“Elise my dear, why don’t we go for a walk in the garden? I was discussing some business matters with Sir Paul, but I am finished now.” He said with a twinkle in his eye.

Elise smiled brightly and took her father’s arm to go out. As they were about to leave there came a knock at the door and Duke Harold opened it, revealing the Count of Comingbridge.

His arm was still in a sling, but his figure was as straight and noble as ever. His eyes softened at the sight of Elise, and he seemed about to speak. But Sir Paul stepped up and interrupted him.

“Ah, Sir Count, very good to see you in nearly full health. I am sure that you must have much to speak of with Duke Harold. Elise, suppose we go see if all of King Frederick’s men are being taken care of properly.”

She nodded dumbly and followed him out the door, leaving an open mouthed Darren of Comingbridge with her father, who was more than a little amused. He quickly straightened his face however, and said graciously,

“Good Darren, do come and sit by the fire. We have much to talk over.”

Paul and Elise made their way through the vast chambers of the castle on their way to the courtyard where the men were being quartered. Elise looked sideways at Paul.

He walked with something of a limp, due to the wound that Prince Nettle had given him, but his face was as calm and composed as ever. He looked at her and smiled.

“What are you so intent about Elise?” She blushed and looked ahead while replying.

“Oh, things are just complicated. But at least they are not as messy as they were before. Both of my oppressors are gone, my father and lands are safe, and you were not terribly harmed in your fight with Nettle. Now all that is left is the rebuilding of Baton. And many hands make light work.”

“I do not believe that is all that is left Elise. But we shall see.” Paul said no more as they turned into the courtyard.

Later on that day Elise was walking with her cousin Prince Giam in the garden when they turned a corner and found her father sitting alone on a bench. He looked up and patted the seat next to him. Giam bowed to the two of them, and then went on his way with a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

Duke Harold sighed and put his arm around Elise. She snuggled into his embrace and they sat there without speaking for some time. Finally, he spoke in his deep, rich voice.

“Oh Elise. Little did I know as I held you as a babe that you would be the cause of so much trouble,” he smiled mischievously, “if only I had had some forewarning I might have been able to lock you up in a tower until it was safe. But, since that is not the case, it is now time to talk of your future.”

Elise looked full into his face with bright, eager eyes. He gazed back and looked into hers searchingly.

“Your mother looked exactly like that when she was excited. I remember on our wedding day when we had said our vows, right before we touched our lips together, she looked at me with that same expression. It was a union that was not always easy, but happy, full of love, and produced beautiful things. Such as you. Elise, you are more precious to me than anything else in this world, and the man whom you wed must be worthy of taking care of my treasure.” She hugged him, and then asked,

“Have you found such a man Father?”

“I have my darling Elise. The worthiest man in the entire land, the only one with whom I will trust my treasure. Yes Elise, Sir Paul has asked for your hand in marriage, and with your consent, I have have given it to him. Do you find this quite suitable?”

Her eyes filled with tears, and her face bloomed forth like a fresh June rose.

“Yes sir, this suits me beyond words.”

“Well then tell the happy bridegroom the answer to his face.”  The bushes rustled and from them stepped Sir Paul, a devilish grin on his face. Duke Harold laughed at Elise’s face, but quickly composed himself when she pinched his arm. Paul stepped forward and took her hand.

“Well Elise, have you consented to becoming my wife?”

“I have sir, on one condition only.” Paul looked with puzzled eyes at Duke Harold, who shrugged in innocence.

“Only on the condition that you do not mind have a daughter very soon, one named Genevieve.”

Paul’s face broke into a smile, and in the same jesting tone he replied,

“Why Princess Elise, I was just going to suggest that very idea myself.”

Three weeks later a great procession could be seen making its way towards the province of Jugo in the land of Hobblestone. At its head was a bright group of nobles.

King Frederick and his wife, Queen Annika, Prince Giam and the Lady Lysbeth, the Count of Comingbridge and the Princess Lianna, Duke Harold and Princess Desria, and last but not least Sir Paul and Princess Elise.

For in those last three weeks many things had happened. Baton had been repaired and strengthened until it was more formidable than ever before. The Count of Comingbridge had been graciously refused by Princess Elise, but was soon made very happy again by King Frederick.

This kindly man recognized Darren’s good qualities and character, and therefore introduced his beautiful daughter, Princess Lianna. Their friendship was started well and within several days the proper arrangements had been made, and a double wedding was decided upon.

Prince Giam had some ideas of his own however, and after a private conversation with both his father and another, he and the sweet Lady Lysbeth made it a triple wedding.

The glittering parade wound its way to the top of a familiar hill. Here it paused, and all eyes looked down upon the small Jugoian village that Elise and Paul had saved from the raiders.

But how different it looked now! The burnt rubble had been cleared away, all of the cottages had been scrubbed clean, and the entire village was decked in wreaths of wild flowers. For Sir Paul and Elise had decided that this where they would be married, and these goodhearted villagers would share their joy.

Elise now spurred on her horse ahead of the train, and rode swiftly into the village. Sweeping off her horse she ran forward to embrace the cook. For yes, this faithful and loving lady had also been invited to share their triumph. The cook looked into her beaming face,

“Ah, me dearie, you’s just th’ prettiest thing. Ya remind me o’ my own girl, long since married.”

“Thank you dear lady, you have been a true friend and help to me. So much so that Paul and I have decided that you shall come live with us.” The cook’s eyes lighted up in joy.

“Ah dearie, you don’t know just how happy you ‘ave just made me.” Elise could hold in her eagerness no longer.

“Where is Genevieve?”

“Inside on the bed sweet, and th’ prettiest little thing you ‘ave ever seen.”

Elise dashed into the cottage and caught up the baby in her arms. Genevieve cooed with happiness, and her tiny fingers tightly grabbed onto a lock of Elise’s hair.

“Mmm, oh Genevieve.” Elise buried her face in the soft little head and kissed her again and again. Hearing Genevieve give another little gurgle of joy, Elise turned to see Paul in the doorway with Duke Harold.

He stepped forward instantly and took the baby in his own arms. She cooed and gurgled again, thrilled to be with the two people that she loved the most. Duke Harold stood at the door, thinking what a pretty picture they made. Elise then gently took the baby from Paul’s arms, and walked over to her father.

“Now Father, meet your new granddaughter. And don’t keep her forever.”

Duke Harold had a very difficult time with that command as soon as he had taken the little bundle of sweetness for himself. And never was a happier or prouder grandfather seen.

The next morning, just after sunrise, Elise stepped up to take her father’s arm. She was dressed in a flowing white gown, embroidered all over with gold flowers, and about her throat was her mother’s necklace.

Behind her Princess Lianna and Lady Lysbeth were also standing at their fathers’ side preparing to walk down the village street.

A soft, lively melody started and the three happy brides walked gracefully down the village lane. At the end of it beneath a bower stood three men, tall and proud, awaiting their lovely brides.

Paul and Elise’s vows came last, as they had desired. This time a priest had been procured without difficulty, and he now smiled at them as he joined their hands.

Their vows said, their kisses given, Paul and Elise stood together holding Genevieve in front of all of the cheering villagers. Soon they said farewell to their friends and family, and then climbed up into a carriage that was to take them on their honeymoon.

“Do you promise to come back and help me rule Baton?” Asked Duke Harold solemnly.

“We do sir, but maybe not as soon as you would like. But one day, in the future, you may see Paul and I come riding through town, and then we will stay.”

His eyes twinkled.

“And just where are you going that is so pleasurable you cannot leave?” Paul spoke up.

“To freedom and quiet Sir Father, in a place of our own.” Then cracking the reins, he started off.

A few days later, Elise and Paul were situated in their honeymoon cottage. A hut on the mountainside with a pen full of sheep and a stable of oxen was their dream, and they were content. Elise ran about the place doing her chores in a peasant’s gown. Paul plowed earth with a team of oxen, and both were happy and full.

And Genevieve grew bright and strong in that healthy mountain air, and when the family moved back to Baton to help the good Duke Harold rule, she became known as, “The Mountain Princess”. And Paul and Elise lived for many long years, having ten children, and teaching all to love the Lord.

Such were the results of the evil schemes laid, by the Cunning Count.

Our family is planning on planting a garden and doing some major landscaping projects this year, plus normal spring cleaning and we are getting a new pool. The kind of pool that takes a LONG time to set up.

But to add to all that is the rush to finish school, and our orchestra is wrapping things up for the year. In wrapping up I mean that our concerts have doubled.

The busiest birthday months in the G household are coming up, not to mention Mother and Father’s Day, and a couple of friends birthdays. When will it all end?

Probably never. The circle of life just keeps on going, whether we like it or not. Time flies by quicker the older I get, and I am only 14!

This summer I am going to have to study for my upcoming driver’s test and permit in September. I remember being 12 and how excited my 14 year old brother was about driving. I was kind of so so about it, but he said,

“Grace, when you get to be my age, you will be just as excited as I am.” I don’t know if I believed him or not.

But now I do, because I am TOTALLY excited. I am perhaps a little nervous, but I am not that phased. I was told by my wise elder brother that that will change when I get behind the wheel the first time.

Subway and sandals are my newest exciting things. I got a really cute pair of sandals for only $11.00 at a consignment store that are practically new! Oh, and the prettiest blouse I have ever seen. It is that kind of cheek blushing pink that does strange things to a girl. I mean, I like pink, but this shade of pink is just beyond any other color. Not to mention it has puffed sleeves. Yes, I am a complete Anne Shirley about puffed sleeves.

Oh yeah, Subway. I happen to just LOVE Subway, and yesterday I got to have some for orchestra lunch. Mayonnaise with salt and pepper, tomatoes and onions for the health and crunch, the lettuce to make the sandwich, and turkey. Mmm! Dorito’s and a cherry Coke topped it all off. Mmm, I will be remembering that for quite a while.

Whew. I am tired. We spent the day outside fixing things and getting things ready for the season. Now I am exhausted. Physically and in my adrenals. I was exposed to more stinging insects at our friend’s house where we went to pick some stuff up than I have been in a long time. There was literally a wasp or bumblebee the size of Texas every 3 yards.

I have a choir concert coming up this Thursday. I am planning on wearing all black, I hope that it is not too hot.

Oh boy, a night race. What should I do with my time? Should I finish a sister’s birthday gift. Probably, she is turning 5 on Wednesday. She wants a puppy cake. And she told me that I could make it a “surprise” cake. I was excited at the thought of getting to just design a cake without restricting lines, and then she told Mama,

“I told Gwacie she could make me surprise cake, and I won’t go into the kitchen to look at it” I am happy “It’s going to be a puppy cake.” I am now sad. Oh well, such are the joys of being a big sister who is a cake decorator.

So to sum up a rather wandering yet wordy post, here are my closing thoughts. God is great, pink is pretty, dogs rule and cats drool, I want to go back to riding lessons, and lemonade sounds delicious.

Adieu!

Sonora is charming, pretty, fluffy, and coy. She is incredible clever at some things, and very stupid at others. I think that she has a good deal of sled dog in her, just watching her powerful motions and astounding leaps is amazing. This dog missed her calling, she could join a professional show as a jumper. Never have I seen a dog who can stand, walk, and jump vertically on her hind legs. She is also a terrible chewer and still has a great deal of puppyishness. Although she is the kind of dog that may never grow out of it, if so head for the hills.

Yukon and I go way back. I witnessed his actual birth, and held him on the first day that he was alive in the world. Later when he was a puppy he ran away from home, and ended up several miles down the road at our house. He must have recognized my scent, because he was overjoyed to see me. He climbed right into my lap, and sat for a while. I have seen him on and off since then, and he is always overjoyed to see me again. In fact, mom says that he is in love, so I call him Romeo. I love this little dog, he has his faults, but he is very affectionate and a determined fighter. I would say he is descended from hunting dogs, and his run is just breathtaking. It is all one smooth motion, up and down all at once. Beautiful!

If you want to know who the Alpha dog is, you will have to ask at certain times. When it comes to eating time, Yukon is Alpha. He is also Alpha when it comes to play fighting. But Sonora is Alpha the rest of the time. Never have I seen such a sly, coy, and sometimes downright flirtatious dog. She is hilarious! I don’t exactly know how Yukon feels about this, I think that he probably just shakes his head and thinks, “Women!” and then does whatever she tells him to do. But they are good friends and are miserable without each other.

I thought I would share a few pictures from these quirky two. Most have been taken from the kitchen window, so they are not quite as good. The up close ones were taken with great danger, for Sonora was curios about the camera and was considering chewing on it. I have less of Yukon, he was very wary of the camera, and the look on his face when he saw the little zoom lens moving in and out was more than comical. He is also wary of new collars, doggy brushes, and gloves. Sonora loves collars, adores doggy brushes, and her favorite thing in the world other than people is gloves. They are a pair worth seeing.

Sonora

Yukon

Sonora in her canvas roof.

What’s up?

Snoopy, I mean Sonora on her doghouse woof!

This will help my tan.

One-two-three, ninja!

I have not yet begun to fight!

The duelists have entered the lists, and now they’re at it!

Break time.

Cuddle bugs.

\

Aww… could I have a painting of that? Minus the torn up plastic that is.

Fighting again.

Squirrel!

Loungin’ around.

Aren’t they cute?

Hmm, must have had an “interesting discussion”. They aren’t speaking to each other.

Sonora, you aren’t supposed to let the sun do down on your anger.

Gentlemen dogs find this face and figure irresistable.

Do you blame them?

Oh yes, totally charming.

Dreamy white fur, dark romantic eyes. Chocolate Labs go dead for this.

Enter Romeo.

Hark, the suneth is risingeth, oh, right in my eyes!

Distance shots are now necessary. Yukon has decided that he doesn’t like the camera.

No cameras please!

Bubye adoring fans!

P.S. This is to our family up north.

Sorry about the bad writing, it was done on a touch pad. We love you guys and miss you a ton!

Ever just used your fingers to dish something up rather than get a serving spoon dirty?

Ever gone to the garage to help take care of dogs and then gone and gotten into your bed right afterwards?

I have. Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do. Here is a really barbaric sounding one, “Have you ever licked your glasses lenses to clean them because you have nothing else?” I was only driven the extremity twice, but like I said, you gotta do what you gotta do.

You know how when you were younger and you had something on your face your mom would say, “Here, let me get that off for you.” Then she would lick her finger and wipe cold gooey spit all over you. I have! But hey, saliva is handier than having a dirty face.

Sometimes when you are eating chips off of a napkin, or plain off of the table, you think to yourself, “This is so uncivilized. Here I am in the 21st century and I can’t even get a bowl to put my chips in. I could, but I would hate to make more dishes that need washing. And I can just throw the napkin away, so why not?”

I have often thought this, and resolved to become a bit more civilized. But when you live a down-to-earth home schooling family with 6 children, niceties aren’t always available.

This evening I was eating steak, with no steak knife(note for future children, NEVER KEEP STEAK KNIVES AROUND IN THE HOUSE, I have a story that involves little brothers that like to throw things and huge kitchen knives). We had company tonight, but he was eating in the dining room with mom and dad, and us kids were in the kitchen. I was trying to eat my steak in a “civilized” way by cutting it. Nothin’ doin’. So then my daddy came in and I asked to eat the steak with my fingers. “Sure, oh wait, do you want a real knife?” I am absent minded sometimes, especially during mealtimes, so a knife in absent-minded Gracie fingers is a dangerous weapon. “No thanks, I don’t want to cut my self.”

With permission I now tore into my steak using my fingers and teeth. And then a very consoling thought hit me,

“God created fingers and teeth before we ever invented forks and knives. And since God’s creations always work better than ours, why are we using silverware?”

Hmm…

When I first woke up this morning and was laying in bed my middle sister came in to chat(this is becoming a daily occurrence). “Grace, can we have our tea party today?” I had promised the two girls a tea party so that they could wear their new dress-up dresses I made them for Christmas.

I had already been considering doing it today, but now I was presented with the question. “I’ll think about it.” I said, thinking of all that I had to do. Cause let me tell you something, if I am going to have a tea party, I’m going to have a tea party and it’s going to be all out. Fancy dishes, decorations, invitations, dessert, prettily folded napkins, the works! But to make it more difficult on this particular day, mom and I have to go to the furniture store to pick out fabric for a new chair that they are buying me(long story).

So being the wonderful multi-tasker that I am, I set my baby sister to work on invitations. Since she can’t read, so she didn’t know that the words said, “You’re Invited”. I thought about setting my other sister to work on the cake, but mom cautiously advised that I oversee that myself.

I went to the furniture store, picked out a pretty color of yellow fabric, and then went home to finish, or rather begin, preparations. Make the cake, clean the room, decorate the table(find a table for starters) etc.

The cake is made, and spread with marshmellow cream instead of frosting. It was all that we had in the house. I added some sprinkles and Smarties to make a totally adorable polka dot cake.

Now my younger brothers are really cool fellas. They can enjoy a rough it and tough it wrestling match, but they also can enjoy a daintier tea party with their sisters. Since this was an extra special party, I decided it would be just girls. So I called them into my room and told them that I was having a girls only party. I assured them again and again that I would make them some cake too and that we could have our own special, “boy party”, but my littlest brother was beginning to tear up in sadness. I began grasping for something to make their party sound exciting. “We can have a, uh, a Lego party!”

Instantaneously the wet eyes were chased away by Fourth of July sunshiny smiles. My younger brothers ADORE Legos, and so a Lego themed party was right up their alley. “We’ll have a special cake with Lego candy from the store, and you can’t come unless you bring Legos.” No problem there, in fact, I am going to have to borrow some Legos so that I can come to my own party.

I am eating a late lunch at 3:00, the tea party is scheduled for 3:30. Wash the tea set, make the tea, finish decorating, put on some Irish music for background feeling, slip into a dress, put my hair up in a ponytail. “Welcome, come right in. Would you like some tea? Can I get you some cake?”

I am a big pretender. Pretend play was pretty much what I did exclusively when I was younger, and I still do pretend to some degree. So tea parties are right up MY alley.

The cake was a hit, one of my sisters ate 4 pieces(they were small, but she still wanted the rest of us to eat that much to feel justified. My youngest sister was constantly guzzling down her cup and then, “Mowre tea?” Ah!!!!!!!!!!

It was a ton of work, but the smiles of delight on their faces was quite enough to satisfy me. You know, every time I spend extra time with my siblings, and I see the delight on their faces, I feel richly rewarded. You would not believe how much your siblings value your time. Of all the gifts that you can give them, that is the key one. Time.

When your siblings are bouncing in your face, being irritating, nagging at you, you really don’t feel like they treasure you. But what I have learned, is that those irritating things are actually them trying to communicate to you that they want your time. They just need to learn how to do it appropriately.

So do this, look them in the face and say,”Do you need something?” Or if they are bugging you about doing something with them, either give up whatever pleasure you were intending on doing and hang out with them for a while. Or schedule a time(WRITE IT DOWN) to do it later. But letting them know that they are important to you is priceless. When they feel valued by you they will feel that they can do anything. I mean, you are their HERO! “Gracie said this, Gracie once did that, Gracie knows how to.”

I hear that all the time. When my siblings want a creative idea, they come to me. When they need help on a set up, or solving a problem, they come to me. When they saw something funny or had a neat experience, they come to me.

And all of the sibling fun doesn’t have to be a big gung-ho tea party. It can be as simple as making some construction paper Valentines, or letting them help you make cookies, or taking them for a walk. And that is something that they will NEVER, ever forget.

I have been making hordes of Christmas presents for family and friends. I am just glad that I don’t have as many cousins as my grandmother does(actually, I don’t have any). But I have many siblings, friends, and two parents.

Whew. I am sleepy. I have had two nights in a row where you kind of lay awake for a while, and when you finally get to sleep, you end up waking up and staying awake in the middle of the night. It’s only 9:00, and I am EXHAUSTED!

Recently watched Toy Story 3. Man, that is a classic! So precious. I love it how the toys stick together as a family, and because they do, they survive, and get to start a new life with a new precious little girl. And I love how Andy plays with them once more before he goes. So sweet! My younger sister was sad because they didn’t stay with Andy, so my mom wrote up a longer ending on spot. Andy comes back to the town for a town parade years later when he is married and has kids and Bonny has also gotten married and has kids. They meet, she invites him over, and his kids and her kids all play with his old toys. And then Andy takes Woody in the laundry room and hugs him, and Woody talks to him. What a wonderful ending mom! That’s what I do when I don’t like movie or book endings, I write my own, and then imagine them.

Oh boy! I want to see The Voyage of The Dawn Treader. Why must theaters be so expensive?

I am about to drop from sleepiness, night!

“If we go through the forest for a time we are likely to hit upon a stream, we can ride through that for a while and shake off our pursuers.” Elise nodded and they went on.

As Paul had said, there was a forest stream just a little ways into the wood. Turning into this they rode for up to an hour through the clear, gurgling water. When they had gone far enough to satisfy Paul he rode up onto a bank and dismounted, helping Elise down so that she might stretch her legs.

The horse thirstily drank up the cool, clear water. Carrying one person at the speed and time that he had been doing would have been quite enough for an ordinary horse, but double burden? He was a fine horse indeed! Paul patted his neck and rubbed on his sore muscles,

“He is a good horse. Much better than that one that the Prince was so high about, I do wonder if he would have gone through with the giving of the prize or not?”

“I neither care, nor wish to ask him.” Elise responded. Paul turned and looked at her in some surprise, for she had spoken sharply and there was an odd look upon her face.

“What is the matter Elise?” He asked.

“All this time I have merely been thinking about how to get free of the Count and the Prince. Not once have I thought of the plight my poor father and people must be in. Why if the Prince’s plans were as carefully laid as he claims they were, Baton has been under a terrible siege for over a week! And though I doubt not that my father was not caught totally unprepared, Baton cannot hold out forever. Paul, how are we to help them?” Paul thought it over for a time.

“We will ride directly to Goodenburg, and tell the king your uncle of the danger that Baton is in. He will ride instantly that he hears word to aid his brother.”

Elise brightened, for she too knew her uncle and loved him well.

“Yes, perhaps the dreadful news has already reached them. I hope that they arrive soon!”

“As do I dear, but for now my responsibility is to get you to safety, then to go to the aid of Baton.”

“We will see about that. Oh, I wish I could feel my father’s arms around me now.”

“I know that you must miss him very much.” Paul said this with a slightly pained expression on his face.

Elise looked at him, then a thought came to her.

“Paul, what happened to your father?” She asked softly.

His handsome face furrowed in pain, and he turned to rub the horse down for a moment before replying. Then he turned back and looked Elise in the face, his hands on her shoulders.

“My father was a blacksmith, a hard worker, and a kind man. He and my mother had seven strong, healthy children. I was their youngest. One summer morning, when I was only eight years old, a band of raiders suddenly came upon our village and began to kill and plunder. My father and four brothers were killed instantly. My two sisters and I fled to the forest and hid among the ferns. We waited until dark, and then crept back to our cottage. Nothing was left except for burnt rubble.”

Elise’s eyes filled with tears as she listened to the tragic story of the man she loved. Now she understood why he put himself at such risk to save the Jugoian village from the raiders. She looked up at him again and asked in a trembling voice,

“What happened to your mother?” His strong shoulders sagged slightly.

“I don’t know. We couldn’t find her body in the rubble. After a few days a band of knights from Baton came riding through. Your father was among them, a new Duke and father. He swept off of his horse and looked around at the destruction and misery. Then he came and spoke kindly to me and my sisters. After hearing our story, he had us mount up behind three of his men at arms, and took us back to Baton with him. There he found employment for my sisters with your mother, and he appointed me as a page. I have since moved up, and then because of bravery, I was knighted five years ago, and have been his faithful servant since.”

Elise’s heart went out to him. She knew some suffering, for she had lost her mother at the age of fifteen. But she had been able to say goodbye, to have closure. She hadn’t known what it was like to have your life violently ripped apart and your loved ones torn from you. And then, not to know whether your mother was dead or alive? She felt sick at the thought.

“I am so sorry Paul, I never was told how you came to be in our service. I only remember you being often at my father’s side, or sometimes taking me out into the village to see the busy streets. It must hurt deeply not to know.”

He nodded, but then smiled.

“Yes. It does hurt. But God has given me the grace to get through it. And He gave me mercy by sending your good father along when I needed one the most. The Duke has almost been a father to me, and if it weren’t for him, I might have turned bad as many other boys who lose their fathers do. As for my sisters, they are happily married now, and I am an uncle several times over. You must visit them with me sometime, the children are delightful, one of the infants is much like Genevieve.”

“I would love to meet them Paul. And I am glad to know your story now, it makes me appreciate more who you are.”

He smiled down at her again, and then led her over to the horse where they remounted, and set off through the woods in the direction of Goodenburg.

In Baton things were not going well. The siege machines had been battering the walls ceaselessly, and already great breaches were being made. The people fought valiantly against great odds, but they were starting to weaken. Unfortunately sickness had broken out among the defenders, and many were to weak to help. No fresh food could be taken into the city, for the Prince’s net was tightly drawn.

Duke Harold was going from one breach to the next, cheering on his men and making adjustments to help in the defense. But things were looking dim. The Count of Comingbridge was wounded, having been hit in the shoulder with an arrow.

Harold stopped to help at one of the breaches where a sudden attack had been made. Drawing his sword he put himself at the front and shouted his war cry, “Justice and St. Matthew!” and came roaring down upon his enemies. They recoiled at such a terrible attack, but quickly rallied again and strove to break past him. He cut down three in seconds, wounded a fourth, and knocked the fifth into the moat. His men had come up behind him now and together they made a sizable dent in offensive army.

The attackers were therefore glad when their commanding officer called them to retreat and they fled back to the safety of their lines.

The officer rode up to the commanding knight whom Nettle had left in charge during his absence, Sir Walsh. Sir Walsh had been watching the battle at the breach, and was furious that so few men could keep many more at bay. The officer saluted, but was met with the angry rejoinder,

“How dare you sir! Come up and salute me as an honest man, when that breach is still unconquered? Indeed, I have half a mind to order you whipped for your failure.”

“But Sir, Duke Harold fights like an immortal man. He came upon us like a wind from a hurricane, and nigh half of us were killed.”

“Then, we must kill Duke Harold.” Responded Sir Walsh calmly.

“You are welcome to try my lord, but every single one of his people would willingly die for him. From the smallest babe to the oldest man. It is like trying to strike the moon from the heavens.”

“Nevertheless my man, it must be done. What cannot be done during open fighting, might be done by stealth. We will hire an assassin.”

Meanwhile a battering ram had been brought from the countryside, and the gates were being hounded without pause. Baton had only hours left to survive.

King Frederick and Prince Giam were riding hard with their men. Visions of terrible things were passing through the minds of both men. They only hoped to reach Baton in time. But they had still another day and a half’s worth of riding. Coming upon a river, they were dismayed to find that it had overflowed its banks and was swollen nigh twice its size from recent rains.

King Frederick looked doubtfully at the rickety bridge that was barely holding on.

“As soon as this business is gotten over the first thing that I will do is to issue a decree that all large rivers have proper and safe bridges installed.” He thought to himself. Aloud he called out to his men,

“Search for a fordable place where we can cross men, every moment is vital to the safety of Baton.”

Prince Giam looked about in despair,

“I doubt if we can find one Father, I have never seen a river so swollen over, and it would be deadly to force our men through that current, they would be swept away in no time.”

“Not so sire!” Called a voice above the roar of the water. Turning in the saddle Frederick and Giam saw a horse and two riders standing on the opposite bank. They could tell that one was a man and the other a woman, but could not recognize them.

“How shall we cross over then?” Giam called back. The man on the other side cupped his hands to his mouth and replied,

“Don’t send the men over single file, but have two lines of men tie their horses together and place them in the center. Have the men walk on either side of the horses, holding onto their saddles for support. This way you can send large numbers of men across at one time.”

King Frederick and Giam looked at each other in amazement.

“My son, it is become obvious to me that we should plan these kinds of matters out ahead of time so that we shall always be ready. I think my wits have been somewhat dulled by the long peace that we have been living in. However, this has taught us a lesson. And now let us do what that wise man says.” So saying King Frederick formed his men up in the necessary order and they began to cross.

Paul and Elise, for they were the two figures on the opposite shore, stood a little way off to allow the men to have room to come out onto the bank.

King Frederick and Prince Giam crossed over with the last troop of men. When they had reached the shore they turned their horses over to where the two were standing. Giam gave a joyful cry of recognition at the sight of Elise and leaped off his horse to embrace her. She heartily returned it, for the two loved each other as brother and sister rather than cousins. King Frederick dismounted a bit more slowly, but his embrace was every bit as fond.

“My darling girl! Whatever brings you out on this road so far from home?” Asked her uncle.

“The tale is a long one uncle, and I fear I have not the time to give it, for Baton is under terrible siege right now.”

“Yes, we know Elise. I was on my way to visit you when I found your heart necklace snagged on a bush near Gervais. Realizing that you would not lose the necklace on purpose, and that you had no reason to be in that area, I rode back to Goodenburg gave the alarm. Our spies found out that Baton was being besieged, and we have been riding hard since.”

“Now for you Sir Paul.” Said King Frederick, turning to him.

“You have my deepest thanks for taking such loving care of my beloved niece, who was undoubtedly in terrible danger. And once we have set the kingdom to rights you can be assured that I will thoroughly reward you as you deserve.”

Sir Paul flushed, and bowed deeply.

“I thank you sire. But to be honest, I was only doing my duty to my Duke, and my heart.”

King Frederick looked slightly surprised, and turned to Elise for conformation. She smiled and bowed her head slightly, then took Paul’s hand. The king smiled.

“Ah, I see how things are. Well, you have my blessing, but the ultimate one comes from Harold, Elise’s father. And speaking of him we must ride at once, for we have no time to spare. I will send a strong escort of men to accompany you back to Goodenburg Elise, for you must be taken to safety.”

“No uncle! I will not go to Goodenburg, but will continue on with you to Baton. Those in danger are my father, my people, and my land. And it is partially my responsibility to see after their welfare. What kind of a ruler would I be if I ran to safety instead of braving it out with them? And I am partly the reason that Baton is in danger now, for if the Prince had not been so mad for me he might not have attempted it at all. No uncle, I will continue on with you.” And before her uncle could say another word she leaped back into the saddle of a spare horse that had been brought up for her, then addressed his men.

“Men! I thank you for coming to the rescue of my beloved province and father. Leaving your wives and little ones to defend a place that does not concern you deeply takes integrity and courage. Now let us be on the march so that we might reach Baton in time.” As the men cheered and began forming up, Prince Giam whispered to his father with a twinkle in his eye,

“Perhaps we now know where Desria got it from.” His father only smiled.

Miles away a furious Prince Nettle with two bandaged arms was swiftly sailing back up the coast, back to Baton. He paced the decks liked a caged tiger and ground his teeth.

“If I cannot have Elise I will at least have Baton, and take my revenge out upon her father!” The captain timidly approached.

“Sire, we are nearing sight of land. And it seems from the din that a fierce battle is going on.” The Prince smiled.

“Ah, Sir Walsh is doing his job properly then. Hurry captain, I must be on land within an hour.”

Elise, King Frederick, Prince Giam, and Sir Paul were riding hard and fast with all of their men towards Baton. But Elise was despairing that they would not arrive in time. Mile upon mile they thundered on, over hills and through forests. It was now growing dark, and the horses were tired. After a little while, Frederick held up his hand for a halt.

“We will make camp here, and rest for seven hours. Three hours before dawn we will rise, and then hopefully arrive at Baton near noonday.”

Elise dismounted with tears in her eyes as she began to unsaddle and rub down her horse. Feeling a gentle pair of hands placed on her shoulders she paused her quick and jerky actions and stood still for a moment.

“Elise, I know that you are upset about your father. Believe me, you are not the only one. Your uncle is closely attached to his brother, and Giam loves him much as well. And as for me, well, he has been a father to me in the place of the one I have lost. We all are deeply involved in the outcome of this fight. But riding ourselves ragged and wearing down men and horses will not help Baton in the least. You can do nothing more, but pray. Trust in the Lord Elise, pray to Him to keep your father safe until help arrives.”

Elise started sobbing quietly, and Paul took her in his arms and held her close for a time. When she had quieted some, she took his hand, and closed her eyes and prayed,

“Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that you would fight the battle for my father. Keep him safe from all dangers, and sustain him until we can get there. Please forgive me for not trusting in You, You are sovereign, and Your will be done. Amen.”

Prince Nettle sent a messenger on ahead to tell Sir Walsh to hold all fighting until he arrived to take command. But something was wrong, a deep fog was rolling in. The captain was worried about running aground, for he, had never seen such a thick fog before.

“How long will it take to clear up Captain?” Asked the Prince impatiently. The Captain looked doubtfully at the sky.

“Sire, never in my life have I seen such a fog. And never have I been so surprised, for these weather conditions don’t breed fog, it is like and unnatural fog. The soonest I can promise you sire is possibly noon tomorrow.”

“Noon tomorrow. By that time who knows what could happen.” Thought the Prince.

Three hours before dawn Elise was awakened by her Cousin Giam. She opened her eyes and looked into his eager face.

“Elise, guess what! A dense fog rolled in during the night, so dense that it is possible that the Prince was detained and could not attack your father.” Elise smiled.

Duke Harold awoke in the morning, breathing a prayer of thanks that the fog of the evening that had enabled his tired men to rest.

“They will need all of their strength, for the toughest fighting is yet to come.”

He never said a truer word. Down by the coast the Prince had finally convinced the Captain to send him ashore in the ship’s boat, risking the rough ground and rocks. Once ashore he mounted on a speedy horse, and was soon in the camp of his army.

“How goes the siege Sir Walsh?” He asked of that nobleman, who was somewhat nervous about the report he had to make to the Prince.

“Uh, well your Highness, things are going to our advantage in the city. I believe that some sort of sickness has broken out, and so many of the defenders are weakened. However, we can make no headway on the breaches, whenever we attack Duke Harold is right there to lead his men.”

“Why have you not tried attacking several breaches at once?” Asked Prince Nettle.

“I have tried sire, but apparently they have made preparations for such things, and whenever we do, the toughest archers are right there to oppose us. We have therefore contented ourselves with battering the gates, which methinks cannot hold out much longer.”

“Well done Sir Walsh, I hereby raise you to the rank Baron of Vickilborn, which is a fine estate with several large mansions.” Sir Walsh smiled with pleasure.

“Order the men to form up, and the rams men to hurry up with that gate, I must be established in the castle of Baton by sunset!”

Duke Harold barely had a moment to eat a bite when he was summoned to the walls by one of the sentries.

“My lord Duke, they are doubling the attack on the gates, I think that it might give way soon, we must prepare my lord.”

“You archers, position yourselves directly above the gate so that you can protect it from invaders. Sentry, collect all the men that you can spare and send them to me. We must make a shield barrier.”

The sentry saluted and ran off to do the Duke’s bidding. Duke Harold quickly checked his armor, and then made his way down to the gate. There he met his men and formed them up, shoulder to shoulder, shield to shield, with their spears pointing out at regular intervals, they made a solid steel wall.

The archers formed themselves up on top of the wall, and behind the shield men. All were prepared to stand their ground and die if need be.

They thought it almost certain that they would die right there in a moment, for with a great crash the gates of the city came crumbling in, followed by a rush of the Prince’s soldiers! The archers quickly let loose their arrows, and being in front and above the men, they did considerable damage.

Yet the enemies continued to pour in, and soon the archers on top of the walls had to retreat or be cut down. The men at the shield barrier however held their ground, working as one man with one goal, to keep the soldiers out.

Duke Harold stood at the front of his men holding the greatest shield of all. Shouting above the roar of battle he cried,

“Help us oh Lord! For we cannot stand against this much longer. If nothing else, give us a few minutes of relief or victory!”

His prayer was answered, for at that moment someone from a house nearby threw a pile of dirty rags out into the middle of the besieging soldiers and shouted,

“The smallpox is in the rags!” The soldiers understandably panicked, and fled as fast as their feet would carry them back outside of the walls, despite the protestation of their officers.

“Come back you cowards! It is only a lie that the rags are diseased!” Screamed the angry Prince, but as no one would come back, he was forced to retreat to the safety of his army.

Duke Harold smiled in relief for a moment, then shouting to his men he said,

“Now men, follow up your advantage, all keep together behind me, and we will fight our way through the ranks, and attempt to destroy as many of these enemies as possible.”

Cheering, all of the defenders ran out through the gates, and into the midst of the opposing army. Like a steel triangle with Duke Harold at the point the Baton soldiers cut their way through the masses of the Prince’s army. But the numbers soon began to overwhelm them again, and a few entrances were made into the triangle where men had been shot down by arrows. Things were again beginning to look bad, and Duke Harold cried out once more, in a now desperate tone of voice,

“Heavenly Father, deliver us!”

Nettle heard his words, and in a vicious and mocking tone of voice he replied,

“Call out all you want Duke Harold, for there is no one to deliver you now. Not the weather, nor your brother, nor even God Himself.”

“Not so sire!” Called a voice from the slope above.

Turning in the saddle, the Prince was dumbfounded to see thousands of royal troops come pouring down upon the ranks of his army. And riding at the head was a small party of nobles, the King, Prince Giam, Elise, and Sir Paul. The very same Sir Paul who had sent warning of his coming, the same Sir Paul who had frustrated his attempts to marry Elise, the same Sir Paul who had wounded and humiliated him on the tournament field in front of all of his nobles. And the same Sir Paul who now called out and defied him.

The Prince ground his teeth until one broke, then in madness and rage and called,

“Meet me now Sir Paul, in the field of honest battle. And I will finally crush you, you who have opposed me so long!” Paul needed no second offer, but spurring on his horse, charged down to meet the Prince.

Giam and the King went charging into the ranks of the Prince’s nobles, dealing death wherever their swords struck. Many of the nobles turned their horses and fled towards the sea, hoping to escape on some of the Prince’s ships. But these were swiftly overtaken and cut down or surrendered.

Elise was shooting right and left with a smaller bow that had been cut down by one of the archers while they were on the march. She had been practicing at archery since she could walk, and was as deadly a shot as any other Baton archer.

Duke Harold looked up with joy and surprise as he saw the thousands of allies that had come to his rescue. He now felt a new strength, and with a mighty roar came rushing down and into the thick of the battle. He killed two nobles and three archers before he came to a man, and stopped, surprised and confused. It was Count Augusto, late captive to the Prince. The Prince had bargained with him that if he could kill Duke Harold, then he would be freed and given a chunk of Baton besides his own lands.

Harold would have put down his sword and spoken with him, as he thought him to be an honest countryman, but Elise caught sight of what was about to happen, and of the Count’s hand reaching slyly down for his dagger, so she cried out,

“No Father! This Count is a traitor, beware before you are killed!” Her father instantly put his sword up again, and before Augusto could make a move, he was stretched out on the ground, dead.

Elise, giving a sigh of relief, turned her horse again and saw Sir Paul and the Prince. They were in the midst of a fierce combat. First Sir Paul made a lunge at the Prince, Nettle ducked and endeavored to plunge his sword into Paul’s stomach which was unguarded. With a twist of his sword Paul quickly glanced the opposite blade off and used his advantage to prick at the seam of Nettle’s armor. It worked and Nettle was thrown back into his saddle for a moment, but drawing himself up again, he made a pass underneath Sir Paul’s guard and managed to wound him in the leg.

Elise held her breath as Paul pulled his horse back in pain, but gritting his teeth he did a special move that only he and Duke Harold knew of. He twisted and threw his sword with a jerk. It went flying under the Prince’s guard, and plunged into his heart. The Prince fell like a rock out of the saddle and lay flat on the ground, dead.

Elise rode quietly over to where Paul stood over the dead Prince. Dismounting, she walked over to Paul, and stood looking down at her late oppressor’s body.

“He is gone. He is finally gone.” She said, almost unable to believe it. Paul put his arm around her and replied softly,

“Yes Elise, he is dead. Though it was not just I who killed him, but it was the judgement of the Lord that was given through the triumph of a righteous sword.”

We grew like 20 pumpkins this year. This is one of our finest.

A lovely Daylily.

The wallpaper is scrap booking paper and paint.

The ultra 60′s Living Room

Let’s watch Andy Griffith!

Cozy comfort.

My half, your half, and we will hug in the middle.

Bubby’s half.

Sissy’s half.

A table for tea.

The warm, sweet-smelling kitchen.

Breakfast is served!

What’s in the fridge?

Who’s turn is it to wash?

A room for two lovebirds(married lovebirds).

Excuse me, where is the little superhero’s room?

Hurry up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHERE’S THE SHAMPOO?!?!?! I NEED A CLOTH, I DROPPED MINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CAN SOMEONE GET ME A TOWEL?!?!?!

By the way, I hear those exact words MANY times coming from the bathroom.

With just a bit of imagination, paint, and your regular house stuff, you can create a mini world!

I would multi-task if possible, like make stuff while I listen to history. But, you can’t multi-task when the person you are making the gift for is sitting right next to you.

Ugh!