Chapter 6 Fields of Blood

The battle with the mermaids began on a beautiful day. The sky held no clouds and the warm sun brought out flowers in the palace garden. People prepared for a festival celebrating Midsummer’s. A festival thanking the human rain goddess Kia, elf rain god Laeos, and flood goddess Elsie for their blessing their crops with water. In Kadacia, the yearly floods are vital for plentiful crop yields. Priests and priestesses walked around the city blessing all with sprigs from sacred trees dipped in pails of water to sprinkle the inhabitants walking by them. His Majesty prepared orders for his staff cooking and decorating for the gala to be held that night.

“Something is not right,” observes The Wizard as he stood upon a turret as sailboats came into the harbor.

“What is not right, Alaric?” asks Ricky.

“The sailboats. They are quaking with confusion and fear as they enter the harbor, like they have seen a monster.” answers The Wizard.

Ricky watches a ship sailing just outside the reef. The person steering the ship’s course did seem troubled with zigzagging and shaking the rudder as the boat approached the city gates.

“His Majesty is expecting us in his sitting room for plans of security during the gala tonight,” pointed out Ricky.

“Dracon will wait. Tell him I am on a mission. Do not mention his gala may not be occurring after all. I must know what horror lays upon the horizon.” The Wizard said before disappearing.

Ricky wraps his cloak around him and thinks of Dracon’s face to transport himself to him. Dracon quite accustomed by now of suddenly appearances by his bodyguards simply waves his hand at Ricky to request that he sit.

“Another mission I presume, Ricky. It is hard to feel secure with all his missions when I ask to speak to The Great Wizard. I do not like being kept in the dark of what is happening in my kingdom.” the irritated king confides without looking up from his message tablet.

“If it was important, Majesty, Alaric would let you know personally.” replies Ricky.

“I suppose so Ricky. Now down to business. Are you and The Great patrolling the palace as animals or as elves? I need to know what to say to my human guards.” the king looking up at his elf guard.

“We are patrolling as fairies, Majesty.” answers Ricky.

“Very well. Would you please tell The Great Wizard I wish to speak to him on his missions, they make me uneasy?” orders King Dracon.

“As you wish, Majesty. Though, you can call him by his name anytime now since he favors you.” responds Ricky as he stands up wrapping himself in his cloak thinking of Alaric and disappearing.
“The Great Wizard says he is busy protecting His Nosiness. He says His Majestic will just have to wait for his report on his missions.” recites Ricky reappearing almost immediately. “And The Great Wizard says what he has to report will frighten you.”

“I knew it! Someone is plotting against me, correct Ricky?” demands Dracon rising from his chair.

“In a way, yes, Majesty.” replies Ricky.

“Who is it? Come now, I know you want to tell me.” whispers Dracon more sweetly approaching Ricky.

“He told me not to tell you, Majesty.” asserts Ricky.

“You wish to protect me, do you not. I will not mention you told me.” coyly smiles Dracon placing his arm around Ricky’s shoulders.

“The signs are right for an invasion of Illium. Alaric is worried it will happen today or tonight when everyone is celebrating Midsummers. The travelers have been noticing mermen on the beaches and rivers with the mermaids. They never surface. Then today sailors come into the harbor shaking their rudders. They say draghorns have been gathering just off the mermaid islands. Plus, burning oil has been floating in strange places where seahorses have been surfacing near them. Alaric thinks the mermaids who have been attacked are planning revenge. Small villages along the coast have been fortified after the mermaid attacks. He asked me to get my things ready to leave. I must go pack, Majesty.” panics Ricky before disappearing again.

King Dracon ponders what Ricky just said. He gathers his strength to continue as if the conversation never occurred. He walks down to the great hall covered in flowers and strings of starfish. He finds his son with Nix feeding him applesauce. If Nix knew what Ricky just relayed, she hid it well.

“It will be an exciting gala. Homer has been looking forward to it. I am sure Ishtar and Cassandra are too. I hope they enjoy living in the palace among mortal humans.” begins Dracon.

“Oh yes, they find mortal humans amusing creatures. They have been practicing Blythan dances all summer.” replies Nix.

“Hello, boy.” whispers Dracon picking up his son. Demetrius smiles at his father. “Such a strong boy, aren’t we. Eating applesauce with our milk. I am so happy.”

The Wizard appears at last beside Nix and Dracon. Ishtar and Cassandra dancing on the balcony rush over wishing to show the dance they have been practicing. The Wizard patiently watches the maiden goddesses skip and clap their hands in unison. As they curtsy, the observers applaud. Ishtar approaches her grandfather.

“What’s wrong, grandfather. You seem sad.” observes the goddess.

“Go pack your things. Leave nothing important behind. We are leaving the palace. The mermaids will attack anyone who gets their way. Now, go.” answers The Wizard as Ishtar’s eyes swell with tears.

“There won’t be a gala tonight, grandfather.”weeps Cassandra hugging her sitting grandfather.

“No, darling. Go pack your things.” answers The Wizard.

“Maybe they will not attack today, maybe they will tomorrow. We have time to jump in the mirror.” hopes Ishtar.

“Do not argue with your grandfather. Now go.” The Wizard snaps at his granddaughters to see them run out of the great hall.

“Dracon, you must come with me.” softly orders The Wizard placing his cloak around His Majesty’s shoulders.

“Am I about to learn a magic trick?” inquires Dracon.

“Almost, now be quiet and remember I will be right behind you.” replies The Wizard making Dracon disappear from the great hall.

“Where are we?” murmurs Dracon reappearing inside an inn with The Wizard appearing beside him. The Wizard places his finger to his lips and walks to a table to sit. Following his lead, Dracon looks around to see Homer drinking a mug of ale.

“Homer, tell Dracon what you told me.” requests The Wizard.

“It was awful, Dracon. Herds of draghorns and sea horses collecting near floating torches of oil. We tried to ask the merpeople what the purpose of their meeting there. Mermaids and mermen swam to the ship and hurled harpoons at us. One drew a flaming jar and I screamed not to burn my ship, we will leave in peace. Then I sent my regards to the newly crowned Queen Lexie and offered a most sincere apology for intruding on their celebration of Midsummers. I was then summoned by Queen Lexie to approach her island. I swam ashore with a mermaid. I have never seen Lexie covered in armor with a shiny golden harpoon. All her male guards had their hair coated with lime. She invited me to have tea with her. A servant poured a green substance out into my teacup. Lexie warned me of an attack on humans who she knows is murdering her mermaids for their hair. She warned me to stay away from the seashore when I arrived in Illium. She did not say exactly who she was about to attack. She dismissed me declaring her regards to Ishtar and I returned to my ship. A mermaid riding a seahorse guided us toward Illium singing in merfish language. I thanked the mermaid as she switched directions. She waved back before diving into the sea. More ale! Did you want a drink, Dracon? I badly need one.”

“No thank you, Homer. Do you think she means to attack Illium?” asks Dracon.

“It is a possibility. The signs are right for an invasion. I must retrieve my valuables you will need. Come with me.” finishes The Wizard placing his cloak over Dracon.

Upon a turret to assure privacy, The Wizard informs Dracon how the only way the mermaids can infiltrate his city is by the underground rivers and the beach. He also told the young monarch that here was his chance to be the national hero he dreamed to become. He also warned the young monarch that this is a battle he can not win. The mermaids will come through the underground rivers riding seahorses as his people try to escape. They will also fly over the walls on draghorns. They will surround the city with unicorns to stop any retreat of the armies. His people can not defeat all three nature goddesses. Looking upon the rooftops of his beautiful city, Dracon began to worry how he was going to save his city from destruction.

“Hush little Dracon, don’t you fear,” began the Wizard. “Alaric the Great will give you a magic mirror. Touch the brass part thinking where you wish to go and the mirror will take you there. Beware of your thoughts, I must advise, because if you are fearing the mermaids the mirror will take you straight to them.”

He then departed to take care of other business before it was too late. Dracon was soon to meet Valnar somehow returning as Prince Grigor set up positions along the walls and guard towers explaining the security strategy for the Midsummer celebration taking place that evening. Dracon ordered oil and straw used as carpeting to be dropped in the underground rivers and set ablaze. That should keep the mermaids from coming in that direction. He ordered the evacuation of the city with the ill taken to the Temple of Elexi, the sea god. More oil and straw was dropped in the harbor to set afire at the first sign of invasion. Upon eyeing Prince Grigor, Valnar followed him around until he heard of his intention to rest before the feast. Seizing an opportunity while the commander napped in preparation to be awake all night, Valnar changed into a pit viper snake and bit the man. Prince Lagos stormed in as his father shook from the poison with unbearable screams. Lagos slashed at the snake under the bed to discover Valnar holding a sword twisting out from under the bed. The foes parried and lunged at each other destroying the bed chamber furniture. Soon, holding the prince by his neck with a candleholder against the wall, Valnar paused and told the man that he now knew exactly how he felt when Lord Grigor murdered his father. He then changed into a mouse dropping the candleholder and running under the door. Lagos charged out into the hallway to find Valnar had escaped.

Dracon carried on as usual while Ishtar and Cassandra were spirited away to unknown destinations with Nix. Commander Ryana left with Prince Demetrius and her children through the underground tunnels not connected to any waterways. They hoped to reach the safety of Queen Kiara’s estate in time because she is part-mermaid. Ricky packed his things and sent them away. Next, he took a nap floating on his rug next to The Wizard’s bed. The Wizard assigned the job of protecting Valnar in battle to him. Homer drunk as a skunk slept in The Wizard’s bed. After retrieving Valnar from the Anasazi Mountain Coast, The Wizard visited his daugher Queen Lexie as his final business before returning to Illium.

“Greetings Daughter, your guards were not too friendly when I appeared.” observes The Wizard with his arms outreached for an embrace.

“All beings are to bow before royalty, Father.” replies Queen Lexie sitting at a table with a map of Illium made of leather spread out.

“You know I do not bow to my children, dear, and you should show respect to your elders.” answers The Wizard.

“Yes, Father. I am glad to see you. May I ask the purpose of your unexpected visit?” inquires Queen Lexie with a deep curtsy to her father.

The Wizard embraces his daughter and kisses her cheek.

“Unexpected, child? You know why I am here. To talk you out of attacking Illium. I am the king’s protector.” comments The Wizard.

“What makes you think I am planning to attack Illium?” innocently asks Lexie making the map of Illium disappear.

“Because you do not keep secrets well. All the signs point to your invasion of Illium. Yes, the king is aware you are coming. Strike when the enemy is celebrating is a common strategy. I know you plan to attack tonight when Illium’s defenses will be lowered, why would you not?” answers The Wizard.

“I am not planning any attack or invasion. My mermaids are celebrating the Midsummer.” defends Queen Lexie.

“Then please explain why your mermen who rarely touch land are doing out of the sea with lime in their hair. Merpeople only do that to look more ferocious to their enemies.” requests The Wizard.

“Alright, father. I am just planning to attack the villages along the shore, that is all. I would not try to harm your precious king, that would be foolish of me.” asserts Lexie.

“Daughter, I know you. I know your thoughts before you think them. I know your emotions before you feel them. Your lies do not work on me, dear child.” responds The Wizard.

“I take it then you will not help me in my battle, but you will help your king defeat me. I hate you, Father.” stiffens Lexie in her posture.

“And I love you, Daughter, otherwise I would not be here. Can we not bargain, my dear, if I can not stop you?” requests The Wizard.

“Alright, we can bargain. I promise not to kill your precious king and only hold him prisoner, if you agree not to fight any merpeople. I disagree to be defeated by my own father. And you will not inform him of our bargain.” commands Lexie.

“Agreed, dear Lexie.” replies The Wizard as he kisses her forehead. “I taught you well. Now you will also hand over Layla. She is too young to fight in battle. And I will not tell the king of our bargain.”

Queen Lexie sneers at the suggestion, Layla is an adolescent and fully capable of handling the impending battle.

“Fine. You can have Layla.” agrees Lexie. “Layla! Come, child. My father wishes you to go with him for the duration of the battle.”

“But Your Majesty, you said this would be my first taste of war. You can’t take me that away from me. I practiced for so long for it.” pleads Layla stepping forward.

“My father wishes for your safety. You must leave with him or he will help defeat us.” responds Lexie.

Reluctant, she comes to The Wizard. He places his cape over her and then makes himself disappear. They meet a stunned Dracon dressing for battle. Instantly falling in love with the beautiful mermaid, Dracon kisses her hand. Layla pulls away.

“Dracon, she would slice your throat as you sleep. Forget about Layla.” asserts The Wizard.

“This is Layla? Remember me when I came to The Haunted Forest to fetch my father King Jason.” answers Dracon with a smile.

Layla does not answer only to glare with the most evil eyes. The Wizard and Layla leave Dracon to finish dressing with his valet. They come to his bed chamber to awaken Ricky floating in the air atop of his rug and Homer goes back to sleep.

“Where is Valnar?” demands The Wizard.

“Right here,” shows Ricky lifting a mouse.

“What did you do?” requests The Wizard.

“He killed Prince Grigor and now he is hiding from Prince Lagos. They fought a duel neither could win.” answers Ricky. “Hello Layla, I’ve missed your cooking.”

“Sweet little Ricky, you flatter me.” smiles Layla pinching his cheek.

“Very well, you both will take Layla to the Palace of Iris. You all will be safe there.” orders The Wizard. “And watch her like a hawk.”

“Yes, Alaric. It would be my pleasure.” asserts Ricky beaming at Layla.

Layla taps Ricky’s shoulder and he collapses in pain.

“Jellyfish gloves,” Layla reveals before Valnar as a hawk grabs her shoulders with his talons.

“Forgot about those things. Farewell Alaric.” replies Ricky changing in an eagle.

Many fled Illium as the ships ceased to arrive in the harbor. Rumors flew of mermaids destroying trading fleets with sea monsters upending the ships. Prince Lagos spread the news of his father’s murder demanding the identity of the magical assailant he never met before. Sunset came with the usual Midsummer activities. Offerings were made to the gods and goddesses for plentiful harvests in the fall. A lamb that was promised to Ishtar when it was weaned from its mother was taken by the guards to be sacrificed. Well rested Homer warned the guards of breaking the king’s promise to Ishtar, she will not forgive nor forget. He then cast a repelling spell over the ewe and her lambs. A baby bunny was killed instead. Blythans believed in the murder of innocence to please the gods saying their cries made the wind blow for the ships. Homer and The Wizard burned flowers in their prayers to the gods inside The Wizard’s bed chamber. Homer was informed about the mirror given to Dracon. He gave Homer a magic shield that could blind any creature and his own magic sword. Homer practiced with it inside the bed chamber. King Dracon visited the crypt of Emperor Rurick and General Vim. With the banshee wolf Hari, he lit incense and prayed on the floor to his fallen heroes. He prayed for their protection and aid in battle. Soon a cool wind blew through Hari’s fur and chilled Dracon’s nose. Two ghosts appeared, a man Dracon recognized from a statue and his advisor Vim. They said nothing but stared at the young warrior and wolf. A candle’s light popped and suit of armor appeared on the crypt. Hari informed Dracon that he heard voices saying to take the armor and he will be safe.

Sunset came and the banquets began. Some residents stayed behind to fight the mermaids. Everyone believed the mermaids would attack at dawn, battles only take place in daylight because it is too difficult to fight in the pitch darkness of night. At the palace, King Dracon in full armor toasted his guards in their courage to fight the next day. As he lowered his wine goblet, he noticed The Wizard disappeared from his side. Thankfully, Homer was still standing attention. He then toasted the absent bodyguard to announce the Mirror of Amalia is hung inside his bed chamber so his soldiers could also use it if the mermaids overpower them. Rumors were spread of how the death of the commander was a bad omen of impending defeat. When the soldiers danced with warrior maidens, The Wizard reappeared at Dracon’s side. He told the monarch he had to leave because Commander Ryana ran into mermaids along the forest edge and he had to save the children. He appeared in front of the group to deflect arrows hurled by the mermaids. The shocked mermaids came out of the brush to kneel to The Wizard. He ran his magic cloak over the children and then Ryana to see mermen riding unicorns toward him shouting insults at him. A flash of light knocked them off their stedes and The Wizard placed his cloak over himself to disappear again.

The young king and the old wizard walked up to a turret to overlook the city again. The Wizard assured the monarch the mermaids planned to attack tonight, they see very well at the bottom of the dark ocean. The mermaids lay hidden outside the city walls, harbor, and underground rivers ready for the signal of attack. The king descended the stairs to organize his troops. Prince Lagos positioned the soldiers according to his father’s plan. The warriors waited along the city and palace walls straining to see the mermaids. Some grew inpatient waiting. One young man played a flute to calm the itchy heroes. Dracon, Homer, and The Wizard sat upon the balcony of Dracon’s bed chamber listening to the flute player. Homer sang along with the music and paused when he thought he saw something moving in the distance. A warrior jumped up to shoot whatever Homer saw, but The Wizard warned to wait for the signal. Dracon pondered what would happen in the battle and if he would be a hero in it. He was interrupted by The Wizard pointing out the flaming arrow flying over the wall as the signal they were waiting for. Dracon asked The Wizard standing behind him if he thought he would be a hero in this battle sung in legends. He turned around to find Homer smiling back at him.

“You did not really think The Wizard was going to fight against his own daughter?” Homer asked.

The flaming arrow flew like a shooting star across the city to land upon the roof of the stable. More arrows came over the walls from the flying draghorns. The harbor was on fire as planned under the full moon providing dim light to the humans. Soon the merpeople swooped down in hordes to clang swords with the soldiers. The mermaids down below upon unicorns attacked all who fell from the walls. They cried in war songs every time they chopped off a head and collected the weapons to hurl at the human soldiers. The mermaids riding sea horses never entered the city through the underground waterways or harbor. They waited for any boats to flee. Many mermaids flew over the walls to set fire to the city. No panic ensued since the city had been evacuated. Surrounded around the walls and entrapped from the center of the city, the human forces fell one by one. Many escaped through the tunnels inside the guard towers and homes along the wall. The palace guards held their ground half the night until the trumpeters and drummers ran into the king’s bed chamber to escape with the magic mirror. Unfortunately, many who jumped in the mirror were thinking of the mermaids and were cast straight to them outside the walls. Fields of blood ran with the mermaids assured of victory. The king fighting the harpies alongside Homer found himself dodging poisoned golden arrows.

“I know those arrows,” observed Homer hiding the king under his shield. “They are Lexie’s. You must go.”

Homer placed his cloak over his friend thinking of his mentor The Wizard. A golden harpoon struck his shoulder and Homer looked up to Lexie riding a draghorn above him.

“Seize him!” she shouted.

Homer tried to hide under his cloak, but a knife sliced through his hood. Pinned to the ground by magic weapons, Homer found a dozen harpoons held in front of his face.

“Is this the king in disguise or is it really his bodyguard Homer?” asked one of the mermaids,
“We are not allowed to kill the king under the agreement with the queen’s father.”

Queen Lexie jumped off her draghorn and knelt down with a cloth to pick up a familiar sword.

“This is my father’s sword, he could have given this to anyone.” observed Lexie and bent down to the captive to gaze deep into his eyes.

“It is Homer. I have known him to too long to mistake him for someone else.” replied Lexie.

“Greetings Lexie, I mean, Your Majesty.” stampered Homer.

“Where is he, Homer?” demanded Lexie.

“Where is whom, my fair mermaid?” inquired Homer.

Lexie slaps him across the face and stands up.

“You know who, despicable toadstool! Where is he?” orders Lexie.

“Why do you not ask your father? I sent Dracon to him, stupid wench.” answered Homer earning a kick in the stomach from Lexie.

“Very well, my life debt to you has been repaid and I will not kill you under my custody. Take him away into one of the bed chambers. Heal his wounds and watch him vigilantly. He is my lure for the giant squid I am catching. Watch out for my father and my niece Ishtar who might set him free. Now go!” orders Lexie.

Homer is taken to the bed chamber set aside for Queen Andromeda. He is bathed in healing oils and carried to bed. Outside of their armor, the mermaid guards wear sheer dresses made of fish scales. Laid between two mermaids at his side and another laying at the foot of the bed, Homer feels deeply trouble what Ishtar would say of his capture. A mermaid in full armor jumps onto the headboard flicking her knife with her claw-like fingernails. The sun rose to reveal the charred city. Homer ate breakfast in his cell with the mermaids watching his every move. Too weak to leave his bed, he rested most of the day swapping stories with his guards. The mermaids were very intrigued to hear tales of their queen, especially the life debt he had with her. No wonder she did not kill him when she had the chance. A sparrow flew into the window and perched upon the gilded headboard when the mermaids were chattering in the bathing room. Homer knew it was Ishtar wishing to visit him. He told his love that he was fine and not to worry. Lexie desired to know where the king is located to sign a treaty with him. The bird flew out as the guards returned. Soon the next day, Queen Lexie entered looking ravishing as ever.

“Leave us. The prisoner is to be interrogated.”

The guards grab their weapons and tiptoe out. Lexie elegantly strikes Homer with a floating spell and stands besides him. Soon he is surrounded by light beams piercing his skin to cause the agony of being stabbed with a thousand knives, yet he only gasps for air in his struggle not to scream.

“You want me and fear me at the same time. You want me so bad you can feel my skin on your lips, but I frighten you right down to your bones so you try to keep your distance by courting Ishtar. Can not blame you for that since we look so much alike so I will keep your secret.” whispered Lexie straight into his ear. “No need to answer. I can tell when you look at me among others. Now to business. I received a message from my father. He says the king is well hidden in a safe place and recommended setting free some of my prisoners as a goodwill gesture to encourage the king to negotiate a treaty. Negotiate, ha! I will not negotiate. King Dracon can have his city back when he signs a treaty that his people will no longer hunt us under penalty of death. No Blythan will set foot on our mermaid islands and beaches too. We no longer trade with Blythans anyway.”

“So what do you wish to know from me?” intrigues Homer trembling with teardrops rolling down into his hair.

"Where is your king? Aunt Gilda’s or Iris’s palaces are too obvious of places to hide Dracon. Alexis is having problems getting back together with Cousin Lanie. Where shall I send message to speak to Dracon? It will just be between us.” begs Lexie combing her fingers through Homer’s hair and he finally releases a wail.

“Prince Demetrius was carried to Queen Kiara’s estate because she is part-mermaid. That is if your warriors did not attack his guards before he got there. Then the cave of Lilia is a good place to hide where you would not look.” sheepishly replied Homer.

“Very good suggestions. I will ponder them before reacting to my father’s letter.” said Lexie.

Lexie undid her spell and Homer dropped back onto the bed. The guards returned to entertain the prisoner until a treaty was signed. Queen Lexie freed half the prisoners ordering them to tell their king that she promises to return the city to the reign of the humans when he signs a treaty with her. The prisoners walked inland trying to find their families to find grass and flowers stained in blood. A few stopped at Kiara’s estate to seek their king. They found him wounded in bed with The Wizard beside him. Ryana watched over the baby prince while her children fed the famished soldiers.

In a few days, King Dracon mustered all his strength to float upon a log and paddled with his sword into the grand city of Illium, humble as can be, to ask to meet with Queen Lexie. He was guided to Her Majesty and explained he was struck with a poison arrow that took this long to heal. He was quickly given a treaty written on a clay tablet to sign. Dracon ceded thirteen islands to the mermaid queen, enforced a death penalty to mermaid killers, and posts were set up to trade with rather than butcher mermaids. The posts were to be placed in the care of elves only, Lexie distrusted any human to trade fairly and not exploit any kindness made to them. He pressed the image on his ring into the treaty clay, as did Lexie. The merpeople celebrated with trumpets and harps before jumping into the harbor. The prisoners released, King Dracon found Homer still in bandages from Lexie’s harpoon and torture. Dracon soon sailed to Kiara’s estate with Homer on a raft to announce the end of the war. All the inhabitants returned to their homes torched by the merpeople and rebuilt the piers burned by Dracon in his efforts to keep the invaders coming infiltrating the city by water. The Illium dwellers buried the dead and finally held feasts to finally celebrate Midsummer’s. King Dracon, Prince Lagos, Homer, and Ricky had stories to tell the women and children who ran away from the fighting. Valnar was sent back to the new capital to be with his wife Katarina. The king and his soldiers fought bravely until forced to jump into the Mirror of Amalia. Homer saved the king with his cloak as they waited for everyone else to escape.

Dracon was magically taken to the Palace of Iris in the sky where The Wizard’s family was sleeping. He arrived in front of The Wizard and carried to a guest room. The next morning they all traveled to Kiara’s estate where the great wizard healed his wounds. Ricky and Valnar kept Layla under guard, though Ricky appeared to have been bewitched by Layla’s charms. He took her out for a picnic to see the sun rise upon the clouds and swam in a rainbow pool along the edge of the castle’s cloud. Prince Lagos was stricken blind and his men guided him to the Mirror of Amalia to make their escape. They ended up right in front of the mermaids on unicorns and his men were slaughtered. Blinded, Queen Lexie showed mercy by having him be kept a prisoner in her new bed chamber. He spent the days polishing her boots and playing a harp during her meals. Ishtar reported Homer being held prisoner and living in the lap of luxury. Homer showed his harpoon scar and recited torture from Lexie. Next came the letter from Lexie offering a treaty and assurance many prisoners had been released. She sent it first to the Palace of Iris and Valnar came to deliver it. In Valnar’s absence, the new rainbow goddess Amalia, daughter of Iris, trapped Layla inside the Mirror of Anastia when she tied up Ricky with lightening rope from Amalia’s husband, the thunderbird god Max. When Valnar came back to announce the treaty being signed, Amalia set Layla free. Before leaving Illium, Queen Lexie rubbed a potion onto Lagos’s eyes and his sight returned. During the feast, Dracon bestowed honors of valor and compensation for his father’s death thus buying Valnar’s freedom.