Cynthia and Carl were in the
second sweep of their zone when Cynthia thought she heard the faintest out of
place sound. She grabbed Carl’s arm and drew him deeper into cover.

The two froze and waited, a
short time later they saw a figure slowly and stealthily move within inches of
them. It was a strange rat, dressed in camouflage and with a bow.

They both silently drew their
combat knives. The rat moved on, the two continued to wait silently for the
figure to disappear in the distance, then they began to follow the direction
that the rat had come from. About a half an hour later they found what they
were looking for. Through their binoculars they watched the enemy army march
in their direction, the army of rats was several hundred strong, mostly
ferocious looking natural rats, backed up by around a hundred NIMH rats and
even more horrifying was the fact that the army contained a large, fat, orange,
one eyed tabby cat. Carl had only heard of Dragon through legend, but Cynthia
was all to familiar with Dragon. He had been a threat to her and her family
until the day they moved to Thorn Valley. He was the cat that had killed her
father and nearly killed her mother and their friend Jeremy the crow. They
stayed at the position gathering information as long as they dared and then
began the painfully slow and cautious trip back to the communication unit.

Dante was so worn out from the
drive that he could hardly appreciate the beauty of West Virginia, that and the
fact it was almost midnight. He was finally in Bolair. As he was driving
through he turned onto a wide, recently paved road that cut deep into a field.

“Dante. Are we there yet?”
Jonathan asked sleepily.

“I’m not sure where we are.” He
replied.

“Give me a boost.” Jonathan
asked, Dante picked him up so he could see out the window.

“I know where we are. This was
the Fitzgibbons farm. Look, there’s the house.”

He said and pointed into the distance.
They drove a little further and pulled up in front of an abandoned farm house.
Dante pulled out a flashlight and approached the house with Jonathan in his
other hand. There was a large sign in the yard showing how the entire property
was being subdivided and sold for housing. They both approached the farm house
cautiously. They both knew it very well and were so accustomed to the dangers
that were to be expected there that even Dante felt nervous.

“The rosebush was right in the
front yard.” Dante said as he walked up to where it had been. Then he went up
to the house and forced open the door. They could both feel the threat of
Dragon. Dante had to remind himself that Dragon was not a threat to him in
this form. They found there way to the kitchen.

“It was here that Dragon ruined
my life. If our paths ever cross again I’ll make that fat cat rue the day he
ever laid his eye on this little gray mouse.” Jonathan said with grim
determination. A short time later they wandered out into the field where the
large stone that sheltered the cinderblock where Jonathan had lived with his
family.

“Ah, home sweet home. I wish, I
wish...” Jonathan said sadly as Dante set him on the ground nearby.

“I know you miss them,
Jonathan. We have such a strong connection that I miss them also. Come on,
Just a little while longer and we’ll see them again.” Dante said and quickly
scooped up Jonathan and they hurried to the car.

“To Thorn Valley!” Jonathan
shouted as they headed east.

A short time later they turned
into a parking area for the park. Dante parked and began packing his gear in
his large bag. He loaded the gun and filled the bandoleers put the straps on
the gun and the sword.

“Dante we can only go part of
the way with you in this form. They are going to be expecting us. They will
most likely try to track me by the power I radiate. I’ll have to lower it to
almost nothing. When we get to that point, I’ll change you over because we
must try to get to the valley without detection so don’t use the gun unless its
absolutely necessary, just use the sword, right now the enemy and his entire
army are between us and the valley and I doubt that the two of us are strong
enough to beat them all.

“I’ll get us there. Let them
try to stop us.” Dante said as he saw a flicker of white cross his vision.
Dante picked up Jonathan and put him in his shirt pocket and they headed off
into the darkness toward Thorn Valley.

Cynthia and Carl weren’t sure
how many hours it had taken them to inch their way back to the communication
point, the woods felt alive with enemies. When they got to the stone the area
seemed quiet, to quite. They could sense an ambush. They did a quick huddle
and whispered conversation.

“Someone is waiting for us to
show ourselves.” Carl said.

“We have to send our message. I
have an idea, you’re the better archer. I could draw their fire and you can
hit the shooter.” She said with determination. Carl just looked at her with a
look of complete shock.

“That’s insane.” He replied.

“But it’ll give you a target.”
She replied. He didn’t want to agree, It might take several hours of cat and
mouse to find their enemy and that enemy could still end up killing them both.
It was a suicidal proposition but there just wasn’t time for anything else.
The message had to get through. He nodded his reluctant agreement.

“I’ll go for the com-unit, I’ll
stay in the shadows, the shooter will hopefully not know my exact location until
I start digging for the unit. Then get ready to shoot.” She said with mock
confidence and began crawling silently on her belly through the shadows toward
the stone.

Carl still couldn’t believe she
was willing to make herself a target to draw the enemy out. He readied an
arrow and waited, scanning the area for any sign of the enemy they knew waited
for them. He was not going to let her down.

Cynthia slowly and silently made
her way to the stone. Fortunately the entire stone was shrouded in darkness.
She reached the spot where she had buried the unit hours earlier, with her
hands she dug in the soil for it. When she found it she slowly pulled it out
and began putting it together. She thought of her family and how they would
react when they found out she had been killed in action. It will break
mother’s heart and Justin and the others will be devastated. I’ll never get to
see Timmy and Jenny’s baby. She thought sadly. She suddenly heard the
faint sound of something cutting through a leaf and she instinctively rolled
over and felt the breeze of an arrow missing her face by just a fraction of an
inch and striking the ground where she had been an instant before, she heard a
cry of pain, she looked up and saw a figure fall from high on a bush. She
quickly assembled the unit and sent her message.

“Thorn Valley. Rangers five.
Check in.”

“Rangers five. Coffee, disk,
English.”

“Thorn Valley. Hammer, fish,
seven.”

“User confirmed. Anything to
report?”

“Yes, narrowly avoided ambush at
com sight. Enemy sighted. Rats, at least three hundred, mostly naturals and
some NIMH type rats, army includes Dragon. Estimate eight to ten hours before
they reach valley.”

“Please explain: Dragon?”

“Dragon the cat.”

“Rangers five. President Justin
has ordered that all rangers return to valley if possible.”

“Orders received and
understood. Rangers five out.” She tapped out and disassembled the unit and
reburied it. Carl came creeping up to her.

“What did they say?”

“They said we can return to the
valley.”

“Yes!” he whispered with
delight.

“We still have to be careful,
they may have people already ahead of us.” Cynthia said seriously.

Dante and Jonathan blazed new
trails through the woods as they quickly moved at a superhuman pace toward the
valley. A cloud cover had come over the entire area, so Dante, even with his
improved senses was having difficulty finding his way. Jonathan had to guide
him all the way. Dante knew they had covered many miles to get to the valley,
which, he thought was exactly why they would have chosen it to live in.

“Stop.” Jonathan commanded.

“What, enemies?”

“Not yet, but this is as far as
we can go this way. I’ll have to change you over.”

Dante took Jonathan out of his
pocket and placed him on the ground. Dante closed his eyes and waited. He
felt the sensation of falling and when he opened his eyes he was looking at
Jonathan eye to eye.

“I can lead us on the shortest
path to the valley. I’ll leave my power on just enough for me to be aware of
any presence nearby. The enemy is ahead of us, we may have to fight our way
through them after all. But still, we must try to be as subtle as long as
possible.”

“No problem, Jonathan.” Dante
said as he drew his sword and handed Jonathan the dufflebag.

“Now we travel the metaphorical
‘longest yard’.” Jonathan said as they continued into the woods. His new
small size was still strange to him, but he was growing more use to it every
second. He did find it very unsettling that he now had to watch for
predators. They didn’t encounter anything as they walked, in fact the forest
seemed deserted, as if all the animals could sense that something terrible was
going to happen here. Dante could feel Thorn Valley, with every step he felt
it stronger and stronger, drawing them, welcoming them. Suddenly, Jonathan
grabbed his arm.

“Oh, please dear God, no!”
Jonathan cried out in distress.

Cynthia and Carl were stuck. They
had stumbled upon a patrol of a dozen enemy rats in their haste to return to
the valley. They managed to find cover before the enemy could attack but were
separated and the enemy was searching for them. The rats were spreading out,
driving their spears into the undergrowth to kill anyone hiding and they were
closing in on her. She heard Carl suddenly make an agonizing cry of pain. She
saw her pursuers turn toward the sound, she took that moment to bolt. She was
up and running before they even knew she was there. She got a good head start
but her smaller size made for shorter distance. The rats were closing in on her
when she became aware of someone rushing at her from the front. She was
determined not to be taken without a fight. She crouched defensively and drew
her knife. A moment later the figure in front of her appeared in a flash and
leaped over her and did a somersault forward and landed in front of her rat
pursuers. The stranger was an oddly dressed, but handsome white mouse with a
sword. They all stood looking at each other for a moment, then the white mouse
leaped at the rats and a brief but furious fight ensued and in a matter of
seconds all the rats fell dead at his feet. Then as quickly as he had appeared
he headed in the direction that the other rats were and moments later there was
the sound of more fighting, then silence. She could hear the sound of
returning foot steps. The white mouse appeared and ran up to her.

“Cynthia, are you all right?”
He asked with great concern.

“Who are you and how do you know
my name?” She asked in amazement as she got to her feet. Then seconds later a
gray mouse dressed just as oddly came rushing out of the woods and ignoring her
knife he ran up to her and hugged her.

“Cynthia, sweetheart, are you
all right?” He asked with tears in his eyes.

“Who are you guys?” She asked,
pushing the gray mouse away.

“I’m Jonathan... and he’s
Dante. We have to get you back to Thorn Valley.” He said with great
seriousness. She came to her senses and held up her knife. They both stepped
back in shock.

“I appreciate you saving my
life, I don’t know who you are and your not coming with me to Thorn Valley.”
She began backtracking to try to find Carl. The swordsmouse had sheathed his
sword and the two mice followed at a safe distance.

“Cynthia. Over here.” Carl
waved to her, he was laying on the ground, a spear driven through his right
leg.

“Carl, stay still, this is going
to really hurt.” She said and pulled the spear out of his leg. He let out a
cry of agony louder than the one he made getting stabbed in the first place.
It was a large wound and bleeding badly.

“To add insult to injury, I
think it might be broken as well.” He said weakly. She looked to the two mice
that were still nearby. If they had wanted them dead they could have killed
them both by now. Perhaps they wanted to be taken to Thorn Valley to get past
its defenses, she would have to play along for now, to get Carl home.

“I need something he can use as
a crutch.” She called out to them, they both disappeared into the woods. She
looked at the wound. It was big and ugly. She drew out the pressure bandage.
She looked to Carl, he nodded his approval. Carl took a stick and put it
between his teeth and prepared himself.

“I’m sorry Carl, but this is
also going to really, really hurt.” she said as she began wrapping the bandage
around his leg and then putting as much pressure on as she could to stop the
severe bleeding. He groaned in terrible pain as she treated the wounds. She
felt sick and she winced with pain with every sound he made. She set the
broken bone and made a splint. After she had finished, Carl let the stick fall
from his mouth.

“You looked like you were in
more pain than I was.” he said and smiled weakly.

The mice soon returned with a
long stick that closely resembled a crutch. It took the three of them to get
Carl to his feet.

“Thank you my fiends. You
saved our lives. Who are you?” Carl said to the strangers.

“I wish we had time to explain,
but we must get to Thorn Valley before the enemy does.” Jonathan said.
Cynthia was still suspicious, but he had a good point. Eventually someone
would miss these rats and come looking and the enemy army was getting closer by
the second.

“We better go, its not much
farther. But there may be more of them between us and the valley.” Cynthia
said and began leading them toward the Valley. Carl’s injuries were slowing
them down considerably, plus they had to abandon all hope of stealth, so
Cynthia reluctantly agreed to let Jonathan and Dante take the point and clear a
path to the entrance to the valley. As they walked Dante could hear that
Jonathan was sniffling.

“Jonathan, what’s the matter?”
Dante asked quietly.

“That’s my baby, my little
Cynthia. She’s all grown up now, I’ve missed every single moment of her entire
life until today. All grown up...So beautiful, just like her mother. The
cruel games that fate plays. I am rushing to protect a community that I helped
to create but have never seen, to be reunited with a wife who is dying of old
age and children to most of whom I’m only a dim memory at best and my little
Cynthia who has no memory of me and we are facing an enemy that might destroy
us all.” he said in anguish. At least you have a family to return to. Dante
thought as they walked.

“Hey, not so fast we’ve got a
wounded man, remember?” She called out with annoyance. They stopped and
waited for her and Carl to catch up. Carl could hardly walk by now. His wound
still bleeding badly. He was getting weak from loss of blood, he wouldn’t last
much longer.

“How far are we from the
valley?” Jonathan asked.

“About ten minutes, why?” She
asked

“You’ll see.” He said and then
suddenly his eyes and hands began to glow.

Cynthia drew her knife in alarm.

“Relax, he won’t hurt either of
you.” Dante said quickly and put himself between Jonathan and Cynthia.
Jonathan put his hands over the wounds and a bright glow flowed through Carl’s
leg. Soon the bleeding stopped. Jonathan pulled back from Carl, he fell to
the ground, exhausted. Dante examined the wound. It stopped bleeding but that
was it, it still looked terrible.

“I’m sorry, that’s the best I
can do. Healing is not my gift. But that should be good enough to get you
back to the valley.” He said weakly. Dante helped him to his feet.

“Let’s go, were almost home.”
Dante said.

“Yes, home at last.” Jonathan
replied with a little sadness in his voice.

Cynthia couldn’t help but notice
that the strange mice had both called Thorn Valley home. Who are they?
She wondered.

Carl was still having trouble,
but soon the entrance was visible in the distance.

“Dante, go on ahead and clear a
path for us. You’ll know ours from theirs so if the bad guys have it, clean
house.” Dante drew his sword and disappeared into the direction of the
entrance.

“Let’s go.” Jonathan said and
they followed Dante. They stopped when they heard sounds of prolonged and
furious fighting.

“All clear!” They heard Dante
shout. They arrived at the gate to find about twenty enemy dead and Dante
uniting the Thorn Valley guards and about a dozen others that had been captured
and bound, Cynthia recognized them as members of the long range patrol and four
of her fellow rangers. Cynthia stood in amazement. Again this strange mouse
had ripped through the enemy without a scratch. Cynthia went to the com-unit
at the guard house.

“Thorn Valley. This is Ranger
Brisby at main gate. Enemy had taken over gate and was capturing those
returning to valley. Entrance cleared of enemy by two outsider mice named
Jonathan and Dante. We are returning to base with one wounded. Beware, one
outsider is a remarkable swordsman and the other has exhibited strange powers.
They claim to be here to help us, but be on guard in case of tricks.”

When Timothy Brisby rushed into
Justin’s office he found Justin at his desk with his hands folded, his head
lowered and his eyes closed and on the desk in front of him was an open book.
Justin looked up and Timothy handed him the message from Cynthia. Timothy
noticed that the book Justin had been reading was the Bible. When he saw Tim’s
curious look he smiled.

“It can’t hurt to ask.” Justin
said. Justin read the note quickly and smiled.

“We have sent reinforcements to
the entrance and have also dispatched a medical team.” Timothy informed him.
Justin laughed, overjoyed to receive the message from a surprised Timothy
Brisby. Justin went on the P.A. system and made an announcement.

“Would Rose, Martin and Teresa
Brisby please meet me at the front gate as soon as possible. There is a
special friend of our people who is returning after a long absence. Cynthia
and Carl are escorting him home right now. I would like the rest of you there
to greet him.” He said joyfully. Justin saw the look on Timothy’s face. A
look of confusion upon seeing Justin’s big smile. Then his mouth fell open.

“Justin..., is this
Jonathan...dad...?” is all Timothy could say.

Justin walked over to Timothy
and put his hands on his shoulders.

“Yes, Tim. Your father’s coming
home.” It was a good thing that Justin had his hands on Timothy’s shoulders,
it allowed him to quickly grab hold of his shirt to prevent Timothy from
falling to the floor when his knees gave out. He helped Timothy to a chair.

“How can dad be alive? He was
killed by Dragon.” Timothy asked in a daze. Justin told him all about the
dream and about what Jonathan had explained about his survival.

“Tim, I know this is going to be
difficult for you and your family. But, remember that its also going to be
very difficult for your father. He’s been the proverbial Rip VanWinkle. He’s
suddenly awakened to find that life and the world have passed him by. He told
me that his last memory of you was you as a sickly child who might not recover
from the spider bite. He’s missed out on every facet of your lives since
then.”

Timothy sat silently for a few
moments, then a big smile crossed his face and he leaped up and began jumping
up and down.

“My father’s alive!” He
shouted.

“Yes, he is and if we wait here
much longer we’ll miss his arrival.” Justin said. Timothy bolted out of the
room and down the corridor with Justin not far behind.

At the gate they waited
impatiently. They both paced back and forth in front of the guards at the
gate. Later Rose, Martin and Teresa showed up. Rose had a serene smile on her
face, but her two older children just looked confused. They were more confused
when they saw the obvious excitement of Justin and Timothy.

“Justin, who exactly are we
greeting?” Martin asked.

“Wait and see.” Is all Justin
would say. A short time later, illuminated by the bonfires that burned to
light the killing zone in front of the entrance of the community of the valley,
came a large group of rats and mice, some of which were carrying a wounded rat
on a stretcher. When the group came through the small opening in the barricade
and spikes they could see Cynthia Brisby in front. When Cynthia saw them she
ran to them.

“Mother!” She cried and threw
herself in her mother’s waiting arms, then she quickly hugged her brothers,
sister and then she ran to Justin, he knelt and hugged her.

Justin heard gasps of alarm and
astonishment. He looked up and saw Jonathan Brisby. He released Cynthia and
stood up and looked at his friend in the flesh for the first time in years.

“Welcome home, Jon. We’ve all
missed you so much.” Rose said and walked over to him and hugged him, tears
flowing freely down both their faces. Cynthia just looked at the others in
astonishment. Timothy, Martin and Teresa slowly overcoming their total shock
and astonishment began inching closer to their father.

“Justin, who is he?” Cynthia
asked in confusion. He looked down at her.

“Cynthia, honey. That’s your
father, Jonathan Brisby.” he replied. Her eyes went wide with shock and she
quickly turned to look at him. He was only partially visible through the group
hug he was receiving.

“Go to him, he needs and loves
you all so much.” Justin said softly. She turned and quickly ran up to the
others and joined in the hugs and kisses. The others parted and Cynthia and
Jonathan just looked at each other.

“My baby.” Jonathan said and
hugged her.

Justin looked up to see that the
rats had already gone past, taking Carl to the hospital, but standing silently
in the background, looking up at the sky was a lone white mouse. Justin
approached the stranger.

“Hello, I’m Justin, President of
Thorn Valley. You must be Dante. Welcome to Thorn Valley. Its a pleasure to
meet you. Thank you for bringing Cynthia, Carl and Jonathan home safely.” He
said warmly and extended his hand. Dante looked up at Justin, it was odd meeting
Justin for the first time and yet knowing him for years and even having seen
some of life through his very eyes.

“Its a pleasure to meet you at
last Justin. I’m glad we were able to get here in time.” Dante said and shook
his hand. Justin turned to the Brisby’s.

“My friends, we should go
inside, its not safe out here anymore.” He said and led the still entangled
Brisby family past the entrance. Dante noticed that the place was almost
completely deserted. It was every bit as grand as he had seen in his dreams.
It was amazing, everything he had always expected it to be.

Justin led them through the
reception area which contained Tim’s desk and then into his own office. It was
high and spacious with a large desk in the middle. Dante wondered if it’s oval
shape was an accident or intentional. Jonathan began to explain to them what
had happened all those years ago and how he had returned. He was deliberately
vague about Dante and his origin. The hugs and tears were suddenly interrupted
by the door opening and Rose suddenly shouting.

“Look out!”

Justin turned just in time to
see a blur of white and silver. Dante moved with blinding speed. In a
fraction of a second he leaped in the air and caught the crossbow bolt that was
aimed at Justin’s heart and with his sword he had deflected the other
projectile, aimed at Rose’s heart. They all turned toward the door to see
Captain Owen and two other rats standing at the door, two with crossbows and
one with a sword, Owen eye’s were glowing bright white. He waved his hand and
everyone in the room was thrown back violently. The Brisby’s all threw
themselves defensively around Rose. The two enemies with crossbows discarded
them, Owen drew a glowing dagger and threw it at Rose, then he and the other
drew swords and then all three charged. Jonathan reached up and engulfed the
dagger with a power emanating from his hands, the dagger struggled to free
itself from his control, Jonathan had to fight hard to contain it. Dante
attacked Owen and Justin attacked one of the others, but the third was headed
for the Brisby’s. Cynthia leaped to her feet and drew her knife, she charged
at the rat. The rat grabbed her and casually tossed her aside. She was
instantly on her feet again and ran up to and slid her legs in front of the
rat, causing him to stumble and drop his sword. She plunged her knife into the
right leg of the rat. He turned and gave her a powerful blow to the head,
throwing her back. While he was struggling to his feet she leaped on his back
and locked her arms around his neck in a choke hold. The rat flailed around
wildly to try to dislodge her and trying to pull her off. Dante was fighting
what seemed to be an even fight with Owen, considering his opponent was twice
his size.

“Help! We’re under attack by
Owen in Justin’s office. Come quickly!” They heard Timothy shout into the PA
system. Justin was busy with his own opponent. He knew this rat. He was
Lenny, one of Owen’s hand picked lieutenants. Justin hadn’t used a sword in a
long time, but it was quickly coming back to him. He quickly and deftly dodged
the attacker and delivered a fatal thrust. Jonathan was still struggling with
the enchanted dagger and Dante was still fighting Owen to a standstill.
Moments later Killian burst into the room and drove his sword through the rat
attacking Cynthia. The arrival of reinforcements distracted Owen just enough
for Dante to deliver a critical blow. He gashed Clayton’s sword arm, causing
his to drop his weapon. Before he could deliver the fatal blow. Justin’s fist
suddenly struck Owen across the chin, staggering him. Then Justin punched him
a second time on the chin.

“Take him alive if possible.”
Justin said. Dante then proceeded to leap into the air and deliver a powerful
roundhouse kick to Owen’s head, causing him to collapse to the ground,
unconscious. The dagger that Jonathan was fighting, suddenly deprived of
direction was just floating there, Jonathan took the opportunity to drive it
into the stone wall, destroying it. Jonathan then raced to Cynthia. He helped
her to her feet. She was battered and bruised, but basically okay. They both
went to Rose who had been bodily shielded by Martin and Teresa. Timothy pried
his fingers off the microphone for the PA system and joined them. Moments
later Lieutenant Snap and about a dozen heavily armed rats appeared at the
door.

“Wow. That really sucked.”
Dante said.

“What happened, Justin?”
Killian asked.

“It appears that we found a
spy.” Justin replied and kicked Owen.

“Lieutenant Snap. Take him to a
cell. We need to interrogate him very carefully because of his powers.
Jonathan can you handle that?” Justin asked.

“No problem.”

The guards pulled Owen to his
feet.

“You should surrender while you
still have the chance. Death awaits you all. The Master cannot be defeated.”
Owen said groggily. Snap punched him hard in the stomach, causing him to
double over.

“Get him out of here!” Justin
shouted. Snap and the guards restraining Owen were out the door in moments.
All the Brisby’s were surrounding Cynthia. Hugging and congratulating her.

“Cynthia, that was amazing.”
Timothy said in awe.

“Good work, Dante.” Justin said
and patted Dante on the back. Justin picked up the microphone for the P.A.

“The situation is under
control. The assassination attempt failed. The Brisby family and myself are
all unharmed. Captain Owen has been captured and his cohorts Harrison and
Lenny have both been slain. Justin out.” Justin said wearily. They suddenly
became aware of a commotion down the hall. Justin, Killian, Dante, Jonathan
and Cynthia all raced down the hall. They found Owen lying on the ground in a
large pool of blood, clutching his throat and Snap pinned against the wall by
his own guards, a bloody knife lay at his feet.

“He did it before we could stop
him, Sir.” One of the guards said.

“He sold us out. He betrayed us
all. He sent my Rangers marching right into the enemy’s hands. I sent those
poor kids on a suicide mission.” Snap said in anguish.

Jonathan rushed over to Owen.
It was obvious to even a non-medic such as himself that the wound was a fatal
one. He didn’t have a moment to lose. He placed his right hand on Owen’s
head, his hand began to glow brightly. He probed Owen’s rapidly dying brain
for information. He gasped in amazement and horror when he found the
information he was looking for. He drew his hand back. He stood, and to
everyone’s astonishment he began kicking the body. Justin had to pull him
back.

“Let go, I’m all right. Back
to the office. I know who are enemy is and I know where he got his army and
you’re not going to believe it.” Jonathan said.

“I’m sorry to have to cut the
reunion short. But safety must come first. Guards take Snap to the detention
area and have someone clean up this mess and get the body out of here.” Justin
said and looked at Cynthia, clutching her sides. He looked to Martin and
Teresa.

“You better take Cynthia to the
hospital, just in case.” He said.

“I’m fine, Justin.” Cynthia
said.

“Please, humor me. Timothy,
Killian, Rose and Jonathan we need to talk.” Justin said. Suddenly, amongst
the rats there was a collective moment of realization that Jonathan Brisby was
in their midst.

“Mr. Brisby?” Snap asked in
astonishment.

“Yes, Snap, its me.”

“Mr. Brisby, how can it be
you?” Killian asked in alarm.

“Its a long story, Killian.
I’ll tell you all about it later. Justin, I really think Dante should be
included in this. Its important that you know about him.” Jonathan said.
Justin looked to Dante and then to Jonathan and shrugged. Jonathan thought it
odd though that Justin had asked Rose to come also.

“All right. I do owe him my
life after all.” Justin said.

“I’ll try to catch up with you
all as soon as I can.” Jonathan said to his kids as he hugged them again and
then followed Justin and the others back to the office.

Mr. Ages was in the hospital
when, having just supervised the medical team’s treatment of Carl’s injured leg
when he was buzzed on the intercom.

“Ages, here.”

“How is Carl doing?” Justin
asked.

“Carl was about a hair’s breadth
of death when he came in, he’s lucky to be alive and even luckier to be keeping
his leg, he’s stable now. He’ll pull through.” Ages responded and drank some
of his now tepid tea.

“That’s great. I have someone
here who wants to say hello.” Justin said.

“Hey, you old grump. Did you
miss me?” Jonathan asked. Mr. Ages did a spit-take.

“I’ll take that as a ‘yes’.”
Jonathan laughed.

“Jonathan...you died.” Mr. Ages
said fearfully.

“The reports of my death have
been greatly exaggerated.” Jonathan replied.

“We need you in my office
pronto, if you can get away from the hospital that is.” Justin said.

“Dr. Laura can handle things
here in the hospital. I’ll be there as fast I can.” Mr. Ages said and to the
amazement of everyone present he took off at a run.

The Brisby children watched in
stunned amazement as a small white form came rushing down the hall in their
direction. He didn’t slow down when he saw them.

“Children. Jonathan’s alive.
Your father’s alive. He’s in Justin’s office.” He panted as he shot past
them.

“We know already! We’ve seen
him!” they shouted to the mouse disappearing in the distance.

“Master?” Mercy called out
into the darkness.

“Yes?”

“Uh...the assassination attempt
failed. Justin and the Brisby’s have all survived. Owen and the others are
dead, they were thwarted mainly by Jonathan Brisby and an unidentified mouse.”
She replied hesitantly.

“I am surrounded by idiots.” He
said with a hint of anger in his voice. “Come with me.” He commanded. She followed
his presence through the darkness, nearby she could see a large glowing sphere
begin to spin. Strange lights flashed and a strong wind began billowing from
this strange device.

“This is an interesting device
that my late friend Nicodemus created. It was destroyed and its remains were
left behind under the rosebush after the others fled. I have restored it. I
would prefer not to use any power unless absolutely necessary, but I think that
what we need to know right now is who and what we are dealing with and modify
our plans and assumptions accordingly.” He said. To her amazement an image
formed in the sphere. Together they watched a replay of the assassination
attempt and then moved forward to the meeting in Justin’s office.

“So Jonathan, back from the
grave I see and powerful no less. Returned just in time to save that lower
creature that you call a wife and who is this friend that you have brought with
you? These are unforeseen complication.” Jenner said with annoyance.