It had seemed like an ordinary boat trip to Sam as they made their way across the calm waters of the lake. He had become slightly concerned when they seemed to be picking up considerable speed, causing waves to crash into the shore. The engine coughed, spluttered and groaned, before giving an almighty roar, sending the boat hurtling over the water…

Flying high above the clouds, Sam was still in shock. How was this possible? He hoped it was simply a wonder of science as if this was the doing of magic, he wouldn’t be able to sleep at night. What else could they do if this was possible? Snapping out of his imagination, he sought out to find the rat of a man who had offered a free ride on this large enticing boat. Stupidly, Sam had agreed, pushing down his thoughts of warning. He left his position by the bannister in line with the sun which was a golden paintbrush, making its mark against the striking blue sky and entered the boat.

The double dark oak door creaked open and poured into a wide room as Sam pushed through. He was greeted with the most peculiar sight. Dominating the middle of the room, an enormous circular table sat completely made out of glass surrounded by five equally glass made thrones. But strangest of all, each throne had a cloaked figure sitting upon them but one. Sam had only the time to notice the man who had called him onto the boat as he was strolling across the pier before they all disappeared. He blinked once, twice but nothing was to be seen. Remembering to breathe, he concentrated on the table and began hearing a riot of hushed murmurs. Little did Sam know, his life hung in the balance of these murmurs.

“You did what?” yelled the hooded man sat upon the slightly taller seat by the circular table, the leader of the group. “I thought it would be amusing!” cried the scrawny man who had brought Sam onto the boat. “I didn’t think it that big of a deal Maximus!” “It’s a huge deal!” yelled Maximus, “We have to kill him now!” “Not particularly,” stated another of the group signalling to the empty throne, “The loss of Granter will continue to be a thorn in our side going forward.” Silence across the table as four brains worked like gears, calculating the boy.

Sam gasped and took a step towards the door as four figures, no longer cloaked, appeared in front of him. His eyes were first attracted to the tallest man who donned a purple cloak decorated with golden runes contrasting with the three other men who wore brown leather cloaks. The purple cloaked man was about 7 feet tall, towering over the rest of the crew. He looked old, his face painted with wrinkles and his long shaggy hair was a silver-white. Despite looking old, his striking blue eyes bored into sam as if to tell him not to confuse him for a weak old man. Sam was desperately wanting some elaboration and the man satisfied. “