Forbidden Mountain - Part 13

"Oh, come on, Ariana, there's no such thing as magic!"

"So, young man, you think there's no such thing as magic?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, sir, I didn't see you sitting there. I meant that there's always an explanation for everything, scientifically, that is."

"That is not always true. You are right that you can explain most tings scientifically, but to tell you the truth, some things are unexplainable."

"How can anything be unexplainable?"

"Well, things can be explained to the satisfaction of one person - that is the person who is doing the explaining. However, many of us see things in a different way, and therefore the one person's explanation would not satisfy us."

"I see what you mean, I think."

"Don't think young Alexx, just enjoy yourelf. We have not had guests for quite some time and the villagers have gone all-out for your entertainment."

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"Hey, Mykk. Wasn't that the greatest party you've ever been to? Did you see all those magic tricks? Did you learn to do a trick?"

"I did learn one trick, but I can't seem to make it work. I guess you have to be a member of this community to know the secrets."

"Don't worry. We'll practice when we get home. Hey, look over there. There's those lights I was telling you about! Quick, Mykk, let's get closer to the edge of the forest and see what's going on."

"I don't think we should venture away from the encampment. Did you see the Regulators had the Ghazer's set for stun? That means they are expecting trouble."

"Oh the Regulators are always expecting the worst. Let's go!"

"Let's get someone to go with us. We don't know what's out there. We might fall down a cavern, or something."

"Oh, come on, Mykk. You have no adventurous spirit. Aren't you even curious about those lights?"

To be continued.

Forbidden Mountain - Part 12

"So, I see Gari's people are expecting visitors?"

"It's funny we didn't come across them the other night when we were out looking for men to work in the mines, isn't it Ranko? I wonder where they came from?"

"It doesn't matter. The little people are no match for our tribe. We'll invade them while they are full with supper and take the visitors with us to the mintes. It's about time we got some new workers. Grab your whips and let's get the others. We'll have to wait for the cover of darkness."

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"The Molerxx were seen this evening, riding up to the far side of the mountain. They could be prowling for slave-workers again. Make sure everyone is alerted."

"Yes, sire. We are prepared for them this time."

"Here's Gisel with the visitors now."

The music was loud and people were dancing and smiling and waving at Alxx and Mykk. What fun! Everyone seemed to be having a good time. "I guess were are the honoured guests at this party. Look at all that food, and boy - am I ever hungry!"

"I would think you would be hungry, Alxx. Sneaking away from the market square first thing and not eating anything before. What am I going to do with you, Alxx?"

"Nothing, mother. Nothing. I am having an adventure I never thought I would have. I am still curious about those lights, but I guess I'll just forget about it for now."

"Alxx. You and Mykk come over here. Gisel is showing us some magic tricks. See? He can make that ball disappear!"

To be continued.

Forbidden Mountain - Part 11

"Father, this is Gisel. He's a greeter from the encampment high up in the mountain."

All the introductions were made and everyone sat down to discuss what would happen next.

Gisel invited everyone back to the encampment for supper. All agreed that was a great idea, since only a very small fish had been caught and it was now getting late.

"Mount up, Ariana."

"Oh, father, may I ride on the transporter with Miss Alia? It is amazine - look - it can float over the ground by just touching that button, Oh, it's wonderful!"

"May I ride with Alxx on Ariana's horse?"

"Sorry, Mykk. Silva is just a pony and that might be too muich weight for her."

"Here, climb up here and ride with me on Milar. He loves to have people on his back."

"Wow. This is the greatest day of my life. Isn't this just the greatest, Alxx?"

"Yeah,Mykk. It's great. I can't wait to get home and try that fishing that Dman showed me. It's going to be so much fun!"

To be continued.

Forbidden Mountain - Part 10

"Alxx. May I speak to you alone, please."

"Yes, mother. May I introduce you to Dman. His daughter, Ariana, is further up the hill there. They've been travelling to find a healer for Ariana."

"Yes, I can see that you have been travelling - by horse, I see. Dman, do you realize that the horse is an endangered species? We do not allow anyone to ride or injure horses in any way. I'm afraid you left me no choice but to arrest you."

"I appreciate your concern about ridig what you think is an endangered species, ma'am, but these horses belong to me, as do another thousand grazing in the hills near my home on the other side of this mountain. There are many more wild horses roaming free in the hills. Did you now know this?"

"No, I did not. We have been isolated from civilization for quite some time and although we have advanced scientifically, we have not explored further than the shores of the ocean."

"There is an ocean on the other side of this mountain? Well, I would never have believed it."

"It seems we have a lot to learn about each other."

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"Did Gisel greet the travellers?"

"Yes sire. There are others in the vally too. They are a search party, looking for one of the small humans and they have made contact with the large human."

"Where is Gisel?"

"He's with the girl, waiting for her father to return. Gisel will bring them here for supper."

"Hmm. I wonder if that is such a good idea? Then again, maybe it is about time we all met. Tell the encampment to prepare for visitors."

To be continued.

Forbidden Mountain - Part 9

"Yes, I guess I am a fairy. Are you a human?"

"Yes, I guess that's what I am."

They laughed together and finally Ariana said: "I've heard of fairies in stories, but I didn't know they were real."

"Well, I'm real. My name is Gisel and I have been given a very important job - I just hope I can do it without making any mistakes."

"Okay, what is the important job?"

"Well, I'm not really sure. I was just told to come and greet you. I suppose I cold bring you back to our encampment. I know - you can come back with me and have supper with us. Yes! That's a good idea I just had. Come with me!"

"I have to wait for my father and our friend, Alxx. They'll probably want something to eat too."

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"Wait, Regulator. Look down at the stream, there's Alxx! Hey Alxx! Up here. Look up here! We've come to rescue you!"

"Hi Mykk. Come on down. Dman and I were just trying to catch fish. It's amazing. Have you ever tried to catch a fish?"

"No, but it looks like fun. Oh, oh, here comes your mother!"

To be continued.

Forbidden Mountain - Part 8

"What do you make of the riders in the gorge, sire?"

"I don't know what to make of them. It appears they are not threatening in amy way, just a large man and two smaller humans. I'm wondering why they would venture so far from the safety of their camp? Send for Gisel to greet them and tell him there shall be no tricks!"

"Yes, sire. Should I send an escort with him?"

"No. I think we can trust him to do this one small thing, without getting into trouble."

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"Father, can we rest for a bit?"

"Of course. Jump down Alxx and tend to Milar for me while I help Ariana. There now, you rest here and Alxx and I will go to the stream to catch our dinner."

"What do you mean, catch our dinner?" Do you intend to find something in the water to eat?"

"I don't believe this. Have you ever been fishing Alxx?"

"No, I don't believe I have. Is it fun?"

"Well, it could be, but mostly it is just a way to find something to eat. Come with me and I'll show you how, while Ariana is resting."

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"Hello there."

Ariana slowly opened her eyes, "Oh, you startled me. I was just closing my eyes for a moment, and I must have drifted off. Where are you? I can hear your voice, but I'm afraid I can't see you."

"Oh, you have to look up in the tree. I'm way up here. I just got caught on the branches while I was trying to fly down to greet you."

"There you are! Here. let me help you get unstuck. There. Well, for heaven's sake, are you a fairy?"

To be continued.

Forbidden Mountain - Part 7

Alxx was very happy. He had always wanted to touch a horse. His friend, Mykk works with the species at the Institute, and he loves them too. Alxx thought about his friend Mykk and wondered if he got his award okay. Too bad Mykk wasn't here with him now - he'd really have a blast.

"Look down there, Alxx. I believe there are other visitors to your area of this mountain. Those are horse tracks in the mud. I thought you said there were no horses around here?"

"Let's see. Wow! You're right,that does look like a bunch of horses were here. I can't wait to tell mother about this."

"If these riders carried lamps to light their way, perhaps that is the mysterious lights you saw. I mean, if these riders travel as we do, they would carry lanterns in the evening - and here, where it is quite a narrow path, they would follow behind each other."

"Yes, I see what you eman. And with the gait of the horses, it would appear that the lights moved up and down - of course! I wonder who those other people are?"

"I dont' know. Perhaps they are with the tribe that the Healer belongs to. Hang on Alxx, I'm going to mount behind you and we'll carry on to look for the village."

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"Ma'am, we are near the crest and I can see where Alxx may have slept for a time. It appears there have been horses here as well. I am puzzled. I didn't know we had any horses in these hills."

"Thank you, Regulator. I can see the hoof prints. I am amazed! We'll have to bring an expedition up here to look for the species. I was afraid the horses we have at the Scientific Institute were the only ones left in the world. Look, Mykk, isn't this a great find? I wonder if Alxx is a willing rider, or if he was taken against his will?"

"Mount Transporters and let's go!"

to be continued.