Chapter 4

Innsbruck & Munich

The following day the girls had to pack up as they where moving on to Innsbruck in Austria & the capitol of the Tirol. The journey to Innsbruck was a relatively short one. We were taken to see the Olympic ski jump and the graveyard that the ski jumpers could see when they took off.

We visited the church. It was very beautiful with 13 gold and silver altars. We then went to our hotel. After unpacking we found we had had a day free in Innsbruck before we where due to dance.

09.30 Kat, Gaby, Maddy, Jools & Ally decided they wanted some culture. So they went to the Hothberg palace and the Spanish Riding School in Innsbruck. After our group had been shown round the palace by an English speaking guide. Gaby and the girls went to see the riding display at the Spanish Riding School. The show ended with a dressage display.

As they where leaving to go and do some shopping in Innsbruck they heard a voice say, “Excuse me please can you help me I need a Band Aid.” The girls turned round to see a girl about 18-19 years of age with long blond hair and green eyes and about 5ft 2 inches high. The girl repeated her self, “Excuse me please can you help me I need a Band Aid.”

Gaby searched her handbag and found an Elastoplast. “Will this do?”

The girl said, “I caught my arm on something and it is all bloody.” The girls took her to the ladies and cleaned the cut. Kat had some Antiseptic cream in her bag and put that on and then Gaby put on the Elastoplast.

“Thank you very much. My name is Renate. What are your names?”

Gaby introduced the others to Renate. The she explained we where on tour and dancing in various European cities over the next few weeks. In addition some of our group are also entered in various cycle races. This trip combines two things some of us enjoy doing.”

Kat “Tonight Renate we dance at the Royal theatre in Innsbruck. t Tomorrow we are free all day before we have our final show in Innsbruck.”

Renate. “After you have finished dancing tonight will you allow me to take you all out for a meal?”

Gaby looked at the others as Kat gave the thumbs up. “Yes we would love to.”

That evening the dancers performed a super show in Innsbruck, which culminated in nine curtain calls. Kat. “I though We would never get away.”

Maddy. “I for one am famished.” As she rubbed her tummy. As promised Renate was waiting for them in a Black BMW.

Renate. “Willie will drive us tonight.” The girls took Willie to be Renate's boyfriend. The girls arrived at rather a posh restaurant. A strange thing happened as theywalked into the restraunt.

The headwaiter & all the other staff stopped working and looked our way. The headwaiter then came and said, “Madam your table is ready.” It was ready amassing as all the other waiters came flocking to our table to take our orders. It was like bees around a honey pot. Willie did not join us for some reason.

22.00 As we where about to order a very smart couple came in and saw Renate. Renate called across to them, “Fritz, Heidi come join us.”

This seemed to us more like an order than a request. The couple came across and joined us. Renate introduced us to Fritz and Heidi and explained we had been dancing in Innsbruck before our dance group moved on to Munich the capitol of Bavaria for our next venue.

Fritz informed us he had a little place in Liechtenstein. He then said “Renate please allow me to pay for the meal.”

Em asked, “Where was that?”

Gaby. “Oh Em it is a principality close to Switzerland.” “In fact we pass through Vaduz the Capital when we go to Switzerland to dance. The country is ruled by a prince.”

Gaby noticed some hand signals pass between Renate & Fritz but did not know what they meant. Gaby turned to Fritz and asked, “What do you do sir?”

Fritz. “Oh I work for a bank.”

The evening went very well and the Renate said, “When did you say you were visiting my country?”

Jool's, “Renate said she lived in the kingdom of Bavaria.”

Kat, “Bavaria these days is part of Germany.”

Fritz , “ Correct the Kingdom of Bavaria is part of Germany. Just like England is to Britain.”

Maddy. “We have tomorrow free and then we have to pack up an move to Munich we are supposed to be staying at the Royal Sigfried hotel.”

Renate. “I have a idea why pack up tonight. I will collect you and take you to your hotel to meet the rest of your group.”

Maddy. “We will have to check with Margaret the Principal that it is OK.”

After having a word with the Principal Renate said, “I will be back in half an hour for you. Willie was again driving the Black BMW.

Before we met Renate again though Jool's said, “Did any of you notice anything strange last night?”

Ally, “I did it the restaurant how everyone behaved around us.”

Gaby. “Renate gave Fritz a hand signal but I have no idea what it meant.”

We all shrugged our shoulders. “Perhaps it was our imagination.”

Kat. “What happened to Willie he vanished just before Fritz turned up?” The porters carried out our luggage and placed it in the Boot of the BMW. We joined Renate in the back of the car and chatted. Eventually we reached Landeck in the Upper Inn Valley. Shortly after this we passed through in to Bavaria. At the customs check points we where not even stopped. We where waved through, unlike all the other cars that where been stopped and had to fill in customs declarations.

10.00 Renate. “I was wondering if you would like to see one of Sigfried's palaces?” We drove right up to Newswanstein Castle & just got waved through.

Renate said something in German to the guard that the girls did not understand. What ever was said caused the guad to leave his post.

Renate. “I told the Guide I would escort you through the Castle.”

Kat. “Renate before we look round could I go to the toilet”. Renate did not come with the four of us to the toilet.

Maddy. “Did you notice the border guards when we went through?”

Kat. “Yes they saluted us and they would have no idea who I was.

Jools. “I have noticed that Renate could be Gaby's twin sister if they where dressed alike.”

Ally. “Renate did not tell the guide she would take us round. But said, “We where Sigfried's guests.”

Gaby. “Yes I noticed the similarity to myself and Maddy.” Renate showed us round the castle including some areas that appeared to be private apartments. In one Gaby noticed a photo of a lady with Two babies. The Lady looked like Gaby's mother when she was younger. We then where taken through a gorge.

Renate. "We had just walked back into Austria."

13.00 Maddy by now was complaining that she was hungry.

Renate “There is a very nice restaurant nearby. As we went in the headwaiter went to Kat & asked if we had booked. Kat was just saying no when he noticed Gaby & Renate. He did a double take and said, “Sorry I did not realise who it was. Please come this way. This is a very nice table it has a good view of the lake.” With that he snapped his fingers and all the waiters came running to serve us. Kat & Gaby once again went to the toilet.

Kat. “Gaby have you any clue as to what is going on as they will have no idea you are Queen of Northumbria? That waiter was about to say no. Then he saw you & Renate and he looked terrified as if he might lose his life or something. He had all the staff bending over backwards just like in Innsbruck when Fritz bought us the meal.”

Gaby. “I have noticed Renate never pays for anything she just gets waved through. Tonight I am going on my laptop to do some checking. At the moment this has got me stumped as to what is going on. I do know Kat that Renate has already spent a fortune on the four of us. I also wondered if she was some sort of relation of yours Kat although she has not ackowledged you if she is.”

We rejoined the group and had a nice meal. As we were leaving we did notice a group arguing with the Head waiter & saying “We booked a table for Five & now you tell us we have the wrong day and that we are booked in for next week.”

As we departed Renate asked “ would you like to meet the family.”

Gaby. “We would love to." Our small group was then taken to a Swiss type Chalet in Fischen-Langenwang.

18.00 Outside the Chalet there was several highly polished BMW & Opal cars. We where introduced by Renate, To an Elderly gentleman & a lady. Then we where introduced to Isolde & her two brothers. We have a meal with the family before returning to Munich & our Hotel.

At the Hotel Maddy ordered a drink and a sandwich. The waiter arrived and asked for payment. He was taking the money when Renate entered the room and said, “ What do you think you are doing?”

By the terrified look on his face we all knew he had made a terrible mistake. The next minute he was in front of Gaby & Maddy on his knees. He was asking for forgiveness and said, “He was sorry for trying to charge her.”

Gaby looked at the petrified man who was kneeling in front of her. “We forgive you. You where only doing your job.” The terrified waiter almost ran away.

The manager came. “I apologise for his mistake there will be no charge for your entire group during your stay with us. Please accept this Champagne from the Management. I hope you enjoy your stay in the Kingdom of Bavaria & this will not mar your visit here.”

20.00 Later that evening Renate left them she assured her friends they would be seeing her soon. After she had gone. Maddy once again ordered a drink & ham sandwich.

Ally. “Maddy I do not know how you manage to eat what you do and never put weight on.” It was the same waiter who came. He looked petrified as he saw Gaby.

Gaby. “Sit.”

The waiter did as he was ordered. Gaby. “Now explain why you are scared of us,”

The waiter. “Please mistress I have a wife and daughter.”

Gaby spoke to the manager and ordered Coffee & cakes for them all. “The waiter will stay and serve us. Now you relax.”

21.00 Gaby switched on her laptop she typed Bavaria. After emailing her parents and Justine to tell them about the strange occurrences. The computer came up the fact Bavaria had a king called Sigfried who was also the German Prime Minister. He had no family but his niece was his heir apparent. There were no pictures of either of them. Gaby did find two pictures of some people he had met. The pictures where of Fritz & Heidi. Gaby decided to keep quiet about this as she had an idea about Renate.

Kat. “I am called Kat when I am with my friends, This is Gaby, Ally, Maddy & Jools” Gaby slipped a Valium in his drink.

“Mein namen ist Gustaff. I am head waiter here at the Royal Sigfried hotel.”

Gaby. “Do the Bavarian royal family own this hotel.”

“Madam you know the answer already.”

Gaby. “Do you know these two?” pointing at the photos of Fritz & Heidi.

The waiter. “Yes Mistress that is the Prince & Princess of Liechtenstein they come in here often.

Jool's “Wow and they told us they worked for a bank and had a little place in Vaduz.”

The waiter looked at Gaby and then at Jools. “You are her sisters and are testing me out.”

Gaby. “You can go now, but send the manager to me.” The manager came promptly. “I want Gustaff to continue serving us whilst we are here. After We leave he is to be promoted.”

“Yes Princess.” Came the reply.

09.00 the following day The girls where due to dance at the Royal Munich Opera house in the evening. Margaret the principal had called to say they now had an additional date in Liechtenstein at the Royal Opera House.

Gaby smiled at this news. As they where told they now would have free time in Liechtenstein instead of Switzerland. The smile spread across all of Gaby's face. Kat noticed the smile.

Kat. “You know something that I do not.”

Gaby. “After we have danced tonight I will tell you. But I will keep it to myself until then. Yesterday Renate let slip she had a friend in Skipton.”

Jools.“Oh anybody we know?”

Gaby. “Yes only our former William Church.”

Ally “There is something odd about Renate.” An email came from Home. To say Justine had dropped what she was doing and was coming to Munich Airport with your father Gaby. They should be here for tonight's performance.

19.00 That evening The Opera house was packed to capacity. The Audience was all dressed up. The girls had noticed most of the men had sashes over their shoulders and all wore black tie. The ladies all where in exquisite dresses. Two national anthems where played the German boots and laces. This was followed by the English National Anthem. There was a slight difference though the audience said king instead of Queen. After a performance that went very well the Principal Margaret appeared and asked every one of the girls to put on their best dresses. They then had to wait until instructed to move. Margaret came back with a list in her hand. They had to line up when called outside the dressing room. The last five to be called where Ally, Maddy, Kat, Jools. & Gaby. Coming down the passageway was an elderly gentleman sporting a red sash. He had The Iron cross and other decorations on. StAllyng on one side of him was Justine & on the other was Gaby's mother. It took all their nerve for Gaby & Jools to stay put and not go and greet their mother. Eventually the Gentleman arrived at the last five after stopping and talking to the others.

22.30 Jenny, “Sigfried I would like to introduce my daughters and their cousins.”

“Which of you is Gaby?” Gaby stepped forward.

“The Crown Princess of Fischen-Langenwang & her cousin have been talking to me about you.”

Gaby. “Sir I am sorry you must have made a mistake as I do not know The Crown Princess although it is obvious you know my mother. We have only one friend in Bavaria & if we were dressed alike she would look like my twin. That girl is called Renate & we were expecting to see her tonight after the show. I remember you sir from a previous encounter in America then you were the German Ambassador.”

The Elderly gentleman took hold Gaby's hand as he did so Justine said, “Gaby May I introduce a very dear friend of mine Sigfried King of Bavaria. As he did this Gaby noticed a girl with a tiara gliding down the passage.

Gaby smiled as Kat said, “Renate oh my god.”

Gaby's mother said, “Gaby may I formally introduce The Crown Princess of Bavaria the Princess Renate of Fischen-Langenwang & your twin sister.

Kat. “Where are Fritz & Heidi? As they should also be here” Just then they appeared dressed up and walking down the passage.

King Sigfried “It gives me great pleasure to introduce formal my great niece and Prima Ballerina with the Royal & Northern Ballet And also Junior British. European & World cycle champion Gabriel Bond-Peters.”

Prince Fritz took hold of Gaby's her hand & kissed it. Then Justine said, “Gaby may I introduce from the Principality of Liechtenstein His Royal Highness the Prince Fritz & his wife the Princess Heidi. Your cousin & one of my great nephews.

Justine “Tonight we all depart for a evening at the Royal palace where you all are guests. Gaby and the girls had a super evening at the palace.

Gaby said, "We will have to be going to get ready for the next show”

Renate. “Everything has already been packed and brought here for you whilst you where in the Opera house. For the next two days you all are my guests.

Kat .“What about the extra show we have to perform”

Renate. “That show is for the Royal Family only and will take place here.” For the next couple of days the girls had a super time with Renate.

Gaby. “Renate about William Church & how did you meet him?”

Renate. “It was strange I met him in a similar way to you. I was in Yugoslavia visiting the Spanish Riding School. When I injured myself. He also met up with Fritz & Heidi but never knew who they where. He has visited me on several occasions. He though never knew my correct title.”

Gaby. “Renate if you wish to join us on the 30th July you could be one of his bridesmaids. I also think there are a lot of things going on that I know nothing about.”

It was shortly after this that Gaby overheard two of the other dancers talking. “I do not see why we have to go to these cycle races. Its not as if any of those that will be riding will be any good.”

The next day was the first of the races. Gaby smiled as she saw the support van with Godfried and Bill. The girls went to change into their skins and then they were handed their bikes. Gaby was in pole position and was wearing the yellow jersey of a champion. They were off Gaby's friends and companions soon joined her as they took the lead. They occasionallly changed positions. Gaby could see the grandstand and the finishing post. Putting in a super human effort she shot away from her friends. As she passed the finishing post she noticed the elderly Italian lady from Bavano was there with a large group waving the Italian flag with a crown on. As she got nearer she realised they were calling her Gabriel di Savoy. Among the Italian group was Brightflame and his family.

Kat came in second place. In third place came a very shattered Maddy.

Gaby. “Well at least Appolonaris will be pleased we took first three places. I though am going to have to watch you two as either of you could take my titles.”

As they were going to recieve their prizes Gaby once again heard the same two girls talking about her. “Now she has won this race she will think she is a champion.”

Gaby recieved the trophy from Sigfried. As she left the stand a microphone was thrust in front of her. “Miss Bond have you anything to say about todays win?

Gaby tapped the microphone to double check it was on. “Yes I have plenty to say. First I would like to thank Appolonaris for having the foresight to encourage a youth team. This is my first win while racing under their colours. For those who do not already know it I am already the Junior British, European & World champion. I am on a combined dancing and cycling trip across Europe. This trip has been sponcered by Appolonaris. So if anybody is interested I will be dancing in Munich once more before moving on to Lichtenstein.”

Once Gaby got back to the girls she spoke to them all. “There are a couple here who think I should only be dancing. They do not see why they should attend a cycle race. Well first off all I am the current Junior British, European & World champion. Secondly most of you have had to contribute very little to this trip as it in the main has been paid for by Appolonaris the cycle manufacturers.”

It was obvious which the two girls were as they turned crimson.

Liechtenstein & Switzerland

After their final night in Munich the group once again had to pack up in preparation for their visit to Liechtenstein. The entire group discovered they were being accommodated in the Royal Castle of Liechtenstein. From there the girls went on to dance in Switzerland. They where due to perform at the Tree theatre in Lucerne. This is called so because the theatre is built round a tree. When permission was given for its construction the designers had to build round the ancient tree rather than remove it. This is always a focal point for any visitor to the Theatre. The girls got to the theatre the day before they were expected. There was an Austrian & Swiss dancing competition taking place.

The manager came up to Gaby & explained what was happening. Then he said, “You are all welcome to stay and partake in the dancing”. “I can find costumes to fit most of you although some may have to dress as men.” As luck would have it only five of the girls had to dress as men. Adrienne, Carol, Lisa, Ally & Helen all the rest found costumes to fit. After getting dressed up the girls joined the rest of the dancers on the floor.

Then some of the teams started putting their display on. The second team on partway through asked for volunteers to come & join them. As they did so a Swiss gentleman grabbed hold of Gaby. While his partner took hold of Ally. “You two copy us,”

The rather large Swiss lady grabbed hold of her partner and started slapping his bottom. Gaby had to do the same to Ally. The rest of the girls were in hysterics with their antics. Then the compare explained the significance of the hankies. A white one meant you where single. A red hankie you where married. And a red one with white spots meant that you where married but looking for another woman. When the Swiss couple comes on and dance he started off with a Red hankie. But after getting his bottom slapped he was waving a red & white one. At this point Ally & the Swiss man go off stage and bring back a pretty girl each.

This does not go down well with their wives who go and find a young man each and the dance continues. Gaby decided to try & embarrass Carol & Jenny so she whispered to Ally you get Jenny & I will get Carol. As this was a progressive more and more people ended up on the stage each time. Eventually everybody in the room was doing it. Later that night Jenny caught hold of Gaby & Ally. “I could have killed the two of you for doing that to us have you no respect”.

Carol who was stood near by. “Well I for one enjoyed having my bottom spanked by Gaby.” They then started to laugh. It was about 3.00 am when we all crashed out in our designated rooms.

Some rooms had more occupants than they should. Gaby awoke the following morning with a thick head. She also appeared to have grown extra arms and legs. After untangling her self she found not only was she in bed with Ally & Maddy but Em & Kat had joined them. Gaby went to have a shower and just as she was getting dressed the telephone rang to say breakfast would be ready in half an hour. The other slowly started to emerge from their sleep. Gaby decided to help them by getting a cold wet facecloth a slowly dripping it on to them. Ally tongue went out to grab a droplet of water. Gaby mean while decided to bounce up and down on the bed to awaken the rest of them. After a lot of sigh's and moans they got themselves up.

Gaby “Hurry up, Breakfast call has just been”. With that the tumbled out of the bed and went to get themselves presentable.

Going into the Dining room together the girls where escorted to a table for five. Most of the others where already up but Carol & Jenny where missing. Gaby “Before we start breakfast who's going to get the sleepy heads up,”

Sisters Helen & Adrianne said “They would go and awake them”.

Jenny & Carol came through the door looking worse for wear.

Kat & Ally took them some strong black coffee. After about 15 minutes they appeared to brighten up. “Right what is on today's agenda?” Said Jenny.

Ally. “We are going on a cruise this morning followed by a visit to Museum this afternoon and then we dance tonight.” At the thought of a cruise there was a groan from Carol & Jenny.

Gaby. “Come on you two it was not that bad last night,” After breakfast they all crossed the road from their hotel and went into the park. There they all boarded their chartered cruise for the morning.

On the cruise Carol & Jenny took the opportunity to go sun bathing & promptly fell back to sleep. Whilst they where asleep Em said to Gaby “They remind me of sleeping cats”. As she did so Kat & Ally came up & heard what was said. Good job I have these with me.” as she pulled out a couple of cat out fits from her bag. After a little bit of help from the others they managed to dress both Carol & Jenny as cats. Ally & Em gave them some whiskers. Maddy found two bells and attached one to each of them. Eventually Carol & Jenny awoke but did not realise they where now dressed as cats. They where all to have lunch on board before returning. As Carol & Jenny went into the dining area.

The waitress asked them if they would prefer raw fish and milk for their meal. A giggle went out from the rest of the girls. Initially Carol & Jenny did not notice the others laughing then Jenny noticed Carol.

“Carol you look like a giant black cat”.

“Oh my look at you” said Jenny. Carol said, “Look at yourself”. Just then Darcie walked in for her lunch. “Oh I see the twin cats have joined us today.”

Jenny was by now getting rather annoyed and demanded to know who had done it to them. Gaby stepped forward.

“No you did not”. Said Ally as she also stepped forward “It was me”.

“No it was me,” said Kat.

“No it was us as the rest of the pack stepped forward.”

Darcie then spoke, “I am sorry to have to admit this but in actual fact all of us had a hand in how you two look. Carol & Jenny you both had a job to do and left me to look after them. It kept everybody occupied and amused. You Jenny put Gaby through hell but did she complain. “No”. Today everybody has had some fun at your expense but they are still your friends.”

As the boat pulled up at the pier we disembarked. Carol & Jenny had decided to stay in the cat costumes rather than bother getting changed. We all went into the museum. The theme was transport about the ages. Inside there was everything from a ship and plane to train and cars. Gaby was with Ally, Kat, Jools, & Maddy. They wandered through a door marked Future together. As they went through the door they found that they where back in the Realm of Oberon.

Tinkerbell “Greetings. Mother & Father where wanting to see you Empress.”

Gaby. “Tinkerbell I wish you would call me Gaby like everyone else.”

As Gaby & the four other walked into the throne room Oberon & his wife bowed. “ EMPRESS ” Oberon then changed it to, “Gaby & family we have located your great Grandmother and she is now free. Vespasian is escorting her here to recuperate.”

As he spoke Vespasian came in with Gaby's great grandmother. She was very pale but greeted her grandchildren. “Until she recovers you are still the Empress Gaby. As such you are expected to act with decorum and not play practical jokes on your friends.”

“Oh you know about that,” said Ally.

Oberon. “I would like all of you to stay here a little while to help look after your grandmother.”

Gaby was about to say what about the others. When she remembered that it did not matter how long she stayed as no time would have elapsed. “We would love to get to know my grandmother and help look after her.”

Day after day the cousins where at their Grandmothers bedside. They ensured that she was well fed and looked after. One day Gaby remembered that sometimes she could lay her hands on people and pain went away. Gaby decided to give this a try so she laid her hands on her Grandmothers head the other on her heart. As Gaby laid her hands on her Grandmother she felt the energy flow through her. As she did so a blue light seemed to emanate from Gaby's hands. As the light got brighter so did the room. Eventuality the whole room was bathed in a blue light. Oberon walked in and stood transfixed. After a few minutes Gaby was joined by her ever-faithful Maddy. As Maddy joined forces with Gaby the brightness more than doubled.

Watching this Jool's, Kat & Ally all decided that they might be able to help. So the followed the example of the others. Very soon there was a gentle humming sound and then a blinding flash. Instead of being laid on the bed very ill their grandmother was stood before them. “Thank you my children for bringing me back”.

Gaby, “We would like to get to know you better. There are those who have been missing you longer”. As she spoke Gaby summoned her mother and Aunt. The two of them appeared and Gaby took her mother and aunt over to her grandmother who was talking to the other girls. Gaby & the others decided to leave the older ladies to get reunited. “Right team we better return to Switzerland & the others.”

Back in Switzerland their disappearance had almost gone unnoticed. That is but for Darcie who had followed them but returned when she saw where they had gone. “How did it go she asked the girls” as they returned.

Gaby. “Mother & Aunt are having a reunion with somebody rather special. Darcie gave a smile. That night the show was a success the cheering went on and on. After this they had to pack up and prepare to move on again this time they went through Constance and back into Germany. First they stopped off at the Rhine falls. Then they travelled up the Rhine passing the Lorelei rock. The guide told the group about the Rock and how Sailors where lured to their deaths. As he spoke a girl was swimming in the Rhine. She swam alongside the boat.

Gaby held her hand out to pull the girl in. “Neptune sends us with his greetings O Empress”. Then she was gone.

Ally, “Did I just imagine that a girl spoke to us and then vanished”.

Before Gaby could answer. A voice replied “I am not a girl”. She swam along side with her sisters. “Do not worry only the evil would drown here. My father bids us ensure you have a safe passage.

The second girl. “I am Lorelei Neptune's daughter. As they swam close to Gaby & Maddy they touched them. A flash of green passed between them. Now you can join us tonight for a party to welcome the new Empress.

Gaby.“I am Gaby or Gabriel please call me that.”

The first mermaid spoke, “It would be considered disrespectful and incur the Wrath of NEPTUNE to call you anything else.”

That night the girls stayed overnight at Koblence. After talking it over with Darcie. They decided to go swimming. As they dived in all the girls found they turned into mermaids. In the water they where greeted by Lorelei and her sister. “Welcome to the realm of Neptune” They where escorted down deep into the river and under caves & through tunnels. Untill they eventually came to land again.

As they reached land they again turned into girls. As did the Two mermaids. As they came into a large hall there sat on a throne with his trident at his side was Neptune. “ WELCOME” his voice reverberated around the room. “So you are my brothers Child. Come here child and sit on my knee.” Gaby was a little perplexed about been referred to as his brother's child.

Darcie, “Gaby Your many times great grandfather was Oden brother to Neptune.”

“ Correct witch for I see you too are of my blood”.

“Yes replied Darcie I am her companion & one of guardians while on this trip.”

“There is nothing to fear while here. Rest and play with your cousins. Like the realm of my brother Oberon time here will pass very slowly”.

Gaby's ears picked up at the mention of Oberon. “I last saw Oberon two days ago. He had effected the escape of Tatiania my great grandmother.”

“Good” BOOMED Neptune, “Then that alone is a good reason to celebrate tonight.” As the celebrations started Neptune banged his trident. “Time for you Empress to join me here” As he motioned for Gaby to sit on the throne at the side of him. As she sat down three ladies dressed in Silver and gold with long blond hair came in.

Neptune arose but told Gaby to remain seated. He went down and embraced each of the ladies. Following behind was Oberon & his family. Tinkerbell & Vespasian when they saw Gaby ran past the adults to Gaby.

Tinkerbell shouted “GABY.”

Neptune looked at his brother in disgust. “That is no way to greet the Empress.”

Oberon, “ It is by the order of the Empress they do so”. As the females got neared to her Gaby noticed it was in fact her mother, Aunt and a very much younger great Grandmother.

As they bowed before her Gaby said, “No I am your child, niece and grandchild. It is I who should show respect for you.”

Neptune. “The time for formalities is over. Let us enjoy ourselves.”

Lorelei & her Sister approached NEPTUNE. “ Father who do we obey if the Empress tells us to do something will those instructions over ride your instructions if it is different?”

Neptune. “What was the instruction?”

Gaby. “I gave them instructions like I did to Oberon's Children to call me GABY and not Empress.”

Neptune laughed. “Yes that is ok my daughters if that is the Empress wish. I though will still refer to you as Empress, or my niece for that is what you even if it is many times removed.”

Gaby motioned for her Grandmother to join her. She rose and gave her seat to her grandmother. As Tatiania sat down she got Gaby to sit on her Knee. Then Neptune & the others sat down.

Tatiania. “I never got chance to thank you before you returned to the realm of man”.

Tatiania arose and spoke “I wish to thank Oberon & his family for effecting my escape from the haunted Realm. However even then I was still locked in another realm. Gaby and my other Grand daughters managed to free me from that realm. So a big thank you is in order.”

Neptune stepped forward and placed a silver crown on Gaby's head. “You Gabriel are now Queen of the Seas & waters.”

Oberon followed and placed a smaller crown of Gold inside the silver one. “I follow the lead of my brother. Gabriel I crown you the queen of the air & all flying creatures.”

As he spoke the great doors came crash in stepped a blond haired man with blue eyes. “You honour my child well my Brothers”. Both Neptune & Oberon both bowed before the newcomer. Gaby herself rose as she noticed all the others prostrating themselves before him. Gaby though did not as she took his hand. “You are not scared of me” he asked Gaby.

“Who ever you are do's not matter to me. From the way the other greeted you, You can only be one person.” As Gaby spoke though she was clinging on to her Grandmother.

Wodin laughed “You talk brave for such a little girl”. He then turned to Tatiania. “I take it my Granddaughter has now recovered sufficiently.”

As he spoke to Tatiania. “My brothers have both honoured you now I give to you the keys to Valhalla for soon you will be enthroned there. For now I crown you Queen of the Heavens and place a Platinum crown inside the golden one. Now my brothers the festivities can start. This time the party did start in earnest.

Gaby went over to her mother. “I still do not understand”. “Why me?” “Why not Jool's.”

“You my darling are very special”. Gaby danced with her cousins the dancing went on for several days. Eventually they all had to return to their own realm and Gaby & the others returned to the Rhine. They stopped over in the Black Forrest before continuing on to Brussels.

Whilst eating their evening meal. There was a thunderstorm. Jenny looked at Carol & said we better prepare for danger. That's a warning. The next second the hotel was struck by lightning and the Electricity was knocked out. The management of the hotel came round with candles for the guests so that they could go to their rooms. The room Gaby was in was very large she called the others. Gaby spoke & said Jool's, Kat, Ally & Maddy remember Grandma. They all held hands and as they held hand the room started to glow. The others followed suite

As the room started to glow there was a blue flash and the girls found themselves back in the realm of Neptune “Back so soon." He boomed.

Carol. "Our hotel in the black Forest was struck by Lightening. Gaby somehow managed to transport all of us here to safety. For if we had stayed I doubt very much if we would still be here."

Lorelei & her sister came into the room. “Father Satan has tried a pre-emptive strike on Gaby "

Neptune. “In that case we had better increase security. As soon as dawn came the girl transported back to the Black Forest. They though where never far from protection. They saw the remains of one of the hotels that some of their group had being staying at. It was a pile of ash. As luck would have it none of the girls had taken anything into the hotel. Gaby had transported the entire group. Those who were just normal had no recolection of the evenings event.

As they got near Brussels they stopped in the Ardennes forest for a meal. While there they took a walk & Gaby got separated from the rest. As she was making her way back she came across a magnificent white stag. It turned to Gaby. "It is far too dangerous in these woods for you to be here alone. This forest still has many unexploded mines from the last war."

Gaby. "Somehow I got separated from the rest but I was making my way back when I met you. Do you know Lord Herne?" As she did so the stag turned into Herne.

"You remembered your lesson well child of my brother". Now let us get you back to safety.” After that the trip to Brussels was uneventful.

20 July we are in Brussels the Main Street has a fun fair running the entire length. This is because it is a national holiday to celebrate Independence Day. The girls where due to dance at the National theatre and where due to stay at the grand Hotel. They where to dance on the 20.21.22 & 23 before moving on to Amsterdam. While in Brussels the girls decided to go to the fun fair. Carol gave instructions that at least two of them had to be with Gaby at all times. With that ringing in their ears the girls went to the funfair. They where have a great time until they got to the Dodgem cars.

Gaby was just about to get into a car when Ally said, "It will not take three so we do not go in it." The words had no sooner left her mouth when the Irish girls who got into the car Gaby was about to take crashed through the safety barrier and where badly injured. Gaby & her friends went across to see if they could help. Gaby placed her hands on each girl a purple glow left her hands. As she did so the girls recovered. Much to the surprise of the attendants. The girls where taken to the hospital where apart from shock & bruising they where found to be Ok. After this near mishap the girls decided to go back to the Grand Hotel. It was not long before they where due to dance.

That night after the show Carol came with Darcie. “Gaby you have two Visitors to see you to thank you for what you did earlier in the day.”

The two Irish girls came in. "Empress came to thank you for helping us at the funfair.”

Ally. "It was nothing we would have helped anybody." As they spoke Gaby noticed their red hair and pointed ears. Gaby took both of them by her hand "I think I have caught myself two of the little people."

"Please let us go" Gaby did so. "We where on holiday when we got informed of the attempt on you so we where ordered to look out for you. Instead you looked out for us & you own our lives. The girls explained “We are the kin of Oberon's people and normally lived in Ireland. You Empress must eventually return to the Haunted Isle or England as you know it " From that day on where ever Gaby went she had two additional protectors.

4 July. Gaby and the dancers departed for the short journey to Amsterdam and the Royal theatre. This time Gaby knew there would be a strong family contingent. As her parents where due. She also hoped her grandmother and Justine would also be there. Also in Amsterdam Gaby and the team would have another cycle race.

Sharp 13.01.09 © 2009

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