| Copyright © 2004, Joanna
Hollier Reviews For ROARY O'ROURKE Book 4: ROARY AND DOOLEY DO, VICTORIOUS DUO by Joanna Hollier Roary O'Rourke and Dooley Do: Victorious Duo was a fun read, even for someone of my advanced years. My thirteen-year-old daughter is enjoying the adventure and when my granddaughter is a bit older, I will read the story to her. I am watching for more adventures from Ms. Hollier as well. Reviewed By MargeAnna Conrad Sample Chapter For ROARY O'ROURKE
Book 4: ROARY AND DOOLEY DO, VICTORIOUS DUO by Joanna Hollier
Journey To Dark Clouds Peak Castle "Chauncy, my friend, how close are you to being ready to leave?" asked Queen Lacey. "I've decided to wait on the celebration of Roary and Dooley's victory to win back the castle at Dark Clouds Peak. I know all the Milesaround Mountain folks are already in celebration. I wish I could see Dooley sitting on the throne at the castle; it must be quite a sight. Even better when you're able to sit beside him, Lady Chauncy." "I'm almost ready to leave. Maybe a few more days and I'll be packed. It was good of Roary to suggest to Commander Johnbow a bridge be built to fit over the crevasse on the mountain trail. I understand my possessions cart is ready to be loaded. Oh, Queen Lacey, I'm so excited but I'm scared, too. I don't know how to rule a kingdom. I'm afraid Dooley doesn't either... According to Prince Roary, all the people were really happy when they won the battle. I guess they're tired of hateful, cruel rulers. I think the Baron was the worst, but Thornside is just as bad. Oh, I guess I should say 'was' just as bad. Good thing they're imprisoned in the dungeons now." "You'll be safe with Commander Johnbow at the head of your procession. I'm quite sure he'll let no one or nothing harm you on your way." Queen Lacey poured Chauncy another cup of tea. "I know how you feel, though. Even though King Leaningtree is my father and he had trained me all my life to take command when the time was right, I was very afraid when I became Queen of all Elfdom. All my subjects have been so nice and supportive; it makes the job much easier. Of course, Prince Roary as my consort has been my strength and chief advisor. He's so wise. Besides, we love each other, and that helps a lot, too. "Chauncy, do you have a wardrobe fitting the ruler of Dark Clouds Peak? If not, we'll see what I have you can take with you. I want you to look like a ruler. I have no fear; you'll act like a ruler. You're very wise, too, Lady Chauncy." "Oh, Queen Lacey, that's more than generous of you. With your permission, I'd like you to look over what I'm taking with me. You know better than I do what I should have. I can't take much in that small mule-drawn cart." Chauncy frowned, thinking about it. "Of course, I'll come see what you have laid out. I don't want those people of Dark Clouds Peak to think their new Lady Chauncy doesn't know how to look her best as ruler. They might think we're a poor lot here in Elfdom. We are equals, not poor neighbors. I shudder when I think of the evil Barnabuss Bramble and how he acted when he kidnapped me. If it hadn't been for Prince Roary, I just don't know what would have happened. Some nights, I still have nightmares about that experience. I hope they locked him up and threw away the key so no one will ever be able to get him out." Lacey took a sip of her tea and shuddered, thinking about that experience. * * * * "Prince Roary, we'll leave after the celebration. I've had twelve men volunteer to go to Dark Clouds Peak and stay to help Commander Lancer build an army for Earl Dooley. "The cart is ready for Lady Chauncy's things, as well as the bridge to go over the crevasse. I've got a feeling that mountain trail might be more than we figure," Commander Johnbow reported to Roary. "Very good. I'm sure you'll be welcome in Talltrees, Mayor Greenleaf will see to it. One day over the mountain trail and a short stay at Sunny Inn and on to Dark Clouds Peak Castle. I'll have Slim send a Smoke Language message to Dooley when you leave. He'll be waiting." Roary turned to Lacey, "Let the celebration begin." When Queen Lacey and Lady Chauncy Do arrived on the castle steps, they were ready to send Chauncy on her way to her new life in Dark Clouds Peak Castle. Bands played, horses stamped, and the soldiers were resplendent in their uniforms and ready to escort Lady Chauncy over the mountain trail to her new home. Hundreds of townspeople milled about, talking, laughing and eating treats from the vendors. Everyone at the castle came to honor the army and see Lady Chauncy off to her new home. When they were ready, Johnbow helped Chauncy up on her horse. She tried to be dignified as she sat sidesaddle on Lady, the horse she chose for the trip. Chauncy waved and smiled at the crowd. "Johnbow, where am I to ride in this group?" "This way." Johnbow took the reins and led her to the proper place in the detachment, behind him and in front of the soldiers. Johnbow motioned for the cart holding the bridge, "This way," he said, "come along, you with the bridge. Move it." He then motioned for the possessions cart. "Close up, get those mules under control." "Hey, Jawbone," snapped the
mule driver, "Come on, get in place, you stubborn mule, you." "Lacey, I shall miss you so." Chauncy blinked to clear the tears in her eyes. "You'll be fine, my friend. Roary and I will come when we feel the time is right. You cut a fine figure on that horse. This is the beginning of a new life for you. Think of it as exciting. You'll have your very own castle to manage. From what Roary tells me, that dragon is exciting, too. I understand he breathes fire from his mouth and nostrils, only when he's defending Dooley, though. I don't know anyone else with a dragon for a pet. Have a safe journey. Reverend Billphil, come pray for a safe journey for our friends." Lacey, too, fought back her tears. Reverend Billphil called for silence. "Great Forest God and God of the Universe, we pray you watch over and guide our friends over the mountain to Lord Dooley Do. We pray for a happy reunion and for many years to come for Lord Dooley and Lady Chauncy. Amen." After Reverend Billphil said a prayer over the procession, the marching band struck up a march and led the procession all the way to the gate. Stepping out of the way of the horses, they continued to play until the procession was out of sight. Lacey and Roary stood on the castle steps and watched them until they were out of sight. Lacey stood on her toes until she could see them no more. She turned to the crowd. "Enjoy this day of Celebration. We now have strong allies just across the mountain. We are all stronger and safer as a result." People watched until the party was out of sight. They dispersed, the celebration wound down and they all returned to their respective lives and duties. "Come, Roary, let's retire to our chambers. All this excitement has made me tired. Miranda, bring us tea and we'll sit on the balcony and watch our people go about their business. I don't hold court until tomorrow." * * * * Chauncy fingered the amulet Roary had put around her neck. She remembered what he had said as he placed it there. "This is from Witch Hazel and is for your protection. She gave it to me yesterday and told me to wait until you were ready to leave to place it on you." Chauncy remembered those words and wondered why she needed protection. When the procession got to Talltrees, Mayor Greenleaf and his people welcomed them, "Welcome my dear friends, we have prepared a meal for you. Come, dismount and join us for a rest and some food." After the procession ate the delicious meal and refreshed themselves, Chauncy got up to speak. "Thank you, Mayor," Chauncy said. "This will get us on our way and, perhaps, over the mountain, if we're lucky. Thank you good people of Talltrees. We appreciate your hospitality and do pray for us as we travel over the mountain, the few of us there are. This is a new experience for many of us. I know it is for me. My thanks to the ladies who fixed us such good food to send us on our way. I'd like to be able to get to know all of you better. I wish we had more time to spend in Talltrees, but we have to make our way as quickly as we can. This peaceful rest you've given us will make us stronger for the journey over the mountain. When Lord Dooley and I get settled in, we'll come back for a visit and will, once again, enjoy seeing the people of Talltrees, especially Mayor Greenleaf. For now, it is good-bye. Wish us well as we travel over the dangerous trail up and over the mountain. We leave you now, refreshed and happy." She was helped onto her horse and the procession was underway again to Dark Clouds Peak Castle. Lady Chauncy waved good-bye. "Lady Chauncy, are you all right to try the trail? If you're tired, we can spend the night," Johnbow asked her. "It would be nice, Lady Chauncy, if we could make it to Sunny Inn by nightfall. We should be able to make better time with the few of us there are. It took us quite a while to get the army over the mountain." "Yes, I do hope so," replied Chauncy. "I'm fine. If you want to go faster, I can handle it." The only stop Johnbow ordered was at the crevasse. "Ho, bring that bridge up here. You men help. Careful, slide it over to the other side. Very well, looks solid enough. I'll ride over first to test it." After he made it over the bridge, he called across, "Cart first. Drive the cart over." The mule pulling the cart balked at the bridge. The bright sun streamed at them from the west. Just then, a huge, black, horned winged creature flew at the driver. "Hold, you mule," called the driver. Johnbow was alarmed that bridge, cart, driver and all would go over the edge. "Hold her there, man, hold her steady." Finally, the cart was over the bridge. Chauncy was next in line, just behind the cart, "Lady, hold still." She fought hard to hold her horse steady. Just then, the sun caught the amulet and a flash of light hit the creature. The black winged creature screamed and flew high in the sky. The amulet from Witch Hazel had saved them all from disaster. Chauncy remembered Prince Roary told her of three black horned winged creatures that attacked him on his way home. "Well," said Chauncy, "now I know what Witch Hazel meant. Come, let's move fast. I want to get off this mountain." The driver urged the mule over the bridge. The cart made it across safely, followed by Lady and Chauncy. The rest of the men followed as quickly as they could. "We're on our way, again," said a relieved Johnbow. They made Sunny Inn just as the sun was sinking in the west. Smiley Face was there to greet them. "So, this is Lady Chauncy," he said. "We've been expecting you. Come, Mama has dinner ready for you all." |