Merry Christmas from Arohanui

Battle For Arohanui: Favourite Characters

Yesterday I asked the question who are your favourite characters. I spoke of one of my favourite characters which is of course Mad Maisey Mayhem. Another of my favourites is Sir Ocho! He is self effacing, unlike many of the other knights he doesn't have great self belief but when called upon to save others he is able to tap into a well, deep inside of himself and find the the strength he needs to set aside his self doubts and be truly great. It is something we all need to strive to and achieve if we are to live up to our potential and fulfill  our true purpose on this earth, just as Ocho did.

I think Sir Finn says it best and here I will let him speak in his own words;

“Ocho!” Finn’s stern voice chastised. “You do not believe in yourself. You will never achieve greatness if you do not believe in yourself. It is not to others you need to prove yourself. It is to yourself.”
“And it is not you Finn who must try to do the impossible,” Ocho said looking at Finn sulkily.
“No it is not I. But nor is it impossible as Talisan has proven,” Finn countered. “Your battle is with your mind, not me young wizard. Put your efforts there. Remember what it felt like to be flying with Talisan. Through the air above the treetops. Remember also why it is so very important for you to let go of your ego and just be. Many lives depend upon you and you would do well to focus on them and not your own frustration. “

Battle For Arohanui - Who's your favourite character?

With many folk out there now enjoying the tale of the hounds of Kuri Te Aroha, I a got to wondering who your favourite characters are? I have a few favourites one who always captures my heart is Mad Maisey Mayhem. Like Bridie I have a real soft spot for Maisey. She is vulnerable and broken but she is fiercely loyal to those she befriends. None shall lay harm on the princess while Maisey is around.

Battle For Arohanui

Well finally I am up with the rest of the world and am on twitter. Follow me now @AmandavanVliet2 . Absolutely love a new challenge :)

Battle For Arohanui - Reader review

Good morning! Haven't be on the computer at home much. Why, you ask? Because I could not put down the most wonderful book I have read in a VERY long time. I finished it this morning. I could not put it down. Breaks at work, lunch, mornings as I awake (like today) and evenings. What is this marvelous book? "BATTLE FOR AROHANUI" by AMANDA VAN VLIET. The same wonderful, most talented lady who painted my Murphy for me (see pic). It was absolutely wonderful. Evil and Good, mystical and romantic all in one book. With the characters of life being emulated in this book of fantasy. IT IS A MUST READ!
- Alisa Diamond

Reader Review

I am so sorry that I have not been posting regularly at the moment. I have been very caught up in life as everyone else is at this time of the year. I do want to share a  reader review with you thought from a dear friend who has recently completed Battle For Arohanui.

This is my friend Amanda van Vliet's book.
I highly recommend reading it.
For anyone who likes pure poetry and a wonderful story about love, life and fantasy, this book is a must have for any discerning reader.
Or a terrific Christmas gift.
Well done, Amanda. Proud to call such a talented woman my friend. - Pia Wiesen

Thank you so much Pia.
 

Battle For Arohanui - Foxglove.

As the ladies trotted in single file through the woodlands, the constant fluttering of fantail wings rustling the leaves above them was lending to the air of impending doom. Bridie had always found the company of the faeries in their bird form to be comforting but now, with her heightened state of vigilance, she found them anything but reassuring.

“Those faeries are starting to creep me out,” Liffey said, putting words to Bridie’s feelings. “Do they have to flutter around in the leaves above our heads like that?”

One of the little birds suddenly flitted right in front of Liffey’s face. Transforming into her faerie form she pointed out they were doing the queen’s bidding. She made sure to also point out it was they who had discovered the wolves and reported them to the queen.

“It is not that we do not want you with us, it is just the constant fluttering,” Liffey said agitatedly. “How are we supposed to hear if there is danger stalking us. Or for that matter, goddess forbid, the rush of butterfly wings if all we can hear is you lot fluttering?”

The faeries all dropped below the leaf line of the trees but continued to flutter above the hounds’ heads. Liffey looked at Bridie and rolled her eyes but was not willing to put further voice to her irritation.

Battle For Arohanui - Reader Review

Battle for Arohanui is a novel so compelling that I stayed up late to finish reading it and I read it in one sitting! The book has everything - drama, humor, action, mythology, wisdom and romance. Those who have, or are owned, by Irish Wolfhounds will smile in recognition of their distinctive behaviors reflected in the actions of the various characters. The water colors are a delightful addition and I hope further installments will have more artwork.- Karen Bell

Battle For Arohanui

Hoping to get an ebook version of Battle For Arohanui out in the next few weeks. I am working on it at present.

Battle For Arohanui - On Amazon

Battle for Arohanui is now available through Amazon and Barns&Noble... So exciting to see it listed there :)

Battle For Arohanui - First copies arrive at their destination!

I was so very happy to learn that my Editor has received the very first copies of Battle For Arohanui. I do not even have my copy yet but I am very happy that one of the team has the first ever copies. Yay!!!!

For all those who have ordered keep an eye on your letterbox as they are on their way :)
 - Amanda -

Exciting times!

I am so excited. The first orders have been shipped and now I cannot wait for them to arrive! Hope you all enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed writing it :) - Amanda

Battle for Arohanui on sale now!

Finally Battle For Arohanui is on sale go to the following link to order yours for Christmas.
http://amandavanvliet.co.nz/gallery.php?display=category&id=1010

In the magical kingdom of Arohanui, ruled by the wise and gentle Wolfhounds of the royal house of Kuri Te Aroha, a dark force rises. The Queens daughter Bridie commands the guard of the only passage into the kingdom but as vigilant as she and her ladies are, evil finds its entry into their strong hold. They must forge unexpected alliances with the magical and unusual creatures of the kingdom, if they are to defeat this evil.
The battle for Arohanui will be fierce, the age old conflict between Good and Evil. From the mountains, across the plains and to the shores of the lake, blood will be shed, lives will be lost. They will rediscover their ancient bonds with the very land itself and learn that their greatest weapon lies within themselves. Great feats will be achieved and things once thought to be mythical will be again seen upon the land. With the strength of their inner belief and their commitment to their queen, they will learn to conquer the five headed venene and perhaps even the shedragon herself.
 The evil which stalks this land though is far greater than the shedragon. Bridie and her friends will discover they are merely pawns in a far greater battle.

Coming Soon

 

Unconfirmed release date 1 November 2015

 

In the magical kingdom Arohanui, ruled by the wise and gentle Wolfhounds of the royal house of Kuri te Aroha, a dark force rises. The queen's daughter Bridie commands the guard of the only passage into the kingdom but as vigilant as she and her ladies are, evil finds its entry into their stronghold. They must forge unexpected alliances with others of their kind, along with the magical and unusual creatures of the kingdom, if they are to defeat this evil.

 

The Battle for Arohanui will be fierce, from the mountains, across the plains and to the shores of the lake, blood will be shed, lives will be lost. They will rediscover their ancient bonds with the very land itself and learn that their greatest weapon lies within themselves. Great feats will be achieved and things once thought to be mythical will be again seen upon the land. With the strength of their inner belief and their commitment to their queen, they will learn to conquer the five headed venene and perhaps even the shedragon herself.

 

The evil which stalks this land though is far greater than the shedragon. Bridie and her friends will discover they are merely pawns in the age old battle between Good and Evil.

The Queens speech

Somehow as I go through the final proof-reading I need this today.

“Yours is a dangerous mission and the lives of many depend upon your success. Go with the hopes of the kingdom upon you. Know we will keep you in our hearts until your safe return. Go now! Go forth and dispatch this evil from our lands and return to us our heroes,” Queen Millie proclaimed.

Queen Millie - Battle For Arohanui -

The Map of Arohanui

Arohanui is a beautiful land, surrounded by towering mountains which tumble down to the gently rolling foothills. The woods which cover the mountains are rich with wildlife.
The woods and hills give way to the sweeping grass covered plains which are met by the waters of the lake.
It is in the caverns not far from the lakes edge the hounds of Kuri Te Aroha have made their home. For centuries they have given their protection to Arohanui's gentle creatures.
All who dwell within its mountainous walls flourish in this serene and bountiful land.

Battle For Arohanui - The arrival of Kili and Odessa

Queen Millie and her counsel looked up as Bridie burst into the chambers. She was flushed and seemed agitated and they were surprised to see her accompanied by two very emaciated and filthy hounds.
“Bridie,” Millie started but stopped when she realised just who these poor creatures were. “Kili! Odessa! What has befallen you? How is it you are come to Arohanui in such a state? Bridie you must have food brought for my sisters at once!”
“I have already ordered it mother,” she replied.” Is there anything else I can get you aunts?” she asked, turning to the older ladies.
“No Child! Food will do for now. And later a bed to rest our weary bones,” Kili said tiredly but not unkindly.
“Mother may I stay, please?” Bridie asked of the queen. Millie gave her a considered look and nodded for her to take a seat. Her daughter was becoming a sage counsel and she knew she would be of value here. Kili and Odessa ate ravenously, their hunger so great they did not stand on ceremony or etiquette. Everyone sat in grim silence waiting for them to have their fill.
When at last they were replete Millie asked her sisters if they were now feeling able to giving a report on what had brought them back to Arohanui and the palace in such a state. Odessa was deeply traumatised and in a state of shock, she had not spoken a word since they had arrived, so it was Kili who gave their account.
“Sister! Things are much worse than you could possibly know here in Arohanui. King Bruce has completely lost his mind. He has given his ear to that worm Dread Goat Roberts. Together they concoct the most evil of plans. They have a few knights who follow them either in mistaken loyalty or because their minds have been poisoned. All who do not follow are imprisoned in the dungeons at the Taumaha Castle, along with their families.” Here she sighed.
“This is how Odessa and myself became imprisoned. The king would not risk us showing our loyalty to our kin and imprisoned us very early on. The conditions in the dungeons were not good.”
Here Odessa looked up, her eyes reflecting her tortured memories. She looked as if she were about to say something but then her eyes fell to her paws once more and she was wrapped once again in the silent wretchedness that had shrouded her since their arrival. Kili looked at her sadly and continued.

-Battle For Arohanui-

Sirs Dumfrees, Finn and Aidan.

"What in the name of Koati do you think you are doing," Bridie spat as she leapt to her feet.
"Well seems she is back to normal then! No damage done," Dumfrees said wryly. "My work here is done."
"Will someone tell me what is going on?" Bridie demanded looking around at all the faces surrounding her. "Why are the knights here, and why in the goddess’s name was that rogue putting his scourgeous mouth on mine?"
"Whoa, back up a bit princess! I just saved your pretty little princess life. And the knights here saved all of your bacon. So a little gratitude might be in order."
"Bacon? Who has bacon?" Aidan suddenly piped up. Finn rolled his eyes on a sigh and clipped him around the head.
"Foolish pup!" he said as he stalked off.
"You saved my life? You!"
"Bridie, 'tis true. Though it is about as clichéd as it can get the knights rescued us from certain death and Sir Dumfrees did literally save your life," Liffey said and she relayed the whole of the events to Bridie.
"’Tis true! I, Sir Dumfrees, did rescue the fair maiden!" Dumfrees boasted as he puffed out his chest. Bridie rolled her eyes. She thought to herself she would never live this down but she was gracious enough to thank the knights with special gratitude given to Dumfrees.
- Battle for Arohanui -

Battle for Arohanui - Sir Ocho Heartmagic

Sir Ocho Heartmagic - Prefers the challenges of being a knight to those of playing with potions, but he was born of magical blood.

Ocho closed his eyes and focused his whole being on flying on feeling the wind rushing through his coat. He could feel it now, he could feel himself flying. He opened his eyes to look down on the courtyard and Talisan, only to realise he was standing exactly where he had been when he closed his eyes.
"I give up," he huffed. "I am obviously not a great wizard and really we did not need to try this exercise for that to be blatantly obvious to everyone. Maybe you will have to see what you can do by yourself Talisan."
"Ocho!" Finn’s stern voice chastised. "You do not believe in yourself. You will never achieve greatness if you do not believe in yourself. It is not to others you need to prove yourself. It is to yourself."
"And it is not you Finn who must try to do the impossible," Ocho said looking at Finn sulkily.
"No it is not I. But nor is it impossible as Talisan has proven," Finn countered. "Your battle is with your mind not with me young wizard. Put your efforts there. Remember what it felt like to be flying with Talisan. Through the air above the treetops. Remember also why it is so very important for you to let go of your ego and just be. Many lives depend upon you and you would do well to focus on them and not your own frustration. "
Battle For Ariohanui

There are wolves upon the land.

Bridie looked about to argue her dismissal but Liffey nudged her and intimated with a nod of her head that they should follow the queen’s wishes. As they were about to leave, though, there was a commotion and two ladies entered the chamber almost knocking into Bridie and Liffey in their haste. Lady Florence le Fey and the Duchess Lobelia were quite out of breath as they stood before the queen.

“What brings you to my chambers in such a state of disarray?” Queen Millie demanded.

“Your Majesty, Ma’am we have news from the woodland faeries. It is desperate news of the most terrible kind there is,” Lady Florence said in a rush.

“Stop babbling girl. Tell me your news,” Queen Millie said not unkindly. 

“There are wolves upon the realm,” Duchess Lobelia stated.

“Wolves, there cannot be wolves. We have seen no wolves at the gate,” Bridie interrupted.

“The faeries are adamant there are wolves walking the woods,” Lady Florence said, not giving a thought to whom she addressed. “They saw them attack the goats this evening. Do you question their word?”

“Go Bridie, we will talk in the morning,” Queen Millie said, shaking her head at her when it looked as if she would argue the point. Bridie turned to leave the chamber but as she did a swarm of chattering fantails swooped over her head into the room. They transformed in front of Bridie’s eyes into little woodland faeries. They were agitated and requested immediate counsel with the queen.

 

It took them several hours to arrive at the scene of the most recent attack. It had happened not long after dawn that morning, another silver cloud and rainbow had risen above Arohanui. The attack had happened at a crossing of the river Waiarohanui, which runs in braided ribbons from the mountains to the lake. 

Many small rivers run down from the mountains to join together and become Waiarohanui. It is a mighty and angry river when flooded by the melting snows in spring, but at present it flowed gently over its smooth grey stones. 

The scene before them told a story. It showed the goats had been surprised as they had come to the water’s edge. The panicked footprints told of a scene of terror. Amongst the cloven hoof prints were the spoor of wolves. There were definitely more than one and it seemed they were working as a pack and methodically hunting down their prey. Bridie and her ladies closely inspected the area and then came together to consider what they had found.

“My best guess puts it at a pack no smaller than five wolves with the possibility of it being as large as eight,” Bridie said.

“I agree,” Lobelia nodded. “There are definitely no less than five.”

“One’s missing a toe,” Evie added. “And I believe yet another has a pronounced limp.”

“Yes, but regardless of those factors all are very shrewd and accomplished hunters,” Bridie stated, her voice laden with dread. “For this pack to be able to kill four goats inside a day is unnaturally sinister. There is dark magic behind this.”

The ladies all looked at each other and into the woods around them. They all felt it, it was as if the ghosts of the battle were still surrounding them. The eerie feeling of doom weighed down upon their heads and still the gloom hung over the land, adding to the oppressive air around them. -
- Battle For Arohanui -

Amanda van Vliet - Author: Battle For Arohanui- Introducing Mad Maisey Mayhem.

Amanda van Vliet - Author: Battle For Arohanui- Introducing Mad Maisey Mayhem.

Battle For Arohanui- Introducing Mad Maisey Mayhem.

 Outcast from society Maisey lives on the fringes of Arohanui but she and her unusual friend prove to be pivotal in the battle for Arohanui.

Bridie and her friends were having a heated discussion but before it could descend into a full-blown debate their conversation was interrupted by a scuttling noise in the trees alongside the pathway. With a quick glance at Liffey, Bridie bounded off into the woods, her friends close on her tail. As their eyes adjusted to the shadows they saw a grey figure leaping away in front of them. They picked up their pace and separated to surround the interloper. As they all slid to a halt the intruder lowered her head and looked furtively from side to side at them, muttering under her breath.

“Goat lovers.” She spat. “Protectors of those cloven hoofed devils.”

“It is just Mad Maisey Mayhem,” Sapphire scoffed.

“What are you doing here Maisey?” Liffey asked, poking at her “Are you playing mole for the knights? Well?”

“I am just hunting for food,” Maisey whined as her eye twitched. “You cannot stop me from living here you know. I can live wherever I like. And I like to live far away from those stinking goat friends of yours. Dirty, smelly, nasty creatures.”

Bridie looked sadly upon the poor wretched hound, her kind heart taking pity on Maisey, she called to her friends to come away. 

“Leave her be. She’s quite mad. What trouble can she cause?”

Mad Maisey Mayhem had long lived deep in the woods, as far away from the goats as she could get without leaving the protection of Arohanui. As a youngster her parents had fallen upon hard times and had lived for a while under a bridge. Poor Maisey had been driven eye-twitchingly insane by the constant tapping of goat hooves on the bridge above her, as they frolicked and played. 

As she grew and she bore witness to the charmed life of the goats, she had compared it to her own life of hardship and her bitterness towards the goats had grown, as had her insanity. The ladies stepped aside and Mad Maisey darted away, zigging and zagging deep into the woods at an alarming pace.

“If she is not careful she will run into one of those trees,” observed Verity in her musical voice.

“Might knock some sense into her,” Liffey said matter-of-factly.

“Or it might just get her other eye to twitching,” Sapphire snorted.

Lakequine the faeries of the lake.

Queen Millie rose from her throne and all followed her to the great hall. There the queen informed the faeries of those who had been lost and from what foe they must now guard themselves. She spoke also of her understanding if the faeries now wished to take safe refuge inside the palace walls. She told them there would be no shame in doing so. The faeries to a one, rose up and pledged their allegiance to the queen and swore to fight this evil alongside her troops.

They would not cower and hide when they could wreak their vengeance upon the evil which had stolen their kin. So as the moons began to rise a single faerie flew out across the lake to spy upon the happenings there. It was felt that one faerie alone would be less conspicuous and more likely to succeed in their mission. Within the hour she returned with news that would astound all those who heard it. 

The hole in the ice was being caused by lakequine, the faeries of the lake. These tiny horse-like creatures roam the lake bed grazing on lake grass. Their silken manes and tails float in the water around them and their iridescent scales shine like rainbows upon them. Like seahorses they do not have legs but swim gracefully on the currents below the lakes surface.

As soon as everyone was gathered around the table in the queen’s chambers the faeries placed the large glass jar on the table and Amaranth started to recount their mission to all present. The lakequine had been more ready to talk than anyone had anticipated. As soon as the faeries had arrived and hovered closely over the hole in the ice several lakequine had risen to the surface and greeted them. They were all too well aware of the evil which had befallen the land and knew that the survival of those in the lake depended also on the land dwellers success in this battle.

 Amaranth had explained to them the situation and the lakequine had been excited to think they could so easily help the faeries. They told them they knew just how they could make a powerful spell which would melt the ice blocks encasing the hounds of the patrol. They said it would create a heat so powerful the ice would instantly thaw but it would touch no living creature, so the hounds would not be scorched by it.

They had told the faeries they must wait there at the hole while they went in search of the little creatures they would need to enchant to cast this spell. They had said it could take some time as they were already using all that were in close proximity to warm the lake water to keep the ice at bay. They had not been wrong, it had been a very long time before they returned but when they did they had with them a jar filled with little translucent jelly fish. Their little tentacles emitted sparks and flashes of light as they touched one another.

The lakequine told of their secret spell, which Amaranth said she must keep to herself on pain of death. She would be the one to perform the incantation. Melchoir said Amaranth was probably the only one who could perform it anyway as she was the only one who could speak the language at all. So with evening biting at their heels it was decided the faeries would fly out accompanied by those trusted few who had been involved in the counsel.

The gentle womanatee

Foremost on Bridie’s mind was the protection of the goats but she could not help but wonder about the womanatees who inhabit the deep waters of the lake. They would normally have left the lakes sparkling blue depths long before the first frost was hinted in the air, but this cold had come unseasonably early with summer’s flush still strong upon the land.
The womanatees would still be in their summer home and would not have even begun preparations to leave for the faraway oceans, by route of the river Waihotaitua on the far side of the lake. This cold would be perilous for the gentle golden whale-like creatures, whose skin sparkled like gold leaf in the sunshine. On bright sunny days they would reflect the sun’s rays back into the sky so it looked as though a second sun was shining from beneath the lake’s azure surface. Bridie fervently hoped the womanatees could escape the cold in time.

They were standing discussing whether to push on for the palace or rest here for a few hours, when the night became filled with a haunting song which slowly began to roll across the plains. It was so desperately mournful all who heard it felt utter desolation and became devoid of all hope. 

"Morosium!" Bridie whispered wretchedly. "It is the Morosium. It is spoken of in folklore but I hoped never to hear it in my lifetime." 

"What is the Morosium?" Finn asked. "It is not something I have heard tell of."

Bridie quietly shared the folk tale of the womanatee's which had been passed down through the generations and told to her as a young pup. - Battle For Arohanui -

I Would like to introduce you all to Princess Bridie.

 A princess famous across many lands for her beauty, Bridie is tall and strong, an Irish wolfhound born to the royal house of Kuri te Aroha. Her regal bearing, soft liquid brown eyes and flaxen hair, lit with silver and gold in the sunlight, enchants all who lay eyes upon her. Princess Bridie loves the gentle, enigmatic goats who are rivalled only by mythical unicorns for their beauty, charm and mystery. She knows most of her kind do not revere the goats, that indeed they wish to banish them from these lands.

"Bridie I will leave it to you and Sir Dumfrees to divide up the patrols. We will need around the clock cover and I think no patrol should be required to be out there any more than eight hours. We could possibly make do with seven patrols so we do not spread ourselves too thin," the queen commanded, before adding, "But this is your area of expertise and I will leave it in your capable hands."
Bridie and the others took this as their dismissal and stood to leave. Before they could turn for the door Millie stopped Bridie.
"Child! Be safe. You are my heart and I do not wish to lose you," Millie said, resting her cheek against Bridie’s, tears shining in her eyes.
"I promise Mama. I will take care," Bridie replied earnestly. "But I will also defend this land with everything I have. I shall not give up nor give in. Not before I have taken my last breath."
Millie nodded her head gently, her eyes closed in acceptance. It was this commitment to duty that made her both burst with pride for her beautiful tall, blonde daughter and also shake with fear for her. She knew Bridie would never shy from battle and would put her life on the line for her queen and her country. As queen this is something she needed, nay, demanded, of her subjects. But as Bridie’s mother it filled her with a fear so great it was hard to let her beautiful daughter go. She stepped back and watched Bridie leave with her friends.
 - Battle For Arohanui -

Dragonspawn!

Without discussion the patrol began to scour the undergrowth looking for some explanation of what had taken place here. Finally Lennox called that he had found something. The others quickly joined him, all grimly curious to see what he had discovered. He indicated to the crook of a branch and there sprawled with its eyes closed and its forked tongue hanging from its mouth was a tiny dragon. It was no bigger than the faeries themselves.

"Dragonspawn." Finn grimly said. "There will be many. It is said they fly in great flocks. If there are dragonspawn in the skies the faeries are doomed." His countenance was more morose than it had ever been.

 

Arthur the tugawhump as translated by Mad Maisey Mayhem..."The dragons come in three different 

types. To look at them you would think them different species but they are in fact just at different 

ages and stages of one kind. The dragonspawn we have already encountered are hatchlings, they 

fly in great flocks and sweep and turn in great ribbons in the sky. One moment black the 

next red as they show first their backs and then their underbellies. They are fast and nimble, this 

being how they can so easily out-manoeuvre the faeries, that and their sheer numbers."- Battle For Arohanui -

A meeting with a haggis.

"What was that?" Dumfrees asked, completely gob-smacked at what he had witnessed.
"A haggis sir," Bridie said smiling at his and the knights’ expressions. "They live in the woods around the lakeside. Harmless creatures. They often play with the pups when they are little. They are quite fun really but they all bow down to this ridiculously pompous king. Who really is quite a twit. "
"They literally do bow down to him," Liffey added. "When we were pups and playing with the funny little hairballs you could be in full chase and they would suddenly stop fall to their knees and bow. I can not count how many times I had my legs taken out and tumbled across the ground because of it." Aidan sniggered at the image of Liffey tumbling across the ground. Liffey scowled at him under her eyebrows. - Battle For Arohanui -

Arthur the tugawhump.

"What is that?" Lennox asked in awe as the last wolf fell and they all collapsed exhausted where they stood on the battlefield.
"A tugawhump," Evie said, her eyes wide in astonishment. "I have heard stories about them but never seen one with my own eyes."
"None of us has," Bridie said her voice close to a whisper. "They are so rare and elusive as to belong to mythology. They keep to themselves in the mountains living like hermits. Occasionally you might see a footprint but never have I seen a tugawhump in the flesh."
"Did you see how that wolf just fell like a stone when it roared at it? What magic is that?" asked Lennox.
" Legend speaks of this beast having breath which smells like a combination of rotting fish, manure and little boy puppy's farts," Bridie answered him a little incredulously. "I never would have believed it and thought it just a way to scare us as pups."
"Wow no wonder that wolf dropped," Lennox said with a grimace. "I think I would have too."
"Eeuw! Little boy puppy farts would have been enough." Evie said with a grimace to match Lennox's.
"What brought it here now then?" Yankee asked.
Just as Bridie was about to answer she saw a grey figure standing back along one of the snow trails.
"Maisey!" She said wonderingly. "Maisey come forward, come speak to me." Mad Maisey Mayhem shuffled forward, her eye twitching, to stand in front of Bridie.

The Faeries

Three faeries sat on Bridie’s head as she walked, Silverfoot, Brightlight and Melchoir making little braids in hair. They sat quietly chatting about how they would be famous for helping to rid the land of the dragonspawn. Though Brightlight did admit to being a little afraid and not really very brave.
Melchoir answered Brightlight’s fears with probably one of the wisest things Bridie had ever heard. She told Brightlight that bravery and courage were not about being unafraid, they were about being afraid and acting anyway. She told Brightlight the greatest of heroes were always a little afraid but it was how they chose to act in the face of their fear which made them stand out from the rest.

Lake of Mirrors.

The Lake of Mirrors

Today I would like to talk a little about the lake of mirrors. It is so named as its cool still waters perfectly reflects all which surrounds it. One of the reasons this occurs is because the rocks below its surface are made up of silver deposits. This lake has long been revered by the inhabitants of Arohanui and they often bath here for its revitalising properties. The ladies of the gate swear by it, professing it to be a fountain of youth and beauty. It is also a place where the magic of love takes place. Many a lover has romanced their sweetheart on the shores of the lake, on cool clear evenings when the lake reflects the stars and it is as if faeries have lit their lights across its waters. All who cross the path of the lake are charmed and are bound to return, for its beauty captures the very soul of it viewers.

A Darker side revealed

Today the introductions take on a darker note with us moving to the characters of Taumaha. Sadly the dark barrenness of that land has permeated the hearts and souls of many there including that of the Dumfrees' Father

Taumaha

King Bruce - Sir Dumfrees’ father King Bruce rules his realm Taumaha with an iron paw. He is a hound of ambition and he does not let empathy or compassion stand in his way. His mind has long been rotting with the pervasive evil which has taken hold of Taumaha since the goats were eradicated there.

The Dread Goat Roberts - An insane old goat who holds grudges against his own kind for long ago imagined wrongs. His madness sees him align himself with those who seek to rid the lands of his own kind.