The Castle of Doom

In the undersea city of Ainligl, the presence of the ferocious looking sea serpent was now accepted. As the harpies dared not approach Chaya, he became the children's protector and cavorted with them on the surface like a large pet. Spock was pleased that the lonely creature had been so readily accepted and left Chaya to enjoy himself.

Maghwynn sent scouts to the land and after several days one returned with a confusing report of an army consisting of elves, humans and other folk heading towards the Castle of Doom. The merman could only describe one person in any detail. A lady of dark beauty who rode in the rearguard amongst wild beasts. Uhura. Where she was, the others must be close by. With renewed vigour Spock threw himself into the final preparations for the sea assault on the Castle.

Maghwynn's plan was simple. They would raise a tidal wave to coincide with the land attack and allow it to sweep a hand-picked force of warriors onto the battlements. From there they would fight their way into the castle, while in the ocean the other merfolk, seal-people and sea-creatures loyal to them would battle Medrikhor's allies of water-snakes, sharks, eels and rays.

One morning Spock drew Maghwynn aside. "I require instruction on regaining my legs."

Maghwynn laughed merrily. "My prince, surely halfling magic can reverse the spell?"

"Sire, it was you who altered my body. This magic is unknown to me."

The old sea king scratched at his head. "It is a power inherent in our people. However, if you will, I can instruct you on how to restore your former body."

"I do wish it. What became of my clothes, Maghwynn?"

"Clothes?" the other boomed. "We have no need for clothes."

"You cannot fight naked," Spock exclaimed. "It is impractical."

Maghwynn laughed. "We are not modest like the land-folk but we do use armour to protect us. Come. I will show you how to shape-shift."

They swam to a nearby islet and Chaya followed with dozens of children hanging to his back. The mer-king grasped Spock's wrist. There was a slight disorientation then the tail throbbed painfully before changing into a familiar pair of legs. Spock's vision faded momentarily but when it returned he saw that he was now wearing a form-fitting black suit that left only his head and hands uncovered.

"Fascinating. What is this?" Spock asked.

"'Tis the armour of my people." The sea king's body blurred as he changed form. "Now you must learn to transform yourself."

Spock spent a frustrating hour attempting to master the skill while the whole community came to watch him at one time or another. But determination and his magic-working ability triumphed and he found himself with a fishtail again.

Maghwynn slapped Spock's back. "Well done. Now try again."

Spock concentrated and shifted shape again. Relieved at regaining his normal body he slid onto Chaya, his legs securely gripping the serpent's body in a way the tail was incapable of doing. Now he need not be concerned about falling off as Chaya skimmed through the whitecaps like a speed-boat.

***

There was a change in the atmosphere. Tension permeated Arigol and Spock knew that the time of the battle grew near. Maghwynn's forces made their way to a suitable distance from shore and waited for an opportune time to create the wave. The castle seemed to pulsate with darkness as Evil's power prepared to unleash itself at the landward attack. Suddenly, Spock heard the fighting begin and for a moment, he thought he heard Kirk's voice. 'Nonsense,' he chastised himself. 'Even Vulcan hearing is not that sensitive.'

As Maghwynn blew a mighty blast on his shell horn, Spock climbed onto Chaya's back. 'When the wave takes us to the battlements, I will have to leave you for a time.' He stroked Chaya's smooth forehead to console the serpent who had become so attached to him.

'You return?' Chaya asked eagerly.

'Yes after I find Medrikhor'

'And your friends.'

'Yes. I believe that they are with that army and will meet me.'

'Chaya kill Evil.'

The sea began to churn beneath them, and Spock closed his eyes. 'We all must do our duty, Chaya. To kill is not good but the Evil must be destroyed.'

'Understand.'

The wave swelled at the king's command and carried the sea-folk upwards. Spock hung onto Chaya's neck and prepared himself for battle. The warriors rode the crest, as the water spilled over the battlements, and safely landed ready to fight the few terrified guards who had escaped being drowned. The sky darkened and raucous cries warned of an airborne attack. Spock left Chaya, still in the vast wave snapping the heads off harpies ,and struck out for the castle.

After reaching it, he strode to an open doorway. His first priority was to find his shipmates and accompanied by some of the mermen he clambered down the narrow stairway, fighting any who opposed him. His body suit protected him from dangerous wounds, and he ignored the discomfort caused by the many small cuts on his hands and face.

The stairs ended where a narrow open window faced out over the sea. He glanced outside to gaze for a moment at the sorcerous wave then continued along a stone corridor until he reached a deserted chamber. Gesturing for the others to follow he made his way across its barren expanse.

"Meester Spock!" An unmistakable voice sounded in the room.

He halted, trying to sense if it was a trick. "Chekov? Is that you?"

"Here, sir." There was a disturbance in the air beside him then Chekov's face peered out at him. "I have a cloak of invisibility. Captain Kirk sent me to open a gate to let his army in. Now I have to find and release the prisoners."

"Captain Kirk is here?" Spock asked.

"Aye, sir. He's outside the castle with the rest of us and an army."

Calm descended on Spock at that news and belatedly the rest of the young man's words registered. "Excellent. Mr Chekov, you must continue with your mission. Come with me. The prisoners are kept in cells below."

"But where have you been, sir? Who are these people?"

"They are friends and allies," Spock replied and guided by some subliminal knowledge he sped towards the elven king's cell.

As they fought their way to the guarded area, Spock became aware of an itching sensation of evil that appeared to strengthen the deeper they descended. "I have another task to perform, Mr Chekov. I will leave some warriors to assist you in rescuing the prisoners." Chekov nodded and with a swift movement he covered himself with the cloak and was gone. Spock turned to the others. "Protect him and those he releases."

The mermen nodded their agreement and after an exchange of bows, Spock headed for the distant reaches of the castle and the Evil that awaited him.

***

Leaving Gwilym in command to continue the battle with Medrikhor's forces, Kirk led an elite troop of elves, including Emrys, Iestyn and Aithne, into the courtyard. There they surprised more assembling troops and, shocked by this attack within their stronghold, the enemy scattered under a swathe of elven arrows. Above the ground troops, dragons blasted flying demons with fiery breath.

Evilsbane killed her share of their foes but near the main doorway, she tugged at Kirk's arm in a recognisable signal. She wanted to lead him somewhere. For a moment, he questioned the foolhardiness of leaving his fighters behind but the spear yanked him forward and, trusting her guidance, he allowed her to go where she willed. Any who attacked him were swiftly dispatched but as he moved into the bowels of the castle, few barred his way.

The corridors were dark and shadowy. Strange forms flickered on the walls and Kirk could not tell if they were real or a trick of the light. Evilsbane seemed to know where she was going so he continued, heart pounding and his hair standing on end as Evil's presence permeated the atmosphere. He turned into another corridor. In the distance a sickly yellow light could be seen and he walked towards it as the spear urged him on, her eagerness almost forcing him to run. He stopped, took a firm grasp of the warm metal and, after a deep calming breath, continued on.

Suddenly a giant snakelike form with a hooded head reared up in front of him. Kirk stumbled back and his flesh crawled as a forked tongue flicked out and the mouth opened to reveal sharp fangs. A shudder ran through Kirk. He lifted the spear and watched the enormous snake carefully as it hissed and slithered closer to him. He called on the power of both ring and spear and directed a beam of energy at it. The cobra did not stop and with a soft cry of revulsion Kirk drove the glowing Evilsbane through its neck. Impaled, the snake wriggled and lashed, its tail coiling around Kirk's legs. He pulled out the spear and, twisting to avoid the spurt of blood, he plunged it through one of the creature's eyes. The cobra shuddered and hissed several times before it stilled. Shaking, Kirk stepped from the loosened coils and leaned against the wall.

After his breathing had steadied, Kirk continued along the corridor until he reached an arched doorway. He listened, heard no sound, and peered in. A yellow haze hung in the air and it was difficult to see through. The spear hummed and, gripping it to ensure constant contact with the ring, Kirk moved forward.

"So you are here, King of Prophecy," a voice boomed from within the mist.

Kirk shivered, squared his shoulders and asked, "Who is speaking?"

"It is I, Medrikhor, King of the Netherworld, soon to be monarch of all Arigol."

Evilsbane vibrated. She wanted to kill Medrikhor. "Not yet. Wait until the proper time," Kirk whispered then swallowed sharply as he recalled that Spock was necessary to fulfil the prophecy. He carried the scroll inside his tabard but without Spock to work the enchantment... He could only hope there was another way.

"Show yourself, Medrikhor, or are you afraid?" he challenged.

Laughter. All around him. Kirk swivelled from left to right. It seemed so close. "I fear nothing," the voice said. "Not even you, King from across the void. Yes, I have seen your demesne. A beautiful place where I will be welcome."

Kirk swore. Could this monstrous evil have been on Earth during a time when the universes had converged? "You won't be welcome. You'll never get there because I'm going to stop you."

"We shall see, King of Prophecy. Once I have destroyed you and your army then will I turn my attention to your Earth. Although our worlds have drifted apart and the Gateways have become death to those who try to breach them, I will learn a way."

"You'll never touch Earth," Kirk said.

"I can do anything. The Halfling is dead. His power is no more. You cannot kill me."

A surge of grief almost prostrated Kirk. He forced it into the background. 'Deal with it later. Kill the bastard, somehow. Spock dead? No. He's lying.'

The haze thinned and a dark mass ahead became distinguishable. Steps led upwards to a black marble dais where a large figure reclining on opulent red upholstery of an ornate throne stared down at him. Kirk recognised the grey skinned face he had seen through the curtain in Caireen's underwater cave. A faint shimmer of yellow still surrounded the platform and Kirk suspected it was some kind of protective field. Somehow he found his voice. "Well, I can't say your son was much improvement on you."

"My son? What do you know of Medrawt?" The purple eyes darkened almost to black.

"Oh, he tried to kill me several times but Gwilym finally destroyed him with the sword Demonstalker. I thought you were omnipotent. Don't tell me you didn't know?"

Fire flashed from the gaping holes on Medrikhor's face. "My son is dead?"

"Oh don't tell me you cared," Kirk said. "He didn't. He wanted to overthrow you." Perhaps he could goad the other into making a mistake. Medrikhor was obviously not all-powerful and had shown an arrogance and over-confidence which might be his downfall.

The King of Evil stood up on hoofed feet. He was well over two metres tall; his muscled body clothed in a black silk robe left one scaled shoulder bare. Kirk stood his ground as Medrikhor stepped forward and thrust out a three-fingered clawed hand that looked capable of tearing a man to shreds. "I am supreme King of Darkness. Not even Medrawt has ever been more powerful than I. Foolish human. I will torture you before I permit you to die. You will scream with pain and beg me for death. That I promise you."

"You will never harm him while I live," vowed a well known baritone voice.

Kirk's heart leaped with joy and he twisted around to see his friend standing by a doorway at the far end of the room. "Spock!" he whispered.

As the Vulcan sprinted towards him, Kirk reached for the scroll. As if knowing its moment had come, the magic parchment crackled with power and almost burned his hand. He threw the scroll towards the Vulcan. It spun through the air but, out of nowhere, a gust of wind blew it into the dark recesses of the chamber. Medrikhor's ugly laughter was triumphant.

Kirk stared at Spock in horror. Where once there would have been their rapport to rely on, now was only emptiness. He dismissed the unproductive line of thinking. They were together again and somehow would defeat the Evil Lord. Spock's eyes showed a similar determination and Kirk smiled and said, "It's good to see you, Spock. Are you all right?"

"I am well. And you, Captain?" At Kirk's nod, Spock continued, "If I were human I would tell you of my pleasure in seeing you again, sir. I have been waiting for some time. I ask forgiveness for not apprising you of my presence the moment you entered the room but a creature materialised before me and detained me."

Kirk pointedly ignored their enemy. "Wouldn't the Vulcan be pleased to see me also?"

"Sir, Vulcans have no emotions."

"Enough," Medrikhor hissed. "None may ignore my presence."

"Did you hear vermin squeak, Spock?" Kirk asked. Spock's gaze was filled with warning as he surreptitiously edged backward to where the scroll had been lost. Understanding what the Vulcan was attempting, Kirk faced Medrikhor and did not hide his loathing. "So you think you've won, do you?"

Medrikhor laughed. "I have won, little human. Now you will feel my wrath."

Kirk watched Spock out of the corner of his eye. The Vulcan gave a slight start and looked down to where the scroll, seemingly under its own volition, pressed itself into his hand. Chekov! Kirk exulted silently but realising he had to distract their enemy goaded, "Well, King of the Netherworld, there's a saying in my world. 'Don't count your chickens until they're hatched.' Of course you're too stupid to understand that."

Medrikhor sneered. "Now I have you and the Halfling, I will take much pleasure in watching you both suffer. Without the scroll magic you are powerless." He raised both hands. "You will both obey your new master." The swirl of yellow surrounding him slowly but inexorably spread towards them.

'Spock, hurry. Say the spell, dammit. Spock.' Kirk encouraged.

With sure fingers the Vulcan unbound the parchment and spread it open. A deep purple glow began to form, bathing Spock in its radiance, accentuating the planes and angles of his features. Kirk felt Evilsbane's power intensify as she hummed and quivered in his grasp. Sparks flew between her and the ring.

"NO!" Medrikhor shrieked. "You shall not defeat me." Bolts of black energy shot from his eyes towards Kirk.

A beam of light arced from the spear to collide with its evil counterpart. They battled in mid-air, two matching forces, neither giving way to the other as the yellow haze continued to advance. Kirk knew it would reach him soon. "Spock," he cried.

"Evil Lord halt thy stride," Spock intoned. "The Halfling bids you hear." The sudden silence was deafening. Then the purple light over Spock deepened as Medrikhor's energy began to fade. There was a defiant cry from the King of the Netherworld and streaks of fresh power began to emerge from his eyes. "Be still and let the Noble King throw the elven spear." Spock finished in a deep and commanding voice.

Medrikhor stood frozen. The only sign of struggle to be seen came from his terror filled eyes as the purple glow spread out in ever increasing circles until it reached his defences and pierced them. His power dissipated with a crack which echoed and re-echoed around the chamber.

Kirk lifted his spear arm but hesitated as he met the King of the Netherworld's gaze. Something in the other's eyes touched his sympathetic nature. 'He's unarmed and defenceless. Surely he can be reasoned with now?' A voice - his own? - persuaded.

"Throw the spear, sire," Ayrond's voice sounded behind him. "The spell lasts for just a few moments. He will regain his power."

"He can be rehabilitated." Kirk stared at Medrikhor. 'He isn't as bad as all that. They've been telling lies about him,' the inner voice cajoled.

Medrikhor's hand moved and a faint black glow formed in the depths of his eyes. Kirk struggled to throw off his lethargy as the persuasive voice continued to reassure him of Medrikhor's good intentions. The King had been maligned by his foes, he wanted only good for the land and its peoples.

"Throw Evilsbane," Spock snapped.

That tone released Kirk. Had he somehow fallen asleep? With all the strength of his right arm he threw the spear. Evilsbane whipped through the air, shimmering with elven power, crying out as she struck Medrikhor's throat. The Evil Lord shrieked then fell down and clutched at his neck as thick blood dripped from the wound. Kirk gritted his teeth as Medrikhor writhed like a tormented animal on the floor of the dais. Mercy for this odious creature was a luxury they could not afford.

Finding some hidden strength Medrikhor grasped the spear and with a mighty wrench, tore it from his body, raked the silver shaft with his claws then threw it away. Evilsbane tumbled down the steps and lay quivering. Kirk stepped forward, knowing she was hurt but as he reached out, a distortion of great power knocked him back. Before his startled eyes, the spear was transforming itself into an exquisite elven woman. She lay limply on the stone, her golden hair tangled about her narrow face.

An anguished cry reverberated round the room. There was a blur of movement, then an emaciated elf slid to his knees by Aelwen's side and cradled her in his arms. The woman drew a harsh breath and opened her eyes. "Valdrin," she murmured. For a second she stared at her husband then spasmed in pain and lay still.

"Aelwen," Valdrin whispered. "Beloved." He stroked her shining hair.

Kirk could hardly restrain his own emotion as he watched the elf-king weep. There was a movement beside him, then a pressure on his shoulder that brought him much comfort. He looked up to see Spock there and exchanged a warm glance with his friend before returning his attention to the tragic scene before them, aware now of Chekov and Ayrond behind them and of others crowding into the chamber.

Emrys pushed his way to the front. "Sister," he murmured brokenly.

Valdrin looked over at the writhing body of the one who had destroyed so many of his kin. He lowered Aelwen's body to the ground, removed a dagger from the sheath on her belt and stood up. He faced the harper. "I charge thee, Emrys, brother-heir of the queen, to rule Elvenhome. Farewell, Emrys Harper-King."

"Valdrin," Emrys beseeched. "No."

The Elf King shook his head. Kirk moved forward but Spock's grip restrained him. "He must fulfil his destiny, Jim."

Valdrin bowed to Spock and Kirk then turned towards Medrikhor. With a wild cry he threw himself on his enemy and drove the dagger deep into the other's body. Medrikhor shrieked. His arms encircled Valdrin in an embrace of death but enough of his arcane power remained to strike back at his attacker and a fierce flame engulfed the two forms. Nothing could be seen through its fiery mass but a moment later it crackled then exploded sending red-hot embers all across the room. Everyone scattered out of the way. The acrid smell of burning flesh lingered briefly then dissipated but of the two combatants there was no sign.

Kirk closed his eyes. The multiple shocks were catching up with him and he felt dizzy. "Let's get out of here. I need some air."

"Very well, sir," Spock replied.

Kirk soaked in the normality of those words offered in that familiar tone. He faced Spock, who looked both alien and familiar in his unusual outfit, and knew there would be time later to discuss their different adventures. Now there was the task of ending the battle. But before he could speak, scuffling sounds broke the silence. Kirk was instantly alert and he turned to stare into a dark corner.

"Evil's minions lie within," Ayrond said. "Come forth, creatures of darkness."

Whimpering piteously, a group of Medrikhor's servants shuffled into the light. The warriors stepped forward but Kirk waved them back and addressed the cowering demons. "Your master is dead. Go tell your allies to put down their weapons. The battle is over."

As if in shock, they stood still for a moment before speeding from the room. Kirk sighed then eased the ring from his finger, glanced at it regretfully, then held it out to Emrys. "Take this. It belongs to you now."

"No, sire." Emrys lifted his sister's slight body. "She would have wished you to keep it."

Kirk bowed his head. "Thank you. I'll treasure it always." He put the ring back on. "We grieve with thee." Those Vulcan words seemed the correct ones. Emrys acknowledged them with a nod of his head and, surrounded by an honour guard, left the chamber. "Let's go," Kirk said and hurried after the elves. "Who are these people, Spock?" He indicated the trident-wielding men behind them.

"They are the merfolk Captain. A most interesting species."

"Mer? As in mermaid?"

"Indeed, Captain. These are the males. The females do battle in the sea."

Kirk shook his head a little to clear it. He should not be surprised at anything now but it was still a little difficult. He negotiated the distance to the upper levels with a lighter heart and easy stride. Shouting and the clash of metal resounded somewhere but on reaching the main hall, they found it deserted. With Spock, Chekov, Ayrond and the merfolk flanking him, Kirk walked out onto the starlit courtyard to see Gwilym and ten of his men encircled by powerfully built axe-wielding dwarves. They were weary from the fighting and it showed in their grimy sweat-streaked faces and staggering stances as they tried to defend themselves.

Kirk's group surrounded the dwarves. "Stop. Put down your weapons.", Kirk ordered. Spock stood at his shoulder, wielding trident instead of phaser, and it was so normal that Kirk's confidence increased by leaps and bounds.

The combatants turned. The dwarves cried out in fear, dropped their axes, then cowered on the ground and hid their eyes. The men dived forward and picked up the weapons as Gwilym walked over to Kirk and bowed deeply. "Sire, thou didst save our lives."

"You saved mine, Gwilym. How goes the battle?"

"We didst hear a great scream, sire, then demons emerged from within the castle proclaiming Medrikhor's death. Many have fled. Some remain and fight but we have won the day. Sire, many are injured and in the Healer's tent. The Lady Christine hath destroyed scores of demons who didst inhabit the souls of men and those who are able hath joined our cause."

"Good. We have to call a council. Summon the army back to camp." After Gwilym had ordered the buglers to sound the victory, Kirk added, "You've done well, Gwilym. What of Uhura and Sulu?"

The prince wiped the sweat from his brow. "My lady recalled her army. They sustained many casualties and the priestess attends them. The unicorns and dragons give chase to the enemy and the Swordsman still fights at the outer gate." Gwilym's eyes narrowed as he studied Spock for the first time. "Sire, who is the one by your side? Is he man or elf?"

Kirk coughed. "This is Spock, known here as the Halfling Prince."

"He who is thy shield-bearer?"

Kirk walked across the courtyard. "You could call him that," he said as the prince lengthened his stride to catch up.

Spock raised a curious eyebrow but kept close to Kirk as they left the Castle of Doom. They looked out over the battleground, strewn now with bodies of the dead and injured, and Kirk commanded that the casualties be taken to the camp.

"Jim, you are exhausted. Leave this duty to others," Spock said.

Kirk pushed his damp hair back. "We're all exhausted."

"Jim, your skills are needed elsewhere. None other can fulfil your role."

Kirk smiled wearily. Trust Spock to hit on the logical course of action. He placed Gwilym in charge of the mopping up procedures then without another murmur allowed his first officer to lead him to the camp. McCoy greeted them both with the blustering facade that was his normal way of hiding his relief and joy. He fussed over Kirk, treating his scratches then sent him away before checking Spock's health. Putting his exhaustion aside, Kirk spoke to the injured, listened to their stories and tried to comfort and raise their flagging spirits.

Hours later, he came across Uhura sitting despondently amongst her animals. He crouched down beside her. "Nyota, are you all right?"

She raised her tear-stained face. "Yes but there have been so many casualties. I feel it's my fault, Captain. I persuaded them to join us." She wiped at her eyes. "They fought so bravely."

"I know," Kirk said as he looked out over the field. Sera and her helpers moved among the injured creatures, treating them. "Don't blame yourself. If you believe in the prophecy then you must accept the consequences. It's not easy bearing responsibility for the deaths of others but it's something that every commander has to live with."

Uhura frowned then she smiled slightly. "Thank you, sir. I understand now how difficult it is for you. I've seen your anguish when you lose crewmembers."

Kirk did not deny it. "I have Spock and Bones to lean on when the going gets too tough."

"And you're there for all of us, Captain."

Kirk smiled. "That's right, Uhura. C'mon let's go and bring a little comfort to your army. That is, if they'll allow it."

"They will," she replied. "All speak with awe of the King of Prophecy."

"As long as they don't bite." Kirk responded.

***

It was very late before all seven Enterprise crewmembers were finally reunited in Kirk's pavilion. As he settled down, and leaned back on the soft cushions, a surge of contentment filled Kirk. They had all been apart for so long and there was much to tell each other. His companions were waiting for him to speak but where was he to start?

"I'm proud of you all," he finally said. "Your courage and resourcefulness are second to none." Kirk smiled over at the young ensign. "Without your timely assistance, Mr Chekov, the scroll would have been lost and the prophecy would not have come to pass."

Chekov flushed. "It vas nothing, Captain."

"I will personally place a notation on your service record, Ensign Chekov," Spock said.

"Meester Spock!" Chekov stammered.

The quiet reunion was disturbed when a voice called from outside, "Sire, may we enter?"

Kirk sighed. "Yes, Gwilym." He sat up as the prince accompanied by Ayrond, Emrys and an old white-haired stranger entered. "Please sit down."

"This is Maghwynn, King of the merfolk, Captain," Spock said. "He saved my life and gave me sanctuary in his undersea city."

"For helping Spock and your assistance this day you have my gratitude, sir," he said.

Maghwynn's wise eyes studied him. "So thou are the King of Prophecy."

Kirk nodded. "Medrikhor's death must put an end to this conflict. His son is dead also. We must make certain that none again can overrun Arigol."

"Dragons and unicorns are in pursuit of Evils' minion, Sire. There is but one way to proceed," Ayrond said. "The demons will flee to the Pit of Despair. We must entrap those who will not renounce their allegiance to Evil's cause."

"An excellent idea. They're leaderless now but it must be done as soon as possible before they recover from their defeat," Kirk said. "Do you know the way, Ayrond?"

"I will think on it, sire, and take council with those who can summon the magic. As for the trolls, dwarves and others who supported Medrikhor they have scattered but may still cause us trouble. We must demand their surrender and keep a close watch on them."

Kirk addressed the three monarchs before him. "It'll take time to heal this land and bring true peace. That will be the task of its Kings. Gwilym, I've spoken with some of the prisoners who were held in the castle. The royal family has all been slaughtered. You are the only one left of the line of Delwen, Queen of Arbara. The duty of kingship falls upon you." He looked at Gwilym's bowed head and his sympathy for the man, who had lost all of his family both centuries ago and now, was deep. He turned to the elf. "Emrys, you've been given the task of ruling Elvenhome. Will you work with Gwilym to repair the damage done and not isolate yourself from those who need your help?"

The harper nodded. "I pledge my help to all the people of Arigol, sire."

Kirk looked at the merman. "King Maghwynn, will you pledge your assistance?"

"You are wise for one so youthful, King of Prophecy. Yes, I will help these young monarchs in the difficult times ahead," Maghwynn replied. "Medrikhor is dead. Although he was my half-brother, I rejoice for he was Evil incarnate."

"Very well. Tomorrow we'll rout the remaining demons. I don't think they'll bother us for a while with dragons and unicorns chasing them. Tonight we must rest." The kings and the mage rose to their feet, bowed deeply and departed. Knowing their commanding officers needed to talk, McCoy and the others soon followed and left Kirk and Spock together.

"Dare I ask how you managed to breathe under the sea, Spock?" Kirk asked with a smile.

"Maghwynn adapted my body to be compatible with an underwater environment," Spock explained. "Without his intervention I would have drowned."

"Where's your fishtail?"

"A fishtail is impracticable on land, Captain."

Kirk laughed softly, settled back and both men discussed some of what had happened to them these past weeks. He soaked in Spock's presence and slowly began to relax for the first time in weeks. Neither of them were ready to talk about the tearing out of their link and Kirk only found the courage to broach it as they were about to settle into their bedrolls for the night.

"Spock, we're awkward with one another, like we're strangers again." He sat on top of his blankets and hugged his knees to his chest. "I... can you...will you...restore the link?"

If the Vulcan refused! It was possible that Spock would take this opportunity to be free of being so closely tied to a human mind.

Spock's eyes were warm as he moved closer and held his hand out. The tension slipped away as those long fingers touched his temple and the familiar, well ordered mind eased into his, finding the memory of Medrawt's torture despite Kirk's attempt to keep it hidden. The welcome presence soothed its way along neural pathways until it reached the aching void where it lingered easing the pain and healing the wounds.

Kirk attempted mind-speech. Will it be the same? Has he destroyed the special bond we share? Has Medrawt damaged my mind?

"Jim, all will be well. Your mind is raw from his sorcery. It will heal. There will be no more pain. The link will take time to re-establish itself but the seeds have been sown. Sleep now, my t'hy'la

Relief swept through Kirk as he was lowered onto the ground and covered by a warm blanket. Are you tucking me in, Spock?

Really, Captain! Vulcans do not indulge in such practices.

With a smile, Kirk stretched contentedly and fell asleep.

***

Spock jolted awake. For one fearful moment he thought the link was in danger then he relaxed as his senses took in the rustle of the wind and the sounds of the stirring camp. Kirk lay asleep at the other side of the tent. Spock tested the tenuous thread between them and found it intact. It had stabilised while they had slept and given time would strengthen. Within their minds the wounds were healing. Medrawt's sorcery had not permanently damaged Kirk's mind but his friend would need watching over for a time, something Spock was more than willing to do.

A whinny sounded close by and, as Spock prepared to investigate, there was a ripping sound and the canvas tent was breached by a long alabaster horn. Spock swiftly dressed and went outside. The unicorn and her foal reared up; they vied with one another for his attention and he did not know who to stroke or talk to first. The noise disturbed the other sleepers and they came out of their tents to watch, their whispered comments about the amazing sight of the frolicking unicorns audible to Vulcan hearing.

"Well, Spock, I guess they missed you too." Kirk's voice was amused.

"Indeed, Captain. Chladagh says, however, that you were an adequate substitute and thanks you for saving her life."

Kirk laughed. "I'm just glad she deigned to help me."

Spock permitted himself a slight quirk of his lips. "Chladagh is an excellent judge of character, Captain. She acknowledges your leadership qualities despite - what she terms - a weakness for certain proclivities."

"I see," Kirk replied with a grin. "Well I'm only human." He glanced around the curious watchers. "I guess as we're all awake we should get ready for the day ahead."

As everyone left, Spock mounted the unicorn and, followed by Deven, rode through the camp. Spock ignored the astonished stares that greeted their passage but he was aware of the pleasure felt by both humans and elves at the sight. As they reached the medical tent, Ayrond, Sera and McCoy came out to meet them.

The old priestess clapped her hands with delight. "Truly the Time of Prophecy is at hand. Unicorn and Halfling together, it is said, can work great magic."

"That is correct, Priestess. Perhaps they have the ability to seal the Pit of Despair forever," the mage said. "None other have the power."

McCoy stepped forward. "What nonsense is this? Spock has done enough; he's exhausted with all this magic-working. He's lost weight and as far as I can tell, without proper medical equipment, he's run down and needs a regimen of nourishment, rest and freedom from stress."

Spock was startled by the Doctor's vehemence. "Really, Doctor McCoy. I am a Vulcan and am able to ensure my own health."

"Just wait 'til I get you back to the Enterprise, Spock. I'll invoke medical clauses that'll force you to obey my instructions." McCoy was determined. "That tight suit shows every rib."

"I will do what I must, Doctor."

Spock guided Chladagh away and they headed at a canter for the cliff top where he stared out over the sea. In the distance the humped form of a sea serpent could be seen and as the unicorn questioned his introspection he told her about Chaya.

'Poor child. It is well you befriended him', Chladagh said.

Spock sighed. 'I understood his loneliness and alienation.'

'Spock Elven-Prince all will be well now. You will see,' the unicorn replied. 'We have chased Evil's minions to the Pit of Despair. The dragons have remained to prevent their escape.'

'How may we seal the Pit, Chladagh?'

Chladagh snorted delicately. 'You can work the spell. The horse-kin shall augment your magic with our own. The others can add their strength in their own manner.

Spock was silent and after a short ride along the cliff he returned to the camp and told Kirk of Chladagh's words. "It seems our only option, Captain," he added.

Kirk's forehead creased into a frown. "And what about the danger to you, Spock. Have you thought about that?"

"My sojourn under the sea has strengthened my magic skills, Jim. With help I can strike this final blow against the Evil."

"I know you're right. I'm sorry, Spock. You just got back and I don't want anything else to take you away. I couldn't bear it if our link got broken again," Kirk flashed an embarrassed grin.

"Nothing shall touch it again, Jim," Spock reassured.

"Just let them try. All right let's call a meeting."

The determination flowing from the human was intense and Spock basked in its strength. He had missed his unique friend more than he cared to admit but he was back in his rightful place now and was content.

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