye inspection of an elder-man.

"Carny tea is it?"

Neither Paulis nor Amalana answered to this as Tulus continued without reply.

Then just as it seemed he was out of sight Tulus turned and invited, "Take seats, take seats."

The seats offered were wide wooden benches with straight arms and sides in which to erect a sitting stance. This they considered for the small cavernous bunker seemed right and proper to be seated and also not too comfortable to stand-well for Amalana anyway. In front of them was an ovoid thick light- coloured table like the seats carved to match

"These seats and table are your work sir?" called over Paulis as they sat.

"Indeed" came the reply cocooned and slightly stifled with distance.

Nothing more was said until both Paulis and Amalana straightened themselves when Tulus returned from the hidden alcove where the heat was.

"Ah Carny tea," announced Paulis with no other reply as before them was set a sort of wide- bottomed jug, plump and emitting steam.

"After you, Prime Lady." Amalana stared back until Paulis urged, "As Prime Lady you are first so I implore take a cup and pour"

The cup in question was a small bowl-like affair with an handle which hung on to the main vessel. Amalana looked. Paulis spurred her on again,

Take a cup and partake"

Amalana then felt compliance overcome retirement and did as her immediate companion and trainer had bid her do.

The steam seemed to pour from the spout to the cup as the dark-grey liquid like water on a clayish slope would. The look was at first unpalatable but the aroma was delicious and archly enticing.

"Now drink Prime Lady," said Tulus with respect and Amalana did so.

The drink was hot but not too hot but as it filled her mouth her nostrils opened like a horse's and Amalana was struck by the heady narcotic effect. Her eyes and mouth seemed to want to connect.

Both Paulis and Tulus roared in forcible laughter.

"This is your first time for Carny tea?"

Amalana's intoxicated features gave all she could in reaction.

"Drink," urged Tulus, urging and pouring for all,

"Blessed and admired be he."

..." who discovered Carny tea." finished Paulis in knowledge of the line.

Then the three of them set about drinking the beverage with the effect of high elation. After this first large pot, all three were buoyant and floating on numbed senses.

Paulis spoke but could not attain the gravity he wished so instead merely settled for answers.

"How long have you been here" he called to Tulus who was preparing another brew of Carny tea.

Tulus turned with a freshly ready pot in his hand.

"Oh these ten years or so, "he said wistfully

"On your own?" quizzed Paulis, then he figured,

"Lord how came you here?

This instigated the throwback of Tulus', story .He began with the recount firstly with the evident decay in and around Morabin. Then he forwarded how the canker of disease seemed to spread from the ground. He then recounted how it was reported from the exact centre of Morabinus just leagues away from the capital the hideous one rose from the stinking earth growing rank.

Tulus recounted how he and his consort Suli consulted advice and inclinations from many sources until it was revealed as a shock that the Notes of Dissension if divined and transcribed and read like the sages read that this was predicted.

"Then for five years our forces met and faced this creature which only revealed its name in code."

Paulis looked stupefied in his eyes but not with Carny tea,

"We felt safe" ordained Tulus, "Until it was our error of judgement became apparent.

"That was...?" enquired Paulis

"The day we said the monster's name."

"Which is...?"

Rapidly physically and in sign language Tulus beckoned no more speech but reached for his neck. Then on his neck pendulous and scroll-length was a tube which held the answer.

"I cannot say it for that is the direst mistake. The extreme error of past now seems lamentably destructive to mention this name."

Then with Tulus' guests held back from even drinking more of the enticing liquid before them, Tulus removed the phial and chain.

It was a transparent glass-like piece almost jewel-like and strangely decorative on a gold and silver and copper-coloured chain. What was to happen was Tulus then with old but still gripped tight fingers opened one end of the tube. Out from it he produced a rolled piece of inscribed writings in an almost time enforced script with a varied writing until there, bold black in strong outline was a word, more than a word, a name-Chronomesis.

The black crows still held their thin contained line. They had regrouped in links like a chain again.

The atmosphere had eased a little from the usual heavy permanent fug. It was if some relief of pressure had entered into the area.

The point where Paulis and Amalana had entered now seemed blackly camouflaged. However there was disturbance. The baying growl was of no arkendog or other creature like bear or wolf which could be used for food. This was a predator which deemed itself top of the line.

Chronomesis was angered, diverted and risen in action. It had its name mentioned. There seemed to be a swaying contention between the line of black-crows and the mental balance of this huge offender. Its footprints stalked the ground in fulsome march and profound imprint upon the ground it infected. Someone had used tongue instead of mind to claim its name. Chronomesis was alert to terrible consequences and they were to be of his doing and others' inevitable fate.

Then as it seemed the darkened creature was left to circle in odd quadrants of one circle moving in tangents to the next. It needed restitution of its far extending influence.

Then came the sound of voices murmuring that exerted such reaction. The voices in presence came just beyond that thin but tensile link of black-crows.

Three fettlers after a day's work on the Total Bridges and after their evening meal were taking their wandering to the outer limits of where Morabinus ended and what was left of a once dynastic and dynamic land to the reaches of decay.

Those left of the Sorority, Lucana and Monise were still the guardians to master what was kept to be within and keep apart what was left without. However three of the more curious and extending crew on this part of the stretch could not exert their outer physical bodies without questions inside.

"Come on you two," said a bluff tallish tight-framed figure not seeing danger but his own inquisition.

Behind him just on the bank where their corner of the Total Bridges met the border, two other voices held less conviction,

"Come away Tag, it's not done."

"And who’s the man who’s going to stop me, eh Lint"

The men of Blue enclave who answered his kinsman felt his self-pride tweaked and worked and extended.

"The Sisters of Sorority have told us the way."

"Bragdirt! Laughed this Tag on the top of the hill, "Real bragdirt. What do these women know."

"But you said the name Tag .The forbidden word."

The extremity in his mate's voice was kindling in growing pressure and fixed pride.

"And I will say it again."

The look of concern on this companion's face seemed to extol emptiness; fear elicited and drew from a seemingly once strong constitution. Tag .the brazen forager, up on a level equal to the blackbirds of correction, was growing in self-grandeur at the rate he scaled the rise of ground.

"Come on Tag" he was hailed to listen."

"It is enough you have mentioned its name," stated one.

"Then how did you get it?" questioned another of the fretting pair.

"I have contacts," he said assuming importance,

"I have," he said rather than he knew rightly what to do with, "have found information."

"A leak?" said one of the cautious doubters.

The smugness and assumption of importance needed nothing but the look on Tag's face."

The two cautious allies like Tag also sported the colour of the Blue mark on their faces.

"Come up and I will tell you more."

The other two with intrigue blinding obligation did rise to Tag's assertion.

"Come up and learn. We are more than mere fettlers. We are men. I will take no superiority or act of it from man or beast or whatever "Boggleghost" they try to frighten us as children. Come and listen."

Lint was first and for parlance and encouragement Tag called the other called Donkin to come up.

Through exertion of a tight steep bank all three were united. Lint and Donkin who were just that head height below Tag looked up to the man like gathering heat on their faces like fire flames.

"I have a friend," said Tag drawing from the rapt dispositions of his companions.

"Is he a telepath?" questioned Lint.

Tag was enjoying the attention which was coming his way.

"I can't say, " said Tag. "But he works the tower"

"The Blue Tower?" Asked and asserted Donkin at the same time.

Tag nodded with importance.

"And does he hear the voices?"

Lint was melding with his mate and soon Tag was feeling the haughty exuberance and blood's rush of notoriety as the pretensions of being a fountain of some knowledge,

"I know this much, lads. I know my friend has written down the "unsaid" for me."

This revelation reached inside the layers and pleats of body to soul and two men felt an excitement Tag had realised at the disclosure of the aforesaid leak.

"Here I have it, said the now self-important Tag reaching inside the cape of grey canvas and wool and in the pocket of his square stitched jerkin.

The paper was unprotected even tattered and presumably unimportant. Tag was now like the man who felt he knew every secret to every doubt and question.

"You both read?" said Tag quite superior knowing as fettlers this was necessary to be above the lowest ranks.

"Let us see it," approached Lint,

"Come Tag" inserted Donkin, "You know we read."

Therefore after much pouting of an extreme face in feature and the utter keenness of the other two, Tag gave in to what he had wanted all the time. Then with hands although rough and gnarled by the rub of work and application of fingers on less august matters of a name so secret and notorious that it was hidden for the common good he unfolded and let the paper show it.

It was Lint who held the scrap of paper, hardly a withered scrap but he and Donkin looked on amazed. The letters were written in an acutely neat and tidy manner of calligraphy as if by trained or learned hand.

Lint was about to form the word from reading it to saying it. Lint and Donkin now with one hand each on the manuscript were beginning to feel the mesmerising effect of such an odd word and at least one holding between the two was shaking.

Lint then snatched the paper from Donkin and with curt direction passed the scrap of paper back to Tag.

"What's wrong- frightened of a name?"

In the stealth behind these three, undetected a creature more known than ever stood at the boundary of Morabinus. The black-crows were attempting their utmost but the law that came from centuries worked for the fateful "unsaid" again.

Meanwhile Tag was holding himself to view.

"I'll say its name shall I? Here now right by the so-called magic and mystery. Just at the fullest point of his speech, he assumed a visible pride, "I'll say it-Chronomesis," and as soon as he pronounced out from over the stretch of the crows the weapon of Chronomesis, the "unsaid", encroached from upon the rise. Thus the shaft scythed out before the rash fettler could close his mouth and a blade so mighty yet so exact reigned down. With that intruding blow Tag's tongue was severed into the oblivion of his sword. The cry of anguish came hard and deep, up from the throat which pierced the air in a scream. The curtailed tongue looked hideous, gory and absurdly frightening.

Lint and Donkin those who heard the name stood shaking except for their rooted feet.

The synchronisation of seconds heightened as Tag screamed and his piteous voice travelled. It was if all was heard from every part of here and the dark.

Then the blade which had maimed Tag revolved on an extending arm. The dexterity although horrendous was excellent in its high execution.

In four swathes of the vacuum blade one down, one up, almost instantaneously the ears of the two who heard the "unsaid" were removed in wretchedness.

So there stood three fettlers with eyes to see feel pain in common. Then they heard or felt mental communication, especially those of ears removed-the "unsaid" made words,

"Say not my name or hear it."

Thus three figures stood, half-bent with exquisite physical torture and blood teeming and weeping.

By now for those who could perceive came the sound of horse-hooves trampling the ground in repetitive rhythm. There behind these foolhardy souls who suffered the curse of the "unsaid" came two steeds in full tempo. Upon these yellow maned creatures were of course Lucana and Monise.

With pounded out seconds they had reached the scene. Both riders dismounted immediately.

Lucana whom Paulis had presented as his choice for Prime Lady took the situation to mind.

"Monise, get the healing packages. We've got to stem their flow before they bleed to death."

Seconds were not lost on Monise as she deftly removed two bags of extended roundness and passed one to Lucana. Then as if pity was necessary even to the most orderly, Lucana looked down on the ground and eyed that fatalistic piece of paper which bore the name.

She then levied the scene at a weight of art and judgement and declared with acidity,

"You idiots you brainless fools how did you come by this? "

Then another realization shot through Lucana's brain as she looked to the swirling night beyond the reformed arc of black-crows and shivered in fright and swift alarm.

In the heart of Morabin in the underground enclave which was the living-place of an once affluent king, sat in the wooden seat beside him was a sleeping "Prime Lady."

"Again," pattered out Tulus holding the spout of that influential liquid.

"Again indeed, " replied a slow but still animate enough Paulis.

So Tulus filled the cup of Carny tea into Paulis' happy pastime. Both creatures seemed to have lost in the mingling of thoughts the distance which separated them in past or present hierarchy.

Both with a smile turned their heads to the sleeping Amalana and reached for their draughts of the intoxicating beverage.

"So you understand Paulis, Suli had to leave.

"To the land south?"

"It was written..." and mouthed out Tulus in slow seriousness, and interpreted by the book-men of the Notes of Order.

"Then will you ride with us Tulus?"

The air was lifeless with silence as Tulus and Paulis looked to each other with parity to each in their estimation of each other. The time was not stressful as they looked, for no enmity was intended in the challenge. Then it was without adverse opinion of either party to each other or about the proposal when Tulus refilled their cups of Carny tea and pronounced,

"I'll tell you in the morning. First light."

Then the once first man of his country now residing in a dug-out of his own labour rose steadily and not showing the laxity or infirmity that the heady brew could instil in a body.

"I've shown you your beds now I must be on to mine.

"First light," solicited Paulis.

"First light Paulis. Finish the pot if you wish. I need less of it now for I intend to think."

As it was Tulus turned and made his track to the niche where in the side of the earth was his bed of rest.

Paulis paused for the sound of his original regent to settle until there was no more. Then as if running an overture or a book of his mind, memory re-elected to show.

Paulis poured another half-cup of Carny tea and felt the weight of the earthenware pot. He gauged the night then looked at Amalana and decided she must not sleep where she was and steadfastly rose himself and with comfortable strength managed to lift her to his outstretched arms. Although awkward and with misplaced weight Paulis carried his charge to the opposite corner where there was another cot-bed hewn in the wall-work. As he lay her body there he paused this time just to see the woman, not the female of combat and warriorship. Paulis chased this mentality away with discipline of his mind. Beauty my dear was for the leniency of court-life, he summed up in his head. Then he figured another face, Lucana whom had been his first choice. Again a handsome face but Paulis demanding as a veteran and feeling and sensing the reminder of a past life in blows and cuts and again sensed his displeasure at the reversal and rebuttal of his choice as Prime Lady, the living standard-bearer of Lemon-bird.

Then in co-operated thought he recalled when Suli and Tulus were the monarchy of Morabin its capital and the outstretched core of Morabinus.

"Those were fine days," said the implicating voice of a deceptive part of his brain. Then there was no land of fetid ground instead a palace had been at the fulcrum of Oaken-cross and around was the territory in full allegiance to Suli and Tulus. The different souls of Red and Blue had yet not divided but also with the people of the Veil as they were reputed now; the kingdom was healthy.

Paulis realigned the pot in front of him esteeming the bulbous vessel and looking as if he could measure its contents by the swell of its weight.

"Oh Suli, my honoured Tulus what of us now." Paulis was wreaking melancholy in flows to match his intake of Carny tea.

He then found himself affirmed with his composure as a shield which saw down thoughts of the depressive kind. However his mind did retain the seed where he gathered his life's unrest raging with his interpretation of a golden era. Not now though, troubled the overall view, not now. Instead he pinpointed the cause of Oaken-cross and how the status had been instigated.

It was indeed the reign of Suli and Tulus. For years in memorial Oaken-cross had existed after the scriptured past of its connection to Earth. Their knowledge began and ended, started and depleted to oblivion. It was if all memory of Earth and connection had been wiped like a cloth on the screen of memory. There was the mystery. Paulis thought he had been a baby then, but Time was a deceiver too especially when dealing existence and its cards of fate.

All that gave clues or evidence to Oaken-cross or Earth was the work of book-men and those readers of the Notes of Order.

Nobody really knew how Morabin or Morabinus whatever had come to pass-it had been as ever.

Paulis could recall Suli and Tulus as figures in his child's eye distant and high while he grew up in the once prevalent warrior caste. Combat and such was his way of life. In this instance of memory and in a fit of piercing regret Paulis swore, "Daggit."

Now the language Paulis used was the tongue of the origins of Morabinus. They as their own lore, as best could be remembered, were one the original tribes of existence in the land. Paulis in any particular often meant a word or phrase of swearing as could not be initially written down. Thus remained another mystery-where had "his" people gone. The answer as was passed tongue to lip to mind and in the treble action passed between his people was someway past, too hidden to see. All Paulis essentially recalled was the uprising of dissent by the minds of the miscellany of people inhabited here and a book left-the Notes of Order from the Book of Descent.

These were perilous times as rose the following of the beginning of the break- up of Morabinus in the crux and thus the whole destruction of Oaken-cross. It was here as people panicked and hysteria of the most integral was, infected in every person, every family, every caste or creed.

It was here that the dark-legend of the "unsaid " came into being.

For some time the people of Oaken-cross had perceptibly felt even on this outrageous and grand-scale the actual physical dissension of ground beneath their feet. This of course set the actual fracturing of society and more radical the continuance of existence.

Paulis now sitting here in a dugout on a tortured and unpleasant land slipped in his mind of memory that another miracle was needed then.

Not that Paulis as was the bluff nature of his people believed little in the notions of intricate, so to him, it was deception. However this was the saviour as it was of Oaken-cross. This was the rise of the coming of the ethos of Lemon-Bird and the maintenance of Light for Shadow. This grew in potency as the light of life dispersed and Red to the left and Blue to the right separated as part constituents of light.

It was here that lofty decisions with high circumstances brought about the sort of order then and today. Paulis was not one of the book-readers or interpreters of Laws "found" somehow by the emergence or disintegrating state of their life whichever way explained. However the Laws became the order and a civilisation grew under the influence and command of Sorority. It was here under this guidance that Total Bridges were constructed for the first time. Then it transpired an exodus of peoples who could live in the ravages of the epoch came to be. Right, Left, and of course Sorority.

Then the cause of dissension and break-up of a land which had existed since its severance unfathomably too far back was here and risen again, the peril the unknown-Chronomesis had been the sign of all ill. On the wilds of the Total Bridge Lucana and Monise were still in discussion,

"Did you see it?" said Lucana authoritatively.

"What the creature," sounded out Monise and by her diction not too complete in tone.

"Of course the creature. He..." Lucana stalled straining to keep patience and all through fighting the insistence to say the "unsaid " by name.

Yes whatever," she tersely reacted.

Have the wounded returned" she delivered monotone.

"They have," replied Monise slightly peeved with Lucana's manner.

The healer-men have taken them back to camp. Then it will not be long before they are sent to Sorority."

Monise's voice was cold which before built a meeting of obstacles somewhat frigid between. For echoing seconds of only the sounds of their thoughts and the wind's movement was the sound of grass rustling on this side of Total Bridge.

"What of it?" demanded Lucana to Monise who was becoming tetchy with the brusqueness and the conveyed low esteem.

Monise spoke as best she could to show herself dutiful and respectful,

"It seems as it was. The black crows have realigned."

"That's better" answered Lucana.

However whatever Monise had said danger was out and abroad. Chronomesis had slipped the ordained defences and exited into the fresh expansive open ground.

"Come let's return to camp," directed Lucana and she and Monise mounted their golden-maned steeds and departed. As the hooves died away with their vanishing point out from the round of one hill arose a mighty figure-"the unsaid."

During his assault on the three maimed fettlers its force had unlinked that chain of ornithological defence. The beast was out now a creation and bringer of yet more danger.

Meanwhile again back in Tulus' den the draught of sleep balmed all three of its inhabitants. After the last pouring of Carny liquor from a now void pot Paulis too had succumbed to its effect and rose from the table seat and shuffled slightly woebegone and infiltrated with the intoxicant spirit and searched for his place of night's rest.

It was as he had shown this concave bunk in the wallsides. He took a rest and although on the verge of complete tiredness but with his brain which still had bothersome and troublesome thoughts he sat on his bed, thinking.

Well it was a kind of thinking where two bodies like greased wrestlers manoeuvred and squeezed muscle upon muscle. In another sense, in another plight of disturbance he felt the wringing, clinging then sliding contortions of his thoughts. He was tired as the animal of burden at last at the point where his body told his brain rest while his thoughts accumulated answers or half-answers to contradict.

Eventually although not settled truly, Pauls lifted his legs and body on the fulcrum where the he sat and as easy as the shedding of weight laying onto the carved-out resting-place he slept.

By morning back at the camp where the Total Bridge fettlers held residence in the Northeast corner-the contingent of Blue were not at their work.

The news and witnessing of three wounded men had caused pandemonium and the staunch defiance not to move to their work this morning.

The previous three unfortunates were now the spotlight or focus of all that was insistent to see. Voices were loud from tensed and agitated throats where the words came out as guttural emissions.

This was what Lucana and Monise faced this sharp poor light morning. What they did not know was the escape of a creature whose name was never said.

Then it came, a runner came to the crowd. He and another whose early duty was to gather wood from the outland for the restrengthening of their quarter of Total Bridge,

"We have seen him," said the one.

"It is him, said the other with the weight of billowed speech organs wafting his message.

"What is he like?" came one from the hubbub.

Is he dangerous?"

"Did it see you?"

"How did you escape?"

The rally of questions was staccato in all directions until one of these woodcutters spoke.

"We heard a crashing in the forest-land and turned to see over the barrier of brush. He, it or whatever is ... well... complete fear in a living body."

The other now eking back breath spoke to the crowd for the first time, a voice now to be heard by all including Lucana and Monise who had barely slept that night.

"It was tall, with armour that was black and strongly made. It was covered in plates more a dense skin than armour. The contour was of height and power,"

"And the face" cried a question from the milling souls around."

"We saw no face said the wood-fetcher, only the mask which again was unlike skin, but it was surer and more than just part of any protective armour."

Words made pictures, or was it fed and fuelled imagination. Then this imagination exaggerated the words and pictures until a disturbed Lucana spoke in a voice which could sever the most virulent resurgence of fear.

" Listen all, let me speak. We have seen this creature,"

"And what it can do, came a concerned voice of the crowd.

"And what it can do," repeated Lucana to minimalise the effects the news was having. Then she turned authoritatively to the centred pair and questioned,

"In which direction was the creature headed?"

"South, on the South road. In the old direction of dissension."

"To the south" repeated Lucana this time slow and thoughtfully.

Then for sundry moments all could see the body of Lucana steel herself in rigidity to let mostly the mind work. Then the result was declared,

"Monise take charge. I take the South road."

In the morning Paulis was woken by a clinking tinkling sound which was an early surprise for him. His eyes jutted and by habit into stark function immediately. Then he saw the scantly audible cause of this sensation. From his holed-out bed he could see Tulus himself who was wearing the attire which quickened unsure thought. Tulus was in square-link chain-mail, packing a bag, one of several. At the point of completing the closure of such a bag as the others on the centrepiece dining table Tulus noted his guest.

"Good morning," said the once ancient king, "How's your head?"

The question seemed superfluous until as he rose the pain struck right through Paulis' head from neck and nape. Their eyes met and Paulis although pained could not ruefully concur with the smile when Tulus stated.

"Carny tea."

"Oh yes" said Paulis," maybe a little too much.

"Maybe a little" agreed Tulus to stricken head now upright to the world.

Then Paulis surveyed the piece and summed it up.

"You're coming Tulus, with us to the south."

"I am" this was all that was necessary to say.

Tulus took over," If you wonder of Amalana she is preparing your horses and pack-mules and mine.

"Then why do you come?"

"I know," said Tulus with a static energy. He continued." The unsaid is on the track south, I feel it."

"Then you are coming for our sake but what of Morabin and the rest of Morabinus."

"Without the "unsaid" it is in no danger understand me. Then the elder wandered in vision and murmured and then said,

"I might see again Suli, my Suli."

This was sentiment which Paulis did not always take to but this was different. This was a love even the normally supra-cynical Paulis could understand. Here an ageing man, once a king, once a man of chivalry, once a lover now readying himself for what seemed a finality.

Then Amalana appeared from around a cleft in the rock and gestured to the lately risen and muggily thought-out attention of her tutor and superior,

"Good morning"

Taken by the business Paulis could not help but draw the readiness of these creatures,

"Good morning"

Then he winced.

This made Tulus now finished with his travel-sack smile again and reach for a wooden beaker,

"Here take this, we have all taken from it. Then Paulis remembered the nostrum or cure-all for Carny tea-Lavalis water.

Quickly he reached for the offered beaker. He barely had time to complete "Thank-you" when his lips were covered with the cream lotion.

The effect of the thick whirl of the medicine seemed to swathe and remove the fug in Paulis' head and then not so many seconds later he was staring and acknowledging the powers of restitution it had for himself. Surprisingly unlike medicine which restored and healed without some distaste, Lavalis-water was almost a pleasure in itself; enjoyable. For this reason the cup was drained. It was familiar evaluation that he felt the restorative punch of the elixir.

"Now then," said Paulis with the invigoration which was cast by his earlier pain to the far reaches of his brimming health he was ready and feeling restored and beamed,

"Then I must pack my bags and set my mules."

"Already done Paulis" said Amalana comfortably.

"That is good," Paulis could only say.

Then Tulus piped to the same air,

"We leave in the half-hour. Do you think you could be ready?"

Paulis now reactivated but not heady or deceived but somehow looking at a facsimile of the past in Tulus this morning. The effect of bracing himself seemed no effort at all.

"I'll be ready, in half that time."

Then so he set about gathering himself with elan and a spirit which purveyed he felt as young as an image of his old master once again on his mettle.

"Now then" said Lucana to Monise, "I have sent a message-bird to Sorority and three replacements have been asked for. They will arrive in as little time as I have expressed. I must go south and you must take command with the fettler's work-understand."

There was a delicacy on Monise which showed in her face but also plus a reminder in Amalana of training sessions where bruises from her hand were still apparent in her memory.

Confidently Lucana mounted her gold-maned steed with two pack-mules connected by strong cord behind. Then without fuss Lucana was away.

On the road South, some way ahead of both this departing Lucana and the correspondingly coincidental Paulis, Amalana and Tulus, the "unsaid" was abroad. For this creature there was no conveyance of travel except for the length of its stride and its weapon but as a concession there was a back-pack which seemed to meld in the shape of its large body.

With a grunt and strain which like a mill of its lungs grounding out the grist of air the "unsaid" travelled on. It was like most of the characters concerned were leading south.

Meanwhile in the separate and diverse but also similar extremes of Red and Blue, minds never knew such action. In the towers in each citadel where the respective honourables of both persuasions were installed messages were racing like two hens for the same corn-feed.

Now telepaths whatever their side could be said to be of the slightly superior type thus an order of protocol was needed.

However where these minds were set the pecking was becoming more intense and in some cases ludicrous. So in the nature of some phenomenon one particular personage in Red tower found himself but unknowingly arguing with himself for a full five or more minutes. However with the wrangling of messages order was restored along with seemly behaviour in truth.

CAN YOU FACE THE UNKNOWN OR EVEN THE "UNSAID". WILLYOU HAVE THE COURAGE OR NERVE OF PAULIS AND HIS LADIES OF SORORITY. CAN YOU FORECAST WHAT IS TO COME LIKE THE NOTES OF ORDER.

BE IN NO DOUBT THAT FOR £4.99 INC. POSTAGE AND PACKAGE IN THE UK.

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