Jenna's Book: Legend of the One and the Three

Prologue

Far below, the old man could see his world spread out before him. It had been a while since he had traveled the astral plane and he hovered above his castle gaining his equilibrium. He had forgotten the euphoria that he would get whenever he traveled this way. Leaving his body to travel through the air in spirit was fraught with danger and he did not often dare to do it. Necessity was the reason he did so now.

From this height, the river looked like a ribbon and the lakes like jewels strewn across the ground below. The snow-capped mountains to the west and north were breathtaking. It was toward these mountains that he headed.

The old man was the wizard Alfordo. A dark tide of evil was spreading in his world and he needed to check on its progress. Far to the northwest, among the inhospitable mountains of that region was the center of it all, and somewhere in that area the evil wizard Greytower was and he had to be watched.

The evil was spreading, manifesting itself in small groups of fanatics that had been popping up, bringing problems and unrest that plagued the country. All this could be shrugged off as simple little things that just happened, unless you could see the whole picture as Alfordo could.

At the core of every problem, every cult, and every riot, was one of Greytower’s followers. By taking a closer look at what was happening in his world, Alfordo found that all the problems had been started by one of Greytower’s, ‘Greymen’.

On the outside, Greymen looked like anyone else, but their very soul was a twisted thing. Greytower was careful not to touch their outer body, as he needed them to be acceptable to the population at large. Everyone could recognize the misshapen beings called Morag’s and would have nothing to do with them. With the Greymen one could not tell they were different from the outside. They easily blended with the normal people and that was where the danger lay.

Seeing the evil grow in his world, Alfordo began looking for a way to combat Greytower. He had been studying some old scrolls that had been found in the country of Sargasso, when he ran across a reference to a pierced crystal that had been used to repel the dark tide of evil before, and he began searching for more information. He knew that the time was coming when the world would need more help then he would be able to give. It was only because or Alfordo’s constant vigil that the evil had not yet overrun the high mountain area and spread to the rest of the world.

Many legends and prophecy’s told of the coming of the One and the Three. In some way, they would be the ones to find the crystal and use it to save the world, but the references were vague as to where they would come from. After studying long and hard, Alfordo came to the conclusion that they would not be from his world, but from another. He was aware of a close world of science and that from time to time portals opened between the two worlds.

Convinced that this was where they would be coming from, he began searching their world of science with his magic sight. He thought he found the ones he was seeking several times over the centuries, but all were false leads. Now he thought he had finally found the One and the Three. His world’s survival depended on their leaving the relative safety of their world, to come to the dangers of his. He had set a plan in motion and now he must wait to see what the outcome would be.

Below the vegetation thinned as the elevation climbed. Soon he was looking at the bare mountain face and a dusting of snow on the peaks. Greytower’s castle blended into the mountainside so well, that if you did not know that it was there, you would not see it until you were upon it. Alfordo did not bother entering, as he knew Greytower would sense his presence. He passed over the castle and started down the other side of the mountain.

Here you could see Greytower’s handiwork. Somehow the mountain looked ugly, darker than the other side and all the angles of the rock formations were sharp, mean, and somehow grotesque.

As he got to the lower elevation on the far side, the vegetation returned, but even this was not normal. All was twisted and deformed. All had to fight for survival and the cost was its normalcy. The very earth had been contaminated by the evil that walked on and under it, for under ground were the caverns that Greytower used for torture chambers and experimental labs. There was a massive labyrinth below and Alfordo had no wish to re-enter it. Once had been enough. His interest today was in the massing of Greytower’s troops, that was the immediate concern. Alfordo’s people needed to have their defenses prepared on the western border for when the attack came, and he had no doubt it was coming soon.

He could see the movement of misshapen beings as they went about their evil business. They seemed to be massing on the valley floor between the mountain range he had just come over and the next range. Knowing the longer he stayed, the greater the risk of Greytower sensing him, he did not stop but kept moving slowly, trying to sense the number of troops, supplies and weapons. Then he moved on. Heavy was his heart when he saw how far down the valley and to the west they had spread. Their numbers were growing.

The land had always been an inhospitable and hard place to live, and a sparse population gave testimony to that fact. Far down the valley lived a family that Alfordo knew. He had met them when he had wandered the valley looking for Greytower and his castle. Barnard had also helped him after his encounter with Greytower in the mountains. Alfordo had a spirit that was in need of mending, and Barnard and his wife Pricilla had done just that. They did not know what their very normalcy and kindness had meant to him. They had healed him. Now he wanted to make sure they were safe.

He was dismayed to find them a mere league from the very edge of the enemy’s front lines. He entered through the roof of the cottage and was relieved to see them packing. They knew their safety was no longer certain. Good! They would soon be out of harms way. Knowing they could not see him, he stayed for a moment to listen to their plans, just to make sure they really knew the danger they were in.

Pricilla was softly weeping. I hate havin’ to leave Barnard, tis’ our home!

I know love, but you saw what they did with the Marlow’s over on the western ridge. I do not want to have you or the boys tortured like that. We’ll find a new place, farther east. We can make it our home again. He went over to his wife and put his arms around her tenderly and patted her back.

Alfordo left their house with the pleasure of knowing they would be safe, but the sorrow for what they would have to leave behind. As he rose above the small farm, he saw movement in the trees to the north. He stayed in place, watching and with a sinking heart he saw that the young family had less time than they thought.

Anger built in him as he watched the dark ones working their way through the sparse woods toward the small cottage. He wanted to do something to stop them, but was unsure what he could in his present form. Even if he could communicate with his friends, he knew it would not be enough. This meant he would have to do something to the enemy. He floated toward the edge of the woods. The dark ones were almost there. He tried drawing in energy from the surrounding area and was pleased to find he could. It felt different, but only slightly. Now, if he could just throw it. He built up his power and threw a surge of pure blue energy. It was as if a lightening bolt hit the edge of the trees. He was pleased with the damage he had done, for as the smoke cleared, he could see several dark bodies laying unmoving on the ground and the rest had scattered in fear. Good!

Now just to make sure they stayed away, he threw one more surge. They began running, that was what he wanted to see. Now he knew his friends would have the time they needed to get away safely. He also needed to leave as fast as possible. Unfortunately that meant traveling back the way he had come. He rose immediately and sped back. It only took a few moments to get back to his body.

Greytower looked toward the ceiling of his room in contemplation, for he had felt the two big surges of energy and the passage of his enemy. The old fool was trying to interfere with his plans, he thought. Alfordo would have to be watched. He rang for a servant. Go get Ogaar. Tell him he has some work to do.

As the servant scurried out, Greytower poured more wine and sat by the fireplace sipping it. He began to plan how best to keep track of Alfordo. The very first thing that was needed was a watcher on the astral plane, for he did not want a repeat of this afternoon. The old man was up to something and perhaps a spy in Alfordo’s Eyre was needed also. Ogaar could see to that. He got up and thoughtfully sauntered over to replenish his wineglass again. Yes, he thought to himself, it is time to start watching. He sat back down nodding and smiled to himself.

Chapter 1

The morning sunlight crept over the window sill into the quiet bedroom. Jenna stretched as her inner clock told her it was time to get up and start a new day. She had always been able to rely on her waking instinct, for as long as she could remember.

When very young she found she could tell what time it was without looking at a clock and had great fun using the ability to mystify early schoolmates. She would suddenly go very still and tell them that the recess bell was about to ring and end their fun. Then she would get up, walk to the door and always be the first in line, which was a great honor. All it took was telling her inner clock to let her know when 20 minutes of time had passed.

It wasn’t until she was in high school that her close friend Pat told her that everyone did not have an inner clock. Jenna didn’t believe that and felt they probably did, but just did not use it enough to make it work on demand. Her mother had the same ability and did not seem to think what Jenna did was anything out of the ordinary. In later life her suppositions were confirmed when she found that most military men were capable of using their inner clock.

Jenna stretched again and looked out at the morning. The sunlight was turning all the dewdrops into miniature multi colored rainbows. A very bright twinkling drew her eye and as she watched, it seemed to intensify

She shook her head at such imagination and got out of bed. Her husband Dean was just stirring and she knew it would not be long before he would be up. Since their home was small and had only one bathroom, it was a constant juggling of people in the morning, to make sure everyone got their turn. It was a lot easier now that Cara and Lauralee were no longer living at home

Sarah was still at home, but liked to sleep late during the summer months. That would change soon. Fall was fast approaching and she would have to get up early for school. This was something that she didn’t mind, as she grew lonely without her school friends. Being a handicapped child meant most of her friends were the same, and that meant there was not a lot of socializing when school was out.

Jenna finished her shower and opened the window to replace the humid bathroom air with the fresh morning. If only you could have a house that was roof-less and wall-less… now that would be a delightful way to live! Shaking herself loose of such musings, she wondered out loud, What is wrong with me? She thought to herself, my concentration is less than I’d like and every sparkle grabs my eye and puts me in a trance. Chiding herself for being fanciful, she finished dressing and went to start breakfast.

Gathering eggs, green onions and peppers, Jenna took them to the sink and as she cleaned the peppers her eyes strayed to the large window above. It looked out on a neatly cut lawn of some size and then onto the open field and hills beyond. The surrounding area was still wild and uninhabited, but developers were eyeing the area.

As Jenna looked out at the sparkling morning dew, she noticed an especially bright sparkle that seemed to get brighter as she watched. She started to look away, disgusted with herself for once again imagining things, when her dog went to the sparkling dew drop and began barking.

This was too much. She quickly went out to investigate what was there to draw the dog’s attention like that. As she approached, Rusty looked at her and then barked again, as if to say, do you see what I see? What Jenna saw was far from believable.

In the center of the now quite large sparkle was a small man! About six inches in height and as she watched, the surrounding sparkle slowly faded and disappeared. The small man stood with his hands rolled into fists and placed on his small hips. He wore jacket, pants, shoes and hat, tailored in the fashion of the old Robin Hood movies, and brown in color. His eyes were a darker shade of brown than she had ever seen before and his hair was the rusty color of an autumn leaf. Brows above his eyes of the same shade were drawn into a frown. Jenna reached down and grasped Rusty’s collar to keep him from doing more than just barking.

The small man said, It is about time! This was said with a great deal of satisfaction and a dramatic folding of his arms across his chest.

Not believing her own eyes and ears, she murmured, I… I… 1 beg your pardon?

And you should, you know! Replied the small man. I had to be practically eaten by a monster before you looked at me! Do you have any idea how long I have been trying to get your attention?

N-n-no - -, Yes! I mean - - . Jenna’s voice and thoughts failed her.

Well, which is it? The small man said with a laugh in his voice. Yes you do, or no you do not?

Now see here, Jenna said, gathering her wits about her and feeling just a little piqued at his attitude. Why didn’t you just come up to me and introduce yourself? Then it would not have been so difficult to get my attention!

Before the small man could answer, Dean called from the kitchen window. Isn’t it a little early for long conversations with you dog? I thought you were making breakfast?

Jenna turned toward the house and knew at that moment that she must have been imagining it all. I’ll be right in Dean. He left the window and Jenna turned back to the spot where she thought she had seen the small man. And there he still stood!

He can not see me, you know. The small man stated with a smile.

I’m not sure I do! Jenna replied totally bewildered now. What are you, a Brownie? Why can I see you, but you say Dean can not?

A smile spread across the brown man’s face and you could see the twinkle in his eye as he gave a short laugh. You do have a lot of questions. The old man said you would. Well - -, he said as he looked down at himself, I am one of the ‘Little People’. We have several names, but he thought you would ‘SEE’ me better if I looked like something you were familiar with from your childhood stories. We can talk later and I will explain everything to you. The small man motioned to the house and said, Now, I think you will have a curious husband out here soon if you do not go in.

You expect me to just go in as if everything is the same and I never saw you? All sorts of thoughts and feelings were bombarding Jenna. The most urgent one was that she did not want to let the brownie out of her sight. Come inside with me, I want Dean to see you.

He danced a few steps in place and laughed. I told you he can not see me, but I know you have to see for yourself. Well, let us go!

What do you mean, he can’t see you? I see you, why can’t he? She was getting exasperated with him.

The Brownie explained with exaggerated patience and a negligible wave of his small hand, You can see me, because you believe in me. He does not believe such a thing could exist, therefore he will not be able to ‘SEE’ me.

Jenna said, I don’t believe that for a minute! Come on, and we will see! She turned Rusty loose, spun on her heel and headed for the back door. With a graceful leap the small man landed on her shoulder. In spite of herself, she jumped when he did this for it was unexpected, but she would not give him the satisfaction of seeing how it unnerved her, and continued inside.

Going in to show Dean her wonderful find, the Brownie’s warning echoed in her ears. She decided to wait until Dean mentioned him first. After all, how could he miss seeing the small man on her shoulder?

Dean had finished making the breakfast she had begun and as they ate, Jenna waited patiently for him to say something about their houseguest. Try as she may, she just could not help glancing at her shoulder from time to time. When Dean finally spoke, it was not what she had expected him to say.

What do you keep looking for? There is nothing on your shoulder, but you keep looking as if there is. He had a truly puzzled look on his face. Jenna you have been acting very strange this morning.

Jenna mumbled a reply about not feeling well, and that she had thought there was a bug crawling on her. She glanced once more at her shoulder and saw the Brownie laughing so hard, that he was doubled over. Between gales of laughter he gasped, I told you so!

Insult on top of embarrassment made her temper flare. She gave a shrug of her shoulder that made the Brownie fall, landing on her omelet. I guess you’re right. There isn’t anything on my shoulder. She almost purred as she said it.

They finished breakfast with the brown man sitting on the edge of her plate giving her thoughtful looks and a few frowns thrown in. His humor improved toward the end of breakfast when Jenna as a peace offering broke off small bits of omelet, toast and a touch of jam and then placed them discreetly on the edge of the plate next to him.

After breakfast, Jenna cleared the table and packed Dean’s lunch. All the while the Brownie kept pace with her, leaping gracefully from floor to cupboard. She closed him in the refrigerator once and he almost fell into the jar of mustard she was using for a sandwich. When she uncovered the plate of brownies to package one for Dean, she saw the Brownie stop his inspection of the microwave and sniff the air. He was by her in an instant, sniffing and smiling. She cut a corner off one and set it by him. Here, a brownie for a Brownie.

Dean had just come back into the kitchen, slipping his jacket on. He looked up at Jenna and smiled. What did you say? I didn’t catch it.

With a sheepish grin she said, I asked if you wanted one brownie or two in you lunch? She discreetly stuck her tongue out at the small man who was laughing on her counter.

Dean pursed his lips and thought for a moment. I guess make it two. I’m stopping with John after work at the river to fish and we could share them then. Don’t forget, I’ll be late.

He took the lunch Jenna was handing him, giving her a quick kiss and hug, and then headed for the door. I’ll probably be home around 7:00, so don’t plan on cooking, we’ll go out. It’s been a while since we had time to ourselves. Sarah is still going over to Cara’s, right?

Yes she is. But is that all you’re going to treat me with? Hum-m-m? Jenna gave him an impish grin.

Dean gave a deep growl and wicked grin in return and said, That’s for me to know and you to find out! He wagged his eyebrows at her and flicked an imaginary cigar as he went out the door.

Jenna watched through the window as Dean backed his truck up and left. Twenty years, but it didn’t seem that long. She still felt the thrill of anticipation just thinking of their evening ahead. Squaring her shoulders, she turned back to the kitchen and her present problem. She needed some answers.

Now, Jenna said. We have some time before I leave for work. You said you would answer some questions, and I very much want those answers.

The brown man walked to Jenna’s side of the table, folded his legs under and sat down, licking the last of the brownie from his fingers. He said, Ask your questions. I will answer if I can.

I want to know who you are, what you are, where you come from, and why you said you wanted me to notice you.

With a chuckle he said, I really wish you could ask just one question at a time. I will try and answer them all, but if I forget any, I am sure you will remind me. Right? He raised one eyebrow in question.

Jenna just nodded with an intense look of interest on her face.

First, the brown man began, My name is Doneldo. I am one of the ‘Little people’ from the tribe of Baldwin’s. There are as many tribes as there are colors of our skin. Each tribe has a special calling in life. My tribe is made up of statesmen, counselors, ambassadors and mediators. If we have a young person that we feel seems better suited for another calling, say blacksmithing or agriculture, we make arrangements for him or her to live with the tribe that suits them best and then they can be educated in their field of expertise. It is not often, but it does happen.

You were sort of, um, making fun of the word ‘Brownie’ before. Why?

Doneldo chuckled again. Well, I came dressed like this so it would be easier for you to ‘SEE’ me. Most people do not, as with your Dean. There really are not any Brownies, at least not like they are depicted in your lore."

Jenna snorted at that. I don’t know if you are really here!

Oh I am here all right. In one fluid movement he was up on his feet, he spun, leaped into the air and was gone. Left on the table was his tiny brown outfit. Jenna reached out with one tentative finger and poked the clothing. That was all that was left. A flicker appeared beside the brown outfit and Doneldo reappeared. Only now the outfit he wore was a gossamer fabric in shades of blue and green that changed, merged, and shimmered like a butterfly wing.

There. He said as he sat down again. Much more comfortable and more to my liking. He smoothed out his long flowing sleeves and looked expectantly at Jenna’s bewildered face.

Oh come now, he said. Would you rather not be dressed in comfortable clothes then in some stiff scratchy outfit? I got your attention with it and I thought you might find it easier to accept me if I was as I really am! Simple yes? He chuckled. Now what were your other questions? Doneldo mused as he tapped a long graceful finger on his lower lip and before Jenna could find her voice he smiled and said, Oh yes. Where am I from? Well, that is a little harder to explain.

I’ll just bet it is. Jenna said.

Now, now there is no need to be snide. It really is hard to explain. You see, we… co-exist. We use the same space, but in different dimensions. I do not know how to explain it in great detail for my knowledge does not lie in that direction. Do you understand what I mean though?

Jenna nodded. Yes, I understand the theory of parallel universes. I don’t need the technical details, just some plain old ordinary information. I am really trying to get a grip on this.

Good. The small man smiled. Now then, your world is scientific and ours is more, shall we say, earthy? We live more in tune with the life force in everything around us. With magic, you would call it. Your world has come to take so much for granted, and what it does not understand it picks to death trying to see how it works. Because you do not believe this, your world has lost sight of the magic in life itself.

Just how much do you know of our scientific world? Jenna asked, If you live so differently, our world may be an improvement.

Doneldo held up his hands in resignation. I did not mean to offend you; I merely was trying to explain the differences in our worlds. We have kept track of your progress, because of your accidental crossings. This was necessity. Holding up his hand he headed Jenna off. Occasionally one of your people crosses into our world. Some decide to stay and others return and are never the same again. They cannot face the reality of where they have been, while others are eliminated in accidents or by the dark people who follow the negative force. They eliminate anyone they come in contact with that is not like them, or that they cannot change to their kind. A few come back to your world because they just prefer it to ours and are just fine with the experience.

For some reason unknown to us, our people do not seem to have the same problem of the accidental crossings, as yours, he continued. The Old Man feels it may be because our population is so much smaller than your population is. Therefore, the chances of an accidental crossing are smaller. The portals they cross through, open at irregular times and close unexpectedly. From small game and birds to something as large as a herd of horses can and do cross over from time to time. The animals seem not to pay much attention to the change and are able to go from world to world without an emotional trauma.

With a thoughtful look Jenna interrupted. Can we go back a second? If crossings are accidental, why did you say you were here with a purpose and that you were trying to get my attention? That doesn’t sound like an accidental crossing to me. Also, you keep referring to someone as, ‘He’ and the ‘Old Man’, who is that?

H-m-m let me take those questions in order. You are right. Most crossings are accidental. Mine was not. He smiled as he said that. As to the second half of your questions, the He I refer to is Alfordo. He is very old, very wise, and a very great wizard. I am in his service.

With that, Doneldo stood and gave a dramatic and graceful bow. I apologize, I forgot my duties. I am extending to you, on behalf of the Great Alfordo, a respectful greeting and an invitation to visit our world. Doneldo sat back down and looked expectantly at Jenna.

Jenna said with utter amazement on her face, Now you don’t get an invitation like that every day!

Doneldo looking at her expression chuckled, Let me explain that a little.

Yes, Jenna said nodding, please do.

Chapter 2

Alfordo has learned how to open a portal for passage to and from your world. The other portals were too unstable for our needs, but this is not an easy thing to do. He sent me to prepare you to make the pilgrimage to the Eyre. That is where he resides and where he is now.

Doneldo continued, He could not come himself as he would be missed immediately and it would hurt our cause. That is why I was sent. He sighed and got up. I feel I am doing this poorly. He paced with his hands held behind his back. Stopping, he turned his head to the side and looked back at her. You must understand. I have never traveled to your world before and never have I had to relate what is natural to my world and me but strange to you. I had not expected it to be this difficult. I also feel differently in your world and I am not sure why. It seems to make it difficult for me to concentrate and present the information to you that I must.

His worried expression made Jenna smile. Perhaps, she said gently, We both need time to absorb the cultural shock. I need to get my daughter up and I need to leave for work. Maybe this evening would be a better time and we can talk then. You won’t disappear will you?

No I will not. Maybe you are right and we can talk again this evening. Doneldo nodded. I am tired. I have been staying in that bush by your bedroom for the last two days and nights. You can not get a lot of rest out there, especially with that silly robin and all the noise she makes protecting her nest.

Jenna laughed. Well come with me, I can do better than that. She reached her hand out, palm up and he stepped onto it. She took him to the small guestroom off the living room. Small to her, but huge to him. The two tall windows let sunlight cascade across the pale green carpet and up onto the bed. The bright yellows and greens in the floral spread made it seem like a garden.

Doneldo grinned with delight. He jumped from her hand to a dresser top, then onto the bed. Zounds! He yelped as he leaped back to the dresser. It is alive!

Jenna laughed. No it’s not alive. It’s a water bed.

A bed made of water? Doneldo asked. When she nodded her head, he jumped onto the edge of the bed frame and stared. How do you keep the water there? Why does the water not run away? Why is it warm? Because, that is why I thought it was alive.

Talk about more than one question at a time! She laughed again and explained the working of a waterbed. Finally she had to pull the covers back to show him the mattress that contained the water. She left him jumping merrily up and down, and went to wake Sarah.

Sarah’s room was at the northwest corner of the house, but somehow the room always seemed to be the brightest and coziest in the house. She mused to herself that her belief in this was because Sarah inhabited it and her presence always seemed to make a room brighter.

Although nineteen years of age now, Sarah was in many ways childlike. Jenna did not know what to expect when she was told by the doctor at Sarah’s birth that her daughter was retarded and later learned Sarah had Downs Syndrome. She never knew what to expect, even now. In some ways Sarah was 19 going on 100.

Jenna knew as soon as she had seen her small daughter at birth that something was different about her. When her mother came by the hospital, Jenna had asked her if she could see the difference too.

I just don’t know Mom. Something seems different and I can’t put my finger on it, but it is there. Jenna had said.

Jen, I think you are imagining things. Remember, Cara and Lauralee had a different father, so of course Sarah has a different look. Helen patted her daughter’s hand and fluffed her pillow. Just enjoy her, and stop worrying.

It was true that Dean was her second husband, for Cara and Lauralee’s father had died when they were young. Perhaps you’re right. Jenna said, but her far away look belied her answer.

Three days of badgering her doctor gave her the truth. He stared out the window and at first gave the evasive replies she had already heard. Yes, she is eating all right now. No, she is healthy. Finally it came out, She may be retarded.

May be? Jenna stunned, asked.

He slowly turned and said simply, She is. Just take her home, love her, get used to her and we will talk more in a month.

Jenna was wracked with sobs. How could she tell Dean? She wasn’t even aware that the doctor had left the room. Years later she could look back and see how difficult it had been for him and why he didn’t know quite how to tell her. Times have changed since then and now it isn’t such a terrible thing as once it was thought to be.

Sarah was officially diagnosed with Downs Syndrome at the age of two months. Later Jenna found out about the straight line in the palm of her hand that all Downs children have, and her doctor had known the day Sarah was born, but that long ago day in the hospital he could not tell her the whole truth.

Over all suggestions that they put Sarah in an institution, they kept her. The past 19 years the family had grown closer because of her. She was a warm and loving person with a delightful, yet mischievous, sense of humor. True, she was slow at learning things and would never be able to read or write more than a few survival words, but if you were feeling depressed or useless, Sarah was the one you wanted to talk with. She had a way of putting everything in perspective and your spirits would rise.

Sarah, wake up honey. Jenna said gently. Cara called last night and said she has a few days off work. She thought you might like to spend a day or two with her.

As Sarah rubbed her eyes and got out of bed, she was beaming. We party down, huh Mom?

Jenna laughed. Yes Honey, Cara said she has pop, chips and when you get there the two of you will go pick out some movies at the video store. Now get dressed and I’ll fix you something to eat.

Just fruit, toast, Mom.

As Jenna was buttering the toast, she heard an awful racket coming from the living room. Tip their cat, was hissing, spitting and yowling all at once. She dropped the toast and ran. As she got to the door, Doneldo leapt to the top of the bookcase as a black fur ball bounced on tiptoes with her tail straight up in the air and all her hair standing on end. Jenna scooped Tip up and headed for the door to put her out.

Wait, Doneldo called. Do not put her out. We can be friends, we just startled each other! He gracefully landed on the floor and started walking toward Jenna. Put the cat on the floor, but hold her a moment. What is her name?

Tip. Jenna replied as she put the cat down and gently but firmly held her.

Doneldo slowly approached the cat, talking in a language Jenna could not understand, but Tip seemed to. Her body relaxed, as did the hair that had been on end. By the time Doneldo was in front of her, Jenna knew by the purring sounds that Tip no longer needed to be held.

Tip sniffed Doneldo, gave him a lick on the side of his face that threatened to knock him off his feet and promptly lost interest. She jumped onto the chair and started smoothing and cleaning her fur.

Well, that was something. Jenna said with awe. If you can do that with Tip, how come you didn’t with Rusty? Are dogs different?

Chuckling he said, No they are the same. We can make friends now, but before I needed his attention to get yours.

Hello. A voice said. Who you?

No one had noticed Sarah standing in the doorway, watching. Jenna was speechless, but Doneldo was not. With a grand flourish and a sweep of his arms he bowed and said, I am Doneldo, Milady. I am forever at your service. He looked up at her as he straightened, his smile was radiant and his eyes sparkled.

Sarah giggled. You’re cute. She reached down to pick him up and he willingly let her take him in her outstretched hand. I have him Mom?

Finding her voice Jenna