The boys all resume their seats on the floor, JC as usual in the center. Eyrewind moves to sit in front of JC. Lynn, Diane, Johnny, Darren and Fatima all move to different seats in the living room and prepare for what all knew would be an enlightening experience.

“I’ll start with what I know and then perhaps we can sit together and figure out some of the rest.” Eyrewind looks around the room, ensuring everyone agrees before continuing, “First off, you (he looks directly at JC) are a member of the Faleen Clan.” He holds his hand up to stop the question Justin is about to ask, “No we do not expect you to return. Father would love to have you return but will not demand it. You are needed here more than you are at home anyway.” A short pause and then he begins again, “As I said, you are a member of the Faleen Clan, these are the strongest of the White Wizards. A White Wizard is the same as a White Witch. We practice White Magic and defend those that are innocent. As humans would call us, we are Good Wizards. Grewolffe is the son of the Clan Elder and seems to have acquired all of his powers along with all of the powers of his mother’s peoples as well. This has caused him to have a strength unprecedented in our records and I’m assuming in yours (he looks towards Lynn, then at the three white-lighters who all nod). I am here to instruct Grewolffe in the use of his power and to hopefully assist with training the rest of you. Geraco is a formidable foe and will not go down without an immense and terrible struggle which could result in the death of many of your friends (again he looks directly at JC).”

“We are not afraid,” Kevin states. “If you train us, will we be able to do what is required of us?”

“Whatever that might be,” Chris grumbles.

“You must not despair, you are among the best the Powers could bring together. With young Grewolffe’s powers and that of all your friends the odds favor our side on this one.” He turns back to JC, “You have conducted a protection spell?”

“Yes.”

“Very good. What else have you done to prepare for Geraco’s return?”

“Nothing yet. I sent Lance and Chris to see if they could find anymore books or spells. They brought back that stack of books and this.” JC holds out the staff he’d been holding. “Why exactly did you buy this thing anyway?”

“It just seemed to call to me. When I asked the clerk what it was she laughed at me, handed it to me and stated ‘Take it to him, he will need it.’” Lance replied, “What did she mean by that?” He looks towards Eyrewind.

“What did this clerk look like?”

“She was tall and thin, with long blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She seemed to know why we were there before we even opened our mouths and asked for anything. She started walking around the bookstore picking out books without even looking at us. She placed them on the counter and asked how we planned on paying for everything. We didn’t even say much, didn’t have to.” Chris stated. “How did she know what we were looking for?”

“Her name is Ytarria, she is also a member of the Clan.”

“So this clan is all over the place?” AJ asks.

“No, we go where we are needed. If Father tells us to go, we go, no questions asked. There is no reason to question Father.”

“Why not?” Justin questions. “He can’t possibly know everything. Why wouldn’t you question him, if nothing more than to learn more about your mission.”

“Father gives us all the information we need to accomplish our mission. We do not communicate as most mortals. I’m sure you’ve all noticed this?” Eyrewind quirks an eyebrow and glances at them all. When his eyes land on Brian he smiles. “Sylverwhynd? Father didn’t mention you being here? Our power has just increased markedly.”

All eyes in the room turn to Brian who has a very stunned expression on his face, “Why do you call me this? I’ve no knowledge of this name?”

“Of course you don’t. You were placed in a safe-house the day you were born. Grewolffe was kept in the Glenn for several years before it became too dangerous to keep him. That is partially why his powers are stronger than yours. Your mother will be happy to know you are with us.”

“Ok…you keep talking of things that make no sense to us and I’m not all that concerned about that for the simple fact that I’ve learned that with JC only time will reveal what is to become. My question for you is Why does Geraco want him? Why does the ‘Book’ keep talking about ‘The Ten’?” Joey asks.

“All good questions. Geraco wants Grewolffe…JC because of his power. As I’ve stated, he is stronger than any other wizard at his age. Above all the powers he has sits the most dangerous and the one that He wants more than anything, that being JC’s power of Aura Influence. He fears ‘The Ten’, all legends and prophecies state that ‘The Ten’ will bring his rule and influence to an end. If he can get Grew…JC to change sides and use his powers to influence all of you, We, the side of Good, wouldn’t stand a chance. The balance of this battle lies within Grewolffe. Although none of us were prepared for Sylverwhynd to be involved.”

“I don’t understand,” Brian states. “Are JC, Grewolffe and I related? How do you know that I am this Sylverwhynd? Is there some way that you can prove that JC and I are who you profess us to be?”

“Very good. I was wondering which of you would question this. It seems, by the look on his face, Grewolffe has the knowledge of our people. Thus, once again, proving his extensive power, since he has never heard any of this before. As for proof, what kind of proof would you require of me?”

“I don’t know…you can’t expect us to just blindly believe you. I mean, how do we know you aren’t this Geraco, come back to ensnare us in some trap?”

“You are definitely a Faleen. You have the wisdom of someone twice your age and you have the power to speak without speaking.” {Don’t you?}

{Yes, I do. How does this prove anything? If Geraco is half as strong as you say he is, this would be something he would know.} JC puts in. {Brian is right, how can we trust that you truly are who you say you are?}

{How would you have me prove to you, that I am who I say I am?}

{I’m sure you’ll think of something. Until then I believe we are through.} JC rises, which, in turn causes the others to rise. “Be gone until you can bring proof. If you are who you say you are, Father (in sarcastic tone) would have sent you prepared to prove you are who you say you are. It seems you are stalling for time. Go now.”

“You fool” The figure screeches, “you’re all fools if you think you can fight Him.” The figure turns from brilliant white glow to a dark, almost black shimmer, then disappears.

“Well, guess that protection spell didn’t work. Shit now what do we do?” Brian asks.

“I’ve no idea but I’d love to know how he knew so much about us. Wonder if it’s true that you’re a wizard too Bri.” Kevin states.

“I don’t know, but it would explain why he and I seem to have pretty much the same powers. I mean, he has all the same powers as me.” JC states.

“Not all, Jace.” Justin states. “As far as I can tell he doesn’t have at least two powers that you have.”

Everyone turns to Justin, “And what would those be?” Howie asks.

“One he doesn’t seem to have that ‘Attract anyone on legs’ quality that Jace has.” He looks at everyone in the room, “Oh don’t even tell me that if given the chance every single one of you would give anything to be with him. To have that intensity directed at you.”

“You said there were two powers?” Brian presses, “What would the other be?”

“Johnny you wanna do the test with Brian? See if he has it?” Justin turns to the eldest of the white-lighters. “You’re the one that figured out the Jace had it.”

“Sounds like a good idea to me. Diane? Why don’t you and Lynn take JC and ‘The Book’ to the basement and see what else you can find? We’ve still got to figure out a way to keep evil out of this house til you boys are prepared. Justin? You, Joey, Lance and Chris go up to the attic. Take that stack of books with you and see what you can find. This shouldn’t take but a few minutes.”

****In the Basement****

JC paces the basement, “How did I not know that it was him? How is it he can shield his thoughts from me? How does he know so much about me? Everything he said sounded right.” He slumps to the floor and flips through ‘The Book’, “There has got to be something in here that will explain.”

{The answers are not in there young one. Soon I will send a guide, but not yet. You’ve still one test to pass.}

JC looks around the room and sees the two women sitting, quietly trying to figure out how they hadn’t realized that the intruder had been false.

{You knew he was not who he said he was. Think about it young one, there was something about the way he entered that was wrong. You knew it then but what he said was so close to what you wanted to hear that you allowed him to distract you. Once you have figured out what was wrong with his entrance you will not be fooled again.}

JC closed his eyes and replayed the scene over in his head. Suddenly he jumped from the floor, “Lynn? What color was the glow that Geraco was shrouded in when he arrived?”

“I believe it was white. Why?”

“What color was the glow that I exuded when the Grimloch attacked us?”

“Blue?”

“And earlier today when we did that spell?”

“Blue. Why? What are you getting at Joshua?”

“I think I just figured it out. {Thank you, whoever you are.}

{You’re welcome and you’ll find out soon enough who I am young one.}

{Why does everyone keep calling me that? I’m 21 for crying out loud.}

{But where you come from 21 is very young. I am almost 200.}

{And who are you?}

{Patience young one. All in good time. You must take care not to be so careless in the future. Use the spell there and use it well. You and Slyverwhynd must work together. You are all that stands between hell coming to Earth.}

****In the Attic****

“I wonder how Brian figured out that that guy wasn’t who he said he was? And why didn’t Josh catch on? He’s usually very quick with that type of thing?” Joey states.

“Josh has a lot on his mind Joe. I mean think about it. He’s discovered a great deal about himself today. I don’t know about you guys but I almost feel sorry for him.” Chris replies. “I mean, first he finds out he’s adopted, then he finds out he’s not half witch, half white-lighter. I know I’d be reeling from all the crap he’s been through.”

“Plus his powers are practically taking him over. The poor guy can’t even think the word water, stream, shower or whatever without a faucet turning on or rain pouring from the skies. I don’t know about you all but I’d be about ready to freak. JC just keeps taking everything in and processing it. I bet you right now he’s in the basement trying to figure out why he didn’t see this guy for who he really was, why the spell didn’t work and what he can do to keep the same thing from happening again.” Lance says. “I admire him for all he’s been through and from what I can gather, what he’s and we are about to go through. Let’s stop trying to tear him down and see if we can’t come up with some way to help him.”

****In the Living Room****

“Ok Brian, we’re gonna start with something simple here now. Howie, come over here. Take Brian’s hand, good, now see if you can lift that couch.” Johnny orders.

“Do what? Even Chris can’t lift that thing and he’s had his powers a lot longer than I have.”

“Just try, Howie.” Brian sighs, “I’m sure he has a reason for us to be holding hands and doing this now concentrate.”

Both boys concentrate on the couch but nothing happens.

“Ok, now lets have JC come up and see what happens.” Johnny smiles as he opens the basement door. “Lynn, could you bring JC up?”

JC enters the room and looks at the group of boys, “Which one first?” He asks Johnny.

“We’ll see if it works with Howie, and then AJ. I’m assuming if it works with those two it will work with the others.”

“Ok.” JC moves over by Howie, takes his hand and concentrates on the couch. The couch lifts off the couch about a foot then hits the floor with a thud. “You know, this would work a lot better if you’d help a little Howie.”

“But you were doing it on your own. What do I need to do anything for?”

“We’re trying to prove something here. A little cooperation from the rest of you and we might actually be able to prepare for what is coming.”

{Easy there young one. No need to abuse those that do not understand.}

“Will you stop talking to me in my head? I’ve got more than enough voices in my head, I don’t need any more. Just show yourself already, Christ I’m going crazy here.” JC spins around the room, “Please, I can’t do this alone. I don’t have the power or the knowledge to do what you ask of me.”

A brilliant blue glow takes over the entire house, causing everyone to come down from the attic just in time to see a figure appear out of the blue glow dressed in a powder blue gown. “You have come far in a short time Grewolffe.” The figure states as he waves his hand in the direction of the other boys. “Sylverwhynd, come forward and join your brother, there is much to do and little time.”

Brian joins JC in the center of the room where he had collapsed, “JC? You ok?”

“No, I’m not. I think I’ve lost my mind.”

{Shhh, Grewolffe, you’ve not lost anything. You are fine. Now before Sylverwhynd asks, I will give you proof of who you are and who I am.}

The figure raises his hand again towards the large front window where a scene of a young blonde girl is crying as a small baby with bright blue eyes is taken from her and turned over to a young couple, which Brian recognized as his mother and father. Then the scene changes to a small boy with dark brown, curly hair and smoky blue eyes being taken from a beautiful dark haired woman by another man with a dark blue cloak and gown. The young boy looks at the man with trusting eyes and turns and waves to what could only be his mother. Then it shows the young boy being placed in the arms of Roy Chasez with Karen looking on with confusion clearly written in her eyes.

{Is this enough or would you like more proof?}

“Eyrewind? You are the real Eyrewind aren’t you?” JC asks.

“Yes, I am he.”

“You’re my…You’re my father…”

“Yes, I am your father. Do you remember now?”

“Yes, but why? Why did you give us away? What did we do?”

“You did nothing. You know why it was done. Search your hearts and you’ll know.”

“Mother? Is she? I had a dream that she…Is she dead?”

“Yes son, she died several weeks ago.”

“And Bri…I mean Sylverwhynd? His parents?”

Eyrewind bows his head, “They too are no longer among the living.”

“So that explains why this fight has come to us. Why their powers have been awakened and why mine grow stronger. We must take up where they left off?”

“You are correct my son. We are all that is left of the Faleen, protectors of the Elfwood. If we fail, evil will reign over all beasts, none will be spared.”

“Of course not. Why would we expect anything less.” Chris quips. “So where and when do we start?”

Eyrewind glances toward Chris, “Aw the sarcastic one. You have provided us all with many laughs. It is good to finally meet you all. I just wish there was more time to enjoy some stories and laughs now. We must move quickly. Geraco will not stay gone long.” He glances at the staff that JC is holding, “That is a powerful staff my son, which one brought it to you?”

“Lance, he brought it back from the shop this morning.”

“Which of you is Lance?”

Lance steps forward, “I am.”

“You have chosen well. A strong staff is crucial to a wizard’s powers.”

“Yeah, so I’ve been told.” Lance states blandly then turns to JC and Brian, “Is he who he says he is? I truly don’t want another episode like earlier.”

“He is who he says.” They say together. “He is Eyrewind, of the Faleen Clan, pledged to defend the Elfwood and all it’s lands and peoples.”

“Ok then. Guess there’s only a few things left to clear up, just as Chris already asked. When and where do we begin the defense?”

A cloud of black smoke billows through the air, “I’d say it starts right now and here.”