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This story takes place during the autumn just after Dominic Bastian Vanlyone's adventures in the Greek isles and in the sealed demon world of Agassia. (SE-04 Hellacious Mythica)

SE-05 An Arabian Night By Darrel James Vanwinkle (Writing as Ratseye) 12/24/2002-02/16/2003

The mid-October autumn colors were cascading their beauty across the vast expanse of the Wayne family ranch lands in the National Scenic Riverways, and the nearby City of Rocky Falls was once again vibrant in the accompanying beauty as well. Richard Robert Wayne, the brother to Sheridan "Shane" Irving Wayne, had been called back to Texas to handle a family emergency. Shane had hired a local male teenager, Faroth Planes Walker, to help care for the horses and cattle. Faroth was a 15 year old, lean but muscular figure. He had spiked bright orange hair, and had bright glittery sky blue eyes. His tanned skin was from the results of constant outside play. He wore a tight, blue tank-top shirt and ripped off blue-jean shorts that revealed his defined calves. He wore Nike sneakers with Nike logos on the socks. The work was not very hard to handle with the help of all the other hired ranch hands.

Shane and Faroth had driven into the city at the request of the post office general. While the postmaster spoke with Shane, Faroth examined the huge crate that had arrived from Germany. Soon, Shane had joined Faroth to look at the special delivery crate.

Faroth exclaims, "What the heck is this, Shane?"

Shane examines the double-wide German crate. "Well, first of all, it is not addressed the Wayne's. It is addressed to a friend of mine, Dominic Bastian Vanlyone. Secondly, we are going to transport this delivery to Dominic's place, and then, you and I are going to forget about this."

Faroth arches an eye. "Forget about it? How can I forget something this huge?"

Shane sighs quietly. "Faroth. Dominic receives deliveries like this one all the time. Usually, the Tanner sisters are called to pick up deliveries like this one. Today, I was called to pick it up. We never snoop into what are in these deliveries. We merely deliver and forget. I expect you to obey this sacred trust. Believe me... there are some mysteries you really do -not- want to know, Faroth."

Faroth blinked his eyes. "I find that hard to believe, Shane. But I will do as you ask." He secretly thinks, (I will do as you ask, but you cannot force me to forget about this.)

Shane smiles. "Don't worry, Faroth. I will make this up to you." Shane uses the post office's John Deere forklift to load the huge crate into his heavy duty Dodge Ram pickup truck. Soon, Shane and Faroth were driving out the familiar highway towards the Vanlyone mansion.

At the front the gates, Shane honked the truck horn twice fast, then one long horn blast. Faroth was very surprised at this maneuver. The gate soon slid open, and Shane drove the truck forward into the now familiar driveway circle. Shane got out of the truck, and walked up to the mansion's front door, where he cautiously gave the secret warning knock to warn anyone within that strangers who were unaware of the strange goings within and around the mansion. However, Faroth took careful notation of the almost top secret maneuvers that Shane was taking to evidently warn someone within of Faroth's presence. Faroth was sure that this was more than the usual visitor should encounter. For now, Faroth kept quiet. He decided to walk around the property while Shane unloaded the huge crate.

Faroth was soon within the Vanlyone stable house and barn. This building housed some of the more odd items and bizarre things stored away in literal secret rooms and hidden chambers. Faroth had begun his soon to be never forgotten adventures into the lost mysteries of Chess agent, Jansen Tanner. (See F1)

PART ONE: The Tome of Morgaine

Faroth was surprised indeed when he accidentally tripped the lever that opened the passageway to the secret stairway. Such an entrance seemed to just beg to be explored. Faroth slowly descended the hidden staircase and soon, was within Jansen Tanner's Quarantine Vault. Faroth slowly walked through the museum like treasure vault. Faroth saw all manner of things stored down here yet only paid attention to the more obvious items set aside to themselves.

One such item was the glowing silver bound leather covered Celtic book sitting on a pedastal all to itself. Faroth slowly approached the tome and tried to see what words were upon its cover. (Libramus Morgaine.) Faroth read to himself. (Sounds mega important.) Faroth opened the tome and was surprised to see the black clad Irish Gaelic armored knight on the first page suddenly lift his head and exclaim, "Is it time, noble sire?"

Faroth blinked his eyes. "Um, time for what?"

The knight replied, "My release. Agent Tanner promised me that he would inform me of when my release was to take place. Is it time?"

Faroth was unsure of what to say for a moment. Then surprising himself, he truthfully answered, "I am not Agent Tanner. I am Faroth Planes Walker. My teachers call me Mr Planeswalker, whenever I am in some sort of trouble, but you can call me Faroth. Who are you?"

The knight smiles and responds, "I am Sir Kaye of Westmere, a noble knight. You can call me Kaye."

Faroth smiles. "Pleased to meet you, Kaye. So, how did you get stuck in this book?"

Sir Kaye replies, "Alas, Faroth, an evil warlock did weave a spell on me and I was confined within this tome until a walker from afar bid me my release. Agent Tanner promised me that I would be released when the Westmere arose from the sea."

Faroth hums. "I am a walker from afar. Far-oth Walker? Get it? So how do I free you?"

Sir Kaye replies, "If you are the one to release me, then simply say aloud, I bid thee forth, and I will magically released."

Faroth smiles, thinking, (Mr Tanner will be pleased that I was able to help his knightly friend.) Faroth speaks aloud, "I bid thee forth."

Suddenly, there is a gathering swirling fog engulfing Faroth entirely! When the fog clears, Faroth finds himself standing in a grassy clearing of a forest. He looked around for Sir Kaye, then looked up at the rectangle in the sky. Standing out in the vault where Faroth had been standing was Sir Kaye. Faroth yells, "Hey! Sir Kaye! What is going on?"

Sir Kaye looks into the picture and smiles. "Isn't it obvious, fool? I am not Sir Kaye. I am Lord Morgaine. I -lied- to you. Merlin himself trapped me in that indestructable tome eons ago, and you just freed me. Thank you ever so much. Enjoy your stay in that enchanted forest."

Lord Morgaine is seen walking away from the rectangle in the sky. Faroth yelled out loud. He felt like kicking himself. "I can't believe I was tricked so easily. I -will- find a way out of here, and when I do: I'll kick his ass."

Faroth, after having tried to reach the rectangle in the sky futily, was soon exploring the enchanted forest for anything that could help him get free of this prison. He was thankful when he came across the small middle ages village with the old tower on the back hill standing guard over the medieval setting. Faroth approached a shepherd boy tending his sheep flocks.

"Excuse me. Is there someone I can speak to about Lord Morgaine?"

The shepherd boy looks to Faroth and releases a breath. "He tricked you, didn't he? Well, you're not the first. He got all of us. But there is a way out."

Faroth blinked his eyes. "There is a way out? Where is it?"

The shepherd boy smiles. "Promise to get us all out and I'll show you the way out. The last visitor we had was some sort of white knight. He got help from the old man in the tower. Had I a chance to ask him to help us then, we might've been free of this place. I am begging you to save this village and all who live within it."

Faroth lowers his head. "I promise to do whatever I can to free this village. And you and your people." (Damn. This has just gotten deep. How am I going to do this?)

The shepherd boy smiles. "Help me get this herd corraled and I'll lead you to the Cave of Trials." Together with Faroth's help, the two boys get the sheep penned up in the holding corral. Then, Faroth is lead off to the mystical Cave of Trials. "The white knight made it through here, so it is possible to get through this cave. If you are lucky, you will make it out of the tome. Just remember your promise to us. I am counting on you."

Faroth entered the Cave of Trials. Standing within Faroth is confronted by a bodyless armored knight. The knight speaks, "Only those pure of heart, pure of mind, and pure of strength may pass by me. Will you except this test?"

Faroth, with his straightest face he can muster, replies, "I'm not here to take the trials. The old man wants you to come to his tower. ASAP."

The knight is taken aback by this. "The old man wishes to see me? I thank you, messenger." He heads off at a run out of the cave.

Faroth slowly smiles. (That was easy.) Faroth heads off at a run through the now unguarded cavern. Faroth soon arrives at the final gate and he stops. (All I have to do is pass through this gate and I'll be free.) He stands there looking at the gate. (I... I...) He turns and looks back through the cavern. The knight had returned and is standing there with arms crossed over the other. "I can't do it; not like this." Faroth walks back to the knight.

The knight unfolds his arms. "Why did you stop? You tricked me into removing myself from your path. There was nothing to stop you from escaping. Yet you return. Why?"

Faroth sighs, head lowered a bit. "Had I continued, I would have been no better than that wicked Lord Morgaine. And I know I am better than him."

The knight rests a gauntlet on Faroth's shoulder. "Go on, Faroth Planes Walker. Your heart and mind have given you purity, and through your return to me, you have gained strength. Is there any request that you have to make known?"

Faroth replies without hesitation, "I promised the shepherd boy that I would find a way to free his village and people from this tome prison."

The knight replies, "Seek forth the arcane prince and ask him for a place to restore an unjustly sealed village and its people. Now go forth, Sir Faroth, and remember what you have learned here."

Faroth heads back to the gate and leaps through the misty barrier.

As Faroth lands back in the vault, he quickly notices that he was not alone there. The demon horse, Damon, is standing there with a beer in hand. The wererabbit, Pablo Kingston, is also standing there. Pablo exclaims, "I told you I heard something down here."

Damon looks at Faroth and partially rolls his eyes and shakes his head. "You must be Faroth. Shane thought you headed back into town. Dominic will not be pleased with this. You have a lot of explaining to do, Mr. Walker."

Moments later in the mansion's office/den, Faroth is standing before the desk facing Dominic Bastian Vanlyone himself. Damon is sitting in his usual chair, drinking his beer, and Huckleberry Slyfingers, the ferret from the Furry Realms (See F2), is serving Dominic some herbal tea. Dominic calmly listens to Faroth's tale, then leans back a little.

Dominic says, "So you've accidentally released Lord Morgaine and accepted a quest from Bryan Dale, the shepherd boy." Dominic smiles. "You have to finish what you've started."

Faroth blinks his eyes, his mouth agape. "What do you mean? You're not mad?"

Dominic turns and grins at Damon, then turns to Faroth again. "In this household, if you give your word on something, you keep it. And you promised Bryan Dale that you would help them. I am holding you accountable to that promise. As for Lord Morgaine, he won't get far. This is Rocky Falls, Missouri, not Camelot, England. He will cross paths with the wrong person eventually, and then..." He pauses and grins. "No more Lord Morgaine."

Faroth lowers his head. "How am I going to find the arcane prince? I don't even know where to look."

Dominic and Damon both smiled, simultaneously. Dominic replied, "I know where the arcane prince is. But you'll need my help to get to him. His name is Kavan Keefe, and he's a very good friend of mine. His respect is well deserved." (See F3)

Faroth arches an eye. "Just like that? You're just going to let me do this?"

Dominic replies, "Faroth Walker. You haven't done anything worse than any of the stunts I've pulled. So I see no reason to prevent you from continuing in your adventure."

Soon afterwards, Dominic and Faroth were standing before Kavan Keefe, the arcane unicorn prince of The Realm. Dominic introduced Faroth to Kavan, then sat back and watched Faroth perform his duty. Faroth nervously explained his promise to Kavan and of his being sent to the arcane prince. Kavan waited until Faroth was done talking, then escorted the two humans to a secluded portion of The Realm. Faroth was surprised on how similar the area was to the village he had seen in the enchanted tome. Kavan had Faroth and Dominic stand back as he began the magical ceremony from unsealing Bryan Dale's village: people, animals, and all. Faroth watched in surprising awe as Kavan worked his power through his spiraled horn.

After several hours of chanting and focusing, the entire region lit up in a healing glow as the the entire contents of the Tome of Morgaine emerged forth into reality once again into the pre-selected semi-forested valley. Bryan rubbed his eyes as the flash of brilliant light cleared, then smiled greatly when he saw Faroth standing near the white knight and the arcane unicorn.

Bryan hugged Faroth and excitedly praised him for keeping his promise. By the end of the day, Kavan escorted Faroth and Dominic back to the archway connected The Realm to Dominic's Mansion. Dominic bid Kavan a fond farewell, with a kiss, then Dominic and Faroth traveled home to the mansion through the gateway.

Once back in the mansion, Dominic called Shane on the telephone to come pick up Faroth. Shane was soon driving Faroth back to the Wayne ranch in the pickup. Shane was surprised that Dominic was not upset from Faroth's discovering the secrets of the mansion and was further surprised when Dominic not only suggested that Faroth not be punished but be allowed to return. Faroth too was surprised by that but he was still feeling quite well indeed for being seen as a hero in the eyes of Bryan Dale's village.

Around 10:00 P.M., Shane and Faroth were watching the KJAG-TV News. One particular story caught Faroth's eye while Shane was off in the kitchen getting himself another beer.

"...and the man dressed up as a black armored knight continuously claimed to be Lord Morgaine. Fortunately, the Rocky Falls Police Department was able to subdue the deranged lunatic, and shipped him safely off to the Missouri State Mental Hospital in Farmington, Missouri. The doctors there will keep him under heavy sedation and security guards until this man's identity can be legally procured. This is Sallee Tanner for the Local Bizarre News segment. And now for tonight's weather..."

Faroth merely smiled. (Morgaine. You'll wish you never left that book.)

PART TWO: The Djinn of Baghdad

Faroth was very surprised to get to return to the Vanlyone mansion not more than three days later. Shane and Faroth arrived early that morning. Damon Horse let them in and joined Dominic for breakfast. Dominic was being served by Huckleberry Slyfingers and Reed Huxley, the werekangaroo herbalist friend from California. After the introductions, everyone had settled down to a hot breakfast.

Afterwards, everyone convened into the office/den. Dominic gently sat down in his desk chair. Damon Horse was sitting in his easy chair watching the morning TV news. Reed hopped on to one part of the den's couch. Shane got himself a beer out of the cooler. Faroth was still trying to get used to this weird assortment of people in the mansion. He sat on the other end of the couch. Dominic had wasted no time in getting his trusty typewriter out and was typing some sort of report up on it.

"What are you typing?" Faroth asked.

Dominic replies, "I am documenting your success on how you handled Lord Morgaine and on how you freed that village from its wrongful imprisonment. You did a good job."

After some silence of only the clackety-clacking of the typewriter, Faroth asked, "Why did you ask for Shane and me to come back? You realize that I was snooping, don't you?"

Dominic smiled. Reed grinned while looking at Faroth.

Reed answered for Dominic. "Well mate, Dominic 'as asked you ta come back because he 'as another job for ya. Don'cha mate?" Reed winked at Dominic.

Dominic simply nodded his head. "You handled that last one like a real Chess pro. So I have decided to test you to see if it was just a fluke. I'm going to let you handle two more 'special missions'. If you can do them as well as the first one, I will reward you by showing you what was in the German crate delivery you guys brought the other day. I will also get you a reserved membership in the Chess Cadet Program, which is quite an honor. Are you game?"

Faroth blinked his eyes in surprise, then got that sly look in his eyes. A chance to finally see what was in that huge crate. "You've got yourself a deal, Dominic. What do you want me to do first?"

Faroth soon finds himself back in the secret vaults under Dominic's barn and stables. "Choose any two other items and solve their mysteries." Faroth said aloud. "Sounds too easy. I wonder what the catch is." Faroth began exploring the alcoves and pedastals once again.

Faroth slowly and meticulously examined without touching various items. Several times, his gaze soon returned to the solid gold band with no markings and seemingly very out of place here in this vault of mysterious items.

Faroth studied the plaque on the ring's case. "Ring of the Djinn." He thinks. (A djinn is a male genie. Genies grant wishes, according to the legends. If this is here, then what is its problem? Dominic could have all the wishes he wanted with this ring. But if he's not using it, then it must have a serious drawback. But... I'm smart. I should be able to wisely figure this out.)

Faroth picks up the ring and slides it on his finger. He then removes it. (Well, it's not cursed.) Faroth puts the ring back on and rubs it, saying, "I call on the djinn of the ring. Come forth." He smiles as the mists emerge from the ring and solidify in the chamber in front of him. The Djinn was a giant in appearance, although dressed in the ancient garb of nobleman of Baghdad.

The Djinn stretches his arms and legs, and yawns symbolically. He then looks down at Faroth and exclaims, "You called me and I have come as the laws of the djinn have said. What is your desire, little master?"

Faroth replies, "I have a need to know why this ring is stored here in this place. What mystery is on this ring? What problem do you have, noble djinn?" Faroth hoped that by adressing the djinn in a friendly manner, the djinn would respond in a likewise friendly manner.

The Djinn replies, "My ring is stored here to keep it out of the hands of those of evil hearts who would use my powers for devasting ends in the world. Jansen Tanner promised me that no evil master would ever abuse my powers again. My personal problem is that I seek to be free of the ring. However, he who wishes me free of the ring will become the very djinn they freed, and locked into the ring, forced to grant the wishes of the master who wears the ring."

Faroth gulps. He was about to wish the djinn free of the ring. That would -NOT- be a wise thing to do. He looks to the djinn. "Is it true that you can grant any wish at all? Or only three wishes per master?"

The Djinn replies, "It is true. I can grant wishes to my master. But those wishes are not limited to three wishes. I am a Djinn, not a Genie. While you wear the ring, I must obey your commands. I am nothing but a slave to he who commands me."

Faroth ponders this. (I can have anything I want. But doing so would defeat the purpose of my doing these tasks for Dominic. On the other hand, how often does a guy get a chance to have a little harmless fun? Not to mention that I can have the Djinn just undo anything that I screw up.) He looks to the Djinn once again. (I can have -ANYTHING- at all. Anything.)

Faroth takes a breath and then exclaims, "Djinn, I wish to have an Arabian styled estate of my own on a hidden greek island that I would also own. This estate would have all the comforts that Dominic Bastian Vanlyone's estate would have, as well as a way for me to magically travel between my newly made estate and Dominic's mansion, at will. Can you grant this?"

The Djinn smiles. "That is barely a request, little master. I can grant that with ease. Watch and behold, little master!"

And suddenly both Faroth and the Djinn are elsewhere. A hidden Greek island with an Arabian theme. The estate is exactly as Faroth stated: furnished with all the comforts that Dominic's mansion had. Before Faroth can enjoy this wonder, he feels some power burn into his mind. The power's inclusion is extremely painful as it settles into his very being. The power to transport between his estate and Dominic's mansion, at will. Faroth is on his knees panting as the pain subsides. He slowly glances up at the Djinn.

Faroth slowly stands up. "That hurt."

The Djinn replies, "Power given must hurt or it is not powerful. What is your next request, little master?"

Faroth thinks then exclaims, "Djinn, I wish for a large herd of talking Arabian horses to be living on this island: a few stallions, double that amount in mares, and double the amount of the stallions plus the mares in colts. These horses should always remain healthy, never become sick with any illness, and have an ample amount of food and drink to keep them happy. They should consider me as their close friend and caring family member. Can you grant that?"

The Djinn smiles. "Again, that is barely a request, little master. I can grant that with ease, as well. Watch and behold, little master!"

And a whole section of the island suddenly becomes covered in lush green grassy hills and fields, and nestled between the estate and the new grassy hills, a large stablehouse complex appears magically. Then, the speech enabled Arabian horse herd magically appears. Finally, Faroth feels something funny coming over him, as his fingers curl up and harden into solid hooves. His toes follow this action and also curl up and harden into hooves. Faroth's arms and legs become long and equine, causing his clothing to rip and tear into shreds. He grows a long horse's tail, at the same time that his head hair grows very long. His face pushes out into a very definitive horse's head. Then the rest of his body changes fully into a very beautiful Arabian stallion. The ring is still on Faroth, although it is securely in his nose now.

Faroth glares at the Djinn. "Why did you change me into a horse? I didn't ask for this?"

The Djinn replies, "Ah, but you did, little master. You said, quote, the Arabian herd should consider you as their close friend and caring family member, unquote. To be a family member, you would have to be a horse like them. My interpretation may not have been your intended desire, but you did not clarify your wish. Therefore, I had to assume. What is your next wish, little master?"

Faroth sighs. (He has a point. I did not specify.) Faroth exclaims, "My next wish is the power to change back into my original human form whenever I want, regardless of whatever form that I am changed into. You were right: I should have specified."

The Djinn nods his head and Faroth feels the burning sensation within him once again. After the pain subsides, Faroth tries it out and changes back into his normal human self. Although naked, the ring is once again on his finger.

Faroth exclaims, "I wish for a full wardrobe of clothing within my estate's bedroom walk-in closet." The Djinn nods his head again, and the request is granted. Faroth enters the estate and soon returns wearing a change of clothing.

The Djinn smiles. "You look sharp, little master. What is your next wish?"

Faroth replies, "I only have two more requests. The first, I wish that whenever my life is threatened with unnatural death that I be miraculously saved and survive the situation with only minor non-fatal injuries, if any injuries at all."

The Djinn smiles. "That I can grant, little master. And it is not a selfish request. I am assuming that you will use this gift only for good." This time, Faroth does not feel any pain at all. The Djinn asks, "What is your final wish?"

Faroth looks to the Djinn and smiles, "I wish for my friend, the Djinn, to be granted whatever wish he wants without any repercussions or harmful side effects to either him or to me."

The Djinn blink his eyes in shock. "Y-y-you are actually giving me a wish, little master? Are you sure? There is so much more you could have. The world is open to you, if you wished."

Faroth smiles. "The world is tempting, yes, but if it was handed to me without any work at all, I would feel cheated. What use is the world to me if I cannot earn it myself? I needed a home base to operate from, and wanted friends to live on the island to keep me company. And although you can grant me anything I want, my true purpose all along was to solve your problem. I am giving you the wish as I stated it. You can free yourself with no harmful side effects."

The Djinn smiles. "You are a good master, Faroth. And I thank you for this selfless gift." He raises his head to the sky. "I wish to be free from the servitude of the ring, although able to retain my powers and abilities so as to help those I feel deserve such help."

As these words are spoken the ring flew off of Faroth's finger and disintegrated into fine powder!

The Djinn smiled to Faroth, then magically made himself human sized. "You have kept your end of the bargain, Faroth. In return, I will dwell in your estate and help you in future missions whenever you like."

Faroth smiles and shakes the Djinn's hand. "Um, do you have a name other than Djinn?"

The Djinn nods his head. "I was called Saleem Jabirah, but you may call me Salem."

Faroth nods his head. "Very well. I will call you Salem. I hope we will be the best of friends."

Salem replies, "As selfless as you were with me, I think that we'll be a great team."

Faroth and Salem walk inside the Arabian estate mansion.

PART THREE: The Solar Grail of Arcturus

After a restful night's sleep in his new mansion, and a hearty breakfast on the following morning, Faroth and Salem teleport back to Dominic's Chess vaults to continue Faroth's test. Together, they wandered through the museum-like vault checking out various and bizarre items collected over the years. One item continuously drew them both back to study several times. Faroth smiles and exclaims, "I think we both agree that this is my next test."

The item in question proves to be a jewel encrusted chalice of light. The entire chalice glowed with its own unusual light. Faroth re-read the plaque. "Solar Grail of Arcturus: holy chalice of an intergalactic religion used in the most strict ceremonies among heroes and champions of goodness. Problem: unable to return item to proper owners."

Salem says, "So all we have to do is return to 'grail' to it's proper owners. I think we can do that."

Faroth arches an eye and asks, "How are we going to do that?"

Salem replies, "First of all, I'll magically enable the both of us to know who the proper owner is and where they are located in conjunction to the Planet Earth."

Faroth smiles, "That is an excellent idea, Salem! Make it so."

Salem concentrates and both he and Faroth feel the information appearing in their minds. Salem hums then exclaims, "Next, I will enable the both of us to be able to speak and understand the proper owner's language, as well as the common spacer language where the owner resides." Again, both Faroth and Salem feel the effects of the magic's specifications.

Salem says, "Now, I must get us both there." Salem wraps up the chalice of light in a fine cloth and hands it to Faroth, then he resumes his normal size and chants, "Displace us both with finesse and grace, far away to the galactic place. 'Pon where the owner does patiently seek, we will appear to justly speak!"

Faroth is surprised by the instantaneous granting of the magic as the Chess vaults vanished and the furryspace surroundings of Space Station Delta melded into view. Probably no more surprised than the pale blue-furred phoenix-fox was before them and that non-morphic was Salem's size.

The blue-furred phoenix-fox blinks his eyes then sniffs at the arriving two. He tilts his head as his mouth drops open slowly. He exclaims, "You... you brought it? you have the grail?"

Faroth replies, "Indeed. My djinn friend and I have recovered your precious grail. Yet I need to ask you for identification of your name so that I will know that you are the proper owner."

The blue-furred phoenix-fox nods his head once and replies in kind, "I am High Priest Arcturus of Planet Flamakae. May I ask who you are?"

Faroth smiles. "I am Faroth Planes Walker, and this is my special djinn friend, Saleem Jabirah. We are both from the Planet Earth where your chalice had arrived."

Salem does a half bow.

Arcturus likewise smiles. "Indeed I am in your debt for returning the chalice to us. May I see it please?" Faroth carefully unwraps the chalice and holds it up for Arcturus to see. Arcturus smiles, then oddly averts his gaze. "Wrap it back up please."

Faroth does as asked and rewraps the chalice. This action has puzzled him. "Now that it has been returned to you, do you require anything further?"

Arcturus turns his gaze to Faroth. "Destroy it please?"

Faroth glances up at Salem, then back at Arcturus. "I think you have some explaining to do, Arcturus..."

The three have soon returned to Faroth's Arabian estate and have settled down within the central garden near the Arabian stallion marble fountain. Faroth looks to Arcturus expectantly.

Arcturus takes and releases a slow breath. "The Solar Grail is an artifact among our people with powers capable of granting extra strength of courage to heroes and champions. However, it also has a very dark and sinister side. It is capable of causing the holder of the chalice to commit foul and evil acts. After the last near fatal usage of that item, the high priests all agreed to have the chalice vanish, yet none of our people dared touch it for fear of being changed into a foul and evil monster. Fortunately for our people, pyratts attacked the planet and stole the chalice. We put up a mock fight, but were actually glad the item was being removed from our planet. But later, the dali-llama of our shrine invoked the knowledge to us that if the chalice was not recovered and destroyed properly, then its power and shame would be reflected back upon our people. We had no choice but to choose someone to go and try to find the chalice, whereever it resided. The pyratts evidently lost the chalice on Earth and you found it. The rest you know."

Salem inquires, "...And your people chose you to retrieve the chalice?"

Arcturus nods his head.

Faroth rubs his chin a little. "What is the proper way to destroy the chalice?"

Arcturus replies, "All eight jewels must be pried out of the chalice during the midnight hours of a lunar eclipse. Once removed, all eight jewels must be shattered using this Lamb's Hammer." He shows them the precious tool. "Then, before the sun can rise on a new day, the chalice must be hurled into the boiling lava of a volcano where it will sink and cease to exist. There is a danger to that part. One hour after the chalice sinks into the lava, the volcano will erupt with twice as much lava as it would normally be capable of. Do you think you can help me?"

Faroth looks to Salem. "I can get the jewels out of the chalice. Can you arrange a long enough lunar eclipse in a location where an uninhabited volcanic island is located?"

Salem smiles. "That is barely a request, Faroth. If we all three work together, then we can do this."

Arcturus ahems. "There is one more little catch. All this must be done on Planet Flamakae."

Faroth glances to Arcturus. "That cannot be an easy task. I am guessing that your world has more than one solar body and perhaps a lunar body smaller than Earth's moon?"

Arcturus nods his head.

Faroth scowls, "This doesn't get any easier. Okay, let us all go to Planet Flamakae. Salem, maybe you better give me an off-planet immunity to excessive heat greater than the temperatures here on this island. I have a feeling that its hotter on Planet Flamakae than it is here on Planet Earth."

Salem grants the immunity to Faroth, then magically transports the three to Planet Flamakae, in a region where an uninhabited volcanic island is located.

Faroth looks to the sky. "Land of three suns... wonderful. I am guessing that your darkened night time hours are very short?"

Arcturus nods his head. "It is true. I hope your plan works."

Faroth says to Salem, "This next part is going to be tricky. I want you to stop time for the whole solar system, with the exception of myself, you, and Arcturus. That way, we have as much midnight houred lunar eclipse as we need to smash all eight jewels."

Arcturus blinks his eyes! "Is that possible?"

Salem smiles and grants the effect. "It is granted, but I must concentrate in order to hold the solar system in the time stasis."

Faroth grins and gets busy prying the jewels out of the chalice. (It is a shame that we have to destroy these jewels. They are so beautiful. Maybe I can keep just one... What am I thinking? Bad Faroth! No keep jewels.) As soon as he pries out a jewel, Arcturus takes the jewel and shatters it with the Lamb Hammer. Soon, in an indeterminable amount of time, all eight jewels are shattered. Arcturus made sure that all eight were shattered.

Faroth says to Salem, "Okay, Salem. Take the chalice and drop it into the center of the lava inside the volcano. Then transport all three of us back to Arcturus' shrine. And drop the time stop the second the chalice hits the lava."

Salem smiles. "Consider it done." He takes the chalice and flies up and inside the volcano. Moments later, Salem reappears next to Faroth and Arcturus, and the three are instantaneously transported back to the safety of the shrine. Within an hour, the secluded volcano erupts massively, spewing twice as much lava over the entire island, doubling the island's size before the first morning sun's light.

Within hours, every citizen on Planet Flamakae knew that Faroth, Salem, and Arcturus had destroyed the Solar Grail, freeing the people of a centuries old curse. The patriarch priests rewarded Faroth with all the treasures he could fit into a single chest.

Faroth, after having dealt with the chalice, had Arcturus stand within the chest, then exclaimed, "No amount of treasure given could equal the value of the great friendship with your people." Faroth filled the remainder of the space in the chest with arcanic tomes, knowledge crystals, and eight large fire rubies. "This is all that I will claim. The few treasures I have in this chest as well as eternal friendship with your people."

The dali llama smiled. "Then what you have claimed will be your reward, Faroth Planeswalker."

Faroth grinned. (Planeswalker? That has a nice ring to it. Maybe I will start using that from now on. Just the same, however, there can be only one Faroth.)

There is much celebrating and partying for the next few days on Planet Flamakae. Faroth was a gracious honored guest and stays until the time comes for him to depart. Arcturus accompanied Faroth and Salem back to the Arabian estate on Faroth's island.

Faroth looked to Arcturus and asked, "Why did you come along, Arcturus?"

Arcturus replied with a wink, "I am one of your treasures."

The three laughed.

PART FOUR: Inanimate Autobahn Dream Riders (See F4)

The next morning following another hearty breakfast, Faroth, Salem and Arcturus appear in Dominic's office/den. Present in the room were Dominic, Shane, Jo, Sallee, Leia, Damon and Huckleberry. After some idle chatter, Faroth updated Dominic with the last two tasks and of their apparent outcomes. Dominic seemed pleased.

Dominic says, "You've done well, Faroth. As promised, I will show you what is in the German crate. I hope you are not too disappointed, but the story behind the items in the crate is an interesting one." Dominic stands up and gets everyone's attention. "Follow me please."

Dominic leads everyone through the house and into an apparently sealed off showcase auditorium within the mansion. There are fabulous vehicles of every shape and size displayed here. Everyone is very impressed by the previously undiscovered collection. Sallee is shocked that even she didn't find this chamber way back when she was doing that television special on Dream Homes. (See F5)

Dominic stops everyone at a curtained platform. "I have already unpacked the crate, so the items are now on display." He slowly pulls the curtain back revealing a German custom-made Autobahn motorcycle.

The motorcycle is a comfortable cruiser. The body is mostly black with a few red touches on the tank. The engine is naked, showing all the aesthetics of it's metal. On the right side, two large tailpipes run to the back end. The sides of the comfortable black leather seat are lined with rivets as well as having two saddlebags hanging on both sides of the passenger seat.

Also on the platform in a shielded glass case is a miniaturized metal-bound tome the size of a key chain with the chain attached to a small archaic metal medallion covered in arcanic Greek rune-letters.

Everyone wows and oohs over the motorcycle.

Faroth was eyeing the tome and medallion. "You said there was a story to go with this motorcycle."

Dominic nods his head. "Indeed. Listen closely. This is an event to occured while I was still in Europe. Back then, I was called Jansen Tanner, White Bishop of Chess."

Dominic narrates...

"I was in Germany tracking down a thief who had stolen a powerful Greek artifact of magic. Unbeknownst to me, the thief had lost the artifact while attempting to give me the slip. He threw the artifact over the side of an Autobahn overpass, and it landed in the back seat of a teenager's convertable sportscar. I caught the thief, of course, and had him locked up, then I returned to the scene to search for the artifact."

"The teenagers who found the artifact were Hector Xanthos and Everly York. Hector was of Greek descent, while Everly was of British descent. The two were on an extended holiday from their schools, and were attending a European motorcycle show in the fields of a farm owned by a friend of theirs near Bavaria."

"Hector found and opened the tome, and pain-stakingly decoded the Greek runic writings. It turned out to be a magical incantation for transforming people into animals and items. Hector wanted to try it out, so he and Everly went to a secluded motorcycle workshop owned by their friend, and Hector recited the magical incantation, fluently."

"Everly watched with some apparent chill as the magic took hold on Hector."

"Suddenly a strange amber glow appeared around Hector, it extended around his hands. With a frightened look on his face he asked, "What is happening to me?". The glow forced him to extend his thumbs and to bend his fingers into fists. Shivering, he looked at his hands being forced together while his thumbs firmly melted together, forming a stable axle. His arms forced themselves into a straight position and slowly got thinner and thinner as handlebars grew out of his shoulders as they become supensions. The glow forced his legs to move together, letting him fall down to "hands" and knees. Slowly his feet melded together, also forming an axle. At both axles, wheels started to form. His belly started to extend merging with his legs, his clothes faded away and only left smooth metal, coloured red, blue, white and chrome, as well as some black leather."

"His head started to change shape, getting smoother on the front with large eyes fading into two powerful round lights, as well as the back of his head forming into the instruments. His belly started to change into the engine with the lower part being covered and framed with smooth chrome, as his whole body receives the last final touches leaving him a full street bike. The only obvious remains of his former self was the name "Hector" written in a fast fluent font on his white tank. His seat, as well as what had been his head is red, with some fashionable traces of blue."

"Full of disbelief and shock, Everly looked over Hector. He slid his hand around Hector's body to see if it is real. Everly asked, "Hector, are you alright?" There was no answer, but somehow Everly has a strange feeling that Hector is alright. Being a bit less worried, he climbed on to Hector's seat and looked at the controls. Surprisingly, the glow appeared again, this time surrounding Everly. Giving him a prickle on his skin, it first changed his build, making him more muscular as well as a bit older. On his face, a stubbly beard indicated his getting more mature, now looking about 22 years old. Now the glow concentrated at his feet, suddenly rushing up his body. On his feet it left black boots with triangular leather guards on their fronts. It rushes up further over his legs where black leather pants with protectors at the knees appeared. The appearing jacket also is made of black leather with several pockets with zippers which are half open. As it stopped at his head it left a half open black helmet."

"Everly felt mentally compelled to take Hector out for a test ride. Soon, the two were speeding up and down the Autobahn roadways. By the time they had returned to the farm, I was on the scene asking about a stolen tome and medallion. My instincts had somehow homed me in on the farm's location. Everly and Hector returned to the secluded motorcycle workshop where the glow returned once again, and both teenaged boys found themselves returned to normal. Although, both had retained the ability to change into their new forms whenever they liked. When Hector and Everly emerged from the workshop and heard what it was that I was seeking, they knew at once that the tome and medallion were what I was talking about."

"At first, Everly was hesitant to hand the artifact over, but Hector who was cool thinking and calm in his resolve convinced Everly that it was the right thing to do. The artifact was returned to me and I treated the two to a very fine dinner. I made sure they knew that a finder's fee reward was being offered for the return of the artifact, and discussed plans to have the reward given to the two of them for recovering the stolen property. I got their names and other personal information, then on the following morning, I took a rental car to Southeastern Bavaria to meet with the owner of the artifact."

"The owner, Baron Harley vonRad, was a modernized anthropomorphic rat, from the Furry Realms (unbeknownst to be me at the time), who was also a powerful wizard. He was also an eccentric collector of motorcycles, and had an enormous collection. After meeting with Harley, and explaining about Hector and Everly who had rightly recovered the artifact, I was treated to some royal treatment at the Baron's castle. After the night's dinner, I retired to my bedroom and drifted off into an easy sleep."

"Around midnight, Harley awoke me to come join him in his chambers. I started to get dressed, but he told me that it would not take long and to forget about clothes for now. So I followed Harley to his chambers and once inside, I saw the motorcycle you currently see before you now. It was breathtaking to me. Harley convinced me to get on the motorcycle to see how it felt."

"I straddled the comfortable seat of the new motorcycle and took hold of the handlebars. Suddenly, a strange orange glow appeared between the motorcycle and myself. The inner sides of my feet started to feel itchy, as if they had been contaminated by some substance. I tried to move my legs, but they were stuck to the body of the motorcycle. Instinctively, I pressed my legs against the bike, but there was no resistance. It looked like they were simply merging into the bike without much effort. Instead they were disintegrating, melting like ice, becoming one with the motorcycle. And so it felt. Although losing control of my legs, I gained control of something new. I could now intuitively steer every aspect of the motorcycle. All of a sudden, what have been my legs stopped moving. I looked down at them; almost nothing was left. My skin blended into the black leather of my comfortable seat."

"I had been transformed into a cycletaur by Harley's magic. At first I was upset. Harley explained that he merely wanted to see if it was possible and by no means sought to trap me in that new form. That brought some calm to me and I started exploring my new body, feeling over every inch of it. It felt luxurious and tingley. I could literally feel my fingers through the motorcycle. Harley repeated the magic on himself with his own motorcycle, and we went riding out on the open nighttime roadways for several hours before returning to the castle."

"When we had safely returned, Harley kept his word and transformed me back into my human form. I thanked him, and returned to my bedroom. The experience was so exotic and wonderful that I slept all that day and the following night. When I did awaken, it was time to go. Another mission was being given to me, and I had less than an hour to catch the outgoing airplane to Madrid Spain. Harley wanted to give the new motorcycle to me, but even he knew that there was no room on the airplane for the motorcycle. So he vowed that he would ship me the motorcycle as soon as was possible. I wasn't sure why I gave Harley my Rocky Falls Missouri address, but I did. Then I departed on my next mission."

Dominic smiles. "...and that is the story behind this motorcycle. As for why he sent me the artifact as well, I can only guess. I suppose it is safer in my hands than being stealable in his paws. Someday I will contact him and ask why he sent me the artifact."

Faroth nods his head smiling. He _IS_ impressed by the story. Evidently, there was more towards being an Chess Operative than he previously thought. "Thank you for showing and telling, Dominic. And you were right... I was impressed. Now about my Chess Cadet offer... Is that still on?"

Dominic nods his head as well. "You are all signed up. Your signature is all that is required now."

Faroth is very excited about all of this. (I can't wait to go have Chess adventures like Dominic did. I'll bet that I'll be as good as Dominic was. Maybe even better than Dominic was. Although, White Bishop must be a really _high_ ranking in the organization, but I'm sure I can work my way up to that position. Maybe not easily, but only time will tell.)

Sallee finally says, "I am still a little upset that you hid this fantastic chamber full of vehicles from me several months ago. I may have to do a follow up on my Dream Homes segment."

Faroth teases. "You think this estate is something, wait until you see my Arabian estate on my own Greek island. Complete with talking Arabian horses."

Jo brightens! "Arabian horses? If you need to breed any of them, be sure to give me a call. Lightning Strike is perfectly capable of breeding willing or unwilling Arabian mares."

Faroth just laughed.

EPILOGUE:

Richard Robert Wayne had finally returned to the Wayne family ranch after dealing with family matters in Texas. Shane and Faroth are finishing up the last of the Autumn chores in the stables and barn.

Shane pats Faroth's shoulder and smiles. "You did well, Faroth. I guess I better pay you now." Shane hands over what they agreed upon previously.

Faroth counts it out and pockets the money. "You know something? This was perhaps one of the best Autumns that I've ever had in my whole life. But tell me something, Shane... Do you think I will ever be as good as Dominic?"

Shane turns his gaze out a side window as he grinned at the animal he saw out there. "In time, Faroth, you will most likely be better than Dominic. Just remember to retain as many friends as you can. You never know who will be your rescuing samaritan until the day it takes place."

The White Stag nodded to Shane and simply vanished, unseen by Faroth.

Footnotes: (F1) S.F.U. stands for Special Forces Unit. This secret organization, also known as Chess, is based in Europe and it investigated the strange, the odd, the bizarre, and the unexplained. The S.F.U. originally appeared in Animals Enforced (CT-03). (F2) Huckleberry Slyfingers is a ferret from the Furry Realms and appeared in Furry Flipside (SE-03). (F3) Kavan Keefe is the arcane unicorn prince of 'The Realm'. He first appeared in Unicorn Tribes (SE-01). (F4) This part of the story was co-written by Harley of "Altered Realities Muck". (F5) Sallee Tanner did the TV special on "Dream Homes" in Unicorn Tribes (SE-01).