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wasn’t how it should be. He opened the book.
    â€˜You’re staying here. I must do this without you.’
    If the book had had a face, it would have looked extremely shocked and angry. As it was, that was all shown in its voice going up a couple of octaves and decibels.
    â€˜What? No. You can’t do that, it just isn’t right. I need to do this, I haven’t used my magic in so long. I haven’t done anything in so long. I wasn’t even allowed to read about that stupid flower. You don’t know what you’re doing. You can’t leave me here. It can’t be done without me. It can’t, it can’t, it can’t I say!’
    Pete slammed the book shut, feeling justified now in his decision not to take it. This was his quest. He would take help, but not in this way. He would take help offered for help’s sake, not from those looking to serve their own needs.
    From his knowledge of where the flower was located, Pete had concluded that King Cyril could go only one of two ways. He knew that there was only a remote chance that the King would try to cross the Plains of Obon, but he also knew that King Cyril the Arrogant-and-Stupid was both arrogant and stupid enough to try it. Pete decided to leave straight away in order to be ahead of his rivals before they reached the Plains of Obon. That was where Pete wanted to make his move. If it happened that he also had to cross the plains in order to rescue Marloynne, then so be it.
    â€˜Sir Pete McGee.’
    Ashlyn’s voice brought him back to the real world. He smiled at her and jumped off the fence.
    As usual, his note was tucked safely away in his inside pocket. He followed Ashlyn into the house and towards his mother’s room. Ashlyn waited outside as Pete went in to say his farewell.
    Pete’s voice shook a little as he faced his mother. He readied his voice to play their game for what he hoped wouldn’t be the last time.
    â€˜Fair maiden, my departure is nigh. I leave the book with you. I had thought to take it, but it must stay.’
    He laid the book on the end of the bed. Mrs McGee watched him as he stood tall once again. Her eyes glistened and her voice trembled.
    â€˜I beg thee, dear knight, travel safely.’
    â€˜I will carry thy heart with me and I shall not endanger it. Fare thee well. I shall have many great tales to relate to thee upon my return.’
    They held each other close, fearing that it may be the final time they would do so, neither of them wanting to believe that could possibly be true. Pete pulled away and walked out of the room.
    Ashlyn stared at Pete for an instant before throwing her arms around him. She felt so close to this young boy. In the short time she had known him he already felt like family.
    â€˜You have to come back, Pete, you have to. I could never forgive myself if you didn’t.’
    She didn’t say anything else. She just took Pete’s hand and walked towards the front gate. Pete was a little surprised at the strength of Ashlyn’s grip, and when she released his hand he found he was holding a crystal.
    â€˜It’s all I have to give you. It was a gift to me from Marloynne, but I give it to you now. Take it as a reminder of me, but you must promise to return it. In doing so, you are promising your own safe return.’
    Pete stared at the crystal. It was amazing. Its surface was a deep brown, with lines of yellow racing through it. The crystal was incredibly smooth against his skin as he turned it over in his hand. He looked up at Ashlyn and nodded.
    â€˜I promise.’
    With that he turned, went through the gate, and started off down the road.

ater that same day, King Cyril the Glory-Seeker also departed. Marloynne was with him, sooking about the food as usual. It wasn’t long before the King had had enough.
    â€˜Good God, man, do you ever stop? I really don’t know what that peasant girl ever saw in you.’
    Marloynne’s head