Departure

"How... How did we get here?" she asked, incredulous. "We were in the cellar... underground...???"

Reaibn only smiled, an odd -even wierd- smile. "I built this place, I know its every nook and cranny."

Astra was stunned. Not only because this janitor-turned-stalker-cum- tyrant said that he had built a castle that had obviously been standing for hundreds of years; not only because she had only moments ago lied to this not-quite-mad-man because of what he had requested and what she had seen in the ball; not only because when she had looked into that smokey sphere she indeed had seen images and certainties and possible truths which she just needed more time to filter through her mind; not only because after spending many hours within the lower levels of the castle in twilight coolness the bright sharpness of the outdoor sun nearly burned both retinas right through; but also because standing next to the gates was a fine steed of blackest colour, and beside it stood the finest man she had ever laid eyes upon - and his hair was green!

"Wow," whispered Astra under her breath.

"I am most disappointed," said Reaibn. "But we all must play this out and I prefer not to be the puppetmaster, isn't that right, Martine?"

The green-haired man, muscles rippling from every part of his body, replied: "Yes, Sire Reaibn." He smiled, the rays of the sun seemingly gleaming off of his clear, bright teeth.

Astra felt a tug in her heart, should she stay? should she go? what of her motherland... what changes have occurred there??? "I thank you for your... your kindness," she said to Reaibn. "I must go now, but I am sure our paths shall cross again." With that she straddled the horse, gave Martine a good long look, and rode off down the King's Way.

Less than an hour later Astra slowed and came to a stop beside an abandoned roadside lemonade stand. She was greatful to be out of the clutches of that janitor, but she still worried for Fred, as well as for all the lands... she had to think, most especially over what she had seen in the sooty orb:

1. She had seen a forest ablaze with blue fire and streams overflowing with orange liquid and upon a gryphon sat Fred, a mad look in his eyes....
2. She had seen rainclouds pouring down banana juice and whole towns being inundated by salesmen of used armor...
3. She had seen an uprising of barmaids and street-cleaners armed with pitchforks and torches...
4. She had seen little children with white hair and white eyes skipping over the mountains and with them were the helacious hounds of Hela...

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