THE ADVENTURES

OF SIR TIMOTHY

IN THE LAND OF
TOMORROW
Written by DTYarbrough

Copyright 2010
All rights reserved
 CONTENTS
THE OTHER SIDE OF TOMORROW ....................... 1

RETURN TO TOMORROW ...................................... 9

THE LAND OF THE DWARFS ............................. 30

BAD HOBBITS ARE HARD TO BREAK ................. 42

THE FAIRIES of IRONWOOD FOREST ................. 51

THE WIZARD'S APPRENTICE ............................... 57

THE MAIDS OF THE MIST ..................................... 62

THE WIZARDS OF FOGMORE ............................. 71

THE HOMECOMING .............................................. 75

FIRE STORM .......................................................... 79

THE GENIE .............................................................86

RETURN TO MYSTERY ISLAND.........................103

THE ROAD HOME ................................................117

PIRATES ISLAND ................................................. 130

THE TROUBLE WITH TROLLS ........................... 143

THE OTHER SIDE OF TOMORROW
Timothy was lost. He had walked this trail through the forest many
times before, but this time something was different. This was his
shortcut to school. He hadn't been this way all summer, but things
don't change that much over one summer. The trail had ended. He
probably should have turned back, but that would have made him late
on his first day in the sixth grade. The trail had to pick back up soon.

The trees seemed to be getting larger. Had they grown that much?
It had been a rainy summer. Timothy heard a noise. He looked around
and noticed the silence. Where were the birds, the insects, the stream
he heard just a few minutes ago? He heard the sound of something
scampering through dried leaves. Timothy turned to see a flash of
blue just before it disappeared behind a tree. If not for the color, he
would have thought it was a squirrel.

Maybe he should turn back. But he was over halfway there. The
trail had to be here somewhere. Then Timothy noticed there was no
wind. There had been a nice breeze when he left the house. He
remembered his mom's wash hanging on the clothesline, fluttering in
the breeze. Even the highest limbs in the trees were calm and
motionless. There was an eeriness about the silence. Then he heard
the trumpet in the far distance.

Timothy looked at the ground at his feet. Where was his shadow?
He looked up and saw that the sun was directly overhead. What is
going on? It's not even 8:00 A.M. Timothy continued walking through
the forest, searching for the trail. The trees were not only getting
bigger, but they were a strange orange color. Taking a closer look, he
realized it was a strange moss growing on the trees. Timothy soon
reached the edge of the forest.

The view was amazing. Timothy stood on top of a grassy hill

overlooking an emerald green valley. There were trees with all the
colors of fall. A bubbling brook meandered through the valley. Small
blue pools dotted the landscape. In the distance he saw what looked
like a small castle surrounded by a small village. Was it small, or just
so far away?

Timothy saw a dirt road not far down the hill. He decided to walk
down the hill and follow the road into the village. When he reached
the road, he was amazed at how narrow it was. It was hardly wide
enough for his younger brother's little red wagon. It was a road with
two parallel ruts made by some sort of wheeled vehicle.

Trees and flowers lined the narrow road. As he walked down the
road, sometimes he had to duck to avoid hitting the tree limbs with
his head. Suddenly he heard something down the road. He couldn't
tell if it was coming from up ahead or from behind him. He climbed a
tree and waited. The noise got louder.

Finally, he saw something coming down the road. It looked like a

railroad handcar. Then he looked the other way and saw another
handcar coming from that direction. Suddenly the riders saw each
other and both pulled their brake levers. Both handcarts came to a
screeching halt directly under the tree where Timothy was hiding. He
watched as the riders all hopped off of their handcarts and onto the
other's handcart, each carrying their own belongings. Timothy could
see there was something very strange about the riders. They were not
human. They were farm animals. Pigs, goats, sheep, roosters, cats
and dogs.

"Aaaah-chew," sneezed Timothy. All the animals looked up.

"It's a Giant!" yelled one of the pigs.

"It's an Ogre!" yelled one of the goats.

"It's a Troll!" yelled the rooster. "Let's get out of here."

All the animals began pumping the seesaw handles on the

handcars and were off in a flash. "Talking animals? What's going on?
Where am I?" thought Timothy. "I quess they were all afraid of me.
That means I don't have to worry, unless I meet a real giant or ogre or
troll."

Timothy began walking in the direction of the castle. It was still a

long way off. Too bad he couldn't have caught a ride on one of those
handcarts. Why were they so afraid? They were small animals,
probably very young. The adults would not be afraid. Maybe he would
get some answers to all the questions he had. Timothy came to a
small house, no larger than a large doghouse. "I'll knock on the door
and see if anyone is inside. But this house is too small for a human,
unless they are very tiny," he thought. "Knock, knock." There was no
answer.
 Then Timothy saw the name above the door. It read "Henry
Hedgehog." It looked like Henry wasn't home. Timothy continued
down the road. If this was any indication, it was a small village he had
seen. Maybe it isn't that far away. How long had he been walking. His
watch had stopped. He looked at the sun and it was still directly
overhead. "That's not possible. I'm tired and hungry and I've walked a
long way. It must be getting later," he thought.

Timothy decided to walk into the open field away from the tree
lined road and see what he could see. As he got clear of the trees, he
could see the castle and village off in the distance. It was definitely
closer. He saw an apple tree a short distance away. He could use an
apple or two. He headed toward the apple tree.

Timothy reached for one of the juicy red apples on a low hanging
limb. "What are you doing?" said a bluebird sitting on a nearby limb.

"I'm hungry. I was just getting a couple of apples to eat," said

Timothy.

"Did Henry give you permission?" asked the bluebird.

"Well, no. But Henry isn't home," said Timothy.

"Of course he isn't home? Everyone's in town for the meeting.

Didn't you hear the trumpet," said the bluebird.

"I'm Timothy. I'm new here. What sort of meeting?" asked Timothy.
"Why aren't you at the meeting?"

"I'm Betty, and I'm on my way. I just stopped to see if I could find a
worm or two," said the bluebird.

"Did Henry give you permission?" asked Timothy.

"But I'm hungry? Oh, I see what you mean. You're right. Henry
won't mind if you only take two apples," said Betty, "and just in case,
we don't have to tell him."

"What sort of meeting is this?" asked Timothy.

"An important one. They all are," said Betty.

"Who called the meeting?" asked Timothy.

 "Why, Merlin, of course," said Betty as she flew away. "See you
there."

"Of course. Magic would explain the talking animals. But Merlin
would be centuries old," thought Timothy. "Could this be the same
Merlin?"

Timothy decided to continue through the open field. He heard two

blasts from the trumpet. He hoped that didn't mean the meeting was
already starting. He walked a little faster. He came upon a bubbling
brook and decided to get a drink of water. A brook trout stuck his
head above water and said,"How do you do, Sir. Beautiful day, isn't
it?"

"Yes it is," said Timothy. "I'm doing fine. I'm just a little confused.
How did I get here?"

"Ah. The old question about the meaning of life. I'm awfully sorry,
but I don't seem to have the answer to that question," said the trout.
"I'm in a bit of a hurry. Don't want to be late for the meeting."

Timothy continued on his way to the village, relieved to know that

the meeting had not started. This must be an important meeting.
Everyone was going. At the edge of town, Timothy came upon a sign
that read,"Welcome to TOMORROW". Then he saw the blacksmith
shop. He could hear the sound of the blacksmith working. He entered
the barn like structure and found a large hog wearing a leather apron
and one leather glove.

"Hello," Timothy said to the blacksmith. "Why aren't you at the

meeting?"

"Too much work. Got to get it done. They're all depending on me,"
he said.

"Couldn't it wait till tomorrow?" asked Timothy. "This seems like

an important meeting."

"But this is Tomorrow. Didn't you read the sign at the edge of
town. Since they changed the name of the town, you can't use that old
excuse to get out of work," the blacksmith said.

Timothy watched as the blacksmith used a hammer and chisel on

a block of ice. "What are you making?" Timothy asked.

"Tuits," said the blacksmith as he pointed to a box nearby.

Timothy looked in the box and saw that it was filled with ice rings
about the size of doughnuts. "What are they for?" asked Timothy.

"Everyone simply refuses to do anything until they get a round

tuit," said the blacksmith. "That's where I come in. It keeps me pretty
busy."

"Don't they melt?" asked Timothy. "Why don't you make them out
of wood or something that will last longer?"

"When anyone finishes their task, they simply throw them away. If
they lasted longer this would create a great deal of litter," said the
blacksmith.

"But they could reuse them. They would always be able to find one
when they needed it and you wouldn't have to work so hard," said
Timothy.

"Litterbugs. That's the problem," said the blacksmith. "They hide

in the litter and when no one is watching, they sneak out and eat our
crops."

"I see," said Timothy. "Well, I'd better get on my way to the
meeting."

"Nice talking with you," said the blacksmith. "Come on back when
you get a round tuit. I mean ... You know what I mean."

"Goodbye," said Timothy as he headed toward the castle.

Timothy walked past shops and cottages. There were made from
mud and sticks. Most had thatched roofs with red brick chimneys,
colored doors and window sashes with whitewashed picket fences.
The streets were narrow and paved with flat stones. The castle was at
the end of the street. A moat circled the castle and the drawbridge
was lowered. Through the open gates, Timothy could hear the noises
of a crowd. Everyone was gathered in the courtyard. There was hardly
enough room for Timothy to squeeze in. A beautiful white stallion
stepped onto a balcony above the crowd. It gave three blasts on a
trumpet and the crowd became silent.
 Then the crowd began to chant," Mer..lin....Mer..lin....Mer..lin."

A bearded old man with a blue cape and tall pointed blue hat
stepped forward to the rail of the balcony. A roar erupted from the
crowd. Merlin raised his hand and the crowd was silent once more.
"Welcome my friends," said Merlin. "Thank you all for coming." The
crowd erupted again. Again, Merlin raised his hand.

"As you all know, the time for me to renew the enchantment is
drawing near. You have scoured the land and returned with
everything I will need, with one exception," said Merlin. "Soon you
will begin to lose some of your special abilities, and time will begin to
pass as it does in the outside world."

"What abilities," asked Peggy Pig.

"Your ability to speak will probably be the first to go," said Merlin.

"Will I still be able to eekspa igpa atinla," asked Peggy.

"Ona aywa," said Merlin.

"This sounds baa..a..a..a..d," said Larry Lamb.

"What can we doodle doo?" asked Ronnie Rooster.

"It's already beginning," said Hootie Owl. "Whoooo will find the
magic blue squirrel?"

"We've got to get mooooving," said Carly Cow.

"Quiet! Everyone listen. No one has seen the magic blue squirrel
since the last time we needed one of its hairs to perform this
enchantment," said Merlin. "We've got to figure out where to begin
our search. If anyone has a suggestion, please raise your hand."

Timothy raised his hand and so did almost everyone in the crowd.
"I mean a suggestion about where to begin our search," said Merlin.
Most of the hands came down.

"Will those with their hands raised, please step up to the podium
so everyone can see you," said Merlin.
 Timothy inched his way through the crowd and climbed up onto
the podium with three others from the crowd.

"Ricky Racoon, what is your suggestion?" asked Merlin.

"I think we should begin our search in my backyard," said Ricky.

"Now Ricky. We're not looking for your lost baseball. Mow your
yard. You'll find it. Now who's next?"

Ricky and the others stepped down off the podium, leaving
Timothy standing there all alone. "It's the giant we told you about,"
said a voice from the crowd.

"Relax. It's just a boy," said Merlin. "What's your name, son?"

"Timothy. My name is Timothy and I saw the magic blue squirrel

earlier today," replied Timothy.

"That's wonderful news. Where did you see the magic blue
squirrel?" asked Merlin.

"Near the forest with the orange moss," said Timothy.

"Oh dear. It's already begun. We don't have much time," said
Merlin. "There will be orange moss near all the boundaries, even on
the other side of Tomorrow. Can you lead us to the place where you
saw it?"

"Sure. I'll lead you there," said Timothy. The crowd erupted.
"Tim..A..Thee.... Tim.. A..Thee....Tim..A..Thee.." they chanted.

"We must start immediately," said Merlin. "Load up the hand cars.
Timothy will ride with me."

In a matter of moments, Merlin emerged upon the back of the white

stallion. Taking Timothy's hand, he pulled him upon its back. With
Timothy seated in front of him, Merlin handed the reins to Timothy.
"Lead the way, son. We're all counting on you," said Merlin.

In a moment they were galloping across the open field alongside

the road. The handcarts, one behind the other, loaded to capacity with
the animals, were moving swiftly down the road. A cloud of yellow
dust slowly settled behind them.
 "How did I get here?" asked Timothy.

"You must have been thinking of magic," said Merlin.

"I was thinking of Harry and Hermione. I was wishing I was going
to Hogwarts instead of my little school," said Timothy.

"And you are obviously a true believer," said Merlin. "If the
conditions are right, that's all it should take."

"What conditions?" asked Timothy.

"I'm not exactly sure. You're the first one to come here in several
centuries," said Merlin.

"If I go home, will I be able to come back?" asked Timothy.

"I don't see why not. But you can't bring anyone with you," said
Merlin. "You'll always be welcome."

"I've probably missed my first day in the sixth grade," said

Timothy.

"Probably not, time doesn't pass here. When you return, it will be
the same time you left," said Merlin

"Then I can stay as long as I like," said Timothy.

 RETURN TO TOMORROW
Timothy was on his way to school. Taking his shortcut through the
woods, he was thinking about Merlin and the land of Tomorrow.
Timothy wished he had been able to spend more time with Merlin. He
had always been interested in magic, at least ever since he read his
first story about Harry and Hermione. He would have to return some
day when Merlin wasn't so busy.

The kids at school loved to hear his stories about his adventure.
None of them really believed him, except for his best friend Nigel. The
next time he would have to bring back a souvenir. Suddenly the path
ended. Timothy knew what this meant. He was about to enter the land
of Tomorrow. Continuing straight ahead as he had done before,
Timothy noticed the silence and the sun shining directly overhead. He
was there, in the magical land of Tomorrow.

The orange moss was no longer clinging to the trees. Merlin's

spell must have worked. Maybe he will have some free time to teach
Timothy about magic. Timothy could hardly wait to get to Merlin's
castle. As he left the woods and started down the hill towards the
road, he paused for a moment to enjoy the view. The emerald green
valley stretched for miles as the sparkling blue stream wound its way
between small green hills. The trees lining the road sparkled in the
sunlight with all the colors of the rainbow. The castle stood in the
distance, surrounded by a small village.

Timothy continued down the hill. As he approached the road, two

rabbits hopped out from behind a clump of tall grass. "Sir Timothy,
what are you doing here?" asked one of the rabbits.

"Hello, Ronnie. I've come to see Merlin," said Timothy.

"But you can't be here. It's not allowed," said Ruby Rabbit. "Merlin
is missing and outsiders are no longer allowed."

"Who made that rule? Merlin said I was always welcome," said
Timothy.

"Reginald Van Rat, Merlin's advisor and the new Wizard in

Charge," said Ronnie. "You have to hide before his soldiers see you."

"Soldiers? Merlin never had soldiers," said Timothy. "Where did he

get soldiers and why does he need them?"

"Van Rat recruited wolves and put a spell on their commander.

They obey his every command and he obeys Van Rat," said Ruby.
"The penalty for disobeying any law is death."

"What do you know about Merlin's disappearence?" asked

Timothy.

"No one seems to know anything. Van Rat suddenly announced

that Merlin was missing and that he was now in charge," said Ronnie.
"There's been no search party organized to look for him."

"No search party? Why not?" asked Timothy.

"We're not allowed to congregate in groups larger than two

adults," said Ruby. "You've got to go home while you still can."

"I'm not leaving until I find out what happened to Merlin," said
Timothy. "Can you help me get to the castle?"

"Let's take him to see Henry Hedgehog. He'll know what to do,"
said Ronnie. "We need to get to the road where we can use the trees
for cover."

Timothy followed Ronnie and Ruby to Henry's house. Ronnie

knocked on the door. "Who's there? What do you want?" asked a
voice from behind the door. "I'm very busy and I don't have time for
visitors."

"It's Ronnie and Ruby Rabbit. It's an emergency. We need your

help," said Ronnie.

"An emergency?" said Henry as he opened the door. "Come on in

and tell me all about it."

"That could be a problem. Sir Timothy is here and he won't fit

through the door," said Ruby.

"Sir Timothy? He can't be here. It's against the law. Didn't you tell
him?" asked Henry.

"We told him, but he insists on finding out what happened to

Merlin. He needs our help," said Ronnie.
 "Here, eat this." said Henry as he handed a small bag of herbs to
Timothy. "Hurry before someone sees you."

Timothy quickly swallowed the contents of the little bag. It had an

awful bitter taste. Timothy eyes crossed and his vision became blurry.
When his eyes cleared, the house was much larger. "You guys are
bigger. How did everything get bigger?" asked Timothy.

"We're not bigger. You're smaller," said Henry.

"What did I eat?" said Timothy.

"Shrinkweed," said Henry. "Now get in here before you get us all in
trouble."

Timothy stepped inside. The house seemed quite roomy now.

"What's this all about. What sort of help do you need, Sir Timothy?"
asked Henry as he closed the door.

"I need to get into the castle," said Timothy. "I need a disguise."

"Why the castle? What makes you think Merlin is still in the
castle?" asked Henry.

"I don't believe Merlin would leave without telling someone. I'm
afraid he's met with foul play," said Timothy. "Who has the most to
gain from Merlin's disappearance?"

"Reginald Van Rat, of course," said Henry. "But he could never

defeat Merlin in a fair fight."

"Who says it was a fair fight?" said Timothy. "He may have killed
Merlin in his sleep."

"That's not possible. The world of Tomorrow can't exist without

Merlin," said Henry. "He still alive somewhere."

"Well, that's good news. Speaking of good news, please tell me

this isn't permanent," said Timothy.

"Permanent, what's not permanent?" asked Henry.

"My size," said Timothy. "Please tell me it's not permanent."

 "Of course not. It will wear off in a day or so," said Henry. "It
depends on the individual. Come to think of it, I don't think it's ever
been tested on a boy. If you feel like you're growing, get outside as
fast as possible."

"Am I in danger?" asked Timothy.

"Destroy my house and you will be," said Henry. "You guys make
yourself at home. I've got to go down to the basement and mix up
another batch of shrinkweed herbs. I hope I have all the ingredients."

"Come on, Sir Timothy. Let's play hopscotch," said Ruby.

"You guys go ahead. I'm going to sit here and try to come up with
a plan," said Timothy.

"Stop that hopping around up there!" yelled Henry in his gruffest

voice.

"Can we help you plan?" asked Ronnie as he and Ruby sat down
on the sofa next to Timothy.

"Sure," said Timothy. "When I was here before, I noticed that all
the rats wore black robes with hoods. Where could I get one of
those?"

"What do you want with a rat?" asked Ruby. "They're not very
nice."

"A robe, where can I get a robe with a hood?" asked Timothy.

"We'll have to ask Henry but we don't want to disturb him while
he's working," said Ronnie. "What else do you need?"

"Do you think you two could dig a tunnel under the moat and
castle walls to help me sneak into the castle?" asked Timothy.

"We'll have to ask Henry but ..."

"I know, we don't want to disturb him," said Timothy. "I think I'll
take a nap. We need to do this tonight."

"Tonight? What is tonight?" asked Ruby.

 "After the sun goes down," said Timothy.

"Down where?" asked Ronnie. "The sun never goes anywhere."

"You mean it's always light outside," asked Timothy.

"We'll have to ask Henry .."

"I know .. I know .." said Timothy.

"Ask me about what?" said Henry as he walked into the room.

"Can we borrow your shovel?" asked Ronnie Rabbit. "Sir Timothy

wants us to dig a secret tunnel so he can get into the castle."

"Wait a minute, you guys don't dig tunnels with your paws?" asked
Timothy.

"I just had my nails done," said Ruby. "Why would we use our
paws?"

"Never mind," said Timothy. "I'll think of another plan."

"I can get you into the castle," said Henry. "I have to make a
delivery of vegetables to the castle galley tomorrow. But you'll need a
cloak with a hood so no one will recognize you and some more
shrinkweed just in case you start to grow."

"Do you have any carrot cake?" asked Ronnie. "I'm starving."

"I'll bet Sir Timothy is hungry too," said Ruby.

"Well, maybe a little bit." said Timothy.

...............................

The following morning Timothy helped Henry push his handcar out
to the road. Dressed in a cape with a hood and standing about as tall
as a large rat, even Timothy's mother wouldn't have recognized him.
He wondered what his mother was doing right about now. Was it
night or day in the real world? He knew what he was doing was very
dangerous and she would be terribly worried if she knew. But what
choice did he have. He couldn't abandon Merlin.
 "What are you planning to do when you get into the castle?" asked
Henry.

"Search the dungeons. Maybe search Merlin's room if I can find it.
He has to be there somewhere," said Timothy.

"Well, good luck. You're going to need it," said Henry. "Okay, start
pumping. We're ready to go."

"Goodbye Ronnie and Ruby, and thanks for your help," said
Timothy as the handcar began moving down the road. Ronnie and
Ruby waved until Timothy was out of sight.

Timothy and Henry had to stand on the crates of vegetables to

reach the handles on the handcar. Henry was heavier and stronger
than Timothy and was doing most of the work. When the car went
down a hill, they would both sit and rest, then jump back up when it
had to go up a hill. Fortunately it was downhill most of the way. After
about an hour, they reached the village.

They continued through the village, across the drawbridge, and

stopped beside the servant's entrance to the castle. "Help me carry
these crates into the castle," said Henry. Timothy grabbed one end of
a large crate as Henry grabbed the other. Henry knocked on the door.

A servant open the door. "Right on time, Henry. And not a minute
too soon," said Henrietta Hen. "Bring it on in and leave this crate over
there. Put the rest in the storeroom."

"Sure thing. How are you, Henrietta?" asked Henry.

"Busy. Much too busy to talk. We have to prepare for the party,"
she said.

"Anything we can do to help. We could feed the prisoners," said

Henry.

"Would you? That would be wonderful," said Henrietta. "The food's

over there on the counter."

"We'd be happy to help. You're my best customer," said Henry as

he and Timothy gathered the food and headed for the dungeon. As
they reached the bottom of the stairs, Henry knocked on the door.
 "Who's there?" asked the guard. "What's your business here?"

"Food for the prisoners," said Henry.

"Slide it under the door," said the guard.

"Sorry, I can't do that. I have a trainee guard with me. I was told to
show him around," said Henry.

"Okay. Give me a second to find the key," said the guard. "Okay,
come on in. Let me know when you're ready to leave."

"Thank you. We'll let you know," said Henry as he and Timothy
started walking away. All of the cell doors were open except for one.
Looking into the cell, Timothy could see nothing. It was dark and
smelly. The occupant was sleeping or just not hungry. He slid the
food through the slot.

"I'm going to stay until I can talk to the prisoner. He might have
some information about Merlin. He may even be Merlin. Tell the guard
I'm not ready to leave yet," said Timothy.

"Okay. I hope you know what you're doing," said Henry.

As Henry started back toward the guard, Timothy tried to get the
attention of the prisoner. It was no use. "I've got to get inside the cell.
The prisoner may be ill or dead," Timothy thought. "But how? I can't
squeeze through that tiny slot and the guard is not going to give me a
key."

"I've got it," thought Timothy as he pulled the bag of shrinkweed

out of his pocket. "I wonder if this will make me even smaller?"
Timothy swallowed the contents of the bag. In a moment his vision
blurred and when his vision cleared, he was indeed much smaller.
Squeezing easily through the slot, Timothy entered the cell. Walking
toward the back of the cell, Timothy listened for any sign of the
prisoner. He heard the footsteps of the guard coming down the
hallway. Backing farther into the darkness, Timothy watched as the
guard peered through the small peep hole in the door. As the guard
walked away, Timothy tried to take a step forward but he was stuck to
something. A spider's web. Timothy had backed into a spider's web.

Timothy felt a vibration through the web. "I've got to get free,"
thought Timothy. Untieing the belt, Timothy stepped out of the robe,
leaving it hanging in the web. The spider was closer now. Timothy
began to run toward the door but fell into a crack between two of the
flat stones in the floor. Hanging onto the stones, Timothy tried to pull
himself up. As he looked across the floor, he saw the spider slowly
but steadily moving toward him. Just as the spider was inches away,
something fell and covered the spider. It was Timothy's cloak. After
he removed it, his cloak had changed back to its normal size and
fallen upon the spider.

Timothy felt something tug on his shirt collar. "Let me go!"

Timothy commanded as he was lifted high above the floor.

"What are you?" said a loud voice that seemed to be trying to

whisper. "Why it's a tiny boy. Who are you? What are you doing in
here?"

"I'm Sir Timothy. Who and what are you?" Timothy asked. "Put me
down!"

"Okay, Tim, don't get your knickers in a bunch," said the voice.
"I've heard of Sir Timothy, but somehow I thought you would be a
little taller."

"This isn't my normal size. Don't you recognize magic when you
see it," said Timothy. "I'm looking for Merlin. He's missing, in case
you didn't know."

"Smells more like shrinkweed to me," said the voice. "Why are you
looking for Merlin?"

"I'm afraid he's met with foul play. He may need my help," said
Timothy.

"Get me out of here, and I'll help you find Merlin," said the voice.

"What are you, a troll or a giant?" asked Timothy. "It's so dark, I

can't see you very well, but I can tell that you're a female."

"My name is Elizabeth, and I'm Merlin's daughter," the voice said.

"Merlin's daughter, but how?" said Timothy. "Why didn't I meet

you the last time I was here?"
 "It's a long story. Get me out of here and I'll tell you later," said
Elizabeth. "You've got to get the key. It's down at the end of the hall
where the guard sits when he's not making his rounds."

"How long before he makes his rounds again?" asked Timothy.

"He should be coming by in a few minutes. So how did you fall into
that crack in the floor?" asked Elizabeth.

"I was being chased by a ferocious spider," said Timothy.

"Who, Silvia! She wouldn't hurt a fly. Well ... maybe a fly, but she
wouldn't hurt you. She was probably just curious," said Elizabeth.

"She's trapped under my cloak. Maybe you should help her," said
Timothy.

"So this is your cloak. Still not very tall, are you?" said Elizabeth.

"I was in disguise. I'm much taller than that. I bet I'm taller than
you," said Timothy as he watched Silvia walking back toward her
web.

"Ssh. It's the guard," said Elizabeth. "After he peeks in, he'll
continue on down the hallway. That's your chance to get the key."

"Okay. Put me down, and I'll go get the key," said Timothy.

"If I let you go, you will come back, won't you?" asked Elizabeth.

"Of course I will. You need my help," said Timothy, "and I probably
could use your help to find Merlin."

"Okay, go. Don't waste any time. The guard will be back soon,"
said Elizabeth.

Tim squeezed through the slot in the door and ran as fast as he
could toward the end of the hall. Being so small, the distance seemed
much longer than he remembered. Tired and out of breath, Timothy
finally arrived at the guard's table. The keys were hanging on the wall
about a foot beyond Timothy's reach. Timothy looked around for a
pole or anything to help him reach the keys. There was nothing to be
found.
 Suddenly his eyes began to cross and his vision blurred. A
moment later he was staring at the keys on the wall, well within his
reach. Grabbing the keys, Timothy started back toward the cell.
Timothy saw the guard peeking into the cell. Quickly, he ducked into
one of the open cells. The guard soon passed the cell and continued
back to his desk. Timothy slipped out of the cell and continued down
the hall to Elizabeth's cell. Using the key, he opened the cell door.

Elizabeth stepped out into the hallway. She was dirty and her
clothes were tattered. She looked like a beggar, not the daughter of
the great Merlin. "I see you've grown some," she said. "Follow me."

"Just a minute while I get my cloak. It probably fits now," said

Timothy. "It might still come in handy."

"Okay, but hurry. We need to leave now," said Elizabeth.

Elizabeth continued down the hall until she came to the last empty
cell. The hallway had ended. Timothy could see no way out. "Help me
find the loose stone," said Elizabeth as she knelt on the floor. "One of
these floor stones should be loose."

"Here it is," said Timothy. "Over here."

Elizabeth picked up the rectangular stone and rotating it 180

degrees, placed it back in the floor. A section of the wall began to
move until there was an opening large enough for them to get
through. After they were on the other side of the wall, Elizabeth found
another loose stone, rotated it, and the wall closed back up.

"It's dark in here," said Timothy. "I can't see a thing."

"Just be patient. Your eyes will adjust," said Elizabeth.

"Where does this passage lead?" asked Timothy.

"These secret passages can take you almost anywhere in the

castle if you can find the secret stones," said Elizabeth.

"Merlin must have shown you. You really are his daughter," said
Timothy. "Did he teach you magic?"

"Sure, but they took my wand when they captured me while I was
sleeping," said Elizabeth. "I've got to get a new wand."
 "Would you teach me? I've always wanted to be a great wizard,"
said Timothy.

"I'll teach you a few tricks. After all, you did rescue me. But it takes
years and years of practice just to become a mediocre wizard," said
Elizabeth.

"So what do we do now? Do you have a plan?" asked Timothy.

"I plan on taking a bath and getting out of these rags," said
Elizabeth. "We're going to my secret room."

Timothy followed Elizabeth as they wound their way through

intricate passages, up and down stairways, through doors with
combination locks, and around all sorts of traps. Finally they entered
her secret room. "Make yourself at home. There's food in the
cupboards. I'll just be a few minutes," said Elizabeth.

Timothy looked around. The room was nicely furnished. Pictures

of elves and fairies hung on the wall. Above the fireplace was a
lifesize portrait of Merlin and a beautiful golden haired maiden. "Is
this your mother in the portrait with Merlin?" asked Timothy.

"Yes, wasn't she beautiful?" came the answer from the other room.

"Will I get to meet her?" asked Timothy.

"I'm afraid that's not possible. She's not here?" said Elizabeth.

Sensing that Elizabeth didn't want to talk about her, Timothy

changed the subject. "Do you have any wands here? This would have
been a good place to hide an extra wand."

"Oh, no. You never hide a magical object in your secret place.
Even an amateur wizard could use a 'find magical item' spell to locate
it, and they would also find your secret place," said Elizabeth
as she entered the room. She was dressed in her riding clothes. Even
in these clothes, Timothy could see that she was the prettiest girl he
had ever seen.

Tim was standing on a chair trying to reach the cupboard door.

"Careful Tiny Tim, let me get that for you." said Elizabeth.
 "That's Sir Timothy, and I can do it," said Timothy.

"You're cute when you're mad," said Elizabeth. "I can't wait till you
grow up."

"That makes two of us," said Timothy.

"Let's eat something and get some rest before we search Merlin's
room," said Elizabeth.

........................

After a long nap, Timothy awoke to find that he was back to his
normal size. Elizabeth was probably still sleeping in the bedroom. Tim
decided to clean himself up a little bit. He took a bath and washed his
clothes which were quite dirty after falling into that crack in the floor.
Timothy wrapped a towel around his waist and looked around the
rooms while waiting for his clothes to dry. The paintings on the walls
once again drew his attention. Were these real elves and fairies or
just someone's imagination? He had not seen any elves or fairies
during his time in the land of Tomorrow. He would have to ask
Elizabeth when she wakes up.

Timothy knocked on the door to the bedroom. "Be out in a

minute," said Elizabeth. "Did you get enough rest?"

"Yes. I rested very well. About these paintings on your wall. Have
you ever seen an elf or a fairy?" asked Timothy.

"Sure, lots of times. We'll have to go visit them in order for me to

get a new wand," said Elizabeth.

"Visit them. Where do they live?" asked Timothy.

"On the other side of Tomorrow," said Elizabeth as she entered the
room. "You've grown up, but where are your clothes? Don't they fit
anymore?"

"They're drying. I washed them," said Timothy.

"Well, who said you could use my towel?" said Elizabeth.

"What?" said Timothy, blushing.

 "Relax, I'm only kidding. Is that your natural color, red?" asked
Elizabeth.

"Very funny," said Timothy.

"I'm going to call you Tim and you can call me Liz," said Elizabeth,
"or do you prefer Timmie?"

"Tim will do just fine, Lizzie," said Tim.

"That's Liz, if you please," said Liz.

"I'll just check and see if my clothes are dry," said Tim as he left
the room.

........................

"You look very nice," said Liz as he reentered the room. "So, are
you ready to begin our adventure?"

"I'm always ready for adventure," said Tim, "and you look very nice
too."

"Okay then, let's get started," said Liz as she rotated the stone.

In a little while, they were in Merlin's secret room. Liz walked over
to the bookshelf and pulled down a very old looking book.

"What's that?" asked Tim.

"Merlin's diary. Even he doesn't know that I know about it," said
Liz as she read some of the latest entries. "He was suspicious of
Reginald Van Rat for some time, but could find no proof that he was
plotting anything. I suspect he was taken in his sleep the same as I
was."

"Anything that might tell us where he is?" asked Tim.

"No. I'll probably have to use magic, but first I'll need a new
wand," said Liz. "Ready to go see the elves?"

"I can hardly wait," said Tim. "How do we get out of the castle?"

"Secret tunnels," said Liz. "What else would you expect?"

 ........................

Tim and Liz exited the tunnel and placed the branches back over
the entrance. "We'll need to keep an eye out for soldiers," said Liz.

"Wolves, I've heard about them. Haven't met one yet," said Tim.

"Let's hope you don't," said Liz. "We'll need to keep to the forest."

"How far is it to the other side of Tomorrow?" asked Tim.

"Relax, since we're coming back, getting there is only half the
journey," said Liz.

"Okay," said Tim. "Well, that's good, I think. Lead the way."

As Tim and Liz walked through the forest, Tim marveled at the
variety of trees and colors. After hours of walking, Liz said. "Quiet, I
hear something. We may be in danger. Quick, kiss me. There's no
time to explain."

Timothy kissed her. His heart was beating rapidly. Was it the kiss
or the danger? He didn't feel afraid. Her heart was also beating
quickly. How long should he kiss her? She'll let him know when to
stop. He hoped the danger didn't pass too quickly. Finally it was over.

"Are they gone now?" asked Tim.

"Who?" asked Liz.

"The wolves," said Timothy.

"Oh, them. I may have been mistaken," said Liz.

"Did you ever hear about the boy who cried wolf?" asked Tim.

"We've got no time for fairy tales," said Liz. "Let's continue."

"Okay," said Tim as he leaned toward Liz.

"No, I mean continue our journey. What's wrong with you?" said
Liz.
 "Wrong with me?" Tim thought. Tim had kissed a girl or two in his
time but never saw what the big deal was until now. Tim tried to get
his mind back on the journey. "Hey, wait for me."

The trees were beginning to look much older now. "Hey, what was
that?" said Tim as he heard something buzzing near his ear.

"It's just a fairy. Don't worry, they won't harm you," said Liz.

"Are we getting close?" asked Tim. "I'm getting hungry."

"It's not much farther, but we can stop here and eat. I could use a
short rest," said Liz.

........................

"Is there a city where all the elves live?" asked Tim. "How soon do
we leave the woods? They are beginning to get a little spooky."

"Their city is in the woods. Actually it's up in the trees," said Liz.
"You'll see very soon. We're almost there. We should encounter some
of their scouts soon."

"What are they like? I've never met an elf before. Do they speak
English?" asked Tim.

"They speak many languages. They're very friendly to those who

don't give them reason to be otherwise. They are fierce fighters if they
have to be," said Liz.

"Who goes there?" asked a voice from above.

"Elizabeth and Sir Timothy," said Liz. "We're here to see Elderon
the Wise."

"What is your business with Elderon? Is he expecting you?" asked

the voice.

"We've come to get wands," said Liz.

"Are you good wizards or evil wizards?" asked the voice.

"You know Elderon would not give wands to evil wizards," said
Liz.

"Then you may continue. May peace be with you," said the voice.

"May peace be with you," replied Liz.

Tim and Liz came to a large tree. A spiral stairway wound around
the trunk of the tree. Climbing the stairway, they encountered a thick
fog. Finally emerging from the fog, they saw bridges heading off in all
directions to the other treetops. Each treetop contained one or more
treehouses. They reminded Tim of his treehouse back home but were
larger and much better constructed.

The fog drifting just below them looked like a snow covered
landscape. Above the fog, the trees still had lush and colorful leaves.
"Where can we find Elderon the Wise?" Liz asked an elf.

"Three bridges east, then two north," said the elf.

........................

"Elizabeth. So nice to see you again. How is that wand working out
for you?" asked Elderon as he answered the door. Elderon was a very
old elf. All elves have very long lives, and he was nearing the end of
his. Tuffs of white hair covered the tips of his pointed ears. His
eyebrows were thick and bushy. His blue eyes looked gray and his
dentures caused him to whistle as he talked.

"It was taken from me. My father is missing," said Liz.

"We've heard rumors. Then you'll need a new wand. Who is this
young human?" asked Elderon.

"This is Sir Timothy," said Liz.

"Sir Timothy, I had hoped we would meet some day," said Elderon.
"I can't tell you how much we appreciate what you did for the world of
Tomorrow."

"He will also need a wand, if that is okay," said Liz.

"Of course it's okay. It's the least we can do," said Elderon. "Do
you remember the way to the willow tree?"
 "I think so. I just wanted to get your permission before we go
there," said Liz. "I can ask for directions if I get lost."

........................

"There it is. The enchanted Willow of the Wands," said Liz.

"Do we just tear off a limb," asked Tim.

"Oh, no. You must never touch the tree, or you will never get a
wand," said Liz.

"Then where do we get the wands?" asked Tim.

"They are laying on the ground beneath the tree," said Liz. "No,
don't touch it. It must come to you."

"Come to me. But I don't understand. What do I do?" asked Tim.

"Just wish for it," said Liz. "If you are worthy, it will come to you."

Tim had never wished for anything more. "Hold out your hand,"
said Liz.

One of the dead tree limbs began to wiggle like a snake. It rose
into the air and drifted toward Tim. It floated into Tim's hand. Tim
watched as another limb floated into Liz's hand. "Okay, we're through
here. We must start back home now," said Liz.

"Can't you use magic to get us back?" asked Tim.

"It takes time to break in a new wand. We'll need to practice while
we walk back home. I'll teach you some simple tricks so you can
break yours in," said Liz.

"Teach me one now," Tim pleaded.

"First you must learn a few things about magic. We can talk as we
walk," Liz said.

"Okay. Tell me about magic," Tim said as he walked alongside Liz.

"Rule #1. A wand is required to direct the energy of any wizard's

spell. Casting a spell without a wand is a waste of energy. Until you
break in a new wand, it may direct energy in the wrong direction or
not at all. Never try a dangerous spell with a new wand," said Liz.

"Rule #2. Energy is required to create a spell. Most spells require

specific ingredients. If you perform a spell without the proper
ingredients, the energy will be taken from you. This can only be
replaced by sleep and rest. Potions can speed the process, but
improper dosage can have an aging effect on the user. Until you learn
more, don't try spells without the proper ingredients."

"Rule #3. Spells have a limited range, duration, and strength. The
three ingredients and their proportions affect these aspects of the
spell. You control the overall spell, but remember that you can't
increase one without increasing them all."

"An experienced wizard can limit the energy drawn from him if a
spell goes wrong. A novice wizard can be injured beyond any hope of
recovery. Learning to control the energy draw is the most important
thing about becoming a great wizard."

"That's a lot to learn," said Tim. "How will I ever learn all of that?"

"One spell at a time," said Liz.

........................

"Teach me a spell," said Tim.

"Not so fast. First we have to gather some ingredients," said Liz.

"For your first spell you will need sulfur, bloodroot, and water."

"I've got water. Where do we find the others?" asked Tim.

"It's all around you. You just have to learn to recognize it," said
Liz. "Normally I would just buy the ingredients, but in a pinch, you
may have to find it in the wild."

"What does sulfur and bloodroot look like?" asked Tim.

"Here, you can have my Wizard's Handbook. I've been meaning to

get the latest edition," said Liz.

As they walked along, Tim thumbed through the handbook. There

were all sorts of useful tips but not a single spell. Tim found pictures
of bloodroot and sulfur and tips on where to find them. "What spell
are you going to teach me?" asked Tim.

"The light spell. You'll learn to use your wand as a torch when you
are in dark places," said Liz.

"That doesn't sound like it would be much good in a battle," said

Tim.

"Use your imagination, Tim," said Liz. "With enough energy, you
can temporarily blind an opponent or give him third degree burns."

"That's good. I wouldn't want to kill anything," said Tim.

"Here, you'll need this bag to hold the ingredients for the spell,"
said Liz as she handed a small scarlet bag to Tim.

"But what about you, don't you need it?" asked Tim.

"Not any more. You'll need to mix the ingredients and hold the bag
in your left hand while casting the spell. I've learned to let my mind
control the proportions. I only need to have the ingredients in my
possession," said Liz. "Merlin can perform spells if the ingredients
are within several hundred yards of him."

After about an hour, they had collected all of the ingredients that
they would need to break in their new wands. Keeping to the forest,
they were able to avoid the soldiers. Finally they arrived back at the
entrance to the secret tunnel. "Light the way, Tim," said Liz as they
entered the dark tunnel.

"Lumina illuminae," said Tim and his wand began to glow. In a few
seconds the glowing stopped.

"Need to work on the duration, huh Tim?" said Liz. "A little more
bloodroot."

In a moment the wand was glowing again, and they headed back to
Liz's room. "We'll eat and get some rest. Then we need to decide what
to do next," said Liz.

"You don't have a plan! I thought you had a plan," said Tim.

"Did you have a plan when you were stumbling around in the
dungeon?" asked Liz.

"Well, not a complete plan. I was planning as I went along," said

Tim.

"That's what we're doing now," said Liz. "I think we should check
the lower levels of the dungeon."

"Makes sense to me. That's where I would put Merlin if I were an

evil rat fink like Van Rat," said Tim. "So, we've got a plan. But what do
we do when we find Merlin."

"Make a new plan to get him out," said Liz.

........................

Suddenly a flash of light and Merlin appeared before them.

"Father, are you all right?" asked Liz.

"I'm fine. Did you have a wonderful adventure while I was away?"
asked Merlin. "Nice to see you again, Sir Timothy. I see you've met my
daughter Elizabeth."

"Hello Sir. Yes, we've met," said Tim.

"How long did it take you to escape from the dungeon?" Merlin
asked.

"Was this a test? I'm afraid I failed. Tim had to help me escape,"
said Liz.

"I'm sure you would have eventually escaped," said Merlin. "I'm
very proud of both of you. You've done quite well for 12 years olds."

"You said you were away. Where did you go?" asked Liz.

"I'm afraid that's a secret. Get dressed, the two of you. Meet me in
the ballroom in thirty minutes," said Merlin.

"All those rumors, did you start them?" asked Tim.

"Rumors spread easily enough without my help," said Merlin. A

flash of light and he was gone.
 "I don't have anything else to wear," said Tim.

"What are those?" said Liz, pointing to the clothes laying on the
sofa. "You heard him, get dressed. I'll see you in a couple of
minutes."

Tim looked at himself in the mirror. He looked like a prince of

Camelot. He turned to see Elizabeth wearing her finest evening gown.
She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. "Prince Charming,
I presume," said Liz.

"Shall I awaken you with a kiss?" said Tim.

"You've already done that," said Liz. "Merlin's waiting. Let's go."

........................

"As they entered the ballroom everyone yelled "Surprise ... Happy
Birthday Elizabeth."

"Merlin was standing beside a beautiful white unicorn. "This is for

you," he said as he handed the reins to Elizabeth. "Happy Birthday."

"How can you have a birthday, I thought time didn't pass here in
the land of Tomorrow," said Tim.

"In the outside world, I would be twenty-one today. Here I'm still
almost thirteen," said Liz. "This is the best surprise party I've ever
had, and the best birthday present I could ever hope for."

"You don't mind if I stick around for a while? You still have more to
teach me about magic," said Tim.

"Nothing would give me more pleasure," said Liz.

 THE LAND OF THE DWARFS
Timothy's feet were killing him. He had danced almost every dance
with Elizabeth. The new shoes didn't fit just right and he'd never
danced this much in his whole life. Still, dancing with Liz was worth
it. A few blisters would heal in no time. Maybe there's even a magic
spell to heal them faster. "I hope the next one is a slow dance," Tim
thought.

"We can sit this one out if you wish," said Liz.

"Sure, if you're tired," said Tim.

"Tired, I could dance all night," said Liz. "Oh, good, a jig. Ready
Tim."

"Ready," said Tim as he walked to the dance floor.

Someone tapped Tim on the shoulder. "Are you cutting in? Oh, it's
you Merlin. Of course you can cut in. I'll just be right over there at the
table," said Tim.

After the dance, Liz returned to the table where Tim was sitting.
"This is a really great birthday party, Liz," said Tim. "Everyone here
seems to love you so much. Dudley Dachshund and Polly Poodle
dropped off some presents for you. Your father is a very good
dancer."

"Speaking of my father, he asked if we could solve a problem for

him," said Liz.

"What sort of problem? Surely if Merlin can't solve it, we won't be

able to," said Tim.

"He just doesn't have time right now and it's a long trip," said Liz.

"Will we have to walk?" asked Tim as he slipped his shoes back

on.

"No. We'll get you a horse from the stables, and I'll ride my
unicorn," said Liz. "We're going to the land of the dwarfs. We'll need
to leave as soon as we get some sleep. We'd better call it a day. I'll
show you to your room then come back and say goodbye to the
guests."

"I've got my own room? With a bed?" asked Tim.

"Of course. You're my guest," said Liz.

"Here we are. It's unlocked. The key's on the mantle above the
fireplace. There's no need to lock it unless it makes you feel more
secure," said Liz. "I'll come and get you when I wake up."

"Good night, Liz. Thanks for everything," said Tim.

"Good day, Tim," said Liz.

Tim was tired but too wound up to sleep. He saw his wand and
Wizard's Handbook on the table. "Maybe some reading will make me
sleepy," he thought as he picked up the book and began flipping
through the pages.

..............................

Tim was up and dressed in his own clothes when Liz knocked on
the door. She was wearing riding clothes similar to the ones she wore
in their last adventure. "We had better get started," said Liz. "Are you
ready?"

"I can't wait," said Tim. "I haven't been horseback riding in years."

"Then we'd better get you a gentle one," said Liz.

"I'm excited, not afraid," said Tim. "I can handle it."

"Okay, let's go to the stables and pick a good one. Then we can eat
while the servants pack our supplies," said LIz. "Just leave everything
on the table."

.........................

As they arrived at the stables, Tim couldn't believe all the horses
there were to choose from. How would he decide? They all looked like
fine animals. "Pick me," said the Appaloosa. "No, pick me," said the
Lipizzan. "I'm just your size," said the Shetland. "Me too," said the
Welsh pony.
 "What do you think?" he asked Liz. "You know more about the
landscape we'll be going through."

"For this trip, I would favor the Welsh pony," said Liz.

"Okay then, I pick you," Tim said to the pony.

"You won't be sorry. My name is Patsy. Nice to meet you," said

Patsy Pony.

"Let's get something to eat," said Liz. "Henrietta has a special treat
for us."

.........................

"This is delicious. What is it?" asked Tim.

"Oh, you mustn't ask. Henrietta is easily offended," said Liz.

"But I might want to order seconds," said Tim. "It is quite tasty."

"Fortunately, all of Henrietta's specialties are excellent. Just ask

for the special of the day," said Liz. "But you'll have to eat it fast. We
need to get started soon."

"What sort of problem are we expected to solve for the dwarfs?"

asked Tim.

"I'm not exactly sure. Something to do with their mining

operations," said Liz.

"I don't know much about mining. Do you?" asked Tim

"No. But Merlin seems to think that we can handle it," said Liz.

"I'm ready," said Tim as he swallowed the last bite. "I hope Patsy
doesn't mind that I ate so much."

"She's a strong pony. She won't mind," said Liz. "But you should
tell her how nice she looks."

.........................

This time they were heading North. Without his compass, Tim
would have found it hard to tell directions since the sun was always
overhead. Of course the moss was always greenest on the north side
of the trees. Tim saw the snowcapped mountains in the distance. "Are
we going to those mountains?" he asked.

"Yes," said Liz. "We'll make camp at the foot of the mountains.
We'll have to continue on foot from there."

"That reminds me. Can you teach me a healing spell?" asked Tim.

"Good to see that you're being sensible about the magic. Most
people would want to learn to fly or become invisible long before they
are ready to master such a difficult skill," said Liz. "You are showing
such restraint. I'm impressed. I'll teach you one as soon as we stop to
rest the horses."

"Just trying to be sensible," said Tim as he tried to ignore the

painful blisters on his feet, "but just for curiosity's sake, how long
before I'll be ready for those sort of spells?"

"Ten years, if all goes well," said Liz.

"If I stayed here ten years, what would happen when I went back
home? How does this aging thing work?" asked Tim.

"As long as you stay here, you will remain at your present age,
assuming no side effects from spells and potions. For each day you
are here, you age one hour in the outside world. After 10 years, you
will have aged about 5 months. If you then returned to the outside
world, you would age an additional day for each hour you remained
there until you've caught up," said Liz.

........................

"Let's stop and give the horses a rest. Get out your wand and I'll
teach you a healing spell. You'll need tomato, calcium and olive oil for
this spell. The magic words are helium healiosis. Be careful, you're
still very new at this. I'm going to water the horses," said Liz.

As Liz returned, Tim was trying to get his shoes back on. "Having
problems?" she asked.

"I can't seem to get my shoes on," said Tim.

 "Let me see. Oh my, Tim, you've got six toes. I told you to be
careful. Let me get my wand, and I'll fix that for you," said Liz.

"Thank you," said Tim. "That's much better. What did I do wrong?"

"Too many tomaTOEs, I guess," said Liz. "Not bad for your first
try."

........................

As they continued their journey, they came upon a river. A troll

was operating a ferry across the river. The sign said "2 kroniks or try
for double or nothing."

"What does that mean?" asked Tim.

"If you can answer his riddle, you ride free. If you fail, you must
pay double," said Liz.

"I'm pretty good at riddles," said Tim. "Shall we try?"

"Sure, we can give it a try," said Liz.

"What is yours alone, can't be taken away, but is used by others

who have something to say?" asked the Troll.

"That's a hard one," said Liz. "I don't even have a guess."

"It's your NAME," said Tim.

"That is correct. You may board the ferry," said the Troll.

........................

After another long ride, they reached the foot of the mountain. "We
need to make camp and get some rest before we start up the
mountain," said Liz. "Patsy, you and Eunis can roam free until we get
back, but don't stray too far away."

After a short nap, Liz and Tim began their hike up the mountain
trail. They soon came to a trading post. "Let me do the talking," said
Liz. "We need to get some supplies. They don't like to deal with
outsiders."
 "What can I do for you, strangers?" asked the dwarf behind the
counter.

"We would like to rent some warm jackets and snowshoes," said
Liz.

"Rent? We don't rent things, we sell them," said the dwarf. "If
you're not buying, stop wasting my time."

"I would be willing to buy if I could be sure these were quality

goods," said Liz.

"We have only the finest goods," said the dwarf. "Just ask
anyone."

"But I don't see anyone to ask," said Liz. "But you must have a
moneyback guarantee."

"A what?" asked the dwarf.

"All the finest trading posts do it. If a customer isn't happy, he

doesn't have to pay," said Liz.

"We're the finest trading post in these lands," said the dwarf.

"Then we'll take them. How long is the guarantee good for. One
week is the norm at all the other trading posts. If we like them, we'll
pay you next week. If not, you probably wouldn't want us to bring
back any defective equipment. We'll just find a good place to throw
them away," said Liz.

"Are you sure this is the way the others do it?" the dwarf asked.

"Unless you want to rent them to us. Then you get paid and you
get your goods back in excellent condition," said Liz.

"So, you want to rent them. Why didn't you just say so?" said the
dwarf. "Does half price sound fair?"

"Perfect, " said Liz. "You drive a hard bargain."

As they stepped outside, a light snow was beginning to fall.

"Better put on the jackets," said Liz.
 As the snow got deeper, the trail was harder to see and it was
getting slippery. "Let's put on the snowshoes," said Liz. "It shouldn't
be much farther to the mine."

Tim read the sign. "7 DWARFS GOLD MINE. Not much farther."

In a few minutes they came to the entrance. Above the entrance

was another sign. "7 DWARFS GOLD MINE. Trespassers beware."

Liz knocked on the door. "Who is it? What do you want?" asked a
dwarf in a grumpy voice.

"Merlin sent us to help you with your mining problems," said Liz.
"Could we ask you a few questions?"

"I suppose, if you don't waste too much of my valuable time.

Come on in," said the dwarf.

The other dwarfs were all sitting down to eat their lunch. "Can you
tell us what sort of mining problems you are having?" asked Liz.

"It's Barney. He's the problem," said the Dwarf.

"Barney Bear?" asked Liz. "What sort of problem?"

"About a week ago, we accidentally dug a tunnel right into his

den," said dwarf #2. "When we tried to repair it, he threw rocks at us.
He's keeping me pretty busy treating all those bumps and bruises on
their noggins."

"Why is he so angry?" asked Liz.

"Probably doesn't like to be bothered. I can understand that," said

dwarf #1.

"Especially when he's trying to sleep. I can understand that," said

dwarf #3 with a wide yawn.

"And this one made things worse when he insisted on throwing

rocks back at Barney," laughed dwarf #4 as he pointed to dwarf #5
who had a silly grin on his face and four bumps on his head.

"Ah...chew!" said dwarf #6.

 "Do you have anything to add?" Liz asked dwarf #7.

"He doesn't talk much, especially to strangers," said dwarf #1.

"We've got to get back to work. Follow that tunnel and you'll find
Barney at the end."

Tim and Liz continued down the tunnel until they reached Barney's
den. Barney was fast asleep and the tunnel shook with each snore.
"Excuse me," said Liz. "Barney, wake up!"

Barney continued to snore. Liz shook Barney but still he didn't

wake up. Tim placed two fingers in his mouth and gave a loud
whistle. Barney jumped to his feet with rocks in both hands. As he
wound up to prepare to throw the rocks, he saw that it wasn't the
dwarfs, but his longtime friend Liz.

"Liz, what are you doing here?" asked Barney Bear.

"Merlin sent me here to try and resolve your problem with the
dwarfs," said Liz. "Why didn't you let them repair the wall?"

"They are far too noisy. I'm trying to hibernate here," said Barney.

"I'm surprised they could even awaken you. You are a sound
sleeper. But I guess those hammers and pickaxes make a lot of
noise," said Tim.

"Those noises don't bother me. I could sleep through an

earthquake," said Barney.

"Then what is the problem?" asked Liz.

"It's all that whistling. They whistle while they work. It's the most
irritating sound you ever heard. They are all out of tune, except for the
one with the silly grin," said Barney.

"And this is what makes you so grouchy?" asked Tim.

"I beg your pardon. I'm a bear. I was born grouchy. It makes me
furious," said Barney.

"Would it be okay if we fix the wall?" asked Liz. "We'll try to do it

quietly."
 "Anything to put an end to this ordeal," said Barney. "I've got to
get my beauty rest."

"Okay, Tim. Watch closely. I'm going to use magic," said Liz.

"Can I help?" said Tim.

"Just stand back and watch how I do it ....." said Liz.

"Rocks and stones,

the bear has thrown,
in places yet unknown.
Gather all,
to make a wall,
to stand and never fall."

" Accumulatus, coagulatum," Liz said as she waved the wand. All
of the stones and rocks came together to form a solid wall.

"How do we get back to the tunnel?" asked Tim.

"Oops," said Liz.

"Oops? What do you mean, oops?" asked Tim.

"We'll just have to go the other way," said Liz. "Which way to the
entrance of your den, Barney?"

Barney had fallen back to sleep. They decided not to wake him.
How hard could it be to find the entrance. "Let's try this way," said
Liz.

"Any particular reason you picked this way?" asked Tim.

"Just seemed like the thing to do? Light the way, Tim." said Liz.

"Did your need to recite a verse before performing that spell?"

asked Tim. "Does it have to rhyme?

"It helps to concentrate your thoughts. Magic and rhymes go hand

in hand, like peanuts, butterflies, and Peter Pan," said Liz.

"Don't you mean peanut butter?" asked Tim.

 "Maybe, come to think of it, it doesn't make much sense the way I
said it," said Liz.

After about an hour, Liz stopped to rest. "Still think this is the way
out?" asked Tim.

"Got somewhere you need to be?" asked Liz. "I love to explore,
don't you?"

"Sure. Do you think we may find something interesting?" asked

Tim.

"You never can tell until you try," said Liz. "Might as well check it
out while we're here."

"How about another spell? Got any good ones to teach me?" asked
Tim.

"How about a create food spell. Are you hungry?" asked Liz.

"Sure. But why did we carry this food with us if we can create it?"
asked Tim.

"You'll see. Now, we need nightshade, salt, and dried bat's blood.
Now repeat these words while making a circular motion with your
wand."

"That was easy. Le'ts eat," said Tim. "Yuck, that tastes awful."

"But it will keep you from starving. Now do you see why we
brought our own food?" asked Liz.

"I'll say," said Tim. "Does it get any better with experience."

"You'll just have to develop a taste for it. I'm afraid that's as good
as it gets," said Liz. "Now eat up, we don't want to waste it."

"What was that sound?" asked Tim.

"I didn't hear anything. What did it sound like?" asked Liz.

"Music. It sounded like music," said Tim.

"Now I hear it. Let's check it out if you're through eating," said Liz.
 "I'm through," said Tim. "Let's go."

As they continued through the tunnel, the music grew louder. The
tunnel led to a large chamber. "It's the hall of the mountain giant,"
said Liz. "I think he's asleep. That harp music, where is it coming
from?"

"The mantle above the fireplace," said Tim. "That harp is playing
itself."

"Well, this is the way out. But we must be very careful not to wake
the giant," said Liz. "He'll grind your bones to make his bread."

"Really," said Tim. "I read that somewhere, but I didn't believe it."

"Believe it," said Liz. "We need to hurry."

Suddenly the music stopped and the giant began to stir. Sitting up
in his bed and rubbing his eyes, the giant looked around. Liz and Tim
were under the bed. "Who are you?" asked a mouse. "Now you've
done it. You woke up the giant."

"I'm Liz and this is Tim. We were just trying to get out of here,"
said Liz.

"I'm Mortimer Mouse. Glad to meet you. I was trying to get to that
crumb laying on the floor," said Mortimer.

"Maybe we can help each other?" said Liz. "You draw his attention
while we make it to the exit. We'll yell and get his attention and while
he chases us, you can get the crumb. Then you get his attention and
run into the tunnel. He can't follow you there."

"We left some delicious food in the tunnel. If the crumb isn't
enough, you can have the food we left behind," said Tim.

"I thought you ate it all," said Liz. "You said you were through
eating."

"I was through eating," said Tim. "I may never eat again."

"Are you ready? We need to do this while the giant is still waking
up," said Liz.
 "Ready," said Mortimer, as he began running across the floor.

As the giant stood up and started after Mortimer, Liz and Tim made
a run for the exit. "Over here!" yelled Liz.

The giant turned around and saw Liz and Tim. He ran toward them,
tripping over his bed. "Push," yelled Liz. "We've got to get the door
open."

Tim pushed with all his might. The door began to open. Liz and
Tim ran out the door just as Mortimer yelled "Come and get me!"

Liz and Tim ran as fast as they could. After a minute or two, Liz
paused. "I don't think he's following us. We can slow down," said Liz.
"We've got to bring these jackets and snowshoes back to the trading
post. Then we can head back home."

"That was exciting," said Tim. "We have so much fun together."

"Yes, we do. I'll certainly miss you when you have to go," said Liz.

"I'm in no hurry," said Tim. "Nobody even knows I'm gone."

"But you know, and someday you will get homesick," said Liz.
 BAD HOBBITS ARE HARD TO
BREAK
Liz and Tim had just returned from the land of the dwarfs and Tim
had just awakened from a long nap. "There's another problem that
Merlin needs us to solve," said Liz as she entered his room. "Ole Dan
the hobbit is up to his old ways again."

"What sort of problem is Ole Dan causing?" asked Tim.

"Picking fights and wrecking the tavern. He can't seem to hold his
Elderberry wine," said Liz. "And he does love to drink."

"What does Merlin expect us to do about it?" asked Tim.

"I have an idea and this will give you a chance to meet some more
of the inhabitants of the land of Tomorrow. You have heard of
hobbits, haven't you?" asked Liz.

"I've read The Lord of the Rings, if that's what you mean. But I've
never met a real hobbit," said Tim.

"Well, here's your chance. Feel like another adventure?" asked Liz.

"I can't wait. When do we leave?" said Tim.

"Right away. No time like the present," said Liz. "Let's get some
supplies from the magic store, and we'll be on our way."

As they entered the magic store, Tim was amazed. Spider webs
were everywhere. Snakes crawled among the shelves stocked with all
sorts of herbs, spices, minerals and assorted eye of newt and bat's
wings. Tim half expected to see a witch behind the counter.

"How may I help you?" asked Billy Goat as he peered over his
reading glasses. "Liz, could I interest you in the latest edition of the
wizard's handbook?"

"Sure, and here's a list of other things we will need. Just put it on
Merlin's account," said Liz.

"You know I can't sell wormwood to a minor. Merlin will have to

pick this up himself," said Billy.

"Is that going to be a problem?" asked Tim.

"We'll just have to find some on a trip," said Liz. "It will be good
experience for you."

"Why won't he sell it to minors?" asked Tim.

"He's afraid we'll smoke it," said Liz. "It makes you act foolish and
attempt dangerous stunts."

"And that's okay for grownups?" asked Tim.

"I guess so. There's no law against it," said Liz.

"Are we going to the stables?" asked Tim.

"No, we'll give the horses a rest. We'll take a canoe for most of this
trip," said Liz. "Ever paddled a canoe?"

"I've ridden in one, but I've never paddled. I was too young," said
Tim.

"Well, you're old enough now. And there's nothing to it, at least
until we hit the rapids," said Liz. "After that, you'll be an expert, if you
don't drown."

"Sounds exciting," said Tim.

"That's the spirit," said Liz.

........................

"This isn't so bad," said Tim as he sat in front of the canoe and
rowed. The only ripples in the water were those made by the oars.

"You did secure everything, didn't you?" asked Liz.

"Of course, but I don't think we have anything to worry about,"

said Tim. "What's that noise?"

"That would be the rapids I told you about," said Liz. "Just keep us
between the big rocks, and I'll keep it straight."
 "Big rocks?" asked Tim. "Oh, those big rocks!"

"Don't worry about speed, we'll be going plenty fast enough," said
Liz. "Just keep away from the rocks."

Tim quickly swung from side to side, paddling first on one side,
then the other. Barely missing one rock then another, the canoe
tossed and turned, gaining more speed by the minute. Finally it was
over. The stream was calm again.

"What 's that roaring sound?" asked Tim.

"Don't you just love the sound of a waterfall?" asked Liz.

"Waterfall!" yelled Tim. "Not a waterfall!"

"We'd better head for shore. We'll have to walk around this one,"
said Liz.

"You don't have to tell me twice," said Tim as he pointed the canoe
toward shore.

Tim hopped out and pulled the canoe ashore. "Let's hide the
canoe," said Liz. "We won't need it again until we head back."

"Are we taking all the supplies?" asked Tim.

"No, leave about half of them for the trip back. It's much slower
going back. It's upstream and will take much longer," said Liz.

"I could sure use a rest," said Tim. "How much farther is it?"

"Half a day's walk. Just beyond the horizon," said Liz as she
pointed to the top of a large hill.

Looking down from the ledge next to the waterfall, Tim exclaimed.
"Are we going way down there?"

"Yes, but not all at once. We'll follow this path. It will gradually
lead us down there," said Liz. "Okay, let's get a little rest before we
start, and a bite to eat."

........................
 Following the winding trail along the rock cliff, the mist from the
waterfall made it hard to see and very slippery. The noise also made it
hard to hear each other. A large bear came around a corner and Tim
found himself in a tricky situation. Standing face to face with the bear,
Tim listened as the bear insisted that he move aside.

Since there was no place for Tim to move, he looked back at Liz.
"Go between his legs," said Liz.

"Push him off the ledge? I don't think I like that idea," said Tim.

"Neither do I," said the bear. "She said to go between my legs."

"Oh," said Tim. "Now that's a good idea if it's okay with you."

"Go ahead, don't dilly dally," said the bear. "I don't have all day."

"Whew, that could have been much worse. Quick thinking, Liz,"
said Tim.

"Maybe you had better let me lead the way, at least till we get on
level ground," said Liz.

"I've got it covered," said Tim as he turned to see a giant heading

up the trail. "Okay, you first, if you insist. Should we make a run for
it?"

"Don't worry, everything will be fine," said Liz.

The giant walked up to Liz and Tim. Gently picking them up, he
placed them on the trail behind him and continued on his way.

"How did you know he was a good giant?" asked Tim.

"They all are, unless they find you trespassing in their home," said
Liz.

"Now you tell me," said Tim.

........................

Liz paused near the bottom of the waterfall. "Do you see that
driftwood floating near the shore?" said Liz. "That's wormwood. We
need to collect a few pieces."

"I'll get it," said Tim. "Are we going to do a spell?"

"Not yet. It's too wet to burn right now. But I can show you another
spell if you're ready," said Liz.

"What kind of spell?" asked Tim. "I'm always ready for a new
spell."

"This is an alteration spell. You can change any object into another
similar object for a short period of time. This spell only requires two
ingredients. The duration is controlled by how long you can
concentrate," said Liz.

"What ingredients do I need?" asked Tim.

"Mercury and black rose petals," said Liz.

"Any magic words?" asked Tim.

"No, just concentrate on what you want to change the object into,"
said Liz. "Point the wand at the object and blink one eye."

"What if I blink both eyes?" asked Tim.

"Then you can change two objects at once," said Liz. "We'd better
be on our way. We want to get there before Ole Dan gets into more
trouble."

"Help me ... can someone help me?" came a voice from the side
the trail.

"Why, it's Toby Tortoise," said Liz. "My goodness Toby, what
happened?"

"Turn me over," said Toby.

Liz reached down and flipped Toby over so that he was upright
again. "I was coming down the road, and I had just pulled over to
pass a snail, when this road hog ran me off the road. I believe it was
Homer Hog. He was in a real hurry and never looked back. I've been
here for hours, waiting for that snail to come along and give me a
hand," said Toby.
 "Well, all's well that ends well," said Liz. "You'd better slow down
though, you might not be so lucky next time."

"That's all I ever hear, slow down Toby. I have places to go, and
things to do," said Toby.

"Well, be careful," said Liz. "Come on Tim, the excitement's over."

As they topped the hill, they could see the village in the valley
below. "Welcome to Ravenshire" read the sign. "We need to stop at
the hotel and get a room. We'll need privacy to perform this next
spell," said Liz, "and a couple of bottles of elderberry wine and a
gallon of goat's milk."

........................

"Just put those bottles on the table. See if that wormwood is dry,"
said Liz as they entered the room.

"No, I'm afraid it's still quite damp," said Tim. "I'll set it over here
near the fireplace so it will dry out faster."

"Okay, we can get some rest while it's drying," said Liz. "I'll take
the couch, you can have the bed."

"Will you be warm enough on the couch?" asked Tim.

"Help me push it over by the fireplace," said Liz.

........................

"Wake up, Prince Charming. I need a kiss," said Liz. "I'm sleeping
beauty."

Tim awoke to find Liz sitting on top of him. Smoke was rising from
the fireplace. "The wormwood!" Tim thought. "It's smoking."

"You've got to let me up," said Tim. "Liz, it's the wormwood. You're
acting silly."

"Not until you kiss me?" said Liz. "Hold still."

Tim rolled over quickly and Liz went sprawling onto the floor. Tim
grabbed the wormwood and tossed it out the window. As he turned
around, Liz threw her arms around him and kissed him. At first Tim
tried to push her away, but something made him stop. He returned the
kiss. After a few minutes, Liz pulled away. "What are you doing, Tim?
Did I say you could kiss me?" said Liz.

"It's the wormwood," said Tim. "It was too close to the fireplace."

"Where is it? I don't see it. Did it all burn up?" asked Liz.

"I don't think so. I tossed it out the window," said Tim. "Should I
go get it?"

"Yes, and hurry. We're going to need it for the spell," said Liz.

In a moment Tim returned with the remaining wormwood. "Bring it

over to the table," said Liz. "Here, taste this."

Tim took a sip from the wine bottle. "Yuk. That tastes like sour
milk," said Tim.

"Try this one," said Liz.

Tim took a sip from the milk bottle. "Tastes like wine," said Tim.

"Good," said Liz. "Pour it into the waterbag."

Tim removed the cork and carefully filled the waterbag from the
milk bottles. Liz sprinkled some of the wormwood ashes into the
waterbag and shook it up before putting the cork back in. "Okay, let's
go find Ole Dan," said Liz.

........................

Tim and Liz entered the tavern. "There he is. Ole Dan Druff. Let's
go on over but let me do the talking," said Liz. "Hello Dan, I brought
you a bottle of elderberry wine. I was wondering if we could ask you a
few questions?"

"Why thank you. My bottle just happens to be empty," said Dan.

"That bottle is from the latest batch of elderberry wine. We've had
some complaints. It seems that some people have an allergic
reaction. We were wondering if you would taste it for us and give us
your opinion," said Liz.

"Anything for scientific research," said Dan as he took a large gulp

then quickly spit it out, all over Tim. "That tastes like sour milk."

"Oh, my. That's too bad. You're allergic." said Liz. "But lucky for
you, we've developed a cure, just for people like you. Here, try this."

Ole Dan took a drink from the waterbag. "Now that's more like it.
Let me just check something," said Dan as he handed it back to Liz.

"No, you keep it. After you drink it all, you will be cured," said Liz.

"Why thank you. That's awfully nice of you," said Dan as he stood
up and started to walk around. Dan stumbled and landed on his butt.
"That's some really good stuff."

"Well, we had better be going. Come along Tim," said Liz.

........................

"When he drinks it all, he'll just go back to his old ways again.
What did we accomplish?" asked Tim.

"But he can't drink it all. That waterbag has a spell on it. And the
wormwood will make him act foolish, just like wine, but he won't be
of any harm to others," said Liz.

"Where will all that sour milk come from? I didn't think you could
make something from nothing," said Tim.

"When people's milk goes sour, they just pour it out. Instead of
letting it all go to waste, some of it will magically appear in the
waterbag," said Liz.

"Congratulations, Liz. Who says bad hobbits are hard to break?"

said Tim.

"Changing his boots into rollerskates was a good touch, too," said
Liz.

"But isn't that wormwood dangerous, if it will make him do foolish

things?" asked Tim.
 "It won't make you do anything you don't want to do. It just gives
you the nerve to do it," said Liz.

"Oh, really," said Tim. "Isn't that interesting?"

THE FAIRIES of IRONWOOD FOREST
"When did you last see her?" asked Liz. "Do you have any idea
where she might have gone?"

"She hasn't been home in more than 24 hours," said the mother
fairy. "She's never done this before. I'm afraid she may be injured."

"What is her name?" asked Liz.

"Her name is Felicia. She's only seven years old, and we're so
worried," said the father. "Can you help us?"

"That's what we're here for," said Liz. "Can you show me one of
her footprints?"

"Maybe in our backyard. There have been so many searching

around here that her footprints may be hard to find," said the mother.

........................

"Are you sure this footprint is hers?" asked Liz.

"I'd recognize it anywhere," said the mother.

"Okay, give me a few minutes," said Liz.

"One of many all around,

Felicia's footprints on the ground.
Glow now brightly, light the way,
show us where she went to play."

With a wave of her wand, the footprint began to glow brightly.

"Look, there's another one," said Tim, "and another."

"Let's go back around front and pick up the trail. The freshest
prints will glow the brightest," said Liz.

"We're going with you," said the parents.

"Okay, but no one else. The prints have already been trampled
pretty badly," said Liz.
 "They seem to head off in this direction," said Tim. "They end here
and start again over there."

"She's flying part of the time. This will make it harder to follow the
trail," said the father. "I just don't understand where she could be. We
searched everywhere before you got here. The entire fairy community
searched for hours and hours."

"The trail has stopped again. Spread out everyone and try to pick
up the trail," said Liz.

"Over here," said Tim. "I've found the trail."

For an hour the trail stopped and continued. Finally the trail
stopped, but no one could pick up the new trail. "Can she fly this
far?" asked Liz.

"Not after all the flying she has already done, unless she had a
long rest," said the mother. "You don't suppose she was carried off
by some creature?"

"Now, don't think the worse. There has to be another

explanation," said Liz. "Let's take a closer look at that last footprint."

As they all gathered around the footprint, Tim felt the ground begin
to give way. As the ground collapsed, Tim fell into a hole. "I'm okay,"
yelled Tim." I can see some glowing footprints. But Felicia's not here.
We're going to need to continue the search down here."

"You guys might as well go home. You can't go with us. We'll find
Felicia, and you'll be the first to know," said Liz.

"Hurry, she's never been alone in the dark before," said the
mother. "She must be terribly afraid."

"Stand aside, Tim. I'm coming down," said Liz. "Light the way, but
not too bright. We want to be able to see the footprints."

"Now that we're alone, I have a few questions. Why are these
fairies so much larger than the ones we saw in the dark forest, near
where the elves lived?" asked Tim.

"Sunlight. These elves get continuous sunlight. The ones in the

dark forest get hardly any," said Liz.
 "What will happen if Felicia doesn't get sunlight?" asked Tim.

"I'm not sure. Let's find her before that becomes a major worry,"
said Liz.

"Don't fairies glow in the dark?" asked Tim. "Why would Felicia be
afraid of the dark?"

"Adult fairies can turn it off and on, but I'm not sure about the
children," said Liz. "Maybe she's afraid because she can't hide in the
dark."

"I'm hungry," said Tim. "You want a molasses and biscuit?"

"I'm fine. I'll just rest while you eat," said Liz. "I think I hear
someone coming. Shhh."

"Maurice, I smell molasses," said Mabel Mole.

"But Mabel, we're the only moles in this tunnel. Are you sure you
smell mole butts?" said Maurice Mole.

"No silly, sorghum molasses and biscuits, can't you smell it?"
asked Mabel.

"I've got a cold in my nose," said Maurice. "You're always smelling

food since you went on that diet."

"Excuse me. We're searching for a lost child. Have either of you
seen a fairy child come through here?" asked Tim.

Mabel giggled. "Have you seen any moles with eyes come through
here?"

"Okay, my mistake. Did either of you smell a fairy child lately?"

asked Tim.

"I've got a cold in my nose," said Maurice, "and Mabel only smells
food since she went on her diet."

"Wait a minute. There was that honeysuckle smell yesterday," said

Mabel. "I'll bet that was her. Just stay to your left through the
tunnels."
 "Thank you so much," said Liz. "Could you let us pass?"

"Maurice, where are your manners? Get behind me and let the nice
folks pass," said Mabel.

"Now I can smell it," said Maurice.

"Maurice Mole! You're sleeping on the couch tonight," said Mabel.

..................

"We could have just followed the footprints. That wasn't much
help," said Tim.

"We know she didn't ask for help. She wasn't crying or they would
have heard her. If she was injured and couldn't get out of the way,
they would have run into her. I'd say it was all good news," said Liz.

"Tim, you've got the wand too bright. I can barely see the
footprints," said Liz.

Tim turned off the wand. The footprints barely glowed in the dark.
"We've got to hurry! We don't have much time," said Tim, "unless you
can cast the spell again."

"I'm afraid not," said Liz. "Let's hurry while we still have a trail to
follow."

Walking quickly through the tunnel, Tim and Liz followed the trail
of dim footprints. Tim heard a thud. "Liz. Was that you? Liz!" yelled
Tim. Tim activated his wand and saw Liz lying on the floor of the
tunnel, blood gushing from her forehead.

Tim quickly ripped his shirt and made a bandage to slow the
bleeding. He tried to awaken Liz. He could hear her breathing, but her
eyes didn't open. "Wake up Liz. Please wake up," Tim pleaded.

"What's the matter. Why are you crying?" asked a tiny voice.

Tim looked up and saw a small girl fairy. "Liz is hurt. I think she's
dying," said Tim. "Are you Felicia? Can you help me?"

"Yes, my name is Felicia Fairy. What's your name and how can I
help?" said Felicia.

"My name is Timothy. Help me save her life," said Tim.

"Not Sir Timothy?" said Felicia. "The Great Wizard."

"I'm Sir Timothy, but I'm not a great wizard," said Tim. "I'm just a
child and so is Liz. She's too young to die. You've got to save her.
Please."

"I'm sorry, but I have no power over life and death. You have a
wand. Can't you heal her?" said Felicia.

"I'm afraid I'll make things worse. I can't take the chance," said
Tim.

"Do you love her?" asked Felicia.

"I think so, but I'm too young to know what love really is?" said
Tim. "I've never been in love before."

"You are very wise for your age," said Felicia. "My mother says
that love is the greatest magic of all. Show her that you love her."

Tim kissed Liz like he had never kissed anyone before. Holding her
in his arms, it felt like she was kissing him back. Pushing away, Liz
sat up and looked at Tim. "Why is it that I can't close my eyes around
you without you trying to kiss me? Are you some sort of pervert?"
asked Liz.

"You kissed me back. You like me, admit it," said Tim.

"I was dazed and confused," said Liz.

"He saved your life," said Felicia.

Liz looked up to see Felicia. "You found her. Nice going, Tim."

"Well, actually, she found us," said Tim. "Are you okay? You had
me so worried."

"I've got a splitting headache. What happened?" asked Liz.

"We've got to get out of here. Felicia, have you seen a way out?"
 "Yes, but I'll need your help to get out that way," said Felicia.
"Follow me."

"Can you walk, Liz?" asked Tim.

"I think so. Take my hand," said Liz. "Thank you for saving my
life."

"It's not over yet. We've got to get you home," said Tim.

Tim and Liz followed Felicia to the end of the tunnel. The tunnel
ended behind a small waterfall. "Go ahead, Felicia. We'll follow you,"
said Tim.

"I can't. When I fell into the hole, I injured my wing," said Felicia. "I
can't tuck my wings to protect them from the waterfall. The waterfall
would seriously damage an open wing."

"Why didn't you asked Maurice and Mabel to help you?" asked Liz.

"I never saw them, and I was in practically every tunnel before I
found this one," said Felicia.

Tim waved his wand and the waterfall turned into a thin curtain of
ice. Kicking a large hole in the ice, he motioned for Felicia to go
through and he and Liz followed. The waterfall immediately turned
back into water and began to flow again.

"Nice, Tim. Very impressive," said Liz as she fell to her knees.

"Can you find your way home, Felicia. I've got to get Liz back to
Merlin," said Tim.

"I'll be fine. But maybe I can help you," said Felicia as she waved
her wand and sprinkled Tim and Liz with pixie dust. "Now you can fly
home. Hold her hand and don't fly too high, in case she passes out."

"I don't know how we can ever thank you, Felicia," said Liz.

"Thank you. You risked your life to save me," said Felicia. "I guess
we're even."

"Hold on tight, Liz. We'll be home in no time," said Tim.

 THE WIZARD'S APPRENTICE
"You could have died. I would never have forgiven myself," said
Merlin.

"But I didn't. Tim saved me, and we didn't need a bodyguard to

protect us," said Liz.

"You were lucky, this time. He's only a child. He can hardly protect
himself," said Merlin.

"And I'm only a child and will be for some time. I'm not going
through life like a dog on a leash. I'll go back to live with Mom before I
live like that," said Liz. "When I turned twelve, Mom told me about you
and gave me a choice. She said I had to choose my own destiny. I'm
almost 13 now, and you've got to let go. If you want someone to
protect me, then train Tim to be a better wizard."

"If you feel that strongly about it, I suppose I could get the both of
you into the school on Mystery Island. This will mean years of
training. If Tim is willing to spend the time, I'll bring him up to your
level before the next semester begins," said Merlin.

"I've spent years getting to this level. Have you been holding me
back?" asked Liz.

"I guess I have been overly protective, but it's because I love you
so much," said Merlin.

"Father, I love you too, but sometimes you make me so mad," said
Liz. "I can't wait to tell Tim. He'll be so excited."

"Have him meet me in my secret room after lunch tomorrow," said

Merlin.

"Can I come too?" asked Liz. "Maybe I can help."

"Absolutely not. You'll have to practice your own magic to prepare

for school. And please be careful if you're going to be doing it inside
the castle," said Merlin.

"Father, stop treating me like a child," said Liz as she stomped out
the door.

......................

"Tim, are you asleep. Tim!" said Liz as she entered his room.

"Is it time to get up already? It seems like I just closed my eyes,"

said Tim.

"We're going to Fogmore!" said Liz.

"What's Fogmore?" asked Tim.

"Only the best magic school in the Land of Tomorrow," said Liz.

"What kind of problems are they having?" asked Tim.

"No, you don't understand. We're going to enroll in school to learn

magic," said Liz. "We'll going to become great wizards."

"Do we have to enroll today? I don't think I slept very well," said
Tim.

"Go back to sleep, Tim. We'll talk when you wake up," said Liz.

......................

Liz sat down across the table from Tim. "How's the special
today?" asked Liz.

"Henrietta has outdone herself today. I'm going to have seconds,"

said Tim. "I had the strangest dream last night. I dreamed that we
were going to magic school."

"That wasn't a dream. Merlin is going to give you a crash course to

bring you up to my level. Then you and I are going to enroll in
advanced magic class at Fogmore," said Liz.

"Don't I have anything to say about this?" asked Tim.

"What do you say?" said Liz.

"Wow! How did you convince Merlin?" asked Tim. "I can't believe
we're going to be real wizards."
 "It will mean a lot of work and a lot of time. Are you ready for
this?" asked Liz.

"As long as we can do it together," said Tim.

"Meet Father in his secret room after lunch," said Liz. "Better
brush up on the Wizard's handbook and don't forget your wand. I'm
going horseback riding. Have a nice day."

"But I thought we were going to do this together," said Tim. "I

hoped you would help me prepare."

"I'm just a child. I've got to have fun and stay out of trouble," said
Liz.

"What's the matter, Liz? What did Merlin say that's made you so
mad?" asked Tim.

"He won't let me come to your classes. I wanted to help," said Liz.

"You can help without coming to the classes. Besides, I couldn't

concentrate on Merlin if you were around," said Tim. "He's given you
permission to go away to Fogmore. I'm sure that wasn't an easy
decision for him."

"You're right. I'm just being silly. Of course I'll help you. It will also
help me to brush up on the basics," said Liz. "Let's get started right
away."

......................

"Show me what Liz has taught you," said Merlin.

Tim demonstrated a few of the magic spells that Liz had taught
him. "You seem to be picking it up rather quickly. You have a unique
talent that we don't see very often," said Merlin. "Study hard and
you'll make a great wizard some day. Are you ready for your next
lesson?"

"Yes sir. I'm ready," said Tim.

"Sometimes speed is as important as your choice of spells. Having

to mix the ingredients can take a lot of time. I'm going to teach you to
let your mind do the mixing, but first you must learn to protect
yourself if a spell goes wrong or if you attempt a spell without the
proper ingredients," said Merlin. "As you know, energy is required to
cast a spell and it must come from somewhere. If the necessary
ingredient is missing, the spell will attempt to draw the energy from
you."

"Liz explained that to me, but she never taught me how to limit the
energy draw," said Tim. "So I've never attempted a spell without the
proper ingredients."

"You are going to do just that, but you'll start with simple spells
and work your way up," said Merlin. "As I'm sure Liz told you, you can
regain your energy by sleeping, as long as you don't become too
drained. Here is a potion, but it's only for use in case you over do it. It
too can be very dangerous if misused. Read the instructions on the
bottle before you begin your training. Well, that's it for today. I'll see
you again when you can control all of your spells with at least one of
the ingredients missing."

"Thank you, Sir. I'll get to work on this right away," said Tim.

"Use caution, Tim. A wise man knows his limits," said Merlin.

......................

"Yes, Sir. I can do every spell with any one of the three ingredients
missing. I'm ready for you to teach me some new spells," said Tim.

"Not so fast Tim. I assume you're beginning to recognize the

difference in the way it feels to replace the energy of different
ingredients. Liz is going to work with you on the next step," said
Merlin. "Up to now, you knew what ingredient you were replacing. Liz
will mix the ingredients and you will have to determine what is
missing in order to properly control that aspect of the spell. When you
can do this successfully, we will progress to the next level."

"What is the next level?" asked Tim.

"Performing spells with two ingredients missing," said Merlin.

"And then I'll learn to cast a spell with no ingredients," said Tim.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Besides, that's never been

done," said Merlin. "Just concentrate on the job at hand."

......................

After a few months, Tim and Liz were preparing to leave for
Mystery Island and Fogmore University of Magic. "You two take good
care of each other. Pay close attention in class and tell all of your
instructors that I expect great things from both of you," said Merlin.
"But don't expect any special treatment. You'll have to earn their
respect."

"Thanks, Father. We'll try to make you proud," said Liz.

"You can count on me to look after your daughter," said Tim, "just
as she will look after me."

"We have to go now. I'll miss you. Don't forget to write," said Liz.

......................

"There it is. Merlin's 16 foot skiff. Ever done any sailing?" asked
Liz as she boarded the skiff.

"We're doing the driving?" asked Tim. "Where are the life jackets?"

"I guess that answers my question. You don't call it driving, Tim,"
said Liz. "Don't worry. I'll teach you."

"Who taught you how to navigate?" asked Tim.

"Navigate? I was just going to ask for directions if we get lost,"

said Liz. "Porpoises are very helpful with directions."

"Let's raise anchor and set sail. I can't wait to get to Fogmore.
We'll meet wizards in training from all over the land of Tomorrow. I've
heard all sorts of fantastic stories about Mystery Island," said Liz.

"What sort of stories?" asked Tim. "Tell me all about it."

"I don't want to spoil it for you," said Liz.

 THE MAIDS OF THE MIST
Written by DTYarbrough

Liz and Timothy were aboard Merlin's skiff on their way to Mystery
Island when a storm began. The little skiff was tossed like a feather in
the wind. "Tie yourself to the mast," said Liz. "We'll just have to ride
out the storm." When the storm finally calmed, Tim and Liz were
exhausted and completely lost.

"I'll call a porpoise and get some directions," said Liz.

"Look, a mountaintop above the mist," said Tim. "Is that mystery
Island?"

"Who says I can't navigate?" said Liz. "Let's head for shore."

As they reached the shore, it was a sandy beach stretching as far

as they could see in the fog. "The boat dock and the road to Fogmore
is on the east side of the island. Do you have your compass?" asked
Liz.

"That way. We need to head that way," said Tim as he looked at his
compass.

"Help me pull the skiff above high tide level," said Liz. "We
wouldn't want it to drift away."

After a short rest, Tim and Liz began walking along the beach.
After several hours of walking and resting, Tim spotted something.
"Footprints. They look human," said Tim.

"They are human. They're our footprints. We've completely circled

the island and this is not Mystery Island," said Liz.

"Then where are we and where is our skiff?" asked Tim. "Here are
the tracks where we pulled it ashore. What kind of tracks are those?"

"Monkey tracks," said Liz. "They're going to be in so much trouble

if they damage Merlin's skiff. Let's go. Follow the tracks."

"What island is this," asked Tim.

"I don't know. There are no charted islands anywhere near Mystery
Island," said Liz.
 "Liz, I don't like the looks of this," said Tim.

Suddenly a large net enclosed Liz and Tim and lifted them into the
air. "Hey, give that back," said Tim as one of the monkeys took his
wand. "They've got my wand."

"Mine too," said Liz. "Let me talk to them. I'll straighten this out."

"I haven't understood anything they're saying," said Tim.

"I can't quite make out the language either," said Liz. "All the
monkeys I've ever met in the land of Tomorrow spoke English. This is
very strange."

"We want to be your friends. Let us down," said Tim.

"Keep an eye out for the boat. We are going to have to find it
quickly when we do escape," said Liz as the monkeys carried them
through the jungle.

"And our wands," said Tim. "Which one of them took our wands?"

"They all look the same to me," said Liz. "If we can figure out
which one is their leader, he will probably have the wands."

"How are we supposed to remember once we do find out. I can't

tell them apart," said Tim.

"Maybe the leader will wear a crown or carry a staff or something

like that," said Liz. "Maybe he's not with this group. Leaders usually
have something that makes them stand out above the crowd."

"What are they doing? Hey! Stop that. Get us out of here," said Tim
as the monkeys lowered Tim and Liz into a large pit. "You are going
to be sorry you messed with us. Take us to your leader."

"It's no use. They don't understand a single word that you are
saying," said Liz. "Stop yelling and act friendly."

"I think I can get us out of this net," said Tim. "Hold still for a
minute."

"Okay. Now how do we get out of this pit?" asked Liz.

 "We'll just dig our way out," said Tim.

"Did you feel of the ground? It's as hard as a rock and we don't
have any shovels or pick axes," said Liz.

"The walls are just as hard as the floor," said Tim. "Stand on my
shoulder and see if you can reach the top of the pit."

"Just a few more inches," said Liz. "Are you on your tiptoes?"

"What are you doing?" asked Tim.

"I'm going to try to jump. Hold still," said Liz.

"Okay," said Tim.

"I can't hold on. Look out!" said Liz as she fell back to the floor of
the pit. "There's nothing to hold on to."

"I hear someone coming," said Tim. "Look out. They're throwing
things at us."

"It's just bananas and coconuts," said Liz. "They're feeding us."

"That's a lot of food. They must be planning on keeping us here for

quite a while," said Tim.

"Either that or they are trying to fatten us up," said Liz. "Here, have
a banana."

"I just lost my appetite," said Tim.

"Did you see any huts or buildings of any sort?" asked Liz.

"No. Do you think they live in huts?" asked Tim. "I believe they're
completely uncivilized. I'll bet we're not in the land of Tomorrow
anymore."

"Is the sun directly overhead? I can't tell because of the fog and
mist," said Liz.

"We were in that storm for quite some time," said Tim. "We could
have been blown miles off course."
 "Well, we can't stay," said Liz. "We've got to get out of here."

"When do we leave?" asked Tim. "I'm ready when you are."

"I just mean that it's far worse than I thought," said Liz.

"What could be worse than being the main course at dinner?"

asked Tim.

"Growing old. If this isn't Tomorrow then we will both age," said
Liz. "You'll only age a few months, but I'm not ready to be twenty-
one."

"I guess we'd better eat something," said Tim as he peeled a

banana. "We have to keep up our strength."

............................

Tim and Liz were awakened by the sounds of strange squeals and
shrieks. "What was that?" asked Tim.

"I've never heard anything like that before," said Liz. "I'm not sure I
want to find out. Quiet."

The fog was even thicker. Tim and Liz could hardly see each other.
Suddenly they heard footsteps getting closer to the pit. Looking up,
they could see two sets of bright yellow eyes staring down at them.
Tim and Liz sat motionless. The faces were as pale as a skeleton's
face. The eyes of one lit up the features of the other. Seaweed was
hanging from their heads, entangled in their long stringy hair.

One of them let out a shriek and they both disappeared back into
the mist. "What was that?" asked Tim.

"I don't have any idea. I couldn't see very much, just their faces,"
said Liz. "They obviously came from the sea. Did you see all that
seaweed?"

"I only noticed the yellow eyes. They glow in the dark," said Tim.

"I think they're gone now. I haven't heard any shrieks and the last
one sounded like it was far away," said Liz. "Hand me one of those
bananas."
 "I know why the monkeys are acting like crazy animals," said Tim.
"If I have to eat one more banana, I'm going to go nuts. I'm really
getting thirsty. What are we supposed to drink?"

"Speaking of nuts, try one of the coconuts," said Liz,

Tim fumbled with one of the coconuts for a few minutes. "I can't
get the darn thing open," said Tim as he flung it angrily against the
wall of the pit. The coconut bounced off the wall and struck another
coconut laying on the floor, making a cracking sound. Tim picked up
the coconut.

"What is this white liquid dripping from the coconut?" asked Tim
as he handed it to Liz. "It tastes okay. Maybe we can drink this?"

"I have an idea," said Liz. "Strike two coconuts together and try to
split one in half."

"You're still thirsty?" asked Tim.

"Just do it. We can use the shells to help us dig," said Liz. "We'll
scoop out holes in the wall to place our feet so we can climb up."

"Great idea," said Tim as he struck two of the coconuts together.

"Oh, that stings."

"Throw one of them at the other," said Liz.

"I was a pitcher on my baseball team," said Tim as he wound up.

"Watch this."

Tim missed the other coconut by several feet. "Well, this isn't a
baseball," said Tim.

"Let me try," said Liz as she threw the coconut and hit the other
coconut right in the center. The coconut split open. "Lets eat some
first before we get it all dirty."

"My hair keeps getting in my eyes," said Tim. "That's why I

missed."

"It's been growing," said Liz. "You're getting older. We need to

hurry."
 Standing on Tim's shoulders, Liz finished the last hole. "Let me
down. I need to rest for a few minutes before we try to climb out."

..........................

"It's getting brighter," said Tim. "The fog is lifting. We'd better
hurry."

"Maybe we will be able to find the boat, now that it's easier to
see," said Liz as she started climbing out of the pit.

"Hello. Who are you?" said a girl's voice.

Looking around, Liz saw a girl about her age with beautiful blond
hair and blue eyes. "I'm Liz. Who are you?"

"Winona Whitemonkey is what the monkeys call me. You can call
me Winnie," said Winona. "What are you doing on Monkey Island?"

"Tim and I were sailing to Mystery Island and a storm blew us off
course," said Liz. "Can you help us out of this pit?"

"Sure, come on up," said Winnie. "Glad to meet you."

"We need to leave the island immediately," said Liz. "Do you know
where the monkeys hid our boat and wands?"

"But you just got here. I want you to stay and be my friend. It's so
lonely here with just the monkeys to play with," said Winnie.

Liz explained to Winnie about the aging and school and the land of
Tomorrow. "We'll be too old to play with you in just a matter of days,"
said Liz, knowing full well that Tim would not age that much. "Come
back to the land of Tomorrow and we can be friends forever."

Liz told Winona all about Merlin and the animals and other races of
humans. "Okay," said Winnie. "I'll go with you. It will be good to get
away from the maids of the mist."

"Maids of the mist?" asked Liz. "The creatures with the yellow
eyes?"

"Yes," said Winnie. "Every since the monkeys found me on the

beach and gave me a home, the maids of the mist have tried to kill
me. They come here when the fog rolls in. This happens three or four
times a year. One time they almost dragged me into the sea."

"How did you get away from them?" asked Tim.

"I'm not sure. When they tried to drag me into the sea, the salt
water burned me so bad that I broke free and ran away," said Winnie.
"My skin was discolored and scaly for days. I don't even go near the
sea anymore since that happened."

"You'll be fine in our skiff," said Liz. "There's nothing to be afraid

of."

"I'll get your wands and lead you to the skiff. I've got to say
goodbye to the monkeys. Wait here," said Winnie.

"Please hurry. We're getting older by the minute," said Liz.

.....................

"Which way to Tomorrow?" Liz asked the porpoise.

"North by northeast," said the porpoise. "About four hours if the

winds hold."

"Thank you so much," said Liz. "Well, we'll be home in no time."

"What about school?" asked Tim.

"Maybe next year," said Liz. "Right now we have to take care of
Winnie."

Just as Monkey Island was disappearing from sight, a fog bank

began to approach the skiff. "Can we go around it?" asked Tim.

"I don't think we have time," said Liz. "It'll be here in less than a
minute."

As the fog surrounded the skiff, the skiff began to rock side to
side, dumping them all into the water. Tim immediately climbed back
into the skiff. Looking around, there was no sign of Winnie or Liz.
"Liz!" yelled Tim. Tim dove back into the water and searched for Liz.
The fog made it impossible to see underwater. As Tim climbed back
into the skiff, Liz was already there.

"Tim, I thought I'd lost you. Thank goodness you're all right.
Where's Winnie?" said Liz.

"I don't know. I was looking for you, but I couldn't see anything
under the water," said Tim.

"Winnie!" yelled Liz. "Where are you?"

"The maids of the mist must have gotten her," said Tim.

"We shouldn't have brought her out here. She was so afraid of the
sea and now she's dead," said Liz.

"How could we know this would happen. We were trying to help

her," said Tim.

"Sometimes good intentions aren't enough," said Liz.

"Can you do a spell?" asked Tim.

"We don't have any ingredients. The salt water ruined any that we
had in our pockets," said Liz.

"One of these days I'll be able to cast a spell without ingredients,"

said Tim.

"You know that's never been done before," said Liz.

"You just wait and see. Nothing like this is ever going to happen
again as long as I have a wand," said Tim. "The fog has lifted. I can
see the shore."

"Liz, Tim, wait for me," yelled Winnie.

As Winnie swam up beside the skiff, Tim yelled. "Get in the skiff.
Hurry."

"I'm fine. I can't go with you. I'm home now," said Winnie.

"Home? But you said the saltwater burned your skin," said Liz.
"How could this be home?"
 "We live in the deep sea. The saltwater makes us sensitive to
sunlight, and sunlight makes us sensitive to saltwater. That's why
they only attempted to rescue me when it was foggy," said Winnie.

"But you speak English. They made shrieking noises and looked
so frightening. You're beautiful," said Liz.

"It takes awhile for our vocal cords to adjust to different pressures.
Underwater they speak perfect English. They cover themselves with
seaweed to frighten the monkeys, and their skin is naturally pale from
the lack of sunlight. Their eyes help them see in the total darkness of
the deep sea. My eyes also glow in the dark," said Winnie.

"So what is your real name?" asked Tim.

"The monkeys were close. But it's not Winnie, it's Minnie. You can
call me Minnie Mermaid," said Minnie. "Goodbye and thanks for
everything."

"Goodbye Minnie," said Liz and Tim.

"Turn the boat around, Tim. We're going to school," said Liz.

"What's the heading, Skipper?" asked Tim.

"Just give me a minute to get some directions," said Liz.

 THE WIZARDS OF FOGMORE
Written by DTYarbrough

"What do you mean we're not old enough to enroll in advanced

wizardry. Merlin talked to the Dean personally to get us into
Fogmore," said Liz.

Professor Filby looked up from his desk. Filby was a tree elf,
middle aged by elf standards. "The question of age must not have
come up. We naturally assumed anyone Merlin would recommend for
advanced wizardry would be more mature," said Professor Filby. "As
a human, you must be fourteen and there can be no exceptions. I'm
very sorry. Come back when your older."

"That may never happen. Merlin is going to be very upset when he

hears about this," said Liz.

"There might be a way. You are only a month short of fourteen

since you aged a year on Monkey Island. Tim , however, has only just
turned thirteen. You could take a potion to age another month but we
can't recommend doing this to age one whole year. You can never get
those years back," said Filby.

"Actually he can. If he goes back home before he is actually

fourteen in the outside world, he would stop ageing there until he
actually reach fourteen," said Liz.

"He's an outsider? This is quite irregular. This will not do at all.

There has never been an outsider in one of our classrooms. Does
Merlin know about this?" asked Filby.

"Of course he knows all about Sir Timothy," said Liz.

"Sir Timothy? Well why didn't you say so? That's different. Of
course he can enroll if he's old enough," said Filby.

"What do you think, Tim?" said Liz. "Want to enroll?"

"Where do I sign," said Tim. "and what do I drink?"

"We're going to think about it for twenty four hours," said Liz.
"We'll be back tomorrow. Do we have your permission to look
around?"
 "Make yourselves at home. Merlin recommended you and that's
good enough for me," said Filby. "How is the old fool?"

"My father is fine. I'll tell him you asked about him," said Liz.

"Tell him Professor Phineus Filby says hello," said Filby.

.........................

Liz and Tim entered the cafeteria. "You've met the hobbits,
dwarves, and elves already but there will be some other races here
that you haven't met." said Liz.

"What are those?" asked Tim as he pointed at a couple of winged

females about the same size as Tim and Liz.

"Don't point, especially with your wand," said Liz. "Those are
wood nymphs. Don't let those pretty faces fool you."

"What are those?" asked Tim.

"They're halflings, half elf and half human," said Liz.

"What is she?" asked Tim, "the blue one with the webbed feet and
hands."

"She's an amphib." said Liz. "she can breath in air or water. Sort of
like mermaids but she doesn't change forms. They are extremely fast
swimmers but awkward runners."

"Those, with the feathered wings, what are they called?" asked
Tim.

"Those are nangels." said Liz. "They can glide for hours but they
can't flap their wings."

"They all seem to stay in their own little groups," said Tim.

"That will change when classes begin next week. The girls and
boys have seperate dorms and they try not to place two of the same
race in one dorm room. This way each of us get to learn about other
races and cultures." said Liz. "There are typically four or five different
races in a dorm room."
 "I really want to do this." said Tim. "Why aren't you certain about
it?"

"I'm certain. I just wanted to be sure you know what your getting
into. We won't see each other as much and there will be lots of study
and hard work." said Liz. "We can study together in the library but we
may not have all the same classes or instructors."

"Is there any other way to learn advanced magic?" asked Tim.

"A private instructor, but they rarely take on more than one student
at a time." said Liz. "We'd hardly see each other at all."

"Let's enroll. We'll have lots of time together after we graduate,"

said Tim. "Four years will pass in no time and we'll have the summers
together."

"There are no seasons here, Tim," said Liz. "There will be short
semester breaks but thats it."

"We'll find ways to be together," said Tim.

"Necessity is the brother of detention," said Liz.

"The mother of invention, Liz," said Tim. "Where do you get these
sayings?"

"I guess I had detention on my mind. You know what will happen if
we are caught breaking the rules," said Liz. "Three strikes and your
out."
...........................

"Hello, you must be the new students. I'm Lord Amendorf, the dean
of Fogmore. I just wanted to welcome you and see if you needed any
assistance." said the dean.

"I'm Liz and this is Tim. Father has told me a lot about you. Glad to
make your aquaintence," said Liz.

"Oh, that's right. Your Merlins daughter. We are very proud to have
you attend Fogmore. I think you will find it both challenging and
enjoyable. Just let me know if there is anything I can do to help you fit
in," said Amendorf. "That goes for Sir Timothy as well."
 "What a nice hobbit," said Tim. "I think we will really like it here, if
the professors are even half as nice."

"I can't wait to begin our classes," said Liz. "Let's go on one of the
guided tours to learn our way around."

"I've seen quite a few animals around here. Will they be attending
classes as well?" asked Tim.

"No," said Liz. "They serve as maids, cooks, teaching assistants,

janitors, tourguides, guards, etc."

"Guards? Why do they need guards?" asked Tim.

"They have many valuable magical items at the school." replied

Liz. "They must be prevented from falling into the wrong hands."

"Wrong hands? What do you mean by wrong hands?" said Tim.

"Anyone who hasn't been properly trained in their use," said Liz.
"or anyone with evil intentions."

"Evil intentions. Everyone I've met has been so nice. It's hard to
believe they could have evil intentions." said Tim.

"Well, you haven't met a banshee or a wraith," said Liz. "Many a

wizard has driven mad by a banshee or a wraith."

"There goes a tour now. Shall we join them?" asked Tim.

"Sure," said Liz.

"Excuse me," said Lord Amendorf. "I just recieved a message from
your father. You two must return to the castle at once."

"Did he say why?" asked Liz. "Is Merlin sick?"

"The message only said that you should return at once," said
Amendorf.

"Let's go Tim. We must hurry." said Liz. "There's no time to waste.

Merlin needs us."
 "Let's go. I'm right behind you," said Tim. "This must be serious."

THE
HOMECOMING
Written by DTYarbrough

"We can always enroll next year," said Tim. "At least I got that
crash course from Merlin. I'm much more capable of protecting you
than I was even a month ago."

"I was so looking forward to Fogmore. I've never had much chance
to meet or get to know the other races of humans. They all seem so
interesting," said Liz. "But you're right. There's plenty of time."

"Should we lower the sails? We're nearing the boat dock," said
Tim. "Look, there's Patsy and Eunis. Merlin must have sent them to
meet us."

"Are we going to the castle?" Liz asked the unicorn. "Is Father ill?"

"No. He's fine. There's someone to see you. We're going to that
little cottage near the lake," said Eunis.

"Who is it? Is it someone I know?" asked Liz.

"Merlin didn't say. He just asked us to meet you and bring you to
the cottage," said Eunis. "My, how you've grown."

"It's a long story. I'll tell you all about it someday," said Liz. "We
must hurry."

"Who lives in the cottage?" asked Tim.

"It's been abandoned as long as I can remember," said Liz. "I don't
think I ever knew who lived there."

"You look very nice, Patsy," said Tim. "It's good to see you again."

"I like you with long hair," said Patsy Pony. "You don't even look
like an outsider anymore."

"Thanks, Patsy," said Tim. "Are we ready, Liz?"

 "Let's ride," said Liz.

...............................

"There's the lake, Tim," said Liz. "We're almost there. I wonder
who it is that was so important they dragged us away from school."

"We'll know in a little while. I hope it's nothing serious," said Tim.

Tim and Liz dismounted their steeds and walked up the little path
to the door. "Knock .. Knock"

A beautiful lady opened the door. "Mother? What are you doing
here? I've missed you so much," said Liz.

"I had a dream that you had aged. I know it's only been a day since
you left, but I just had to see you," said her mother. "My, how you've
grown."

"Mother, it's been two hundred years. I'm fine. I'm only one year
older because of a little adventure Tim and I had a few days ago," said
Liz. "Oh, this is my best friend Tim. Tim, meet my mother."

"Pleased to meet you, mi'lady," said Tim as he bowed at the waist.

"Now I see where Liz gets her beauty."

"Nice to meet such a gracious young friend of Elizabeth's," said

her mother. "You can call me Lady Victoria."

"Are you staying? Why aren't you at the castle?" asked Liz.

"Your father and I aren't speaking. This is where I lived before you
were born. This is my home in Tomorrow," said her mother. "I believe
I will stay for a while if you have time to spend with me."

"Of course I do," said Liz. "I have so many wonderful stories to tell
you. Is there enough room for Tim?"

"I can stay at the castle. You two need to be alone," said Tim.

"Nonsense Tim, of course there's room for you," said Victoria.

"Now I won't take no for an answer."
 "Then it's all settled. I'll have Eunis fetch our things from the castle
and let Merlin know that we are okay," said Liz.

"How is your father?" asked Victoria. "I haven't seen him in

thirteen years."

"Hasn't changed a bit," said Liz. "As stubborn as ever. He hasn't

seen you in over three hundred years."

"I should have known he hadn't changed," said Victoria. "Does he

ever speak of me?"

"Only when I asked about you," said Liz. "You look just like the
picture in his secret room. He told me that it ages as you do."

"So what have you and Tim been up to lately?" her mom asked.

...........................

"Merlin will see you now," said Reginald Van Rat. Try not to waste
too much of his time."

"Sir Timothy. So nice to see you again. What can I do for you?"
asked Merlin.

"It's Liz, sir. I'm terribly worried about her," said Tim.

"What is it, Tim?" asked Merlin.

"We had a little problem on the way to Fogmore. She's aged and I
think she's afraid to let you see her," said Tim. "Merlin ... Merlin?"

Merlin had vanished. "It worked," thought Tim.

...........................

"I see you still haven't learned to knock," said Lady Victoria.

"Sorry to barge in like this. Tim just told me about Liz. Where is
she?" said Merlin.

"What about Liz?" asked Lady Victoria.

"She's aged. How bad is it?" asked Merlin.

 "Oh, that. She aged one year," said Lady Victoria, "and she's
prettier than ever."

"Thank goodness," said Merlin. "To hear Tim tell it, I was
expecting to see an old woman. But speaking of prettier than ever, it's
nice to see you again, Victoria."

"You always did have a way with words, magic or otherwise," said
Lady Victoria. "How have you been, Merlin?"

"Oh, I can't complain. The years have been good to me," said
Merlin. "Although they have been lonely since you left."

"You know why I left. Let's not start that again," said Lady Victoria.

"You know I never wanted you to leave. Come back to the castle
and become my wife," said Merlin. "Help me to raise your wonderful
daughter."

"She's your daughter too, and you haven't done such a bad job,"
said Lady Victoria. "She's told me many wonderful stories."

"Father!" yelled Liz as she ran into his arms. "I was so worried
when they told us to return home. I thought something had happened
to you."

"I'm fine, Elizabeth," said Merlin. "Let me have a look at you. You
are prettier than ever. Timothy had me worried sick."

"I see that you two have met. I'll just leave you two alone to talk
about old times. I'm going outside to wait for Tim," said Liz.

"I think I've been tricked into coming here," said Merlin.

"Probably, but since you're here, have a seat and talk for a while.
We have a lot of catching up to do," said Lady Victoria.
 FIRE STORM
Written by DTYarbrough

"We need to stop here," said Tim. "I want to get some more of
Henry Hedgehog's special shrinkweed."

"What do you need that for?" asked Liz.

"You never know when it might come in handy. It will only take a
minute," said Tim.

"Okay. Knock on the door and see if he's home," said Liz.

"There's no answer. Maybe he's working in his garden. Let's look

around back," said Tim.

............................

"My goodness! Look at that! Someone has burned Henry's garden

to the ground. Who would do such a thing?" asked Tim.

"Let's take a closer look. Maybe we can find some clues?" said Liz.

"It looks like someone put out the fire with a lot of water," said
Tim. "The ground is still muddy."

"Here are some tracks. Let's follow them for a while and see where
they lead us," said Liz. "Who would start a fire and then put it out?
Maybe it was an accident."

............................

"Whose farm is this?" asked Tim.

"It belongs to Bernie Beaver. Do you smell smoke?" said Liz.

"It smells like cooked cabbage to me," said Tim. "We better take a
look at his garden."

"Looks just like Henry's garden," said Liz. "This can't be a

coincidence."
 "There are two sets of muddy footprints. Should we follow them?"
asked Tim.

"We've come this far and now I'm really getting curious," said Liz.

"Looks like who ever did this has an accomplice," said Tim.

"Why would they start a fire and then put it out?" asked Liz.

"Maybe they like their vegetables cooked," said Tim.

"I thought of that, but almost all of the vegatables were uneaten,"
said Liz. "There has to be another reason. Let's talk to Bernie and see
if he has any answers."

"Looks like nobody's home," said Tim. "Where is everyone today?"

"Maybe they went into town to report the fires," said Liz.

............................

"Look, Liz. There are two more farms that have been burned," said
Tim as he looked down into the valley from the top of a large hill.

"Let's head for the farthest one and pick up the trail," said Liz.

"Whose farms are those?" asked Tim.

"Freddy Fox and Gary Goose," said Liz. "This is getting serious.
This could lead to a food shortage. At the very least, it's ruined any
chance they had of making a profit this year."

"Maybe someone is trying to drive up the price of vegetables," said

Tim.

"It doesn't look like anyone's at home. Let's try to pick of the trail,"
said Liz.

"There's a whole bunch of footprints. They're heading off in that

direction," said Tim. "

"We need to pick up the pace a little. If we don't catch them soon,
every farm in Tomorrow will be on fire," said Liz.
 "It looks like the trail heads into those mountains," said Tim.

"At least there are no farms to burn in the mountains," said Liz. "

............................

"Quiet, I hear voices," said Liz as they rounded a corner on the

mountain trail. "Look, over there near that cave. There's a group of
strangers gathered around a bonfire."

"Do you recognize any of them?" asked Tim.

"They're too far away. We need to get a little closer, but be careful,
we don't want them to see us," said Liz.

"Let's circle around to those rocks over there," said Tim. "We
should be able to get a better look."

............................

"Isn't that Henry Hedgehog?" asked Tim.

"Yes, and all of the other farmers. They wouldn't have burned their
own crops. What is going on here?" said Liz. "Let's find out."

"Hooray, it Sir Timothy. He's come to slay the dragon," yelled the
farmers.

"What dragon?" asked Tim.

"The one in the cave that's been burning our crops," said Henry.

"Stand back and let Tim the dragonslayer do his work," said Liz.
"You guys can go on home now. This won't be pretty. There will likely
be a lot of blood and guts and horrible screams of agony. If I didn't
have to stay, I'd go with you."

"Let's get out of Timothy's way. We need to get back to our farms
anyway," said Henry.

Liz and Tim slowly entered the cave. "Why would a dragon burn all
of those farms?" asked Tim.

"I don't know. When they wake up from hibernation, they are
usually very hungry. Instead of raiding one farm and eating all of their
crops, they usually visit many farms. They take a little here and a little
there and the farmers hardly miss it. It doesn't make sense to burn
down their source of food," said Liz.

"Have you met many dragons before?" asked Tim. "Are they
dangerous."

"Not usually. But then I've only met a few younger ones," said Liz.

"Any idea which dragon lives here?" asked Tim.

"None of them ever invited me home," said Liz. "My guess is that
it's a red dragon. They're common to these mountains."

"Do you know any red dragons?" asked Tim.

"Hic. Look out?" yelled the dragon.

Liz and Tim dove behind a large boulder. Flames and smoke
circled overhead.

"That was close," said Tim. "Did you see the dragon? Why do you
suppose he warned us?"

"Stay down while I try to get a look at him," said Liz.

"Are you okay, guys? Hic. Oops," said the Dragon.

Flames and smoke circled again. "Dudley, is that you?" asked Liz.

"Liz? Yeah, it's me. Sorry I almost burned you alive," said Dudley,
"but I've got the hiccups. I can't control it."

"Face the other way. We're coming out," said Liz. "Now what's this
about the hiccups. Have you been eating turnips?"

"Just a few. They smelled so good, I just had to try one," said
Dudley. "Before I knew it, I had eaten a whole bushel of them."

"Henry is very upset with you," said Liz. "Did the hiccups cause
you to set fire to all those farms?"

"I was awfully hungry. I didn't mean to start the fires," said Dudley.
 "Well, first thing we've got to do is cure those hiccups," said Liz.
"Tim, check the wizard's handbook for cures for the hiccups."

"Okay. Just a minute," said Tim.

"Here's one. It says to drink a glass of water," said Tim. "I'll get
you one."

"The glasses are in the cupboard to your left," said Dudley.

"Don't look at me, Dudley," said Tim.

"Hic. Oh oh," said Dudley.

Tim waved his wand and shielded himself from the fire. "Watch it,
Dudley," said Tim. "Here's a glass of water."

Dudley reached out his hand without looking at Tim. "Thanks

Tim," said Dudley.

"Wait a minute. It says here that you have to drink from the other
side of the glass," said Tim.

Dudley sat the glass on the floor and walked around to the other
side of the glass. Picking up the glass, he took a large gulp. "Hic.
Well, that didn't work. Any more ideas," asked Dudley as he tried to
put out the fire with the rest of the water.

"Let's see," said Tim. "It says to breathe in and out of a paper
bag."

"Look in the pantry. There are several in there," said Dudley.

Liz handed a paper bag to Dudley. "Breathe in and out rapidly,"

said Liz.

"Hic." The bag went up in flames. "Hot .. hot .." said Dudley as he
stepped on the burning bag and danced around on one foot.

"Here's another one," said Tim. "Stand on one foot and balance an
apple on your nose."

"All I need is an apple," said Dudley. "Check the fridge."

"Catch," said Liz as she tossed the apple to Dudley.

Dudley placed the apple on his nose and began to balance it.
"Hic." Dudley fell backwards and sprawled on the floor of the cave.

"Careful Dudley, you almost smashed that mouse," said Liz.

"EEK! A mouse? Where?" said Dudley as he leaped upon the table

and looked all around.

"Relax, Dudley. We won't let him hurt you," said Liz.

"I think I'm cured," said Dudley. "Somebody get rid of that mouse
so I can get down from this table."

"That was the next thing to try, scaring you," said Tim. "I never
would have thought of using a mouse."

"Well, all's well that ends well," said Dudley.

"Oh, this isn't over yet. There's a little matter of damages. Better
open up your treasure chest. This is going to cost you," said Liz.

"How much?" asked Dudley. "I was saving for a cruise."

"About five gold coins per farmer should cover the damages," said
Liz. "And a promise never to eat turnips again until you're fully
grown."

"Tell them all that I'm very sorry," said Dudley as he counted out
the gold coins. "I'll bet first class wasn't worth all that extra money
anyway."

"Have a nice trip," said Liz.

 THE GENIE Written by DTYarbrough

"Of course your father and I believe you," said Victoria. "but we
can't convince the others."

"But mom, we didn't do it and we're going to prove it," said Liz.

"How are we going to do that?" asked Tim.

"We're going to find the guilty ones and get a confession," said
Liz. "I'll bet someone is using magic to look like us."

"You don't have much time. The authorities from every realm in the
land of tomorrow are looking for you," said Merlin. "You should study
these reports of the incidents and try to find some clues to their
whereabouts. You won't be able to talk to the citizens."

"We'll have to use the tunnels to escape the castle. They have
agents everywhere," said Liz. "We can't even bring our horses. We
don't want to involve them in our troubles. We'll need to borrow some
magic supplies, Father."

"Help yourself. But you'll need to travel as light as possible," said

Merlin. "I wouldn't carry food and water. If you can't find it, you can
create it."

"Let's go to my secret room and study the reports and get some
rest before we leave," said Liz.

"After we gather the magic supplies," said Tim.

........................

"Who ever it is, they get around pretty fast," said Liz. "Here are two
reports only minutes apart in two seperate realms. We couldn't even
fly that fast with pixie dust."

"They must be great wizards. Merlin is the only one I know that can
travel that fast," said Tim.
 "Either that or they have some magical item that allows them to
travel swiftly," said Liz.

"Like a magic carpet," said Tim.

"Don't be silly. There has never been any genies in the Land of
Tomorrow," said Liz. "Maybe they are dragonriders."

"Can dragons fly that fast?" asked Tim.

"Maybe it's an enchanted dragon," said Liz.

"You'd think someone whould have reported seeing dragons," said

Tim.

"Unless it was invisible," said Liz.

"I'll bet there's a simpler explanation," said Tim.

"Yeah, like a magic carpet," laughed Liz.

"Well, we have to find them first, then we'll get all the answers,"
said Tim.

"Most of the smaller incidents seem to be centered around the old

fortress at Frosthaven," said Liz. "It's been abandoned for centuries.
That would be a good place to hide out."

"Then we have a plan," said Tim.

"We do?" asked Liz.

"Sure. We go to Frosthaven and come up with our next plan," said

Tim.

"I keep forgetting that you don't go in for long term planing," said
Liz.

"This reminds me of the first time we had to sneak out of the castle
after I rescued you from the dungeon," said Tim. "This time they really
are looking for us."

"But they're not trying to kill us. At least not yet," said Liz. "We've
got to find the real thieves before they hurt someone and get us in
real trouble."

"How many wizards do you know that could change their

appearance to look like us?" said Tim.

"None. I don't even know of a spell that could do that for any
extended period of time," said Liz.

"Then maybe they are wearing disguises. Adult halflings or elves

would be about our size. Is there something like shrinkweed that can
make a young elf or halfling grow temperarily?" asked Tim.

"No, not that I'm aware of," said Liz.

"Then that narrows it down to adults," said Tim. "I guessing one
male and one female. Disguises can only do so much."

"We could ask Merlin if there are any missing person reports. If
they are hiding at Frosthaven then someone should be missing
them," said Liz. "Maybe they were wanted for other crimes before
they started impersonating us."

"Let's get some rest first. Something tells me this is going to be a

long journey," said Tim. "I'll take the sofa."

"Okay. See you when we wake up," said Liz.

..................................

"I can't believe there were no missing persons, escaped criminals,

wanted felons or even jaywalkers. That makes this even more of a
mystery," said Tim. "To make things worse, they will be able to
concentrate all their efforts on finding us."

"Maybe they will find the real thieves before we do," said Liz.

"We could just hide out and let them do their jobs," said Tim.

"That doesn't sound like the Tim I know. Where's your sense of
adventure?" said Liz. "Grab your wand and let's get started."

"Your right, I do love to solve a mystery," said Tim as he grabbed

his wand and magic supplies.
 "Hope you don't mind if I help a little," said Liz. "We are in this
together."

"I hope we are able to find plenty of food when we get hungry. I'm
not looking forward to eating food created by magic spells. I think I
still have an aftertaste from the last time," said Tim.

"Light the way, Tim," said Liz. "Maybe you'd like to lead the way?"

"Ladies first," said Tim.

"You don't remember where all the traps are, do you?" asked Liz.
"So, you do need my help."

"Of course I do. And I enjoy solving mysteries with your help," said
Tim.

"That's better. We're a team, and I'm the team captain," said Liz.

"What? Who died and made you captain?" asked Tim.

"Watch where you're walking," said Liz. "You're cute but clumsy
when you're mad. I was only joking. We're co-captains."

"We've past all the traps, haven't we?" asked Tim.

"Yeah, that was the last one," said Liz. "Tim, why is your wand so
dim?"

"I think I'm losing my power," said Tim. "I can't see very well."

"Of course not, it's dark," said Liz.

"Maybe you better hold my hand," said Tim."just in case I get

dizzy."

"Where are you. Give me your hand," said Liz. "Do we need to go
back?"

"I can make it with your help. Just let me put my arm on your
shoulder for a minute," said Tim. "Can you see my eyes? They feel
strange."
 "It's too dark," said Liz.

"Get a little closer," said Tim. "I can almost see you."

Tim placed his other arm around Liz and kissed her. "Are you
better now?" asked Liz.

"Much better," said Tim. "Let me try that light spell again."

"Don't bother. I'll use my wand. I could have done it before but I
just wanted to see how far you would go to get a kiss," said Liz.

"So, I didn't fool you at all?" asked Tim.

"Not even for a minute," said Liz.

"I just wondered what it would be like to kiss an older woman,"

laughed Tim.

"I'm not even a whole year older than you," said Liz. "Don't call me
old."

"There's the tunnel exit up ahead. We'd better be quiet," said Tim.

..................................

"It looks clear," said Liz. "We'll need to stick to the forests and
away from the main trails. It will take longer but at least we have a
chance of getting around the authorities."

"I hear someone coming. Lets hide in those bushes," said Liz.

"I'm right behind you," said Tim.

"Who are you guys hiding from?" asked Ronnie Rabbit.

"Whoa, you scared me," said Tim. "Didn't anyone ever tell you not
to sneak up on someone?"

"Actually five people have told me that," said Ronnie. "Quiet, here
comes Ruby. We're playing hide and seek. I hid in this same place
seven times last week and she never found me."

"We don't have time for this," said Liz. "We've got to be on our
way."

"There you are," said Ruby. "I found you. Hi Tim. What are you
doing here?"

"We're in a jam," said Tim. "The authorities are looking for us and
we're innocent. Have you seen two people that look like us recently?"

"Since we left you at Henry's house, I've seen you and Liz at least
five times this week, four times last week and six times the week
before," said Ronnie. "That makes fifteen times in three weeks."

"You're pretty fast with numbers," said Tim.

"Isn't it irritating?" said Ruby. "He sure likes to add numbers. I told
my mother about it and she said to get used to it. Just wait till he
learns to multiply, then he really will be a nuisance."

"That's the third person you've told that to today," said Ronnie.

"What were they doing when you saw them?" asked Liz.

"Saw them? We saw you and Tim," said Ruby.

"Ok, what were we doing?" asked Liz.

"Going on a picnic, I guess," said Ruby.

"Why do you thing we were going on a picnic?" asked Liz.

"Tim was carrying a thick blanket or table cloth," said Ruby.

"Could it have been a carpet?" asked Tim.

"Pay no attention to him," said Liz. "He's got carpets on the brain
today. Was there anything else that looked suspicious?"

"We saw you sneaking around a lot of houses when no one was
home," said Ruby. "We figured you were on some sort of adventure."

"Don't tell anyone that you saw us today," said Tim. "We're on a
secret mission."

"What ever you say, Sir Timothy," said Ronnie.

 Ronnie turned to Ruby after they left and said, "Why would anyone
take a carpet to a picnic. You know how mad your mom gets when
she catches us eating on the carpet."

.................................

"I'll still believe they were carrying a carpet," said Tim.

"Why would they carry it. Why not fly?" asked Liz.

"They would have to land in an unpopulated area and carry it with

them, otherwise someone would see them flying." said Tim.

"You may be on to something, but where did they get the flying
carpet?" asked Liz.

"I don't know yet, but we'll find out," said Tim.

"We should have worn some disguises," said Liz. "That's why you
need to plan ahead."

"We could borrow some clothes," said Tim.

"Borrow, without telling anyone," said Liz. "That would make us as

guilty as the ones we're looking for."

"But we would return them later," said Tim.

"I guess that would be okay," said Liz. "We'll have to leave the
forest and that could be dangerous. Where are we going to find any
clothes that fit us?"

"Well, it sounded like a good idea," said Tim. "We'll just have to be
more careful. I'm getting hungry. What sort of food can we find in the
forest?"

"Nuts, berries, and honey," said Liz.

"Honey? I love honey," said Tim. "Let's find some honey."

"Listen for bee's. We'll follow them home," said Liz.

"Bee's? I don't like bee's," said Tim. "and they don't like me."
 "They don't like anyone that steals their honey," said Liz.

"Nuts and berries don't sound all that bad," said Tim. "Anything
but magic food."

.................................

"There's a beehive," said Tim. "I can smell the honey."

"Oh, you wouldn't like that honey. That bear said it wasn't very
good," said Liz.

"What bear?" asked Tim.

"Yeah, what bear?" asked Buzzy Bee."

"Oh, we never formally met," said Liz. "I just heard him telling
those other bees that their honey was so much better than your's."

"Oh, really. Well, he's just mad because he couldn't reach our
hive," said Buzzy.

"Whatever, we have to be on our way," said Liz.

"But wouldn't you like to try some of our honey?" asked Buzzy. "It
is really good."

"Well, I don't know. We stuffed ourselves at that other hive. A

small sample would never compare," said Liz.

"Who said anything about a small sample?" said Buzzy. "Help

yourselves to all you can eat. You can climb a tree, can't you?"

"If you insist," said Tim. "It would be the fair thing to do."

.....................................

"That was the best honey I've ever tasted," said Tim.

"I could tell. I thought you were going to blow our story. We were
supposed to be stuffed," said Liz.
 "I noticed Buzzy was eyeing me suspiciously," said Tim. "Now I'm
thirsty. How does magic water taste?"

"It's wet," said Liz. "There's a stream a little farther this way."

"I think I'll wait," said Tim. "I think I can already hear the stream."

"We'll have to find a safe place to cross. We can't use the bridge
on the main trail," said Liz.

"That water looks cold," said Tim. "Good for drinking but bad for
wading."

"It's about waist deep in the best places to cross," said Liz.

"I've got a better idea," said Tim. "I saw this in the circus when I
was a little kid."

"Well, don't make me guess. Whats your idea?" said Liz.

"Stilts. We'll cut some poles and make some stilts," said Tim. "We
won't even get our feet wet."

"Have you ever walked on stilts before?" said Liz.

"How hard could it be?" said Tim.

"Famous last words of a fool," thought Liz.

.....................................

"I'm ready," said Liz. "Should we practice a little before we get into
the water?"

"No. We don't need practice," said Tim. "If we fall, we'll just get
wet."

"Okay, but you go first," said Liz.

Tim took one step forward into the water and the stilt sank about 2
feet into the mud. His momentum carried him forward and he landed
head first into the stream. "Watch that first step. It's a doozy," said Liz
as she looked down at Tim in the water. "See you on the other side."
 Tim climbed back up onto the bank and got back on his stilts.
Slowly taking that first step, he safely crossed the stream. "Did you
get a drink?" asked Liz.

"Is it getting cold around here or is it just me?" said Tim.

"We'll try to find a clearing so that you can get some sun and dry
out," said Liz. We need to rest anyway."

.....................................

"Tim, wake up. It's the wolves. They're hunting for us," said Liz.
"Smear some of this wolfbane on you to cover your scent."

"Thank goodness we're lying in tall grass where they can't see us.
We need to get to the other side of the clearing where they have
already searched," said Tim. "They won't leave until they've searched
every inch."

"Okay, but keep you head down," said Liz. "Their eyesight is
almost as keen as their sense of smell."

After crawling for several minutes, Liz turned to Tim. "We should
be safe here. Go back to sleep if you want to. I'll keep watch," said
Liz.

"I couldn't sleep with those wolves sniffing around," said Tim.
"You go back to sleep."

The lead wolf let out a howl and the others stopped the search and
ran into the woods. After another howl in the distance, Liz said,
"They're gone. Let's be on our way."

"That was a close one," said Tim. "Who told you about wolfbane? I
don't recall reading that in the handbook."

"I've got the latest edition," said Liz. "You should do the same
when we finish this adventure."

"But I don't have any money," said Tim. "I wouldn't even have the
old version if you hadn't given it to me."

"We'll charge it to Father's account. He owns you that much after

all the jobs we've done for him." said Liz.
 "I feel like I owe him after all that magic training," said Tim.

"You're paying him back by watching over me," said Liz. "He was
going to pay a bodyguard to do that."

"We're at the edge of the forest. What do we do now?" asked Tim.

"Look over there. That's the fortress at Frosthaven." said Liz. "See
that dry riverbed. We'll have to follow it. It runs near the entrance to
the fortress."

Liz and Tim followed the riverbed until they neared the fortress.
Climbing up the bank, they looked around for anyone in view. "It
looks clear," said Tim. "We could make a run for it."

"No need. Save you energy. There's no one around unless they're
inside," said Liz. "In that case, we need to sneak up quietly."

"Are you hungry?" asked Tim.

"A little," said Liz. "But this is no time to go looking for food."

"Try this," said Tim as he handed Liz a piece of honeycomb.

"Buzzy will never invite us to dinner again," said Liz. "Thanks. Now
if you can just find some water in this dry riverbed."

Tim walked around holding out his wand. "What are you doing?"
asked Liz.

"Witching for water," said Tim as his wand began to point towards
his feet. Tim dropped to his knees and began digging in the sand.
After removing a couple of feet of sand, water began to collect in the
bottom of the hole. "Your wish is my command, my lady," said Tim.

"Your amazing, Tim," said Liz. "I never saw that in my handbook."

"You can always find water. It's just a matter of digging deep
enough. I just got lucky this time," said Tim. "with the help of my
wand."

"Well, that hit the spot. Are you ready to proceed?" said Liz.
 "Let's get this over with," said Tim as he climbed the riverbank. "Is
that the entrance?"

"The only entrance," said Liz. "Be careful. Watch for traps."

"Maybe we should watch for a while to see who comes and goes,"
said Tim.

"Don't worry, I have a knack for spotting traps," said Liz as they
neared the entrance.

"A knack. What do you mean, you have a knack?" asked Tim.

Liz waved her wand and chanted.

"Traps and pitfalls, hidden from view.

Show the way, the path that's true.
Light the footprints that came before,
lead us through the secret door."

"You have got to teach me that spell," said Tim as the footprints
on the floor began to glow in the dark.

"Just remember one thing. Don't step over any dead bodies," said
Liz.

"Dead bodies? Where?" asked Tim.

"Just in case we see any," said Liz.

"Thanks for the warning, I think," said Tim.

"Do you want me to lead?" asked Liz.

"No. I can do this. Should I light the way?" asked Tim.

"No. It would make the footprints hard to see and make us too
easy to see," said Liz.

"Well, watch your head. Remember what happened the last time
we were following footprints in the dark," said Tim.

"Thanks for the warning," said Liz. "Try to be quiet."

 "Did you just tell me to shut up?" asked Tim.

"Shut up, Tim," replied Liz.

Liz and Tim followed the footprints through winding tunnels and
passageways until they came to a great stone door. "Open sesame,"
said Tim. Nothing happened.

"Look," said Liz. "That stone in the opposite wall is glowing. Press
the stone, Tim."

"You want me to press the stone? This stone? Are you sure?"
asked Tim. "Couldn't I press it with a ten foot pole?"

"Press the stone, Tim," said Liz.

Tim pressed on the stone but it didn't move. "Place your foot
against it," said Liz. "It must be a footprint that's glowing."

Tim raised his leg as high as he could and pressed his foot against
the wall. Nothing happened. "Maybe it's not locked. Try to open the
door," said Tim.

"I've already pushed and pulled as hard as I can," said Liz. "The
knob turns but it won't open."

"Why would they put the knob on that side of the door and the
lighted stone on this side?" said Tim. "One person couldn't operate
both."

Tim walked to the side of the door nearest the lighted stone and
pushed on the door. It easily opened. "Shall we enter, my lady?"
asked Tim.

"Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every now and then," said
Liz. "Stop gloating."

"I'll cast a find magical item spell. If anything magical is around, it

will give off a sound that only we can hear," said Liz.

"Sounds like we hit the jackpot," said Tim. "There are sounds from
all over the room. Shall I light the way with my wand?"

"Just light the torch," said Liz.

 "I can do that," said Tim as he lit the torch. The room was filled
with treasure chests overflowing with gold and jewels.

"Follow a sound and see where it leads you," said Liz.

"I've found something," said Tim.

"Well, what is it?" said Liz.

"I have no idea," said Tim.

"Well, place it on this table. We'll inspect them later," said Liz.

After a few minutes, all of the magical item were on the table.
"That's the last one," said Tim.

"Some of these came from the school at Fogmore. This looks

Elven and this belongs to the dwarves. I've never seen one of these
before," said Liz.

"It's a genie's lamp. Rub it," said Tim.

Liz rubbed the lamp but nothing happened. "Any other ideas?"
asked Liz.

"Hide. I hear someone coming," said Tim.

In a few minutes a young girl and boy entered the room. "The
genie must have moved these items onto the table. I wonder what
he's up to?" said the boy.

"I'll summon him," said the girl. "Oh great Genie. Appear before
us, your humble servants."

Smoke rose from the lamp and materialized into a genie. "What's
going on here? Why is my lamp on this table?" asked the genie. "And
what are you doing with all the other magical items?"

"We didn't do it. We just returned and found them like this," said
the girl.

"Then we have intruders. Find them. Close the door before they
can escape." ordered the genie.
 "Why are you doing this?" said Liz as she stood up from behind a
large chest. "These magic items don't belong to you and I suspect the
other treasures are stolen too."

"Silence mortal or I will strike you down where you stand," said
the Genie. "Hand over that wand and no serious harm will come to
you."

"We should do as he says, Tim," said Liz.

"If you say so," said Tim as he handed his wand to the young boy.

"Lock them in the storeroom until we've finished our work here,"
said the Genie. "Don't harm them. There's no need to anger Merlin."

"So you've heard of my father?" said Liz. "He'll be looking for us

and he knows we were coming here."

"Silence, your lies will only get you in more trouble. Take them
away," said the Genie. "and return immediately. We have much work
to do. Leave their wands here."

As they left the chamber Tim saw the genie return to his lamp.
"What's your name?" he asked the boy.

"Jonah, and this is Lucy. You must be the real Sir Timothy and
Elizabeth," said the boy.

"Why have you been impersonating us?" asked Liz.

"I don't think the genie wants us to talk to you," said Lucy as she
locked the door. "We must return to the chamber immediately."

"Well, I think it's time for our next plan," said Liz.

"We could have escaped while they were taking us to the

storeroom," said Tim.

"Not before we get our wands back and a few answers," said Liz.

"There's something strange going on here," said Tim.

"Really, you think so?" replied Liz sarcastically.

 "I know a little about genies. If I'm right, he couldn't strike us down
even if he wanted to," said Tim.

"But they have great powers. They can answer any wish," said Liz.

"That's just it, they can only use their powers to answer wishes,"
said Tim. "And he can only be summoned by one who is entitled to a
wish."

"I rubbed the lamp. Wasn't I entitled to 3 wishes?" said Liz.

"Unless he hasn't completed his obligations to the last wisher,"

said Tim. "He still owes Lucy a wish."

"Then why doesn't she make a wish?" asked Liz.

"Maybe she doesn't know. Genies can be very tricky. He's using
her to free himself from the lamp so he can trick them into collecting
those magic items," said Tim. "Who knows what evil he may be up
to."

"We've got to find a way out so we can talk to her," said Liz.
"before they finish their business and go back to where ever they
came from."

"We can't use magic. They've got our wands," said Tim.

"We'll just have to use our brains. Have you still got yours?" asked
Liz.

"Let's see if there are any tools in here that might be useful," said
Tim. "It's awful dark. We'll have to feel our way around."

"Watch it, Tim," said Liz. "That was me! You just answered my
question."

"Sorry, my mistake," said Tim. "I'll look on this side of the room
and you look over there. Oops, sorry again."

"Stop pointing," said Liz. "I can't see where your pointing anyway."

....................................
 "There's not much here," said Tim. "Did you find anything?"

"Psst. Tim ... Liz ... it's me, Lucy" said the voice behind the door.

"Lucy, we've got to talk," said Liz.

Liz explained the situation to Lucy. "That last wish, to take us to a

magically land where we would never age, that was Jonah's wish. We
didn't discuss it like the first two," said Liz. "I do have a wish
coming."

"Let us out and we'll help you get your third wish," said Liz.

"I can't believe we fell for his tricks. He threatened to kill us if we

didn't do as he said," said Lucy as she unlocked the door.

"I hardly recognise you without the discuise," said Liz. "Isn't she
lovely, Tim?"

"Well, I, uh, guess so, if you go for beautiful blonds," said Tim.

"Jonah, I still have a wish coming. The genie has tricked us," said
Lucy as they entered the chamber.

"Lucy, you let the prisoners out. The genie will destroy us all," said
Jonah.

"Oh, great Genie, appear before us your humble servants," said

Lucy.

With a puff of smoke the genie appeared. "What have you done?
Lock them up immediately before I destroy you all," said the genie.

"I want to talk to you about a third wish," said Lucy.

"Silence!" said the genie as he grew larger and his voice grew
louder.

"Silence yourself, you overgrown puff of smoke. Now grant my

wish," said Lucy.

"Very well, your wish is my command. State your wish," said the
genie.
 "Return Jonah and I to our homeland, safe and sound, and never
bother us again," said Lucy.

In an instant they were gone. Jonah, Lucy and the genie and his
lamp had all vanished. "Look, he forgot the flying carpet," said Liz.
"That's our way home. We'll tell Merlin the story and let him decide
how to distribute the treasure."

................................

"And that's the whole story. We flew home on a flying carpet," said
Liz.

"What flying carpet?" said Merlin.

"Well, it was just here a minute ago," said Liz.

 RETURN TO
MYSTERY ISLAND
Written by DTYarbrough

"Wake up, Tim. We're going back to Fogmore," said Liz.

"But we missed the enrollment deadline," said Tim, "and we're still
too young."

"We're not enrolling. We're going to a celebration in our honor,"

said Liz.

"Is this about recovering the stolen magical items?" asked Tim.

"Yes it is. We're heroes. They're going to present us with a Medal

of Valor and an honorary membership into The Order of the Phoenix.
We have to leave in one hour," said Liz.

"Honorary? Why is it honorary?" asked Tim.

"We're too young to be real members," said Liz.

"Always being too young sort of takes the fun out of never
ageing," said Tim.

"Get ready, we need to leave right away," said Liz. "We don't want
to be late for the celebration."

"Do you suppose we will have time to do some exploring this

time?" asked Tim.

"I don't see why not? I'm as anxious as you are to see some of the
mysteries of Mystery Island," said Liz. "Pack your bag and meet me in
the kitchen in ten minutes."
............................

"What's the special today?" asked Tim.

"Whatever it is, you know it will be delicious if Henrietta made it,"

said Liz. "I've already ordered for you."

"Thanks," said Tim.

 "Two specials of the day," said Peggy Pig as she placed the plates
on the table, "and two glasses of milk."

"I ordered two glasses of ale," said Liz.

"Your father would turn me into a bullfrog if I served ale to

children," said Peggy. "You know you're not old enough."

"Thanks, Peggy," said Liz. "It looks delicious."

"I like milk," said Tim.

"Me, too. But that's not the point," said Liz. "Heroes should be
entitled to special treatment."

"I don't feel like a hero," said Tim. "We were just trying to prove
our innocence."

"I guess I'm just tired of always being too young," said Liz. "I know
the rules are for our own good, but it still doesn't seem fair."

"We'll be older next year even if we have to take a potion," said

Tim. "We're going to wizard's school next year or my name isn't
Timothy Taylor."

"You're right. We should enjoy being young while we can," said

Liz.

"Excuse me. Your rides have arrived," said Henrietta.

.............................

"Let's go, Tim. You're in for a real surprise," said Liz.

"What sort of surprise?" asked Tim. "Did Patsy get a new saddle?"

"We won't be riding the horses," said Liz.

"Then what will we ride?" asked Tim.

"Those," said Liz as she pointed to two strange looking creatures

standing nearby.
 "Griffins!" exclaimed Tim. "They do exist."

"Well, as far as I know, these are the last two," said Liz. "They
belong to the school."

"Climb aboard and hang on. You're in for the ride of your life," said
Liz.

"How?" asked Tim. "It's too tall."

"Watch me," said Liz as she touched the front leg of the griffin
with her wand, just behind the knee. The griffin knelt and allowed Liz
to climb up.

"Gently Tim! Don't poke him," said Liz as Tim's griffin stood on his
hind legs towering well above Tim and screeching loudly. "Try again."

"Are you sure this is safe?" asked Tim.

"Stop wasting time, Tim," said Liz. "We've got to go."

Tim climbed aboard and they were off, soaring high above the
trees and fields. "It was nice of the school to send these griffins,"
yelled Tim.

"This is how you treat a hero," replied Liz. "Now this is what I'm
talking about."

"Don't let it go to your head," said Tim.

"The first time I met you, you were already a hero. I guess I was a
little jealous," said Liz. "All of the animals love you."

"Part of being loved is being lovable," said Tim.

"Like my father," said Liz. "Okay, I understand, but I'm still going
to enjoy it while I can."

"I didn't say you couldn't enjoy the treatment you get, just don't
insist on getting it," said Tim. "As a fellow hero, do I need to salute
you?"

"Okay, Tim. I get the point," said Liz.

 "Look, we're over the sea. We'll be there in no time," said Tim.
"This is better than riding horseback but don't tell Patsy that I said
so."

"This is better than a magic carpet," said Liz. "It's amazing."

.................................

"Right to the front door. Now that's service," said Tim. "But
where's the welcoming committee?"

"Let's go on in," said Liz. "Maybe we're early."

"Where is everyone?" said Tim. "Do you think they're all in

classes?"

"There's not even any animals. This is very strange," said Liz.

"Excuse me. You should be in the auditorium," said the

groundskeeper.

"Where is the auditorium?" asked Tim. "What's going on?"

"Down the hall, third door on your left," said the groundskeeper. "I
can't stop to chat. I have work to do."

"Maybe that's where the celebration is being held," said Liz. "Let's
go see."

As they entered the auditorium, Lord Amendorf was making a

speech. "All students are restricted to campus until the missing
children are found. Future classes are dismissed for the day. The
faculty and security will get to the bottom of this," said Amendorf. "All
faculty members will meet back here after their present classes are
dismissed."

Tim and Liz stood aside as the students left the auditorium. "Tim,
Liz. Nice to see you again. I'm afraid we have a problem," said
Amendorf. "We'll have to postpone the celebration until the children
are found."

"What happened to the children?" asked Tim.

"They were on a field trip. They must have wandered off and gotten
lost," said Amendorf. "We'll find them. Don't worry."

"Was it anyone I know?" asked Liz.

"Dirk and Dotty Dingledang. The nicest hobbits you'll ever meet,"
said Amendorf. "Brother and sister, you know. It's their first year here
at Fogmore. Oh dear, I've got to notify the parents. Make yourselves
at home."

.................................

Tim and Liz were in the cafeteria when one of the students came
in. "They're back and they didn't find Dirk and Dotty," said the young
elf. "It may be worse than we thought."

"We've got to go look for them," said Tim. "They may be injured or
in serious trouble."

"We'll have to wait until morning," said Liz.

"What do you mean 'morning'?" said Tim. "Does the sun rise and
set here?"

"No. But the fog comes and goes," said Liz. "It's as bad as night.
You can't see your own feet when it's at its worse."

"Those poor kids. They must be really scared," said Tim.

"Tim, they're older than we are. They're probably just lost," said
Liz. "We'll get an early start tomorrow."

"We'll need some rope. We'll have to go places the other didn't if
we are going to find them," said Tim. "Besides, we need to stay clear
of the others. We're confined to campus."

"Not officially. We're not students," said Liz. "But you're right. We
don't want them to know we're doing this."

"We better get back to our guest rooms and get some rest," said
Tim.

.................................

"Wake up Tim. It's time to get started," said Liz.

 "Did you knock?" asked Tim.

"I didn't want to make noise. We're sneaking out, remember?" said
Liz.

"You never knock," said Tim.

"What's your point?" asked Liz.

"Never mind. Close your eyes while I get dressed," said Tim.

"I'll wait in the hallway. Just hurry before anyone else wakes up,"
said Liz.

"Okay. I'm ready. Oh good, you've already got the rope. Let me
help you carry some of that," said Tim.

"Do we have a plan?" asked Liz. "Where do we start?"

"Let's start where they were last seen. I've been wondering why
they didn't answer when the searchers called out their names," said
Tim.

"Maybe they were unable to answer," said Liz.

"Or unable to hear," said Tim. "Maybe they were near a waterfall or
some other source of loud noise."

"I have a map of the island. We'll study it when we are safely out of
sight," said Liz.

"Are there any dangerous things on this island that I should know
about?" asked Tim.

"I've heard rumors of wraiths, but they only appear in the fog,"
said Liz, "and some say that sirens have been heard near the coast
during a fog."

"Any wild animals?" said Tim.

"I've never heard of a wild animal in the land of tomorrow," said

Liz. "All of the animals are intelligent and quite civilized."
 "The blue squirrel wasn't very civilized," said Tim.

"That's because he lives very near the border. We're a long way
from the border here," said Liz.

"Then why do they call this Mystery Island," asked Tim.

"It's a mystery to me," said Liz. "Only joking. There are rumors
from centuries ago, but no recent occurrences to prove that there is
any truth to them."

"Did any of the rumors involve missing children?" asked Tim.

"I don't remember any that mentioned that specifically," said Liz.

"What about those wraiths? The kids have spent two nights in the
fog," said Tim. "Are they in any danger from the wraiths?"

"The wraiths are very frightening and running in the fog can be
very dangerous," said Liz.
.................................

"Okay. The fog has cleared. Let's look at the map," said Tim.

"This is where they were last seen," said Liz as she pointed to the
map.

"There's a waterfall not far from there," said Tim. "But there are no
trails leading to or from the base of the waterfall."

"Looks like those ropes will come in handy," said Liz. "Let's go.
The searchers will be along any minute now."

"Let's get off the trail and approach the base of the waterfall from
the south side," said Tim. "Maybe it won't have such a vertical drop
and we will be able to climb down more easily."

"We'll have to take it slow," said Liz. "The footing gets a little tricky
off the main trails."

"We should have brought some food," said Tim. "The children will
need some energy if they have to do any climbing."

"We've got all that we can carry already," said Liz. "Did you forget
that we can create food with a spell?"

"I'm trying to forget," said Tim.

"Well, if they're really hungry, they won't be as picky as you are,"

said Liz.

"Oh oh, what's this?" said Tim. "A deep ravine. I don't think we can
jump across it."

"We'll have to look for a better place to cross," said Liz. "Maybe
over there."

Tim and Liz followed the ravine till they came to a tree whose
limbs overhung the ravine. "Maybe if we climb the tree and went out
on that limb, we would be able to jump the rest of the way," said Tim.

"That's awfully high up. We could break a leg," said Liz.

"We'll use the ropes to swing across," said Tim. "Give me a boost
and I'll climb up and tie the rope to that limb."

Tim climbed the tree and fastened the rope to the tree limb. He
attached the other rope so that a slight tug would release the knot. As
he climbed back down he said, "I'll go first."

Tim tossed one of the ropes across the ravine and grabbing the
other he swung across. Letting go, he dropped about ten feet to the
ground, landing safely on the other side.

"Your turn," he said as he tossed the rope back to Liz.

Liz grabbed the rope and swung across. "Let go," said Tim as Liz
began to swing back towards the other side. After a few more swings,
Liz hung from the rope directly over the ravine.

"Shift your weight and start swinging again," said Tim. "This time
you have to let go when I tell you."

"I'm afraid," said Liz.

"Don't worry, I'll catch you," said Tim.

Liz began swinging, farther with each swing. "Now," said Tim, "let
go!"

Liz continued to swing. As Liz swung back toward Tim, he grasped

the other rope and with split second timing he tugged. The rope
released from the tree and Liz landed on Tim, knocking him to the
ground.

"Tim, you saved me," said Liz as she kissed Tim.

"Get up!" shouted Tim.

"I didn't mean to offend you," said Liz as she stood up and
brushed herself off.

"No, I'm not offended. I was lying on a sharp rock," said Tim. "You
can continue now."

"Sorry, out of the mood," said Liz.

Liz and Tim continued walking until they reached the cliff on the
south side of the waterfall. Looking down, they could see that this
side was almost as steep as the waterfall side. "Do you see anyone
down there?" asked Tim.

"No, but some of the view is obstructed," said Liz. "We'll just have
to climb down to be sure."

Tim tied one of the ropes around a large stone and he and Liz
started to descend toward the crystal blue waters below. The noise
grew louder as they continued. As they reached the end of the rope,
Tim tugged the release line and retrieved the rope. Once again he
secured it tightly to another rock and they continued their descent.
Finally reaching the floor, they circled the blue pool searching for the
lost children.

"Look, Tim. Footprints everywhere," said Liz. "Definitely hobbits.

Look how wide they are."

"Looks like they tried to scale the walls in several different

locations," said Tim.

"Here are some that look like they entered the water," said Liz,
"but I don't see any where they left the water."
 "Well, they don't seem to be here any more," said Tim, "and that
water has to go somewhere."

"Are you suggesting that we follow them?" asked Liz.

"Well, we are here to find them," said Tim. "We'll tie a rope at this
end so we can get back."

"Let's rest for a while," said Liz. "Are you hungry?"

................................

After a short nap and some magically created food, Tim and Liz
entered the pool. "I feel an undertow, pulling me in that direction,"
said Liz.

"Go with it," said Tim. "Take hold of the rope. I'm right behind you.
Get a deep breath."

Tim and Liz were soon in a dark underground tunnel being pulled
along with the flow of water. Tim had never been very good at holding
his breath. He hoped he wouldn't have to do so much longer. Tim felt
the rope being pulled upward. He knew Liz was trying to surface.
Soon he felt cool air in his face. There seemed to be a small gap
between the water and the roof of the tunnel. Taking a deep breath, he
prepared to submerge. Instead, the roof grew higher. "Light your
wand, Tim." said Liz. "I'm using both hands."

Tim made his wand glow and he could see that they were in a large
chamber. "Over here," said Dirk as he offered his hand. Tim climbed
out of the water with Dirk's help and then helped Liz.

"Who are you?" asked Dotty. "Are you lost too?"

"I'm Liz and this is Tim," said Liz. "We've been searching for you."

"But you're just children. Where are the others?" said Dirk.

"Hey, we found you, didn't we? Did I forget to mention that this is
Sir Timothy," said Liz.

"Somehow, I pictured you as being much taller," said Dirk.

"Hey, shorty. Don't start with me," said Tim.

 "Tim, calm down. We're all tired and maybe a little frightened,"
said Liz. "He didn't mean anything."

"That goes for you too, Dork," said Dotty.

"I told you not to call me that," said Dirk.

"We need to concentrate on getting out of here. Why did you guys
stay here?" asked Liz.

"Dotty was afraid," said Dirk. "We almost drowned getting this
far."

"We have a rope," said Liz. "We can go back the way we came and
climb the cliffs."

"Oops," said Tim, "I pulled the wrong rope."

"Tim. You didn't?" said Liz as she watched the rope go limp.

"Well, we'll have to continue through the tunnel," said Liz.

"Maybe not," said Tim. "I feel a breeze. Where is that air coming
from?"

"We felt that earlier. It a chimney like structure heading straight up

toward the surface," said Dirk. "But the walls are unclimbable."

"Let's check it out with some light," said Tim. "Come on, Dirk."

"I'm going to make some more food," said Liz. "Want any more,
Tim?"

"Not if I starve," said Tim as he and Dirk headed for the chimney.

"Do you use Rosemary?" asked Dotty.

"Why, no. Is it better?" asked Liz.

"I think so," said Dottie, "but our tastes may be different.

"I'll try it," said Liz. "Anything has to be an improvement."

 "Give me a boost," said Tim.

"We tried this," said Dirk. "Our legs aren't long enough."

"Let me try," said Tim. "What have we got to lose?"

Dirk gave Tim a boost and Tim braced himself between the walls of
the chimney, his back against one side and his feet against the other.
"I'm taller than you thought," said Tim.

"But Dottie and I can't do that," said Dirk.

"We'll pull you up with the rope," said Tim. "Let's tell the others.

"Tim, you have got to try this," said Liz. "It's a new recipe."

"Mmm. That's much better. It actually tastes and smells edible,"

said Tim.

"So, how does it look?" asked Liz. "Can we get out that way?"

"It looks promising," said Tim. "After we eat, we'll give it a try. Got
any more of that food?"

"Don't eat too much. It's probably fattening since it tastes so

good," said Liz.

"Okay. I'm ready?" asked Tim. "I'm going first, and then I'll pull you
guys up. Dirk, can you give me a boost?"

"Sure, Tim," said Dirk. "Let's go. I can't wait to get out of here."

Tim began to climb inch by inch up the chimney. After a few

minutes he said, "You better come on up, Dirk. I've got a problem."

Dirk quickly climbed the rope. "What's the problem?" asked Dirk.

"It's getting too cramped," said Tim, his knees pressed against his
chin.

"Let me go first," said Dirk, "if I can just get by."

"Let me scoot over a bit," said Tim. "How's that?"

 Dirk squeezed up beside Tim and continued up the wall, moving
much faster than Tim had done. "Bring the others on up," said Dirk,"
before we run out of rope."

Tim yelled for Liz and Dottie to climb up. By the time they reached
Tim, Dirk was ready to pull Tim farther up. In another hour Dirk had
reached the top. "Come on up, Tim. I'm out, but it's awfully foggy. I
can't see a thing," yelled Dirk. "It's really spooky up here all by
myself."

As Tim and the others reached the top, Liz turned to Tim. "Think
you can light our way through this fog?" asked Liz.

"I'll try," said Tim as he brightened his wand. "How's that?"

"Much better. Let's head toward the school," said Liz.

"And which way is that?" asked Tim. "Where are we?"

"I think it has to be in that general direction," said Liz.

"I was thinking it was this way," said Tim.

"I would have said it was that way," said Dirk.

"No, silly. It's this way," said Dotty.

"Let's start a campfire and tell ghost stories," said Tim.

"The fire sounds good, but I could do without the stories," said Liz.

They all gathered around the fire and told stories with happy
endings. As the fog cleared they could see that Dotty had been
correct about the direction. A few minutes later they ran into a search
party and returned to the school.

"Thanks again for saving us," said Dirk. "If you ever need anything,
just ask."

"Another glass of milk would be nice," said Tim as Dirk sat down
at the cafeteria table.

"Tim!" said Liz.

 "I was only kidding," said Tim. "I'll get it. Anybody need anything."

"Another glass of milk would be nice," said Dirk.

"Dirk!" said Dotty.

"It's okay, I'll get it," said Tim.

"We'd better hurry," said Dotty. "You'll be late for your own
celebration."

"Let the boys finish their milk," said Liz. "They won't start without
us."

"We're ready," said Tim and Dirk as they gulped down the last
swallow.

....................................

"I'm honored to present you both with the Medal of Valor and a full
membership into the Order of the Phoenix," said Lord Amendorf.

"Full membership? Not just an honorary membership," asked Liz.

"Not only that, but we have all agreed to wave the age
requirements. You may enroll in Fogmore next semester," said
Amendorf.

"I'd like to thank everyone for this honor, but all the credit belongs
to Sir Timothy," said Liz.

The crowd began to chant "Tim-o-thy ... Tim-o-thy ..."

"Maybe I helped a little bit," said Liz.

The crowd chanted "E-liz-a-beth ... E-liz-a-beth ..." Liz turned to

Tim and smiled. Tim smiled back.
 THE ROAD HOME
Written by DTYarbrough

Lady Victoria had decided to stay in the Land of Tomorrow. She

had returned home on a two week trip to tie up a few loose ends. She
had asked Liz to go with her and Liz had agreed. Tim decided this
was a good opportunity to return home himself and spend some time
with his mom. He had been homesick for some time.

He was back on the shortcut between home and school. Realizing

that he had brought along his wand, he knew he couldn't take it to
school. Tim hurried home and hid the wand under his bed. His mom
would be at work by now. No sense hanging around here all day.
Besides, he couldn't wait to tell the kids all about his adventures.
Wasting no time Tim hurried down the trail through the woods to
school.

Tim went straight to the principal's office to get a pass so he could

get into homeroom. "What's your excuse this time, Mr. Taylor?" asked
the principal. Tim would normally have come up with an excuse by
this time, but he had been too distracted.

"I overslept Sir," he said knowing that excuse would not do at all.

"That excuse will not do at all, Mr. Taylor," said the Principal.
"Consider yourself on probation. One more time to my office and you
are in big trouble, Mister. Here's a pass. Get right to class."

At recess, Tim told his friends about his latest adventures. "But we
just saw you yesterday," they said. "You couldn't have done all of
that."

"Can I see the medal?" asked Nigel.

"Sure," said Tim as he removed it from his neck and handed it to

Nigel.

"What's this?" said Corky Snodgrass as he jerked it from Nigel's

hand. Corky was the school bully and never missed an opportunity to
irritate Tim.

"That's Tim's medal of valor. Give it back," said Nigel.

 "Looks like something out of a Crackerjack box," said Corky.
"What sort of story has tiny Tim been telling you?"

"Is there a problem here?" asked Miss Roberts. "Corky Snodgrass,

what are you hiding behind your back?"

"It's just this stupid medal I got out of a Crackerjack box," said
Corky.

"See me after school if you want it back. Now be on your way,"

said Miss Roberts.

"Where were you this morning, Tim? I didn't see you in

homeroom," she asked.

"I was a little late getting to school," said Tim. "Here's the pass."

"Does this belong to you, Tim?" Miss Roberts asked as she

handed the medal to Tim.

"Yes ma'am," said Tim. "Thank you."

"Hurry on to class now," she said. "You don't want to be late

again."

As school ended, Tim couldn't wait to get home to see his mom.
"How was school today," she asked as he came in the back door.

"Fine," said Tim. "How was your day?"

"I swear, you're growing like a weed," she said. "Which reminds
me, what was this stick doing under your bed?"

As she stood there holding the wand it began to glow. Tim quickly
grabbed the wand before she noticed. "It's my laser sword," said Tim
as he made a few fencing moves and knocked a lamp off the table.
Tim quickly caught the lamp and balanced it on his foot, kicked it into
the air and caught it in his free hand and placed it back on the table.

"I see all that soccer practice is beginning to pay off," she said.

"I guess so," said Tim as he thought about the glowing wand.
"Mom, what do you know about magic?"
 "I've read all those Harry Topper books, the same as you," she
said. "Why do you ask?"

"Oh, nothing," said Tim as he hugged his mom. "I missed you,
Mom."

"That's sweet Tim," she said, "What brought this on."

"I'm going to take a bath. What's for supper?" asked Tim and he
headed for his room.

"Spaghetti and meatballs, your favorite," she replied. "Don't put

those dirty clothes back on."

As Tim leaned back in the tub of hot water, he wondered about that
glowing wand. How did that happen? Even a master wizard shouldn't
be able to use his wand to perform magic. Tim suddenly realized how
little he knew about his mom's past, especially her childhood. He had
never been able to get her to talk much about it.

"Hurry up, Tim," said Tim's mom. "Supper's ready. What's taking
you so long?"

"Be right there," said Tim. "I guess I was daydreaming."

"What's on TV tonight?" she asked as Tim entered the room.

"I was thinking we could talk for a while. Then I'm going to bed
early," said Tim.

"No homework?" she asked. "It's not like you to miss your TV
programs."

"I guess I'm just tired tonight," said Tim. "Let's eat."

"So what did you want to talk about?" she asked. "Are you having
trouble at school?"

"No, I want to talk about you and dad," he said. "How did you
meet?"

"I met your dad when I was about your age," she said.
 "When did you decide you were going to marry him?" Tim asked.

"The first time I saw him," she replied.

"I understand," said Tim.

"Tim, do you have a girlfriend?" she asked. "Do I know her?"

"I don't think you've ever met," said Tim. "Tell me more about you
and dad."

"I want to hear about your girlfriend. What's her name? Tell me all
about her," she replied.

"I'm really tired. I think I'll go lie down," said Tim realizing his mom
was not going to discuss her past. "Good night, Mom. See you
tomorrow."

"You don't have a fever, do you?" she asked as Tim headed for his
room.

"No, just tired. I'll be fine," said Tim.

Tim went right to bed and was soon asleep. A few hours later, Tim
was awakened by his mom getting ready for bed. Tim waited until he
was sure she was asleep and then got out of bed. Climbing the stairs
to the attic, Tim tried not to make any noise. Tim closed the door
behind him and turned on the light.

There it was in the far corner of the room. The chest. Tim had
wondered what was in it ever since he first saw it years ago, but his
mother said it was private. Tim respected her privacy, but his
curiosity was getting the best of him. He had to take a look. It wasn't
locked. His mother trusted him and that made what he was going to
do even harder.

Tim opened the chest and looked inside. The first thing he saw
was an old faded and smudged portrait. Timothy recognized Merlin
immediately. The lady in the photo was not that clear. She might be
his mother. She was far too slim to be Lady Victoria. There was a
young boy and girl in the photo. "That's me," he thought, "but is that
Liz? I can't be sure. What does this mean? Is Merlin my father? But
that would make Liz my half sister."
 Tim closed the chest. He didn't want to see anymore. "How could
she lie to me about my father. She said that he died in the war. She
never even mentioned that she knew Merlin. I'll get to the bottom of
this tomorrow after school," Tim thought as he turned out the light
and returned to bed.

Tim tossed and turned until time to get up for school. He didn't
really feel like going to school, but it might get his mind off of his
problem. Tim dressed, ate a bowl of cereal, packed his lunch, and
headed for school. His mom was already at work, but she would be
home when he returned from school. This time she would have to talk
about it.

Tim arrived at school and was met by Corky the moment he

stepped onto the school yard. "Give me back that medal," said Corky
as he reached for the chain around Tim's neck.

Tim grabbed Corky's finger and began to bend it backwards. Corky

pulled his hand away and took a swing at Tim. It was as though Corky
was moving in slow motion. Tim easily ducked and punched Corky in
the stomach. This only made Corky madder. He took another couple
of swings at Tim that Tim easily dodged. Then Corky used both hands
to push Tim backwards.

Tim sat up and wondered what the animals would do. Tim jumped
to his feet and ran head down at Corky, butting him in the stomach
and knocking him down. As Tim walked away he heard his friend
Nigel yell, "Look out behind you, Tim."

Tim did a partial handstand and kicked with both feet, hitting
Corky in the stomach, just below the ribs. Corky staggered backward
trying to regain his breath. Tim felt someone grab the collar of his
shirt. "Mr. Taylor. You know fighting on school grounds is not
allowed. I believe you are already on probation," said the principal.
"Consider yourself expelled for two weeks."

Tim didn't bother to explain that Corky had started it. He simply
headed home. Tim thought about the fight with Corky. He had moved
at incredible speed during that fight. The billy goat head butt and the
mule kick had done the job. He had learned well by watching the
animals. But the way he was able to dodge all of Corky's punches
was simply not natural. It must have something to do with the rapid
ageing he was going through. Corky would think twice about bullying
him again.
 As Tim neared his home, he began to think about the portrait. He
didn't remember sitting for that portrait, but there was no question
that it was him. Had someone used magic to make him forget. Tim got
madder and madder as he thought about it. Merlin never mentioned
that he had seen Timothy before. Surely that wasn't Liz in the portrait.
He refused to believe that she would keep secrets from him. Of
course he and Liz would always be friends, but he had hoped for so
much more when they got older. He would never find another girl like
Liz.

Tim thought about going back to Tomorrow and confronting

Merlin, but decided to let his mom try to explain. He went home and
climbed the stairs up to the attic. Removing the portrait, he returned
to the living room and studied it closer. He was unable to discover
anything new and soon fell asleep on the sofa.
"Tim, why aren't you in school?" asked his mom.

"I got into a fight and was expelled for two weeks," said Tim.

"Did you start it?" she asked.

"No, I was just protecting myself," said Tim.

"Tomorrow, we're going down to that school and get this

straightened out. When I get through with that ..."

"It's okay, Mom. There's something more important that we need to

talk about," said Tim.

"What's that, Tim?" she asked.

"How do you know Merlin?" Tim asked as he pointed to the

portrait.

"What's that? Oh my goodness, I'd forgotten that I had this," she

said.

"Why don't I remember this portrait?" Tim asked.

"Why would you?" she asked.

"The boy in the portrait. It's me," said Tim.

 "Oh, Tim. That's not you. That's Sir Gallant, your father. The little
girl is me," she said.

"Who's the lady?" asked Tim.

"That's Lady Victoria. Wasn't she lovely?" she replied.

"I've seen Lady Victoria, and she doesn't look like the lady in the
portrait," said Tim.

"The portrait was years ago. Tim, where did you meet Lady
Victoria?"

"The Land of Tomorrow," said Tim.

"Is that where you met your new girlfriend?" she asked. "That's
where I met your father."

"Yes, she's Merlin and Victoria's daughter. Her name is Elizabeth.

Was my father related to Merlin?" asked Tim.

"No, Merlin and Victoria sort of adopted us both. Those were the
best two hundred years of my life," she said.

"Then why did you and Dad leave?" asked Tim.

"Your father was always a hero. He was bitten by a magical blue

squirrel, and it made him immune to magic. He began ageing so we
decided to return here so we could age together," she replied. We got
married and then you were born just before he went off to war."

"I am going back to Tomorrow in a couple of weeks. I'd like to

spend some time with you before I go," said Tim.

"Sure, Tim. I can take some time off from work, and we can have a
vacation," she said. "Where would you like to go?"

"Nowhere special. I just want to spend some time with you before I
go back," said Tim.

"Remember Tim, whenever you leave, I'll see you again before that
day is over, assuming you ever come back. You are going to come
back to visit from time to time, aren't you?" she asked. "I won't even
have time to miss you."
 "But I'll miss you," said Tim. "I was gone for almost a year this
time."

"So that was your wand I found under the bed," she said. "No
wonder you've been growing like a weed."

"How did you make it glow?" Tim asked.

"Did I? I didn't realize. I guess your mother still has the skill," she
replied.

"But others aren't supposed to be able to use my wand," said Tim.

"We're blood kin. That's the exception to the rule," she said. "I
could teach you a lot of things about magic that you've never even
imagined."

"I don't know. I've learned an awful lot. I'm enrolling if Fogmore
next semester," said Tim.

"But Tim, you don't meet the age requirements," she said. "Your
father and I had the same problem, so we taught ourselves."

"They've waived the requirements just for Liz and me," said Tim.
"We're heroes in the Land of Tomorrow. Look at this medal."

"Well, I'm very proud of you," she said. "You'll have to bring Liz
home with you some day. I'd really like to meet her."

"Merlin gave me a rush course so I would be prepared for

Fogmore," said Tim. "I know quite a lot about magic."

"You studied for about a year. Your father and I studied for 200
years," she said. "But if you don't need my advice then we'll find other
things to talk about."

"Two hundred years?" said Tim. "Maybe you could teach me a

thing or two, if you haven't forgotten it all."

"It's like riding a bicycle. You never forget," she said. "You brought
your wand. Did you bring any magic supplies?"

"No. I didn't even realize I had the wand until I was already here,"
said Tim.

"Well, I know where we can get some supplies," she said. "You
know you were not supposed to bring your wand home with you,
don't you?"

"Yes, Mom. It was an accident," said Tim.

"Well, since we have it, I might as well use it to teach you a few
spells," she said.

"Can you teach me to fly," asked Tim, "or become invisible?"

"They'll teach you that at Fogmore. I'm talking about things even
Merlin has never seen," she replied.

"Like what, Mom?" asked Tim. "Can you bring things back from
death?"

"Only the greatest magician of all, God, can do that," she replied.
"Since I only have a couple of weeks, I'll have to decide which ones to
teach you. I don't want to discuss any of them now. You'll just get too
excited to pay attention. You'll have to concentrate and learn them
one at a time."

"What about the others spells?" asked Tim. "Didn't you ever write
them down?"

"You should never do that," she said. "What if they fall into the
wrong hands? Don't worry. I'll teach you more the next time you come
home to visit."

"Have you done any magic since you left Tomorrow?" asked Tim.

"No, we didn't bring our wands when we left," she said. "It'll take
me a few days to get used to your wand."

"That'll give me a couple of days to say goodbye to my friends. It's

friday and I want to go over to Nigel's house. May I spend the night,"
said Tim.

"Here's some money for food. I'll see you when you get back," she
said. "Now where did you put that wand?"
 "It's back under my bed," said Tim. "See you later."

.................................

"Hi,Tim. Come on in," said Nigel. "I can't believe you beat up Corky
Snodgrass. That was simply amazing. How did you learn to fight like
that?"

"The animals in the Land of Tomorrow. You can learn a lot by

watching nature," said Tim.

"I've tried to find the path you've been telling me about, but I
always end up at school," said Nigel.

"It's no place for you, Nigel. If it wasn't for Liz I wouldn't have hung
around as long as I did," said Tim. "I really miss my friends when I'm
not busy. You'd get homesick in no time."

"You're just saying that so I won't be so disappointed," said Nigel.

Nigel was right, but Tim couldn't tell him. The Land of Tomorrow
was even better than Nigel could imagine. "Let's go to the mall," said
Tim. "Did you know they don't even have malls there?"

"What do they do on a Friday night?" asked Nigel.

"They don't have nights either," said Tim. "You're not missing
anything."

"But you're going back," said Nigel.

"You won't even know I've gone," said Tim. "I'll be back so fast."

......................................

"Did you and Nigel have a good time at the mall?" his mom asked.

"How did you know we were at the mall?" asked Tim.

"Friday night," she said. "Where else would you be? Ready for your
first lesson?"

"What are you going to teach me?" asked Tim eagerly.

 "Something that you could have used already," she said, "judging
from the stories you've told me."

"What, Mom? Tell me," said Tim.

"Underwater breathing," she replied. "Now listen carefully."

.................................

.... and just remember to breathe in through your nose and out
through your mouth, and the opposite when above water, until the
spell wears off," she said.

"Thanks, Mom. That will probably come in real handy. What's

next?" asked Tim.

"A good night's rest. See you in the morning," she said.

.................................

Over the following days his mother taught him several other
spells, like the one that made a person's nose grow temporarily if
they told a lie. On the final day Tim prepared to return to Tomorrow.
"Thanks, Mom. I can't wait to teach these spells to Liz," Tim said.
"Well, I'll miss you, but I guess I'll see you later today when I come
back to visit."

"Study hard at Fogmore, Tim. They have much more to teach you
than mere magic," she said. "See you later. Try to get Liz to come
with you on your next visit."
.................................

Tim hurried to the castle. "Have you seen Liz today?" Tim asked
the guard at the castle door. Tim could hardly wait for Liz to see how
much he had grown.

"She just arrived an hour ago. She said to tell you to come to her
special room," said the guard.

Tim knew she meant her secret room. Tim used his new 'detect
trap' spell to get through the secret passages safely. "Hi, Liz. How
was your trip?" Tim asked as he entered her room.

"Tim. You've got to learn to knock before you enter a lady's room,"
said Liz as she quickly grabbed a towel. "Put your eyes back in your
head and tell me all about your trip."
 PIRATE'S ISLAND
Written by DTYarbrough

"I love to hunt for seashells," said Liz. "Don't you?"

"Sure, but I never knew they had magical properties," said Tim.

"Just hold it up to your ear, Tim," said Liz. "They're very useful in
spells that deal with sound."

"I never had many opportunities to see the ocean. We lived

hundreds of miles away," said Tim. "I collected mussel shells down
by the lake. Are they useful in any magic spells?"

"Probably, but I can't think of any right now," said Liz. "Hey, what's
this?"

"It looks like a bottle," said Tim. "Dig it up and let's get a closer
look."

"There's something inside," said Liz. "I think it's a message."

"Or maybe a treasure map," said Tim. "Get it out so we can read
it."

"The cork is broken off in the bottle neck," said Liz. "I can't get it
out."

"Break the bottle," said Tim.

"Isn't that bad luck?" asked Liz.

"Not where I come from," said Tim. "Breaking a mirror is bad luck.
Break the bottle, Liz!"

"Calm down," said Liz, "before I break it over your head. We can't
just break it here and leave broken glass all over the beach."

"Then use a magic spell," said Tim. "Just open it."

"I found the bottle. It's mine," said Liz. "I'll open it when I'm ready."

"But Liz," said Tim. "It might be an important message."

 "You're right, Tim," said Liz. "Let's take it back to camp and try to
open it."

.................................

"Get your wand and open it," said Tim. "I can hardly wait."

Using her wand, she pushed the cork into the bottle. She shook
the bottle, but the piece of paper refused to come out. "I thought you
were going to use a spell," said Tim.

"I don't think I have a spell for that," said Liz. "What about you?"

Tim used his wand to change the glass into a jar and pulled out the
message. "Here, it's your message," said Tim. "Read it out loud."

"It says that he's been shipwrecked on a deserted island. He wants

us to rescue him. There's a map on the other side," said Liz.

"Let me see that," said Tim. "It's a treasure map. Look at the big
'X' ".

"Why would anyone give away a treasure map?" asked Liz.

"Maybe that was all he had to write a message on," said Tim. "Are
we going to rescue him?"

"Well, of course we are," said Liz. "He asked for our help, didn't
he?"

"How far to Merlin's skiff?" asked Tim.

"A couple of miles down the beach," said Liz. "I guess we should
get started if we are going to do this."

"Can you read a map?" asked Tim. "Will you be able to find the
island?"

"I'm a girl," said Liz. "I'll simply ask for directions."

.................................

"Shouldn't you ask for directions, Liz?" asked Tim. "We've been
sailing for quite a while."

"If you look at the map, you can see we're heading in the right
direction," said Liz as she faced the front of the boat and held up the
map.

"You can tell by that? How do you know you're supposed to face
the front?" asked Tim.

"If I face the rear, it takes us back to the beach, silly," said Liz.

"You could face left or right," said Tim. "Wait a minute, you're
holding the map upside down."

"There's a porpoise now," said Liz. "I'll call him over and get
directions."

.................................

"He said I was only six knots off course," said Liz. "Not bad, huh?"

"We've only gone seven knots," said Tim. "Not bad at all. So
what's our new heading?"

"South by South east," said Liz. "Make a u-turn at the reef."

"A u-turn? Why would we do that?" asked Tim.

"If we reach the reef, we've missed the island," said Liz.
"Somehow, I think the porpoise thinks we might miss the island."

.................................

"Wake up, Tim," said Liz. "I see an island, and it looks like the one
on the map."

"Let's lower the anchor and walk to shore underwater. This could
be a trap and we can't afford to have someone steal our skiff and
maroon us here," said Tim.

"Walk underwater. But it's at least a mile to shore," said Liz. "We
can't possibly hold our breath that long."

"I forgot to tell you," said Tim. "My mother taught me a spell that
allows you to breathe underwater."

"Okay. I'm ready when you are," said Liz. "Did you put your magic
supplies in a waterproof bag?"

"Of course," said Tim. "I'll set the duration of the spell for one
hour. That should give us enough time."

"You won't be able to use your wand underwater," said Liz. "Get
this right the first time."

"Okay, let's go," said Tim as he jumped into the water.

Tim and Liz slowly drifted toward the sandy bottom. Schools of
colorful fish encircled them. Starfish and oysters studded the bottom.
A large sea turtle slowly swam past. Now on the bottom, Liz and Tim
began the long walk towards the beach. "This is really beautiful," said
Liz.

"I can hear you," said Tim. "We can talk underwater too."

"I beg your pardon. Were you addressing me?" said a large
grouper. "What a strange looking animal you are! What are you
called?"

"I'm called Tim and this is Liz," said Tim. "Pleased to meet you."

"What brings you to our little neighborhood?" said the grouper.

"We're just passing through. We're headed for pirate's island,"

said Tim.

"Well, have a nice day. I'm going to be late for school if I don't
hurry," said the grouper as he quickly swam out of sight.

"We'd better hurry too," said Liz. "Which way were we heading?"

"I don't remember. That grouper distracted me," said Tim.

"Do you have your compass?" asked Liz.

"Sure, but it's in the waterproof bag. I can't open the bag down
here," said Tim.
 "Then we'll have to ask for directions," said Liz. "I'll signal that
hammerhead shark to come over here."

"No, Wait! There must be someone else to ask directions," said

Tim.

"Too late, here he comes now," said Liz. "Wait a minute. That's not
a hammerhead. What's he got in his mouth?"

"It looks like a board," said Tim. "Do sharks eat wood?"

"Not usually," said Liz.

"Discord is a duck and a mouse," said the shark.

"Did he say what I think he said?" asked Tim. "That doesn't make a
bit of sense."

"Is bored to be stuck in my house," replied the shark.

"Sharks don't live in a house. What is he trying to say?" said Liz.

"Maybe if he took that board out of his mouth, we could

understand him." replied Tim.

"This board is stuck in my mouth," said the shark.

"Well, why didn't you just say so?" asked Tim. "Can we help?"

The shark nodded his head. "Okay. Hold still," said Tim as he put
both feet on the board, one on either side of the shark's head.
Grabbing the upperjaw, Tim pulled with all his might. The shark's
upper teeth were freed from the board. Tim turned upside down and
placed his feet on the under side of the board and pulled on the lower
jaw. As the lower teeth pulled free, the force pushed the board
upward and lodged it on the shark's upper jaw. With a disappointed
look, the shark dropped his upper jaw and bit down on the board.

"Well, we're back where we started," said Liz. "Why don't you try a
spell. It might work underwater. Just keep in mind that the salt may
have some effect on it."

"I'll change the board into a Hershey's Bar," said Tim. "I haven't
had candy in quite awhile."
 "I love chocolate," said Liz. "Go ahead, Tim."

Tim waved his wand. "That's not chocolate," said Liz. "What is it?"

"Tastes like salt water taffy," said Tim. "Here, have a piece."

"Tim, this is serious. We're worse off than we were with the
board," said Liz.

"Don't worry. It'll dissolve in about a half hour," said Tim. "And it is
very tasty."

"But we're going to be late getting to shore," said Liz. "The spell is
going to wear off."

"Why is he waving his dorsal fin?" asked Tim.

"I think he's offering us a lift," said Liz. "Hang on, Tim."

Tim and Liz hung on to the shark's fin as he swam slowly towards
shore with a trail of dissolved taffy in his wake. In ten minutes the
shark stopped, spit out the rest of the taffy and said to them, "This is
as far as I go. Thanks for the help. If I can ever do anything else for
you, just ask. My name is Snaggletooth."

"He seemed like a very nice shark," said Liz.

"But he still looks scary to me," said Tim as he stood up, his head
now above water. "We'd better crawl the rest of the way so that no
one can see us coming."

As Tim and Liz crawled on their hand and knees toward shore they
came upon a fiddler crab. "You're doing it all wrong," said the crab as
she put down her fiddle. "Here, let me demonstrate." The crab took
several steps sideways.

"But this is the way we learned to do it," said Tim.

"Suit yourself, knuckleheads. You wouldn't know good advice if it

pinched you on your butt," said the crab.

"No need to get crabby," said Liz. "We didn't ask for your advice."
 "Well, I never ..." said the crab as she picked up the fiddle and
began to play what sounded like taps.

Tim and Liz continued toward shore. "It looks clear," said Tim.
"Let's make a run for those rocks."

"Okay," said Liz as she ran ahead of Tim. "Now what?"

"Let's head for those trees over there," said Tim. "Hey, wait for
me."

"Let's see the map. Where was that 'X' exactly?" asked Tim.

"We have to follow this trail till we come to the fork in the road,"
said Liz.

"Okay, let's go," said Tim. "Look for any signs of anyone else on
the island."

After walking for about an hour, Liz said, "Look, there's the fork in
the road."

"It's a salad fork," said Tim. "Are you sure this is the one?"

"It doesn't specify, but how many forks could there be?" said Liz.

"So, which way do we go?" asked Tim.

"Straight ahead. What other choice is there?" asked Liz.

"Maybe we're supposed to get off the road," said Tim. "Look,
there's a trail over here. What's the next landmark we're looking for?"

"It looks like a campfire," said Liz.

"Okay, so we keep going until we see something that looks like a

campfire," said Tim.

An hour later ... "That looks like a campfire," said Tim.

"That is a campfire, Tim." said Liz. "Who are those guys and what
are they doing?"

"Sound like they're singing a pirate's song," said Tim. "Listen."

 "99 bottles of rum on the wall, 99 bottles of rum. Take one down
and pass it around, 98 bottles of rum on the wall," sang the pirates.

"You're right, Tim." said Liz. "This could mean trouble."

"What sort of trouble?" asked Tim.

"I don't know. I've never met a pirate before," said Liz.

"Well, this is your lucky day because there must be a dozen of

them," said Tim.

"That dog seems to be the captain, and that hippo looks like a first
mate to me," said Liz.

"I thought you'd never met a pirate before," said Tim.

"I've read books and looked at pictures," said Liz.

"Cap'n Barkley, do you think anyone is ever going to find that

bottle and come looking for the treasure?" said Herbert Hippo.

"You ask me that same question every day, Number One," said
Captain Barkley. "Ask me one more time and you're going to be
number two. What's taking Snidley so long?"

"Here I am, Cap'n," said Snidley, "and look what I just found
spying on you."

"Let go," said Tim. "Stop pushing."

"Avast, Matey," said the captain.

"What? Who?" said Snidley Snake.

"Will you guys get with the program. Avast means stop," said the
captain. "You've got to learn the lingo. Didn't I give you that book,
PIRATING FOR DUMMIES?"

"I thought it was for the other guys," said Snidley.

"Hey!" said the other guys.

 "So, you two thought you could come here and steal the treasure,
didn't you?" asked Captain Barkley.

"No sir. We came here to rescue someone. We figured if we found

the treasure, he would be nearby." said Tim.

"Are you guys pirates? I never heard of anyone complaining to the

authorities about pirates. Do you kill all of your victims?" asked Liz.

"Maybe? Why do you want to know?" asked Captain Barkley.

"But Cap'n. We never killed anyone," said Herbert.

"Quiet, Herby. I'm trying to frighten them," whispered the captain.

"Why do you want to scare them?" asked Herbert. "They look like
nice kids."

"We need their ship to get off this island," said the captain. "We're
shipwrecked, remember? We can't take them with us."

"What I meant was, we haven't killed anyone today, yet," said

Herbert.

"Now, tell us where your ship is anchored," said Captain Barkley.

"So, why did you guys go into the pirate business?" asked Liz.

"We're sailors and there isn't much demand for that," said Herbert.

"I love the sea. I'm just an old sea dog at heart," said the captain.

"But I thought you were a bull dog," said Herbert. "You became a
pirate because you love to bury things."

"Hush! How did we get on this subject anyway?" asked Barkley.

"You never answered my question. Where is your boat, little girl?"

"How many commercial ships have you robbed?" asked Tim. "Got
room for another pirate?"

"You don't know the first thing about pirating," said Barkley. "Now
answer my question."
 "I'm almost an expert on the subject," said Tim.

"Then why didn't you know that in the Land of Tomorrow, pirates
only rob other pirates?" said Barkley.

"I knew that. I was testing you to see if you were a real pirate," said
Tim. "I guess you pass."

"Well, I can't tell you how happy that makes me. Now answer my
question or you walk the plank," said Barkley.

"Can you do that? We're not pirates," said Liz.

"And we're supposed to take your word for that?" asked Barkley.
"Take the prisoners to the ship and prepare to have them walk the
plank."

"But Cap'n. Our ship is at the bottom of the sea," said Herbert.

"Didn't I tell you to hush," said Barkley. "Okay, you go find a board
and meet us in the cove. The rest of you, take the prisoners to the
cove and wait for me."

"Move along," said Snidley. "You heard the Cap'n."

..........................

"Tie their hands behind their backs. Do you want a blindfold?"

asked Snidley.

"No," said Tim and Liz. "You guys are going to get into a lot of
trouble if you do this."

"Oh? Who's going to tell?" said Snidley.

"My father will know," said Liz. "He's Merlin, the world's greatest
wizard."

"So, you're Merlin's daughter." said the captain as he and Herbert

arrived carrying a large plank. "Okay, he'll walk the plank alone."

"We can put the plank here, Cap'n," said Herbert.

"Snidley. Get a rope and tie a large stone to his leg," said the
captain. "We want him to go straight to the bottom."

"You'll never get away with this," said Liz.

"Just answer my question and nobody has to die," said the

captain.

"I'll never tell you," said Liz.

"Put him on the end of the plank and put that stone out there too,"
said the captain. "Okay, now poke him with your sword until he
jumps."

"No! Wait, I'll tell you," said Liz.

"Avast, mates," said the captain.

"That means stop!" said Tim.

"Our ship sank," said Liz. "We didn't want to tell you because we
were going to stowaway on your ship?"

As Herbert jumped down off the plank, the plank shifted and the
stone fell off, dragging Tim off the plank. "No!" yelled Liz. "Tim!"

"Open your eyes, Liz," said Tim standing knee-deep in saltwater.

"This must be the shallow end."

"Get him out of there, immediately!" said Liz.

"I'll take care of this," said the captain as he took one step into the
water and sank out of sight. In a moment he came back up
dogpaddling. "He's on a sandbar. Snidley, get my hat."

The captain climbed upon the sandbar and untied Tim. They both
swam back to shore. "So, what do we do now?" said the captain.
"Nobody has a ship."

"Maybe we can still help," said Liz.

"How?" asked Captain Barkley as he put his hat back on. "What
can you do?"

"Magic," said Liz. "We can cast a spell that allows you to breathe
underwater. You can go out there, unload your ship, and then pull it
back to shore and repair it."

"That could work," said the captain. "Let's do it, but you have to
come with us."

"We don't know how to repair a ship," said Liz. "We'll just be in the
way."

"You're probably right," said the captain. "Snidley, you keep an eye
on them until we get back. If this is a trick, they're going to pay."

As the captain and crew headed for the beach, Snidley tied Liz and
Tim together, sitting back to back. In a little while Snidely was fast
asleep. "Can you reach that knot?" asked Liz.

"I think so," said Tim. "Give me a second. Where did they put our
wands?"

"Over there on that pile of supplies," said Liz.

"There, the knot is loose. Let's get the wands and go," said Tim.

"Quiet," said Liz. "Don't wake the snake."

As Tim reached for the wands, he knocked over the pile of

supplies. "Run, Liz," said Tim. "Let's get out of here."

Tim and Liz ran to the beach and stopped long enough for Tim to
perform a spell so he and Liz could breathe underwater. As they
continued into the water Liz said, "He's gaining on us. We're not
going to make it."

"Snaggletooth!" yelled Tim as he and Liz walked as fast as they

could. Snidley caught up with them and instructed them to turn
around and head back to the beach.

"What can I do for you?" asked the shark as he swam up behind

Snidley.

"Do you think you could keep this guy busy, long enough for us to
get to our ship?" asked Tim.

"I don't think that will be a problem," said Snaggletooth with a

wide toothy grin. "You can go now unless this snake has a problem.
Well, do you have a problem, snake?"

Snidley shook his head and started backing away as Tim and Liz
headed for their boat. In a short time, they were sailing home.

"Why did you make me give them the full duration of that spell.
Now they will be back to their pirating ways again," said Tim.

"We'll never see them again, and they don't really mean any harm.
We couldn't just leave them stranded," said Liz.

"We could still circle back and steal the treasure," said Tim.

"One of the other pirates told me about the treasure," said Liz.
"Four boxes of dog biscuits and a leather flea collar. Still want to go
back?"

"One dog's treasure is another boy's junk," said Tim. "Let's go

home."
 THE TROUBLE WITH TROLLS
Written by DTYarbrough

"We've got another mission, Tim," said Liz. "Father wants us to get
started immediately."
"What sort of mission is it?" asked Tim. "Does it involve giants or
hobbits or dwarfs?"
"Trolls," said Liz. "It involves trolls. I think you'll like this mission.
It involves a riddle."
"Like the one I guessed so we could ride free on the ferry?" asked
Tim. "Say, that was a troll that asked us that riddle."
"That's right, Tim," said Liz. "Trolls are master bridge and ferry
builders so we let them build all of them. But they decided to charge
everyone that wanted to use them."
"That seems fair enough," said Tim.
"It would have been," said Liz, "but the trolls got greedy and kept
raising the tolls until most folks couldn't afford to pay every time they
wanted to use one."
"So what happened. Where did the riddles come in?" asked Tim.
"The council voted and forced the trolls to allow anyone who could
answer the troll's riddle to ride free," said Liz.
"That's fair, isn't it?" said Tim.
"Yes, until everyone learned the answer," said Liz. "The trolls
petitioned the council to allow them to change the riddle each
Monday."
"That seems fair enough," said Tim. "So what's the problem?"
"The law says that they may change the riddle. It does not say that
they have to," said Liz. "The trolls have discovered a riddle that no
one has been able to answer, and they refuse to change it."
"Then why doesn't the council pass another law?" asked Tim.
"They plan to the next time they meet," said Liz. "In the meantime,
the economy is being ruined. We have to do something now."
 "Well, I'll just solve the riddle," said Tim. "I'm really good with
riddles."
"I know you're good with riddles, Tim," said Liz, "but this is a
tough one."
"What's the riddle?" asked Tim.
It's the beginning of eternity,
the end of time and space.
The beginning of every end
and the end of every place.
"That is a tough one," said Tim. "I'll have to give it some thought."
"Well, in the meantime, we have to go see the High Troll and
convince him that he should do as the council wishes," said Liz.
"How are we going to do that?" asked Tim.
"We've got to figure that out by the time we get there," said Liz,
"unless you can figure out the riddle."
"How long will it take to get there?" asked Tim.
"A couple of days. Maybe longer if we don't pay the tolls," said Liz.
"We can use my underwater breathing spell to get across water
but getting across canyons and gorges is another thing," said Tim.
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," said Liz.
"Good one, Liz," said Tim.
.....................................
"It will be so much easier when we learn to fly. I can hardly wait for
next semester to begin at Fogmore," said Tim.
"Stop daydreaming, Tim," said Liz. "What are we going to tell the
High Troll?"
"We'll say that we're going to build our own bridges and ferries,"
said Tim. "And we'll let everyone ride free, except trolls."
"We don't know how to build bridges," said Liz. "He'll know we're
bluffing."
"We'll say that we're going to find the answer to the riddle and tell
everyone," said Tim. "Not only this riddle but every one they can
come up with."
"If we could do that, we wouldn't be there talking to him," said Liz.
"We're going to fly everyone across," said Tim.
"Along with the horses, wagons, etc?" asked Liz. "Think, Tim."
"We'll say that the council is going to put an end to tolls
completely if they don't cooperate," said Tim.
"There are trolls on the council today," said Liz. "They'll be lucky
to get any new law passed."
"Then we have to solve the riddle," said Tim, "We'll use magic to
create the answer."
"That could be very dangerous," said Liz. "We don't know what we
might create. Do you really want to put an end to time and space?"
"Okay, no magic," said Tim. "One of us has to figure out how we
are going to get across Gremlin Gorge. Surely we can use magic to
do that."
"This is making my head hurt," said Liz. "No more thinking while
we're walking."
"Stop walking, Liz!" said Tim. "We're at the gorge. Wow, that's a
long way down."
"Look Tim, Nangels," said Liz. "Aren't they beautiful in flight?"
"Hard to believe that they can glide all day on those thermal
currents without ever flapping their wings," said Tim.
"We need a glider of some sort," said Liz. "Any ideas?"
"I used to carve all sorts of airplanes and gliders out of wood when
I was back home," said Tim.
"You've got a knife," said Liz. "Can you carve one now?"
"Not large enough for us to ride in," said Tim. "Oh, I get it. You're
going to use shrinkweed to make us smaller."
"I suppose that could work," said Liz. "But what would we do for
the next several hours while we wait for the spell to wear off?"
"Then what?" said Tim. "Can you make the glider bigger?"
 "Yes," said Liz, "but not heavier."
"That's perfect. We don't want it to be heavier," said Tim, "but will
it be strong enough?"
"If we make it from ironwood," said Liz. "That's an ironwood tree
over there."
"I'll just break of a small piece," said Tim. "Wow, I can't even bend
it."
"Use your knife, Tim," said Liz. "See if you can cut it."
"This is going to take a while," said Tim. "Go ahead and get some
rest."
"I'll try to figure out the riddle," said Liz as she sat down on a large
stone.
..............................
"I think the answer is death," said Liz. "It would mark the
beginning of eternity in heaven or hell and the end of time and space
as we know it. It would mean the end of every place we knew."
"The places wouldn't end just because you're not around. And it
wouldn't seem like eternity if time didn't exist," said Tim.
"You could make that last argument no matter what the answer
is," said Liz.
"This is a strange riddle," said Tim.
"I'll bet that death is the answer," said Liz, "unless you can come
up with something better."
"I'm finished," said Tim. "Make it big enough so we can both fit
into these seats."
Make the glidder long and wide
so we can fit the seats inside.
Make it so that it will glide
and get us to the other side.
"Where did those ropes come from?" asked Liz as she looked at
the enlarged glider.
"They were spider webs. I put them there to help us control the
glider during flight," said Tim.
"Very impressive, Tim," said Liz. "How do we take off?"
"It's extremely light," said Tim. "You get on that side and I'll get on
this side. We both get a running start while we hold on to the plane.
We both jump and then climb into the seats."
"Sounds easy enough," said Liz.
"That's the attitude," said Tim.
......................................
Tim and Liz lifted the plane and backed up for a running start.
"Ready Liz?" asked Tim.
"On three," said Liz. "One .. two ... three."
In a moment Tim and Liz were over the deep gorge. The glider,
after a breif decent, had leveled off and was gliding perfectly. Time
tried the controls, tugging first on one rope then the other. The glider
turned left then right then back toward the other side of the gorge.
"How do we go higher?" asked Liz.
"I tug on both ropes at once," said Tim. "Like this."
Tim tugged on both ropes but the flaps didn't move. "It's harder
than I thought," said Tim. "Help me pull."
Liz grabbed the ropes and pulled. "Harder," said Tim.
Liz strained with all her might. The ropes snapped. "Tim!"
screamed Liz. "What do we do now?"
The glider continued it glide, descending ever so slowly, and
gradually tilting and turning to one side. "Shift your weight to that
side," Tim said as he pointed.
In a moment the glider was level again. Tim looked back at Liz. Liz
had a slight smile on her face but Tim could see the fear in her eyes.
He tried not to show his own fear. "It's going to be okay, Liz," said
Tim.
Suddenly the glider began to climb. "Look, Tim," said Liz as she
pointed to the tip of the wing.
Tip glanced at the wing and saw the nangel holding onto it. He
looked at the other wing and saw another and a third holding the tail.
 As the little glider climbed high and higher, Tim saw the look of
relief in Liz's eyes. A while later they were safely on the ground.
"It's still the safest way to travel," said one of the nangels.
"You save our lives," said Liz. "Thank you so much."
"Don't be so meladramatic. Your pilot seemed quite capable of
landing safely. We merely saved you from a long climb out of the
gorge," said the nangel.
"Well, thanks for that, anyway," said Liz.
"You're very welcome," said the nangel. "Goodbye, and may the
winds of life be favorable."
"That was so exciting, Tim," said Liz. "I wasn't scared for a
moment,"
"Yeah, exciting," said Tim. "But let's try something different at the
next gorge, just to break the monotony."
.....................................
Tim and Liz walked passed a small church and noticed a sign in
the front lawn. It was more of a message board than a sign and some
of the letters were missing. The sign read .. _ime waits for no ma_ .
"Look at that sign, Tim," said Liz. "It's missing the beginning of
time and the end of man."
"Say that again, Liz." said Tim.
"It's missing the beginning of time and the end of man." said Liz.
"The riddle, that's it."
"Let's go home," said Tim. "This time we take the tool bridge."
................................
"Answer this riddle and you may pass for free," said the Troll.
It's the beginning of eternity,
the end of time and space.
The beginning of every end
and the end of every place.
"It's the letter 'E'," said Tim.
"You may pass," said the Troll.