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Journey's Witness Chapter the Fifth (Finally) - NOW POLLING
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 11:54 pm    Post subject: Journey's Witness Chapter the Fifth (Finally) - NOW POLLING Reply with quote

Allright...this is my first attempt at writing an SG...and I am looking forward to hearing your opinions...Chapter 1 will follow very shortly...Traveller.

Journey’s Witness

Prologue
I watched her storm into her sleeping quarters, slamming the large oaken door behind her with a resounding crash that seemed to echo throughout the castle. She did not acknowledge me, but I had grown accustomed to that long ago. I knew her moods better than most, and had learned the hard way not to interrupt her for fear she would turn her foulness on me. She would take me into her confidence when she was ready. She always did.

So instead I sat, staring out the window at the travelling performers loading up their wagon while behind me a tempest brewed. I could hear the shattering of previously prized possessions as they careened off the walls but I let those sounds wash over me as I concentrated on the movements in the courtyard far below me.

The courtyard was alive with the comings and goings of many people removing the last evidence of the annual Harvest Festival, a time of gaiety and joy for the entire kingdom. This year’s had been particularly successful as the harvest had been bountiful; and the inclusion of dignitaries from the neighboring kingdom, and the need to impress them, had ensured a festival that would not soon be forgotten.

There had been mummers and fire-eaters, jugglers and clowns of all shapes and sizes and even a dancing bear, the largest I had ever seen. There had been contests of strength and endurance that gathered huge crowds who cheered on their favorites, even while losing the wager they made with their friend. The food…oh the food was marvelous. There were so many scents and smells to assault your nose that no one could go away unsatisfied or hungry. And when the sun went down the fires sprung up and then the musicians and balladeers held sway over the crowds. There were as many different styles of entertainment to be enjoyed as one could imagine and then some. No one could be unhappy after the week they just had.

No one, it seemed but Journey.

As the princess of the kingdom, Journey led a life of privilege not shared by anyone else. She was an only child and therefore the pride of her parents who doted on her and gave in to her every whim. She was a lovely girl with long blonde hair that reached down to the middle of her back. She had delicate features that belied her savage temper and an air about her that made her the envy of every girl around and the desire of every boy. Her deep green eyes had a way of melting the resolve of any who disagreed with her but right now those eyes were filled with tears.

The silence behind me told me that she had stopped throwing her treasures around and I heard the soft pad of her feet as she moved to look down out of the window as well. I heard her sniffles and looked up into her wet eyes to see them focused far below us. I followed her gaze into the courtyard and noticed that the entertainers were done loading their wagons and the caravan was beginning to roll out to the main road. As the last wagon began to move I noticed what she was looking at so intently.

There, standing by himself, looking up at the window we occupied, was a young man. He was too far away for even my eyes to identify but I could tell by his stance that it was no coincidence that he would be looking up here at this exact moment. His head reluctantly turned at an unheard call from someone in the wagon and, with one last look, he ran to catch up with his departing bretheren.

Unseen arms pulled him into the back of the wooden wagon and as they turned out of the courtyard I saw him lean back out and wave to us. And then he was gone.

Journey waved back but it was unseen by the young mystery man and she stood there for a long time just looking out after him, hoping he was not really gone. Her hand slowly dropped and came to rest on my head. She began to scratch between my ears absent mindedly and I purred to let her know I was there. I rose from the patch of light I had been sunning myself in and moved closer to her, enjoying the lavish attention her fingers were paying my fur. She picked me up and moved to her bed where she continued to pet my golden, soft fur as she held me in her lap and told me what was bothering her so profoundly.

“I’m getting married, Jewel. My father informed me of it just this morning.”, Journey sniffed as she spoke. “Isn’t that wonderful?”

Even though she tried to sound sincere, her tears made a liar of her.

“He is the crown prince of Demanthia and he is a complete oaf. I met him at dinner last night and he nearly bored me to death. I don’t even know his name. And I don’t care. He won’t make a wife out of me…he won’t…”

Her voice trailed off as the tears began again. I curled up with her and purred until she fell asleep hoping my warmth would comfort her. Soon I too dozed off.


Last edited by Traveller on Thu Sep 17, 2009 6:44 am; edited 12 times in total
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 11:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nicely written Trav! I like how the 'speaker' was introduced as well, very well done.

Look forward to reading C1!
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 12:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

An imagination-capturing start, Traveller! I enjoyed everything from the clean, neat descriptions of the courtyard, to the little twist when we find out the narrator isn't what we expect.

Cat seems to spring to mind, but clearly this cat has much more presence of mind. Perhaps some spell on a once person, or simply a clever cat. Who knows, but I'm hooked and want to find out.

Don't make me wait long.

Happy Writing Smile
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 9:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Great story Traveller, especailly the introduction of the cat and the angry Journey. What color is your fur? but no need for that, it's great just like this is. Can't wait for another chap. It sounds to me that the cat has a concience of his own, maybe it was someone who was changed by a witch to live forever until they are destroyed. That be wonderful, but if it is a normal cat, no prob I love drawing cats and reading about them, you'll see I have a book in my library called 'Cat magic'. Can't wait for the next chapter once again. *holds breath*
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PostPosted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 10:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Kitty.

That said, lovely start. Don't have her go chasing off after mystery boy now...

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PostPosted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 12:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Echo the comments above. Will be very interesting to see it through the perspective of this pet - I thought cat as well, or at least cat-like.

And I like the name Journey as well. Smile
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 1:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wonderful job for a first storygame! You greatly surpass my mediocrity! Kudos!

here's my inquisitory moment:
"Where's the decision point?"

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PostPosted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 10:49 pm    Post subject: Truly Awesome Reply with quote

Hey Traveller

This is the best first time SG I've ever seen man i just cant wait till Chapter . Dude you did the prologue and I'm already itching to read more and more! now i know I'm supposed to say some good stuff and some bad stuff about this story but......Theres nothing to be mean about this is a perfect prologue, keep the great work!

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PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 1:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Chapter the First

The cold Autumn wind snaked its way through the castle corridors, inching its way into every corner of the dark, stone fortress. It prowled, like a predator in the long grass, ever upwards, waiting for the moment to pounce.

I awoke suddenly with a chill that ran through my fur and straight to my bones. Journey’s chamber was dark, telling me that it was the middle of the night and I nudged the form next to me to remind her we had missed the evening meal. Journey did not move. I nudged her again, insinuating myself under her covers in hopes of waking her.

I panicked when I realized that Journey was not there!

Her cushions had been arranged to imitate the shape of her body and the bedcovers laid over to complete this deception. I quickly crept out from beneath the bedcovers and scanned the room for any sign of my erstwhile master..

The first thing my lamp-like, pale grey eyes perceived was that the door to her chamber was open. This was a bit of a surprise to me as I clearly remembered her slamming it shut earlier in the evening. That also explained the cold breeze that was starting to make me shiver. I would have to rectify that soon.

I glanced around the room once more but did not see anything that piqued my interest as being out of the ordinary, other than the false Journey under the bedcovers, so I decided it was time to solve my two most pressing needs - the need to get warm and the need to fill my belly. The mystery of Journey’s whereabouts would have to wait.

As I leapt down off the bed and headed for the door, I could only think of one place where both my needs would be met - the kitchens. I headed out the door and turned to my left and began to make my way down the long spiral staircase that led up to this tower room. Round and round I descended, hugging the inner wall as I heard the wind whistle as it pushed its way past me, ruffling my fur as it went.

At the bottom of the stairway, I had a decision to make. There were two ways to the kitchen from here. The first was rather straight forward but entailed me leaving the shelter of the castle walls and heading out into the courtyard before crossing to the kitchens on the far side. With the way the wind was biting into me, even here inside, that was not very appealing to me. Luckily, there was another way.

I turned to my right and began to head down the long corridor that housed many of the guest rooms. One of these rooms, the last one on the right, held my little secret way to the warmth and comfort of the kitchens. This corridor is where many of the visiting dignitaries from Demanthia were housed and many of them were still here. Although, I assumed they would be abed at this time of the night. A light coming from a door at the end of the hall, the very one I was headed towards, proved the old adage about assuming to be true.

As I approached the door I heard a heavily accented voice, speaking in a hushed, but urgent tone from the other side.

“Are you sure everything is in place. They do not suspect anything?”

Something about the voice caused the hairs on my neck to stand on end so I nudged the partially open door and let myself in.

“How can they suspect anything, Connor? We have been exemplary guests and soon you will be marrying the princess. Trust me, these idiots are completely fooled.”

I looked at the speaker as I entered the room. He was not a large man, and I had a hard time believing that this man was a guest of our king, he was so disheveled. His head showed the signs of a recent de-lousing and was growing back in in such a patchwork way that it appeared his head was two different colours. He sat stroking his unshaven chin and the sounds of his fingernails across his stubble sent a shiver right through me down to the tip of my tail. His eyes were two different sizes and one of them darted back and forth on its own giving him the impression of someone who is always watching his own back. I had an uneasy felling about him. And a cat’s instincts are almost always right.

The other fellow, who I took to be Connor, jumped as the door opened but he quickly relaxed when he saw that it was just me. Another advantage to being of the feline persuasion. Connor was as opposite of the seated man as could be. He was tall and handsome and dressed as one would expect from a crown prince. His hair hung about his shoulders and shone like ebony in the candlelight. He had piercing blue eyes that almost froze me in my tracks when he looked at me. This was the man that Journey had called an oaf? This was the man who had nearly bored her to tears? I found that hard to believe.

Something about the tension in this room made me temporarily forget about my stomach and the cold. My curiosity was piqued and I wouldn’t be satisfied until I heard it out.

“But I’m nervous, Father.”, Connor whispered, his voice barely audible, “If they find out that I’m not…”

“I told you never to bring that up!” The older man leapt to his feet and crossed the room in a flash. He pulled Connor down by his shirt so he could look him straight in the eye as he dropped his voice once again. “This whole plan hinges on them believing what we tell them to believe. If you go around blabbing about it they will surely find us out. And we both know what will happen then. You just worry about the princess. She wasn’t very impressed with you tonight, Connor. The way you just sat there at dinner tonight…Act like a prince. Talk to her. Dazzle her. Sweep her off her feet. And then before anyone knows what’s going on…”

He slammed his fist into his other hand to punctuate his sentence before turning his back on Connor and heading back to the bed. I must have been to close because he took a swing at me with his foot on the way by.

“Mangy cat.”

I hissed at him and retreated under the bed in a flash.

Something was not right here but I couldn’t put my paw on it. Either I was misunderstanding something or these men were up to something. There conversation had taken a turn and they were now talking about the weather. I wasn’t going to learn anything new here, but I had other ways of finding things out. And that’s just what I intended to do.

My stomach reminded me of where I was going and, moving to the head of the bed, I slipped through a small hole that took me behind the walls. Here was a direct route to the kitchens. I only needed to follow the wooden beams and I would soon be there. I started off along the first beam, carefully picking my way over years of collected dust and dead bugs before leaping towards the next beam. I was concentrating so hard on my upcoming meal and trying to decipher the mysteries I had been presented tonight, that I nearly leapt out of my fur when a voice spoke to me from directly behind me.

“Where you headed to at thith time of the night, Jewel?”

I spun around to come face to face with two beady yellow eyes and a long whiskered snout. It was my friend, Garreth, the rat. Garreth’s black-grey fur was as patchy as the man in the other room’s head and his breath smelled like rotten cheese. His tail dragged through the dust behind him leaving a trail everywhere he went. He wasn’t much to look at, but we had known each other a long time.

“I’m just heading to the kitchens. I missed the evening meal. Do you want to come,” I asked him, knowing the answer before I even asked it.

“Yeth pleath,” He lisped excitedly. It’s not often a rat gets invited to dinner.

We continued along the hidden passageway, leaping from one plank to the other, Garreth panting to keep up with me.

“Mutht you go tho quickly, Jewel,” Garreth gasped, “You know I can’t keep up.”

I glanced behind me as I leapt ten feet down to another wooden beam. We were almost there. I could smell the baking bread not far off.

“I’m in a hurry, Garreth.” Suddenly I had an idea. “Garreth, you haen’t happened to see Journey tonight, have you? She wasn‘t in our room when I woke up. That isn‘t like her.”

I could see Garreth trying to remember if he had seen her. He didn’t have a very good memory, but his heart was in the right place.

I don’t think I did thee her. Only perthon I thaw tonight was a young blonde haired boy heading out to the thtableth…but that wath hourth ago. Other than that it hath been quiet around here.

I paused on the beam looking up at Garreth preparing to jump down to meet me. Something didn’t seem right in all of this tonight. Something odd was going on and I wouldn’t be able to rest until I satisfied my curiosity. But you know what they say about curiosity and cats…


((So here we go...first DP...what is Jewel to do? She has seen alot of strange things tonight but what should her first steps be to solving these mysteries...tune in here to find out...same cat time...same cat channel)

((Oh...and I look forward to hearing your comments...I had some troubles getting this chapter to flow to a real DP...not sure I am still 100 per cent happy with it. Thanks for reading...Traveller.))
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 2:23 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hey Traveller,

A number of amusing little cat-puns in there. Do try not to enjoy yourself too much. Wink

It's sounding suspiciously like the Prince is a pauper, but that doesn't explain Journey being missing. Whatever is going on, food is obviously the first priority. Then I would suggest seeing if Garreth would spy on the room where we heard the suspicious conversation. Tell Garreth to take a 'picnic' up there, and just sit around listening to anything that goes on.

Meanwhile, we need to find Journey. Perhaps go to her parents, if we're a close pet they might be suprised that we're alone without Journey and start a proper search. Either that or we can atleast search part of the castle on the way.

Quote:
I had an uneasy felling about him.
A quick typo of 'feeling'.

Good going, keep it coming.

Happy Writing. Smile
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 2:33 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Not bad, not bad at all.

Jewel's going to go beg for food in the kitchen first, of course. Cats are always food first, curiosity second. She'll met up with the king's very peevish and very spoiled bloodhounds that are being treated to their nightly perfect steak dinner and hate being bothered. Of course Jewel's going to be a bit skittish but she's still gonna ask them what they know of the happenings in the stables. About which they're going to be complete butts and pretend they have no idea what Jewel is talking about..... until she mentions the king somehow finding the mutt lady-dog (I will not say that word here) they both like.
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 6:29 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

a CAT story?!!

*love*


I totally enjoyed the fact that finding food was more immediately important to Jewel than finding Journey- very true to form! Hilarious!

I'm really enjoying this! I'm curious about the extent of this fake-prince plot, and I'm also curious as to how you're going to reveal whatever Jewel learns to human beings.. unless Jewel is somehow able to drive the fake prince away herself.

I think I need a little more information about the Kingdom and the princess.. where are the king/queen? Wouldn't the princess have some sort of guards? How were they removed from their posts in order for Journey to sneak out?

I would head kitchen-wards for food, and possibly gossip about the castle, family and princess.
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 10:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm loving the story! I think you're doing really well getting into 'cat-mode' and you've given Jewel a brilliant cat personality as well as a great name. I'm loving the name Journey too! It makes you think from the start that she'd go off.

I F5 smee that she should go to the King and Gueen first. But I reckon that maybe Garreth would be better at talking to the dogs, if there are any. He could get them to search, they could use they noses to sniff around.

I'm also loving the puns! There's clearly been alot of thought gone into this.

Looking forward to the next chappy!

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PostPosted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 8:40 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Alright all you cat Lovers...it's Poll Time...What should Jewel do next?

Should she take care of her most pressing need for food and head to the kitchens...perhaps there will be more information to be had there...or should she forget about her hunger and find the King and Queen and try to alert them of Journey's disappearance...or should she go back and keep an eye on those two mysterious interlopers who areobviously up to no good...or head to the stables to see if there is any evidence of this young boy that Garreth saw...

You decide...
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 19, 2008 1:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

*votes and looks at results* well. that proves what a lovely bunch of thoughtful people we are... *gets some biscuits (bourbons and custard creams!) and eats. Laughing
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 12:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

okay all...gonna leave the poll up for a couple more days (mostly because I'm working till wed) to give the straglers a little more time...but it lookss fairly obvious where we are going with this so at least I can start wrapping my little brain around a few ideas (and thanks Lil for the idea of the dogs...hadn't occured to me but something tells me they might make an appearance...lol)......thanks for the responses and would love to hear some more constructive criticism...thanks...T.
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 1:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sorry for taking so long to catch up (and missing the suggestions), but I'd have said the kitchens first anyway. No doubt the servants gossip could reveal something about the guests.

Nicely written Trav, it's a very interesting way to write a story! Keep it up.
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 20, 2008 2:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Oh absolutely food first. Stay in character!

Great chapter, and can't wait for the next. Also thought it was funny that the character with the lisp also had a 'th' in his name.

Quote:
I don’t think I did thee her. Only perthon I thaw tonight was a young blonde haired boy heading out to the thtableth…but that wath hourth ago. Other than that it hath been quiet around here.


Missed some quotation marks there...

Otherwise, I found it easy to read. Smile
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 4:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

HAA!!

Food wins every time. Very true to life. I would leap through fire for my friends.. but i may stop for nachos first if it's sorta on the way...
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 7:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

This is really good.

With that said, i don't want you to post anymore.

If you keep on writing this well, my scribblings will pale in comparison.

And we can't have that can we?

jk. Very Happy

But, seriously, this is really good.
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 22, 2008 11:39 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Alright...ring the dinner bell...poll's closed...meet you all in the kitchens!!!
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 1:04 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Alright...here is the second chapter...sorry it took so long...had a busy week and alot of troublw getting to my DP with this one...once again I am looking forward to your comments...T.

Chapter the Second

The warmth of the kitchen washed over me as I neared the hole that would gain me access to the room. My chill was soon forgotten but my stomach reminded me that there was still a pressing need to be filled.

I could hear Garreth right behind me sniffing hungrily at the thought of getting into the kitchens, a place not very welcome to rats. I felt bad about what I would have to say, but there was no way he could follow me in there without half of the castle being alerted. He would have to stay behind.

I looked back into his yellow, watery eyes and watched as his small pink nose twitched in the air, trying to take in all the scents that reached him. His eyes met mine and I saw the realization of the situation cross his face.

“I can’t go with you, right?’ Garreth wheezed, looking more forlorn than ever.

“I’m sorry, Garreth, you know how it is. If they catch you in the kitchen…” I left the statement unfinished. We both knew that being caught in the kitchen meant death to a rat.

“I will bring you something to eat. I promise,” I looked at him, feeling guilty, and trying to think of a way to get his mind off of the kitchen sitting so close in front of him. “You could do me a favour, Garreth. A secret favour.”

I saw his eyes light up at this. Garreth considered himself a sneaky fellow so offering him a secret mission was a sure fire tactic.

“What thort of thecret?”, Garreth whispered conspiratorially.

“Back in that other room there are two men. One of them is young and handsome, the other is short and has a shifty look to him. They are up to something but I’m not sure what. They gave me an uneasy feeling. I want you to head back up there and listen to their conversation. See if they let onto what they are planning. Can you do that for me, Garreth,” I asked quietly.

“Thertainly Jewel. You came to the right plathe. Garreth won’t let you down.”

With that he spun around, nimbly, and scurried back up the planks and beams, heading for the mysterious strangers’ room, leaving me alone once again with only the aromas of various foodstuffs to keep me company. I turned and squeezed my way through the hole and into the kitchen.

The kitchens were typical of a castle food preparation area. A large fireplace was the focal point of the room, situated along the outer wall. Further down that wall was a door that led out into the courtyard Upon the hearth above the fire were various bottles and containers containing spices and powders of endless colour and texture. There were tables set up around the perimeter of the room holding pots and pans, plates and bowls and other paraphernalia needed when feeding the royal family. A large door marked the entrance to the pantry and my destination. Luckily, for me, an absent minded cook had left the door open.

I crossed the room in two leaps and began to squeeze my way around the door and into the pantry when I heard a voice from within. The door was not accidentally left open, it was still in use.

“C’mon, you two. Give me some room,” a matronly voice scolded from behind the door.

I heard the scratching sound of claws on stone as the King’s two large bloodhounds came bounding out, followed by Louise, one of the cooks. She was carrying two plates holding large steaks on them, obviously the spoiled dogs’ dinner. Louise shuffled over to the space in front of the fire, the dogs following her every move, and placed the dishes on the ground.


“Now, now, you two,” Louise chided in that silly voice that humans often reserve for us animals, “There is enough for both of you.”

Louise was lucky to get her hands away as Rex and Bruce dove into their dinners. Slobber and chunks of half eaten steak flew around the room reminding me, once again, why I am glad I am a cat, and not a dog. Dogs have no class.

Rex was a proud, stern bloodhound. His black fur streaked with hints of reddish-brown gave him a fierce look. He was truly the king’s dog. His pale blue eyes spoke of a wisdom that was unheard of in the canine species but his long, sharp teeth reminded anybody who saw them that he was not to be trifled with.

Bruce was the opposite of Rex. His fur was a patchwork of black and grey giving him the look of a ratty old blanket that had been dragged through a field. His eyes were of differing colours, one pale blue like Rex’s, the other a deep red like blood. He often had a vacant, far-away look in his eyes, hinting at a lack of activity in the space behind them. His teeth were yellow and many were broken or missing. But Bruce was vicious as many of the local animals would attest to.

I meowed from the corner to get Louise’s attention and when she turned to face me I gave her a forlorn look that, I knew from experience, would melt her heart.

“And what do we have here? A hungry little kitty? Well, I will have to see what I can find you.”

With that, Louise turned and waddled back to the open pantry door, disappearing behind it while whistling a tune to herself. I watched Rex and Bruce finishing their meals, licking their plates clean. My stomach growled bringing me to their attention.

I felt Rex’s pale blue eyes train on me. There was no love lost between myself and these two, but while we were within earshot of one of the humans, I knew I was safe.

“Come to beg for food, Jewel?” Rex hissed at me, the disdain for me dripping from his tongue like the slobber dripping from his chin. “Didn’t your precious little princess feed you tonight?”

Bruce looked up from his plate and laughed, a short staccato laugh that sent shivers down my spine.

I was saved from answering them by Louise’s reemergence from the pantry carrying two small bowls. The one, I knew by the way she held it precariously in her hand, was a small saucer of milk. The other contained a helping of salted herring, cut up and de-boned. I made a mental note to myself to come begging in here more often. She walked over and placed the two bowls down right in between the now empty plates of Rex and Bruce. I saw a small wicked grin cross both their faces.

“There now. All three of you get along now. Ol’ Wheezy has to be getting on with her work. Lots to do. Lots to do.”

With that she hurried out the door and I was left alone with the King’s two brutes.

For a moment we all stood there looking at each other, my eyes darting back and forth, first at Rex, then at Bruce, waiting for one of them to strike. When neither had moved in what seemed like an eternity, I slowly dropped my head, careful not to take my eyes off of them and took a small bite of the herring. It was delicious. I hadn’t realized how hungry I really was but now, having tasted that first bit, I began to eat in earnest.

Neither dog had stopped staring at me and I began to get very nervous. Suddenly Rex lifted his massive paw and brought it down right in my saucer of milk, splattering it everywhere. I turned directly to him, arching my back and letting out a long hiss to show my displeasure. From behind me I heard a slurping noise and turned to see Bruce finishing off my dinner. In one moment these two brutes had destroyed any hopes I had for a peaceful meal. Perhaps it was my hunger, or perhaps the strange incidents this night had already laid in front of me, but I suddenly found myself angry beyond belief.

I bared my claws and swung, swiping Bruce across the nose. He yelped in pain but before I had time to bask in my revenge, Rex knocked me clear across the room, landing by the door to the courtyard. The stories you hear about a cat always landing on his feet are a gross exaggeration. I hit the floor hard and before I even had time to react, I found myself pinned to the floor by Rex’s oversized foot, still dripping with milk from my dish.

“You just made you last mistake, cat.” Rex growled at me, his maw inches from my face. I could see Bruce prowling over, now recovered from my blow, a small trickle of blood dripping from his nose. I took consolation in that blood. If it was to be my last moment, at least it was worth it.

Rex snarled and began to lunge for me but suddenly all three of us were distracted by a large commotion coming from the courtyard.

It sounded as if the entire Kingdom had gathered in the courtyard. People were yelling to each other and I could hear the sounds of the horses from the stables being brought together nearby. Something important was going on.

The three of us turned our heads to the sounds making their way through the kitchen door and I took that moment of distraction to extract myself from underneath Rex’s paw. From behind us the sound of the other door opening turned our heads and there, framed in the doorway was the King.

He filled the doorway from top to bottom. He was dressed in his hunting gear; well-worn supple leather boots with fur leggings to keep his feet warm, leggings made from the furs of some unnamed animal, his tunic was a deep green made to help hide him in the forests and on his head his prized hunting cap. His large red beard hung down over the front of his tunic and he had the disheveled look of someone who was not expecting to be seen at this time of night. I looked into his face and saw the lines of worry around his green eyes and realized, at that moment, that my suspicions were correct. There was something afoot here in the castle.

He looked at the three of us huddled in the corner and gave a stern but brief whistle.

“Rex! Bruce! C’mere now.”

With that he turned on his heel and headed back the way he came. Rex followed him immediately. I had luckily been forgotten in the moment. Bruce brushed by me on his way to the door and I heard him growl under his breath.

“I won’t forget this, Jewel. Sleep with one eye open.”

He turned once more at the door and stared hard at me.

“Bruce!! Get over here you stupid mutt!”, I heard the king yell from down the hall.

And suddenly I was alone but I knew I needed to find out what was happening. The commotion in the courtyard was reaching a crescendo but I was curious as to where Rex, Bruce and the King were heading to in such a hurry. And of course there was Garreth. Oh no, Garreth. How was I going to explain to him about the food. This was turning out to be a long night.
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 1:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Haha, excellent chapter Traveller.

It's got everything you'd expect from a cat's perspective, yet still managing to keep an intriguing claw within the human events. A hard line to walk but one which you're positively somersaulting along at the moment.

There was no mention of the lady closing the pantry door, so perhaps we can pop in and find a bite of cheese or something for our hardworking spy. Maybe another bite for ourselves too, given the rude interuption to our meal.

Do it quick and secrete the food somewhere hidden incase the door gets closed in the meantime, then run out and find out what's got the court so excited.

Happy Writing.
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 1:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think the rat will be mightily pissed off about the food, especially as he's given it up to go and eavesdrop on a conversation for Jewel. I expect he'll want a trade off now. Jewel will have to go find some food to appease the rat and get the info off him.

Good chapter, and the DP was just so in character. Serious stuff going on outside, and all the cat thinks about is what to tell the rat about the food! Very Happy
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 1:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Great stuff there Trav. I don't have anything to add tho, f5 CF all the way here.
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PostPosted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 1:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

You havvvve been deemed worrrrrrrthy.

Ensurrrrre it rrrrrrremains sssssoooooo.

Welcome to FF Trrrrrravvvvvellerrrrr
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PostPosted: Tue Apr 29, 2008 11:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

*Looks about*

You'll have to do something about the spiders, but it's looking very nice in here!

Congrats Very Happy
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PostPosted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 9:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Spiders? In a Fantasy Forest dwelling? I think not! *haughty* Shoo .. back outside, you naughty eight legged things..

DP: I think Jewel should definitely snatch some food from the pantry for himself and Gareth. Hurry, hurry back out for the information the rat is bringing him. Jewel wants to know what happened to his mistress, his worry is not about the King's court being in an uproar. The two men that Jewel sent Gareth after are the most certain way of getting information. (This is from the cat's POV)
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PostPosted: Fri May 02, 2008 8:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Okay...gonna give it another day or so before the poll in hopes that someone or somebodies give a couple of other suggestions for the poll...otherwise I will put the poll up with the obvious choices from the story...but I would like to hear some more...-T.
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PostPosted: Fri May 02, 2008 8:32 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hmmmmm, there's gotta be some way we can plan some premptive strike against the dogs too...

There must be some common castle cats, general rat catchers and the like. Perhaps if we get a moment we can try and organise a rebellion against them. Do our business in their kennels, shed some fleas there too.

Just a random thought.
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PostPosted: Fri May 02, 2008 3:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

This is still good.

I was expecting for your standard to drop, as it seems impossible to me that someone could write two consecutive chapters at that level.

But I have never been happier to be proved wrong!

No ideas on the DP though.
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PostPosted: Sat May 03, 2008 12:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Alright folks...poll's up...not alot of ideas came in this time so I took it on myself to add the 3 most obvious answers...Hope to see more options next time...-T.
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PostPosted: Sat May 03, 2008 9:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

awesome story, trav, i love every minute of it!!!

personally, i think going after the dogs is asking for trouble. I also think that Garreth may be some time in eavesdropping, so i think Jewel has time to go scope out the scene in the courtyard, then snag some food and go get Garreth and get the report.
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PostPosted: Sat May 03, 2008 9:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ha, my vote is winning. Great chapter traveller, I can't wait to read more of journey's witness. Since he got to witness something happening.
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PostPosted: Tue May 06, 2008 9:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

ALright...Poll will be open until I get home from work later tonite...so you got about 14 hours (It is 11am mountain time right now...I get off at Midnight)...Don't let a minority of people make this all important decision for you...Don't forget that one vote can make a difference!!! New chapter will go up shortly after the poll closes or maybe tomorrow...-Traveller
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PostPosted: Tue May 06, 2008 11:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Alright Cat fans...we are going to the courtyard to check out the commotion...see you there!
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PostPosted: Thu May 08, 2008 11:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I apologize for this but it looks like it will be a few days before the next chapter is up...I hoped to get it up today but that is not going to happen and I am going out of town for the weekend...if I get a chance to do some writing, I will but at the very least, I will get things ready to be posted on Monday or Tuesday...sorry again...-T.
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PostPosted: Wed May 14, 2008 1:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here it is, cat fans...Chapter 3...Hope you all enjoy it, the ending feels a little rushed to me but that might be me being overly critical...hope you all enjoy it...can't wait for your comments and suggestions...-T.


Chapter the Third
I watched through a forest of legs, both human and animal, as the King climbed the front stairs of the castle and turned to address the crowd gathered there. He was flanked by Rex and Bruce, and I saw Bruce notice me there and give me a snarl. Stupid dogs.

I had quickly ran from the kitchen after the dogs had left and made my way to the courtyard. Garreth would have to wait. Something momentous was going on here and I knew I needed to find out just what it was.

The castle hallways were deserted except for a multitude of servants running this way and that, obviously preparing for something. Louise passed me on her way back to the kitchens and I briefly thought of following her for a second chance at dinner. I quickly realized that, if whatever was going on was as big as it seems, she would hardly have time for me. I continued out the castle gates and into the courtyard.

My first thought, on reaching the courtyard, was that the festival was about to start again. Almost everybody in the nearby areas had turned out and were milling about, asking questions and getting no answers. Stable-hands were saddling the horses and hooking others up to various carts and wagons. All the horses had that self-important look on their faces that horses always had but I could also see a look of concern on the face of Demetrius, the King’s own huge, black warhorse. I made my way through the sea of legs to where he was tied up and leapt up onto the hitching post to find out what was going on. If anyone would know it was Demetrius.

Demetrius was a giant, even by horse standards and he held the same kingly air about him that his rider had. His jet black hair was groomed to a fine sheen and his mane trimmed to give him a military look. His long, muscular legs looked as if they would never tire or falter and his immense hooves were covered by long black fetlocks, making them appear even larger than they actually were. He was already fitted with his saddle, an ornamental, but effective contraption made of stretched leather over pieces of wood. It’s high back allowed the King to use the impetus of Demetrius to add power to his blows. The two of them, horse and King, made an imposing and dominant team in battle or in parade.

Demetrius, fitting in with his royal stature, was giving out orders to the other animals in the courtyard.

“You there, get your heads up! The humans need our help!”, Demetrius called to a couple of work horses harnessed to a wagon. “And you,” this to a mule who was feeding himself on a patch of thistles sticking up through the cobblestones, “This is no time to be thinking about your stomach.”

“What’s happening, Demetrius? What’s all the hubbub about?” I asked when he had finished berating his subordinates.

Demetrius looked at me incredulously, “You mean you haven’t heard? I thought you would be the first to know.” His voice had that belittling tone that horses are known for. “You should pay better attention to your human, Jewel. The way us horses do. For instance when I am…”

I was saved the rest of the lecture by the sound of three loud trumpet blasts from the front gate of the castle. The King stood before the gathered crowd with his hands raised for attention. By his side were the two strange men that Garreth had been watching. As the noise in the courtyard subsided I saw Garreth looking at me from a dark corner behind them. He had an uneasy look in his eyes that made my stomach shudder from something other than hunger.

The King had the attention of all the humans in the courtyard and he paused to look around at all the faces before he spoke, his voice sounding oddly strained and thin.

“By now many of you have heard the rumours. Journey, my only daughter, is missing.”

I almost fell off the hitching post in my horror. Journey was missing. When I had awoke to find her gone from her bed, I had assumed she had risen to find something to eat or go for a walk to cool down from her earlier outrage. I had not suspected for a moment that she was missing. Guilt ran over me like spilled milk as I wondered if I could have done something earlier. If only I hadn’t been so hungry, then Journey would be…I never finished that thought. I couldn’t bear to think of what could be.

“I appreciate that you have all organized yourselves so quickly in the middle of the night as time is working against us here.” The King continued into the gathered silence. “We will be sending out three search parties along the most obvious routes. Sir Stephen, you will take your men along the North road. Send back word immediately if you find anything…” His voice choked up for a moment before he continued, “…anything at all.”

Sir Stephen stepped forward and smartly saluted his liege before giving a sharp whistle to his troupe, and leaping onto the back of his horse led them off, at full gallop out the main gates and, turning left, headed up the North road, the thunder of their hooves fading in the distance.

The King turned to a group of men, all dressed in green and carrying hunting bows. These men were known for their hunting and tracking prowess in the King’s forests. Their leader, a short, slender man whose name I could not recall stepped forward as the King addressed him.

“Take your Rangers and search every inch of the forests. Do not fail me.”

Without a word, the Rangers turned and ran out the gates, disappearing into the forests that sat so close to the main road.

“The rest of you will come with me down the South road. Mount up. There is no time to lose.

Demetrius took one more look at me as the King mounted him. I could see the pity in his eyes as he was spurred into action and he leapt to the front of a long train of wagons and riders heading right and down the South road.

After the search parties had left, the courtyard was eerily quiet. I could hear the sounds of various animals, still off in their pens but they sounded distant. There was a rushing noise in my ears as my whole world seemed to crash down around me.

Journey was everything to me. She had raised me from a kitten when I had been given to her by one of the multitude of supplicants looking for a favour from her father. She had named me Jewel for the small white marking between my eyes. She said it looked like a diamond set in my golden colored fur. I remember purring with delight at the name. I knew she loved me from that moment on. For years we were inseparable. Wherever Journey went I was always close beside her. I visited many of the neighboring kingdoms with the royal family and always ate from the finest plates, slept on the softest beds and traveled in style. To say my life was pampered would be an understatement.

The thought of living life without her was devastating. And not just for the lack of special privileges. I found I truly cared for this human. I would have to find a way to help her if I could. If I wasn’t too late.

I looked around the courtyard and soon discovered it was not as empty as I first thought. There, walking towards me, across the cobblestones, were those same two men I had seen earlier. They were talking to each other and were trying to conceal two very large grins.

“Are you sure, Father,” Connor, the young handsome one asked as they approached me, “Her disappearing was not part of the plan?”

The short grubby man chuckled as the two passed me on their way to the stables, “This is perfect. No, better than perfect. When you return, having saved the princess, you will be a hero. Then there won’t be any question about you marrying that little…Ouch!”

He grabbed his foot and hopped around like an idiot while I wondered what had gotten in to him. Then I saw a small brown-grey lump scurry away into the stables and laughed to myself at his pain. Good old Garreth had bitten his toe right through his worn leather boots. I felt bad again that I hadn’t been able to get him some dinner from the kitchens. I made a mental note to steal him some of the good cheese next time.

“But Father, how are we going to find her. With all those people scouring the countryside, they are sure to find her first.”

“You just leave that to me, Connor.” He rubbed his toe once more before looking towards the stables. “You just get in there and get our wagon ready. I will be back in a few minutes.” An evil grin crossed his face as he looked back to the castle, “There’s something I need to do.”

With that, the cross-eyed man limped his way back towards the castle and disappeared inside. Connor waited until he was gone, watching him go, before turning and heading into the stables himself. I only hesitated a moment before following him.

The stables were dark and musty with that smell that only comes from being around horses. I paused in the doorway for a moment to look around and saw that the entire stable had been cleared out for the search party. Only one stall was occupied and Connor was heading straight for it.

The horse within the stall, I had never seen before. He was mangy and unkempt, his mane hung shaggily down in front of his eyes. He looked thin and emaciated and had such huge buck teeth. I would have laughed if he hadn’t have looked so pitiful. Connor stroked his muzzle thoughtfully before taking him by his bridle and leading him back outside to where their cart was parked.

I looked up to see Garreth sitting on the fence post of the last stall. He had a mischievous grin on his face and I knew he was congratulating himself for biting Old Cross-eye’s toe.

“Did you thee that Jewel?” He sounded so excited, “He won’t be thaying thoth thort of thingth about the printheth again, will he?"

I chuckled at his exuberance, "You did good, Garreth. Serves him right. Did you find out what they are up to?"

“Did you bring me any food?”

I should have known this was coming. I didn’t want to tell him the truth in case he refused to let me know what these two scoundrels were up to but I didn’t want to lie to my friend either. I figured he would find out soon enough that I failed him so the truth would have to do.

“Unfortunatly, no, Garreth. But it wasn’t my fault. Rex and Bruce were there and they ruined my dinner too. So I barely had anything either. I was going to try to find something more but then I heard all the noise out here.” I hoped this explanation would be enough.

Garreth looked dejected and let out a loud sigh. “That’th alright Jewel. I didn’t exthpect anything anyway. I didn’t really find out much from then anyhow.”

My heart sank at this. Especially now with Journey missing and these two so obviously involved, I was sure Garreth would have overheard the answer.

“Tell me what you did hear Garreth, please.”

The rat looked at me for a long time before he answered. “Well they are definetly not who they thay they are. I heard them thaying that onthe the printheth married the tall one, no one would be able to thtop them from taking over. They thaid that everything wath going according to plan but they had to thtay…what wath the word…vigilante, or thomebody would catch on and then it wath back to the thircuth for both of them. Then one of the guardth came in and thaid the King wanted to thee them and I followed them out here. The retht you know.”

I looked up at Garreth sitting on the ledge and my heart beamed with pride. The little fellow had done good. I now knew that my suspicions were correct. These men were imposters trying to dupe everyone and get the kingdom for themselves They said they would have to go back to the circus if they were caught. They must be from that traveling troupe of performers that were here for the festival. Well, if they are caught, they will be lucky to get back to the circus. I think a trip to the gallows might be more likely.

“You did well, Garreth You more than upheld your side of the bargain. I feel very guilty I could not hold up mine. But now I need to figure out what to do about those two. If they find Journey first, there is no hope.”

“Well, maybe we can find her before they do,” Garreth suggested.

My old friend continued to surprise me today. “Garreth, you are a genius. I could kiss you.”

I thought I saw him blush behind his whiskers and smiled to myself. That was the answer. I would have to head out and track Journey down before anyone else could fiind her.

A noise outside the stables caught my attention and I swung around in time to see Cross-Eyes climbing up into the wagon that Connor had prepared, something blue in his hands.

“What’s that Father?” Connor asked.

“Our insurance policy, Connor. Now get that beast going. I’ll explain on the way.”

With that Connor whipped the sickly horse into a trot and they headed out the gates. I could not see which way they turned from where I was standing. I turned back to Garreth.

“I had better get going. Thank you for all your help Garreth. You are a true friend.” I turned and started to leave but was stopped by Garreth’s whiney lisping voice.

“Not tho fatht, Jewel. I’m coming with you.

I admired his bravery but felt guilty enough about making him miss his meal. I couldn’t make him miss any more.

“You don’t have to do that, Garreth” I said.

“I know I don’t but thothe two impothterth are up to thomething bad and they have made you thad. I want to get them for that.”

I smiled again at this. Sometimes you don’t know who your real friends are until you need them.

“Alright Garreth, you can come,” I agreed, “But we had better get moving. They have a big head start. I don’t know how we will ever catch up.”

“I can help you.”

I leapt at the sound of another voice in the stables. I had thought we were alone. I am not normally superstitious but the sound of that disembodied voice made the hairs on my back stand on end. Garreth looked almost comical as he tried to retain his balance on the ledge. I looked around and still saw no one else but us.

“Wh…who’s there?” I whispered into the silence.

“Just l’il ol’ me.” The voice drawled from one of the stalls on the other side of the stables. Garreth and I raced over to see who it was, relieved at the thought of putting a body to the voice.

We stood side by side on the gate of the stall looking down on the tiniest goat I had ever seen. His fur was black with white patches and he had a long black beard hanging off his chin. Two small horns protruded from his forehead. The horns were quite short, telling me that this goat was still quite young. A rope hung around his neck, tied to a post in the stall and he looked up at us with big eyes that made your heart melt instantly.

“I heard y’all talkin’ ‘bout the princess an’ I wanna help” The kid bleated to us.

“Why would you want to help us? It’s going to be dangerous,” I warned him, hoping to dissuade him

“The princess saved me once an’ if she’s in some sort of trouble, I wanna return the favour. Her father had an inklin’ for some goat meat an the cooks came a’lookin’ or li’l ol Rufus here for his meal. Princess caught wind of it and ran to my rescue. The king was powerful mad, I tell you what, but she wouldn’t let him eat me. I never forgot that. Besides, all them other animals in here always make fun of li’l ol’ Rufus here for being so li’l. I wanna prove ‘em wrong.”

I looked for a long time at the diminutive goat below me. He, too, knew of Journey’s huge heart. How could I say no to him. And besides, I thought, standing around here arguing was only wasting our precious time.

“Rufus, is it?” I asked as he nodded to me. “Well then Rufus, lets get going. Our princess needs us.”

“Yee-haw!!” Rufus exclaimed.

“Garreth, get down there and see what you can do about that rope. I will swing this gate open.”

As Garreth leaped down into the stall and began to gnaw through the ropes tying Rufus down, I began to rock back and forth on the top of the gate, using my momentum to swing the gate just enough that my two friends could slip through the crack. I leaped down beside them and we looked at each other before running out of the stables and standing before the gates.

Garreth was the first to speak the thought that was on all our minds.

“Which way thould we go?”

I looked North, then South, then into the woods.

“Good question Garreth, good question.”

I knew I needed to make my decision quickly. Journey’s life might depend on it.


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PostPosted: Wed May 14, 2008 1:54 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

heh,,,me again...realized I forgot to spell check my chapter before posting but it's almost 4 am here...will do some editting soon...please disregard the spelling for now...plot comments would be appretiated though...T.
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PostPosted: Wed May 14, 2008 2:11 am    Post subject: re Reply with quote

This chapter reminds me of Shrek! Going off to save the princess Very Happy

Quite good anyway, and with no obvious reason on which way to go, I'd say South. Through the woods is a blatant place to go hide, so she won't have went that way. Then its a toss up between South and North.
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PostPosted: Wed May 14, 2008 3:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hmmmmm, there's some tricksy tricks going on here. Ol' Cross eye either knows exactly where the princess is, so can go in the same direction as a search party and know to get there first. Or, he knows they all are going in the wrong direction.

If left is North, right is South, and the forest is straight ahead. That still leaves West (well known summer location for wicked witches).

Whilst puzzling what he meant by insurance in a 'blue thing', I want us to circle around the city/castle and head west.

Great chapter, Trav.

Quote:
I looked up to see Connor sitting on the fence post of the last stall. He had a mischievous grin on his face and I knew he was congratulating himself for biting Old Cross-eye’s toe.
Think you meant Garreth there.

Happy Writing Smile
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PostPosted: Wed May 14, 2008 5:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

just out of curiosity, why would a rat blush at the suggestion of a kiss from a cat?

Would it not be more realistic to run in fear?

otherwise, still great!
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PostPosted: Thu May 15, 2008 4:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Whew... longer one there Traveller..

Hrmmm.... (btw I am loving the accents of Garreth and Rufus! So much personality!)

What the heck, head South I say! Smile (No reasoning why though)
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PostPosted: Fri May 16, 2008 12:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the early comments folks...I realize that I didn't leave y'all much to work with as for why to pick any given direction...suffice to say I do know what lies in each direction so the choices won't be as arbitrary as they seem...will try to give you more to work with next time...T.
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PostPosted: Fri May 16, 2008 3:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
I had quickly ran from the kitchen


run

Quote:
if you find anything…” His voice choked up for a moment before he continued, “…anything at all.”


We don't know this king yet, but I would imagine such a ruler would be strong enough to not choke up in front of his people. Maybe cat can see him looking weary/worried or something in a private moment.

The sentence after this is readable, but rather run-ony.

Anyway, DP:

Well, I'd say follow the man, he seems to know more than everyone else. It's not much, but somewhere to start.

Nice chapter T!
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PostPosted: Mon May 19, 2008 8:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks Chin...will do that edit soon...as for the King...I figured this was his only daughter and the emotions kinda caught up with him...as for the next sentence...you're right...very run on-y...ooops...will watch for that in the future...thanks again for the comments...T.
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PostPosted: Mon May 19, 2008 8:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Very impressive first story Trav.

I have to say, I love your choice of VP character. They way you tell the cat's story as a parallel to the main story, (or vice versa depending on how you look at it) and manage to keep both stories intertwined and distinct, and memorable to us the readers.

What you've decided here it both complex and tricky, yet you are doing a superb job of it. Keep up the good work Trav!

As for the DP, as a cat I know that when in doubt about where to go you simply put your nose on the ground (so that it looks like your searching for something), then bound off in the first direction that looks good.

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PostPosted: Tue May 20, 2008 6:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I agree with Fats. Although cats aren't usually thought of when it comes to tracking, they are able to track by smell. How else do you think little rattings get caught for lunch?

Between Jewel and her friends, and all their assorted noses and talents, they should be able to choose a direction. I bet Garreth has an excellent sense of smell, and all three should be able to track animal signs and the odds-and-ends that people leave quite easily.
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PostPosted: Tue May 20, 2008 6:54 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Doh - of course they can. How silly of me not to realise. Razz
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PostPosted: Tue May 20, 2008 8:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Alright folks...Poll is up...as I said, this poll is fairly cut and dry...but I do know what lies in each direction so it isn't some random choice...The three heroes will stop at the crossroads to sniff out a direction...you need to decide which direction they sniff...Thanks...T.
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PostPosted: Sat May 24, 2008 7:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Poll's closed...looks like we are heading West into the unknown...chapter to be posted soon...T.
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PostPosted: Sat May 31, 2008 2:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sorry this is taking so long folks...been a rough week for me...I know what's going to happen in the next chapter...just gotta find the time to write...soon...very soon...T.
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PostPosted: Sat May 31, 2008 4:17 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

No worries Traveller, take your time.... It is a tale worth the wait, trust me.
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PostPosted: Sat May 31, 2008 6:42 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

.......Wow.......

sigh.... i wish i could inspire an audience to love my literature..... Smile
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PostPosted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 5:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

wow. I gotta adit, for a first shot at a sg (I just rea dup right now) this rocks! I love how the stories remain intertwined, yet different! One thing though, and I relized it from thhe others posts, it's plain the got nad mouse are male, but the gender of the cat, jewel, is unknown. Yes, jewel is a girls name, yet think about it. . .little girls have a tendicy to name evryhting girlish. I love this! Keep it coming!
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PostPosted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 8:15 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

*pokes Traveller* Okay, long enough. Chappy please.
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PostPosted: Thu Aug 07, 2008 8:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I haven't forgotten...its just been a tough summer for me to find the time to write...(The irony of that is I have had nothing but time on my hands as I recovered from some minor surgery but was in too much pain to be inspired)

I have the chapter half written and will try to finish it up in the next couple of days...its going to be pretty long so hopefully the wait will have been worth it...

Sorry to leave you all hanging...T.
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PostPosted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 1:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Alright Folks...here it is. Once again I apologize for the long wait but I hope it was worth it. This is a pretty long chapter and could have been even longer but I cut back on alot of description and shortened the end significantly. Maybe one day in a grand edit I will add everything back in. I hope you all enjoy and that it was worth the wait...T.



Chapter the Forth

The rain poured down heavily, creating a curtain, closing off the entrance to the cave we had found, and obscuring the view of the valley I knew lay below us. I could hear Rufus behind me, deeper in the cave, shivering in his sleep and I thought, not for the first time, of the providence of finding this cave . The alternative, spending a night as a victim to the elements, could have been devastating. As I lay, staring out through the curtain of water, the days events returned to me, reminding me how little time we had.

The day had started out with no indication of the fury to come. The sun was rising in the East, adding some much needed light to our frantic search.

We had stood in the center of the cross-roads, trying to guess which way we needed to go. The wrong decision would not only cost us much needed time, but, with those two imposters on the hunt too, could cost Journey her life.

Luckily, for us, we had Garreth with us. His keen sense of smell had rarely let him down in his search for scraps of food around the castle and now, having had a taste of “Ol’ Cross-eye’s” foot, I was confident he would have no problems tracking them. Rufus and I watched as he scurried around the dusty ground, his nose leading the way. The cross-roads was a mess of criss-crossing footprints, hoof prints, cart tracks and wagon ruts and I heard Rufus wonder aloud what I had been thinking.

“How’s y’all gonna find any scent in all this mess, Garreth?”

Garreth never looked up but continued to snuffle his way around the roads.

“Don’t worry, Rufuth,” Garreth replied, “The nothe alwayth knowths.”

Suddenly, I saw his ears prick up and a shiver ran down his entire body from his nose to his tail. He sniffed at the ground again and a small smile crossed his face as he looked down the Southern road.

“The definetly went thith way, Jewel,” Garreth lisped proudly.

“Are you positive, Garreth?” I questioned, not doubting him but wanting to be sure all the same.

“Abtholutly. I’ll never forget hith thmell,” Garreth grimaced as he continued, “Like a micthture of rotten cheethe and thweaty thtockings. Bleagh!”

I smiled in spite of myself as the three of us hurried along the Southern road, Garreth ranging ahead, still following “Ol’ Cross-eye’s” ghastly scent, while Rufus and I followed.

We walked along in companionable silence for a few minutes, watching Garreth, before Rufus broke the silence.

“I’m a-sure she’ll be aright’, Jewel. She’s a good soul. Me Pappy says that good things happen to good people. That Princess of yourn is mos’ definetly good people.”

I smiled at Rufus’ good intentions. He was obviously trying to cheer me up. But I also knew that he meant every word he said. He owed Journey his life.

“Tell me how she saved your life, Rufus.” I asked him.

Rufus smiled a huge buck toothed goat smile back at me as he recollected his brush with death.

“It twas the last night of the Harvest Festival,” Rufus began his story, staring back into his memory as we walked. “The night was dark but the courtyard was lit up with fires and I stood at the entrance to the barn watching all the revelry. There was jugglers and mummers, singers and dancers, musicians of all shapes and sizes, a-playin’ on every instrument you ever heard of, and some that you never heard of a-fore. But all my attention was caught on the tumblers.

“They were simply beyond description. I found myself drawn outta the barn and towards the spectacle before me. I warn’t the only one who found their antics exciting, I reckon, and soon I was in the middle of a throng of revelers, all “ooh-in’” and “ahh-in’” to every move the performers would make. I watched as a young man, obviously their star attraction, climbed precariously up his cohorts to the top of a pyramid made of their bodies. As he reached the top, the watchin’ crowd erupted in cheers at his showmanship.

“ I looked around at the faces near by me and was surprised to see yourn princess standin’ right next to me, starin’ up at the young man, the admiration on her face for anyone to see. I followed her gaze and saw that the young man was grinning’ back at her, as if he had done the whole show for only her.

“As I watched her face a huge shadow loomed over her and an immense hand came down on her shoulder. She looked up to see her Father grinning’ down at her.

“Oh, Father, isn’t he…I mean…aren’t they wonderful,” She said, looking up to her father.

“They are magnificent, Journey. But it is time to go. You and I need to talk about something very important now. Come on.” He began to steer her away from the crowd as he spoke but she resisted.

“But Daddy, I want to watch them some more. And I was going to get something to eat.”

“This is very important, Journey. And as for food, let me see what I can do.”

“He snapped his fingers and one of his guards stepped out of the shadows and gave him a punctilious salute.

The King allowed his gaze to drift past Journey and locked eyes with me, “Bring that goat to the kitchens and have them prepare him immediately. The Princess and I will be waiting for it in my quarters.”

“The King spun on his heel and began to lead Journey away but suddenly the air was split with a bone chillin’ scream. People all aroun’ the square all spun to see what the commotion was. E'en I wasn’t sure what was goin’ on when Journey threw her arms aroun’ my neck, tears streamin’ down her face.

“Oh Daddy, How could you! You can’t eat this goat. He is just a baby!” Journey wailed as the crowd stood silently watching the scene she was creatin’

“I almost felt bad for the King as his head swung around to look at all the people now starin’ at him and his daughter and their little argument. His face went red and he leaned in close to his daughter. I could feel his hot breath on my beard as he whispered for only Journey to hear,

“You are making a scene, Journey. Now come with me immediately, we have something to discuss.”

“Journey didn’t budge, but kept her voice low in response, “I’m not going anywhere until you promise not to eat this little guy.”

“The King barely glanced at me a-fore sayin’, “Alright, whatever you say. Just come with me now.”

“With that he took her gently but firmly by the shoulder an’ led her away from the starin’ peoples and off towards the castle. I figgered that I was best to get outta there a-fore anyone else got any idears so I ran back to the stables. That’s what happened and now I wanna return the favour. If she’s in trouble…”

Rufus’ thoughts went unfinished as there was a squeak from out little scout up ahead. He stood facing West off the road and was obviously excited about something. Rufus and I ran to catch up.

Garreth was standing by the side of the road looking into the trees that lined it. As we approached, there was two very obvious wheel tracks, swathing their way into the underbrush and disappearing into the forest beyond.

It occurred to me immediately that this must be the cart of the two men we were pursuing as the King was headed South and had no reason to send off any of his soldiers at this random location. If “Ol’ Cross-eye” and Connor had a reason to leave the road here, we had to hurry. They obviously knew something we didn’t.

I smiled my thanks to Garreth as we turned off the road and began to follow the trail the two scoundrels had left us.

We made good time heading through the thick underbrush, and I was pleased as I realized that the cart we were following would not have had as easy a time as we were having. In what seemed like no time at all, we had caught up to the cart sitting abandoned on a scree lined cleft overlooking the Great River than wound its way through the King’s lands.

The river lay below us winding its way, slowly at this time of the year, from North to South through a lush, green valley. Beyond the river the land climbed steadily and quickly to the mountains in the distance. High above the mountains I could see the dark clouds that hinted that the days nice weather would not last.

I looked down the cleft and could see the obvious signs of where our quarry had slid down the scree and knew we could not be that far behind them anymore. I felt relieved to know we were on the right track.

The pitiful looking horse was standing at the front of the cart, looking as abandoned as the cart itself. I moved over to where he stood and leapt up on to a nearby branch where I could look him in the face.


“They left you here, didn’t they?” I said quietly and a little sympathetically.

"They is coming back, they is," The buck toothed horse replied, clearly not believing his own words.

"I think we both know that that is not true," I looked him deep in the eyes as I said this, seeing the resignation as he accepted my words.

"I guess you is right, you is."

The horse began to make a sound I can only describe as crying. It was a sniffling, guffawing whinny that came from deep within him. Rufus, Garreth and I shared a look before Rufus spoke up softly.

"What's yourn name, mister horse?"

The horse gasp between sniffles, "They didn't even gave me a name, they didn't. They just called me "Horse", they did."

"Well you's gotta have a name," Rufus continued, "Didn' yourn mama call you sumpin'?"

The horse's sobs were slowing down as he seemed to be getting a hold on himself, "Well, she did used to call me "Pumpkin'", she did."

"Well we are very pleased to meet you, Pumpkin," I spoke gladly, "My name is Jewel and these are my friends, Rufus and Garreth."

Both my friends greeted Pumpkin heartily and soon the big goofy looking horse was smiling from ear to ear.

"Pumpkin, "I continued when the greeting were over, "Did you happen to see which way those men went after they left you?"

Pumpkin looked proud of himself as he looked over the cleft to the river, "I sure did see them, I did. They had a little boat hidden in the reeds down there, they did, and they hopped on board and sailed on down the river, they did."

I followed his gaze down the river and cursed under my breath. How was I going to follow them now?

"Thank you, Pumpkin. You are a brave and noble steed to be left alone in the woods. But this is no place for you. Garreth, can you do something about his harnesses?" I asked.

Garreth smiled as he scurried up the cart and over to the harnesses holding Pumpkin in place, "Thure can, Jewel. It would be my pleathure."

As Garreth went to work on the worn leather, I looked Pumpkin in the eye again. I could see a new resolve forming within them, "There is one other thing I would ask you to do for us Pumpkin. Once you are free, head back up to the road and head North. Go as quickly as you can back to the castle and into the stables. Wait there until the King's horse, Demetrius returns. Do you know the horse I am talking about?"

Pumpkin nodded and added, "He is the big black one, he is."

I continued, "That's right. When Demetrius returns you tell him everything that has gone on here and that you can lead him back to this spot. Tell no one but Demetrius, is that understood?"

Pumpkin nodded as the harness' fell away. Garreth had proven his worth again.

"Thank you Jewel, and you too Garreth and Rufus. I won't forget this, I won't."

And with that he galloped off back into the brush and towards the road. Our hopes rode with him.

As one we all turned back to stare down the scree lined hill where our quarry had made good on their escape. My skin tingled as the far off clouds let out a rumbling boom from over the mountains.

Without a word, the three of us all began to scramble down the bank and toward the river below. Myself and Garreth moving gracefully, disrupting few rocks while Rufus caused small landslides whenever his hooves slipped, which was often. Luckily there were no major mishaps and soon we were standing within the reeds looking at the wide river stretching out in front of us.

There were obvious signs of the two miscreants being here before us; trampled reeds and a little piece of cut rope that must have been used to secure their boat. The problem facing us now is how we would be able to follow them. None of us were strong enough swimmers to brave the waters of the Great River and, too often, the grassy banks got choked off by large looming cliffs that made travelling along the riverside an impossibility.

My friends must have seen the dejection on my face. I felt like I had failed Journey. I was ready to just lie down here in the reeds and give up. I should have known better that Garreth wouldn't give up so easily.

"Maybe there ith another way, Jewel." Garreth whispered in my ear.

My ears perked up at Garreth's suggestion of hope.

"Another way? What do you mean?"

Garreth smiled as he responded, clearly seeing the attitude adjustment he gave me, "Well, I often travel the cathle at night, and I like to thneak into the King'th private chamberth thinthe he hath all thorth of thtrage and interethting thingth in there. In that room there is a giant map hanging on one of the wallth. If my memory therveth me the river loopth around on itthelf up ahead. It ith running thlow thith time of year and meanderth around quite abit before heading back thith way on the other thide of thith valley. Tho, if we were to thwim acroth the river and head up over the mountainth, we thould be able to catch up with the river again on the other thide. It'th a long thot but we may be able to head them off."

I practically leapt on Garreth and gave him a huge kiss on the top of his head, causing him to blush with an "aw shucks" look on his face. "Garreth you are a genius"

Rufus broke up our reveille, "We had better get to swimmin' then. That is a long road ahead of us, if'n we's a gonna catch 'em. And dem clouds don' look to forgivin', neither."

I looked up and into the mountains, whose tops were now obscured by the fast moving black clouds. Thunder shook the earth and flashes of lightning lit the clouds up. Rufus was right. We had no time to waste.

Without another word we all waded into the shallows of the sluggish waters. I had to keep reminding myself why I was doing this as it is no secret that we cats do not like water. But if Journey needed me, I would swim the ocean for her.

The river did not seem too wide as we began but as the swim continued, I wondered if we would ever get there. The first droplets of rain began to fall before we were half way but being that we were surrounded by water they didn't seem to bother us much.

After what seemed like an eternity to me, my feet stumbled on the rocky river bottom and soon I was wading ashore, my companions on either side of me. We all gave our fur a good shake to get the excess water off but knew it would be a losing battle as, by now, the rain was coming down quire steadily.

By mutual consent we did not stop long at the river side but quickly began to move inland. The roots of the mountains stretched all the way down to here and, although they were tree covered, we found ourselves heading steadily upwards, hour after hour, as the rains became steadily stronger.

The winds had begun to howl around us when Rufus leaned close and yelled in my ear to make himself heard.

"We need to find somewhere to get outta this rain. We ain't gonna make it very far if'n we don'"

I had been thinking along the same lines as I looked down and to my right. Garreth was shivering beside me, his teeth chattering as he bravely tried to continue on. What were we thinking? We were not made for this kind of travelling. I was used to sleeping on fluffy beds or next to a raging fireplace and being fed only the finest of foods out of silver dishes.

I was so lost in these thoughts of self doubt that I walked clear past the opening and would have continued on if I hadn't had noticed that Garreth's chattering had stopped beside me. I turned back to see where he was and saw him standing proudly in front of a low overhang that looked to go deeper into the mountain side. I weakly smiled at him, proud of his resilience once again, as we all squeezed through the opening and out of the rain and wind.

The inside of this little cave was larger than it appeared from the outside and, while not completely dry, we were happy to be out of the worst of it. We were all too tired and cold to do to much talking and soon we were all laying down and soon, looking out of the cave entrance, I drifted off to sleep.

*****

The next morning the dawn broke with no hint of the tempest of the night before. I woke to the distinct smell that comes after the rain and could hear my two companions just beginning to stir behind me. I peered out of the cave and down into the valley below me. We had climbed far higher that I had thought in the storm yesterday and took that as a promising sign. If we could make that kind of distance under those conditions, we should be at the other side of the river's loop in no time.

Garreth darted past me and out of the cave into the beaming sunlight beyond. He was squeaking in delight and doing a sort of dance he was so excited to have survived the vicious storm. I laughed as I watched him and blinked away tears that were forming. I heard a strange whooshing sound and when I looked again, my heart almost stopped. Garreth was gone.

I raced out of the cave with Rufus right behind me and looked around for any sign of my diminutive friend but could see no trace of him. Suddenly from above I heard my name squealed in fear and pain.

"Jeeeeeeewwwwweeeeelllllll!!!!"

I looked up to see Garreth being taken away, in ever climbing circles, by a large eagle.

The bird continued to climb in an ever expanding flight as Garreth continued to squirm and scream for his life. Rufus and I stood, still as the mountains around us, in complete shock, unable to think of anything we could do to rescue our friend.

Just when I began to believe that things couldn't get any worse for Garreth, another eagle, this one dwarfing the one that held Garreth, came circling into view. The two eagles began circling each other, like a dangerous dance, with Garreth for the prize. The larger eagle constantly getting closer and closer to the other who seemed to be trying to get away with his new found treat but to no avail.

Then, suddenly, the larger eagle charged his adversary and Rufus and I held our breath as the in flight dance became deadly.

They locked in combat, the smaller eagle still clinging to Rufus, but they were quickly losing altitude. The battle raged on, the two eagles darting this way and that trying to win dominance over the other. The two winged beasts suddenly collided in the air, just above the river and I clearly saw something small and black drop into the water, causing a small splash.

I stared at the water, the two birds lost to my eyes, looking for any sign that my little friend had survived. I could not see anything from this distance and collapsed on the ground where I stood.

"He sure was one brave rat, Jewel," Rufus tried to comfort me but his words washed over me without sinking in.

Was Garreth really gone. I had to be sure. He didn't deserve this fate. He came along on this adventure because he was my friend and now he may be...I couldn't bring myself to even think of that word yet. Not until I was sure.

Rufus looked at me expectantly, wondering what we were going to do next. I realized that I had no idea. I knew I should continue on the trail of the two men we had been pursuing but my heart wanted to race back to the river to answer the burning question in my heart. There was also a seething need for revenge on those two birds but I had no idea how to achieve that. The one thing I did know was I needed to make a decision now
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PostPosted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 4:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! *cries and sobs*

GO BACK AND FISH HIM OUT! CATS CAN FISH YOU KNOW! *shrieks*



(excellent chapter)
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PostPosted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 1:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Not Garreth! I love the rodent with the lithp!

Hang on a minute, Garreth said that if they cross the river it loops round and they may be able to head off the men in the boat. Garreth is in the water already - he'll be carried along with the current, and will probably be too far down the river for them to catch by the time they get to the waters' edge. Rats can swim so he has a chance - I would have thought he'd be a better swimmer than the cat or the goat...

I think they should continue with Garreth's original plan, cross the river, and get to the other side - if they move now, they'll have time. If they find Garreth in the river alive later on, it will be a bonus. But for now the little rat will have to fend for himself.
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PostPosted: Sun Aug 24, 2008 12:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the comments Lil and CF...I am going to leave this open for a couple more days in hopes that a few more of my former readers return to the fold...I hope I haven't lost too many with my hiatus but fear not...The tale is far from over...T.
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PostPosted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 1:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Alright...so it doesn't seem like I'm gonna get anymore comments on this chapter so I might as well put the poll up...hopefully some more readers will return (or join, c'mon, its only 4 chapters in) If there is not alot of response I will try to bring the story to a close soon...might take another chapter or two...I've got another idea brewing...but I would really like to finish this story properly so PLEASE tell all your friends that there is a cat, a rat and a goat (not to mention a missing princess)that really need their help...T.
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PostPosted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 4:32 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sorry Trav, just caught up. I'd have suggested something along the lines of CF's idea anyway, so voted accordingly. Very Happy
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PostPosted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 12:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Voted, Traveller, ... hehe.. get the poor rat out soon? He was one of my favorites. Sad
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PostPosted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 10:26 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

...and voted. Ah. Neck and neck. May the best suggestion win! heheee... Very Happy
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PostPosted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 3:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

poor lil rat. good chapter, trav, well worth the wait. sorry it took me two weeks to read it *sheepish*
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 2:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sorry, been out of the loop for a while.

Great Chapter Trav, this is a great story and I eagerly await the next installment!
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PostPosted: Sat Sep 13, 2008 2:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ahhh! I didn't know you had a storygame until I saw your nom in the Sept SGOTM thread (congrats, btw). I really like it! Keep going, and I'll be sure to follow it!
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PostPosted: Sat Oct 18, 2008 8:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Alright my vote won. Wink Hey you still around Traveller?
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PostPosted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hello my little Ifian Cat Lovers!!! I'm Back!!!

Thought I would bring Journey's Witness back to all of your attentions as a new chapter will soon be coming. Just trying to refamiliarize myself with the story and where our favorite cat, rat and goat are going. In that vein, I am going to reopen the poll here (which, in actuality, was never closed) for anyone new who wants to join our adventure for the next couple of days while I try to get a new chapter out from behind all the spiderwebs I allowed to grow in my head...T.
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PostPosted: Sat Sep 05, 2009 12:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Looking forward to it! Very Happy
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PostPosted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 12:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Poll is officially closed and I am currently writing the next chapter.

Looks like we need to go backwrads before we go forwards so it is back down the mountain to (hopefully) locate our little lisping friend.

Chapter the Fifth will be up in the next few hours...looking forward to hearing your opinions after such a long hiatus...T.
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PostPosted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 8:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Here it is, folks...The long awaited Fifth Chapter of Journey's Witness. I have literally been sitting in front of my computer all day but I am happy with the direction it has gone even if I am not thrilled with the DP...but I'll let you be the judge. Looking forward to your feedback...Traveller.



Chapter The Fifth

The next few hours seemed like days as we picked our way back down the mountain towards where we had last seen Garreth enter the water. Even with the river lazily meandering along its route, I held little hope that we would find my little friend.

My memories of the journey back down the mountain consist mainly of absent-mindedly watching the play of the rising sun off of the multitude of water droplets falling from the leaves or being kicked up out of puddles along the forest floor by Rufus. The goat had noticed that I was lost in my grief over Garreth and had taken charge, leading me on our quest to find the apparently drowned rat while I allowed my thoughts to drift back to when I had first met my friend.

*****

I had heard the humans refer to the winter I had been adopted by Journey as the coldest in recent memory and I was inclined to believe them. Luckily, my young fur was thick and insulated me well and I found great adventure exploring my new surroundings while most others were huddled around the fires in attempts to stay warm in an extremely draughty castle.

I was prowling along a corridor, sparring with the other cat that seemed to be following me very closely. Whenever I passed a window or torch, there she was. But she seemed to virtually disappear otherwise and, try as I might, I could not catch her. In one of my attempts to pounce on her, I landed against a door which swung open under my attack. Finding no resistance where I had expected a solid door, I made a very uncharacteristic, ungraceful landing, sliding across the polished stone floor, legs flailing, until I came to rest under the corner of the bed.

I quickly righted myself and nonchalantly looked around, making sure no one saw my un-cat-like entrance into the room but, luckily for my pride, no one was there.

The room I was in was what I had come to consider as ‘typical’ for humans. The large, wooden bed I was currently under dominated the room. A small table with two chairs sat near the window and a small but functional fireplace was situated along the wall opposite the door. No fire burned there now, though, and the chill in the room was almost unbearable.

Satisfied that no one was around, I turned to head back to the door and see if I could pick up the trail of that elusive cat when a strange anomaly caught my eye.

Situated almost in the exact center of the wall, hidden under the bed, was a small hole. It occurred to me that my mysterious prey might have slipped through this hole while I was sliding around on my back and so, crept over to investigate. I quietly slipped my head through the opening and gasped at what I saw.

I was looking down into a shaft that seemed to run the entire height of the castle. Wooden beams ran across the opening in all directions, providing support for the stone walls surrounding it.. Countless rays of light criss-crossed throughout the shaft, illuminating the tiny particles of dust that floated in the still air and gave the entire scene a mystical air that sent a shiver down my spine that had nothing to do with the cold.

I quickly realized that the rays of light were coming from countless other holes in countless other rooms throughout the castle. I had found a secret access to the whole castle and was so overjoyed at my discovery, I completely forgot my elusive prey. The wooden support beams would allow me to climb, up or down, with a series of short jumps and balancing acts. Two unremarkable feats for a cat.

For the next few moments I sat with my head through the hole, looking both up and down, trying to decide which of the many access holes I would try first when suddenly, and without warning, my senses were awash with the most wonderful scents, drifting up from somewhere far below me.

The warm, earthy smell of fresh baked bread, the succulent tang of roasted meat, the sharp scent of spices all rushed up and hit me in the face like a brick wall, causing me to lose control. I watched in bemused surprise as a long strand of my saliva hung momentarily from my mouth before dropping into the darkness far below. There and then I knew my decision was made for me. One of the multitude of holes below me led to the kitchens and it would be a small matter of following my nose to find it. I set off immediately through the hole and onto the first beam.

I began the long decent, leaping from beam to beam, deciphering the maze of supports that had become my stairway. Only twice did I have to turn back and find another route but soon found myself understanding the pattern of the beams and made short work of the rest of the distance between my nose and the wonderful scents below me.

I soon discovered that the hole I was being led to was the bottommost hole in the long shaft and as I leapt from the last beam to the dusty stone floor I was anticipating the feast that I imagined lay before me. I turned to the hole and crept slowly towards it, sliding my head through the hole.

The vision before me was breathtaking. I had visited the kitchens many times before with Journey but had never seen it from this vantage point, and had never seen it this full. Many cooks and servants ran around, shouting or obeying orders and preparing all sorts of foods that covered every flat surface available. I was about to climb out of the hole to see what I could find when I heard the unmistakable barking of Journey’s father’s brand new puppies moving quickly along the passageway leading to the conventional entrance into the kitchens.

I had been “introduced” to Rex and Bruce only a few days ago and it was quickly apparent that we were not to be best of friends. Since then I have been chased around the castle halls too numerous times to count, and the idea of running into them now did not appeal to me one bit so I stayed where I was, peering out of the hole.

Apparently, I was not the only object of their wrath as someone or something preceded them through the kitchen door by mere moments. A small grey blur zigged and zagged around the feet of all the inhabitants of the room with the two stupid brutes hot on its tail. Suddenly the whole room was in turmoil as laden trays went flying in the air, scattering their contents across the floor, the tables and the people. Someone was screaming and the another lady was chasing the three of them with a broom. I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself but my merriment was short lived as I suddenly realized that the little grey blur was heading my way…

…WHAM!!

I was bowled over as the blur came rushing through the hole to safety from the dogs. The two of us were suddenly entangled as we tumbled head over heels before coming to a rest against the far wall of the shaft. I lay there for a few moments, upside down, while I waited for the room to stop spinning before untangling myself from whatever had collided with me.

There before me was the smallest rat I had ever seen. Even back then Garreth’s fur had a splotchy, unhealthy look and I saw the glassy, weepy look in his eyes that I would discover was common for him.

I looked behind me to see the snouts of the two dogs, trying to force their way through the far too small hole while the people in the next room attempted to restrain them. Perhaps if the next few moments had played themselves out different, I would never had become friends with Garreth but that little rat earned my respect when he scampered over to the hole and took a nip out of Bruce’s nose, sending the dog whimpering away with Rex following behind him.

He turned around, looking quite proud of himself before he startled when he realized he was face to face with a cat. The silence that followed was unbearable as both of us waited for the other to make a move.

Now, all my cat instincts were screaming at me that I was looking at dinner, but watching that rat stand up to Rex and Bruce made me fight against nature and after a couple of introductions a great friendship and alliance was born. Together, Garreth and I used the secret shaft to explore the castle, stealing food and generally making the lives of Rex and Bruce a living hell.

*****

I was brought out of my reminiscence by Rufus’ slow drawl, rushing me back to the present from so many years away.

“If’n y’all are trying to join Garreth, keep on a-goin’ that way.”

Although my eyes must have been open all along, I only began to see again when I heard Rufus’ warning. I looked around to notice I was only one step away from falling into the river myself. Rufus had led me down the mountain in my grief and I had almost repaid him by walking right into the river myself.

“Rufus, my friend,” I said as I looked deep into his concerned eyes, “I imagine I have not been much company today, but you led the two of us back to the river to look for Garreth and for that I am forever grateful.”

“T’was nothing’, Jewel. My mama taught me long ago to let someone have the time they need with their grief.”

“Well, once again, Rufus, your mama’s wisdom has served you well,” I smiled weakly at him as I spoke, “I needed that quiet time. I am scared Rufus. What if we don’t find him?”

Rufus shook his head, “Don’ y’all go thinking’ that way, Jewel. We’re a-gonna find him. If’n there’s one thing I’ve gone and learned about Garreth it’s that it’ll take a lot more than a little fall to stop him.”

We began to pick our way along the reeds and grasses that lined the Great River as it carved its way through the King’s land. With every step, I half expected to see his water-logged, lifeless body laying there but mile after mile we searched without any sign of Garreth. I found my hopes rising and falling over and over as I despaired about not being able to find him and then feeling relief about not having found him yet. Suddenly I was brought out of my thoughts again by Rufus calling to me from the top of a small hill he was standing on.

My heart raced as I ran to where he was standing. Had he found him? Was he dead or alive? I could see Rufus staring across the river but could not see what he was seeing as the grass was far too long.

“What is it, Rufus?” I asked as I ran up to him, trying not to sound too panicked but realizing I failed at that as the words left my mouth. “What do you see?”

“Shhh…Look over there,” he nodded with his head at the point he was watching and then, seeing I was too short to see what he could see, motioned for me to hop up on his back for a better vantage point.

I immediately saw what Rufus had seen and the sight made my stomach leap as I tried to make sense of the scene before me.

There, on the far bank, caught up in a jam of fallen trees was an overturned boat. From the way it was lying on top of the other flotsam it was apparent that it had just landed there and by the condition of it, not on purpose. Huge holes were ripped in the bottom of the boat and long scratch marks down the side told the story of the misadventure the boat and its occupants had had.

“It must have been the storm last night,” Rufus whispered to me and I nodded in agreement. “Do y’all reckon it was them?”

I knew he was thinking about ol’ Cross-eye and Connor and the same thoughts were rolling around my brain. We knew that the two of them were on the river last night when that storm hit and forced us into the cave. Had it caused them to have this disaster as well? From where Rufus and I were standing, there was no sign of either of them, but I knew that didn’t mean much as we did not have a good vantage point from here. My dilemma was that I was not sure if it really mattered. If those two had not survived the storm last night were we really in any different of a situation. Journey was still missing and Garreth was still…well, missing as well. I had another decision to make. Do we take another detour to the other side of the river to investigate the overturned boat? The swim would not be easy and the boat could be completely unrelated to our search, in which case we would be wasting a lot of valuable time. Or do we continue along the river in hopes of finding Garreth. As much as it pained me to think this, our chances were getting slimmer as the time went. If he had miraculously survived, he would be a long way from here. I just knew that somehow. Besides, the river was starting to turn and enter the steep cliffs where we would not be able to walk along its banks any longer. My heart would not let me forget about Journey either. I knew that this decision could be the difference between success and failure, between life and death.
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 4:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

If I remember right from the previous chapters, the animals are trailing 'Ol Cross-eye and Connor' who took off in that boat. They're supposed to know something about Journey's dissappearance, right?

Well, if the boat is wrecked, I think it is unlikely that it will yield many clues, although there may be some scent that they can pick up from there. If the humans survived, they'd have gone ahead on foot.

As for Garreth - if he was not able to escape the river, he'd be over those steep cliffs by now, and dead. If he did manage to swim to safety, he'd be heading off elsewhere over land, too.

Not much point in chasing a dead body over the cliff - Journey's best bet IMO is to check out the boat and see if she can figure out what direction the humans have headed. Her best and only hope for Garreth is that if he survived, he continued on ahead.

Examine the boat!
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 2:34 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think its still too early to give up chasing down the rat. Use your cat instincts to pick up the trail of the critter, as if you were hunting him. I doubt the boat would provide much for clues, but we can always go back for it anyhow.

Wonderful story traveller. I'm glad I took the time to read it through. I'm onboard now. Keep up the good work!
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PostPosted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 6:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

It's Decision Time!!! Is Jewel going to swim across the river and check out the boat...or will she continue down river looking for Garreth (knowing that she may have toturn back when she reaches the cliffs) or get back to her search for Journey and head back cross country to cut off the river's loop?

You Decide!!
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PostPosted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 1:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I voted for check out the boat. Fate has a funny way of changing pace in the most unusual places.
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PostPosted: Tue Sep 22, 2009 12:41 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Woohoo... caught myself up with this, T. Was a most pleasant surprise to discover there were two chapters for me to read.

And great chapters they were. I loved the flashback to when Jewel first met Gareth. The undignified sprawl across the polish floor tickled me.

Personally I think there's been a distinct lack of calling out for Gareth as they've wandered the riverbank. If he made it to shore then he's likely holded up somewhere, shivering and trying to get warm, possibly exhausted and dozing. They could have easily missed him.

I agree that searching the boat is unlikely to yield much to go on. All the water, from both the river and rain, would have washed away any useful scents. It's just a long swim for nothing in my opinion. And yet another swim back again if they then decided to go over the mountains. Jewel is yet to get anything to eat. Another two swims is a waste of limited energy.

Back to the mountains via the riverbank again, this time calling out for Gareth incase he is holed up somewhere.

Happy Writing Smile
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 23, 2009 6:24 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Almost a week into voting and we have a three way tie!!! I am hoping to do some writing in the next couple of days so get your votes in now, please! There's a cat that really needs your help!...T.

(p.s. Thanks to those who have voted and commented already...would love to hear some more comments if you have the time)
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PostPosted: Wed Sep 23, 2009 8:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yay caught up! Continual good work Travs.

Which means i get to choose. MWAHAHAHAHA!

I'm leaning towards checking out the boat, since i feel that Garreth either got out of the river himself or died. Either way, there isn't much Rufus and Jewel can do for him at this point.
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PostPosted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 11:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I was about to close the poll but suddenly realized that we got a tie again...Gonna give it till tomorrow in hopes of a tie breaking vote...otherwise I will vote and break the tie...Act Now...Limited Time Offer...Your vote could make the difference...T.
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PostPosted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 4:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well you got me into it T Smile. I think they should check out the boat. Hope that gives an edge in the poll.
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PostPosted: Sat Sep 26, 2009 12:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Poll is closed...we're going back across the river to check out the boat...chappy should be up in a few days...T.
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PostPosted: Sat Sep 26, 2009 1:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Excellent!

And welcome aboard, Eva Ree!
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PostPosted: Sun Sep 27, 2009 1:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thank you! I've never been a part of something like this before, so it should be fun.
To Traveller, I must say, the thing I enjoy a lot about your writing is your vocabulary! It's fantastic Smile
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PostPosted: Mon Oct 05, 2009 8:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've enjoyed this story immensly so far and look forward to the next chapter. I have been immensly pleased over the discovery of the unique characters that inhabiting this story. Perhaps because I love cats.....and the fact that you have created unique characters indued with easily identifiable personalities and quirks while at the same time avoiding the cliche. Delicatly and amusingly done, Traveller. Sorry if I reinstated the tie with my vote...
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Traveller
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Joined: 02 Apr 2008

Posts: 148
Location: Whitby, Ontario

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Strata-gems

PostPosted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 6:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hey Cat-Fans...just wanted to drop a little note to say I haven't forgotten about y'all...Just having a little trouble with this chappy...I got the first couple of sentences and know what happens next...but after that...nothing...but I am working through this block and hope we all won't be waiting much longer (I say we cause I am excited to see what happens next, too)...T.
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Pyrrhic
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Joined: 01 Jan 2014

Posts: 12
Location: Earth

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PostPosted: Thu Feb 20, 2014 9:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ok, I haven't caught up completely yet, but I have to say I love the back-and-forth with the animals. You've done a good job of personifying them. Will have more to say in the future.
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Pyrrhic
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Posts: 12
Location: Earth

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Strata-gems

PostPosted: Wed Feb 26, 2014 11:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Finally caught up. Poor little rat! He's my favorite so far. I continue to enjoy how you personify the animals, and how you use their perspective to explain the human world they live in. I'm pretty sure I know where Journey is now, but I'll wait and see what you have planned Smile
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Which Way To Go?
Head across the river and check out the wrecked boat?
44%
 44%  [ 4 ]
Continue down river in our search for Garreth?
22%
 22%  [ 2 ]
Head back cross country, cut off the river loop and resume the search for Journey?
33%
 33%  [ 3 ]
Total Votes : 9
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