THE LAST HURRAH

It's hard to believe that we've been with Shrew Khan and his comrades in the desert of Zur for two weeks shy of a year. Hats off to Keno for all the pain and misery that he's endured on a scale that I could never imagine... just to keep us entertained. He surely must be delighted that our story has reached its conclusion. If anyone deserves a two-week all expense paid vacation to the Mongolian Riviera, it's Keno. So we return for one last time to the desert outpost of Giloh as our story comes to a close...

TOGETHER AGAIN

A million tales have been told among the shrews of the Mongolian Steppes, of life and death in the scorching desert, of battles won and battles lost, of heroes and heroines. The tales of Shrew Khan, his brother Emperor Nang, and Khan's faithful compatriot, Keno, are among the most retold of all the Trowbridge shrew stories. We are nearing the conclusion of one of Mrs. Trowbridge's many Shrew Khan stories.

Keno, who we have come to know and love, has been the hero of this story. His adventure at the Imperial City of Shomu tested his mettle and made him grow stronger as a shrew and a warrior.

Keno and Emperor Nang have "dropped in" at the desert fortress at Giloh, only to find that Shrew Khan and his comrades are nowhere to be found. Did we come this far in the story just to find that Khan is missing in action? I hope not. Let's find out...

RETURN TO GILOH

Thank you all for your condolences regarding my father's recent passing.

The Khan Chronicles story is winding to a close, and I'm open for suggestions. If you would like The Trowbridge Chronicles to return to the rain forest where it began, voice your opinion. Perhaps you would like to continue with our desert saga. Mrs. Trowbridge wrote more episodes of the Khan Chronicles. Part Two is entitled In Pursuit of the Phantom Mongol.

If you would like to switch back and forth, that's also a possibility. That's sort of what we've been doing lately. Your comments could have an impact on the future direction of Trowbridge.

Finally Keno has returned to Giloh to serve his commander, Shrew Khan...if he can find him. Our story resumes...

ON THE GROUND

The blues and lavenders of the scorching desert mountains contrast sharply with the red and yellow of the flaming balloon as it drops onto the desert floor. The emperor has landed! But where is Shrew Khan? Is he dead, or alive? The saga continues...

SEA STACK HOLIDAY

In case you have wondered why Trowbridge posts have slowed down recently, my father just passed away last Saturday. I've been occupied on weekends at his bedside over the past few weeks.

Mrs. Trowbridge wrote often about their favorite vacation spot, Crescent Sea Stack, on the North Channel. It was also a favorite wedding spot, as you might imagine...if you're a shrew, that is. This stack is typical of the many sea stacks on the north Washington coast, the longest remaining stretch of wild beach in the lower 48. This rugged, primeval coastline boasts more sea stacks than anywhere else in America.

Mrs. T. painted this scene in mid-morning, just as the fog was beginning to lift. I am always amazed at the painting skills that she displayed. She painted the fog so seamlessly that it would appear that she used an airbrush. But her principle media was watercolors. She ground the pigments herself, using raw materials that she gathered from the rain forest.