Beneath Heavens Helm.



The sun, although up couldn’t break through the thick mist and fog that seemed to envelope the entire valley floor. And as Falco, Sylvie and Chelti Demio traveled the path that would take them directly into Goyth, Falco wondered almost out loud where Asa had gotten himself off to. He would occasionally find himself looking up and over his shoulder behind them to check for signs of the King of Gosia, but he was nowhere to be seen. Chelti smiled while muttering out loud in Falco’s direction.
“Not to worry my friend, I think your friend the king, is quite capable of taking care of himself.”
All three shared a laugh, until Chelti suddenly pulled rein on his animal stopping abruptly. He stared deep into the mist as if his wandering eyes were searching for a spirit. Falco and Sylvie both pulled up beside him.
“Chelti? What is it Man?” Falco asked in almost a whisper.
He leaned towards his two companions.
“Didn’t you hear that?.. Just then, a voice.. Distant yet unmistakable through the mist over there.” he raised a finger and pointed.
A gruff voice almost growling, echoed in the distance. Now it was Falco who was puzzled. He too slightly recognized the distant voice, but could not outwardly put a name to it. He nodded to Chelti.
“I too know this voice Chelti.”
“ The voice is deep.” Sylvie added. “Perhaps it is Asa having a game with us father.”
It was getting closer.. Close enough to hear it having what appeared to be an argument. But with who?
“Foul Beast!” the voice growled. “I prompt you north and you go west.. At this rate I shall complete my journey when I’m ninety! Ah ho! But still for all of your sabotage and trickery, I have still managed a successful and bountiful hunt!”
It is then that the gruff warm voice stops Chelti Demio dead in his tracks. For he knows the voice to be that of Modo Demio his dearly departed Father.

Modo's Long Ride.



Falco seemed confused as he leaned forward in his saddle. Chelti looked as white as a ghost, unable to speak at the prospect of seeing the ghost of his father, he nervously looked in the direction of Falco and his daughter.
“Falco! it is the ghost of my father Modo Demio!”
The voice yelled great disdain at the sentiment.
“Ghost? Bah!.. Though Modo Demio I be ! .. a ghost most certainly not!”
“Father??.. Is it really you?? It is I Chelti Demio! Your Son!! I was told that you were dead!”
The form of a crusty looking Modo Demio appeared through the mist and fog.
“Told I was deceased were you then?.. By a scoundrel no doubt. Who would propose such a lie as this My son?”
Chelti, Falco and Sylvie were all now grinning from ear to ear.
“A scoundrel indeed my father, and a cowardly one to boot. A man named Felstus Crowe told me so!”
Modo snarled and made a fidgeting noise as he slowly climbed down from his animal to give his only son a proper greeting.
“Hmmmph! Coward.. Scoundrel.. Moron.. All fitting titles for such a cad as Felstus Crowe.”
The two shared a warm but brief embraced as Falco and Sylvie dismounted to greet Modo Demio.
“Well.. As I live and breathe, if it isn’t my old friend from the guard Falco Trinity!”
The two shook hands, and greeted each other warmly. They decided to make camp to wait for Asa to catch up with them and give the Demio’s a chance to catch up.
“Father why would that cad Felstus tell me you were dead if it weren’t so?”
Modo scratched his bearded chin thoughtfully.
“Though his manipulations are many, his intentions are kept rather well guarded I’m afraid.. Perhaps a guess?”
They all nodded.
“Well it is largely known throughout the area that where you find the Dragon Asa you will find yet another one of Felstus old nemesis’s, Falco Trinity. Perhaps he was trying to direct your anger in Falco’s direction.”
“But father, where did he get your medallion from the royal guard?”
Modo produced a medallion from his pocket.
“No. the necklace is broken.. But I still have mine. Perhaps the medallion was his own.”
Falco stood to face his old friend Modo.
“I am relieved to see you still in the land of the living Modo my friend.. But we still have the matter of Felstus and his men bearing down on the village of Goyth to deal with.”

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