We ride in silence while Oaky cries. I want to tell Oaky that I can never repay what was taken from the felines, but I hoped what I did for the cat might make her feel better. Then I think it could be misinterpreted as a desperate guilt, so I keep my mouth shut.

By the time Butler stops at Manstorm's home, Oaky and Rock are hugging. I step out of the limousine still in a stupor. I look and see a run down shack at the end of the drive. It looks to be abandoned and in disrepair for a few years.

I look back at the limousine and ask, “This is Manstorm's home?”

“Yes,” Butler responds, “He likes to keep a low profile.”

“I guess you can't get any lower than that,” I say and point at the shack.

I hear Oaky chuckle. I look at her and I see a hint of her old happy self. Her human illusion is back, “Sorry about that. It just made me upset for a while,” she says.

“I hope when we break the curse that they will get their magic back,” I say.

“I doubt that,” I hear a gruff old voice come from the shack. I look to see a man very far in years. I can't say how old because he looks older than any human could look.

He reminds me of the gray headed mountain men. His hair and his beard are long. He leans on an old cane made from a tree that has more knots then anything else. I can't see his mouth at all. His hair and beard look like they have been through a wind storm and lost.

“Doubt what?” I ask.

“That the feline will get their magic back. They had their magic taken from them by a curse spelled by humans and dragons together. Humans and dragons are so arrogant that they feared the feline. They did not want another race to exist that had more magic then them. The ultimate curse is proof of that.”

“That was human not dragon,” Rock says defiantly.

Manstorm laughs so hard he almost falls down, “Do you really think that only humans were in on it? Come in and talk with me a while,” he says and walks in the house.

We follow him into a cozy living room with five chairs. He sits in the far chair and we follow suit in the other chairs.

“But they say the five did it,” Rock says.

“Were you told how many were in the high council, son?” Manstorm asks.

“Yes ten,” Rock responds, confused and curious.

“Then why were there only five that are mentioned in the telling of the curse?”

“Because it was only the human half of the high council,” Rock says.

“That is just what your mother remembers. She may have been immune to the curse, but she was not immune to depression. While the human renegades fought the curse your mother grieved.”

“I know she told me that,” Rock returns angrily.

“Did she tell you that the next council nominees tried to fight the curse from affecting dragons?”

“No,” Rock returns deflated.

“While the humans tried to save all races, your precious appointed council only wanted to save themselves.”

“That's not fair,” I say,” “In my dream Balthore said the dragons were fighting the curse too.” I say in Rock's defense.

“Even now Jode you are too trusting. That was part of your undoing,” Manstorm says.

“What is wrong with trusting others?” I ask angrily.

“Nothing as long as it is placed well. Right boy?” Manstorm says the last with malice while looking at Rock.

Rock turns from Manstorm and says nothing. “What is going on?” I ask looking back and forth between Manstorm and Rock.

Manstorm looks at me sympathetically, “Balthazar’s precious three has one flaw” he says.

“What are you talking about?” I ask.

“It was you?” Oaky says to Rock with furry in her eyes.

“Could someone please tell me what the hell is going on and what I missed?” I yell.

“Does the boy wish to explain?” Manstorm asks and Rock runs out of the room, “I thought not.”

“That's enough Steve, you have made your point,” Star says from the door. I turn and see her standing there with a scowl on her face.

“With respect dear lady, I have not even started,” he says calmly.

“It is not his fault, he is just a child,” she responds angrily.

“But it is he who chose,” Manstorm says.

I stand up and stomp my foot. The room shakes and I hear an explosion way in the distance, “Enough, What is going on?”

Manstorm looks at me with wide eyes, and I see Star walk around next to Manstorm and turn to me. “I warned you Steve,” she says as she turns to me.

“I found out a plot too late to stop, Jode. The council was plotting behind my back and used my own son against me.

I had hoped you would be able to circumvent it, but you were unable to see it. Sesney was deceived about the ancient. There is no other ancient alive. The lady is a full fledged deceit by the council. They had hoped to get her in the hidden city to gain control of it.

They had my son plant the false information in the city. The council did not want you to get the info in the city. They were afraid it would reveal the truth,” she says and bows her head.

“What truth?” I ask as I see the room in red from anger.

“That the dragons were involved in the curse as well,” she says.

“I... he trusted you. He allowed the dragon council the details needed to counter the curse and also how it works. They are the ones who messed it up. They are the ones who made it unstoppable,” I say not sure why I know this.

“Yes they altered the curse that the humans used. They had hoped that the alteration would take magic from all but dragons, but it backfired and would slowly take all magic.”

“Enough I have been on a wild goose chase all this time. Who is all in on this deceit?” I ask almost spitting with anger.

“I believe only Rock and the dragon council, but I can't be sure,” she responds in tears.

“That's it, no dragon or their escorts are allowed in the city again. I may not be able to stop the curse, but no dragon will ever step foot in a city designed for trust.” I step to Star and give her the credit card, “Take your false charity and go. You will find Falls outside the lift unable to enter it.” I turn my back on her. “I do not want to see you. either, go or I will.”

“But,” Star begins in tears.

“Then I go,” I say and walk to the door.

“No I will go,” she says. I stop and she walks past me. She stops at the door and turns to look at me. I turn my back on her. I stand angry and flustered for several minutes. I then break down and cry. I fall to the floor unable to hold myself up anymore, “I am a pawn without purpose,” I cry.

Oaky puts her arms around me and says, “It will be okay.”

“No it won't,” I say, “I am stuck in the human world with magic as a freak, and absolutely no way to stop the curse,” I say and cry even harder.

“Lady Elisa is not the only one with resources. And she has left the limousine. You cannot blame Lady Elisa, she truly has your best interest at heart,” Manstorm says.

“What good does that do if she wants all the magic?” I ask spitefully.

“Lady Elisa wants the same thing you do, Jode. She is as much a pawn as you are.”

“But what good are any of us?”

“Everything,” Rock says behind me.

I turn with anger in my eyes, “Get out you conniving piece of shit,” I say. I put my palm at Rock and he flies backwards out the door.

“Jode how are you drawing so much power? This room has the most powerful anti-magic there is, and you act as though it is not active” Manstorm says.

I bow my head, “I am sorry, I hope I have not messed anything up. I have trouble controlling my temper,” I say.

“No need to be sorry. I have never seen such power. It is impressive,” Manstorm says.

“Please let me talk,” Rock says from the other side of the door.

“Why? So you can deceive us again?” I ask.

“Just let me talk in there. Manstorm's anti-magic still works on me,” he says.

“He's right,” Manstorm says.

“Then why doesn't he lose his illusion of being human?” I ask.

“Because personal disguises are not removed. If I stopped them then I would take up the whole room.”

“Oh yeah sorry, I forget personal disguises also change sizes too.” I say.

“Well you can't be expected to remember everything,” Manstorm says.

“Thanks, Alright come in then, when you are done I am gone. Maybe I can start over or get my old life back,” I say sadly.

Rock walks in, “I can never truly apologize for what I have done. But I was deceived too. I was told the person was an ancient, but in hiding or repressed,” Rock says.

“Oh and you never questioned the stupidity of that,” I say.

“Of course I did. But in dragon law you are never to question your superiors.”

“I thought dragon law was like ancient humans,” I say.

“I don't know what ancient human laws were. I just know the laws my dad taught me.”

“Doesn't matter, it is a mute point. We can't trust you,” I say.

“No, I doubt you could ever trust me again, but the watchers can read anyone's mind,” he says.

“How can I trust them? They work for dragons,” I say.

Butler pops in the room, “We do work for others, but we have no loyalty to anyone,” he says.

“That's true,” Manstorm says, “I don't know how many ratted me out. I'm still trying to find a block for them.”

“I'm sorry I don't know who I can trust. Oaky is the only one I feel is trustworthy. But even she can be deceived just like me,” I say.

“Jode, we watchers have no true loyalty to anyone. But we can link which is similar to loyalty. Once linked it can never be severed.

We have only linked to three other species in all the time we have interacted with other species. One of those was with Balthazar.

That is why Dessen came to see you. He wondered if the link transcended death.”

“Did it?” I ask.

“Partially, energy vampires are the only race to be able to read a person's soul. Dessen has been very willing to help us in many ways. Dessen finds us intriguing. We are the only race he can't read. That was till you came along. The link once created with Balthazar is still there because we felt you get your soul read. Just like watchers he could not read your soul.”

“Could he Balthazar's?” I ask.

“Dessen was not alive when Balthore lived. So he could not have read Balthazar. I tell you all this because you are still linked with every watcher that is alive. That is why you have so much power.

No one ever knew you were linked with us. We were devastated when you allowed the curse to take you. We could not understand the reasoning in your decision,” it says.

“What do you mean, allowed?” Star asks at the door, “Sorry Jode, grant me this time and I will never cross your path again.”

“We will talk later, Lady Elisa, I acted rashly,” I say.

Star curtsies, “Thank you,” I notice Rock in complete shock, “Now please enlighten, my dear butler. I deserve the truth if I am to suffer its consequences.”

“As you wish Lady Elisa, but I don't think you will like it,” it says.

“I will have to be the judge of that. I have lived a lie for too long,” she says.

“No Lady Elisa you have not lived a lie. You have lived a half life. We thought Balthazar let the curse take him over guilt of what he had to do to you and many others. Balthazar erased most of your memory. He had to leave just enough clues to keep the search for the curses counter.

You helped fight the curse with the rest of them, but you were also bound by dragon code. Just like your son you were deceived to gain dragons all the magic. Just like your son you also hated it, but could find no escape.

The alternate council did try to keep all the magic, and the dragons also deceived the humans. But in the end Balthazar was the greatest deceiver. He knew of all the deceit going on, but let it happen. He couldn't find any way around it.

He had hoped he had adjusted the curse to make both humans and Dragons equal in power, but he had misfigured. All dragons were reduced to one third power and humans lost all magic. The humans messed up their half of the curse.

One of the five had changed her mind at the very last. She tried to mess up the curse to prevent it from working. But since Balthazar had balanced the curse so perfectly, her attempt backfired horribly.

I don't know if you remember the name Vena. She was your best friend in the council. You had tried to convince her to stop, but thought you had failed so you followed through with your duties. Unbeknownst to you though she had listened,” it says and I see tears in Star's eyes.

Butler continues without a pause, “She had hoped to meet you later. She confided everything in Balthazar as she died. She bade him to spare your life. She took your blame. She had you swear no oblivion, not Balthazar.

Balthazar never trusted any dragon ever. He considered all dragons arrogant beyond reasoning. But you had won him over as he set you up to be used as the counter curse. You refused to come to the city because you did not feel worthy.

You had not known you were the counter curse. You were the one that was supposed to utter the counter curse in the hidden city. You were not immune to the curse, you were to be its counter. But something went wrong.

We do not know what went wrong and Balthazar refused to let us know what it was. The link would not allow him to lie to us, but it could not force him to reveal the truth either.

We trusted Balthazar implicitly and still do even as Jode. Watchers do not seek knowledge. We have all the knowledge of the time within easy reach. What we seek is purity on a level no other species could understand. Balthazar is the closest we have found to that purity. We wait to see where it will take him. When he allowed the curse to take him, we thought we had lost it. But he knew even more about things then we did. How he does we still do not know.

This is what we like of Jode as well. He knows things even we do not know. Jode please do not give up your quest. In your quest all will benefit. Rock and Lady Elisa speak the truth, they cannot lie to us.

Rock the binding that held you to the dragon law is broken. Balthazar showed you in the three. We had thought that Falls may have been the one, but you are beyond a shadow of a doubt now.

Balthazar told us many things yet to come. We cannot and will not reveal them to even Jode. We now understand so much more now. Balthazar died to save everyone. He knew too much. He has taught us even all the knowledge can be a hindrance. Ignorance does have its bliss, but only when it is pure.”

“Thank you Butler, I thought I had failed Vena. Then I knew I had forgotten something. I had thought my grief had made me forget. I feel privileged to be Balthazar's tool. He is a great man and still is. I just hope he is willing to allow me to help.”

“I don't know, I am so confused. I have no clue what to do,” I say.

“I cannot help you there,” Butler says, “Balthazar kept the biggest piece of the puzzle from us.”

“Balthazar always had a reason for what he did. What the reason was he never revealed. It was always done in a way that always had an answer. We just have to find it,” Star says.

“How can we figure out a puzzle with the pieces missing?” I ask.

“Balthazar would never make a puzzle that could lose pieces,” Butler says, “I will take my leave if that is okay?”

“Fine with me,” I say.

“Thank you Butler,” Star says.

Butler vanishes and Manstorm says, “Those floating eyes get on my nerves.”

“Wait,” I say, “You all said no one can teleport right?”

“Correct,” Star responds.

“Then how did Butler do it?” I ask.

Everyone looks back and forth between each other. “Then that means there is more to magic then everyone realizes,” I say.

“I don't know Jode,” Star says, “Watchers are different. They are magic in a physical form.”

“But it still is magic. And why were they not fearful of the curse? It should affect them too, but it doesn't. They can manipulate the double curse at the portals that even all of human and dragon kind couldn't”

“I do not follow you Jode,” Star says.

“Were you told the Atlantis rhyme?” I ask.

“Yes, but I don't recall the exact wording.” She says.

“That's not important. The rhyme says that all human and dragons tried to close a portal and failed.” I say.

“Yes, but I miss the connection,” she says.

“It says it had no effect at all on the portal, but watchers can stabilize an unstable portal. What is the percent of the void without the watchers help on water portals?”

“It varies but roughly twenty percent to ninety percent.”

“Can watchers stabilize the Bermuda Portal?”

“Yes up to five percent,” Butler says in my head.

“I don't know. It has never been tried,” Star says.

“They can stabilize it up to five percent, Butler says,”

“How? That is the most unstable of the water portals,” she says.

“I figured. The watchers are holding back info at Balthore's request I'll bet,” I say.

“Wise as ever young Jode,” Butler replies in my head.

“Why would they withhold information? Don't they want the curse lifted?” Rock asks.

“Because the curse will never affect them. It's not the curse Balthazar wants lifted, it is ignorance,” I say.

“How do you get that?” Manstorm asks.

“Manstorm if you create a curse and have another cast it, after the curse is cast you find out they altered it, or left part of it out, and told you what. Could you undo the curse?”

“Easily. A known mistake is easily countered. In fact even an unknown mistake is able to be countered. All curses have back doors,” he replies.

“Then why didn't Balthore simply undo it?” I ask.

Manstorm raises his finger and I see his beard and mustache move like he is going to talk. He stops and puts his hand down, “That's what I thought,” I say.

“What is it that he is trying to teach?” Star asks.

“I guess we fumble around till we find out” I say. I look at Star, “I am sorry for earlier, I have always had a temper. I try to control it, but it does get away sometimes. Was Falls out of the city?” I ask.

“Yes,” she replies hurt.

“Sesney can you help Falls back in the city again please. Apologize for me. It was very inconsiderate of me. Falls has never done anyone wrong,” I say.

“Not a problem,” Sesney says.

“And Sesney?” I ask.

“Yes,” he answers.

“Please help her liege back in too,” I say.

Star looks at me with a smile, “Thank you Jode. I no longer deal with the council, so contact me any time” she says and I nod.

“I will get access later if that is okay. I have some business to take care of in this world. I have neglected it way too long,” she says.

“Just call when you get there, My Liege,” Sesney says and Star nods.

“I take my leave. Contact me for anything, I will not be around humans while I am here,” she says and I nod. She walks out of the cabin with pride.

I look at Manstorm, “You knew Balthazar?” I ask.

“Not really,” he says, “I have only seen him twice in passing at the last of his days.”

“I need to find someone who knew him fairly well, but doesn't have their memory tampered with,” I say.

“I only know of one, but I am not sure you want to see this person,” He says.

“Why?” I ask.

“Because you have to go through the desert in the other world,” he says.

“What's wrong with a desert?”

“Because,” Rock says, “It is the most dangerous of places to go. All the creatures are desperate for food, and they don't care what it is.”

“In other words Shish kapeople,” I say.

“If that is a type of food then yes,” Rock replies.

“Shish kapeople and people soup rolled into one,” Manstorm says.

“Ooo,” I sound, “Well any ideas on the fourth person or object needed in the city then?”

“What about the city?” Manstorm asks.

I explain the room in the city to Manstorm. He sits patiently as I explain the effects and the people required.

“Interesting,” Manstorm says, “Are you sure it is a person or object, or could it be a spoken word?”

“It could be, but what?” I ask.

“You mentioned the dream. Is there a clue in it?”

“Could be, but I wouldn't know what. He said something about a pop that was more of a loud noise. He knocked the other two down with a spell as a joke, but that is all I can really think of. I can ask Sesney when he gets back. He was actually there,” I say.

“Is that the phase shifter's name? No one ever introduced me,” Manstorm says.

“Yes sorry,” I say, “We don't always mention him because most can't see him.”

“Yeah phase shifters are like that. I have surprised a few when they found out I could see them.”

“How are you able to see him?” I ask.

“It's my race's vision, it is able to see a broader spectrum than most. Where the phase shifters rub the dimensions, it creates heat. We see the outline of them.

“So all mountain lions can see phase shifters?” Rock asks.

“If you don't mind young dragon I prefer the name Manticore. Mountain lions in this world pale to my kind. And yes all Manticores can see them,” Manstorm says.

“Forgive me Manstorm I did not mean to insult,” Rock responds with remorse.

“Forgiven this time,” he replies.

“Oh let it go Manstorm. Rock did what he felt he had to. I have forgiven, so can you,” I say.

“Easy for you. You have not dealt with them like I have,” He retorts.

“Perhaps, but Balthazar did and he forgave Star.”

“Too true young Jode. I think it may be time to let go of old hatreds. They really don't serve a purpose anyway.”

“Well don't hurt yourself,” I say.

“If you were not the famous Jode my tail would find you for that insult,” he says angrily.

“Ooo prickly, don't tease me. Oh loosen up Manstorm. Your tension is making you old before your time.”

Manstorm looks at me strangely, “Do you not fear death?”

“It scares the life out of me, but why let fear keep you from an interesting life. You only live this life once. Enjoy what you can.”

He stares at me for a while then smiles, “If you are anything like Balthazar, I can see why you made a name for yourself.”

“I didn't make the name my mom did. I think she was a little out of it on pain medication,” I say.

Manstorm laughs heartily. Rock asks, “Another had to live it joke?”

“Oh yeah young dragon, Oh yeah,” Manstorm says.

“There is a lot of humor in this world. I think I have missed a lot,” Rock says.

“I actually feel sorry for you young dragon,” Manstorm says. “Dragons tend to be a humorless race. I think it is all the rules and laws they have.”

“I agree with you there. My dad would hamp on me about being too loose with my emotions,” he says sadly.

“Perhaps he feared you young gold dragon,” Manstorm says seriously.

“Why would he fear me?” Rock ask.

“Because you were destined to be a gold. One of the most powerful of all the dragons. Your mother can only rival due to age.”

“Not to insult, but I can't see that,” Rock says.

“Because your father did not want you to know that. I will bet that is why he had you train as a warrior instead of a spell caster,” Manstorm says.

“I wanted to be a warrior. I love it,” Rock says defensively.

“But who suggested it to the fresh dragon from incubation?”

“My father,” Rock says in defeat.

“He also didn't allow you to use higher magic did he?”

“He said it was not necessary for warriors.”

“Did it ever occur to you that magic would be advantageous for a warrior?”

“No, not till Jode helped me with the slitherant, that is where I really began to question my teachings. But by then I was already bound by law. I was hoping to reveal the truth when we met the lady,” Rock says.

“Is that why you asked me about the true reveal?” Oaky asks.

“Yes,” Rock responds. “I was hoping to adapt it for me. But I didn't have anything to try it on till we met her.”

“I misjudged you young dragon,” Manstorm says, “I see you have a lot of your mother in you.”

“That is because he has none of his father in him,” Sesney says.

“What?” Rock asks.

“Foot Strong is not your father. He believed you were his. But your father is not even in the dragon community.”

“Then who is my father?” Rock asks.

“Shifting Sands or once was called Drake,” Sesney replies.

“It can't be,” Manstorm says.

“Come now Steve, I'm sure sure you can see the resemblance,” Sesney says.

Manstorm squints at Rock for a few seconds, “Oh you are right. I see him in his eyes.”

“He resembles him in his extremities too.”

“Oh yes, Why did I not see it,” Manstorm says, relaxing.

“Who is Shifting Sands or Drake?” Rock asks.

“The contact in the desert,” I say.

“What?” Rock asks.

“There is only one race that could have been alive when Balthore was alive. It had to be a human or a dragon. And all humans with magic were the first to go from the curse,” I say.

“Very good Jode, You continue to impress me,” Manstorm says, “He is a dragon. He is even older than Star. He is now a part of the land so you can guess his temperament.”

“We have to go,” I say.

“What?” Rock blurts.

“He is our next clue. A dragon that is at least as old as Star, but in bad temperament. Who else better to learn from and teach the new ideas Balthazar wants to teach.”

“But Jode,” Oaky says, “That is just going to get you killed.”

“I don't think so. Balthazar has anticipated everything so far. I can't see him sending anyone into anything they can't handle.

“I don't know Jode. No one has ever returned from there,” Oaky says.

“They didn't have his son,” I say.

“You may have a point there Jode,” Manstorm says, “The only thing stronger to a dragon then their laws, is their family.”

“I hope you are right, Manstorm,” Oaky says.

“I do too, for all your sakes,” he says. “Would you like some sustenance before you leave?”

“That would be well appreciated,” I say.

“Let's step outside. I don't feel like removing the anti-magic,” Manstorm says.

We all step outside. A table full of finger foods and punch sit just outside the door. Five chairs sit at the table. We all sit down and Manstorm says, “I hope you don't mind finger foods. I did not have enough time to get supplies.”

“Chicken and tuna salad?” I ask.

“Yes,” Manstorm says.

“Oh it is just perfect. I miss the simplest things from here,” I say.

“Well enjoy,” he says.

We all sit and eat our fill. Even Oaky enjoyed them. She really loved the fruit punch. After all were finished and sitting back relaxing the table and food vanishes.