Anarchist Knight:Apprentice

He tried joking and asking about their month but nothing worked. He was actually relieved when Nikki came over to join them. If Nikki noticed that anything was wrong she didn't mention it and soon all three girls were laughing and telling stories between initiations.

They were however, very curious and envious of his new decorative clothing. He told them Crow had taught him. He opened his fur coat and showed the beautiful beadwork and porcupine needles stitched carefully and decoratively on the comfortable buckskin clothing he was wearing.

"How does Crow know these things?", Becca asked curiously. "I thought you were supposed to be training him. Not he training you?"

The girls laughed and Tobal blushed. "I just got lucky", he said. "Tobal grew up in a village about two hundred miles west of here." He instantly wished he hadn't said anything about the village.

"You mean the rogue village?", Nikki asked.

"You really need to talk with Crow about that", he said. "I'd really like to stay and chat", he said. "But I've got to talk with Rafe and Ellen right now."

"You are always talking with Rafe or Ellen", Nikki pouted. "You spend more time talking with them then you do with us. What's that about anyway? Are you too good for us?"

That last comment had a little bite to it and Melanie and Becca looked at each other. Tobal didn't like to leave things that way. It just didn't seem right. He sighed.

"It's about increased rogue activity", he said. "I'll tell you about it later if you are really interested."

"You promise?", Melanie asked suddenly suspicious. "There's something going on that you are not telling us. You can't lie worth a damn Tobal. No one is in danger are they?"

"We don't really know", he pleaded. "I've got to go. I'll talk later ok?"

Then he stood up and left before they stopped him or asked if they could come with. He went around to the other side of the fire circle and waited, painfully aware that Nikki, Melanie, and Becca were not leaving the fire circle either. They were going to watch the meeting from across the fire.

Rafe was the first to join and then Crow. Ellen came last. She had changed out of her robe into furs. She smiled at Tobal.

"I almost took you up on that offer", she said shivering. "I was freezing on one side and roasting on the other side all night. You were right. I should have worn my furs. I didn't really need the robe."

She looked at the others, "Are we ready?"

Tobal cleared his throat hesitantly, "We might have a problem."

All three turned to look at him expectantly.

"Becca, Melanie and Nikki are on to us. They know something is up and want to know about it. They are sitting across the fire from us now."

Crow, Ellen and Rafe turned and looked across the fire and the three girls smiled and waved at them.

Ellen sighed, "I still don't think we should tell any more people than we need to about this. This could be very dangerous and I don't even want you talking to any of the other medics about it. Please?"

Reluctantly they all agreed and turned back toward the issue at hand with Ellen taking the leadership role.

"There are still many tracks around the lake area", she told them. "I continue to patrol it every other day but never see anyone. I am convinced they know when I am coming because of my med-alert bracelet. They know I am coming and hide."

"It gets worse", she said. "There is a growing rumor the rogues are from the primitive village west of here. There is another rumor that the city is planning an attack on the village to make the area safe for all those that are claiming sanctuary.

"They are planning to attack my village!", Crow demanded. "Why? We have no technology to track people like you say the rogues do. We do not even have med-alert bracelets. I need to leave immediately and warn my grandfather." He got up to leave but Tobal stopped him.

"You said your grandfather, Howling Wolf has trained you in the ways of the shaman?"

Crow nodded in the affirmative, his dark eyes flashing. "Yes, that is true."

"Well", Tobal suggested. "Can you get a spirit message to your grandfather instead so you don't have to travel there physcially?"

Crow pondered the question and Tobal could see he was visibly relaxing. "Yes, I can send a message to him that way. I will do it tonight after this meeting."

"Good", he said. "That means you can use next month to complete your solo. It would be a shame to not finish your solo since you have worked so hard at it."

"I will ask Grandfather", Crow said stiffly. "I will do as he suggests. My own parents were massacred and buried in a mass grave. I don't want my grandfather or my village to suffer the same fate."

The mention of Howing Wolf jarred something loose inside Tobal's mind and he tried fitting things together. Howling Wolf just knew too much and was in the center of too many things. He had trained his parents in bi-location and hand fasted them together. He had built the cairn over the mass grave by the waterfall. He was somehow in contact with Sarah's father. Perhaps it was Howling Wolf the rogues were interested in and not the village itself.

"Maybe they are interested in Howling Wolf and not the village?"

"That would mean I and my sister would be in even greater danger", Crow told him.

Rafe said, "We need to know more about the village and the city of Heliopolis. We also need to know more about the sanctuary program." He looked at Ellen. "Is there anyway you can research some local history on the computer and find out what the official story line is on all this stuff? I’m getting so many versions that my head is going to split."

Ellen nodded, "That's a good idea. I'll see what I can dig up for our next meeting."

"Now", she turned to Crow, "Can you fill me in on what you've told Tobal."

Anarchist World Join the Revolution today! Online rss community of free men and free women. Let Freedom Ring!

Who knows why one person gives up and dies while another struggles on through overwhelming odds and comes out on top? We all want to survive. But are we willing to do what needs to be done?

Anarchistic Knights-a serialadventure is a fiction story based upon survivalism values and principles. Survivalism is not fiction! It is real and the challenges we face in today's world require self empowerment training.

OAK:Foundations-a serialadventure gives the basics for modern survivalism and self empowerment techniques. Empower yourself today!

OAK:Tarot of Love and Romance is about the energy dynamics of love and human relationships. Why love sparks and why it sometimes dies. Can any of us really survive without love?

OAK:Magister Templi shows how modern science and chaos theory are compatable with advanced metaphysical concepts. Science is not in conflict with paranormal and supernatural activity.

OAK:Magick,Mystery and Madness is my own personal book of shadows. If you are interested in magick and energy work this is the place!

Alligator Alley:Modern Survivalism places the ancient knowledge of the Rosicrucians and Freemasons into modern context. Universal truths can be restated many ways but remain valid.

Today's suggested survivalism site is:

Visit DragonDoor and discover the latest in non-traditional health and fitness items!

Anarchistic Knights Technorati Tags : adventure, books, books on line, ebooks, outdoors, fantasy, sci-fi, teens, science fiction, fiction, survivalism

"Next month", Dirk grinned. "I've got it planned. Going to challenge someone I know I can beat. It's a sure thing."

"Are you really that sure of beating this person?"

Dirk grinned, "I hope so. I can use a change of life style. Kind of boring making beer all month except when I'm getting beat up. Hey, try some of this hot stuff Rafe and I cooked up. It’s like a spiced grog." He handed Tobal a wooden bowl full of a hot liquid with floating things in it.

Tobal suspiciously sipped it, "That's really good! I think I'll have more when I finish this beer. It's warm too! Just what I need right now. Where's Rafe hanging out? I need to ask him something."

"He's in the brew house getting another batch of grog ready."

"Thanks, I'll go check on him."

"There you are!", he called as he stepped inside the warm log building that served as a brewery. Rafe looked like a mad scientist hunched over a steaming bucket of grog he was stirring vigourously. He smiled as he looked up.

"Tobal!, what brings you here? Are we out of grog? Did Dirk send you?"

"Not really", he said. "I'm just trying to get together a meeting between you, Ellen, Crow and myself tonight after circle. I think it's important and want to get it over with before Crow leaves on his solo. That makes tonight the best time."

"I can see that", Rafe nodded. "Sure, I'll be there. Where are we meeting anyway? It’s cold out there."

"You getting soft in your old age?", Tobal joked. "You just keep lots of that grog on hand. I was thinking of meeting out by the central fire like we did last time."

Rafe sighed, "Ok, right after circle then. Did you see Dirk made his fifth chevron?"

"Already congratulated him, how about you?"

"Maybe next time", Rafe said. "The fights are getting more even. I can't wait till you get to be a Journeyman and get your butt whipped all the time." He chuckled.

"Well I've got to leave and get hold of Ellen", he turned toward the door.

"Sure, changing the subject", Rafe laughed as Tobal went out.

It was mid afternoon and he arranged with both Crow and Ellen to meet immediately after circle by the central fire. Ellen had changed into her robe and was getting ready for circle. She was one of the few non-ritual team members that was going to be wearing a robe. It was so cold most of the others including Tobal were wearing their furs to circle. He asked her about it.

"Oh, I'll be alright", she laughed. "I'll be next to the fire and can keep warm there."

"Well, I'll have some extra blankets or furs by me if you get cold", he told her.

"Thanks Tobal, but I won't need them really. Especially tonight since I'm so keyed up."

"What's up?"

"I'm training to be High Priestess of the Journeyman Circle. It is quite different than this one. Misty will keep doing this one for awhile yet."

"That's great", he grinned. "You will be High Priestess when I become Journeyman. You will probably get to initiate me again."

She smiled, "we'll just have to wait and see. I've got to get to the circle now though. See you later, ok?"

With that she gave Tobal a hug and he went looking for the girls. More and more he looked forward to the circle time he shared with Melanie and Becca and sometimes Nikki. He had come to think of it as something they did together as friends.

He had noticed the last few months that Melanie was spending a lot of time with Becca. Part of him was sad and upset but part of him was honest enough to realize Becca was a lot different than he had imagined her to be. He had been thinking about her quite a bit these last few days and didn't really know why. She wasn't at all what he had expected.

She hadn't shown the vicious, aggressive behaviour she had during the disasterous night of the Halloween dance. Instead, she seemed more aloof, unemotional and withdrawn as if she was hiding some deep secret or misery and keeping it to herself. It was only with Melanie that she seemed to cheer up and laugh about things. Several times he suspected they might be laughing about him but pushed that thought away. He was hoping to get a little time alone with Melanie. But it seemed that was not to be and with good humor he filled his tankard and moved over to sit beside the two girls.

"There any room for me?", he teased.

Melanie and Becca both jumped with delight and took turns giving him a hug and a kiss. Melanie's hug was delicious and his arms folded around her as their lips met in a kiss that was longer and more passionate than he had been expecting. He took his time thoroughly enjoying it and almost regretfully stepped back.

"My turn", Becca quipped and stepped up to him with a glint in her green eyes he didn't recognize. She pulled the hood off and shook her red hair so that it cascaded freely around the fur of her jacket. Then she reached up and pulled his own hood back and ran her fingers throught the hair at his temples till her fingers found the back of his neck and pulled his lips down to hers.

It seemed as if the universe had stopped and there was only this one moment frozen in eternity as he breathed her essence into his lungs and heart and breathed his back into her. Almost reflexively his arms tightened around her and crushed her against his body. Their lips fed on each other with a passion that consumed them in an whirlwind of feelings he had never felt before.

He moved first lifting his head up and shifting his grip as he stepped back. Her eyes met his in a soundless plea that he couldn't answer. He saw the hurt come into her eyes as he moved back and looked away.

"Wow", he said. " I need to sit down after all that and I'd better sit between you two so you don't fight over me." Instantly he knew that he had done and said the wrong thing. Both girls instantly went from being glad to see him to cold as death itself. He pulled the hood back up and so did Becca. They sat in frozen silence.

Anarchist World Join the Revolution today! Visit a great web community of free men and free women. This is where hell freezes over!

OAK:Modern Survivalism is Today's Leader in Modern Survivalism. Who knows why one person gives up and dies while another struggles on through overwhelming odds and comes out on top? We all want to survive. But are we willing to do what needs to be done?

Anarchistic Knights-a serialadventure is a fiction story based upon survivalism values and principles. Survivalism is not fiction! It is real and the challenges we face in today's world require self empowerment training.

OAK:Foundations-a serialadventure gives the basics for modern survivalism and self empowerment techniques. Empower yourself today!

Anarchistic Knights Fan Site is where readers can share reviews and comments about Tobal and his friends. Comments are always appreciated. Check it out! Read what others are saying!

OAK:Tarot of Love and Romance is about the energy dynamics of love and human relationships. Why love sparks and why it sometimes dies. Can any of us really survive without love?

OAK:Magister Templi shows how modern science and chaos theory are compatable with advanced metaphysical concepts. Science is not in conflict with paranormal and supernatural activity.

OAK:Magick,Mystery and Madness is my own personal book of shadows. If you are interested in magick and energy work this is the place!

Alligator Alley:Modern Survivalism places the ancient knowledge of the Rosicrucians and Freemasons into modern context. Universal truths can be restated many ways but remain valid.

Today's suggested survivalism site is:

Visit DragonDoor and discover the latest in non-traditional health and fitness items!

Anarchistic Knights Technorati Tags : adventure, books, books on line, ebooks, outdoors, fantasy, sci-fi, teens, science fiction, fiction, survivalism

Tobal noticed the medics flying around much more during the winter months as they kept closer tabs on everyone to see they were doing alright. When Tobal announced at circle that Crow was ready to solo many elders were concerned about his size and age. They almost didn't allow it. It took the testimony of several medics to confirm the activities of Tobal and Crow during the past two months before the elders agreed. Tobal was shocked at the extent his activities had been monitored. He had suspected some monitoring but never suspected the true extent the medics monitored things. He was more glad than ever that he had not tried going back to the lake.

Anne, Derdre and Seth were proclaimed ready to solo. The elders were giving the same exhaustive grilling to each of them they had given Crow. In this bitter weather there were no second chances and accidents did happen. There had been one death this past month. A Journeyman had gotten caught in a snowslide and the medics had not been able to rescue him in time. Any type of solo activity was kept to an absolute minimum if possible. The medics especially kept a close eye on the newbies that were soloing during the winter months and encouraged everyone else to partner up and use the buddy system.

The Circle of Elders consisted of Masters and was voluntary. They determined if newbies were ready to solo and mediated any disputes among clansmen. They also awarded the chevrons to both Apprentices and to Journeymen. Ellen had always served on it since Tobal had been there. It had been her support that decided the other elders in favor of letting Crow solo. Of course she knew Crow was Howling Wolf's grandson from the village but she never mentioned it. Tobal made a special note that he needed to talk with Ellen later that night. He wanted to know if she had found out anything about the rogue attacks.

He saw Sarah bundled in her furs and walked over giving her a big hug and a kiss.

"How are things going ?"

"I didn't realize how cold it gets out here", she grinned. "I don't think I've really been warm since I left home. We spend a lot of time getting wood for the fire."

"How is Ben doing?", he laughed. "He's getting his initiation tonight right?"

"Oh, he's really doing well", she grinned excitedly. "He will be initiated tonight and train with me for another month. If he can solo in this weather, he can survive in anything. I think he will be ready to solo next month if he wants to." Her face got serious, "I wouldn't force him to solo in this weather if he didn't want to. I wouldn't force anyone to solo in weather like this. You have to be part crazy to enjoy being out in weather like this living off the land."

"It gets easier the longer you are out here", he comforted her. "Either that or we just get crazier the longer we are out here." He chuckled, "Perhaps there is some of both."

Tobal was really proud of how well Sarah had been doing with Ben. She had come a long way from the girl in the antique shop he had once known. She had a strength and a confidence that made her very attractive. This had been good for her.

There was a howling wind with blowing snow and no one seemed in any hurry to get into their robes. Everyone kept wearing their furs and stayed huddled together close to the fires. Warm spiced drinks were even more popular than the beer was. There was a festive feeling in the air and people were in high spirits.

This was the Yule celebration and the celebration of new light into the earth and into the spirit. It marked the time when the days started getting longer and carried the promise of spring. It was half way through the winter season and by now a person knew if they were prepared for the winter or not. It was also a time of giving and sharing with others. Cabin fever often made the long winter months difficult and this halfway spot gave everyone relief. As many clansmen as possible tried making it into circle for the Yule celebration and the relief of having other people to talk to.

Zee, Kevin and Wayne's newbies had each completed their solo and were being congratulated. That made two chevrons for Zee, Kevin and Wayne. He made a point to go over and congratulate them too. Soloing in the middle of the winter was not that easy. Many of the Apprentices still had some trouble just surviving and staying warm. This was Tobal's first winter and he wasn't finding it that easy himself. Or rather it wasn't a simple walk in the park like summer had been. In the winter you really had to work for food and firewood and you had to deal with the long nights cooped up in the teepee. Especially if you were by yourself. The loneliness was very hard to deal with.

Wayne had been Char's teacher. Char came to Yule with her partner. He spent a little time chatting with them but Char was obviously not in a good mood and he soon gave it up and moved on.

The Yule celebration was to be an entire week of feasting and celebration. Since travel was so difficult most clan members elected to stay a few extra days and party. It had become the tradition. Hunters went out and brought enough food to keep the camp in meat. People brought dried herbs and vegatables they had saved for the communal stew pot. Tobal had brought more honey as a special treat. Some of the medics had somehow managed to find flour and baking supplies. Bread was a welcome change in a diet that had so much meat during the winter time. They also brought frozen vegatables from somewhere that reminded everyone of the coming spring and lush vegetation.

The newbies that were going to solo were allowed to stay for the first and second day of events but then needed to leave. The first day of the celebration was like a normal Circle day with the initiations and drum circle in the evenings. The second day continued with a talent show in the afternoon and a special Yule Ritual and meditation in the evening. That was when Tobal planned on giving his gifts to his friends before Crow left on his solo.

The things Crow had told him about his parents kept going through his mind circling restlessly. Was it possible they really were alive after all these years? Could he train himself enough so they would be able to talk with him like they did to Crow? What about his uncle? Why had his uncle not told him these things. Was it because of the classified nature of the project or didn't he really know. It was pretty obvious his uncle didn't believe anyone was still alive that worked with his parents or he would have agreed to let him go to Old Seattle in the first place.

What did they mean when his parents told Crow they were getting weaker? Were they dying? Is that why the rogue attacks seemed to be increasing? They needed to find the secret meeting place his parents used before they died? Tobal hoped not. His uncle had said he had closed the program down. Why were his parents still captive?

Questions that just led to more questions and no real answers. They made his head spin. All he knew for sure was that Crow needed to talk with Ellen and Rafe before he left. He had better set a meeting up for tonight during the party. With that in mind he first turned to look for Rafe at the Beer barrel and brewery.

"You’ve got five chevrons now!", he slapped Dirk on the back and raised a foaming mug in salute. "Soon you are going to make medic and be riding one of those drafty air sleds all over the mountains saving our asses."

Anarchist World Join the Revolution today! Visit a great web community of free men and free women. This is where hell freezes over!

OAK:Modern Survivalism is Today's Leader in Modern Survivalism. Who knows why one person gives up and dies while another struggles on through overwhelming odds and comes out on top? We all want to survive. But are we willing to do what needs to be done?

Anarchistic Knights-a serialadventure is a fiction story based upon survivalism values and principles. Survivalism is not fiction! It is real and the challenges we face in today's world require self empowerment training.

OAK:Foundations-a serialadventure gives the basics for modern survivalism and self empowerment techniques. Empower yourself today!

Anarchistic Knights Fan Site is where readers can share reviews and comments about Tobal and his friends. Comments are always appreciated. Check it out! Read what others are saying!

OAK:Tarot of Love and Romance is about the energy dynamics of love and human relationships. Why love sparks and why it sometimes dies. Can any of us really survive without love?

OAK:Magister Templi shows how modern science and chaos theory are compatable with advanced metaphysical concepts. Science is not in conflict with paranormal and supernatural activity.

OAK:Magick,Mystery and Madness is my own personal book of shadows. If you are interested in magick and energy work this is the place!

Alligator Alley:Modern Survivalism places the ancient knowledge of the Rosicrucians and Freemasons into modern context. Universal truths can be restated many ways but remain valid.

Today's suggested survivalism site is:

Visit DragonDoor and discover the latest in non-traditional health and fitness items!

Anarchistic Knights Technorati Tags : adventure, books, books on line, ebooks, outdoors, fantasy, sci-fi, teens, science fiction, fiction, survivalism

"I'd like to think about it for another month", he said thoughtfully. "I know I can't keep it after I'm a Journeyman because I won't have a good place to hide it. I'll let you know soon."

The three of them had a lot on their minds as they broke up the meeting and went back to join the others at the drumming circle. Tobal felt thirsty and went looking for fresh brew and light conversation. Later he even joined in with the dancing although he kept his robe on. So did many of the others as the wind was chill and it was several degrees below zero.

He and Crow said their goodbyes and left the circle early the next morning after the usual hugs and kisses to the girls. The days were getting shorter and there was only six hours of light for useful travel. As they snow shoed their way back to Tobal's winter camp they talked about Crow's initiation.

"They are worried about you", Crow said to Tobal suddenly.

"Who is worried about me? What are you talking about."

"The Lord and Lady. They came to me during my initiation and said they were worried about you. They said you have a piece of your soul missing and you need a soul retrieval."

"What is a soul retrieval?" Tobal asked puzzled.

"That is when a shaman goes on a soul journey and brings back a part of someone's soul that has been missing or stolen from him or her. My grandfather trained me in the spirit journey method and I can do this for you. The Lord and Lady want me to do this for you. You will let me do this won't you?" He implored looking searchingly at Tobal.

Tobal was a bit uncomfortable talking about things he didn't understand. "I need to think about it ok? What else did the Lord and Lady have to say?"

Crow was very excited, "They told me to tell you they are still alive! They are very weak and not in good health but they are alive. They are trapped somewhere and can't free themselves. They use the energy generated by the circle to communicate with us. Not many can see or hear them though. Usually it is only the High Priest and High Priestess that can see them or hear them.

"I have never heard them or felt them so strongly", he told Tobal with tears in his eyes. "We do not have circle like this at our village. Our circle is different and they don't come to us as strongly. They showed me my parents, Tobal. They let me speak with my parents."

"But I thought your parents were dead?", Tobal asked slowly.

"They are in the summerland", Crow replied. It is where the spirit goes after the physical body dies. My parents are happy there but they miss me and my sister. They told me there is danger for all of us coming soon and we must be prepared. The Lord and the Lady will help us if they can but we must learn how to talk to them and listen to what they have to say. I need to teach you and your friends the ways of the shaman so you are ready when the time comes."

Tobal didn't know what to say. The thought that his parents might still be alive stunned him as did the thought that Crow was able to carry on conversations not only with the Lord and Lady but with Crow's own dead parents as well. He felt them now, the Lord and Lady, at the back of his mind urging him to believe. Oh, how he wanted to believe but did he dare? These thoughts troubled him as they made their journey home through the bitter cold and snow.

He spent the second month with Crow gaining advanced knowledge in the art of survival and craftsmanship. Crow had grown up in a community that lived a primitive life close to nature. His training had went beyond simple survival into quality of life areas such as art and decorative clothing and functional tools such as hand axes made of flint with razor edges and the knowledge of how to sharpen them. There were fun things too such as games, drums, whistles, flutes and other items carved from wood.

In the evenings he worked on the small carvings he intended to give to his friends at Yule. He also very much improved the look of his wardrobe seeking to match the stylish clothing Crow created so easily from the leathers and furs they had caught over the past two months.

Mostly though, in the evening he listened to the stories of the old ones and of the Lord and Lady of the Oak. Crow said the Lord and Lady talked to him at times during circle at his village. They taught him things and protected him in the wilderness. He said they also talked with his grandfather and his grandfather also knew they were still alive but it was not time to free them yet.

Tobal asked questions and tried to make sense of as much of it as he could. Crow offered to teach him special meditations that would prepare him for the time when the Lord and Lady would talk with him also. Tobal accepted gladly and each night they would practice meditating and other shaman practices Crow felt were important.

"The soul has many parts", Crow told him one evening. "There is a physical part, an emotional part, a mental part, and a spiritual part. Each of these parts must be strong and complete and full of energy before the soul can travel. Howling Wolf, my grandfather, developed all the parts of his soul until he was filled solid and completely like a crystal. His soul was so hard and packed with energy it filled his physical body until it too could travel and he could be in two places at the same time. The Lord and Lady called this bi-location and wanted to learn it from grandfather.

"Grandfather told them it was an ancient mystery of the shaman since the dawn of time. Grandfather knew about the sanctuary training program that your parents created and he approved of it. He said it helped to develop the physical and emotional parts of the soul but not the mental or spiritual parts of the soul. He told your parents the soul could not travel until all of the parts were completed and filled with energy. That was why things were not working right for your parents in their research.

"Grandfather offered to teach them the ways of the shaman to build the mental and spiritual parts of the soul and they accepted. He came to them in secret and taught several of them in a secret meeting place near the lake. Soon the Lord and Lady were more powerful than Howling Wolf. They were scientists and discovered ways to use machines to force even more energy into the soul and physical body than ever before."

Crow continued his story as Tobal listened in fascination."Grandfather had only been able to bi-locate or spirit travel to the point where he could be in two places at once. His spirit body that traveled was made of energy so tightly packed and compressed that it could be seen and felt like a physical body. It was a physical body made completely of energy. When he traveled he used this physical body of energy and left his normal physical body at home sleeping.

"The Lord and Lady used machines to develop this process to the point where the actual physical body would disappear and appear some other place. Later at the secret meeting place they were able to take others with them on journeys to strange and wonderful places and bring things back with them.

"Grandfather says he still goes on journeys to some of those places he visited with the Lord and Lady. He has taken my sister to some of those places too but it is very secret and he says I am too young to go on such journeys yet. Now my sister goes on journeys by herself without grandfather and he worries about her because the journeys are dangerous. He says my parents and the others at the lake were killed because they knew these things and that if the evil ones knew about us they would try to kill us as well."

Anarchist World Join the Revolution today! Visit a great web community of free men and free women. This is where hell freezes over!

OAK:Modern Survivalism is Today's Leader in Modern Survivalism. Who knows why one person gives up and dies while another struggles on through overwhelming odds and comes out on top? We all want to survive. But are we willing to do what needs to be done?

Anarchistic Knights-a serialadventure is a fiction story based upon survivalism values and principles. Survivalism is not fiction! It is real and the challenges we face in today's world require self empowerment training.

OAK:Foundations-a serialadventure gives the basics for modern survivalism and self empowerment techniques. Empower yourself today!

Anarchistic Knights Fan Site is where readers can share reviews and comments about Tobal and his friends. Comments are always appreciated. Check it out! Read what others are saying!

OAK:Tarot of Love and Romance is about the energy dynamics of love and human relationships. Why love sparks and why it sometimes dies. Can any of us really survive without love?

OAK:Magister Templi shows how modern science and chaos theory are compatable with advanced metaphysical concepts. Science is not in conflict with paranormal and supernatural activity.

OAK:Magick,Mystery and Madness is my own personal book of shadows. If you are interested in magick and energy work this is the place!

Alligator Alley:Modern Survivalism places the ancient knowledge of the Rosicrucians and Freemasons into modern context. Universal truths can be restated many ways but remain valid.

Today's suggested survivalism site is:

Reach your ultimate physical potential with Power to the People! by Pavel Tsatsouline - A book about Russian Strength Training Secrets for Every American-buy now

Anarchistic Knights Technorati Tags : adventure, books, books on line, ebooks, outdoors, fantasy, sci-fi, teens, science fiction, fiction, survivalism

Later Tobal was introduced to each of the new initiates by Crow. Crow's initation had gone well and he had seen the Lord and Lady just as Tobal said he would. He was so excited and wanted to tell Tobal everything right there in front of everyone. Tobal urged him to wait till later when they were alone and could talk more quietly and respectfully. Crow agreed, but Tobal could see he was extremely excited.

He tried to speak alone with Melanie and Becca but they were so busy chatting with the others that he gave up in frustration. He wanted to know the two girls better but always seemed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. He really enjoyed the few trips they had made to sanctuary together. It seemed with all the partnering going on he was feeling lonely and left out much of the time. It didn't help that much of this was his own personal choice.

It was during the party and after the initiations that Tobal, Rafe, and Ellen got together and compared notes.

"I want to check it out myself", Rafe was telling them both.

"It's not a good time right now", Ellen said. "The snow will make it easy to track you to the location and it will no longer be secret. The ice in the pool and the coldness of the water also make it very dangerous. Tobal was lucky he was able to find warm clothes and get a torch going for warmth. He might have died from hypothermia."

"She"s right, Rafe", he said. "I was lucky to get out of there alive. I hate to think what would have happened if I hadn't gotten that fire going."

Ellen continued, "I've been keeping a patrol over that area looking for rogues every couple of days. What is interesting is there always seems to be fresh tracks in the area around the lake but I never see anyone. I am convinced they are looking for some secret location they know is there but can't find. They are looking for the location you found Tobal." She looked at him with a peircing stare. "There is something very important about that location. Are you sure you have told me everything?"

She tried to be polite, but both Tobal and Rafe knew she was serious and she knew they were withholding information from her. They looked at each other and Tobal shrugged uneasily.

"This gets weird", he said a bit lamely.

Ellen was looking at him with a let's get this over with expression. He considered and then gave in. Ellen was someone he trusted even if he didn't know her that well. He had no reason to believe she would turn him in or cause him harm. She had already been very helpful to him.

"It's all confused", he began. "It involves my uncle who used to be the Federation Officer here. He was in charge of the classified work my parents were doing. It involves Sarah's father who has a very strange shop in Old Seattle. That's not all", he said resignedly. "It also involves Crow's grandfather, a shaman named Howling Wolf from the local village and the mass murder of all the people living at the old gathering spot by the waterfall. These deaths include my own parents, Crow's parents, Sarah's mother and two brother's that she doesn't even know she has."

"Damn", Rafe whispered in stunned shock. "Why didn't you tell me any of this?"

Ellen gradually regained her own composure and echoed Rafe's question, "Why didn't you tell me any of this?"

"I've only just learned about some of it myself", Tobal said. "I'm still training Crow and didn't know he was Howling Wolf's grandson until he told me."

"Is there anything else you are not telling me", Ellen persisted. "Do you have any proof what you are saying is true?"

Again Tobal and Rafe looked at each other. Tobal sighed and stood up. "You'd better follow me. We'll go for a walk and I'll show you."

As they walked into the moonlit woods they retraced the steps back to where Tobal had demonstrated the wand to Rafe last month. He showed Ellen the same demonstration he had shown Rafe. There was pure silence as she touched the second hole in the boulder and looked at the steaming circle that seconds ago had been frozen and snow covered. With luck it would be frozen and snow covered again by morning if the wind kept up.

"Let's go back", was all she said. The snow crunched eerily under their boots as they made their way back to the fire circle.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you about the wand before", Tobal said nervously. "I wanted a chance to examine it first. Everything was so rushed and the rogues were tracing me somehow. Then last circle I tried to meet with you and wasn't able to." He stopped as she waved a weary hand to silence him.

"We can be pretty certain the rogues are able to monitor any of us that are wearing med-alert bracelets", she said finally. "That's why we never see any of them. They know we are coming and hide. We can also be pretty sure they are from the same mountain complex we use as our own base."

Tobal and Rafe looked at each other in puzzlement. Ellen noticed and continued.

"Just like the Journeymen and the Apprentices, the Masters or medics have a secret meeting place. Ours is part of a mountain complex we thought belonged to the city. I am now thinking it is part of a classifed Federation military operation of some type. We are only allowed access to the emergency room in the hospital and one wing where we have our own personal quarters and do rituals. I suppose it makes things much easier for them to keep an eye on us when we live right there with them."

She looked at Rafe, "I've told Tobal this already. The area around the lake by the waterfall and several other locations including the village are forbidden and we have orders to prevent people from going there."

"I didn't realize Crow came from the other village", she said. "That might complicate things if he ever decides to go back and visit."

She put her hands on her temples rubbing them as if she had a massive migraine coming on. "Let's just leave it like this for now", she said at last. "We can talk about it later next month. I really need to think about what you have told me and shown me. This sounds like something very dangerous to be mixed up in."

Rafe interupted, "Can you mark on my map those other forbidden places? I might not be able to check them out but I would like to know where they are."

Ellen stared intently at Rafe a few minutes and then nodded, "Most of them are not accessable on foot though so it won't do you any good. Bring me your map and I will mark it later."

"And you", she turned to Tobal, "What are you planning to do with that device you found? Have you thought about that? It is not safe to have it around or to carry it with you."

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OAK:Foundations-a serialadventure gives the basics for modern survivalism and self empowerment techniques. Empower yourself today!

Anarchistic Knights Fan Site is where readers can share reviews and comments about Tobal and his friends. Comments are always appreciated. Check it out! Read what others are saying!

OAK:Tarot of Love and Romance is about the energy dynamics of love and human relationships. Why love sparks and why it sometimes dies. Can any of us really survive without love?

OAK:Magister Templi shows how modern science and chaos theory are compatable with advanced metaphysical concepts. Science is not in conflict with paranormal and supernatural activity.

OAK:Magick,Mystery and Madness is my own personal book of shadows. If you are interested in magick and energy work this is the place!

Alligator Alley:Modern Survivalism places the ancient knowledge of the Rosicrucians and Freemasons into modern context. Universal truths can be restated many ways but remain valid.

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Dirk added, "We've got to brew the beer and keep it from freezing so we will be spending the next two months right here. We go through three or four barrels every month at circle. Last month we went through twelve because there were three days of feasting. That used up our reserves."

"That means we've got to work harder than ever", Rafe said gloomily. Then he brightened up, "That's why we are going to have some fun with this. I've already got some special ingredients in mind."

Tobal knew there were times when the beer had been absolutely nasty and undrinkable. "I hope you don't make some of that real nasty stuff that gives people the runs like it did last July."

Rafe grinned. "We aren't planning to be around to be drinking it. We should both be getting our Masters initiation by then. I hear the medics have some real good stuff and they even make some brandy."

"You're not serious", Tobal gasped in horror at the thought. You wouldn't do that to us would you?" He pleaded with them. Rafe and Dirk were laughing hard now.

"You wait and see", was all either of them would say.

They talked more about the art of brewing beer in the wilderness. The real issue was getting enough sugar to ferment into alcohol. The sugar content came from boiling maple syrup down into maple sugar in the spring. There was only about three weeks when the sap really flowed and the entire Journeyman community helped in boiling it down.

It was not uncommon to see air sleds carrying buckets of maple sap. The medics even provided plastic buckets with lids from used hospital supplies to be used for barrels and also provided the yeast. The other ingredients were left up to the imagination of the brewmiester although the basic recipe was expected to be followed fairly closely. The maple syrup was kept in the same location as the beer and not allowed to freeze.

Tobal shuddered to think of what those two would come up with. Best to enjoy the beer they were serving today which was rich and tasty. He told Rafe he would talk with him sometime later after circle and they could both meet with Ellen to see what she had found out about the rogue attacks. Then he went off looking for the others.

There was no sign of Tara and Nick. Tobal guessed they were snowed in and making the best of it. The weather was bitter cold and the three day travel to circle was something only the brave or desperate would willingly tackle. Tobal came because it was his social connection to the others, a time to forget his own troubles, celebrate and have some fun with others.

He found Sarah over by the cooking pits slicing off choice pieces of roast and getting some stew. The stew was the main way the clan had vegetables in the winter and everyone contributed from their own stores.

His own stomach started to rumble. "Is the stew any good?"

She glanced at him, "Oh, hi Tobal. Yes, the stew and roast is excellent. Grab a bowl."

Tobal grabbed one of the large wooden bowls that were stacked nearby and went over to the roast first.

He cut several chunks of meat off the roast and filled to bowl to the top with stew. Then he grabbed a wooden spoon and tasted it. She was right. It was delicious.

"Did you get your winter camp setup all right?", he asked her between spoonfuls.

"Butch and Mike helped me get things together and it's really great! I'm so glad they were able to help because it was a lot of work. Did you hear they are going to get Rafe' old base camp?"

"Yes, I heard they were going to check it out anyway", he chuckled, "That is if they can find it. Rafe's camp is hard to find."

"I know, that's what I told them too", she said. "I had a hard time finding Rafe's camp the first time I was there too. You remember that don't you. It was when I was training with you and we needed to go there and get your old winter supplies. We went together."

"Oh, that's right", he smiled sheepishly. "I must be getting old. I completely forgot about that. We did have some fun and some good times. I bet you miss your father though."

"It's kind of surprising but I really don't miss him that much. In fact there are times I feel he is right here checking up on me. It's like I can see him with my mind's eye. I know he's not really there but part of him is and it helps me." She started crying and Tobal put his arms around her and comforted her. Finally she stopped and wiped her eyes and nose.

"Sorry about that", she sniffled. "I guess I miss him more than I thought I did."

"That's alright", he said. "Maybe I shouldn't have brought it up." He changed the subject, "Now that your base camp is ready are you going to partner up for the winter?"

"Actually", she said, "I'm going to try for my first newbie and see how it goes."

"Really?"

Tobal was both surprised and pleased that she would try her first newbie during the hardest time of the year. She did have a nice base camp though and plenty of game in the area. She also had enough furs to get her newbie protected from the elements until they could manufacture their own.

"That's great!" He gave her a big hug and a kiss. "Let me know if you need anything."

She said she would and they finished their meal chatting about other things. She was happy and in much better health than she had been at the store. Tobal could tell she was thriving out here and being around people her own age.

Together they washed the bowls and spoons so others could use them and went over to change into robes for circle. The line was forming for entrance. Misty and the High Priest were casting the circle. Ellen was standing as a guard at the circle’s entrance. She motioned for Tobal to come closer.

"Meet me after circle", she said. "We've got some things we need to talk about."

"Can Rafe come too?" He asked.

She considered and then nodded, "He probably already knows more than I do doesn't he?"

Tobal nodded and chuckled, "I'll tell him. We’ll see you later then."

Together Tobal and Sarah found Melanie, Becca and Nikki and sat with them. They chatted and were telling stories about newbies. They were excited and impressed that Sarah was going to train a newbie in the middle of the winter. Together they watched as the newbies were initiated.

OAK:Modern Survivalism is Today's Leader in Modern Survivalism. Who knows why one person gives up and dies while another struggles on through overwhelming odds and comes out on top? We all want to survive. But are we willing to do what needs to be done?

Anarchistic Knights-a serialadventure is a fiction story based upon survivalism values and principles. Survivalism is not fiction! It is real and the challenges we face in today's world require self empowerment training.

OAK:Foundations-a serialadventure gives the basics for modern survivalism and self empowerment techniques. Empower yourself today!

Anarchistic Knights Fan Site is where readers can share reviews and comments about Tobal and his friends. Comments are always appreciated. Check it out! Read what others are saying!

OAK:Tarot of Love and Romance is about the energy dynamics of love and human relationships. Why love sparks and why it sometimes dies. Can any of us really survive without love?

OAK:Magister Templi shows how modern science and chaos theory are compatable with advanced metaphysical concepts. Science is not in conflict with paranormal and supernatural activity.

OAK:Magick,Mystery and Madness is my own personal book of shadows. If you are interested in magick and energy work this is the place!

Alligator Alley:Modern Survivalism places the ancient knowledge of the Rosicrucians and Freemasons into modern context. Universal truths can be restated many ways but remain valid.

Today's suggested survivalism site is:

Visit DragonDoor and discover the latest in non-traditional health and fitness items!

Anarchistic Knights Technorati Tags : adventure, books, books on line, ebooks, outdoors, fantasy, sci-fi, teens, science fiction, fiction, survivalism

It was time for Crow's initiation in late November and Tobal was thinking about it as they snow shoed their way to the gathering spot. Perhaps he had been initiated and soloed at his own village he mused thoughtfully, not that it mattered. Gaining citizenship meant going through sanctuary and no other way. As they trekked to circle Tobal explained about joining the clan and being initiated into the circle. Crow still wasn't certain he wanted to become part of the "evil" ones clan.

"There is no 'evil' in the clan or the circle", Tobal kept telling him. "The Lord and Lady appear during the rituals and ceremonies so it can't be bad. Everyone at the gathering place is young and could not have been part of what killed your parents. Many of them were not even been born yet."

Crow remained suspicious and untrusting. In the end it was the mention of the Lord and Lady being present during the initiations that convinced Crow to finally go through with it and join the group.

"If they are not there, I will not go through with it", he said simply.

Tobal shrugged, there was not much more to say on the matter.

Tobal filled Crow in on what to expect during his entry into the clan itself. He didn't want a repeat of what happened with Melanie and he didn't know the true extent of Crow's abilities yet. He only knew that Crow was better than he was in survival and he suspected Crow knew quite a bit about taking care of himself self defense wise. He had a feeling that small or not, Crow was not going to be in the Journeyman degree over a year. His hard time was going to be training six newbies to solo simply because it would take up so much time and be boring to him.

They had to snowshoe avoiding areas of possible snow slides and avalanches. Winter travel was certainly different than what he had become accustomed to and carried its own unique dangers. Again more than once Crow showed him dangerous areas and explained how to avoid them in the future. Tobal felt grateful, but he also felt like the student and not the teacher.

It felt good to be going back to circle and he was looking forward to spending time with his friends. After leaving Crow with the guards he made his way into the gathering spot looking for people he knew and chatting with them. The first thing he headed for was the Circle of Elders to see what was happening that month. He saw Ellen there and waved at her. She smiled and waved back. He knew he would have to talk with her later that evening.

At circle Zee's newbie, Kevin's newbie, and Wayne's newbie and two others were at last allowed to solo after a grueling examination by the elders. All of their winter clothing was examined and they needed to have snowshoes, a sled and a two weeks supply of jerky they had made themselves. For the first time they were asked about what they planned to do during their solo month. They were told medics would be checking on them and if they needed help they could signal the medics. One last final warning about frostbite and the elders were done.

Char's newbie, Rory had soloed and she received her first chevron. Tobal noticed she had also brought a newbie for initiation. It was pretty clear they were planning on spending the winter together without Wayne. Her newbie was a pleasant faced blond girl that seemed a little shy around everyone and didn't talk much. She seemed friendly enough and Tobal didn't think Wayne should mind too much.

Besides Crow, Melanie's newbie, Anne; Becca’s newbie, Derdre; and Nikki’s newbie, Seth were all going to be initiated that night. They would be spending at least the next month in training. They were all being prepared for their initiations. Tobal planned on being introduced to each of them later in the evening. As they waited Nikki got her second chevron and was now tied with Becca and Melanie. It was obvious these three women were more competitive than average.

Zee and Kevin were planning on spending the winter together. Their newbies were soloing and being kicked out of the nest. They would probably end up partnering with one of the other newly soloed Apprentices. No one really liked spending the long winter months alone if they could help it. It was an added bonus if romance was involved too. Still, spending the winter with a romantic partner had it's own drawbacks and many such partnerships did not last till spring. Still not very many wanted to train during the winter either. Perhaps the most common was partnering with friends or newbies during the winter.

The next place he headed was over to the beer barrel for some brew. Butch and Mike were there talking with Rafe.

"Mike and I were thinking about holing up for the rest of the winter but we really don't know where the best place is", Butch was saying. "We have a few places we want to check out. The one we were planning to use was already claimed by someone. They chased us out of there, let me tell you". He laughed.

"Hey you guys can live in my old base camp for the winter if you want to", Rafe said. "I'm not living there anymore and spending most of my time either at circle or the Journeyman camp. I have most of my things out of there that I need."

"Are you sure?", Mike asked eagerly. Rafe was legendary and his camp must be a pretty sweet setup where ever it was."

"It's fine", he said. "Consider it yours. Do either of you know where it is? I didn't think so. Bring a map and I'll mark it for you. If you have any trouble finding it Tobal or one of the girls can help you."

He looked at Tobal and grinned.

"I'm just giving away my campsite to there guys", he grinned mischieviously. "That is if they can find it. The Journeyman degree is so different I don't need a base camp for the winter."

"We'll check it out first thing Rafe", Butch grinned back. "We'll find it if it takes us all week." Then he and Mike left toward the circle with their fresh brews in their hands.

Tobal nodded at Dirk.

"You guys working here now?"

"Yes", Dirk grinned evilly. "We're the beer meisters now."

"What's that mean?", Tobal asked cautiously.

"We were taken off wood duty and now we make sure no one runs out of beer. We also have to clean up after the party and keep a fresh supply of beer brewing at all times."

Rafe interupted, "See this beer", he held up a foamy mug of beer. "This beer is four months old. Beer tastes best when it is four months old. The beer we make won't be ready until March or April sometime." He grinned evilly. "That means we can experiment with the recipe a bit and have some fun with it."

OAK:Modern Survivalism is Today's Leader in Modern Survivalism. Who knows why one person gives up and dies while another struggles on through overwhelming odds and comes out on top? We all want to survive. But are we willing to do what needs to be done?

Anarchistic Knights-a serialadventure is a fiction story based upon survivalism values and principles. Survivalism is not fiction! It is real and the challenges we face in today's world require self empowerment training.

OAK:Foundations-a serialadventure gives the basics for modern survivalism and self empowerment techniques. Empower yourself today!

Anarchistic Knights Fan Site is where readers can share reviews and comments about Tobal and his friends. Comments are always appreciated. Check it out! Read what others are saying!

OAK:Tarot of Love and Romance is about the energy dynamics of love and human relationships. Why love sparks and why it sometimes dies. Can any of us really survive without love?

OAK:Magister Templi shows how modern science and chaos theory are compatable with advanced metaphysical concepts. Science is not in conflict with paranormal and supernatural activity.

OAK:Magick,Mystery and Madness is my own personal book of shadows. If you are interested in magick and energy work this is the place!

Alligator Alley:Modern Survivalism places the ancient knowledge of the Rosicrucians and Freemasons into modern context. Universal truths can be restated many ways but remain valid.

Today's suggested survivalism site is:

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Crow rushed over and hugged him fiercely.

"You promise?", he asked.

"I promise."

The days turned bitter cold and it seemed like they were out in the snow every day doing something. On the worst days they stayed inside. It was sheltered in Tobal's little valley but there was a lot of snow on the ground. The only way to travel was with snow shoes and pulling a supply sled.

They spent the days trapping and hunting and the evenings working on winter equipment and telling stories. Tobal was amazed at Crow's abilities. In addition to beaver and muskrat Crow routinely trapped mink, fox and wolf. He kept the hides from every snowshoe hare and was making a rabbit blanket.

He said it would take a long time because he needed fifty rabbit hides for the blanket. But he told Tobal a rabbit blanket would be extremely light and extremly warm. They were considered a luxury to have back in his village.

Crow also snared partridge and kept the wing and tail feathers. Once he trapped an owl and was ecstatic all week over the good omen. He used these feathers to create ornaments and jewelry. Crow was highly skilled at leather working and created functional and decorative winter clothing Tobal envied. As the days wore on it seemed Tobal was the student and not Crow.

Tobal had learned the basics but Crow had grown up in a culture that had gone far beyond the art of simple survival and had turned these skills into an art form. Tobal was fascinated and asked many questions. Together they worked on projects Tobal had never even thought about doing.

Still thoughts of his parents were never far away. He wished he knew more.

OAK:Modern Survivalism is Today's Leader in Modern Survivalism. Who knows why one person gives up and dies while another struggles on through overwhelming odds and comes out on top? We all want to survive. But are we willing to do what needs to be done?

Anarchistic Knights-a serialadventure is a fiction story based upon survivalism values and principles. Survivalism is not fiction! It is real and the challenges we face in today's world require self empowerment training.

OAK:Foundations-a serialadventure gives the basics for modern survivalism and self empowerment techniques. Empower yourself today!

Anarchistic Knights Fan Site is where readers can share reviews and comments about Tobal and his friends. Comments are always appreciated. Check it out! Read what others are saying!

OAK:Tarot of Love and Romance is about the energy dynamics of love and human relationships. Why love sparks and why it sometimes dies. Can any of us really survive without love?

OAK:Magister Templi shows how modern science and chaos theory are compatable with advanced metaphysical concepts. Science is not in conflict with paranormal and supernatural activity.

OAK:Magick,Mystery and Madness is my own personal book of shadows. If you are interested in magick and energy work this is the place!

Alligator Alley:Modern Survivalism places the ancient knowledge of the Rosicrucians and Freemasons into modern context. Universal truths can be restated many ways but remain valid.

Today's suggested survivalism site is:

DragonDoor is the premier Health and Fitness resource on the web! They have the World's Most Effective Methods for High Performance, Radiant Health and Peace of Mind.

Technorati Tags : adventure, books, books on line, ebooks, outdoors, fantasy, sci-fi, teens, science fiction, fiction, survivalism